Abstract: An improved flat panel sound radiator assembly is provided for reproducing high quality sound at volume levels substantially higher than existing flat panel sound radiator systems. The assembly includes a flat panel radiator having a core sandwiched between facing skins. The core, which preferably is a honeycomb core, and the skins are made of materials that result in a substantially enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and enhanced bass response when reproducing sound. The flat panel radiator is disposed within a frame and the peripheral edges of the radiator are movably coupled to the frame with a compliant surround. An exciter, which may be a traditional magnet structure, is mounted on and supported by a bridge structure spaced from the inside face of the radiator and is coupled to the radiator only through a voice coil assembly. In use, the radiator produces sound through distributed mode reproduction below a sound level threshold.

Abstract: A flat panel sound radiator having improved audio performance is provided. The sound radiator has a panel to which is coupled a traditional electromechanical exciter for imparting audio frequency vibrational energy to the panel. The panel has a honeycomb core made of Kraft paper, which is flexible, has a low self noise, and high noise damping characteristics. The core is sandwiched between facing skins made of a material with a high Young's modulus, a high tan delta, a high tensile strength, and low self noise. Preferably, this material is an aramid polyamide such as Kevlar®, Nomex®, Conex®, or Technora®, all of which exhibit these properties. The facing skins are fixed to the core with an adhesive that is flexible and has high acoustic damping qualities and high shock resistance, such as rubber cements, silicone adhesives, and water-based acrylic adhesives.