Microphone Array Assembly Tetrahedral Configuration Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereo microphones with vertically stacked capsules suffer from noise due to phase differences caused by external reflections and interference between capsules, leading to suboptimal audio signal reception.
Innovation Solution
A microphone capsule assembly with capsules arranged in a configuration where each pair is oriented in parallel planes with specific angular and spatial relationships to minimize interference, including a first pair in a plane facing forward and backward, and a second pair in a perpendicular plane with capsules angled relative to each other, reducing noise and improving signal fidelity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two microphone capsules are vertically stacked to avoid phase difference for sounds parallel to horizontal plane, then coincidence reception of direct sounds is improved, but noise from phase differences in reflected sounds and interference between capsules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional vertical stacking arrangement to a three-dimensional tetrahedral configuration. The four microphone capsules are positioned at the vertices of a tetrahedron with specific angular relationships (angles between 60° and 120°), utilizing spatial distribution in three dimensions to eliminate the phase difference problems inherent in vertical stacking while maintaining omnidirectional sound capture capability
2Reliability
If diaphragms of two microphone capsules are vertically aligned to receive sounds coincidently, then direct sound reception is improved, but sound from audio source entering one capsule is disturbed by the other capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single stereo microphone into four separate microphone capsules positioned at the vertices of a tetrahedron. This segmentation allows each capsule to operate independently with its own diaphragm orientation, eliminating the mutual interference that occurs when two capsules are vertically stacked with aligned diaphragms. Each capsule captures sound from its optimal direction without being disturbed by adjacent capsules
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 significantly reduces noise from phase differences and external reflections, enhancing the microphone system's ability to capture audio signals with improved fidelity and reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
a first microphone capsule disposed in a first plane and oriented forward in a first direction that is parallel to the first plane, a second microphone capsule disposed in the first plane and oriented in a direction opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone capsule assembly includes a first microphone capsule oriented to face a first direction that is parallel to a first plane, a second microphone capsule oriented to face in a direction opposite to the first direction, where a front face of the second microphone capsule is spaced a distance from a front face of the first microphone capsule in the first direction, a third microphone capsule oriented to face in a second direction that is at a first acute angle to the first direction when measured parallel to the first plane, and a fourth microphone capsule oriented to face in a third direction that is at a second acute angle to the first direction when measured parallel to the first plane, where the third and fourth microphone capsules are spaced a distance from the front face of the first microphone capsule in the first direction.