Patent ID: 8991548
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. A suspension element for mechanically coupling an acoustic diaphragm to a stationary element that is spaced from the diaphragm, where the diaphragm has an outer edge, the suspension element comprising: a ring shaped solid mass that is not hollow and that has an inner side and an outer side, where the ring shaped solid mass is made from compliant material, and where the ring shaped solid mass has a width and a thickness, wherein a ratio of the width to the thickness is less than 2:1, and where the ring shaped solid mass is characterized by a substantially straight radial axis; wherein the ring shaped solid mass is located between and mechanically coupled to both the diaphragm and the stationary element, with the inner side of the ring shaped solid mass coupled to outer edge of the diaphragm and the outer side of the ring shaped solid mass coupled to the stationary element; wherein, in operation of the diaphragm the ring shaped solid mass deforms in a direction perpendicular to its radial axis; and wherein, in operation of the diaphragm, the ring shaped solid mass undergoes shear deformation wherein as substantially all planar cross sections of the ring shaped solid mass that are parallel to the deformation direction of the ring shaped solid mass are displaced in the deformation direction, such planar cross sections remain parallel to each other and to the deformation direction.