Acoustic horn for an acoustic assembly

An acoustic assembly may include acoustic emitting devices attached to an enclosure. The acoustic assembly may further include an acoustic horn for influencing sound emitted by one or more of the acoustic emitting devices. For example, the acoustic horn may influence a beamwidth of sound emitted by one of the acoustic emitting devices. As a further example, the acoustic horn may influence a first beamwidth of a first acoustic emitting device and a second beamwidth of a second acoustic emitting device in a crossover region between the first acoustic emitting device and the second acoustic emitting device. The acoustic horn may include a waveguide attached to at least one integrator. The at least one integrator may include at least one plug and at least one lens.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein generally relate to an acoustic horn for an acoustic assembly.

BACKGROUND

An example of a conventional acoustic system includes a first transducer and a second transducer in an enclosure. The first transducer operates over a first frequency range, and the second transducer operates over a second frequency range. While the two frequency ranges are not identical, the first frequency range includes an overlap region with the second frequency range. The overlap region is referred to as a crossover region. In the crossover region, a directivity anomaly occurs. The directivity anomaly is due to a first coverage angle of the first transducer and a second coverage angle of the second transducer in the crossover region. More specifically, the first coverage angle differs from the second coverage angle in the crossover region. The differing coverage angles result in a non-uniform dispersion of sound in a listening area. Because of the non-uniform dispersion, a first person in one location of the listening area may have a drastically different listening experience than a second person in another location of the listening area. Moreover, in the conventional acoustic system, the beamwidths of the first transducer and the second transducers may detract from the listening experience. This may be particularly noticeable in the crossover region.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an acoustic assembly includes an enclosure. The enclosure contains at least one acoustic emitting device. Additionally, the acoustic assembly includes an acoustic horn. The acoustic horn is positioned between a removable cover of the acoustic assembly and the at least one acoustic emitting device. Moreover, the acoustic horn includes at least one waveguide, at least one lens, at least one plug, and at least one integrator. The at least one waveguide, the at least one lens, and the at least one plug attach to the at least one integrator.

In another embodiment, an acoustic assembly includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of acoustic emitting devices. The acoustic emitting devices are attached to the enclosure. The enclosure further includes an acoustic horn. The acoustic horn is attached to the enclosure. The acoustic horn is configured to improve a beamwidth in a crossover region of the plurality of acoustic emitting devices. The acoustic horn includes a waveguide, a first integrator, and a second integrator. The first integrator and the second integrator are attached to the waveguide. The second integrator is spaced apart from the first integrator.

In another embodiment, an acoustic assembly includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of acoustic emitting devices. The acoustic emitting devices are attached to the enclosure. The enclosure further includes an acoustic horn. The acoustic horn is attached to the enclosure. The acoustic horn is configured to improve a beamwidth in a crossover region of the plurality of acoustic emitting devices. The acoustic horn is aligned along a bisecting plane and a mirror plane. The bisecting plane is perpendicular to the mirror plane. The acoustic horn includes a waveguide, a first integrator, and a second integrator. The waveguide is aligned along the mirror plane. The first integrator is aligned along the bisecting plane. The second integrator is aligned along the bisecting plane and spaced apart from the first integrator. The first integrator includes a plug and at least one lens. The plug of the first integrator is aligned along the bisecting plane. The at least one lens of the first integrator is offset from the bisecting plane and the mirror plane. The second integrator includes a plug and at least one lens. The plug of the second integrator is aligned along the bisecting plane and spaced apart from the plug of the first integrator. The at least one lens of the second integrator is offset from the bisecting plane and the mirror plane. Further, the at least one lens of the second integrator is spaced apart from the at least one lens of the first integrator.

In another embodiment, an acoustic assembly includes a plurality of acoustic emitting devices. The acoustic assembly further includes an acoustic horn. The acoustic horn improves a beamwidth in a crossover region of the acoustic emitting devices. A first acoustic emitting device outputs sound over a first frequency range. A second acoustic emitting device outputs sound over a second frequency range. The first frequency range partially overlaps with the second frequency range. Because of that, the first frequency range includes a first crossover region with the second frequency range. The acoustic horn alters the sound from the first acoustic emitting device. For example, the alteration of the sound may occur via a plug and an integrator of the acoustic horn. The plug may be attached to the integrator. The alteration of the sound from the first acoustic emitting device occurs in the first crossover region. Moreover, this alteration of the sound from the first acoustic emitting device changes a first beamwidth in the crossover region from a non-linear-curve for sound coverage angle versus frequency to a substantially linear, decreasing line for sound coverage angle versus frequency. This change improves the first beamwidth. This is because the change creates a more linearized, decreasing line than before for the first beamwidth. This is a desirable change, which is due to the acoustic horn's influence on the sound from the first acoustic emitting device.

