Displaceable Speaker Array for Flush Vehicle Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle instrument panel speaker systems lack the ability to be discreetly integrated and adjusted to maintain a flush surface appearance while providing effective sound reproduction across a wide frequency range, especially when exposed to mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A displaceable speaker array with a rotatable speaker array, a drive unit, and a lever assembly that allows the array to move between a closed and open position, utilizing a dovetail mount and adjustment screw for precise positioning and a bumper to prevent over-travel damage, incorporating electro-acoustic transducers in a ported enclosure for enhanced sound production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the speaker array is made displaceable to maintain a flush surface appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for drive units and lever assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker array is designed to be dynamically displaceable between a retracted position (flush with the instrument panel surface) and an extended position (protruding from the surface). This is achieved through a drive unit coupled to a lever assembly that rotates the speaker array about a hinge axis, allowing the system to adapt its shape based on operational requirements while maintaining aesthetic appearance when not in use.
2Manufacturing precision
If the speaker array is made adjustable for precise positioning, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to adjustment screws and dovetail mounts
Solution Approach 1:
The lever assembly incorporates an adjustment screw and dovetail mount that enable preliminary positioning of the speaker array during assembly. The adjustment screw threads into the dovetail mount, allowing precise adjustment of the lever assembly's position relative to the housing before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures accurate positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
3Reliability
If the speaker array is protected from over-travel damage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to bumpers and mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The housing includes a bumper that protrudes into the path of the speaker array's movement. This bumper acts as a mechanical stop that prevents the speaker array from rotating beyond its intended range of motion. By providing this protective constraint beforehand, the system prevents over-travel damage to the drive unit, lever assembly, and speaker array without requiring complex sensors or control systems.
4Reliability
If the speaker array is designed for wide frequency range reproduction, then the sound quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple electro-acoustic transducers
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker array is segmented into multiple electro-acoustic transducers (e.g., tweeters, mid-range drivers, woofers) arranged in a linear array. Each transducer is responsible for reproducing a specific frequency range, and their combined output achieves wide-frequency sound reproduction. This segmentation allows the system to cover a broad frequency spectrum while keeping each individual transducer relatively simple and manageable.
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
Enables a low-profile, wide-frequency sound reproduction system that maintains a flush surface appearance and withstands mechanical stress, ensuring effective sound output and protection from excessive forces.
Implementation Method 1
a speaker array rotatably coupled to the housing and including a plurality of electro-acoustic transducers (e.g., twiddlers)
Implementation Method 2
a drive unit (e.g., a motor, such as a stepper motor, and a geartrain) coupled to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A displaceable speaker assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, a speaker array rotatably coupled to the housing and including a plurality of electro-acoustic transducers (e.g., twiddlers), a drive unit coupled to the housing, and a lever assembly coupling the drive unit to the speaker array. The drive unit is operable to drive motion of the lever assembly, which, in turn, drives rotation of the speaker array relative to the housing.