Horn Enclosure with Partitioned Acoustic Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound reproduction systems face challenges in efficiently combining sound output from multiple acoustic drivers with a single horn, particularly at high frequencies, due to issues of destructive interference and impractical space requirements, as well as the difficulty in creating a coherent wavefront that optimally couples with the horn.
Innovation Solution
A sound reproduction system with a sound enclosure that includes input openings for multiple acoustic drivers, a common output opening, and a series of parallel partitions forming independent acoustic paths of unequal lengths to merge sound outputs into a single curved wavefront, minimizing interference and optimizing coupling with the horn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If multiple high frequency drivers are combined with a single horn, then the bulk and weight are reduced compared to using separate driver-horn assemblies, but the drivers cannot be placed close enough together to avoid sound wave interference at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the acoustic path from each driver to the horn into multiple segmented sections using parallel partitions. Each driver's sound wave travels through its own defined acoustic path segments, preventing interference with other drivers' sound waves until they recombine at the horn throat, thus resolving the interference problem while maintaining compact driver spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel partitions act as intermediary structures that separate and guide sound waves from multiple drivers through distinct acoustic paths. These partitions mediate between the drivers and the horn, ensuring that sound waves from different drivers do not interfere with each other during transmission, thereby enabling close driver placement without sacrificing acoustic performance
2Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple drivers are placed close together (less than 1/3 wavelength apart) to avoid interference, then sound wave interference is minimized, but the horn enclosure depth becomes impractically large
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing drivers close together in the depth dimension (which would require impractically large enclosure depth), the invention uses parallel partitions to create separate acoustic paths in the lateral dimensions. This dimensional transformation allows drivers to be spaced apart laterally while maintaining acoustic coherence through the partitioned paths, avoiding the need for excessive enclosure depth
3Device complexity
If a Y combiner is used to combine multiple drivers, then the structure is simple, but sound waves from multiple drivers cancel each other out or create substantial interference at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The Y combiner structure is segmented into multiple parallel acoustic paths using partitions, with each driver having its own dedicated path to the horn throat. This segmentation prevents sound waves from different drivers from interfering with each other, eliminating the cancellation problem while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
Each acoustic path within the combiner structure has locally optimized characteristics, with partitions positioned to guide sound waves from specific drivers through dedicated regions. This local quality control ensures that each driver's sound wave maintains its integrity throughout the combination process, preventing interference while achieving coherent summation at the horn
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 system effectively combines sound outputs from multiple drivers into a singular, efficient output with minimal distortion, achieving improved frequency response and radiation pattern control, suitable for high-frequency applications with reduced bulk and weight.
Implementation Method 1
Sound is generated by the acoustic drivers and flows down each separate branch and at meets at the combined throat portion
Implementation Method 2
At high frequencies, however, the multiple sound waves meet together and may cancel each other out or create substantial interference
Implementation Method 3
The Electrovoice Manifold attempted to eliminate sound wave interference from multiple drivers by reflecting each sound wave at a reflecting surface
Implementation Method 4
It is therefore desirable to create a curved wavefront, such as one having the form of a segment of a sphere, rather than a flat wavefront to couple with the horn
Implementation Method 5
When a plane wave from a relatively large source is coupled to a horn, the dimension of the source ends up controlling the high frequency radiation pattern rather than the more desirable outcome of the horn controlling the radiation pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
A horn enclosure combines sound output emanating from a plurality of acoustic drivers. The horn enclosure includes a plurality of sound input plenums, a plurality of flow passageways, and a common sound output chamber. Each of the input plenums is coupled to an acoustic driver for receiving generated sound output from the associated driver. A plurality of partitions defining the plurality of flow passageways provides for a plurality of acoustic paths from each acoustic driver and through the input plenum. The common sound output chamber is in acoustic communication with each plenum through respective flow passageways and has a sound output opening for passage of the combined sound output.