Additionally, the acoustic horn alters the sound from the second acoustic emitting device. For example, this alteration may occur via a lens and the integrator. The lens may be attached to the integrator. The alteration of the sound from the second acoustic emitting device occurs in the first crossover region. Moreover, this alteration changes a second beamwidth in the crossover region from a non-linear curve for sound coverage angle versus frequency to a substantially linear, decreasing line for sound coverage angle versus frequency. Similarly, this change improves the second beamwidth. This is because the change creates a more linearized, decreasing line than before for the second beamwidth. This is a desirable change, which is due to the acoustic horn's influence on the sound from the second acoustic emitting device. The substantially linear, decreasing line of the improved first beamwidth may be parallel to the substantially linear, decreasing line of the improved second beamwidth.

Further, the acoustic horn may alter and improve one or more additional beamwidths, which may be in one or more additional crossover regions. For example, the acoustic horn may alter and improve a third beamwidth and a four beamwidth in a second crossover region between the second acoustic emitting device and a third acoustic emitting device. For example, this alteration may occur via the lens and the integrator, as well as a waveguide. The waveguide may be attached to the integrator. Similarly, the alteration and improvement of the third and fourth beamwidths may change from non-linear curves to yielding substantially linear, decreasing lines for sound coverage angle versus frequency. The changes may create more linearized, decreasing lines than before—i.e., without the acoustic horn. Moreover, the substantially linear, decreasing line of the improved third beamwidth may be parallel to the substantially linear, decreasing line of the improved fourth beamwidth.

In another embodiment, an acoustic assembly includes an enclosure. A first transducer is attached to the enclosure. The first transducer may emit sound along a first path over a first frequency range. A second transducer is attached to the enclosure. The second transducer may emit sound along a second path over a second frequency range. An acoustic horn is attached to the enclosure. The acoustic horn may be positioned to at least partially extend into the first path and the second path. The acoustic horn may adjust at least one beamwidth in a crossover region of the first frequency range and the second frequency range. For example, the acoustic horn may adjust the beamwidth of the first transducer in the crossover region of the first frequency range and the second frequency range. As another example, the acoustic horn may adjust the beamwidth of the second transducer in the crossover region of the first frequency range and the second frequency range. The acoustic horn includes a waveguide. The waveguide may be positioned to at least partially extend into the first path. The acoustic horn further includes an integrator. The integrator is attached to the waveguide. The integrator may be positioned to at least partially extend into the second path.

In another embodiment, an acoustic assembly includes an enclosure. The acoustic assembly further includes a plurality of transducers that are supported by the enclosure. The plurality of transducers includes a first transducer and a second transducer. The first transducer may emit sound along a first path over a first frequency range. The second transducer may emit sound along a second path over a second frequency range. The acoustic assembly further includes an acoustic horn attached to the enclosure. The acoustic horn may be positioned to at least partially extend into the first path of the first transducer and the second path of the second transducer. The acoustic horn may adjust at least one beamwidth in a crossover region of the first frequency range and the second frequency range. The acoustic horn is aligned along a first plane that bisects the enclosure and a second plane that is arranged perpendicular to the first plane. The acoustic horn includes a waveguide aligned along the second plane. The acoustic horn further includes a first integrator aligned along the first plane. The acoustic horn further includes a second integrator aligned along the first plane and spaced from the first integrator.

In another embodiment, an acoustic assembly includes an enclosure. The acoustic assembly further includes a first plurality of transducers attached to the enclosure. The first plurality of transducers may emit sound over a first frequency range. The acoustic assembly further includes a second plurality of transducers attached to the enclosure. The second plurality of transducers may emit sound over a second frequency range. The acoustic assembly further includes a third plurality of transducers attached to the enclosure. The third plurality of transducers may emit sound over a third frequency range. The acoustic assembly further includes an acoustic horn positioned on the enclosure. The acoustic horn may adjust at least one beamwidth in a crossover region of the first frequency range and the second frequency range. The acoustic horn may adjust at least one beamwidth in a crossover region of the second frequency range and the third frequency range. The acoustic horn includes a waveguide, a first integrator attached to the waveguide, and a second integrator attached to the waveguide and spaced from the first integrator.

