Two-Part Speaker System With Converging Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing integrated speaker assemblies that maintain a broad frequency range and desirable acoustic performance in increasingly smaller electronic devices is challenging due to space constraints and aesthetic considerations.

Innovation Solution

A two-part speaker system with a woofer and a tweeter, where the woofer channel and tweeter channel converge into a shared channel leading to a single outlet port, with mesh filters of varying densities to manage sound transmission and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate outlet ports are used for woofer and tweeter, then acoustic performance is improved, but device size and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic performanceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate outlet ports into a single shared outlet port that serves both the woofer and tweeter channels. This merging reduces the number of visible ports on the device exterior, improving aesthetic appearance and reducing device size, while maintaining acoustic performance through proper internal channel design and acoustic coupling structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple separate outlet ports are used for woofer and tweeter, then acoustic performance is improved, but the number of visible ports increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic performanceVSAvoidnumber of visible ports

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple outlet ports into a single shared outlet port that serves both woofer and tweeter channels. This reduces the number of visible ports on the device exterior from multiple to one, simplifying the device appearance while maintaining acoustic performance through proper internal channel design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If woofer and tweeter channels are combined into a shared channel, then device size is reduced, but acoustic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidacoustic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acoustic coupling structures and acoustic barriers as intermediary elements within the shared channel. These intermediaries manage the interaction between woofer and tweeter acoustic waves, reducing harmful interference while allowing both channels to share the same outlet port. The acoustic barriers prevent direct acoustic coupling that would cause interference, while acoustic coupling structures facilitate proper sound transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different acoustic treatments to different regions within the shared channel. Acoustic barriers are positioned in specific locations where interference occurs, while acoustic coupling structures are placed where constructive acoustic interaction is desired. This localized acoustic management reduces interference while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Area of stationary object

If component dimensions are reduced, then device size is reduced, but acoustic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidacoustic performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal speaker arrangement to a vertical stacking configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the speaker assembly can maintain adequate acoustic performance with reduced horizontal footprint, allowing compact device dimensions without sacrificing acoustic quality. The vertical arrangement allows proper spacing between woofer and tweeter while reducing overall device width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 compact, high-performance speaker assemblies that direct sound effectively while minimizing the number of visible ports and reducing acoustic interference between the woofer and tweeter.

Implementation Method 1

the woofer can transmit first acoustic waves having frequencies between 20 Hz and 2 kHz through a woofer channel in fluid communication with the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

the tweeter can transmit second acoustic waves having frequencies between 200 Hz and 20 kHz through a tweeter channel in fluid communication with the outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 3

with mesh filters of varying densities to manage sound transmission and reduce interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic filtering: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250126384A1Two-Part Speaker System

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device can include a housing defining an opening, a speaker pod disposed within the housing, the speaker pod defining a port configured to align with the opening. The speaker pod can include a first speaker in fluid communication with a first channel, and a second speaker in fluid communication with a second channel. The first channel and the second channel converge to the port.