Vehicle Door Loudspeaker Mounting to Reduce Buzz, Squeak, and Rattle

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of loudspeaker enclosures into vehicle doors often leads to increased vehicle buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR) due to lateral loads imposed on thin inner door panels, which oscillate and transfer vibrational energy to other components.

Innovation Solution

A system that secures a loudspeaker enclosure to both the interior panel and a structural component, such as a crossbar member, using coupling units to dampen vibrations and reduce BSR.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the loudspeaker enclosure is mounted only to the interior panel, then the installation is simple and the interior panel provides sufficient mounting surface, but the interior panel oscillates under lateral load causing increased BSR

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidvehicle BSR
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling unit merges the mounting function with the structural component, combining the interior panel attachment and structural support into a single integrated solution. The coupling unit is fixedly attached to both the loudspeaker enclosure and the structural component, creating a unified mounting system that eliminates panel oscillation while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling unit acts as an intermediary element between the loudspeaker enclosure and the structural component. It transfers and distributes lateral loads from the loudspeaker to the rigid structural component, preventing direct transmission of oscillatory forces to the interior panel and thereby reducing BSR.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the loudspeaker enclosure is secured to a structural component, then BSR is reduced and customer satisfaction increases, but the device complexity increases with additional coupling units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle BSRVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a mounting bracket and a structural connector. It simultaneously attaches the loudspeaker enclosure to the interior panel and connects to the structural component, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and reducing overall system complexity despite the added structural connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling unit changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting system by introducing rigid structural support and altering the load distribution characteristics. This transforms the mounting system from a simple panel attachment to a structurally-supported installation, reducing BSR while maintaining ease of installation through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the interior panel is made thicker to reduce oscillation, then BSR is reduced, but the weight of the door increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel oscillationVSAvoiddoor weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solution extracts the structural support function from the interior panel itself and relocates it to a separate structural component. The coupling unit transfers the load-bearing responsibility from the thin interior panel to the rigid structural component, allowing the panel to remain thin and lightweight while still providing sufficient mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a two-dimensional panel-mounted approach to a three-dimensional structurally-integrated approach. By utilizing the structural component that extends through the door assembly, the solution adds a spatial dimension to the mounting system, distributing loads across multiple structural points rather than concentrating them on the interior panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system effectively eliminates or significantly reduces BSR caused by loudspeaker use, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing warranty claims by stabilizing the inner door panel and absorbing lateral energy.

Implementation Method 1

a second coupling unit fixedly attached to a component of the vehicle door away from the interior panel, wherein the second coupling unit is secured to the first coupling unit to dampen vibrations of the interior panel when the loudspeaker produces sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4077053B1Systems for loudspeaker enclosure integration
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4077053B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4077053B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4077053B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems for securing a loudspeaker in a vehicle are provided. In one embodiment, a system for a vehicle door comprises a loudspeaker enclosure housing a loudspeaker and mounted to an interior panel of the vehicle door, a first coupling unit fixedly attached to the loudspeaker enclosure, and a second coupling unit fixedly attached to a component of the vehicle door away from the interior panel, wherein the second coupling unit is secured to the first coupling unit.