Dual Compression Driver With Shared Magnet for Low-Delay Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual compression drivers are costly due to the necessity of using two expensive neodymium magnets for their motor assemblies, and they face challenges in minimizing time delay and unwanted combing effects at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A dual compression driver design utilizing a single shared annular magnet between two driver assemblies, with specialized configurations of diaphragms and phasing plugs to minimize time delay and prevent combing effects, while maintaining performance and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two motor assemblies with two neodymium magnets are used in a dual compression driver, then the driver achieves good acoustic performance with proper magnetic field for each diaphragm, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor assemblies into a single shared motor assembly where one neodymium magnet serves both diaphragms. The magnet is positioned between the two diaphragms, and both voice coils interact with the same magnetic field, allowing one magnet to replace what would traditionally require two magnets, thereby reducing cost while maintaining acoustic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The single neodymium magnet performs multiple functions by providing the magnetic field for both the first and second diaphragms simultaneously. The magnet serves as a shared component for both motor assemblies, enabling one component to fulfill the role of two separate components and reducing overall system cost.
2Loss of time
If the phasing plugs are positioned adjacent to each other with short acoustic pathways, then the time delay between exits is minimized (less than a quarter wavelength), but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested acoustic pathways where the first and second acoustic pathways are integrated within the same housing structure. The pathways are arranged concentrically or adjacently within the motor assembly housing, allowing both sound waves to travel short distances to exits positioned near each other, minimizing time delay while containing the complexity within a compact integrated structure.
3Force
If two separate motor assemblies are used, then each diaphragm has adequate magnetic field strength, but the moving mass increases reducing high-frequency response
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two motor assemblies into one shared motor assembly with a single magnet, the patent reduces the total moving mass of the system. The shared magnet and single motor assembly structure eliminate redundant components, reducing overall mass while maintaining sufficient magnetic field strength for both diaphragms through the shared magnetic circuit.
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 cost reduction by using a single magnet, maintains high-frequency extension, and improves dynamic range and sound pressure level without sacrificing distortion performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first voice coil, and a second voice coil. The shared annular magnet provides a magnetic field for the first voice coil and the second voice coil
Implementation Method 2
A shared annular magnet is disposed between the first driver assembly and the second driver assembly
Implementation Method 3
Acoustic signals from the first plurality of apertures and acoustic signals from the second plurality of apertures merge and radiate through the hollow conduit to the circular exit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A dual compression driver includes a first driver assembly having a first annular diaphragm disposed about a central axis and a first phasing plug disposed coaxially below the first annular diaphragm with a first plurality of apertures extending therethrough, and a second driver assembly having a second annular diaphragm disposed about the central axis and a second phasing plug disposed coaxially above the second annular diaphragm with a second plurality of apertures extending therethrough. A shared annular magnet is disposed between the first driver assembly and the second driver assembly. A back cover is mounted to the first phasing plug, and a front adapter is mounted to the second phasing plug and includes a hollow conduit formed therein defining a circular exit of the dual compression driver. Acoustic signals from the first and second pluralities of apertures merge and radiate through the hollow conduit to the circular exit.