Dashboard Microphone Layout for Vehicle Infotainment Acoustics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle infotainment systems face challenges in achieving optimal acoustic performance due to HVAC systems and visibility issues with microphone placement, particularly at the overhead console or headliner, which degrade signal-to-noise ratio and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates microphones positioned at the dashboard with support structures, arranged in a symmetrical pattern, and optionally using mesh grilles to reduce visibility, enhancing acoustic performance and appearance by minimizing interference from air movement and HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the microphone is mounted at the overhead console or headliner, then the appearance of the infotainment system is improved, but the acoustic performance deteriorates due to HVAC systems and air movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the microphone from the overhead console location and relocates it to the dashboard. This separation removes the microphone from the harmful environment of HVAC air movement while maintaining aesthetic appearance through careful integration into the dashboard structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary element that holds the microphone at the dashboard. This support structure acts as a mediator between the microphone and the dashboard surface, allowing optimal positioning while maintaining a clean appearance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the microphone is mounted at the overhead console, then the installation is simplified, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to distance from speakers and HVAC interference
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone is extracted from the overhead console location and repositioned to the dashboard, reducing the distance to speakers and minimizing HVAC interference. This improves signal-to-noise ratio while the support structure maintains installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameter of microphone location from overhead to dashboard level. This parameter change optimizes the acoustic environment by reducing distance to sound sources and minimizing exposure to air movement, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio.
3Reliability
If the support structure is visible, then the acoustic performance is maintained, but the aesthetic appeal of the infotainment system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with local quality differentiation - it provides rigid acoustic mounting functionality where needed while incorporating aesthetic features such as matching dashboard materials or hidden mounting points to minimize visual impact in visible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as an intermediary that reconciles the conflicting requirements of acoustic performance and aesthetics. It provides the necessary structural support for optimal microphone positioning while being designed to blend with or remain invisible from the user's perspective.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle infotainment system is provided. The vehicle infotainment system includes an acoustic system. The acoustic system includes at least one microphone configured to pick up sound from a vehicle cabin. The vehicle infotainment system includes at least one support structure configured to place the microphone of the acoustic system in a position to pick up the sound. The support structure is provided at the frame of a display located at a dashboard of the vehicle cabin, and/or the support structure is provided in the dashboard of the vehicle cabin.