Loudspeaker Variable Volume Device for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loudspeakers require significant power to move the sound panel due to the forces generated by pressure changes within the sealed enclosure, which can be inefficient in terms of power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a variable volume device, such as a bellow, within the sealed enclosure of the loudspeaker, which adjusts the internal air volume to optimize the mechanical resonant frequency of the armature-panel assembly, thereby reducing the power required to move the sound panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a sealed enclosure is used in the loudspeaker, then the sound pressure levels are maintained, but significant power is required to move the sound panel due to pressure changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice coil power consumptionVSAvoidsound pressure levels

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a variable volume device that dynamically adjusts the internal air volume of the sealed enclosure based on the frequency of the audio signal. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the mechanical resonant frequency of the armature-panel assembly to match the audio signal frequency, thereby reducing the power required to move the sound panel while maintaining sound pressure levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of internal air volume within the sealed enclosure using a variable volume device. By adjusting this parameter in response to the audio signal frequency, the system optimizes the mechanical resonant frequency to reduce power consumption while maintaining acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the mechanical resonant frequency is adjusted to match the audio signal frequency, then power consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the variable volume device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidvariable volume device

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a variable volume device based on pneumatic principles to adjust the internal air volume of the enclosure. This pneumatic mechanism enables frequency-dependent volume adjustment to optimize resonant frequency matching, reducing power consumption while adding controlled complexity to the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 approach allows for a reduction in voice coil power consumption by adjusting the resonant frequency to match the frequency of the audio signal, minimizing power usage while maintaining sound pressure levels.

Implementation Method 1

adjusts the internal air volume to optimize the mechanical resonant frequency of the armature-panel assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

large pressure forces on a sound panel (of an audio speaker) can be cancelled, or partially cancelled, by using a magnetic negative spring (MNS)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250142262A1Loudspeakers and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 BRANE AUDIO LLC

AI summary

Electroacoustic drivers that can be utilized in loudspeaker systems that utilize drivers having a magnetic negative spring (MNS). A variable volume device, such as a bellow, is used to vary the enclosed air volume of the sealed chamber of the loudspeaker.