As such, the inclusion of the acoustic horn is desirable because of its influence on sound from the acoustic emitting devices in the acoustic assembly. The acoustic horn in one or more embodiments may be used to improve a beamwidth of the acoustic assembly. This may be by adjusting one or more beamwidths in a crossover region. This may be by altering the path(s) of sound emitted by one or more of the acoustic emitting devices. The acoustic horn may therefore correct the path(s) to achieve a desired beamwidth, such as in a crossover region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of an acoustic assembly100, which is in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The acoustic assembly100includes an enclosure101. The enclosure101may include a modular construction, an integral construction, such as from a molding process, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the enclosure101may include an exterior shape, which may appear cubic, rectangular, trapezoidal, spherical, conical, cylindrical, ellipsoidal, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, pyramidal, or another multi-sided three-dimensional shape.

Further inFIG. 1, a cover102may removably attach to the enclosure101. The cover102may be removably attached to the enclosure101by fasteners, adhesives, and/or other ways known in the art. Moreover, the cover102may be shaped similarly or identical to one or more sides of the enclosure101. Furthermore, the cover102may be a solid panel or an acoustically transparent grille. Using the solid panel as the cover102may be desirable for use during set-up, tear-down, transportation, and/or storage of the acoustic assembly100. When the solid panel is attached to the enclosure101, sensitive and/or critical components, such as a loudspeaker diaphragm, that would otherwise be exposed to the surroundings may be completely covered and protected. The protection from the surroundings may be due to the solid panel's robust design, which is able to withstand forces commonly experienced with set-up, tear-down, transportation, and/or storage of the acoustic assembly100. Under such forces, the solid panel will not fail. Conversely without the solid panel, such forces could impact the sensitive and/or critical components directly, which could cause those components to fail. Alternatively, to the solid panel, using the acoustically transparent grille as the cover102may be desirable during operation of the acoustic assembly100. During operation, the acoustically transparent grille does not interfere with sound waves produced from the acoustic assembly100. As another alternative, the cover102may be removed completely before operating the acoustic assembly100.

The acoustic assembly100may be removably attached to one or more additional acoustic assemblies. For example, one or more additional acoustic assemblies may be removably attached to the acoustic assembly100to create a line-array. The line-array may be hung, such as to a rafter or scaffolding, above a ground floor.

InFIG. 2, the enclosure101of the acoustic assembly100is illustrated without the cover102. As an example of removal, the cover102may have been detached, such as by unscrewing threaded fasteners, from a first side103and a second side104of the enclosure101. After detaching, the cover102may have been removed from the enclosure101.

In the enclosure101, the first side103may be laterally spaced from the second side104along an X axis. The first side103may generally be parallel to the second side104, and the first side103may generally mirror the shape of the second side104. Further on shape, the first side103and the second side104may include tapered portions, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Additionally, the first side103and the second side104may attach to a top side105, a bottom side106, and a back side107. The top side105may be laterally spaced from the bottom side106along a Y axis. The Y axis may be oriented 90 degrees to the X axis. Additionally, the back side107may attach to the top side105and the bottom side106. The first side103, the second side104, the top side105, the bottom side106, and the back side107may define a cavity108for receiving at least one acoustic emitting device109, such as a loudspeaker or a compression driver. To receive the at least one acoustic emitting device109, the cavity may include a frame110. The frame110may attach to the first side103, the second side104, the top side105, the bottom side106, and/or the back side107. Alternatively, the frame110may be integrally formed with the first side103, the second side104, the top side105, the bottom side106, and/or the back side107.

Additionally, the acoustic assembly100may include at least one acoustic horn111. The at least one acoustic horn111at least partially covers the at least one acoustic emitting device109. The at least one acoustic horn111may improve one or more acoustical parameters of the acoustic assembly. For example, the at least one acoustic horn111may be designed to achieve a desired directivity of the acoustic assembly100. As another example, the acoustic horn111may be designed to achieve a smooth, uninterrupted transition across frequency bands, which at least range from a low frequency (20 Hz) to a high frequency (20 KHz). Furthermore, the at least one acoustic horn111may attach to the first side103, the second side104, the top side105, the bottom side106, the back side107, the at least one acoustic emitting device109, and/or the frame110. The attachments between the first side103, the second side104, the top side105, the bottom side106, the back side107, the at least one acoustic emitting device109, the frame110, and/or the acoustic horn111may be serviceable or non-serviceable and may occur by fasteners, adhesive, and/or other ways known in the art.

