Omnidirectional Sound Source Device with Radial Longitudinal Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loudspeakers used in acoustic analyses lack omnidirectionality, especially at higher frequencies, resulting in significant differences in sound levels across a sphere, and are either small with low output or large with limited frequency range, making them unsuitable for accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a housing having a longitudinal axis and cylindrical outer surfaces on either side of the sound emission area, allowing sound waves to propagate radially and longitudinally, featuring a ring-shaped or grid of discrete emission openings, and optionally a tube portion for increased internal volume, to achieve a high degree of omnidirectionality across a wide range of frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a loudspeaker is made small to achieve omnidirectionality, then the degree of omnidirectionality is improved, but the output level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The loudspeaker is divided into multiple sound generators (at least two) arranged in specific spatial configurations. Each sound generator contributes to the overall omnidirectional sound field, allowing the system to maintain small size while achieving both high omnidirectionality and sufficient output level through collective emission rather than a single source.
2Power
If a loudspeaker is made large to provide sufficient interior space for low frequency sound, then the output level is improved, but the degree of omnidirectionality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sound generators are arranged in three-dimensional space rather than simply scaling up the size of a single generator. By utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions, the system achieves sufficient interior space for low frequency resonance while maintaining a compact overall form factor that preserves omnidirectionality.
3Measurement precision
If a dodecahedral loudspeaker with multiple sound generators is used to achieve omnidirectionality, then the degree of omnidirectionality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the geometric framework for positioning sound generators, acts as a resonating chamber for low frequency enhancement, and forms the omnidirectional radiation pattern. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device despite achieving high omnidirectionality.
4Power
If the dodecahedral loudspeaker operates at high frequencies, then the output level is maintained, but the degree of omnidirectionality decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate optimally within a specific frequency range where the physical dimensions of the housing and spacing of sound generators create resonant conditions that enhance omnidirectionality. By optimizing the parameters of the housing geometry and sound generator arrangement, the system maintains both high output level and high degree of omnidirectionality within the target frequency band.
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
The solution enables sound waves to develop homogeneously in three dimensions, providing a high degree of omnidirectionality and reducing sound level differences across a sphere, thus improving the accuracy of acoustic measurements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sound generator for generating a sound wave, arranged in the housing so as for a generated sound wave to radiate from the sound emission area
Implementation Method 2
a sensor may for instance be configured to measure an air volume displacement or an air pressure difference generated by a sound generator of the loudspeaker in exciting a sound wave
Implementation Method 3
allowing sound waves to propagate radially and longitudinally, featuring a ring-shaped or grid of discrete emission openings
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device for creating a sound source comprising integrated measuring means (50) for measuring a property representative of the strength of the sound source, the device comprising a sound generator (40a, 40b) for generating sound within an annular space defined around a central axis, the device comprising a pair of guiding surfaces (113, 123) for guiding sound away from the annular space in opposite directions along the central axis. With sound being guided as described, sound in addition being allowed to propagate outside the device in a radial direction with respect to the central axis, a high degree of omnidirectionality of the created sound source is attained.