System, apparatus and / or method for providing loudspeaker for headrest to improve audio performance

Abstract

A seating assembly is provided. A seatback for a first seat is configured to receive an occupant in a vehicle. A headrest is coupled to the seatback and includes at least one speaker and a lattice structure. At least one speaker is positioned in the headrest and configured to transmit an audio output signal from the headrest. The lattice structure includes a first section positioned proximate to the at least one speaker to enable the audio output signal to pass through the first section and a second section for preventing leakage of the audio output signal to the second seat. The first sections are formed at a first density and the second sections are formed at a second density. The first density of the first section is less than the second density of the second section to increase the acoustic transparency of the audio output signal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects disclosed herein generally relate to systems, devices, and / or methods for providing one or more loudspeakers, for example, for a vehicle headrest to improve audio performance. These and other aspects will be discussed in greater detail herein. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional headrests can include a substructure or core that encapsulates one or more loudspeakers and perforated foam. The perforated foam can provide comfort to a head of an occupant. The perforated foam can be optimized to provide varying degrees of comfort. However, the presence of such foam can detrimentally affect overall audio quality and, thus, audio performance to the occupant suffers. For example, audio-related issues such as efficiency loss and early roll-off frequencies can result in dissatisfaction of customers of a vehicle original equipment manufacturer (OEM). SUMMARY

[0003] In at least one embodiment, a seat assembly is provided. A seat back for a first seat is configured to receive an occupant in a vehicle. A headrest is coupled to the seat back and includes at least one loudspeaker and a lattice structure. The at least one loudspeaker is positioned in the headrest and configured to transmit an audio output signal from the headrest. The lattice structure includes a first section positioned proximate to the at least one loudspeaker to enable the audio output signal to pass through the first section and a second section to prevent the audio output signal from leaking to a second seat. The first section is formed at a first density and the second section is formed at a second density. The first density of the first section is less than the second density of the second section to increase acoustic transparency of the audio output signal.

[0004] In at least one embodiment, a seat assembly is provided. The seat assembly includes a first seat having a seat back and a headrest. The seat back is configured to receive an occupant in a vehicle. The headrest is coupled to the seat back. The headrest includes at least one loudspeaker and a lattice structure. The at least one loudspeaker is positioned in the headrest and configured to transmit an audio output signal from the headrest into a listening environment. The lattice structure includes a first section positioned proximate to the at least one loudspeaker to enable the audio output signal to pass through the first section and a second section proximate to the first section to prevent the audio output signal from leaking from the first seat to a second seat. The first section of the lattice structure defines a first plurality of openings and the second section of the lattice structure defines a second plurality of openings. The first plurality of openings is greater than the second plurality of openings to increase acoustic transparency of the audio output signal when transmitted through the first section of the lattice structure.

[0005] In at least one embodiment, a device is provided. The device includes a headrest for coupling to a first seat to accommodate an occupant in a vehicle. The headrest includes at least one speaker and a lattice structure. The at least one speaker is configured to transmit an audio output signal from the headrest to a listening environment. The lattice structure includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being positioned on a first side of the headrest facing forward of the vehicle to allow the audio output signal to pass through the first segment, and the second segment being positioned adjacent to the first segment to prevent the audio output signal from leaking into a second seat. The first segment of the lattice structure is formed with a first density, and the second segment of the lattice structure is formed with a second density. The first density of the first segment is less than the second density of the second segment to increase the acoustic transparency of the audio output signal as it is transmitted through the first segment. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure are specifically pointed out in the appended claims. However, other features of the various embodiments will become more apparent and best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 A side view of an audio system in a vehicle according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0008] Figure 2 A top view depicting an audio system in a vehicle according to one embodiment is shown;

[0009] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a vehicle headrest including a first speaker according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0010] Figure 4 A side view of a vehicle headrest with a lattice structure according to one embodiment is depicted;

[0011] Figure 5 A description of having according to one embodiment Figure 5 A front view of the lattice-structured vehicle headrest; and

[0012] Figure 6 The following is described according to one embodiment: Figures 4-5 A top view of the vehicle seat assembly with headrests. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present application are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present application embodied in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features can be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present application in various ways.

