System for integrating mid-range and high frequency acoustic sources in multi-way loudspeakers

Abstract

This invention provides a system for integrating sound radiation from mid-range and high frequency sources enabling improved control over the radiation of high frequency sound waves. This acts to minimize the distortion, while enabling compression-loading of the mid-range sound waves increasing acoustic energy. To do so, a radiation boundary integrator (“RBI”) having slots is positioned over the mid-range sound sources acting as a smooth sidewall wave-guide thus controlling the high frequency sound waves emanating from the high frequency sound sources. To allow the mid-range frequency sound waves generated from mid-range sound sources to pass through the RBI, slots are formed within the RBI. As such, RBI may have an outer surface area that may form an acoustical barrier to high frequencies radiating across the outer surface, yet be acoustically transparent to mid-range frequencies radiating through slots in the radiation boundary layer. The RBI may also serve as a volume displacement device to compression-load the mid-range sound sources. To do so, the back surface of the RBI may be contoured to the shape of the midrange sound source thus reducing the space between the two, and loading the mid-range sound sources generating greater mid-range sound energy.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A sound radiation boundary integrator, comprising: 
 a top portion adapted to provide a substantially flat surface to control high frequency sound waves;    a back portion adapted to be juxtaposed to at least one mid-range frequency sound source;    at least one slot through the top and back portions, the at least one slot adapted to be juxtaposed to the at least one mid-range frequency sound source; and    a porous material substantially transparent to mid-range frequency sound waves within the at least one slot.