FIG. 3illustrates an exploded view of the acoustic horn111for the acoustic assembly100. The acoustic assembly100may include at least one waveguide112, at least one lens113, at least one plug114, and/or at least one integrator115. The at least one waveguide112, the at least one lens113, and the at least one plug114may attach to the at least one integrator115. The attachments may be permanent or non-permanent and may occur by fasteners, adhesive, and or/or other ways known in the art. Additionally, as part of the attachments, a vibration absorbing layer (not shown) may be placed between the at least one integrator115and the at least one waveguide112, the at least one lens113, and/or the at least one plug114. Alternatively, the at least one waveguide112, the at least one lens113, and/or the at least one plug114may be integrally formed with the at least one integrator115.

As an example of the acoustic horn111in the acoustic assembly100, when the at least one acoustic emitting device109in the acoustic assembly100includes at least one high-frequency compression driver, the at least one waveguide112may be positioned in front of an output opening of the at least one high-frequency compression driver. Positioning the at least one waveguide112in that manner allows the at least one waveguide112to receive and influence a sound wave—such as directivity—from the at least one high-frequency compression driver. In addition to positioning, the at least one waveguide112may attach to the at least one high-frequency compression driver.

As a further example, when the at least one acoustic emitting device109in the acoustic assembly100includes at least one mid-frequency loudspeaker, the at least one lens113may be positioned in front of an output side of the at least one mid-frequency loudspeaker. Positioning the at least one lens113in that manner allows the at least one lens113to receive and influence a sound wave—such as directivity—from the at least one mid-frequency loudspeaker. In addition to positioning, the at least one lens113may attach to the at least one mid-frequency loudspeaker.

As another example, when the at least one acoustic emitting device109in the acoustic assembly100includes at least one low-frequency loudspeaker, the at least one plug114may be positioned in front of an output side of the at least one low-frequency loudspeaker. Positioning the at least one plug114in that manner allows the at least one plug114to receive and influence a sound wave—such as directivity—from the at least one low-frequency loudspeaker. Furthermore, one or more of the at least one waveguide112, the at least one lens113, the at least one plug114, and the at least one integrator115may include at least one through-hole aperture116, such as a slotted opening, for directing sound waves there-through.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of the acoustic horn111for the acoustic assembly100. In the example, the acoustic horn111aligns along an X′ plane containing the X axis. Additionally, the acoustic horn111aligns along a Y′ plane containing the Y axis. Like the X and Y axes, the X′ plane is oriented 90 degrees to the Y′ plane. The acoustic horn111includes a center point117that is positioned along a line at the intersection of the X′ plane and the Y′ plane. The center point117may correspond to the intersection of the X axis and the Y axis. Based on the design of the acoustic horn111, the acoustic horn111may include a desired directivity in the X′ plane. Additionally, based on the design of the acoustic horn111, the acoustic horn111may include a desired directivity in the Y′ plane.

Along the X′ plane, the acoustic horn111includes a horizontal length H, which runs in the direction of the X axis. And along the Y′ plane, the acoustic horn includes a vertical length V, which runs in the direction of the Y axis. The horizontal length H is greater than the vertical length V. Furthermore, the Y′ plane may act as a first mirror such that a first portion of the acoustic horn111mirrors a second portion of the acoustic horn111. Additionally, the X′ plane may act as a second mirror such that a third portion of the acoustic horn111mirrors a fourth portion of the acoustic horn111.

In the example ofFIG. 4, the acoustic horn111includes one waveguide112. The one waveguide112extends along the Y′ plane. The one waveguide112may do so in the direction of the Y axis. The one waveguide112includes at least one through-hole aperture116. In addition to the one waveguide112, the acoustic horn includes four lenses113. The four lenses113may be evenly distributed around the X′ plane and Y′ plane. Additionally, the four lenses113may be adjacent to the one waveguide112. Each of the four lenses113includes at least one through-hole aperture116. In addition to the four lenses113, the acoustic horn111includes two plugs114. The two plugs114are laterally spaced from one another along the X′ plane. The lateral spacing of the two plugs114may be done in the direction of the X axis. In addition to the two plugs114, the acoustic horn111includes two integrators115. The two integrators115may be adjacent to the one waveguide112. Each of the two integrators115includes at least one through-hole aperture116, which may be in fluid communication with one or more of the through-hole apertures116of the lenses113. The one waveguide112, the four lenses113, and the two plugs114may attach to the two integrators115. When attached, the two plugs114and the two integrators115form two sealed chambers118. The two sealed chambers118may be hollow or filled with a material. The two chambers118may act as resonators when used in the acoustic assembly100.

