Loudspeaker Frame Varying Thickness Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a demand for further weight reduction in in-vehicle loudspeaker units to improve automobile energy consumption, and existing loudspeaker designs do not adequately achieve this while maintaining structural integrity and performance.

Innovation Solution

A loudspeaker unit design featuring a frame with a first support part, a second support part, a pedestal part, and reinforcement parts, where the reinforcement parts have varying heights to optimize weight reduction while maintaining rigidity and air-tightness, using resin molding for ease of production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the frame is made lighter to reduce overall weight, then weight reduction is achieved, but structural strength and rigidity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of loudspeaker unitVSAvoidstrength and rigidity of frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame employs varying thickness design where different regions have different thickness values. The first region (supporting the diaphragm) has a first thickness, while the second region (supporting the magnetic circuit) has a second thickness different from the first. This local variation in thickness allows the frame to maintain sufficient strength and rigidity at critical load-bearing areas while reducing overall weight by thinning non-critical regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If reinforcement ribs are added to strengthen the frame, then strength and rigidity are improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength and rigidity of frameVSAvoidweight of loudspeaker unit
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the frame by implementing varying thickness regions instead of uniform thickness or traditional reinforcement ribs. By optimizing the thickness distribution across different regions, the frame achieves the necessary strength and rigidity without adding excess weight through traditional reinforcement methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If the frame structure is simplified to reduce weight, then weight reduction is achieved, but air-tightness and water-tightness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of loudspeaker unitVSAvoidair-tightness and water-tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame design applies local quality optimization by varying thickness in specific regions while maintaining the overall integrated structure. The first region with first thickness and second region with second thickness are designed to preserve sealing surfaces and structural continuity, ensuring air-tightness and water-tightness are maintained even with reduced overall material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3471436B1Speaker unit, electronic equipment and mobile object device
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3471436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3471436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3471436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A loudspeaker unit includes a frame, a diaphragm having an inner periphery and an outer periphery, and a magnetic circuit coupled to the frame. The frame includes a first support part, a second support part, a pedestal part, and a plurality of reinforcement parts. The first support part supports the outer periphery of the diaphragm, and the second support part supports the magnetic circuit. The pedestal part spreads outward from the outer periphery of the first support part. The plurality of reinforcement parts are disposed side by side along the periphery of the pedestal part and fixed to the outer periphery of the first support part and the pedestal part. Each of the plurality of reinforcement parts includes a first portion having a first height relative to the pedestal part, and a second portion having a second height lower than the first height.