Self-Powered Loudspeaker Emitter for Sound Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct field sound masking systems lack the capability to achieve adequate low-frequency response and sufficient paging levels due to power constraints, requiring significant increases in power that are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A self-amplified loudspeaker emitter unit with an enlarged ported enclosure and integrated audio power amplifiers, powered by a desktop supply via Ethernet cables, allowing for efficient distribution of power and signals to each emitter unit, enabling a frequency range down to 125 Hz and increased paging levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single central controller drives hundreds of loudspeaker emitters in existing direct field systems, then power consumption is low and installation is simple, but paging capability is insufficient and low frequency response is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized power amplification system into distributed self-powered emitter units. Each emitter unit contains its own power amplifier and power supply, eliminating the need for a single high-power central controller. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently with lower power requirements while collectively achieving sufficient paging capability across the coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
Each emitter unit is made self-sufficient by integrating a desktop power supply and power amplifier within the unit itself. The emitter receives raw power through the same Ethernet cable that carries audio signals, and internally converts this power to drive the loudspeaker driver. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate power distribution infrastructure and enables each unit to autonomously achieve adequate paging levels.
2Power
If power levels are increased 100 times to achieve desired paging levels, then adequate sound output is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of concentrating 100 times the power in a single central amplifier, the patent segments this power requirement across multiple distributed emitter units. Each unit contains a small desktop power supply and power amplifier that collectively provide the necessary total output power. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single component while achieving the required overall sound output level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power conversion stage within each emitter unit. The desktop power supply receives raw power through the Ethernet cable and converts it to appropriate levels for the power amplifier, which then drives the loudspeaker. This intermediary conversion approach enables efficient power utilization at each distributed node, avoiding the need for high-power transmission infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If low frequency response is extended to 125 Hz with self-amplified units, then adequate low frequency masking is achieved, but power requirements at each emitter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power management within each self-powered emitter unit. The integrated power amplifier and desktop power supply adjust power delivery based on the audio signal requirements, providing sufficient power for low frequency content when needed while maintaining efficiency during normal operation. This dynamic approach enables extended frequency response to 125 Hz without requiring continuously high power levels at each emitter.
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 solution enhances low-frequency response and paging capabilities, achieving 80 dBA loudness and 40 dB frequency response in the 125 Hz one-third octave band, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and integrating seamlessly with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
there is provided an audio power amplifier within a loudspeaker enclosure of each loudspeaker assembly
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of loudspeaker assemblies has a voice coil coupled to an audio emitter operative to emit an acoustic sound signal
Implementation Method 3
each audio emitter is a cone emitter, wherein each of the plurality of loudspeaker assemblies is constructed and oriented to provide the acoustic sound signal in a direct path to the ears
Data Source
AI summary
A sound masking system includes a self-amplified loudspeaker emitter unit, with a driver and enlarged ported enclosure, sufficient to provide a frequency range down to a low frequency, such as about 125 Hz. To deliver the power, the power distribution architecture includes audio power amplifiers in the emitter housing of each loudspeaker. Raw power is delivered to each emitter unit through a cable and connectors, such as an Ethernet cable and connectors, in the same cable with the sound masking and audio signals. Inside the emitter units are electronics that efficiently convert the raw power and low level signal to drive the loudspeaker directly. The power comes from a typical desktop power supply, from which the power is combined with the sound masking and audio signals using a power injector unit that distributes the combined power and signals to loudspeakers. The loudspeakers can connect to an individually addressed sound masking network.