Phase plug and acoustic lens for direct radiating loudspeaker
AssigneeHarman International Industries, Incorporated
InventorsBrian Sterling, John Sheerin, Douglas Hogue, Peter Premo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A phase plugs or acoustic lens improves the directional audio performance of a loudspeaker. Application of the improved directional audio performance to a sound system in a listening area may improve the performance of the audio system. Configuration of the acoustic lens or phase plug may include both symmetrical and asymmetrical features to provide an improved frequency response and directivity. The improved loudspeaker may provide improved an improved listing location, for example, in a vehicle.
Claims20
An assembly for improving directivity performance of a speaker assembly comprising:
- a speaker assembly having a dustcap coupled to a diaphragm;
- and
- an acoustic lens coupled to the speaker assembly and configured to cover the dustcap and the diaphragm, the acoustic lens comprising:
- a first surface and a second surface that unite to form an edge to define a perimeter;
- an effective aperture through the first and second surfaces comprising a plurality of perforations, the effective aperture comprises a dome surface having an apex and a dome base, the dome surface being convex relative to the dustcap;
- a substantially conical segment that lies between the dome base and the perimeter, where the conical segment is angled from the perimeter to the dome base toward the speaker assembly;
- and
- a mounting feature between the conical segment and the perimeter, the mounting feature mated with the speaker assembly to form a substantially air tight seal between the speaker assembly and the acoustic lens.
An apparatus for improving directivity performance of a speaker assembly comprising:
- a first surface and a second surface that unite to form an edge to define a perimeter;
- an effective aperture through the first and second surfaces comprising a plurality of perforations, the effective aperture comprises a dome surface having an apex and a dome base, the dome surface being convex relative to the first surface;
- a substantially conical segment that lies between the dome base and the perimeter, where the conical segment is angled generally concave relative to the first surface;
- and
- a mounting feature between the conical segment and the perimeter, the mounting feature configured to mate with the speaker assembly to form a substantially air tight seal between the speaker assembly and the apparatus.
An apparatus for improving directivity performance of a speaker assembly comprising:
- a member including a first surface and a second surface;
- where the first surface and the second surface unite to form a first edge to define a perimeter, where the perimeter includes a mounting feature;
- where the first surface and the second surface further unite to form a plurality of perforations arranged to define an effective aperture through the member;
- where the member further includes a solid portion that lies between the effective aperture and the mounting feature, and where at least some portion of the solid portion lies substantially in a first plane;
- where the mounting feature includes a foot feature that lies in a second plane, where the foot feature is conformed to mate with a speaker to form a substantially air tight seal between the speaker and the foot feature of the member;
- where a portion of the effective aperture includes a dome surface having an apex and a dome base, where the apex lies close to the first plane, and the dome base lies close to a third plane, and where the third plane lies between the first plane and the second plane;
- and
- where the member further includes a substantially conical segment that lies between the dome base of the dome surface and the solid portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.