Low-Profile Speaker Suspension System for Thin Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronics devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets face challenges in housing high-fidelity speakers due to limited space, requiring speaker enclosures with low rise (height) that compromise audio performance.
Innovation Solution
A speaker assembly with a frame, magnet assembly, sound radiation surface, and a resilient suspension member that extends in the z-height direction, allowing the sound radiation surface to be suspended over the magnet assembly without increasing the overall height, thus maintaining a low rise design while enhancing acoustic radiation surface area and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a traditional speaker enclosure is used, then acoustic radiation surface area is improved, but device height (z-axis) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension member is configured to extend substantially entirely within a footprint of the sound radiating surface in the x-y plane, confining the suspension structure to the horizontal plane rather than allowing it to extend vertically. This dimensional reorganization enables the speaker to maintain a low z-height while preserving adequate acoustic radiation surface area, as the suspension system no longer occupies vertical space that would increase device height.
2Length of moving object
If speaker enclosure height is reduced, then device integration is improved, but acoustic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By reconfiguring the suspension member to operate primarily in the horizontal plane (x-y footprint) rather than extending vertically, the invention maintains adequate acoustic radiation surface area within a reduced z-height envelope. This dimensional shift preserves acoustic performance while enabling integration into thin consumer electronics devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension member is designed with specific geometric parameters (extension distance in x and y directions, confinement within footprint) that optimize the balance between acoustic radiation surface area and overall device height. By carefully controlling these dimensional parameters, the speaker achieves low rise while maintaining sufficient acoustic output area for acceptable sound quality.
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
The solution enables improved acoustic performance by increasing the acoustic radiation surface area and maintaining a low rise design, suitable for integration into compact consumer electronics devices without compromising sound quality.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension member may be resilient such that it can expand and contract in the z-height direction in response to movement of the sound radiating surface
Implementation Method 2
The voice coil may extend from the bottom face of the sound radiating surface such that it is aligned with a magnetic flux gap formed within the magnet assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker driver including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. A sound radiating surface may be suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface may include a top face and a bottom face, and the bottom face may face the magnet assembly. A suspension member may suspend the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly. The suspension member may include a top side connected to the bottom face of the sound radiating surface and a bottom side connected to the magnet assembly. A voice coil extends from the bottom face of the sound radiating surface.