[0014] A vehicle headrest can include a substructure and one or more loudspeakers. The loudspeakers can be embedded within the substructure and a perforated foam is provided. The perforated foam can be positioned over the loudspeakers to provide comfort for a vehicle occupant. As such foam is optimized for haptics but contributes little in terms of audio performance, audio quality suffers. For example, from an audio perspective, the foam in such an arrangement typically provides an efficiency loss and an early roll-off frequency. Automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are interested in maximizing audio performance to improve the listening experience for vehicle occupants.

[0015] Aspects disclosed herein can utilize, for example, a three-dimensional (3D) printed structure (or lattice structure) that provides optimal audio quality and acceptable haptics (i.e., comfort). Generally, the 3D printed lattice structure also provides an opportunity to create a surface with a variable acoustic flow resistance. For example, the 3D printed lattice structure can be used to optimize acoustic performance, for example, by providing an optimized radiation pattern for one or more of the loudspeakers positioned within the headrest and by reducing audio leakage from one seat to another seat in a vehicle.

[0016] In one example, the lattice structure can be formed from a plurality of cell-based lattice structures. It should be appreciated that the lattice structure can take any number of forms or shapes. For the cell-based structures positioned in the front section of the headrest, such lattice structures can have larger openings and thinner walls as compared to the lattice structures positioned in the top, bottom, lateral sides, and rear of the headrest. Thus, in this regard, the larger openings of the various cell-based structures allow for greater audio transparency through the front of the headrest when the loudspeakers positioned in the headrest transmit audio output signals. By arranging the cell-based structures having smaller openings and greater walls at the top, bottom, rear, and lateral sides of the headrest, this can increase the density of the headrest, which increases the stiffness of the cell-based structures and further mitigates or reduces audio leakage from seat to seat. This aspect also provides greater stiffness to the top, bottom, rear, and lateral sides of the headrest, which aids in the operation of the fabric or leather wrap of the headrest.

[0017] For example, if the entire headrest is formed from a lattice structure with larger openings and thinner walls in the lattice structure as desired for the front portion of the headrest, this would not provide the required rigidity needed to secure the lattice structure in place as such a structure is wrapped in leather or fabric. In this case, the lack of rigidity of the lattice structure causes the lattice structure forming the inner core of the headrest to severely deform when the leather or fabric wrapping operation is performed.

[0018] Figure 1 A side view of an audio arrangement (or system) 100 in a vehicle 102 is depicted in accordance with one embodiment. Generally, the system 100 generally includes a vehicle seat 104 that includes a seat back (or backrest) 106 and a headrest 108. A support bar 110 is positioned between the seat back 106 and the headrest 108. The support bar 110 can be moved bi-directionally about a shaft 112 to enable an occupant 114 to position the headrest 108 relative to the occupant’s head for comfort and support.

[0019] The headrest 108 includes one or more speakers 120 (or speakers 120) positioned therein. The system 100 also includes an audio controller 121 positioned in the vehicle 102 that transmits an audio input signal to the speakers 120 positioned in the headrest 108. The speakers 120 can transmit an audio output signal into a listening environment 122 (or cabin) of the vehicle 102. The speakers 120 can transmit the audio signal toward a front portion 123 of the vehicle 102. It is recognized that any speaker disclosed herein and positioned in the headrest 108 can transmit an audio output signal toward the front portion 123 of the vehicle 102. The headrest 108 includes a core (or substructure) 130 that provides safety functionality for a passenger on the seat 104 for crashworthiness purposes. In one example, the core 130 can be formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0020] Generally, since the speakers 120 can be embedded within the core 130, the core 130 can act as a housing for the speakers 120. The headrest 108 can include a lattice structure 140 formed from a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The lattice structure 140 is positioned in a front section and a rear section of the headrest 108. For example, the lattice structure 140 can surround the speakers 120 and the core 103. The lattice structure 140 is configured such that the audio output signal produced by the speakers 120 is able to pass through the lattice structure and into the listening environment 122 without degrading the quality of the audio output signal.

