Speaker Array Active Noise Cancellation Earcup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active noise reduction systems using a single speaker per earcup perform poorly in certain frequency ranges, particularly at low frequencies, and fail to provide adequate protection across the entire range of human hearing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a speaker array within each earcup, comprising multiple speakers of varying sizes and resonant frequencies, each optimized to address a specific narrow frequency range, along with external microphone and active noise cancellation circuitry to generate and distribute cancellation signals effectively across the total frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single speaker is used per earcup, then the device complexity is reduced, but the noise cancellation performance across the frequency range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single speaker is segmented into multiple speakers (first, second, and third speakers) with different resonant frequencies. Each speaker is responsible for a specific frequency range, allowing the system to effectively cancel noise across the entire audible spectrum rather than relying on one speaker to handle all frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
Each speaker is designed with specific local qualities - different resonant frequencies tailored to specific frequency ranges. The first speaker handles low frequencies, the second speaker handles mid frequencies, and the third speaker handles high frequencies, optimizing performance for each local frequency band.
2Reliability
If multiple speakers of varying sizes and resonant frequencies are used in each earcup, then the noise cancellation performance across the frequency range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker array system performs multiple functions simultaneously - each speaker handles a different frequency range, and the combined system provides comprehensive noise cancellation across the entire audible spectrum. The control circuitry also performs multiple functions by processing signals for multiple speakers and coordinating their operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple speakers with different characteristics are merged into a unified speaker array system. The individual speakers are combined within each earcup, and their outputs are integrated to produce a comprehensive noise cancellation effect that covers the full frequency range, greater than what any single speaker could achieve alone.
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 enhances noise cancellation performance across the entire frequency range, providing improved hearing protection and sound quality by distributing resonance and reducing background noise interference, thereby achieving a more balanced noise reduction curve and enhanced audio fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of speakers (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226) providing active noise cancellation over a total frequency range, each speaker providing active noise cancellation for a narrow frequency range which is a portion of the total frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate generally to devices and methods for improved active noise cancellation hearing protection. For example, multiple speakers might be used in each earcup, with each speaker providing active noise cancellation for a narrow frequency range which is a portion of the total frequency range of the entire array of speakers. By dividing the active noise cancellation up across an array of speakers, each speaker can better target its specific narrow frequency range, resulting in improved active noise cancellation.