Radial Loudspeaker Array Homogeneity for Wide Sweet Spot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio loudspeaker designs fail to achieve high fidelity sound reproduction across multiple sound sources, leading to sonic confusion and inability to create a cohesive sound stage image, especially when multiple listeners are involved, as they struggle to maintain on-axis performance while providing off-axis imaging.
Innovation Solution
The design features a frame supporting at least two mid-range drivers radially arrayed in a plane perpendicular to the on-axis, with all drivers operating in common acoustic phase and of the same size, including an inner driver positioned at the acoustic center, and optionally featuring a subwoofer, to create a unified sound source that enhances both on-axis and off-axis performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional loudspeaker designs use multiple transducer types or sizes to cover frequency ranges, then frequency coverage is improved, but sonic confusion increases and fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using multiple drivers of the same type (piston drivers) and same size within each loudspeaker unit. This eliminates the sonic confusion that arises from mixing different transducer types while maintaining full frequency range coverage through the array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frequency coverage function across multiple identical drivers rather than relying on different transducer types. Each driver handles the full frequency range, and the collective array achieves the desired frequency coverage without sonic confusion.
2Measurement precision
If conventional designs focus on on-axis performance with a single sweet spot, then on-axis fidelity is improved, but off-axis imaging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single on-axis sweet spot to a three-dimensional listening space by radially arraying drivers. This creates multiple acoustic centers that collectively form a volumetric sweet spot, allowing listeners at various off-axis positions to experience high fidelity sound reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial driver array configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains on-axis fidelity while also providing superior off-axis imaging. The same driver arrangement that creates a focused on-axis sound also generates the acoustic field necessary for immersive off-axis listening experiences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple drivers are used to improve frequency coverage and sound stage, then sound reproduction capability is improved, but sonic confusion increases and coherence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses drivers of the same type and size throughout the array, ensuring uniform acoustic characteristics. This homogeneity maintains coherence and eliminates the sonic confusion that would arise from combining different transducer types with varying frequency responses and distortion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric radial positioning of drivers around the acoustic center rather than symmetric arrangements. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the acoustic field distribution to maintain coherence while improving sound stage imaging and eliminating boundaries in the listening space.
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
This configuration allows for improved fidelity and immersive sound experience by minimizing sonic confusion and creating a whole room 'sweet spot' where all listeners can enjoy high fidelity sound reproduction regardless of their position, achieving a more accurate and engaging audio experience.
Implementation Method 1
A key element of audio loudspeakers is the transducer, commonly called a driver, which is a device whose movement causes changes in sound pressure that reproduces the desired music or sound
Implementation Method 2
The at least two drivers are electrically connected to operate in common acoustic phase
Data Source
AI summary
An audio speaker for projecting sound into a listening space having an on-axis includes a frame supporting at least two drivers radially arrayed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the on-axis. The at least two drivers may be electrically connected to operate in common acoustic phase, substantially the same size, mid-range drivers, and/or may include at least one rearward facing driver. The audio speaker may also include an on-axis driver, or an inner driver positioned substantially at a point where a first line drawn perpendicularly through a face of a first driver of the at least two drivers and a second line drawn perpendicularly through a face of a second driver of the at least two drivers converge. The inner driver may be a high frequency driver, for example, a tweeter, and a face of the inner driver may be substantially perpendicular to the on-axis.