[0021] The lattice structure 140 generally includes a fibrous material (or foam-based material) that defines a plurality of openings to provide increased audio transparency from the headrest 108. The lattice structure 140 generally includes a first section 142 and a second section 144 integrated with one another. The first section 142 of the lattice structure 140 can have a density that is less than the density of the second section 144. For example, the openings of the first section 142 can be larger than the openings of the second section such that the first section 142 has a lower density than the second section 144. Further, the material forming the first section 142 and defining the various openings can have thinner walls than the second section 144, resulting in the first section 142 having a lower density than the second section 144. These aspects will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0022] Generally, the headrest 108 can have a front side 150a, a top side 150b, a bottom side 150c, a rear side 150d, a first lateral side 150e, and a second lateral side 150f (see also FIG. 1). Figure 2 The top side 150b of the headrest 108 faces the top of the vehicle 102. The bottom side 150c of the headrest 108 faces the bottom of the vehicle 102. At least one of the first lateral side 150e and the second lateral side 150f faces another seat positioned in the vehicle 102 in the same row as the vehicle seat 104. The first section 142 of the lattice structure 140 is positioned on the front side 150a (e.g., in front of the speakers 120) to enable increased audio transparency relative to the speakers 120 when the speakers 120 transmit audio output signals into the listening environment 122. In this regard, the first section 142 enables the entire surface of the front side 150a to transmit the audio output signals to increase transmission of the audio output signals to the occupant.

[0023] The second section 144 of the lattice structure 140 can be surrounded by the top side 150b, the bottom side 150c, the rear side 150d, the first lateral side 150e, and the second lateral side 150f of the headrest 108. Generally, it can be desirable to provide greater rigidity to portions of the headrest that are positioned above, below, and behind the speakers 120a and 120b to allow the headrest 108 to maintain its shape and form when leather wrapping or fabric wrapping operations are performed. For example, if the headrest 108 were completely filled with the first section 142 of the lattice structure 140, this condition can significantly compress the shape of the headrest 108 until a point at which the headrest 108 can not be able to maintain its desired shape and form. Thus, the increased density provided by the second section 144 enables the headrest 108 to withstand the wrapping operations while maintaining the desired shape and form of the headrest, while including the first section 142 of the lattice structure 140 within the headrest 108.

[0024] Figure 2A top view of an audio arrangement (or system) 100 in a vehicle 102 according to one embodiment is depicted. As shown, the headrest 108 includes a first speaker 120a and a second speaker 120b. The lattice structure 140 generally includes a first section 142 and a second section 144. Generally, the first section 142 can be a low flow resistance portion, while the second section 144 can be a high flow resistance portion. The low flow resistance portion of the first section 142 generally enables audio output signals to pass therethrough without adversely affecting audio performance.

[0025] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a vehicle headrest 108 including a single speaker 120 according to one embodiment is depicted. It is to be appreciated that the headrest 108 can include any number of speakers 120. The core 130 generally defines a cavity 149 (or opening). The speaker 120 can be positioned in the cavity 149. The core 130 can serve as a speaker housing for housing the speaker 120. The first section 142 of the lattice structure 140. Thus, in this regard, audio transmitted by the speaker 120 can have a greater dispersion angle 145 into the listening environment 122 of the vehicle 102.

[0026] Figure 4 A side view of a vehicle headrest 108 having a lattice structure 140 according to one embodiment is depicted. As described above, the lattice structure 140 includes a fibrous (or foam-based) material 155 defining a plurality of openings 157. The lattice structure 150 generally includes the openings 157 formed in a honeycomb shape. However, it is to be appreciated that the openings 157 of the lattice structure 150 can take any number of shapes. As shown, the lattice structure 140 encapsulates or completely surrounds the speaker 120 and the core 130. A speaker influence cone 202 is shown, which is generally defined as an audio area directly projected or transmitted by the speaker 120 from the speaker 120 into the listening environment 122 and towards the front 123 of the vehicle 102.

[0027] The openings 157 in the first section 142 formed on the front side 150a can be larger than the openings 157 in the second section 144 formed on the top side 150b, the bottom side 150c, the rear side 150d, the first lateral side 150e, and the second lateral side 105f. Similarly, the material 155 defining the openings 157 positioned or formed in the first section 142 is thinner (e.g., smaller, reduced, less in thickness, etc.) than the material 155 defining the openings 157 in the second section 144 on the top side 150b, the bottom side 150c, the rear side 150d, the first lateral side 150e, and the second lateral side 105f. Generally, the larger openings 157 and the reduced size of the material 155 formed in the first section 142 provide a density that is less than the increased size of the openings 157 and the material 155 formed on the second section 144.

