Mass Port Tuning Frequency Response in Audio Drivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio reproduction devices lack the ability to customize frequency response to individual user preferences, such as adjusting bass levels, as existing solutions do not provide a simple and economic method to alter sound quality.

Innovation Solution

A mass port system comprising a head portion and an insertion portion with an air slot, designed to be attached to the rear plate of a driver, allowing for modification of the air slot size to tune the frequency response by altering the acoustic mass and dampening of the driver, thereby improving sound quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single driver is used in an audio reproduction device, then device simplicity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but the ability to customize frequency response to different user preferences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidfrequency response customization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the frequency response customization function into a separate, removable mass port component. Instead of integrating multiple tuning options into the driver itself, the tuning function is separated into an independent mass port that can be attached or detached. This allows a single driver to work with multiple mass ports having different acoustic masses, enabling frequency response customization while keeping the driver simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the frequency response characteristics dynamic and adjustable by allowing users to change the mass port configuration. The mass port can be removed, replaced, or modified to change the acoustic mass in the enclosure, thereby dynamically adjusting the frequency response to match different user preferences without changing the driver itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drivers with different frequency responses are used to satisfy individual user preferences, then frequency response customization is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency response customizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the frequency response tuning function from the driver into an independent mass port component. This segmentation allows a single driver to be paired with multiple different mass ports, each providing different frequency response characteristics. Users can swap mass ports instead of swapping entire drivers, significantly reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to customize frequency response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the mass port a universal component that can be used with a single driver to achieve multiple frequency response configurations. By designing the mass port as a standalone adjustable parameter, one driver becomes multi-functional, capable of delivering different sound characteristics through simple mass port changes rather than requiring multiple specialized drivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional methods of altering frequency response are used, then frequency response tuning is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency response tuningVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the frequency response tuning function into a separate mass port component that can be manufactured independently of the driver. This allows the driver to be produced using standard, simple manufacturing processes, while the mass port can be separately manufactured with the specific acoustic mass characteristics needed. The segmented approach simplifies overall manufacturing by allowing independent optimization and production of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention treats the mass port as a relatively simple, potentially disposable or easily replaceable component rather than an integral part of the driver assembly. By making the tuning function a separate, simpler component, it can be manufactured more cheaply and replaced easily if needed, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity and cost of the audio reproduction device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables the use of a single driver with multiple frequency responses, enhancing bass quality and providing an economic, fast, and simple method to customize sound output according to user preferences.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for modification of the air slot size to tune the frequency response by altering the acoustic mass and dampening of the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic mass:

Implementation Method 2

allowing for modification of the air slot size to tune the frequency response by altering the acoustic mass and dampening of the driver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDampening: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9357291B2Mass ports for tuning frequency responses
Publication Date: 2016.05.31 SKULLCANDY INC
  • US9357291B2 patent drawing
  • US9357291B2 patent drawing
  • US9357291B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mass port configured to tune a frequency response of an audio reproduction device is disclosed. The mass port includes a head portion and an insertion portion coupled to the head portion. The head portion includes a sealing structure on a rear side. The head portion is configured to attach to a rear plate of a driver at the sealing structure. The insertion portion is configured to be inserted into a speaker port on the rear plate of the driver. The head portion and the insertion portion include an air slot that runs through the head portion and the insertion portion.