Concentric Coaxial Vehicle Speaker Phase Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive audio systems face challenges in producing phase correct and time correct sound due to the separation of audio signals across different speaker locations, leading to issues with sound quality and user enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
The use of concentric, coaxial speakers, mounted in sealed enclosures at the intersection of the windshield and dashboard, forming an acoustic horn or waveguide, to ensure phase and time correct alignment and improve sound quality by radiating sound from a common point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If separate drive units are placed in different locations to provide sound across the frequency spectrum, then the system can cover a full range of frequencies, but the sound becomes phase incorrect and time incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive units (woofers, mid-range drivers, tweeters) into a single concentric speaker assembly where all drivers share a common central axis and radiate sound from the same point in space. This merging of spatially separated drive units into one integrated structure eliminates phase and time alignment issues while maintaining full frequency range coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested configuration where smaller drive units are positioned within or around larger drive units along a common central axis. The tweeter is positioned at the center, surrounded by mid-range drivers, which are in turn surrounded by woofer assemblies. This nesting arrangement allows all drivers to radiate sound from the same effective point while maintaining their individual frequency ranges.
2Manufacturing precision
If concentric, coaxial speakers are used to achieve phase and time correctness, then sound quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single concentric speaker assembly. One speaker unit simultaneously provides full frequency range coverage, maintains phase and time correctness, and serves as both the acoustic source and structural reference point for the entire audio system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the vehicle audio system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar speaker arrangement to a three-dimensional concentric configuration. By organizing drive units along a central axis in a radial pattern rather than spreading them across a flat surface, the system achieves phase and time correctness through spatial geometry rather than relying on complex electronic timing adjustments.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate speakers are installed in various vehicle locations, then installation is straightforward, but sound reflections and reverberations degrade audio quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the acoustic horn structure from the complex vehicle interior environment and creates a dedicated sealed enclosure for the concentric speaker assembly. This isolated acoustic environment prevents sound reflections and reverberations from vehicle surfaces (dashboard, windshield, door panels) from degrading audio quality, while the compact design allows straightforward installation in standard vehicle locations.
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 configuration enhances sound quality by maintaining phase and time alignment, reducing distortion, and providing clearer, more accurate sound reproduction, addressing the limitations of traditional speaker systems in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a speaker in which the individual driver units radiate sound from the same point or axis
Implementation Method 2
the windshield and dashboard operate to form an acoustic horn or waveguide for each speaker
Implementation Method 3
the windshield and dashboard operate to form an acoustic horn or waveguide for each speaker
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention encompasses systems and methods for mounting speakers in the front of a vehicle to address multiple issues that exist with audio systems currently on the market. More specifically, the present invention improves and optimizes the phase correct and time correct aspects of existing technologies.