[0028] The larger openings 157 and the reduced size (or thickness) of the material 155 on the front side 150a enable the disclosed headrest 108 to provide a greater acoustically transparent coverage area relative to conventional implementations. For example, the entire front side 150a of the headrest 108 can be configured to transmit audio output signals from the speakers 120. Further, the reduced size of the openings 157 and the increased size (or thickness) of the material 155 on the second section 144 prevent audio leakage to an adjacent seat. Further, as described above, the reduced size of the openings 157 and the increased size (or thickness) of the material 155 on the second section 144 provide rigidity and prevent the headrest 108 from being significantly compressed during leather or fabric operations.

[0029] Figure 5 depicts a front view of a vehicle headrest 108 having a lattice structure 140 in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 4 depicts a front view of a vehicle headrest 108 having a lattice structure 140 in accordance with one embodiment. Figure 5 depicts a vehicle headrest 108 having first and second speakers 120a, 120b embedded within a lattice structure 140. As described above, the first section 142 includes a lower density (e.g., larger size of openings 157 and smaller size of material 155), which enables increased acoustic transparency and reduced tunneling effects. In contrast, the second section 144 includes a higher density (e.g., smaller size of openings 157 and increased size of material 155), which prevents audio leakage to other zones (or seats) and provides rigidity that facilitates the wrapping operation of the headrest 108.

[0030] Figure 6 depicts a top view of a vehicle seat assembly 200 including a headrest 108 in accordance with one embodiment. The assembly 200 includes a seat back 202. The headrest 108 is coupled to the seat back 202 and includes a lattice structure 140 having a first section 142 and a second section 144. Although not shown, it will be appreciated in light of this disclosure that one or more of the speakers 120 can be positioned in the headrest 108 and incorporated with aspects described with respect to the lattice structure 140, the first section 142, and the second section 144 as Figures 4-5 depicts a top view of a vehicle seat assembly 200 including a headrest 108 in accordance with one embodiment. The assembly 200 includes a seat back 202. The headrest 108 is coupled to the seat back 202 and includes a lattice structure 140 having a first section 142 and a second section 144. Although not shown, it will be appreciated in light of this disclosure that one or more of the speakers 120 can be positioned in the headrest 108 and incorporated with aspects described with respect to the lattice structure 140, the first section 142, and the second section 144 as Figures 1-5 depicts a top view of a vehicle seat assembly 200 including a headrest 108 in accordance with one embodiment. The assembly 200 includes a seat back 202. The headrest 108 is coupled to the seat back 202 and includes a lattice structure 140 having a first section 142 and a second section 144. Although not shown, it will be appreciated in light of this disclosure that one or more of the speakers 120 can be positioned in the headrest 108 and incorporated with aspects described with respect to the lattice structure 140, the first section 142, and the second section 144 as Figure 6 depicts a top view of a vehicle seat assembly 200 including a headrest 108 in accordance with one embodiment. The assembly 200 includes a seat back 202. The headrest 108 is coupled to the seat back 202 and includes a lattice structure 140 having a first section 142 and a second section 144. Although not shown, it will be appreciated in light of this disclosure that one or more of the speakers 120 can be positioned in the headrest 108 and incorporated with aspects described with respect to the lattice structure 140, the first section 142, and the second section 144 as

[0031] While the foregoing describes exemplary embodiments, these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the application, but rather to provide an exemplification of the principles of the application. The words of description used herein are words of description rather than limitation, and it is to be understood that modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, once armed with the information provided herein. In addition, features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the application.

Claims

1. A seat assembly, comprising: A seat backrest, the seat backrest being used for the first seat and configured to accommodate occupants of the vehicle; as well as A headrest, coupled to the seat back, the headrest comprising: At least one speaker, the at least one speaker being positioned in the headrest and configured to transmit an audio output signal from the headrest to the listening environment; as well as The grid structure includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being positioned close to the at least one speaker to allow the audio output signal to pass through the first segment, and the second segment being close to the first segment to prevent the audio output signal from leaking to the second seat. The first segment of the lattice structure is formed at a first density. The second segment of the lattice structure is formed at a second density, and The first density of the first segment is less than the second density of the second segment to increase the acoustic transparency of the audio output signal when the audio output signal is transmitted through the first segment.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first section and the second section are integrated with each other.

3. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first segment of the grid structure is positioned on a first side of the headrest facing the front of the vehicle.

4. The seat assembly of claim 3, wherein the second segment of the grid structure is positioned on at least one of a second side of the headrest facing the top of the vehicle, a third side of the headrest facing the floor of the vehicle, and a fourth side of the vehicle (headrest) facing the second seat.

5. The seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising a core located in the headrest, wherein at least one speaker is located between the core and the first segment of the lattice structure.

6. The seat assembly of claim 5, wherein the core defines an opening to receive the at least one speaker, such that the first segment of the lattice structure covers the at least one speaker, the opening, and the core.

7. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein the first section includes a first fiber material defining a first plurality of openings, and the second section includes a second fiber material defining a second plurality of openings.

8. The seat assembly of claim 7, wherein the first fiber material is the same as the second fiber material.

9. The seat assembly of claim 8, wherein the first plurality of openings are larger than the second plurality of openings, such that the density of the first segment is lower than that of the second segment.

10. A seat assembly, comprising: The first seat includes: Seat backrest, the seat backrest being configured to receive occupants in the vehicle; and A headrest, coupled to the seat back, the headrest comprising: At least one speaker, the at least one speaker being positioned in the headrest and configured to transmit an audio output signal from the headrest to the listening environment; The grid structure includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being positioned close to the at least one speaker to allow the audio output signal to pass through the first segment, and the second segment being close to the first segment to prevent the audio output signal from leaking from the first seat to the second seat. The first segment of the lattice structure defines a first plurality of openings. The second segment of the lattice structure defines a second plurality of openings, and The first plurality of openings are larger than the second plurality of openings, so as to increase the acoustic transparency of the audio output signal when the audio output signal is transmitted through the first segment of the lattice structure.

11. The seat assembly of claim 10, wherein the first section and the second section are integrated with each other.

12. The seat assembly of claim 10, wherein the first segment of the grid structure is positioned on a first side of the headrest facing the front of the vehicle.

13. The seat assembly of claim 12, wherein the second segment of the grid structure is positioned on at least one of a second side of the headrest facing the top of the vehicle, a third side of the headrest facing the floor of the vehicle, and a fourth side of the vehicle (headrest) facing the second seat.

14. The seat assembly of claim 10, further comprising a core located in the headrest, wherein at least one speaker is located between the core and the first segment of the lattice structure.

15. The seat assembly of claim 14, wherein the core defines an opening to receive the at least one speaker, such that the first segment of the lattice structure covers the at least one speaker, the opening, and the core.

16. The seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the first segment of the lattice structure includes a first fiber material defining the first plurality of openings, and the second segment includes a second fiber material defining the second plurality of openings, wherein the first fiber material and the second fiber material are the same.

17. An apparatus comprising: Headrest, the headrest being coupled to a first seat to accommodate an occupant in the vehicle, the headrest comprising: At least one speaker, the at least one speaker being positioned within the headrest and configured to transmit an audio output signal from the headrest to the listening environment of the vehicle; and The headrest has a grid structure, comprising a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is positioned on a first side of the headrest facing forward of the vehicle to allow the audio output signal to pass through the first segment. The second segment is positioned close to the first segment to prevent the audio output signal from leaking into the second seat. The first segment of the lattice structure is formed at a first density. The second segment of the lattice structure is formed at a second density, and The first density of the first segment is less than the second density of the second segment to increase the acoustic transparency of the audio output signal when the audio output signal is transmitted through the first segment.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the first segment and the second segment are integrated with each other.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the second segment of the grid structure is positioned on at least one of a second side of the headrest facing the top of the vehicle, a third side of the headrest facing the floor of the vehicle, and a fourth side of the vehicle (headrest) facing the second seat.

20. The device of claim 17, further comprising a core positioned in the headrest, wherein at least one speaker is positioned between the core and the first segment of the lattice structure.

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