Patent Description:
Loudspeakers are usually configured for operation in a fixed position. In addition, designers typically select a speaker configuration for a particular use. It can be very difficult to change acoustic properties without complete change of the speaker for many applications. By way of example, vehicle speaker mounting positions and configurations can be troublesome to implement due to time, packaging, mass, or other similar constraints. Moreover, once configured, these mounting positions and acoustical interfaces are often permanently fixed, thus reducing the loudspeaker's flexibility to one, or a rather limited set, of use cases. The degradations from some acoustical interfaces usually appear as poorly performing spatial/directivity loudspeaker characteristics, or other high-Q (sharp) frequency based effects. These issues are predicated purely by acoustics and physics and therefore cannot be undone with electrical equalization or any other software techniques. There exists a desire for loudspeaker configurations with improved and adjustable acoustic output. Publications <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> disclose loudspeaker arrangements in which the speaker can be moved relative to a housing. These documents show a loudspeaker according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Disclosed and claimed herein are loudspeaker configurations. The invention provides a loudspeaker including a driver, a housing structure, and an acoustic interface surrounding the driver. The outer portion of the acoustic interface is supported by and secured to the housing structure. The loudspeaker includes a positioning element configured to position the driver in at least one of a first position relative to the housing structure, and a second position relative to the housing structure. The first position relative to the housing structure is a baffle configuration for the acoustic interface, and the second position relative to the housing structure is a horn configuration for the acoustic interface.

In one embodiment, the acoustic interface is a baffle material configured to provide a surface for at least one of a flat baffle and horn interface.

In one embodiment, the positioning element is at least one of a linear actuator and multiple motion actuator.

In one embodiment, the positioning element is configured to adjust at least one of position and direction of the driver.

In one embodiment, the first position is a flat arrangement of the acoustic interface.

In one embodiment, the positioning element is configured to retract the driver from the first position to the second position to form a horn configuration for the acoustic interface.

In one embodiment, the acoustic interface is secured to the housing structure by a gasket element.

In one embodiment, the acoustic interface is configured to conform to an inner surface of the housing structure when retracted into the housing structure.

In one embodiment, the housing structure is formed with a basket structure, wherein the housing structure is configured to house the positioning element.

In one embodiment, the acoustic interface is flexible.

Other aspects, features, and techniques will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art in view of the following detailed description of the embodiments.

The features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:.

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a loudspeaker mechanism to provide an adjustable acoustic interface for a loudspeaker. Embodiments are discussed herein for one or more loudspeaker architectures. By way of example, loudspeaker configurations are provided including a driver having one or more positions relative to a housing structure (e.g., basket structure) of the loudspeaker and a flexible acoustic interface to adjust with driver adjustment. According to the invention, the acoustic interface is configured to provide a flat baffle configuration and a horn configuration. Embodiments of the disclosure allow for multiple acoustic sound configurations from the same loudspeaker device.

One embodiment is directed to a loudspeaker having a driver, a housing structure, and an acoustic interface surrounding the driver. The housing structure may be a basket structure having an interior space to allow for positioning of the driver and one or more movable elements. The acoustic interface surrounds the driver and an outer portion of the acoustic interface is secured by the basket structure. The positioning element is configured to position the driver in at least one of position relative to the basket structure. Positioning of the driver element may include adjustment relative to the direction of the driver and/or retraction of the driver element.

The acoustic interface may be a baffle material configured to provide a surface for at least one of a flat baffle and horn interface.

Embodiments are directed to providing a moving mechanism for an adjustable acoustic interface. A loudspeaker as discussed herein may include a movable element, such as a mechanized configuration to adjust an acoustical interface of a loudspeaker. The moveable element may include one or more drive elements, such as a motorized assembly to move a loudspeaker, loudspeaker housing, or surrounding acoustical interface substrate to portray one or several optimized acoustical interfaces. In one exemplary embodiment, a tweeter can be mounted in a cylinder with a stretchable material (e.g., silicone, rubber, stretch material in general, etc.) existing as the loudspeaker baffle. The speaker can then be moved backwards, thus stretching the baffle material over a given form, providing the loudspeaker with a specific horn or waveguide acoustical interface. One benefit of the arrangement may be to provide loudspeaker directivity. For example, a loudspeaker can be placed in a traditional baffled mounting position for a standard audio experience, and/or the speaker can be retracted in a tube- or horn- like acoustical interface to control directivity in an isolated audio experience setting.

Embodiments and configurations discussed herein can overcome one or more drawbacks of vehicle speaker mounting positions and configurations that may be troublesome to implement due to time, packaging, mass, or other similar constraints. Additionally, some use cases in a vehicle may require completely opposite speaker acoustical interfaces. Embodiments discussed herein provide solutions to meet many requirements without adding loudspeakers.

