Loudspeaker Driver Arrays Time-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loudspeaker designs often fail to effectively time-align impulses from multiple driver arrays, leading to suboptimal sound reproduction and frequency response, particularly in on-axis listening positions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second vertically disposed array of drivers in separate enclosures, with a third array of drivers positioned horizontally between them, directed off-axis to ensure simultaneous arrival of impulses at an on-axis listening position, utilizing a subwoofer and varying fundamental frequencies among the arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple driver arrays are positioned in conventional configurations, then the loudspeaker can reproduce sound across different frequencies, but the impulses from different driver arrays do not arrive simultaneously at the listening position, degrading sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar driver arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration where the third vertically disposed array is positioned horizontally between the first and second arrays. This spatial reconfiguration in multiple dimensions enables precise time-alignment of acoustic impulses from all driver arrays at the on-axis listening position, resolving the contradiction between time-alignment precision and configuration complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If driver arrays are directed on-axis, then the sound projection is focused, but the horizontal coverage pattern remains narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the driver arrays into three separate vertically disposed groups, each directed at different angles. The first and second arrays are directed off-axis at opposite angles while the third array remains on-axis. This segmentation allows each subset to contribute to different aspects of the sound field, collectively achieving both wide horizontal coverage and linear on-axis response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric angular positioning of the driver arrays relative to the on-axis direction. The first and second arrays are directed at equal but opposite off-axis angles, creating a symmetric angular distribution that produces asymmetric sound field characteristics beneficial for both coverage width and on-axis response linearity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the third array of drivers is positioned at the same depth as the first and second arrays, then the structure is simpler, but the impulses arrive at different times at the listening position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the depth parameter of the third driver array relative to the first and second arrays. By positioning the third array at a different depth (recessed or extended), the acoustic path lengths from all three arrays to the on-axis listening position are equalized, ensuring simultaneous arrival of impulses. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between impulse timing precision and structural simplicity.
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 enhances sound reproduction by achieving time-alignment and linear on-axis response, while widening the horizontal coverage pattern, capable of producing up to 138 dB without compression.
Implementation Method 1
Loudspeakers commonly use electroacoustic transducers or drivers that use an alternating current applied to a voice coil in conjunction with a permanent magnet to cause an attached diaphragm to move back and forth
Implementation Method 2
cause an attached diaphragm to move back and forth, pushing on air to create sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
A loudspeaker includes a first vertically disposed array of drivers contained in a first enclosure, a second vertically disposed array of drivers contained in a second enclosure, and a third vertically disposed array of drivers contained in a third enclosure, wherein the third enclosure is located horizontally between the first and second enclosures.