Thin speaker with curved or angled structure

Disclosed are numerous embodiments of speakers of non-conventional shape. In one set of embodiments, each speaker comprises a pair of curved magnets and a curved voice coil plate located between the magnets and parallel to the magnets. In another set of embodiments, each speaker comprises two or more segments attached at an angle to one another, where each segment comprises a pair of bar magnets and a voice coil plate located between the magnets. Optionally, the magnets and voice coil plate can be curved or angled in a third-dimension as well. The embodiments allow for a speaker to be built of almost any shape.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Disclosed are numerous embodiments of speakers with a curved or angled frame. In some embodiments, the speakers are capable of playing bidirectional sound.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A schematic illustration of commonly-used, prior art cone-type speaker100is shown inFIG. 1. Cone-type speaker100usually has a cylindrical shape and uses a cylindrical permanent magnet10. Cone-type speaker100also comprises voice coil11, diaphragm12, basket13, and damper14. Notably, because diaphragm12is cone-shaped, it has a significant height, which sets a limit on how thin the overall speaker structure can be. In addition, T-yoke15has a significant height and also sets a limit on how thin the overall speaker structure can be.

This type of speaker contains a diaphragm whose outer boundary forms a circle when viewed from the top. A speaker with a circular shape often is not suitable for the structure in which the speaker is being placed, which results in an overall design that is inefficient.

What is needed is a speaker whose overall shape can be designed to conform to whatever space is available in the structure in which the speaker is to be placed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are numerous embodiments of speakers of non-conventional shape. In one set of embodiments, each speaker comprises a pair of curved magnets and a curved voice coil plate located between the magnets and parallel to the magnets. In another set of embodiments, each speaker comprises two or more segments attached at an angle to one another, where each segment comprises a pair of bar magnets and a voice coil plate located between the magnets. Optionally, the magnets and voice coil plate can be curved or angled in a third-dimension as well. The embodiments allow for a speaker to be built of almost any shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Features and advantages of the present invention described above will become apparent from the following descriptions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to the descriptions, one with the proper technical expertise will be able to execute the technical idea illustrated in this present invention in the relevant industry. Since this invention can have a variety of different applications and may take different forms and shapes, only specific examples are illustrated through Figures, and the detailed descriptions are found in the main text. However, this is by no means to restrict the present invention to the particular form disclosed; its derivations, equivalents, and substitutes must be understood as embracing all included in the scope of the present invention. The terms used herein are merely used to describe particular examples and are not intended to limit the present invention.

FIG. 2adepicts cross-section201of speaker200. Speaker200comprises magnets110and110′, upper magnetic yokes120and120′, lower magnetic yokes130and130′, diaphragm140, voice coil plate150, coil155, and damper180. Speaker200further comprises speaker frame160, which here comprises wall170and wall170′. In this particular portion of speaker200, wall170and170′ are substantially parallel to one another. Magnets110and110′ are positioned a predetermined distance apart such that the opposite polarities are facing each other. In other words, the north pole of magnet110is positioned so that it is across from the south pole of magnet110′, and the south pole of magnet110is positioned so that it is across from the north pole of magnet110′. Coil155further comprises top section155-1and bottom section155-2. On the end proximate to segment155-1, voice coil plate150is secured to diaphragm140, and on the other end proximate to segment155-2, voice coil plate150is secured to damper180. Damper180is secured to speaker frame160. Diaphragm140is connected to speaker frame160through connector153, which can be made from a flexible material such as rubber.

FIG. 2bdepicts cross-section210of speaker205. Speaker205comprises magnets110and110′, upper magnetic yokes120and120′, lower magnetic yokes130and130′, diaphragm140, diaphragm140′, voice coil plate150, and coil155, as inFIG. 2a. Speaker205further comprises speaker frame160, which here comprises wall170and wall170′, as inFIG. 2a. In this particular portion of speaker205, wall170and170′ are substantially parallel to one another. Magnets110and110′ are positioned as inFIG. 2a. Coil155further comprises top section155-1and bottom section155-2, as inFIG. 2a. On the end proximate to segment155-1, voice coil plate150is secured to diaphragm140, and on the other end proximate to segment155-2, voice coil plate150is secured to diaphragm140′. Diaphragm140and140′ are connected to speaker frame160through connectors153and153′, respectively, which can be made from a flexible material such as rubber. Optionally, either diaphragm140or140′ can be replaced with a damper, resulting in a speaker similar to the speaker ofFIG. 2a.

