Robert P Benedict

US Patent:

54553962, Oct 3, 1995

Filed:

Oct 21, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/327441

Inventors:

Charles L. Willard - Castaic CA
Earl R. Geddes - Livonia MI
Robert H. Benedict - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

JBL Incorporated - Northridge CA
Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

H04R 700
F01N 106

US Classification:

181172

Abstract:

For transducers such as loudspeakers and actuators which must operate at unusually low or high ambient temperatures, a robust resilient annular support member for mounting the vibratable diaphragm extends outwardly therefrom to the main frame. The support member is formed from silicone elastomer or a silicone rubber composite in a molding process which may be a constant temperature process, preferably transfer molding. A diaphragm and a surround member may be bonded together in the molding process by inserting the edge of the diaphragm into the cavity mold. The molding techniques of silicone rubber composites containing pulp and weave fiber grades of commercially available mix materials allow transfer, compression or injection molding of diaphragm suspension system members with good control of the mechanical properties and thickness. Particularly with regard to surround suspensions, the ability to mold silicone rubber composite in thin cross sections and to vary the thickness and undulation pattern in the resilient region adds a great degree of design freedom.