Nested Folded Horns for Compact Speaker Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speaker systems face challenges in achieving efficient low-frequency sound reproduction due to the large size requirements of horns needed for sub-bass frequencies, which complicates design and increases dimensions, while also struggling to effectively harness both front and back waves from drivers for enhanced sound pressure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of nested folded horns within a speaker system's enclosure, where one folded horn is at least partially nested within another, allowing for a compact design that maintains long acoustic paths and efficiently directs sound waves across a common plane, enhancing frequency response and dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional horn loudspeakers are used for low-frequency sound reproduction, then sound efficiency is improved, but enclosure size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested folded horns where smaller horn structures are placed inside larger horn structures, allowing multiple acoustic paths to coexist in a compact volume. This nesting arrangement enables the system to maintain the long acoustic paths necessary for low-frequency efficiency while dramatically reducing the overall enclosure size compared to conventional separate horn designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs folded horn configurations that extend acoustic paths in three-dimensional space rather than simple linear extensions. By folding the horn paths and utilizing vertical and depth dimensions, the system achieves the long acoustic trajectories needed for low-frequency reproduction without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint of the enclosure.
2Reliability
If long acoustic paths are used for low-frequency reproduction, then frequency response is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested horn structure organizes multiple acoustic paths in a hierarchical arrangement where inner horns are contained within outer horns. This systematic nesting provides a clear structural pattern that simplifies the design and manufacturing process compared to arbitrary complex configurations, while still achieving the necessary long acoustic paths for improved frequency response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the acoustic system into multiple segmented horn paths, each handling specific frequency ranges or acoustic functions. This segmentation allows each individual horn path to be optimized independently while contributing to the overall frequency response, making the complex system more manageable in terms of design and analysis.
3Power
If multiple acoustic drivers are used to cover frequency ranges, then sound pressure is improved, but enclosure volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places multiple acoustic drivers and their associated horn structures in a nested arrangement, where smaller driver-horn assemblies are positioned within the volume occupied by larger driver-horn assemblies. This enables the system to incorporate multiple drivers for extended frequency coverage and enhanced sound pressure while utilizing shared structural volume, thereby avoiding proportional increases in overall enclosure size.
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 results in a more compact, efficient speaker system with improved frequency response, increased dynamic range, and enhanced lateral dispersion, capable of producing a wide range of frequencies with reduced enclosure size, suitable for various applications from hearing aids to large venues.
Implementation Method 1
The horn can therefore be seen as an 'acoustic transformer' or an acoustic lens that provides impedance matching between the driving element and the less-dense, ambient air
Implementation Method 2
This increases the efficiency and directivity of the loudspeaker, focusing the sound over a narrower area in order to project it further
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker system including an enclosure, a first acoustic driver engaged with the enclosure, and two or more horns configured to output a sound from the first acoustic driver to a front plane of the enclosure. In one embodiment, the two or more horns may be folded and planar. In one embodiment, the speaker system may include a second acoustic driver, which may be installed above or below the first acoustic driver. The second acoustic driver may be larger or smaller or the same size when compared to the first acoustic driver.