Speaker Edge Groove Geometry for Low-Distortion Diaphragm Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speaker units and microphones suffer from asymmetrical deformation of the edge, leading to distorted sound reproduction due to asymmetrical reaction forces and non-linear displacement, particularly at high amplitudes, which is exacerbated in damper-less configurations and open-type headphones.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a groove portion in the edge with a ridge line that extends from the inner to the outer peripheral portion as a continuously changing curve, improving the symmetry and linearity of the edge's reaction force characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional edge shape (rolled edge with semicircular or two semicircles cross-section) is used, then the manufacturing is simple and the structure is easy to form, but the edge causes asymmetrical reaction forces and non-linear displacement leading to sound distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymmetry and linearity of reaction forceVSAvoidedge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The groove portion is formed with a curved cross-section where the ridge line of the valley portion extends from the inner peripheral portion to the outer peripheral portion drawing a continuously changing curve. This curved geometry optimizes the stress distribution and reaction force characteristics of the edge, improving symmetry and linearity while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove portion is positioned at specific locations on the edge (at least one of front or rear sides in the vibration direction) to locally modify the edge properties. This localized modification allows the edge to have different functional characteristics in different regions, improving overall reaction force symmetry without requiring complete redesign of the entire edge structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the edge structure is simplified for easy manufacturing, then the production cost is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the edge cannot provide adequate damping effect and proper vibration control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge formation easeVSAvoiddamping effect and vibration control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The curved cross-section of the groove portion with a continuously changing ridge line can be formed using standard molding or machining processes, maintaining ease of manufacture. The curvature geometry naturally provides optimized stress distribution and damping characteristics without requiring complex multi-step manufacturing procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove portion modifies the physical parameters of the edge (cross-sectional shape, ridge line curvature) to enhance damping effect and vibration control. These parameter changes are achieved through conventional manufacturing methods, balancing improved reliability with ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If inner notch and outer notch are formed on the edge, then sound distortion is reduced, but the edge structure becomes more complex and manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound distortion reductionVSAvoidedge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of forming separate inner and outer notches, the invention uses a single groove portion with a curved cross-section and continuously changing ridge line. This integrated curved structure achieves similar or superior sound distortion reduction while simplifying the overall edge geometry and reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove portion combines the functions of multiple notches into a single integrated structure. By merging the damping and vibration control functions into one curved groove feature, the edge structure complexity is reduced while maintaining or improving sound quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enhances the symmetry and linearity of the edge's reaction force, reducing sound distortion and improving sound quality in both sealed and open-type headphones, especially in applications with noise cancellation and virtual surround sound processing.

Implementation Method 1

The edge has a damping effect on the diaphragm. Furthermore, since the edge itself vibrates as well, the edge functions as part of the diaphragm.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The edge has a damping effect on the diaphragm.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

a diaphragm that is displaced by a drive signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS12538078B2Edge, speaker unit, microphone, and acoustic processing device
Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US12538078B2 patent drawing
  • US12538078B2 patent drawing
  • US12538078B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To provide an edge and the like that improve sound quality. The edge includes an edge-shaped portion that is formed from an inner peripheral portion to an outer peripheral portion, and a groove portion that is formed in the edge-shaped portion and has a peak portion and a valley portion, wherein a ridge line of the valley portion of the groove portion extends from a start point on the inner peripheral portion side to an end point on the outer peripheral portion side so as to draw a continuously changing curve.