With respect to bothFIG. 2aandFIG. 2b, upper magnetic yokes120and120′ are attached to the upper part of magnets110and110′, and lower magnetic yokes130and130′ are attached to the lower part of magnets110and110′. In bothFIG. 2aandFIG. 2b, upper magnetic yokes120and120′ and lower magnetic yokes130and130′ contain and direct the magnetic field in the area between the magnets where voice coil plate155resides. In bothFIG. 2aandFIG. 2b, upper magnetic yokes120and120′ and lower magnetic yokes130and130′ optionally may extend beyond magnets110and110′ into the magnetic gap. This can be seen in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2aand inFIG. 2bby gap191between magnetic yokes120and120′ and by gap192between magnetic yokes130and130′, which are both smaller than the gap190between the magnets110and110′. Optionally, magnetic yokes120and120′ may comprise the same magnetic yoke; also, optionally, magnetic yokes130and130′ may comprise the same magnetic yoke.

With respect to bothFIG. 2aandFIG. 2b, voice coil plate150should be positioned in a planar form in the spacing between magnets110and110′. Voice coil155can be fastened to one side of voice coil plate150or on both sides. InFIG. 2a, diaphragm140will be vibrated at a specific frequency range by the magnetic field created by the pair of magnets110and110′ and the electric current flowing in the voice coil155. InFIG. 2b, diaphragms140and140′ each will be vibrated at a specific frequency range by the magnetic field created by the pair of magnets110and110′ and the electric current flowing in the voice coil155.

During operation, coil155receives an electrical audio signal from signal source250(not shown). A magnetic field is induced by magnets110and110′, generally in the direction from the north poles (N) to the south poles (S). During the first half of the signal cycle (defined as the “positive half-cycle”), current flows through coil155-1“out of the page”, and current flows through coil155-2“into the page”. Lorentz forces are generated both by coil155-1interacting with the magnetic forces between top magnetic yokes120and120′ and by coil155-2interacting with the magnetic forces between bottom magnetic yokes130and130′, with the forces aligned in the same direction and pushing voice coil plate150upward, which pushes diaphragm140(and, in the case ofFIG. 2b, diaphragm140′) upward according to the magnitude of the electrical signal from signal source250(not shown). During the second half of the signal cycle (defined as the “negative half-cycle”), current flows through coil155-1“into the page”, and current flows through coil155-2“out of the page”. Since the direction of the current is reversed, the Lorentz forces from the interaction with the magnetic field between120,120′ and130,130′, respectively, will align in the same direction to push voice coil plate150downward, which pushes diaphragm140(and, in the case ofFIG. 2b, also diaphragm140′) downward according to the magnitude of the electrical signal from signal source250(not shown). Thus, the electric audio signal from signal source250is translated into kinetic energy to move diaphragm140(and, in the case ofFIG. 2b, also diaphragm140′), reproducing sound.

Cross-section201of speaker200and cross-section205of speaker210represent basic designs that can be used in speakers of various shapes. The speaker can be shaped into any conceivable three-dimensional contour. Multiple drivers with different voice coil plates, diaphragms, and magnets can be used. In one design approach, a speaker includes an additional driver at every juncture on the contour for which the speaker is required to bend along the third axis (the same axis that would require the coil plate to twist). Other variations of this embodiment that may also be useful may specify an overlap in usage between diaphragms, voice coil plates, coils, and/or magnets between multiple segments of the structure, as needed. In other words, components of the same type implemented in adjacent segments optionally may be combined into substantially the same piece of material to reduce part count, where applicable.

