Loudspeaker Driver With Lateral Motors for Compact Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional loudspeaker drivers require larger magnets and increased cabinet depth as diaphragm size increases, leading to larger and more costly speaker systems, particularly for woofers which need to reproduce bass frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A loudspeaker driver design featuring a movable diaphragm with an open mouth and multiple smaller power-rated motors positioned laterally, reducing the overall depth and cost by allowing for even diaphragm movement without enlarging the driver profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a single high-power motor is used to drive a large diaphragm, then the required power output is achieved, but the driver profile depth increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor power outputVSAvoiddriver profile depth

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single high-power motor is divided into multiple lower-power motors (e.g., two 50W motors instead of one 100W motor). Each motor is positioned laterally at different locations around the diaphragm periphery, mechanically coupled to drive the diaphragm without requiring deep profile placement behind the diaphragm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If the size of the magnet is increased to provide more power, then the power output increases, but the cost of the driver increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor power outputVSAvoiddriver cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single large expensive magnet is replaced by multiple smaller, less expensive magnets. Each motor assembly includes its own magnet, and the cumulative effect of multiple smaller magnets achieves the required total power output at lower cost than a single large magnet of equivalent total power rating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the diaphragm size is increased to improve bass response, then the acoustic performance improves, but the driver profile depth increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic performance rangeVSAvoiddriver profile depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing motors in the depth dimension behind the diaphragm, the motors are positioned laterally in the horizontal plane at the periphery of the diaphragm. This dimensional shift allows large diaphragms to be driven without increasing the profile depth, enabling improved bass response while maintaining compact cabinet dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enables the use of multiple lower power motors to achieve the same power rating as a single high-power motor, reducing costs and allowing for a thinner speaker cabinet while maintaining performance, with the option to adjust power delivery by turning motors on or off.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of driver arrangements each including a voice coil suspended in a magnetic field, mechanically coupled to the movable diaphragm and disposed lateral to its outermost lateral edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS7515724B2Loudspeaker driver

Publication Date: 2009.04.07 SALEHI KOUROSH

AI summary

A loudspeaker driver that includes a suspended diaphragm and a plurality of voice coils each suspended in a magnetic field and coupled to the diaphragm.