Embodiments are directed to adjusting loudspeaker output (e.g., inherent acoustical properties, etc.) to modular and adjustable system. More specifically, embodiments are directed to directing the influence of the loudspeaker's acoustical interface to the vehicle cabin.

Although loudspeaker configurations are discussed herein with respect to certain applications, it should be appreciated that the loudspeaker configurations discussed herein may be applied to other devices and for additional applications.

As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" shall mean one or more than one. The term "plurality" shall mean two or more than two. The term "another" is defined as a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having" are open ended (e.g., comprising). The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," "an embodiment," or similar term means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner on one or more embodiments without limitation.

<FIG> depict a loudspeaker according to one or more embodiments. Referring first to <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> includes driver <NUM>, acoustic interface <NUM>, and housing structure <NUM>. According to one embodiment, acoustic interface <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> is configured to provide a plurality of acoustic sound profiles. In <FIG>, acoustic interface <NUM> is shown in a first position. In one embodiment, the first position may be a flat arrangement of acoustic interface <NUM>. According to another embodiment, at least one of driver <NUM> and acoustic interface <NUM> may be adjusted by way of movement and/or redirection. <FIG> depicts acoustic interface <NUM> in a baffle configuration according to the invention. Acoustic interface <NUM> may be moved to one or more other positions and adjustment may include changing direction of driver <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, acoustic interface <NUM> is a baffle material configured to provide a surface for at least one of a flat baffle and horn interface. As will be discussed herein, acoustic interface <NUM> relates to a flexible or stretchable material configured for adjustment and to modify its shape to provide at least one acoustic profile based on adjustment of driver <NUM>. Exemplary materials of acoustic interface <NUM> include vinyl, silicone, and other fabric materials. Driver <NUM> may relate to a dynamic speaker, such as a tweeter, according to one or more embodiments.

According to one embodiment, loudspeaker <NUM> provides a structural configuration for a loudspeaker. Loudspeaker <NUM> is shown having a generally oval outer shape. Housing structure <NUM> may be a basket structure for loudspeaker <NUM>. Gasket <NUM> is configured to retain acoustic interface <NUM>, and in particular an outer portion of acoustic interface <NUM>, to housing structure <NUM>. The inner portion of acoustic interface <NUM> may be coupled or retained to the outer portion of driver <NUM>. Acoustic interface <NUM> may be secured to the housing structure <NUM>, which may relate to a basket structure, by gasket <NUM>. Loudspeaker <NUM> may also include back plate <NUM>.

<FIG> shows acoustic interface <NUM> in a second position. According to one embodiment, the second position is associated with adjustment of driver <NUM> to a retracted position and adjustment of acoustic interface <NUM>. According to one embodiment, acoustic interface <NUM> may be coupled to the outer portion of driver <NUM>, and/or one or more elements supporting driver <NUM>. In certain embodiments, loudspeaker <NUM> includes structural elements behind acoustic interface <NUM> as will be shown in <FIG>, which may allow for supporting the inner portion of acoustic interface <NUM>. According to one embodiment, acoustic interface <NUM> conforms to an inner wall of housing structure <NUM> when driver <NUM> is retracted.

<FIG> depicts cross-sectional views of a loudspeaker according to the invention. According to one embodiment, loudspeaker <NUM> may relate to a cross-sectional representation of loudspeaker <NUM> of <FIG>.

Loudspeaker <NUM> includes driver <NUM>, acoustic interface <NUM>, and housing structure <NUM>. Acoustic interface <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> may be retained between gasket <NUM> and housing structure <NUM>. Housing structure <NUM> includes horn section <NUM> having an inner wall <NUM>, cylindrical portion <NUM> and base <NUM> which may be a back plate. According to one embodiment, driver <NUM> may be positioned by moveable element <NUM> including mount <NUM>. Mount <NUM> may be coupled to driver <NUM>. At least one of moveable element <NUM> and mount <NUM> may allow for multi-direction movement of driver <NUM> and thus, provide adjustment of acoustic interface <NUM>. According to one embodiment, housing structure <NUM> is configured to allow for vertical and directional movement (e.g., tilt, etc.) within the housing. In addition, inner wall <NUM> of housing structure <NUM> may interface with acoustic interface <NUM> when driver <NUM> is positioned. Driver support <NUM> for example may be configured to retain driver <NUM> and an inner portion of acoustic interface <NUM>. In addition, driver support <NUM> may interface with moveable element <NUM> and mount <NUM>. Moveable element <NUM> may be a positioning element such as one of a linear actuator and multiple motion actuator. Moveable element <NUM> may be configured to adjust at least one of position and direction of driver <NUM>. For example, moveable element <NUM> may be configured to adjust loudspeaker <NUM> into a flat arrangement of the acoustic interface element. Similarly, moveable element <NUM> may be configured to adjust loudspeaker <NUM> to retract driver <NUM> to a second position to form a horn configuration for acoustic interface <NUM>. Loudspeaker <NUM> provides an acoustic output configuration in the arrangement of driver <NUM> in a baffle position in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross sectional representation of loudspeaker <NUM> in a second position according to the invention. In <FIG>, driver <NUM> is adjusted to be lower within housing structure <NUM> such that acoustic interface <NUM> is in contact with inner wall <NUM>. In addition, acoustic interface forms a horn shaped surface for driver <NUM> resulting in a different acoustic output configuration for loudspeaker <NUM> relative to the baffle arrangement of <FIG>. Acoustic interface <NUM> is configured to conform to inner wall <NUM>, which may be an inner surface of a basket structure, when retracted into the housing structure. According to another embodiment, <FIG> shows a first position relative to a basket structure as a baffle configuration for the acoustic interface <NUM>, while <FIG> shows a second position relative to a basket structure as a horn configuration for the acoustic interface <NUM>. Housing structure <NUM> may be formed with a basket structure and may also be configured to house a positioning element for driver <NUM>.

