Windshield Cross-Member Loudspeaker Layout for Binaural Car Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle audio systems face challenges in positioning loudspeakers optimally to balance sound reproduction effectiveness with minimal impact on passenger compartment space and design, particularly when arrayed for binaural audio reproduction.
Innovation Solution
Loudspeakers are positioned between the trim panels and an upper cross member of the vehicle's frame, utilizing the space created by the cross member and sun visor design to increase volume for larger, more powerful speakers, which can be aligned for binaural audio and used for beamforming algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If loudspeakers are positioned in conventional locations between body and trim panels, then installation is simple, but the available volume is insufficient for large speakers and impacts passenger compartment space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions loudspeakers in the upper portion of the vehicle, specifically in the region between the upper cross member and the windshield, which is a previously underutilized spatial dimension. This vertical positioning above the dashboard level provides sufficient volume for large speakers without encroaching on the passenger compartment space below, effectively resolving the volume conflict by utilizing a different spatial zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the vehicle's acoustic space into separate zones: conventional lower regions for basic audio and the newly utilized upper region between the cross member and windshield for additional loudspeakers. This segmentation allows independent optimization of speaker volume in the upper zone without compromising passenger space in the lower zone, enabling larger speakers without impacting homologation requirements.
2Reliability
If loudspeakers are positioned to optimize sound reproduction effectiveness, then sound quality improves, but the impact on passenger compartment space increases
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating loudspeakers to the upper dimension (above the dashboard, between cross member and windshield), the patent achieves optimal sound reproduction positioning without sacrificing passenger compartment volume. This vertical displacement allows strategic placement for immersive audio while maintaining compliance with homologation requirements for passenger space.
3Reliability
If loudspeakers are arrayed for binaural audio reproduction, then immersive sound quality improves, but the space requirements and positioning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper positioning region between the cross member and windshield provides a natural array configuration for binaural audio reproduction. This elevated location allows precise spatial arrangement of multiple loudspeakers for beamforming algorithms without the positioning constraints and space conflicts that would exist in conventional lower dashboard locations, simplifying the overall positioning complexity.
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 configuration enhances sound immersion and quality while meeting homologation requirements by maximizing speaker size and positioning for effective sound reproduction, including binaural audio capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a loudspeaker (21) arranged between a trim panel (20) and an upper cross member (13)
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor vehicle (1) includes a windshield (6) and a body (3) in turn comprising a windshield frame (10) with a lower cross member (11) forming a support base supporting the windshield (6) from below and an upper cross member (13) vertically spaced from the lower cross member (11) and attached to the windshield (6), the motor vehicle (1) further comprising a passenger compartment (2) and one or more trim panels carried by the body (3) so as to cover the body (3) internally, thereby defining inner surfaces of the passenger compartment (2), wherein a panel portion (20) of the trim panels faces a lower wall (16) of the upper cross member (13) to cover the upper cross member (13) from below, the motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one loudspeaker (21) arranged between the panel portion (20) and an upper wall (17) of the upper cross member (13) opposite the lower wall (16) according to a thickness of the upper cross member (13).