Omnidirectional Sound System with Tilted Vertical Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surround sound systems are complex to set up and have a limited area where sound can be received from all sound emitting elements simultaneously, restricting the immersive audio experience for listeners.

Innovation Solution

A compact sound system with sound emitting elements mounted evenly around the periphery of a body, tilted up to 15 degrees, and an electronic circuit providing different drive signals to each element for a multichannel configuration, allowing sound to be emitted from a single location in multiple directions, creating a more ambient experience through environmental reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sound emitting elements are placed at several locations to create surround effect, then sound can be received from multiple directions, but the area receiving sound from all elements at once becomes relatively narrow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurround sound capabilityVSAvoidreceiving area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sound emitting elements into a single integrated unit that emits sound from one location in multiple directions simultaneously, merging the functionality of multiple separate speakers into one compact device that provides omnidirectional sound coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sound emitting elements are placed at several locations to create surround effect, then surround sound is achieved, but the system becomes complex to set up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurround sound capabilityVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple sound emitting elements into a single unified device, eliminating the need for separate speaker placements and complex setup procedures while maintaining surround sound capability through omnidirectional emission from one location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sound emitting elements are mounted on vertical panels tilted away from vertical axis, then sound distribution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound distributionVSAvoidpanel tilt precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that vertical panels can be tilted at angles up to 15 degrees from the vertical axis, providing flexibility in sound distribution while maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision requirements through a defined angular parameter range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides a simple setup for a wide ambient sound experience, compensating for natural high-frequency filtering and handling multichannel configurations, ensuring sound reaches listeners from multiple directions regardless of their position, with adjustable settings for optimal performance.

Implementation Method 1

sound emitting elements mounted on each substantially vertical panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic conversion:

Implementation Method 2

creating a more ambient experience through environmental reflections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2661906B1Innovative sound system
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 NAXOS FINANCE SA
  • EP2661906B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2661906B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A sound system comprising: a body (4) with several substantially vertical panels; at least two sound emitting elements (10, 12) mounted on the body; and an electronic circuit providing drive signals to the sound emitting elements; wherein said at least two sound emitting elements (10, 12) are mounted on said substantially vertical panels and are oriented along two different directions (26).