Speaker Suspension Member Z-Height Expansion
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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 space constraints, requiring speaker enclosures with low rise (z-height) that compromise audio performance.
Innovation Solution
A speaker assembly design featuring a frame, magnet assembly, sound radiation surface, and a resilient suspension member that expands and contracts in the z-height direction, allowing for improved acoustic radiation surface area without increasing the speaker's z-height, and is integrated within portable audio devices for efficient sound output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the speaker enclosure z-height is reduced to meet space constraints in portable devices, then the device compactness is improved, but the acoustic radiation surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension member is configured to extend primarily in the z-height direction rather than radially outward, allowing the acoustic radiation surface area to be increased without increasing the speaker's z-height. This dimensional reorientation enables the sound radiating surface to be larger while maintaining a compact profile suitable for portable devices.
2Strength
If the suspension member extends radially beyond the sound radiating surface, then the structural support is improved, but the acoustic radiation surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension member transitions from a radial configuration to a vertical configuration, extending in the z-height direction between the sound radiating surface and the magnet assembly. This allows structural support to be maintained through vertical tension while maximizing the acoustic radiation surface area by eliminating radial extensions.
3Ease of operation
If the suspension member is made resilient to allow expansion and contraction, then the movement of sound radiating surface is improved, but the structural stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension member exhibits localized resilience only in the z-height direction to permit necessary movement of the sound radiating surface, while maintaining structural stability in radial directions. This anisotropic mechanical property allows the system to achieve both movement capability and overall structural stability.
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 enhances acoustic performance by maintaining a low z-height profile while increasing the acoustic radiation surface area, stabilizing the sound radiating surface, and minimizing rocking or tilting, thus improving sound quality in compact devices.
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 assembly support member that is separate from the magnet assembly. A voice coil extends from the bottom face of the sound radiating surface.