Vertical Sound Diffusion Device With Variable Curvature Waveguide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sound diffusion systems face challenges in achieving a high sound pressure level (SPL) with a wide range while maintaining coherence and intelligibility, as the vertical directivity of stacked acoustic sources is narrowed and elongated, leading to interference issues and reduced coherence due to the significant size of individual sources.

Innovation Solution

A sound diffusion device with a 'column' type enclosure, featuring a high frequency section and medium frequency sections divided into two subsections aligned vertically, utilizing a waveguide with variable curvature to align acoustic centers and minimize interference, and incorporating a mechanical and electrical interface for modular assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If acoustic sources are stacked vertically to increase sound pressure level and range, then the vertical directivity is narrowed and elongated, but interference between sources increases and coherence/intelligibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound pressure levelVSAvoidcoherence/intelligibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic sources are divided into multiple frequency sections (high frequency section and medium frequency sections) with each section containing sources at different vertical positions. This segmentation allows each frequency band to be optimized independently while maintaining overall coherence through the column arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of acoustic sources to a vertical column arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve narrow vertical directivity and extended horizontal coverage. This dimensional change enables the sound to propagate over longer distances while maintaining intelligibility through proper frequency separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Power

If acoustic sources are arranged at the same point to add contributions correctly, then sound pressure level is maximized, but this is impossible due to the significant volume of acoustic sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound pressure levelVSAvoidarrangement configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple acoustic sources of different frequencies are merged into a single column structure, where the high frequency section and medium frequency sections are positioned vertically adjacent to each other. This merging creates a compact unit that functions as a unified sound diffusion device while maintaining the benefits of multiple distributed sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Length of moving object

If vertical directivity is narrowed to increase range, then audience coverage is extended, but horizontal directivity is reduced and sound distribution becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverangeVSAvoidsound distribution coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different frequency sections are positioned at different vertical locations within the column, with high frequency sources positioned higher than medium frequency sources. This local differentiation creates optimal sound distribution patterns for each frequency band, with high frequencies providing directional focus and medium frequencies providing broader coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local 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 enhances sound coherence and intelligibility by aligning medium and high-frequency acoustic centers, reducing interference, and allowing for a compact design that covers a large audience with consistent sound pressure levels.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a waveguide with variable curvature to align acoustic centers and minimize interference

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic waveguide: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

produce a sound, to broadcast a sound signal by means of an acoustic source, such as a loudspeaker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3574498B1Sound broadcasting system
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 L-ACOUSTICS
  • EP3574498B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3574498B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3574498B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a sound broadcasting device (1) comprising a high-frequency section (2) including at least one high-frequency acoustic source (SHF), and a medium-frequency section (3, 4) including at least two medium-frequency sources (SMF), the acoustic sources (SHF, SMF) being vertically superposed, where the medium-frequency section (3, 4) comprises a lower sub-section (3), arranged below the high-frequency section (2) and comprising at least one medium-frequency acoustic source (SMF), and an upper sub-section (4), arranged above the high-frequency section (2) and comprising at least one medium-frequency acoustic source (SMF), where the vertical directivity of the high-frequency section (2) has an incline, relative to the horizontal (H), that is substantially equal to the incline (θMF) of the vertical directivity of the medium-frequency section (3, 4) relative to the horizontal (H), so that the overall vertical directivity of the device (1) has a non-zero incline (θDir) relative to the horizontal (H).