Modular Acoustic Horns With Aligned Diffraction Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horn type loudspeakers face challenges in radiating high frequencies in a controlled and predictable pattern due to the radiation patterns of individual acoustic drivers, and arraying multiple horns to cover large areas results in undesirable gaps and inefficiencies in diffraction slots.
Innovation Solution
The use of modular acoustic horns with aligned diffraction slots and adjustable vertical dispersion angles, allowing for the formation of continuous diffraction slots with minimal gaps, achieved by arranging acoustic modules with specific centerline orientations and orientations of their openings to intersect at various angles, enabling efficient radiation of high frequencies and flexible array configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple acoustic horns are arrayed to cover large areas, then the coverage area is improved, but gaps and inefficiencies occur in the diffraction slots
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic horn system is divided into modular acoustic modules, each containing an acoustic driver and acoustic duct. These modules can be independently configured and assembled to form continuous diffraction slots when arranged in arrays, eliminating gaps between individual horn structures while maintaining seamless acoustic pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional arrangement of acoustic modules with adjustable vertical dispersion angles. By orienting the centerlines of acoustic ducts normal to an arc and intersecting at various angles, the system creates continuous diffraction slots in multiple spatial dimensions, allowing seamless transitions between adjacent horns in the array.
2Reliability
If acoustic modules are arranged with specific centerline orientations to form continuous diffraction slots, then the continuity of diffraction slots is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic modules are designed as universal, standardized units that can be arranged in multiple configurations. Each module contains standardized acoustic drivers and ducts that can be positioned at various angles and orientations, allowing the same basic module design to serve multiple functions in different array configurations without requiring custom-designed components for each arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of the vertical dispersion angles and orientations of acoustic modules. The centerlines of acoustic ducts are oriented normal to an arc and can intersect at various angles, enabling flexible adaptation to different coverage requirements and array configurations while maintaining continuous diffraction slots.
3Productivity
If modular acoustic horns with aligned diffraction slots are used, then the radiation efficiency of high frequencies is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the acoustic horn into standardized modular units with predetermined geometries, the manufacturing process is simplified. Each module can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, and the modular nature allows for easier assembly and alignment in the final configuration, reducing the overall precision requirements compared to manufacturing a single large integrated horn.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic duct centerlines are oriented normal to an arc, incorporating curved geometric elements that facilitate precise alignment. The arc-based arrangement provides inherent geometric guidance for positioning modules relative to each other, improving alignment precision during assembly while maintaining the continuity and radiation efficiency of the diffraction slots.
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 allows for efficient radiation of high frequencies with minimal gaps between horns, enabling effective sound distribution over large areas with reduced depth and increased flexibility in array configurations, accommodating various vertical dispersion angles and minimizing the need for multiple drivers.
Implementation Method 1
a first acoustic duct, for conducting acoustic energy from the first acoustic driver
Implementation Method 2
the first and second openings are aligned to form a substantially continuous diffraction slot
Data Source
AI summary
A modular horn type loudspeaker and a modular horn array formed of modular loudspeakers. An acoustic horn includes a first acoustic module. The first acoustic module includes a first acoustic driver and a first acoustic duct, for conducting acoustic energy from the first acoustic driver. The first acoustic duct has a first opening through which acoustic energy is radiated. The first acoustic duct is characterized by a first centerline. A second acoustic module includes a second acoustic driver and a second acoustic duct, for conducting acoustic energy from the acoustic driver. The second acoustic duct has a second opening through which acoustic energy is radiated. The second acoustic duct is characterized by a second centerline.