Wide Dispersion, Super Thin Speaker Utilizing A Convex Diaphragm

Of all the components associated with ideal sound field reproduction in the automotive environment, the role placed by the speaker is perhaps the most critical yet most difficult to accomplish. This paper deals with the development of a new, single cone speaker which goes one step closer toward that goal by use of novel, inverted-conical diaphragm design which provides dramatically improved sound dispersion performance (Dispersion: 180°, 10Khz, −10dB), while maintaining wide frequency response range (80Hz to 20Khz). Furthermore, to enhance applicability to the automotive environment, the new design successfully reduces mounting depth requirement and overall speaker height (9mm and 25mm respectively) and weight (170g for 12cm diameter). The super thin and lightweight construction makes possible new mounting locations like the sunvisor or roof. This greater latitude in speaker placement provides new flexibility in optimizing sound field reproduction in the car interior.