US 12,335,684 B2
Loudspeakers and methods of use thereof
Joseph F. Pinkerton, Austin, TX (US); James A. Andrews, Austin, TX (US); and David A. Badger, Lago Vista, TX (US)
Assigned to Brane Audio, LLC, Austin, TX (US)
Filed by Clean Energy Labs, LLC, Austin, TX (US)
Filed on May 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/319,113.
Prior Publication US 2024/0388853 A1, Nov. 21, 2024
Int. Cl. H04R 11/14 (2006.01); H04R 1/22 (2006.01); H04R 1/28 (2006.01); H04R 9/02 (2006.01); H04R 11/02 (2006.01); H04R 29/00 (2006.01)
CPC H04R 11/14 (2013.01) [H04R 1/2811 (2013.01); H04R 11/02 (2013.01); H04R 29/001 (2013.01)] 33 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A loudspeaker comprising:
(a) an enclosure;
(b) a sound panel mechanically connected to the enclosure;
(c) a moveable armature mechanically connected to the sound panel comprising a voice coil, wherein the moveable armature is operable for moving the sound panel toward the enclosure to create a first air pressure force and away from the enclosure to create a second air pressure force; and
(d) a magnetic negative spring that has a first magnetic negative spring portion that is mechanically connected to the moveable armature and a second magnetic negative spring portion that is stationary relative to the enclosure, wherein
(i) the magnetic negative spring is operable to provide a first magnetic negative spring force when the sound panel is moving toward the enclosure and a second magnetic negative spring force when the sound panel is moving away from the enclosure,
(ii) the first magnetic negative spring force is oppositely directed to the first air pressure force,
(iii) the second magnetic negative spring force is oppositely directed to the second air pressure force,
(iv) the first magnetic negative spring portion is comprised of a first armature magnet and a second armature magnet, wherein the first armature magnet and the second armature magnet are oppositely polarized,
(v) the second magnetic negative spring portion is comprised of a closed magnetic circuit that includes a first ring magnet, a second ring magnet and a ferromagnetic element, and
(vi) the ferromagnetic element includes a moveable ferromagnetic plunger that is operable to change the reluctance of the closed magnetic circuit in response to a feedback signal.