Audio Tactile Transducer on Deflectable Panel for Watercraft

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speaker systems in recreational vehicles are susceptible to damage from waves and moisture, and their installation can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

An audio system using an audio tactile transducer mounted to a deflectable panel within the vehicle, which vibrates to generate sound and is protected by a reinforced outer shell to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional speaker cones are used to generate audio, then audio functionality is achieved, but the speakers are susceptible to damage from waves and moisture infiltration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeaker durabilityVSAvoidwave impact and moisture damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the deflectable panel as an intermediary medium between the audio generating device and the external environment. The panel vibrates to produce sound while its flexible nature allows it to absorb wave impacts without transmitting damaging forces to the speaker components, and its positioning creates a protective barrier against moisture infiltration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical speaker cone system with an audio tactile transducer that directly vibrates the deflectable panel. This substitution eliminates the need for separate protective mechanisms for the speaker components, as the panel itself serves as both the sound generation surface and the protective element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If aftermarket audio systems are installed by cutting and drilling into the hull, then audio functionality is achieved, but the structural integrity of the watercraft is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio system into modular components: the audio generating device, the deflectable panel integration point, and the protective outer shell. This segmentation allows the system to be installed by mounting to existing hull surfaces without requiring cutting or drilling, preserving structural integrity while maintaining installation feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the deflectable panel as a flexible mounting surface that can be attached to the hull interior without penetrating the hull structure. The panel's flexibility allows it to conform to the hull surface and be secured through non-invasive mounting methods, avoiding damage to the watercraft's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the audio generating device is mounted directly to the hull, then audio functionality is achieved, but the device is exposed to damage from external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer protectionVSAvoidprotective structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective outer shell with the deflectable panel assembly, creating an integrated structure where the panel serves dual purposes: as the sound-generating surface and as part of the protective enclosure for the audio generating device. This integration provides protection without adding separate complex protective structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective outer shell is designed to absorb and distribute external forces before they can reach the audio generating device. The shell's structure provides beforehand cushioning against wave impacts and other external forces, protecting the transducer from damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively generates audible sound while protecting the transducer from external forces and moisture, reducing the risk of premature failure and maintaining the vehicle's structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The audio generating device is configured to vibrate the deflectable panel based upon the audio signal in order to generate audible sound emanating from the exterior surface of the deflectable panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9774936B2Audio systems for generating sound on personal watercraft and other recreational vehicles

Publication Date: 2017.09.26 VISTA ACQUISITIONS

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a personal watercraft that includes a hull including a deflectable panel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an audio source for generating an audio signal, and an audio tactile transducer mounted to the interior surface of the deflectable panel. The audio tactile transducer includes a transducer enclosure, an audio generating device within the transducer enclosure, and an audio input for transmitting the audio signal from the audio source to the audio generating device. The audio generating device is configured to vibrate the deflectable panel based upon the audio signal in order to generate audible sound emanating from the exterior surface of the deflectable panel. The personal watercraft also includes a protective outer shell surrounding the transducer enclosure.