Door-Mounted Vehicle Audio Speaker with Dynamic Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multipurpose vehicles require an audio system that can effectively project sound both inside and outside the vehicle, particularly for events like tailgating or picnicking, while maintaining functionality and sound quality.
Innovation Solution
The audio system includes speakers mounted between the exterior and interior side panels of vehicle doors, which can project sound outward when the door is open and allow sound to enter the vehicle when closed, utilizing a control mechanism for the cover and a seal to manage sound transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If speakers are mounted in the door surface to project sound outside the vehicle, then sound distribution outside the vehicle is improved, but sound quality inside the vehicle deteriorates due to sound leakage when door is open
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is made movable between open and closed positions based on door status. When the door is closed, the cover is open to allow sound into the vehicle interior. When the door is open, the cover closes to prevent sound leakage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the sound path configuration to the current operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
A cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the speaker and the vehicle interior/exterior environments. This cover mediates sound transmission by selectively opening or closing based on door position, thereby controlling whether sound enters the vehicle or projects outward, resolving the sound quality vs. sound distribution contradiction.
2Reliability
If a cover is added to control sound transmission, then sound quality inside the vehicle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system operates autonomously based on door position sensing. The control mechanism automatically opens or closes the cover according to whether the door is open or closed, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service operation minimizes the need for complex control systems while achieving reliable sound quality management.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover control functionality is integrated into the existing door assembly structure. The control mechanism leverages the door's own position information to drive the cover, merging the sound management function with the door operation system. This integration reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If speakers are mounted between exterior and interior panels, then adaptability for both interior and exterior sound projection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the exterior side panel, the interior side panel, and the surface between them where speakers are mounted. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone for its specific function while maintaining overall door integrity, facilitating manufacturing by allowing separate assembly of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly structure is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, sound projection to exterior, sound transmission to interior, and housing for electronic components. By making the door assembly multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while achieving dual-mode sound projection capability.
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 distribution both inside and outside the vehicle, providing improved audio experience during various events without compromising the vehicle's functionality or sound quality.
Implementation Method 1
The seal may be mounted to the perimeter of the door such that it is located between the one or more speakers and an exterior of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The opening may acoustically connect the back part of the one or more speakers to an interior of the vehicle to enable sound to enter an interior of the vehicle via the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system includes mounting one or more speakers on the surface between an exterior side panel and an interior side panel of a door on a vehicle. The one or more speakers may face substantially along an axis in the longitudinal direction of the door. When the door is open, a cover may be controlled to extend over and close an opening in the interior side panel, thereby allowing sound from the one or more speakers to project to an exterior of the vehicle. When the door is closed, the cover may be controlled to expose the opening, thereby allowing sound from the one or more speakers to enter an interior of the vehicle through the opening.