Two-Way Quasi Point-Source Speaker with Dual-Oriented Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speaker systems with spherical arrays face issues in maintaining sound quality when mounted near walls due to phase shifts and interference from reflected sound waves, leading to a loss of the perceived point-source effect.
Innovation Solution
A speaker system with a part-spherical array of tweeter and midrange drivers, oriented to emit sound towards a central point, merging and recombining at the center to simulate a directional point-source sound emission, with structural design to minimize vibration and sound transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spherical array of tweeter drivers is used to create a point-source effect, then sound waves are directed radially in all directions toward the center and re-emitted outward, but when mounted near walls, reflected sound waves cause phase shifts and interference that degrade sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical array is segmented into two distinct parts: a first array of tweeter drivers facing the center point, and a second array of tweeter drivers facing away from the center point. This segmentation allows the system to control sound propagation in different directions independently, preventing wall reflections from degrading the point-source effect while maintaining reliable sound quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric configuration by having tweeter drivers oriented in opposite directions (toward and away from the center point) rather than all facing the center. This asymmetric arrangement creates a directional sound emission pattern that can be optimized to avoid wall reflections, resolving the contradiction between maintaining point-source effect and avoiding reflection-induced degradation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tweeter drivers are arranged in a spherical array facing the center point, then sound energy merges at the center and re-emits outward, but this configuration is less effective when speakers are mounted on or close to walls due to reflected sound waves
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker system is divided into two functional segments: tweeter drivers oriented toward the center point and tweeter drivers oriented away from the center point. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different mounting environments by controlling sound propagation directionally, improving versatility while maintaining reliability near walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of tweeter drivers from all facing the center to a dual-orientation configuration (toward and away from center). This parameter change allows the system to maintain effectiveness across different mounting environments, including wall-mounted configurations, by controlling reflection patterns.
3Loss of information
If sound waves are directed radially in all directions toward the center of the sphere, then they merge and re-emit outward as if from a point source, but this creates addition and cancellation interference when walls are present
Solution Approach 1:
The tweeter driver array is segmented into two groups with opposite orientations. This segmentation allows sound waves to be directed both toward and away from the center point, creating a controlled interference pattern that preserves the point-source effect while minimizing harmful addition and cancellation interference in the listening area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful interference from wall reflections into a beneficial effect by using tweeter drivers oriented away from the center to emit sound that counteracts or complements the reflected waves, transforming the interference problem into a solution that enhances the point-source effect.
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 maintains sound quality by ensuring unimpeded sound merging and emission, simulating a point-source effect even when mounted near walls, reducing interference and enhancing listener experience.
Implementation Method 1
Sound energy emitted from the speakers will be directed toward the center of the sphere, will merge at the center, recombine and be emitted from the open area in a directional manner that is perceived as emanating from the center of the sphere
Implementation Method 2
the various waves form addition and cancellation interference with one another
Implementation Method 3
The various speakers may be mounted in a structure intended to minimize vibration in the structure and thus minimizing any sound produced by such vibration
Data Source
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AI summary
A speaker system includes drivers, each of which has a front face, a rear face and an axis of symmetry extending through the front and rear faces. The drivers are mounted to a frame so that the axes of symmetry of the drivers converge on a single center point, with the front faces of the drivers facing toward the single center point. The frame and the drivers are disposed to define an open area from which sound energy generated by the drivers can be emitted.