The two plugs114include overall horizontal lengths L along the X′ plane, which run in the direction of the X axis. Additionally, the two plugs include overall vertical lengths D, which are in directions parallel to the Y axis on the Y′ plane. The overall horizontal lengths L are greater than the vertical lengths D. The perimeters of the two plugs114are non-circular and include arcuate tapered segments119. On the two plugs114, with reference to the Y axis on the Y′ plane, the arcuate tapered segments119begin at starting points120furthest from the X axis on the X′ plane. And, again with reference to the Y axis on the Y′ plane, the arcuate tapered segments119taper to end points121that are closer to the X axis on the X′ plane than their respective starting points120. From the arcuate tapered segments119, radial segments122may complete the perimeters of the two plugs114. Like the two plugs114, the two integrators115include arcuate tapered segments123and radial segments124, which correspond to the arcuate tapered segments119and the radial segments of the two plugs114. The surfaces of the two plugs114may be smooth. Alternatively, the surfaces of the two plugs114may include one or more protrusions125and/or indentations126.

FIGS. 6 through 11illustrate an acoustic assembly200, which is in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. The acoustic assembly200includes an enclosure201. A cover202removably attaches to the enclosure201. In particular, the cover202removably attaches to a first side203and a second side204of the enclosure201. Additionally, the first side203and the second side204of the enclosure201attach to a top side205, a bottom side206, and a back side207. The first side203, the second side204, the top side205, the bottom side206, and the back side207define a cavity208for receiving a first low-frequency loudspeaker209, a second low-frequency loudspeaker210, a first mid-frequency loudspeaker211, a second mid-frequency loudspeaker212, a third mid-frequency loudspeaker213, a fourth mid-frequency loudspeaker214, a first high-frequency compression driver215, a second high-frequency compression driver216, and a third high-frequency compression driver217. To receive the two low-frequency loudspeakers209,210, the four mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214, and the three high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217, the cavity includes a frame218. The frame218at least attaches to the bottom side206.

In the acoustic assembly200, the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers209,210are in the cavity208of the enclosure201. The first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers209,210are attached to the frame218. Moreover, the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers209,210align along a first plane219. The first plane219bisects the first low-frequency loudspeaker209. Additionally, the first plane219bisects the second low-frequency loudspeaker210. Along the first plane219, the first low-frequency loudspeaker209is laterally spaced from the second low-frequency loudspeaker210.

Further in the acoustic assembly200, the first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217are aligned along a second plane220. The first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217are attached to the frame218. The second plane220is oriented 90 degrees to the first plane219. The second plane220bisects the first high-frequency compression driver215, as well as the second high-frequency compression driver216and the third high-frequency compression driver217. Unlike the first high-frequency compression driver215and third high-frequency compression driver217, the second high-frequency compression driver216is also aligned along the first plane219. Because of that, the first plane219also bisects the second compression driver216.

Further in the acoustic assembly200, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214are distributed around the first plane219and the second plane220. Because the first plane219and the second plane220intersect, the first plane219and the second plane220form four quadrants: I, II, III, and IV. In quadrant I, the first mid-frequency loudspeaker211is positioned and attached to the frame218. In quadrant II, the third mid-frequency loudspeaker213is positioned and attached to the frame218. In quadrant III, the fourth mid-frequency loudspeaker214is positioned and attached to the frame218. In quadrant IV, the second mid-frequency loudspeaker212is positioned and attached to the frame218.

The first low-frequency loudspeaker209includes a rear face221that faces the back side207. Additionally, the second low-frequency loudspeaker210includes a rear face222that also faces the back side207. Opposite the rear face221, the first low-frequency loudspeaker209includes a front output side223. The front output side223of the first low-frequency loudspeaker209is at least defined by a diaphragm224. When the cover202is attached, the front output side223faces the cover202. Additionally, opposite the rear face222, the second low-frequency loudspeaker210includes a front output side225. The front output side225of the second low-frequency loudspeaker210is at least defined by a diaphragm226. Like the first low-frequency loudspeaker209, the front output side225of the second low-frequency loudspeaker210also faces the cover202, when the cover202is attached.

The first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217include a first output opening227, a second output opening228, and a third output opening229, respectively. When the cover202is attached, the first output opening227, the second output opening228, and the third output opening229face the cover202.

Similar to the first and the second low-frequency loudspeaker209,210, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214include front output sides230,231,232,233, respectively. When the cover202is attached, the front output sides230,231,232,233of the four mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214generally face the cover202. Unlike the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers209,210, though, the front output sides230,231,232,233of the four mid-frequency loudspeakers are angled toward the second plane220.

