Circumferential Waveguide for Uniform Acoustic Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling and pendant speakers have limited conical radiation patterns, requiring multiple units for large spaces, leading to increased costs, longer installation times, and aesthetic issues, with sound pressure level dropping off with distance and varying beamwidths across frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The use of a circumferential or partially circumferential waveguide to distribute acoustic energy uniformly across a listening zone, providing consistent coverage by directing sound energy around the circumference of the speaker assembly, which can include a low-frequency driver, to maintain sound pressure level and reduce comb filtering effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple direct radiator transducers are mounted around the circumference to provide wider coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple sections around the circumference, with each section having a specific acoustic outlet orientation. This segmentation allows the single transducer's acoustic energy to be distributed in multiple directions, achieving wider coverage without requiring multiple transducers.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary between the single acoustic transducer and the listening space. It takes the acoustic energy from the transducer and redistributes it circumferentially through its structured outlets, achieving the effect of multiple sources without actually installing multiple transducers.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple drivers with overlapping radiation patterns are used to widen coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but comb filtering effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the waveguide have locally optimized outlet orientations and characteristics tailored to their specific directional requirements. This local quality optimization ensures that each section contributes appropriately to the overall coverage pattern, minimizing overlapping issues and comb filtering while maintaining uniform sound distribution.
3Device complexity
If conical radiation pattern speakers are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sound pressure level drops off with distance
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide transitions the acoustic radiation from a simple conical pattern to a three-dimensional circumferential distribution pattern. By orienting acoustic outlets in multiple directions around the circumference, the system distributes sound energy across a volumetric space rather than just a conical area, maintaining sound pressure levels over larger distances and areas.
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
This solution allows for efficient, cost-effective coverage of large spaces with reduced installation time and improved aesthetic appeal by maintaining consistent sound pressure levels and eliminating comb filtering, enabling a single wiring scheme and consistent control across frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic energy is generated by the acoustic transducer and fed to the acoustic conduit through an acoustic inlet
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are directed to a waveguide that includes an acoustic inlet, and acoustic conduit, and an acoustic outlet. The acoustic inlet receives acoustic energy from an acoustic transducer and the acoustic energy transits the acoustic conduit to the acoustic outlet. The acoustic conduit and the acoustic outlet are configured to distribute the acoustic energy to a listening zone without a primary axis, e.g., such that the acoustic energy is distributed about a range of the listening zone with consistent sound pressure levels.