Speaker Module With Common Acoustic Spout For IEMs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing In Ear Monitors (IEMs) and similar devices require multiple receivers to achieve desired frequency range extension and sound pressure, which complicates the mounting and sealing of sound tubes, occupying excessive space and affecting acoustical properties.

Innovation Solution

A speaker module comprising two transducers where one transducer outputs sound via the other, with a movable diaphragm dividing the inner space into chambers and venting openings for frequency adaptation, allowing for acoustical connection without physical abutment, and optional filtering means for sound guidance and positioning flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple receivers with separate sound outlets are used to extend frequency range and increase sound pressure, then the required performance in terms of frequency range extension and maximum sound pressure capability is improved, but the space required by sound tubes and sealing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound pressure capabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by sound tubes

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sound output paths of multiple receivers by connecting their sound outlets to a common sound tube. This allows multiple receivers to share a single sound conducting member, reducing the total space required while maintaining the sound pressure capability through combined output from multiple transducers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common sound tube serves multiple functions by accommodating sound output from multiple receivers simultaneously. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate sound tubes for each receiver, thereby reducing overall device volume while preserving the enhanced sound pressure capability provided by multiple receivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If multiple receivers with separate sound outlets are used to extend frequency range and increase sound pressure, then the required performance in terms of frequency range extension and maximum sound pressure capability is improved, but the sealing complexity and mounting difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound pressure capabilityVSAvoidsealing and mounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate sound outlets into a single common sound tube connection point. This merging reduces the number of sealing interfaces and mounting operations required, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the sound pressure enhancement from multiple receivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the receivers into multiple transducers that can be independently configured but share a common sound output path. This segmentation allows for flexible mounting and sealing arrangements where the common sound tube can be connected to multiple receivers in various configurations, simplifying the sealing and mounting complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If sound outlets of multiple receivers are connected to separate sound tubes, then each receiver can output sound independently, but the space required and acoustical properties are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent sound output capabilityVSAvoidspace occupied by sound tubes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sound output paths into a single common sound tube while maintaining the ability of multiple receivers to output sound independently. The common sound tube acts as an acoustic distributor that receives sound from multiple transducers and delivers it to the ear canal, reducing space requirements without compromising independent sound output capability.

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 configuration simplifies the mounting and sealing of multiple receiver outputs, reduces space requirements, and enhances sound pressure while maintaining desired frequency response, particularly beneficial for hearing prostheses and IEMs that need to fit within the ear canal.

Implementation Method 1

the diaphragm should divide the inner space into two chambers, normally called the front and back chamber, where the sound output may be from any of these chambers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 2

Sound or audible sound normally is defined as having a frequency of between 20 Hz and 20 kHz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP1895811B1Multiple receivers with a common acoustic spout

Publication Date: 2016.06.08 SONION NEDERLAND BV

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AI summary

A speaker module for a personal communication device includes two transducers for generating sound on the basis of an electrical signal. One transducer outputs sound to the surroundings from a sound output thereof and the other transducer outputs sound to the surroundings via the first transducer. In this manner, two transducers require only one sound output. The sound from the second transducer may be transmitted through and filtered by an opening in a diaphragm of the first transducer. Filtering elements may be provided between the two transducers.