Vehicle Body Panel Speaker Cavities for Space-Saving Bass Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speaker assemblies in vehicles are space-constrained due to the reduction in vehicle size, necessitating a reevaluation of their integration within the vehicle interior, particularly for larger speakers like subwoofers, which require resonation chambers and ports that are traditionally housed in trim components, leading to space optimization challenges.
Innovation Solution
Integrating speaker assemblies directly into vehicle body panels, forming resonation chambers within these panels, and utilizing existing pillars to house speakers and ports externally, thereby eliminating the need for separate trim components and optimizing space within the vehicle interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If speaker assemblies are installed in traditional trim components, then acoustic performance is maintained, but vehicle interior space is reduced due to vehicle size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the speaker assembly directly into the vehicle body panel structure, eliminating the need for separate trim components. The body panel itself forms the resonation chamber and houses the speaker, port, and acoustic sealing elements, thereby integrating multiple functions into a single structural component and maximizing interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle body panel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, forms the resonation chamber for acoustic performance, houses the speaker assembly, contains the port for bass reflex tuning, and provides acoustic sealing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated trim components while maintaining acoustic performance.
2Device complexity
If separate trim components are used for speaker assemblies, then acoustic performance is optimized, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple acoustic functions (resonation chamber, port, speaker mounting, acoustic sealing) are merged into the single body panel structure, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining acoustic performance through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The body panel is segmented into functional zones: a sealed internal cavity for the resonation chamber, an opening for speaker installation, and a port for bass reflex tuning. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific acoustic function while being part of the integrated panel structure.
3Length of stationary object
If vehicle size is reduced, then vehicle dimensions are optimized, but space for speaker assemblies and resonation chambers is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The resonation chamber is formed within the thickness and depth of the body panel itself rather than requiring additional lateral space. By utilizing the three-dimensional space within the panel structure, the design accommodates the resonation chamber without increasing overall vehicle dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonation chamber is merged with the body panel structure, using the panel's inherent volume to house the acoustic chamber. This eliminates the need for separate space allocation for speaker assemblies while maintaining acoustic performance.
4Volume of moving object
If speakers are integrated into body panels, then interior space is maximized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body panel is designed with pre-formed features including the internal cavity shape for the resonation chamber, pre-positioned openings for speaker installation, and pre-formed ports for bass reflex tuning. These features are incorporated during panel manufacturing, simplifying subsequent assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into panel fabrication (forming the integrated acoustic structure) and subsequent speaker installation. The panel itself is manufactured as a complete acoustic assembly rather than requiring assembly of multiple separate acoustic components.
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
This integration method reduces the number of components, maximizes vehicle interior space, and enhances acoustic performance by tuning resonation chambers externally, providing efficient sound output without increasing vehicle dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
the internal cavity provides a resonation chamber for the speaker
Implementation Method 2
a port is formed through the vehicle body panel to port the resonation chamber. The port further provides a tube. The port is vented externally of the vehicle body panel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body panel is provided defining an internal cavity that is acoustically sealed at least partially along a perimeter with an opening in the vehicle body panel for access to the internal cavity and sized to receive a speaker in the opening. A speaker assembly is provided with the speaker is installed in the opening. A speaker assembly is provided with a first vehicle body panel with an opening. A speaker is installed in the opening. A second vehicle body panel is attached to the first vehicle body panel and sealed along a connection with the first vehicle body panel to collectively provide an internal cavity accessible at the opening, to provide a resonation chamber for the speaker. A method is provided by sealing a plurality of vehicle body panels. A speaker is installed in an opening in the plurality of sealed vehicle body panels.