Furthermore, the acoustic assembly200includes an acoustic horn234. The acoustic horn includes a waveguide235. The waveguide235is aligned along the second plane220. The second plane220bisects the waveguide235. The waveguide235is positioned in front of the first output opening227, the second output opening228, and the third output opening229of the first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217. Because of the positioning, the waveguide235receives and influences sound waves from the first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217. When the cover202is attached, the waveguide235is between the cover202and the first, the second, and the third high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217.

In addition to the waveguide235, the acoustic horn234includes a first lens236, a second lens237, a third lens238, and a fourth lens239. With respect to the first mid-frequency loudspeaker211, the first lens236is positioned in front of the front output side230. With respect to the second mid-frequency loudspeaker212, the second lens237is positioned in front of the front output side231. With respect to the third mid-frequency loudspeaker213, the third lens238is positioned in front of the front output side232. And with respect to the fourth mid-frequency loudspeaker214, the fourth lens239is positioned in front of the front output side233. Because of the positioning, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth lenses236,237,238,239receive and influence sound waves from the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214. When the cover202is attached, the first, the second, the third, and the fourth lenses236,237,238,239are positioned between the cover202and the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214.

In addition, the acoustic horn234includes a first plug240and a second plug241. With respect to the first low-frequency loudspeaker209, the first plug240is positioned in front of the front output side223. With respect to the second low-frequency loudspeaker210, the second plug241is positioned in front of the front output side225. Because of the positioning, the first and the second plugs240,241receive and influence sound waves from the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers209,210. When the cover202is attached, the first and the second plugs240,241are positioned between the cover202and the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers209,210.

Further, the acoustic horn234includes a first integrator242and a second integrator243. The waveguide235, the first lens236, the second lens237, and the first plug240are attached to the first integrator242. The waveguide235, the third lens238, and the fourth lens239, and the second plug241are attached to the second integrator243. The first integrator242at least covers the first mid-frequency loudspeaker211, the second mid-frequency loudspeaker212, and the first plug240. The second integrator243at least covers the third mid-frequency loudspeaker213, the fourth mid-frequency loudspeaker214, and the second plug241. When the cover202is attached, the cover202covers the first integrator242and the second integrator243.

The first plug240may have a convex side244, and the second plug241may have a convex side245. With respect to the first plug240, the convex side244may face the diaphragm224of the first low-frequency loudspeaker209. The diaphragm224may have a conical shape, which may be a frustoconical shape. The first low-frequency loudspeaker209may have a cone volume246defined by the diaphragm224. The convex side244of the first plug240may be positioned into a portion of the cone volume246. During operation of the first low-frequency loudspeaker209, the diaphragm224, however, does not contact the first plug240. Therefore, the convex side244of the first plug is spaced from the diaphragm224of the first low-frequency loudspeaker209, such that the diaphragm224does not contact the first plug240during operation of the first low-frequency loudspeaker209. Furthermore, during operation, sound waves from the first low-frequency loudspeaker209may travel around the first plug240.

With respect to the second plug241, the convex side245may face the diaphragm226of the second low-frequency loudspeaker210. The diaphragm226may have a conical shape, which may be a frustoconical shape. The second low-frequency loudspeaker210may have a cone volume247defined by the diaphragm226. The cone volume247of the second low-frequency loudspeaker210may equal the cone volume246of the first low-frequency loudspeaker209. The convex side245of the second plug241may be positioned into a portion of the cone volume247of the second low-frequency loudspeaker210. Like the first low-frequency loudspeaker209, during operation of the second low-frequency loudspeaker210, the diaphragm226does not contact the second plug241, because the convex side245is spaced from the diaphragm226. Furthermore, during operation, sound waves from the second low-frequency loudspeaker210may travel around the second plug241.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, when the first integrator242and the first plug240are positioned in front of the first low-frequency loudspeaker209, the first low-frequency loudspeaker includes a first unobstructed area248and a second unobstructed area249. This is because the first integrator242and the first plug240only cover a portion of the front output side223of the first low-frequency loudspeaker209. Like the first integrator242and the first plug240, when the second integrator243and the second plug241are positioned in front of the second low-frequency loudspeaker210, the second low-frequency loudspeaker210includes a first unobstructed area250and a second unobstructed area251. This is also because the second integrator243and the second plug241only cover a portion of the front output side225of the second low-frequency loudspeaker210.

