Compliant Aperture Sheet for Omnidirectional Loudspeaker Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loudspeakers exhibit increased directivity at higher frequencies, leading to uneven sound distribution across different listening positions, as they tend to radiate more acoustic energy on-axis and less off-axis, causing poor sound quality at various locations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sheet of compliant material with strategically designed apertures between the acoustic driver and the environment, such as neoprene foam, to alter the radiation pattern by radiating proportionately less energy on-axis and more off-axis, thereby achieving an omnidirectional radiation pattern across a broader frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional loudspeakers radiate acoustic energy, then sound is produced, but the radiation becomes increasingly directional at higher frequencies causing uneven sound distribution
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant sheet material is introduced as an intermediary element between the acoustic driver and the environment. This sheet with its specific aperture geometry mediates the acoustic energy flow, transforming the naturally directional radiation pattern into a more omnidirectional pattern across a broader frequency range
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture geometry parameters (shape, size, position) of the compliant sheet are specifically designed and optimized to alter the acoustic radiation characteristics. By changing the physical parameters of the sheet structure, the radiation pattern is transformed from directional to omnidirectional across extended frequency ranges
2Ease of operation
If additional acoustic drivers are added to improve omnidirectional coverage, then sound distribution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple acoustic drivers to achieve omnidirectional coverage, the invention segments the acoustic energy flow through a single driver by introducing a compliant sheet with strategically designed apertures. This segmentation of the acoustic path allows one driver to perform the function that would otherwise require multiple drivers
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant sheet acts as an intermediary that enables a single acoustic driver to achieve omnidirectional radiation patterns. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for additional drivers and crossover networks that would otherwise be required to achieve similar sound distribution characteristics
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 ensures more consistent sound distribution by radiating acoustic energy equally in all directions, improving sound quality across different locations without the need for additional drivers or crossover networks, and maintaining the shape and geometry of the compliant sheet.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet of compliant material with a aperture therethrough, mounted in the enclosure, between the acoustic driver and the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A loudspeaker having an omnidirectional radiation pattern at high frequencies. The loudspeaker includes an acoustic device that includes an acoustic enclosure; an acoustic driver, mounted in the acoustic enclosure; and a sheet of compliant material with a aperture therethrough, mounted in the enclosure, between the acoustic driver and the environment.