Eccentric Polygonal Tweeter Housing for Diffraction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coaxial loudspeaker systems suffer from diffraction issues due to sound waves interacting with the edges of the high frequency transducer housing, leading to irregular frequency response and sound radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
A high frequency transducer housing with a polygonal shape and eccentric, irregularly shaped edges that allow sound waves to pass through, reducing simultaneous reflection and improving frequency response by spreading the reflection of sound waves over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional housing with straight edges is used, then the housing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but diffraction occurs causing irregular frequency response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the housing edges non-straight and non-uniform, specifically designing edges with varying curvature radii that are asymmetric relative to the diaphragm center. This asymmetric edge design prevents sound waves from reflecting simultaneously at symmetric points, thereby reducing diffraction effects and improving frequency response regularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements curvature by replacing straight edges with curved edges having specific minimum and maximum curvature radii. The curved edges are designed to have continuous curvature variations, which spread out the reflection of sound waves over time. This curvature design mitigates the abrupt edge effects that cause diffraction while maintaining acoustic performance.
2Reliability
If sound waves reflect simultaneously from housing edges, then the housing structure is simple, but diffraction causes interference and irregular frequency response
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric edge design ensures that sound waves traveling to different parts of the housing edge have different path lengths, causing reflections to arrive at different times rather than simultaneously. This temporal spreading of reflections reduces constructive and destructive interference, improving frequency response regularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved edges with controlled curvature radii create gradual transitions in the housing profile, which smooths out the reflection characteristics. This curvature design prevents sharp corners that would cause strong diffraction, while the manufacturing complexity is managed through standardized curvature radius specifications.
3Reliability
If a polygonal housing with regular edges is used, then the housing is easy to manufacture, but sound wave diffraction at edges causes interference patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing edges that are not uniform around the polygon, with varying curvature radii at different positions. This asymmetric geometry ensures that no two edges are identical, preventing the formation of regular interference patterns and improving the uniformity of the sound radiation pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved edges replace sharp polygonal corners, creating smooth transitions that reduce diffraction. The curvature radii are specifically controlled to be within certain ranges, which effectively mitigates edge effects while maintaining a polygonal overall shape that is relatively simple to manufacture.
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 solution effectively mitigates diffraction, enhancing the frequency response and sound radiation pattern by ensuring sound waves are reflected at different times, resulting in a more even directivity pattern.
Implementation Method 1
Disadvantage of the typical coaxial loudspeaker system is diffraction around the edges of the high frequency transducer housing. Diffraction of sound waves occurs when a sound wave encounter an obstacle that is comparable in size to the length of the sound wave.
Implementation Method 2
when a sound wave radiated from the diaphragm of a lower frequency transducer reaches the edge of high frequency transducer housing and is reflected by the edge of high frequency transducer housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a high frequency transducer housing for use in a coaxial loudspeaker system to reduce diffraction. The coaxial loudspeaker system comprises at least one high frequency transducer that is arranged to be mounted with a second frequency transducer. The housing comprises a plurality of edges on a periphery of the housing. The edges of the housing have irregular shapes. The plurality of the edges are eccentric with a diaphragm of the second transducer.