During operation, the acoustic assembly200may include a first crossover region and a second crossover region. The first crossover region may be the overlap in frequency ranges between the low-frequency loudspeakers209,210and at least the mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214. The second crossover region may be the overlap in frequency ranges between the high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217and at least the mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214.

In the first crossover region, the low-frequency loudspeakers209,210may include sound coverage patterns that may be identical to at least the mid-frequency loudspeakers'211,212,213,214sound coverage patterns. For example, in the first crossover region, the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers209,210may include a first sound coverage angle in the first plane219and a second sound coverage angle in the second plane220. Additionally, in the crossover region, at least the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214may include a third sound coverage angle in the first plane219and a fourth sound coverage angle in the second plane220. The first sound coverage angle may be equal to the third sound coverage angle, and the second sound coverage angle may be equal to the fourth sound coverage angle. This may be achieved by the acoustic horn234in the acoustic assembly200.

In the second crossover region, the high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217may include sound coverage patterns that may be identical to at least the mid-frequency loudspeakers'211,212,213,214sound coverage patterns. For example, in the second crossover region, the high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217may include a first sound coverage angle in the first plane219and a second sound coverage angle in the second plane220. Additionally, in the second crossover region, at least the first, the second, the third, and the fourth mid-frequency loudspeakers211,212,213,214may include a third sound coverage angle in the first plane219and a fourth sound coverage angle in the second plane220. The first sound coverage angle may be equal to the third sound coverage angle, and the second sound coverage angle may be equal to the fourth sound coverage angle. This may be achieved by the acoustic horn234in the acoustic assembly200.

Additionally or alternatively, the acoustic assembly200may include a third crossover region. The third crossover region may be the overlap in frequency ranges between the low-frequency loudspeakers209,210and the high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217. In the third crossover region, the low-frequency loudspeakers209,210may include sound coverage patterns that may be identical to the high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217. For example, in the third crossover region, the low-frequency loudspeakers209,210may include a first sound coverage angle in the first plane219and a second sound coverage angle in the second plane220. Additionally, in the third crossover region, the high-frequency compression drivers215,216,217include a third sound coverage angle in the first plane219and a fourth sound coverage angle in the second plane220. The first sound coverage angle may be equal to the third sound coverage angle, and the second sound coverage angle may be equal to the fourth sound coverage angle. This may be achieved by the acoustic horn234in the acoustic assembly200.

Therefore during operation, the acoustic horn234in the acoustic assembly200may result in a uniform coverage pattern over a listening area in the first plane219and/or the second plane220. The uniform coverage pattern may result in an improved listening experience for persons located in the listening area. That is because the coverage pattern may not differ at various locations inside of the listening area.

As such, and among other things, embodiments herein may improve directivity for acoustic assemblies that include at least one acoustic emitting device and operate over the audible hearing range (20 Hz to 20 KHz).

FIG. 12illustrates a virtual-simulation300of an acoustic assembly according to one or more embodiments. The virtual-simulation300illustrates ideal horizontal beamwidths for the acoustic assembly (i.e., sound coverage angle in a horizontal plane versus frequency). As such, the virtual-simulation300illustrates a horizontal beamwidth301for at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device, a horizontal beamwidth302for at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device, and a horizontal beamwidth303for at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device.

The virtual-simulation300further illustrates a first crossover region304between the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device and the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device. Further, the virtual-simulation illustrates a second crossover region305between the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device and the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device. In the virtual simulation300, the first crossover region304extends from around 200 Hz to around 600 Hz, and the second crossover region305extends from around 600 Hz to 2,000 Hz.

In the virtual-simulation300, in the first crossover region304, the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device decreases in sound coverage angle as frequency increases. That decrease may be linear. Thus, the decrease in sound coverage angle as frequency increases for the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device in the first crossover region304may have a constant slope. Similarly, in the first crossover region304, the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device decreases in sound coverage angle as frequency increases. That decrease may similarly be linear. Thus, the decrease in sound coverage angle as frequency increases for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device in the first crossover region304may have a constant slope. The slope of decrease for the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device may be equal to the slope of decrease for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device. Alternatively, in the first crossover region304, the curve of decrease for the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device may be parallel to the curve of decrease for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device. The equal slope and/or parallel curves may be a byproduct of the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly. This may be due to the interaction between the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device, the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device, the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device, and the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly.

In the virtual simulation300, in the first crossover region304, the sound coverage angle for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device may be greater than the sound coverage angle for the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device at a given frequency. The net result, however, may yield a constant coverage angle. For example, as the virtual-simulation300illustrates, in the first crossover region304, the net result yields or substantially yields a sound coverage angle of 100 degrees. The net result may be a byproduct of the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly. This may be due to the interaction between the at least one low-frequency acoustic emitting device, the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device, and the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly.

