Vehicle Headrest Acoustic Channels for Inter-Seat Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle headrest configurations fail to balance inter-aural parameters and inter-seat interference, often degrading inter-aural performance by using large headrests as acoustic radiators.

Innovation Solution

A headrest designed with a main body having a front surface to support the head and paired acoustic channels with side walls whose front edges are offset, featuring transducers with a center-to-center spacing of approximately 130 to 240 mm, and a recessed dimension that balances inter-aural stability and inter-seat isolation by directing acoustic energy effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If large headrests are used as acoustic radiators, then acoustic energy can be effectively radiated, but inter-aural performance degrades due to radiation patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic energy radiationVSAvoidinter-aural performance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The headrest is divided into multiple acoustic channels (first, second, third, and fourth channels) with specific transducers positioned in each channel. This segmentation allows independent control of acoustic radiation from different locations, enabling effective overall radiation while maintaining proper inter-aural balance through coordinated operation of the segmented channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the headrest are assigned different acoustic functions through the segmented channel design. The first and second transducers serve one ear while the third and fourth transducers serve the other ear, creating local acoustic quality variations that maintain inter-aural performance while achieving effective overall radiation through the combined effect of all channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If headrests are designed for inter-aural parameter stability, then inter-aural performance is maintained, but inter-seat isolation deteriorates due to acoustic energy leakage to other seats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-aural parameter stabilityVSAvoidacoustic energy leakage to other seats
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic channels are segmented and positioned to direct sound primarily toward the occupied seat. By dividing the radiation function across multiple channels with specific geometries, the system maintains inter-aural stability through coordinated output while limiting the spread of acoustic energy to adjacent seats through the directional characteristics of each segmented channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic channels are oriented at specific angles relative to the centerline of the headrest (first and second channels at first angles, third and fourth channels at second angles). This angular positioning in a different dimensional orientation allows the system to maintain inter-aural stability while directing acoustic energy in a controlled pattern that reduces leakage to other seats by exploiting the angular dimension.

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 solution enhances inter-seat isolation while maintaining inter-aural parameter stability, providing improved user experience by optimizing the radiation patterns and reducing acoustic energy leakage to other seats.

Implementation Method 1

first and second transducers each housed within the main body of the headrest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

a pair of acoustic channels each formed in part by a side wall having a front edge that is offset from the front surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS20250010777A1Vehicle Headrest
Publication Date: 2025.01.09 BOSE CORP
  • US20250010777A1 patent drawing
  • US20250010777A1 patent drawing
  • US20250010777A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various implementations include vehicle headrest configurations and related audio systems. In some cases, a headrest includes: a main body having a front surface to support a back of a user's head and a pair of acoustic channels each formed in part by a side wall having a front edge that is offset from the front surface, the main body having a portion configured to receive first and second transducers, where the pair of acoustic channels are arranged symmetrically about a centerline axis of the main body, where a transducer mount in each of the pair of acoustic channels for mounting respective ones of the first and second transducers, where a dimension (Dimension C) is defined by a rotation angle of the transducer mount relative to a centerline of the vehicle headrest, wherein Dimension C is approximately −20 degrees to approximately zero degrees.