Hexagonal Speaker System with Downward Subwoofer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loudspeaker systems fail to produce a depth-expanded stereophonic effect and often result in a flat sound field due to rectangular enclosures that cause vibration and diffraction, limiting the quality of sound reproduction.
Innovation Solution
A hexagonal (honeycomb) shaped loudspeaker system with a downward-firing subwoofer and multiple full-range drivers arranged to provide 360-degree sound coverage, eliminating the need for crossover networks and enhancing transient response and power handling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rectangular speaker enclosure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sharp boundaries cause vibration and diffraction that reduce sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the rectangular enclosure with a hexagonal (honeycomb) shaped enclosure. This geometric change eliminates the sharp 90-degree boundaries that cause diffraction and standing waves, while still maintaining a simple polyhedral structure that is easy to manufacture. The hexagonal geometry provides rounded transitions between surfaces that reduce acoustic distortion.
2Power
If multiple speakers are mounted on a rectangular enclosure, then the system can produce sound, but the sound field appears flat and lacks depth expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dimensionality change by arranging speakers on the multiple faces of a hexagonal enclosure rather than mounting them all on a single rectangular panel. This three-dimensional distribution of drivers across different spatial planes creates a more immersive sound field with perceived depth and spatial expansion, transforming the flat sound output into a volumetric audio experience.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact speaker package is designed, then the device is portable and space-efficient, but achieving high power and low distortion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing a subwoofer driver within the hexagonal enclosure structure itself, utilizing the internal volume efficiently. The hexagonal geometry allows for optimized driver placement and acoustic chamber utilization, enabling high power output and low distortion performance within a compact, portable form factor.
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 honeycomb design achieves high-quality, depth-expanded sound reproduction with reduced distortion and improved power handling, providing a more immersive listening experience with enhanced spatial imaging and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
A hexagonal (honeycomb) shaped loudspeaker system with a downward-firing subwoofer
Implementation Method 2
these structures are characterized by vibration and standing waves as well as diffracted waves caused by sharp boundaries of the sidewalls of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A hexagonal speaker with six edges (sides) and four drivers. A pair of drivers is embedded on adjacent edges and another pair of drivers is embedded on the opposite edges, while two opposing edges in between each pair of drivers do not have a driver. A down-firing subwoofer is located on the bottom of the speaker. The speaker is raised off the ground so that the subwoofer can output sound without touching the ground. An air vent tube is also located on the bottom of the speaker adjacent to the subwoofer.