Coaxial Loudspeaker Diaphragm With Independent Surface Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optimizing the geometry of a diaphragm for both high frequency and low frequency transducers in coaxial loudspeakers is challenging due to the need for minimal mass and maximal stiffness, with traditional diaphragms having mutually-dependent surfaces that hinder independent optimization for each frequency range.
Innovation Solution
A diaphragm with a first surface profiled to form a horn for high frequency transducers and a second surface profiled for low frequency transducers, where the geometry of one surface is independent of the other, allowing for distinct optimization of each surface, and formed from materials with a cellular structure to maintain low density and high stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the diaphragm uses traditional thin-walled construction with homogeneous thickness, then the mass is minimized and manufacturing is simplified, but the geometry of one surface dictates the geometry of the opposing surface, preventing independent optimization for high frequency and low frequency transducers
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is segmented into two independently optimizable surfaces: the first surface geometry is optimized for the high frequency transducer while the second surface geometry is optimized for the low frequency transducer. This segmentation allows each surface to be designed independently without being constrained by mutual dependency, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the diaphragm are assigned different geometric qualities tailored to specific functions. The first surface has a geometry optimized for high frequency acoustic output, while the second surface has a different geometry optimized for low frequency transducer performance. This local differentiation enables independent optimization for each frequency range.
2Reliability
If the diaphragm geometry is optimized for high frequency transducer performance, then the first surface can be profiled to define a horn, but the second surface geometry becomes constrained and cannot be independently optimized for low frequency transducer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm surface is segmented into functionally independent zones where the first surface profile is dedicated to high frequency optimization (defining a horn shape) while the second surface is dedicated to low frequency optimization. This segmentation breaks the geometric coupling that previously prevented simultaneous optimization for both frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from considering a single-plane geometry to a three-dimensional diaphragm structure where the first and second surfaces can have different geometries. By utilizing the thickness dimension and creating asymmetric surface profiles, the patent enables independent geometric optimization for both high and low frequency transducers without mutual constraint.
3Reliability
If the diaphragm uses asymmetric surface geometries optimized for different frequency ranges, then performance of both high frequency and low frequency transducers is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process parameters are changed to accommodate asymmetric surface geometries. Instead of producing homogeneous thin-walled diaphragms with mutually dependent surfaces, the process is modified to create diaphragms where the first and second surfaces can have different profiles and thickness distributions, enabling independent geometric optimization while maintaining manufacturability.
Data Source
AI summary
A diaphragm for use in an audio transducer (e.g., a coaxial loudspeaker) includes a higher frequency transducer and a lower frequency transducer. The diaphragm is a component of the lower frequency transducer and is arranged coaxially with the higher frequency transducer. The diaphragm includes a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface has a profile shaped to define a horn for output from the higher frequency transducer and the geometry of the first surface is independent of the geometry of the second surface.