In the virtual-simulation300, in the second crossover region305, the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device decreases in sound coverage angle as frequency increases. That decrease may be linear. Thus, the decrease in sound coverage angle as frequency increases for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device in the second crossover region305may have a constant slope. Similarly, in the second crossover region305, the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device decreases in sound coverage angle as frequency increases. That decrease may similarly be linear. Thus, the decrease in sound coverage angle as frequency increases for the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device in the second crossover region305may have a constant slope. The slope of decrease for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device may be equal to the slope of decrease for the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device. Alternatively, in the first crossover region304, the curve of decrease for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device may be parallel or substantially parallel to the curve of decrease for the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device.

In the virtual simulation300, in the second crossover region305, the sound coverage angle for the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device may be less than the sound coverage angle for the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device at a given frequency. The net result, however, may yield a constant coverage angle. For example, as the virtual-simulation300illustrates, in the second crossover region305, the net result yields or substantially yields a sound coverage angle of 100 degrees. The net result may be a byproduct of the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly. This may be due to the interaction between the at least one mid-frequency acoustic emitting device, the at least one high-frequency acoustic emitting device, and the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly.

Thus the acoustic horn in the acoustic assembly improves the beamwidths in a given plane, such as the horizontal plane or vertical plane. This improvement may be particularly evident in the crossover regions of the acoustic assembly. In the crossover regions, the acoustic horn may achieve desirable beamwidths.

FIG. 13illustrates results of a mid-frequency test of a modified acoustic assembly400, which is primarily based on the acoustic assembly200ofFIGS. 6-11. Unlike the acoustic assembly200, though, the modified acoustic assembly400does not include a first plug or a second plug, nor does the modified acoustic assembly400include a first integrator that extends over a first low-frequency loudspeaker or a second integrator that extends over a second low-frequency loudspeaker. Instead, the first and the second integrators in the modified acoustic assembly400stop short of the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers. Besides that, though, the modified acoustic assembly is based on the acoustic assembly200ofFIGS. 6-11. The mid-frequency test of the modified acoustic assembly400illustrates a horizontal beamwidth401.

FIG. 14illustrates results of a mid-frequency test of an acoustic assembly500, which is based on the acoustic assembly200ofFIGS. 6-11. Unlike the modified acoustic assembly400, the acoustic assembly500does include a first plug and a second plug, which are positioned in front of a first and a second low-frequency loudspeaker, like in the acoustic assembly200. Moreover, unlike the modified acoustic assembly400, the acoustic assembly500includes a first integrator and a second integrator that does extend over portions of the first and the second low-frequency loudspeakers, like in the acoustic assembly200. With the exceptions regarding the first plug, the second plug, the first integrator, and the second integrator, the modified acoustic assembly400and the acoustic assembly500are identical. The mid-frequency test of the acoustic assembly500illustrates a horizontal beamwidth501.

ComparingFIG. 13toFIG. 14reveals that in a first critical passband between 500 Hz to 1,000 Hz, the horizontal beamwidth401of the modified acoustic assembly400is generally much wider than the horizontal beamwidth501of the acoustic assembly500. Additionally, in a second critical passband between 1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz, the horizontal beamwidth401of the modified acoustic assembly400becomes much narrower than the horizontal beamwidth501of the acoustic assembly500. For the first critical passband and the second critical passband, when a target horizontal beamwidth of 90 degrees is set, based on the tests inFIGS. 16-17, the acoustic assembly500outperforms the modified acoustic assembly400. This is because the horizontal beamwidth501of the acoustic assembly500is closer to the target horizontal beamwidth than the horizontal beamwidth401of the modified acoustic assembly400.

Moreover, the acoustic assembly500outperforms the modified acoustic assembly400because the horizontal beamwidth501of the acoustic assembly500includes a nearly linear decrease in sound coverage angle over frequency between around 100 Hz to around 2,000 Hz. Conversely, the modified acoustic assembly400yields a significantly non-linear curve over that range. The nearly linear decrease for the horizontal beamwidth501of the acoustic assembly500is preferable than the significantly non-linear curve for the horizontal beamwidth of the modified acoustic assembly400. The nearly linear decrease for the horizontal beamwidth501of the acoustic assembly500is closer to the corresponding ideal beamwidth302that is depicted in the virtual-simulation300than the significantly non-linear curve for the horizontal beamwidth401of the modified acoustic assembly400.