Portable Audio Waveguide Layout With Variable Sections and Bends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic waveguides in audio systems often suffer from resonance peaks and noise issues due to their fixed cross-sectional areas and axis orientations, which can affect sound quality and portability.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide design featuring subsections with varying cross-sectional areas and non-parallel axes, fabricated from moldable parts, which acoustically couples different sections to reduce resonance and improve noise handling, and a housing with a textured acoustic exit for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional acoustic waveguides use fixed cross-sectional areas and axis orientations, then manufacturing is simpler, but resonance peaks and noise issues occur affecting sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide transitions from a fixed cross-sectional area design to a dynamic design where the cross-sectional area varies along the length of the waveguide. This dynamic variation in cross-sectional dimensions allows the waveguide to control acoustic impedance changes, thereby reducing resonance peaks and improving sound quality while maintaining manufacturability through standardized molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the waveguide by introducing non-parallel axes and varying cross-sectional areas. Specifically, the first and second subsections have different axis orientations and cross-sectional dimensions, which modifies the acoustic wave propagation characteristics to eliminate resonance peaks without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the waveguide uses varying cross-sectional areas and non-parallel axes, then sound quality improves by reducing resonance, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple subsections (first subsection, second subsection, and connecting portion), each with specific geometric characteristics. The first subsection has a first cross-sectional area with a first aspect ratio, the second subsection has a second cross-sectional area with a second aspect ratio, and the connecting portion transitions between them. This segmentation allows complex acoustic control to be achieved through manageable, modular geometric sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetry by using non-parallel axes for the first and second subsections and varying cross-sectional areas along the waveguide length. The aspect ratios differ between subsections, creating an asymmetric geometry that controls acoustic wave behavior to reduce resonance. This asymmetric design achieves superior sound quality while the systematic approach keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
3Ease of operation
If the acoustic exit has a shape for easy grasping, then portability and handling improve, but the acoustic performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic exit is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides acoustic output while also serving as an ergonomic handle for grasping and portability. The shape is configured with grasping features that allow easy handling, and this multi-functional design ensures that acoustic performance is maintained through proper waveguide geometry while adding the benefit of improved user handling and portability.
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 design effectively reduces resonance peaks and enhances sound quality while allowing for easier handling and portability through a versatile waveguide structure and ergonomic housing features.
Implementation Method 1
An acoustic exit that exits the housing. The acoustic exit has a shape that facilitates the grasping of the housing with a plurality of fingers from a single human hand. The acoustic exit is the exit to a waveguide or a port.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a housing. A waveguide is located within the housing. The waveguide includes a first subsection that bends around a first axis and has a first cross-sectional area with an aspect ratio that is substantially different from unity. A second subsection bends around a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis and includes a second cross-sectional area with an aspect ratio that is substantially different from unity. A third subsection acoustically couples the first subsection to the second subsection. The third subsection includes a third cross-sectional area with an aspect ratio that varies between the first aspect ratio and the second aspect ratio.