Omni-directional Speaker Deflector with Absorbing Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional acoustic deflectors in speaker systems exhibit artifacts in the acoustic spectrum due to acoustic modes present between the acoustic driver and the acoustic deflector, which affect the resonant response of omni-directional speaker systems.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a deflector sub-assembly with a pair of diametrically opposed omni-directional acoustic deflectors, each with a truncated conical shape and acoustically absorbing material, forms a shared acoustic chamber that attenuates specific acoustic modes, and recesses on the deflectors' surfaces further refine the acoustic spectrum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional acoustic deflector is used in a speaker system, then the speaker system can redirect acoustic energy, but acoustic modes are present between the acoustic driver and the acoustic deflector causing artifacts in the acoustic spectrum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic energy redirectionVSAvoidacoustic modes causing artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic deflector is divided into multiple segments or zones with different acoustic properties. The deflector includes a first portion and a second portion that can be independently configured to manage different acoustic modes, allowing the system to redirect acoustic energy while suppressing artifacts through segmented acoustic control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the acoustic deflector are assigned different local acoustic characteristics. The first portion may have one acoustic impedance or geometric configuration while the second portion has different properties, allowing localized suppression of specific acoustic modes while maintaining overall acoustic energy redirection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If acoustic modes are present between the acoustic driver and the acoustic deflector, then the acoustic energy can be transmitted, but resonant artifacts appear in the acoustic spectrum affecting sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic energy transmissionVSAvoidacoustic spectrum uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate acoustic structure or material is introduced between the acoustic driver and the acoustic deflector to mediate the acoustic energy transmission. This intermediary element filters or transforms the acoustic waves to prevent resonant artifacts while maintaining efficient energy transmission from the driver to the deflector

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic properties of the deflector or the space between the driver and deflector are modified by changing physical parameters such as acoustic impedance, geometric dimensions, or material properties. These parameter changes are designed to suppress resonant frequencies and eliminate artifacts in the acoustic spectrum while preserving acoustic energy transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the acoustic spectrum by eliminating resonant artifacts, providing a more uniform sound distribution and maintaining high-frequency coverage without directional orientation requirements, suitable for mobile speaker systems.

Implementation Method 1

The pair of diametrically opposed acoustic deflectors form a shared acoustic chamber that attenuates specific acoustic modes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

Each of the acoustic sub-assemblies includes an acoustic driver for radiating acoustic energy toward an associated one of the acoustic deflectors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3292701B1Omni-directional speaker system and related devices and methods
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 BOSE CORP
  • EP3292701B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3292701B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3292701B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

An omni-directional speaker system (100) includes a deflector subassembly (104) and a pair of acoustic sub-assemblies (102a, 102b). The deflector sub-assembly (104) includes a pair of diametrically opposed acoustic deflectors (114a, 114b). Each of the acoustic subassemblies (102a, 102b) includes an acoustic driver (108a, 108b) for radiating acoustic energy toward an associated one of the acoustic deflectors (104). The acoustic sub-assemblies are coupled together via the deflector sub-assembly.