Directional Loudspeaker Louvers for Vehicle Sound Dispersion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle acoustic systems require significant space and weight for optimal sound quality and performance, and there is a need for improved directionality both within and outside vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A loudspeaker configuration with a directional element featuring movable elements, such as a louver system, that can rotate to control sound output directionally, allowing for passive directivity and efficient dispersion of sound both inside and outside the vehicle, including a bidirectional speaker setup with coaxial arrangements and venting mechanisms for subwoofer solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional speaker configurations are used to achieve desired sound quality and performance, then sound quality is improved, but space occupied and weight increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the speaker system reconfigurable through movable elements (louvers, deflectors) that can change position to optimize acoustic performance. This allows a single compact speaker to dynamically adapt its radiation pattern, replacing multiple fixed speakers and reducing overall system weight while maintaining sound quality across different operating conditions.
2Reliability
If traditional speaker configurations are used to achieve desired sound quality and performance, then sound quality is improved, but volume occupied by speaker system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a speaker system where movable elements serve multiple functions: they control sound direction, adjust dispersion patterns, and adapt to different listening scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a single compact speaker unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized speakers, significantly reducing the total volume occupied by the speaker system.
3Device complexity
If fixed speaker configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but directionality control capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing movable elements (louvers, deflectors) that can be positioned to control sound directionality. While the mechanism adds some complexity, it enables dynamic adaptation of the speaker's radiation pattern, allowing the system to optimize directionality control for different scenarios without requiring multiple fixed speaker configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If movable directional elements are added to control sound directionality, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the speaker system into modular components: the fixed speaker unit and separate movable directional elements (louvers, deflectors). This segmentation allows the directional control function to be added independently, enabling adaptability without fundamentally redesigning the entire speaker system, thus managing complexity through modular architecture.
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 enables significant performance improvements and weight savings while allowing for adjustable sound directionality, enhancing both in-vehicle and external audio experiences while minimizing space and weight requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a directional element including a moveable louver system mounted to the loudspeaker, the movable louver system including a plurality of parallel slat elements configured to be positioned in a plurality of positions, wherein the plurality of slat elements are configured to direct sound output by the loudspeaker based on the position of slat elements
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of movable elements provide a waveguide for audio output of the loudspeaker to provide passive directivity through acoustic dispersion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to loudspeaker systems and configurations. In one embodiment, a loudspeaker configuration includes a directional element coupled to the loudspeaker. The directional element can include a plurality of movable elements to passively direct output of the loudspeaker. Another embodiment is directed to a bidirectional loudspeaker having a first loudspeaker configured to output sound in a first direction, and a second loudspeaker configured to output sound in a second direction. The first loudspeaker and second loudspeaker may be arranged in a coaxial arrangement. Methods are provided for controlling a loudspeaker and a movable element. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a control setting for at least one of a loudspeaker and a movable element associated with the loudspeaker. The method may also include controlling the movable element in response to the control setting including adjusting the movable element to direct output of the loudspeaker.