Acoustic Transducer Volume in Vehicle Door Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electro-acoustic transducers in vehicles face challenges due to space and shape constraints within enclosures, such as door panels, which affect their performance, particularly in protecting against moisture and optimizing low-frequency sound output.
Innovation Solution
An enclosure assembly is designed to utilize unused vehicle volumes, such as within door and fender frames, by configuring first and second enclosure elements to create an acoustic volume that enhances the transducer's low-frequency output without altering the vehicle structure, using seals to minimize moisture ingress and optimize acoustic coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transducer is mounted in a door panel with sealing to protect from moisture, then reliability is improved, but the available volume and shape for the enclosure are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure assembly is nested within the door panel structure, utilizing the space between the inner and outer door panels. The first enclosure element is mounted to the inner door panel while the second enclosure element is disposed within the door panel, creating a nested configuration that protects the transducer without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer is oriented with its transducer axis parallel to and in the plane of the door panel, rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional reorientation allows the transducer to utilize the thickness dimension of the door panel for its enclosure volume, effectively converting a two-dimensional mounting surface into a three-dimensional acoustic space.
2Ease of manufacture
If the enclosure volume is constrained by door panel design, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the transducer output level for low-frequency signals deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure assembly merges with the existing door panel structure by mounting to the inner door panel and utilizing the space within the door panel itself. The first and second enclosure elements are integrated with the door's existing inner and outer panels, combining the audio enclosure function with the structural door assembly without requiring separate manufacturing or installation of a dedicated enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting the transducer axis parallel to the door panel plane, the enclosure utilizes the door panel's thickness dimension to create acoustic volume. This dimensional approach maximizes the available space within the constrained door panel geometry, providing sufficient enclosure volume for low-frequency response while maintaining integration with the vehicle's existing structure.
3Volume of stationary object
If the transducer axis is oriented parallel to the door panel plane, then the available volume for enclosure is improved, but the transducer mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into two distinct elements: a first enclosure element mounted to the inner door panel and a second enclosure element disposed within the door panel. This segmentation allows each element to be independently positioned and secured, simplifying the mounting process while achieving the desired parallel-axis orientation and enclosing the transducer within the available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of the two enclosure elements, with one mounted to the inner panel and the other within the door panel structure, creates the necessary acoustic enclosure for parallel-axis orientation. The segmentation and nesting work together to provide a systematic mounting approach that manages complexity through modular assembly.
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 increases the transducer's output level for low-frequency signals (40 Hz to 150 Hz) without requiring increased power, thereby enhancing bass response while maintaining the vehicle's structural integrity and protecting against moisture.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic coupling between the transducer and the passenger cabin is efficient for a particular frequency range
Data Source
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AI summary
A transducer assembly includes a first enclosure element, an electro-acoustic transducer coupled to the first enclosure element, and a second enclosure element. The first enclosure element and the second enclosure element are configured to capture a portion of an automobile frame there between and to define an acoustic volume relative to the automobile frame.