Rotatable Acoustic Waveguide Loudspeaker for Interference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line source loudspeaker arrays face challenges in delivering clear sound in smaller spaces and are limited by interference issues, inability to control lower frequency ranges, and high costs, making them unsuitable for smaller performances or poor acoustics.
Innovation Solution
A line source loudspeaker device with a rotatable acoustic waveguide that converts spherical sound waves into cylindrical waves, allowing for optimal sound distribution in both horizontal and vertical directions, and can be positioned orthogonally for use in line arrays or as column loudspeakers, minimizing interference and improving sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vertical line arrays of loudspeakers are installed to prevent interference and deliver uniform sound wave, then interference between sound sources is resolved, but the device complexity increases and the ability to deliver qualitative sound in areas directly above and below the line array deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The loudspeaker system is segmented into distinct frequency ranges with separate drivers: full-range drivers for low frequencies, mid-range drivers for mid frequencies, and tweeters for high frequencies. Each driver type is positioned and oriented independently to optimize its frequency range delivery, avoiding the interference problems of traditional line arrays while maintaining sound quality across all frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the loudspeaker device are assigned different functional qualities: full-range drivers are positioned to cover low frequencies omnidirectionally, mid-range drivers are oriented forward for directional mid-frequency delivery, and tweeters are positioned for high-frequency projection. This local differentiation of driver characteristics and positions enables qualitative sound delivery without requiring complex array configurations.
2Reliability
If line arrays are used to control lower frequency ranges, then low frequency sound control is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase making them unsuitable for smaller spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments frequency control functions across different driver types positioned at different locations. Full-range drivers are dedicated to low frequency control and are positioned to provide omnidirectional coverage, while mid-range and high-frequency drivers handle their respective ranges. This segmentation allows effective low frequency control without requiring the complex array configurations needed for traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The loudspeaker device integrates multiple driver types (full-range, mid-range, tweeters) into a single multi-functional unit that can deliver comprehensive frequency coverage and omnidirectional sound distribution. This universal design eliminates the need for separate line array configurations, making the system suitable for both large and small spaces while maintaining low frequency control capability.
3Power
If traditional loudspeaker arrangements are used to achieve adequate sound level, then quantitative sound generation is satisfied, but sound wave interference occurs making sound unclear in many areas
Solution Approach 1:
The full-range drivers are positioned and oriented to create an equipotential sound field for low frequencies, providing uniform omnidirectional coverage. This equipotential arrangement ensures that sound energy is distributed evenly in all directions, preventing interference patterns and maintaining sound clarity while achieving adequate sound levels throughout the listening area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional planar loudspeaker arrangements to a three-dimensional configuration with drivers positioned at different heights and orientations. Full-range drivers are positioned to radiate omnidirectionally in three dimensions, while mid-range and high-frequency drivers are oriented forward. This dimensional arrangement eliminates sound wave interference by distributing sound energy across multiple spatial dimensions.
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 device provides improved sound quality and wider application contexts by reducing vertical dispersion and phase differences, enabling clear sound in various settings from large concerts to smaller performances without the need for extensive arrays.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic waveguide is configured to guide the sound waves emitted by the first loudspeaker over a constant wave path defined by the acoustic waveguide, such that the initially spherical sound wave can be converted into a substantially rectangular isophase sound wave which interferes constructively with the sound waves of the one or more second loudspeakers so as to form a substantially cylindrical sound wave together
Data Source
AI summary
A line source loudspeaker device positionable in a mutually orthogonal first and a second position includes a housing with a first loudspeaker for emitting high frequencies and one or more second loudspeakers for emitting low frequencies. The loudspeakers each include a driver and loudspeaker output. Each driver emits a spherical sound wave. The loudspeaker outputs form a combined loudspeaker output. An acoustic waveguide is provided between the combined loudspeaker output and the first loudspeaker to guide the spherical sound waves emitted by the first loudspeaker over a constant wave path and convert them into a rectangular isophase sound wave which interferes constructively with the sound waves of the second loudspeakers to form a cylindrical sound wave. The acoustic waveguide is rotatable about an axis such that, in the first and second position of the line source loudspeaker device, the cylindrical sound wave propagates only in a horizontal direction.