Speaker Resonator System for Acoustic Frequency Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless handheld mobile communication devices face constraints in optimizing the acoustic characteristics of their speakers due to limited operating space within the device, leading to suboptimal frequency response and sound quality.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a resonator system comprising a housing with a first and second enclosure, a port, and acoustic mesh, which creates a controlled volume of air to equalize the frequency response of the speaker, specifically tuning it to a range of 2 kHz to 3.5 kHz by adjusting the dimensions and configuration of the enclosures and port.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the speaker is placed within the device housing without additional enclosures, then the device maintains a compact size, but the frequency response and acoustic characteristics become suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic performanceVSAvoidenclosure structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator system combines multiple enclosure functions (acoustic chamber, resonator cavity, and speaker housing) into an integrated structure. The first enclosure houses the back end of the speaker while the second enclosure covers the front portion, with both working together as a unified acoustic system rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural housing for the speaker, create the resonant acoustic chamber, control air flow through the port, and manage back-wave noise. This multi-functionality improves acoustic performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the dimensions of the enclosures and port are adjusted to tune the frequency response to 2 kHz to 3.5 kHz, then the frequency response is equalized, but the available space within the device is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency responseVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves frequency tuning by changing the physical parameters of the enclosures (dimensions, volume) and port (cross-sectional area, length) to specific values that create the desired resonant frequency range of 2 kHz to 3.5 kHz. These parameter adjustments optimize acoustic performance within the constrained device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The resonator system utilizes the third dimension (depth/volume) efficiently by creating enclosed air chambers that extend within the available device space. The enclosures are configured to maximize acoustic volume while maintaining a compact footprint, effectively using vertical and depth dimensions to achieve proper tuning without increasing device width or height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a resonator system with enclosures and port is implemented, then back-wave noise is reduced and sound quality is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback-wave noiseVSAvoidresonator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the potentially harmful back-wave noise generated by the speaker into a beneficial resonant effect. The enclosed air volume and port configuration create a Helmholtz resonator that transforms unwanted acoustic energy into controlled resonance within the 2 kHz to 3.5 kHz frequency range, improving overall sound quality while managing the back-wave phenomenon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution enhances the acoustic performance of the speaker by equalizing its frequency response, improving sound quality and reducing back-wave noise, while allowing for compact design within the device.

Implementation Method 1

a first volume between the speaker and the first enclosure is formed which is in communication with air surrounding the second end of the port through the interior channel of the port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a resonator system comprising a housing with a first and second enclosure, a port, and acoustic mesh, which creates a controlled volume of air to equalize the frequency response of the speaker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelmholtz resonance: Helmholtz Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS8750549B2Resonator system for a speaker of an electronic device
Publication Date: 2014.06.10 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • US8750549B2 patent drawing
  • US8750549B2 patent drawing
  • US8750549B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system providing a resonator for a transducer of an electronic device is provided. The system comprises a housing defining: a first enclosure having a first opening to house a back end of the transducer and a second opening; a port connected to the first enclosure through the second opening of the first enclosure, the port having a first end, a second end, an interior channel and a second opening in the second end; a second enclosure to cover a front portion of the speaker; and at least one aperture defined in the second enclosure to allow air outside of the electronic device to be in communication with the front of the transducer. When the transducer is mounted into the first enclosure, a first volume between the transducer and the first enclosure is formed which is in communication with air surrounding the second end of the port.