Acoustic interface <NUM> may be silicone configured to conform to the horn shape of housing <NUM> when pulled back. According to one embodiment, the further back acoustic interface <NUM> retracts, the further toward the center area of the horn the acoustic interface conforms. For example, halfway retracted would simply bridge across some point along the horn shape toward a central tweeter assembly of driver <NUM>.

<FIG> depict graphical representations of a loudspeaker according to one or more embodiments. Loudspeaker <NUM> includes acoustic interface <NUM>, housing structure <NUM> and gasket <NUM>. Acoustic interface <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> may be retained between gasket <NUM> and housing structure <NUM> by one or more fasteners, such as fastener <NUM>. Housing structure <NUM> includes horn section <NUM>, actuator shaft portion <NUM>, actuator body portion <NUM> and base <NUM>. According to one embodiment, horn section <NUM> of housing structure <NUM> includes a an inner surface that may be curved and/or include one or more curved portions to allow the driver element of loudspeaker <NUM> to be positioned and/or directed within the horn section <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, housing structure <NUM> includes an elongated selection formed by actuator shaft portion <NUM>, actuator body portion <NUM> and base <NUM> to house an actuator for position of a driver element of loudspeaker <NUM>. Actuator shaft portion <NUM> extends from the base of horn section <NUM> to house a linear actuator. Actuator body portion <NUM> is configured to house one or more drive elements, gear motors, etc. Base <NUM> may be removed to allow for installation, replacement and servicing of a drive element.

<FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view of loudspeaker <NUM> including actuator element <NUM> having end <NUM> mounted to at least one of driver <NUM> of loudspeaker <NUM> and driver mount. In <FIG>, loudspeaker <NUM> is configured in a first position, or baffled position with actuator <NUM> extended. In <FIG>, loudspeaker is shown in a second position with actuator pulling driver <NUM> and adjusting acoustic interface <NUM>. Acoustic interface <NUM> conforms with an inner surface of housing structure, such as an inner surface of horn section <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, actuator shaft portion <NUM> is elongated to allow for the actuator to extend and retract.

<FIG> depict graphical representations of loudspeaker operation according to one or more embodiments. According to one embodiment, a driver of a loudspeaker may be adjusted in one or more positions and directions by an actuator. Structural elements of the loudspeaker allow for adjustment of the driver, such as an acoustic interface (e.g., acoustic interface <NUM>) to provide a plurality of acoustic sound configurations and control directivity.

<FIG> shows loudspeaker <NUM> including a basket structure <NUM> and driver <NUM> arranged in a first position. Driver <NUM> is facing forward, as shown by direction <NUM>. Reference line <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as a point of reference for position of driver <NUM> relative to basket structure <NUM>. Direction <NUM> is forward direction. <FIG> shows driver <NUM> adjusted to be retracted within basket structure <NUM>, such that driver <NUM> is retracted below reference line <NUM>. In <FIG>, driver <NUM> is facing forward direction <NUM>.

<FIG> shows driver <NUM> adjusted to be facing direction <NUM> which is offset from direction <NUM>. Accordingly, <FIG> depicts adjustment of directionality while maintaining a first position. <FIG> shows driver <NUM> adjusted to be facing direction <NUM> which is offset from direction <NUM> and with driver <NUM> below reference line <NUM>. Accordingly, <FIG> depicts adjustment of directionality and retraction within housing structure <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A loudspeaker (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a driver (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>);
a housing structure (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); and
a positioning element (<NUM>) configured to position the driver (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) in at least one of
a first position relative to the housing structure (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and
a second position relative to the housing structure (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>);
characterised by
an acoustic interface (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) surrounding the driver (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein an outer portion of the acoustic interface is supported by and secured to the housing structure (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
wherein the first position relative to the housing structure (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is a baffle configuration for the acoustic interface (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and the second position relative to the housing structure (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is a horn configuration for the acoustic interface (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).