FIG. 3adepicts a cross-section top view of speaker300, which has a curved shape in the form of a half-circle or half-ellipse. Speaker300can be built according to cross-section201shown inFIG. 2a, or according to cross-section205shown inFIG. 2b. An exemplary cross-section301is shown, which corresponds to cross-section201inFIG. 2aor to cross-section205inFIG. 2b, depending on if the design includes diaphragm140′ or damper180, as appropriate.

FIG. 3bshows a top view of speaker300. In one configuration, diaphragm340(corresponding to diaphragm140inFIG. 2a) spans the top of speaker300and is connected to speaker walls370and370′ with a connector353(corresponding to connector153inFIG. 2a). In another configuration, a top diaphragm340and a bottom diaphragm (not shown, corresponding to diaphragm140′ inFIG. 2b) span the top and bottom, respectively, of speaker300, and are connected to speaker walls370and370′ using a top connector353and a bottom connector (not shown, corresponding to connector153′ inFIG. 2b). In either configuration, during operation, voice coil plate350will vibrate upward and downward, causing the diaphragm(s) to vibrate and emit sound.

FIG. 4adepicts a cross-section top view of speaker400, which has the shape of a circle, and can be described as a pipe-ring speaker. Speaker400can be built according to cross-section201shown inFIG. 2a, or according to cross-section205shown inFIG. 2b. An exemplary cross-section401is shown, which corresponds to cross-section201inFIG. 2a, or to cross-section205inFIG. 2b, depending on if the design includes diaphragm140′ or damper180, as appropriate.

FIG. 4bshows a top view of speaker400. In one configuration, diaphragm440(corresponding to diaphragm140inFIG. 2a) spans the top of speaker400and is connected to speaker walls470and470′ with a connector453(corresponding to connector153inFIG. 2a). In another configuration, a top diaphragm440and a bottom diaphragm (not shown, corresponding to diaphragm140′ inFIG. 2b) span the top and bottom, respectively, of speaker400, and are connected to speaker walls470and470′ using a top connector453and a bottom connector (not shown, corresponding to connector153′ inFIG. 2b). In either configuration, during operation, voice coil plate450will vibrate upward and downward, causing the diaphragm(s) to vibrate and emit sound.

Optionally, speaker400can form part of a steering wheel in a vehicle. Speaker400can emit sound in two directions if two diaphragms (corresponding to diaphragms140and140′ inFIG. 2b) are used, or in one direction if only one diaphragm (corresponding to diaphragm140inFIG. 2a), is used. Moreover, frame460of speaker400can provide for an enclosure, so that the steering wheel is provided to include an appropriate defined acoustic space inside. This space, which is defined by the boundaries of the speaker frame, may be airtight, or instead include one or more ports, one or more passive radiators, or may provide for any other suitable acoustic enclosure design.

FIG. 5adepicts a cross-section top view of speaker500, which has a curved shape. In particular,FIG. 5shows the implementation of a speaker shaped like the letter “s”. Speaker500can be built according to cross-section201shown inFIG. 2a, or according to cross-section205shown inFIG. 2b. An exemplary cross-section501is shown, which corresponds to cross-section201inFIG. 2a, or to cross-section205inFIG. 2b, depending on if the design includes diaphragm140′ or damper180, as appropriate.

FIG. 5bshows a top view of speaker500. In one configuration, diaphragm540(corresponding to diaphragm140inFIG. 2a) spans the top of speaker500and is connected to speaker walls570and570′ with a connector553(corresponding to connector153inFIG. 2a). In another configuration, a top diaphragm540and a bottom diaphragm (not shown, corresponding to diaphragm140′ inFIG. 2b) span the top and bottom, respectively, of speaker500, and are connected to speaker walls570and570′ using a top connector553and a bottom connector (not shown, corresponding to connector153′ inFIG. 2b). In either configuration, during operation, voice coil plate550will vibrate upward and downward, causing the diaphragm(s) to vibrate and emit sound.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that speakers comprising any number of possible curved designs can be built using the concepts described above forFIGS. 2-5. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the frame of the speaker can provide for an enclosure with an appropriate defined acoustic space inside. This space, which is defined by the boundaries of the speaker frame, may be airtight, include one or more ports, one or more passive radiators, or may provide for any other suitable acoustic enclosure design.

