Fabric-Covered Interior Panel for Concealed Vehicle Speakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle interior designers face challenges in integrating audio speakers aesthetically into vehicle interiors due to limitations posed by flat and convex surfaces, with existing methods like covering speakers with fabric or grilles being unsatisfactory for design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior panel featuring a decorative fabric layer adhered to a perforated substrate with a uniform adhesive layer, where the fabric extends beyond the substrate perimeter and is wrapped around its edge, using a pre-laminated adhesive film that maintains acoustic transparency and adheres uniformly to a concave surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If fabric is wrapped over a convex speaker cover, then the speaker is hidden and aesthetic appearance is improved, but the design flexibility is limited and the fabric application process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of wrapping fabric over a convex speaker cover as in conventional designs, this patent inverts the approach by placing the speaker within a concave recess in the panel. The fabric is then adhered to the flat or concave panel surface, eliminating the need to wrap fabric around protruding convex surfaces. This inversion simplifies the fabric application process while maintaining aesthetic appearance and speaker functionality.
2Reliability
If slots or holes are formed through the panel to permit sound output, then acoustic transparency is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed with a localized concave recess specifically at the speaker location, while the rest of the panel maintains its full aesthetic design. The fabric is adhered to the panel surface, and the concave recess allows the speaker to be positioned such that sound can output through the fabric without requiring slots or holes in the main panel structure. This preserves both acoustic transparency and aesthetic appearance with design flexibility.
3Strength
If a speaker grill is mounted over the speaker, then the speaker is protected, but the grill protrudes beyond the panel surface and limits aesthetic design options
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker is nested within a concave recess in the panel, eliminating the need for a protruding speaker grill. The fabric adhered to the panel surface acts as the protective cover, with the concave recess providing structural protection for the speaker. This nesting approach maintains panel surface continuity and allows for greater aesthetic design flexibility while still protecting the speaker.
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 solution provides a visually appealing and acoustically transparent panel that integrates speakers seamlessly into vehicle interiors, maintaining design flexibility and acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle interior panel includes a decorative fabric layer adhered to a concave side of a perforated substrate
Implementation Method 2
panels suitable for arrangement over speakers of a vehicle audio system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior panel includes a decorative fabric layer adhered to a concave side of a perforated substrate. Attachment of the fabric layer is via an adhesive layer initially provided in the form of a film. The film is laminated to the fabric layer, which is then adhered to the substrate via the film. Perforations can be formed through the film prior to lamination. The panel is suitable for use over an audio speaker or other device.