Circular Planar Speaker for Space-Constrained Acoustic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Space and size constraints in listening environments, such as automotive interiors, limit the use of conventional loudspeakers and make it difficult to achieve the desired directivity pattern and performance, especially for electro-dynamic speakers which are shallow but have a large rectangular planar radiator.
Innovation Solution
A planar speaker system design featuring a circular bottom frame with trapezoidal magnets arranged in a circular pattern, a diaphragm with electrically conductive traces, and a top frame with openings to guide sound, allowing for flexible positioning and improved sound production in constrained spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional loudspeakers with large rectangular planar radiators are used, then desired directivity pattern and sound pressure levels are achieved, but space and size constraints in listening environments are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by transitioning from a conventional rectangular speaker design to a circular speaker system. The circular arrangement of magnets and traces around a central pole piece creates a radially symmetric magnetic field structure. This circular geometry reduces the footprint area while maintaining the necessary magnetic field distribution for achieving desired sound pressure levels and directivity patterns in space-constrained environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dimensionality change by arranging magnets and conductive traces in a circular pattern around a central pole piece, utilizing radial and azimuthal dimensions. This circular configuration allows the speaker to achieve the required magnetic field strength and distribution within a smaller planar footprint compared to conventional rectangular designs, effectively using dimensional reorganization to reduce space requirements.
2Length of moving object
If electro-dynamic speakers with shallow depth are used, then space constraints are addressed, but achieving desired directivity pattern becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a highly concentrated and uniform magnetic field in the immediate vicinity of the diaphragm through the circular magnet arrangement around the pole piece. This localized magnetic field optimization ensures that the shallow speaker depth does not compromise the directivity pattern, as the magnetic field strength and uniformity are maximized precisely where needed at the diaphragm surface, enabling controlled sound radiation despite limited depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular symmetry of the magnet and trace arrangement creates a radially uniform magnetic field structure that extends efficiently from the pole piece. This spheroidal field geometry maintains consistent field strength across the diaphragm surface even with shallow depth, thereby preserving the desired directivity pattern while accommodating space constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If circular pattern of magnets is used, then flexible positioning in constrained spaces is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the circular magnet arrangement to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the necessary radial magnetic field for electro-dynamic operation, provides structural support for the diaphragm, and enables flexible mounting in various constrained spaces. This multi-functional circular design reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the non-conventional geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enables the use of electro-dynamic loudspeakers in space-limited environments by maintaining structural rigidity and achieving desired sound pressure levels and frequency bandwidth, while allowing for mounting in locations where conventional speakers cannot fit.
Implementation Method 1
When current is flowing in the electrical circuit, the diaphragm vibrates in response to the interaction between the current and the magnetic field. The vibration of the diaphragm produces the sound generated by the planar speaker.
Data Source
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AI summary
A planar speaker system may include a bottom frame having a cavity. Within this cavity a plurality of magnets may be arranged to form a substantially circular pattern. A diaphragm that includes a plurality of electrically conductive traces may be connected to the bottom frame and extend across the cavity of the bottom frame. When alternating current flows through the electrically conductive traces, the diaphragm may vibrate in response to the interaction between the current flowing in the electrically conductive traces and the magnetic field, thereby producing sound. The planar speaker system may include a top frame having a cavity, and a second set of magnets may be disposed in the cavity of the top frame.