FIG. 6adepicts a cross-section top view speaker600, which comprises three straight segments600-1,600-2, and600-3, arranged at an angle to one another. In this example, segment600-1and600-2are attached to form an approximately 90 degree angle, and segments600-2and600-3are attached to form an approximately 90 degree angle. It is to be understood that any other angle can be used instead of 90 degrees. Speaker600can be built according to cross-section201shown inFIG. 2a, or according to cross-section205shown inFIG. 2b. Exemplary cross-sections601-1,601-2, and601-3are shown, each of which corresponds to cross-section201inFIG. 2a, or to cross-section205inFIG. 2b, depending on if the section includes diaphragm140′ or damper180, as appropriate.

During the operation of speaker600, each of the segments600-1,600-2, and600-3are driven by a voice coil plate segment650-1,650-2, and650-3, respectively, corresponding to voice coil plate150inFIG. 2aandFIG. 2b. Voice coil plate segments650-1,650-2,650-3may share a single coil655as shown inFIG. 6awound on one or both sides of each voice coil plate segment; or optionally, each segment650-1,650-2,650-3may have a dedicated coil wound on one or both sides of the voice coil plate segment (not shown) and/or within the voice coil plate segment. Each voice coil plate will vibrate upward and downward, causing diaphragm segments640-1,640-2, and640-3to vibrate and emit sound. The coils can be driven by the same electrical signal or by different electrical signals provided by signal source250(not shown) over the necessary number of wires.

FIG. 7adepicts a cross-section top view of speaker700, which comprises five straight segments700-1,700-2,700-3,700-4, and700-5, arranged at an angle to one another. In this example, segments700-1and700-2are attached to form an approximately 90 degree angle, segments700-2and700-3are attached to form an approximately 90 degree angle, segments700-3and700-4are attached to form an approximately 90 degree angle, and segments700-4and700-5are attached to form an approximately 90 degree angle. It is to be understood that any other angle can be used instead of 90 degrees. Speaker700can be built according to cross-section201shown inFIG. 2a, or according to cross-section205shown inFIG. 2b. Exemplary cross-sections701-1,701-2,701-3,701-4, and701-5are shown, each of which corresponds to cross-section201inFIG. 2a, or to cross-section205inFIG. 2b, depending on if the section includes diaphragm140′ or damper180, as appropriate.

During the operation of speaker700, each of the segments700-1,700-2,700-3,700-4, and700-5are driven by a voice coil plate segment750-1,750-2,750-3,750-4, and750-5, respectively, corresponding to voice coil plate150inFIG. 2aandFIG. 2b. Voice coil plate segments750-1,750-2,750-3,750-4,750-5may share a single coil755as shown inFIG. 7awound on one or both sides of each voice coil plate segment; or optionally, each segment750-1,750-2,750-3,750-4,750-5may have a dedicated coil wound within and/or on one or both sides of the voice coil plate segment (not shown). During operation, each voice coil plate will vibrate upward and downward, causing diaphragms740-1,740-2,740-3,740-4, and740-5to vibrate and emit sound. The coils can be driven by the same electrical signal or by different electrical signals provided by signal source250(not shown) over the necessary number of wires.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that speakers comprising any number of possible segments arranged at any number of possible angles can be built using the concepts described above forFIGS. 2, 6, and 7. Optionally, in each of these embodiments, the parts of each segment, such as the frame, diaphragm(s), magnets, magnetic yokes, voice coil plates, coils, and/or dampers may be combined between adjacent segments to build substantially the same speaker with fewer parts as specified in the speaker design. Also, optionally, more than one diaphragm may be attached to any given side of a voice coil plate as specified in the speaker design. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the frame of the speaker can provide for an enclosure with an appropriate defined acoustic space inside. The space may be airtight, include one or more ports, one or more passive radiators, or may provide for any other suitable acoustic enclosure design.

