Vented Audio Transducer Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speakers face challenges in providing high-quality sound with reduced intermodulation distortion and frequency peaks, especially in compact devices, due to acoustic modes under the diaphragm that affect frequency response and noise cancellation performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of vents between the diaphragm and the voice coil, formed by adhesive discontinuities and radially extending protuberances, fluidly couples the volume under the dome with the volume under the surround, equalizing pressure and reducing intermodulation distortion by allowing airflow between the two volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional speaker design is used, then the device structure is simple, but intermodulation distortion and frequency peaks occur due to acoustic modes under the diaphragm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the internal volume of the speaker into separate regions using a partition structure. The first volume (behind the diaphragm) and second volume (behind the surround) are fluidly coupled through vents but acoustically separated, allowing independent pressure management and reducing harmful acoustic modes while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vents as intermediary elements that fluidly couple the first and second volumes. These vents allow controlled airflow between the two separated volumes, equalizing pressure and reducing intermodulation distortion without requiring direct connection or complex acoustic management
2Reliability
If vents are added to equalize pressure, then intermodulation distortion is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vent structure with existing speaker components. The vents are formed as discontinuities in the adhesive layer or as integrated features of the diaphragm assembly, merging the pressure equalization function with the existing structural elements rather than adding separate discrete components
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure and vents serve multiple functions simultaneously: they separate acoustic volumes to reduce standing waves, provide pressure equalization pathways, and can be integrated with the mechanical assembly structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components
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 achieves a flattened frequency response and significantly reduces intermodulation distortion by up to 40% compared to conventional speakers, enhancing sound quality and noise cancellation performance.
Implementation Method 1
vents that fluidly couple a first volume under a dome of the audio transducer with a second volume under a surround of the audio transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the subject technology provide vented audio transducers such as vented speakers. A speaker assembly may define a first volume under a dome of the speaker and a second volume under a surround of the speaker. The first volume and the second volume may be separated by a speaker structure such as a voice coil. By venting the first volume to the second volume, the disclosed vented speakers can provide a flatter response at high frequencies and lower distortion relative to conventional speakers, by equalizing the pressure under the diaphragm during operation.