Flat Wire Voice Coil Configurations for Loudspeaker Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media playback devices face durability issues due to unreliable wire connections between the voice coil and audio source, and electromagnetic interference from audio signals disrupts other components like wireless communication interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible wires in one plane and inflexible in another, aligned with the axial direction of the voice coil, minimizes lateral movement and allows for a shallower loudspeaker assembly, reducing electromagnetic interference and enhancing durability by containing wire flex during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wires are used to connect the voice coil to the audio source, then electrical connection is established, but the wire connection reliability deteriorates due to wire flex and movement during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flat ribbon cable instead of conventional round wires to connect the voice coil to the audio source. The flat geometry of the ribbon cable provides structural stability that reduces wire flex and movement during speaker operation, thereby improving connection reliability and extending wire lifespan while maintaining electrical conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using conventional round wires to a flat ribbon cable configuration. This dimensional change from circular to flat geometry fundamentally alters the mechanical properties of the connection, providing rigidity in the vertical dimension while maintaining flexibility in the horizontal plane, thus reducing unwanted wire movement during operation.
2Ease of operation
If audio signals are transmitted through wires to the voice coil, then sound reproduction is achieved, but electromagnetic interference disrupts other components such as wireless communication interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful electromagnetic field generation by repositioning the audio signal transmission path. By using a flat ribbon cable with optimized geometry and routing, the design separates the electromagnetic field generation from sensitive wireless communication components, reducing interference while maintaining audio signal transmission functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the loudspeaker assembly is designed with conventional wire routing, then electrical connection is achieved, but the assembly depth increases which limits design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flat ribbon cable configuration that optimizes space utilization within the loudspeaker assembly. The flat geometry allows for more efficient routing and positioning of electrical connections, reducing the overall assembly depth and providing greater design flexibility for integrating the loudspeaker into various device form factors.
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 improves the longevity and reliability of connections between the voice coil and input terminals, reduces electromagnetic interference, and allows for more flexible playback device designs by minimizing 'jump-rope' effects and enabling closer terminal placement.
Implementation Method 1
a voice coil magnetically suspended about a magnetic structure and configured to move axially about the magnetic structure in response to an electrical signal provided to the voice coil
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for voice coil wire configurations are provided. In one example, a voice coil wire configuration may involve a wire that is flexible in a first plane and substantially inflexible in a second plane. The wire may be a flat wire configured to be flexible in the first plane and substantially inflexible in the second plane. The wire may be coupled to the voice coil in an orientation such that the first plane of the wire is aligned with an axial direction of the voice coil such that wire flex caused by axial movement of the voice coil during operation of the loudspeaker may be substantially in the first plane, and minimally in the second plane. In some examples, the wire may be intermediately adhered to one or more other components of the loudspeaker between the input terminal and the voice coil.