Variable Impedance Voice Coil Loudspeaker Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current loudspeakers with switchable dual voice coils often have impractical impedance values, leading to low output sensitivity and current delivery issues, and complex installation procedures that can result in mistakes and miscalculations.

Innovation Solution

A variable-impedance loudspeaker design featuring multiple voice coils and a switch that allows for configuration changes between different impedance values, ensuring the same electrical parameters and simplified installation by connecting coils in series or parallel configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If switchable dual voice coil loudspeakers use 2-ohm/8-ohm or 1-ohm/4-ohm impedance configurations, then impedance switching is enabled, but output sensitivity becomes low and current delivery problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance switching capabilityVSAvoidoutput sensitivity and current delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the impedance parameter by configuring multiple voice coils in different series/parallel combinations through a switch, enabling the loudspeaker to operate at 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm impedances. This allows optimization of both output sensitivity and current delivery for different amplifier configurations without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The loudspeaker is divided into multiple voice coils (typically three coils) that can be independently configured. By segmenting the voice coil system, the patent enables flexible impedance switching while maintaining reliable electrical parameters through proper configuration of the segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple voice coils are configured for impedance switching, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance configuration flexibilityVSAvoidvoice coil configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voice coil assembly is designed to serve multiple impedance functions (2-ohm, 4-ohm, 8-ohm) through a single integrated structure with a switch. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate loudspeakers for different impedances, while maintaining adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple voice coils are merged into a single assembly that can be configured for different impedances. The coils are physically combined and electrically interconnected through a switch, simplifying the overall structure while enabling impedance switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If installation procedures require complex wiring configurations for impedance switching, then impedance flexibility is achieved, but ease of installation deteriorates due to mistakes and miscalculations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance selection flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The loudspeaker is designed to be self-configuring through an integrated switch that allows the user to select the desired impedance without complex external wiring. The device serves itself by providing built-in impedance switching, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures and reducing mistakes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

An integrated switch acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between the voice coils and the external circuit. This intermediary element enables impedance switching while maintaining ease of installation by providing a straightforward user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables flexible impedance switching between 2-ohm and 4-ohm configurations with optimized loudspeaker characteristics, such as electromotive force and sound pressure level, while simplifying the installation process by maintaining consistent electrical parameters across different impedance settings.

Implementation Method 1

Due to the Lorenz force acting on the coil material positioned in the permanent magnetic field, the alternating current corresponding to electrical signals conveying audio signals actuates the voice coil to reciprocate back and forth in the air gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

The motor system functions as an electro acoustic transducer... The voice-coil, supported by the former, is coupled to the apex of the diaphragm so that the current that flows through the voice-coil and causes the voice-coil to move in the air gap also causes the diaphragm to move

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8761433B2Variable impedance voice coil loudspeaker
Publication Date: 2014.06.24 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • US8761433B2 patent drawing
  • US8761433B2 patent drawing
  • US8761433B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A variable-impedance electro acoustic transducer having multiple voice coils is disclosed. In one implementation, the loudspeaker includes a coil former around which three coils are wound, and a switch in communication with two of the coils such that when the switch is in a first position the loudspeaker has a first net impedance value, and when the switch is in a second position the loudspeaker has a second net impedance value. The impedance can be optimized to provide a driver with unique characteristics in each mode, including, but not limited to ideal amplifier drive impedances, similar or differing driver efficiencies, and varying bass performance in each mode.