Flexible PCB Loudspeaker Cone for Synchronized Light and Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combining illumination with loudspeakers to achieve homogeneous lighting and audio output is challenging and time-consuming for manufacturers, requiring an integrated solution that synchronizes lighting and audio effectively.
Innovation Solution
A loudspeaker assembly with a flexible circuit board that integrates lighting elements and electronics, allowing synchronized or non-synchronized illumination with audio output, using a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to enable animations and visual effects, and incorporating Near Field Communication (NFC) and power storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If illumination is combined with loudspeaker as an integrated unit, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but achieving homogeneous lighting and audio output becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination device and loudspeaker into a single integrated unit where the diaphragm serves dual purposes: as the audio output component and as the substrate for mounting lighting elements. This merging allows manufacturers to produce a unified product, improving manufacturing efficiency while the shared diaphragm structure provides a natural synchronization mechanism for lighting and audio output.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the audio vibration membrane and as the mounting structure for lighting elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and assembly steps, improving productivity while maintaining control over the relationship between audio and lighting outputs.
2Device complexity
If lighting elements are positioned directly on the diaphragm, then device complexity is reduced, but the diaphragm must accommodate both audio vibration and lighting functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates electronics including lighting elements, control circuits, and power management components directly onto the diaphragm structure. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating separate housing and mounting requirements, while the diaphragm's flexible nature allows it to accommodate these electronic components without compromising its audio vibration function.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is designed as a flexible structure that can accommodate electronic components while maintaining its vibration capability. The flexible nature of the diaphragm allows it to serve as both the audio output membrane and the substrate for mounting lighting elements and electronics, providing adaptability for dual functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flexible circuit board is used to integrate electronics on the diaphragm, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the circuit board must maintain flexibility for diaphragm movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible circuit board (FCB) instead of a rigid printed circuit board. The FCB is constructed with flexible materials and a thin profile that allows it to bend and move with the diaphragm during audio reproduction. This flexible circuit board provides ease of manufacture for integrating electronics while maintaining the necessary flexibility to accommodate diaphragm movement without compromising electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed to be dynamic rather than static, flexing and moving in coordination with the diaphragm's vibration. This dynamic design allows the electronics to remain stable and functional while the diaphragm performs its audio output function, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and stability of composition.
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 provides a controlled user experience with synchronized or non-synchronized lighting effects, enhancing user interaction and enabling efficient integration of audio and lighting controls.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm generates an audio output and is moved along a first axis in response to the magnetic assembly being energized with an input signal
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, a loudspeaker assembly including a magnetic assembly and a diaphragm is provided. The diaphragm includes a plurality of electronics positioned directly thereon. The diaphragm generates an audio output and is moved along a first axis in response to the magnetic assembly being energized with an input signal.