Modular Loudspeaker Inserts for Custom Directivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound systems, particularly in automotive vehicles, exhibit varying tonal balance and spatial robustness due to directivity characteristics of loudspeakers, which are influenced by listener position, loudspeaker placement, and environmental factors, leading to inconsistent sound quality and difficulty in customizing acoustic energy distribution.

Innovation Solution

A modular apparatus with a base component and interchangeable insert components that customize the redistribution of acoustic energy by modifying the insert's topology to achieve specific directivity patterns, allowing for interchangeable configurations to suit different listening environments and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a typical loudspeaker is used, then it is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but it does not convey a sense of direction and distance, and has low directivity at low frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectivity controlVSAvoidloudspeaker structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loudspeaker system is divided into a base component and interchangeable insert components. Each insert can be independently designed with specific geometries to achieve different directivity patterns, allowing the system to be segmented into functional modules that can be swapped based on application requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic adaptation of directivity characteristics by allowing users to interchange inserts based on different listening environments, positions, and audio content requirements. This makes the static loudspeaker structure dynamically adaptable to varying acoustic needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the loudspeaker response is increased directivity at higher frequencies, then directionality is improved, but peak/dips appear in the frequency response caused by interference with local device geometrical features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency response controlVSAvoidfrequency response uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the insert component are designed with locally optimized geometries to control frequency response characteristics. The insert topology can be customized to compensate for interference effects at specific frequency ranges, allowing local adjustments to achieve overall frequency response uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the insert component topology is customized to satisfy specific target directivity, then acoustic energy distribution is optimized, but the device complexity increases due to multiple interchangeable components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget directivity customizationVSAvoidmodular component system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base component is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different insert components. Each insert, despite having unique topologies for different directivity targets, interfaces with the same base structure, reducing overall system complexity through standardized mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle manufacturers offer customized sound systems for different makes and models, then sound quality is optimized for each environment, but cost and complexity are significantly added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental customizationVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sound system is segmented into a universal base component and interchangeable inserts. This allows manufacturers to produce a single base component in high volume (reducing cost) while offering multiple inserts for different vehicle models or customer preferences, optimizing sound quality without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 customizable acoustic energy distribution that maintains sound quality and spatial robustness across varying environments and positions without altering the base component, providing flexible and efficient sound dispersion tailored to individual preferences.

Implementation Method 1

A modular apparatus of a sound system for distributing sound in a listening environment... an insert component is attached to the front surface of the base component. The insert component has a topography that is customizable and interchangeable to shape and direct the redistribution of acoustic energy.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic energy redistribution: Acoustics

Data Source

PatentUS20250338061A1Modular apparatus for customizing the redistribution of acoustic energy

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH

AI summary

A modular apparatus of a sound system for distributing sound in a listening environment having a base component having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface having a fixed contoured shape, and an opening in the front surface. A loudspeaker driver component is positioned at the opening, and an insert component is attached to the front surface of the base component. The insert component has a topography that is customizable and interchangeable to shape and direct the redistribution of acoustic energy.