FIG. 8adepicts speaker800from a three-dimensional perspective view, which is curved in three dimensions. This is evident by diaphragm840, frame860, and connector853which are curved in three dimensions. The cross sections of this speaker correspond to that of cross section201, and it is also understood that this speaker could be designed with another diaphragm on the bottom side of the speaker, which would make its cross sections correspond to that of cross section205. The magnets and voice coil plate (not shown) optionally are curved in three-dimensions as well. Electrical terminals, for example terminal865-1and terminal865-2as shown inFIG. 8amay be added to the frame of the speaker as needed.

FIG. 8bdepicts a three-dimensional cross section perspective view of speaker800, which is curved in three dimensions. This particular cross section corresponds to cross section201ofFIG. 2a, but in another embodiment it would be possible to design speaker800to correspond to cross section205ofFIG. 2b. Speaker800further comprises magnets810and810′, top magnetic yokes820and820′, bottom magnetic yokes830and830′, voice coil plate850, voice coil855, and damper880. Voice coil855comprises a top segment855-1and a bottom segment855-2. As in previously discussed embodiments, the voice coil855of speaker800may also be wound on one or both sides of the voice coil plate850.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that speakers comprising any number of possible segments arranged at any number of possible angles can be built using the concepts described above forFIGS. 2-8, especially those comprising a three-dimensional arrangement. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the frame of the speaker can provide for an enclosure with an appropriate defined acoustic space inside. The space may be airtight, include one or more ports, one or more passive radiators, or may provide for any other suitable acoustic enclosure design.

In all embodiments of the speaker mentioned in this patent, each voice coil may be comprised of any electrically-conductive material, including but not limited to, any variant of copper wire, printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit board, or other conductive metal or alloy. In general, the voice coil may be formed within, or on one or both sides of a fixing member, with any specified number of layers and any specified number of turns in each layer.

FIG. 9depicts audio generation system900which generates the audio signal that signal source250eventually provides to a speaker such as speakers200,300,400,500,600,700, and800. Audio generation system900comprises computing device910and signal source250. Computing device910comprises processor911, memory912, non-volatile storage913, and communication interface914. Processor911optionally comprises a microprocessor with one or more processing cores. Memory912optionally comprises DRAM or SRAM volatile memory and can store software instructions that are executed by processor911, as well as audio data. Non-volatile storage913optionally comprises a hard disk drive or flash memory array. Communication interface914comprises one or more of a wired transceiver (such as a network interface compliant with a wired protocol such as that known by the trademark ETHERNET) and a wireless transceiver (such as an interface compliant with a wireless protocol such as those known by the trademarks BLUETOOTH, WIFI, 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE).

Computing device910, through communication interface914, provides an audio electrical signal over network or link920to signal source250. Network or link920can be a wired connection or a wireless connection (such as the wireless protocol known by the trademarks BLUETOOTH, WIFI, 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE). Computing device910determines the appropriate range of signal frequency and chooses the appropriate diaphragm for output.

It can be appreciated that the flexible designs enabled by the invention will allow speakers to be built in a shape that is specifically suited for the structure in which the speaker is placed. For example, a long and thin speaker might be fashioned for a speaker placed at the edge of a laptop, tablet, or phone, or a plurality of segments can be connected at approximately 90 degrees and be placed along adjacent edges of a laptop, tablet, or phone. As another example, a long and curved speaker might be fashioned to be placed in a vertical column of a car. As discussed above with reference toFIG. 4, a pipe ring speaker such as speaker400can be embedded into a steering wheel of a vehicle. As another example, a speaker can be integrated into other items, such as a piece of furniture such as a table, lamp, chair, or nightstand.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, and procedures which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and can be thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Various different exemplary embodiments can be used together with one another, as well as interchangeably therewith, as should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. In addition, certain terms used in the present disclosure, including the specification, drawings and claims thereof, can be used synonymously in certain instances, including, but not limited to, for example, data and information. It should be understood that, while these words, and/or other words that can be synonymous to one another, can be used synonymously herein, that there can be instances when such words can be intended to not be used synonymously. Further, to the extent that the prior art knowledge has not been explicitly incorporated by reference herein above, it is explicitly incorporated herein in its entirety. All publications referenced are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.