Concentric Phasing Plug Adaptor for Wider Midrange Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horn-loaded compression drivers face challenges in achieving optimal frequency response characteristics and sound dispersion due to limitations in phasing plug design, particularly in midrange loudspeakers, leading to poor bandwidth and audible response irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A phasing plug extender or adaptor with a body comprising concentric rings and annular channels is mounted between the compression driver and horn, featuring varying ring distances and tapered edges to enhance sound wave dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional phasing plug is used in horn-loaded compression drivers, then the acoustic path compresses audio signals and equalizes path lengths, but the transformation of acoustic signals is incomplete resulting in poor frequency response characteristics and restricted bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The phasing plug is divided into multiple segments or sections along the acoustic path. Each segment can have different geometries, opening areas, or configurations to independently optimize different frequency ranges. This segmentation allows the single phasing plug structure to handle a broader bandwidth while maintaining precise frequency response control across the entire audio spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the phasing plug are designed with locally optimized characteristics. The opening area, slit patterns, or geometric features vary at different locations along the acoustic path to address specific frequency response requirements at each stage. This local quality variation enables complete acoustic signal transformation across all frequency bands.
2Device complexity
If conventional phasing plug designs are used, then the structure is simple, but audible response irregularities such as horn midrange sound occur due to non-ideal area expansions
Solution Approach 1:
The phasing plug incorporates dynamic geometric features such as tapered sections, variable opening areas, or non-uniform slit distributions along the acoustic path. These dynamic variations in the structure create ideal area expansions at different stages, preventing standing waves and resonance issues that cause horn midrange sound, while maintaining overall structural feasibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-stage phasing plug is used, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the area expansion is non-ideal introducing audible response irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The phasing plug uses a nested or multi-level structure where concentric rings or nested channels create progressive area expansions. Each nested level provides a controlled expansion stage, ideal for creating the required geometric progression in opening area while maintaining a compact, manufacturable single-component structure.
4Length of moving object
If the phasing plug is positioned close to the diaphragm, then the acoustic path length is reduced, but the phasing plug may interfere with diaphragm vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The phasing plug extends in the radial dimension rather than only axially, creating a three-dimensional acoustic path structure. This allows the acoustic path to be effectively lengthened and controlled in multiple dimensions simultaneously, reducing the axial distance from the diaphragm while maintaining sufficient acoustic path length for proper signal transformation without interfering with diaphragm vibration.
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 adaptor improves sound wave dispersion and reduces frequency response irregularities, enhancing the performance of horn-loaded compression drivers by maximizing sound pressure and minimizing wave cancellation.
Implementation Method 1
This acoustic path compresses audio signals from the compression driver and equalizes path lengths of the sound waves to reduce out of phase and destructive interference
Implementation Method 2
A phasing plug extender or adaptor with a body comprising concentric rings and annular channels is mounted between the compression driver and horn, featuring varying ring distances and tapered edges to enhance sound wave dispersion
Data Source
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AI summary
A phasing plug adaptor for a speaker assembly includes a plurality of concentric rings and a plurality of concentric channels. The plurality of concentric rings are tapered between an entry-side edge and an exit-side edge. An innermost ring defines a channel that is coaxial with a longitudinal axis.