Curved Loudspeaker Ground Plane for Uniform Sound Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loudspeaker assemblies installed in surfaces like ceilings fail to satisfy physical constraints such as strength, fire resistance, seismic stability, and aesthetics, and result in less-than-ideal sound field patterns with varying sound pressure levels, leading to uneven sound intensity for listeners at different locations.
Innovation Solution
A loudspeaker assembly design featuring a ground plane with a driver aperture and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane in a manner where the distance between them varies, combined with a horn portion having an increasing cross-sectional area, which enhances acoustic impedance matching and sound distribution, effectively creating a larger sound field with fewer speakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional loudspeaker assembly is installed in a ceiling surface, then the installation is simple, but the sound field pattern is non-uniform with varying sound pressure levels at different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved ground plane that extends in the vertical dimension, transforming the traditional flat two-dimensional mounting surface into a three-dimensional curved surface. This dimensional change creates acoustic shadowing effects that distribute sound more uniformly across the listening area, resolving the contradiction between simple installation and uniform sound field by adding spatial complexity to the ground plane geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple loudspeaker drivers are used to achieve uniform sound distribution, then the sound field uniformity improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved ground plane as an intermediary element between the loudspeaker driver and the listening area. This ground plane acts as an acoustic mediator that shapes and distributes the sound field, achieving uniform sound distribution with a single driver instead of requiring multiple drivers. The curved surface serves as the mediating structure that transforms the acoustic output into a uniform field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a curved, spherical, or spheroidal ground plane geometry to achieve uniform sound distribution. The curvature of the ground plane is specifically designed to create acoustic shadowing that distributes sound energy evenly across the listening area. This geometric principle allows a single driver to produce uniform sound fields that would otherwise require multiple drivers arranged in specific patterns.
3Power
If a larger loudspeaker driver is used to increase sound output, then the acoustic performance improves, but the installation flexibility and ease of integration into surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved ground plane serves as an acoustic intermediary that amplifies and distributes the output of a small driver, making it acoustically equivalent to a larger driver. This allows the system to achieve high acoustic output with a compact driver that can be easily integrated into ceiling surfaces, resolving the contradiction between power output and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved ground plane geometry acts as an acoustic transformer that concentrates and directs sound energy from a small driver to create a uniform, high-output sound field. The spherical or spheroidal curvature provides acoustic gain and distribution efficiency that compensates for the small driver size, enabling compact installations with high acoustic performance.
4Shape
If the grille is positioned close to the ground plane, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the acoustic impedance matching and sound distribution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial relationships between the grille and ground plane at different locations. The grille is positioned at varying distances from the ground plane surface, creating local variations in acoustic performance. This local quality approach allows the grille to maintain aesthetic proximity to the surface while providing adequate acoustic clearance at critical locations for proper impedance matching and sound distribution.
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 achieves improved acoustic performance by providing uniform sound distribution and increased efficiency, allowing a smaller driver to function like a larger one, reducing the need for multiple speakers and enhancing installation flexibility in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a horn portion having an increasing cross-sectional area, which enhances acoustic impedance matching and sound distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A loudspeaker assembly is provided. In one or more embodiments the loudspeaker assembly comprises a perforated grille, a three dimensional loudspeaker frame to which a speaker driver is mounted, and a rear baffle. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker frame and rear baffle define a controlled volume around the speaker driver. In one or more embodiments the controlled volume comprises a driver cavity and a horn cavity in communication with the driver cavity and a port aperture.