Vehicle Headrest Lattice Structure for Acoustic Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle headrests with perforated foam compromise audio quality due to loss inefficiency and early roll-off frequency, leading to customer dissatisfaction for OEMs.
Innovation Solution
Employing a lattice structure with varying densities in a vehicle headrest to enhance acoustic transparency and prevent audio leakage, using 3D printed structures that optimize audio radiation patterns and reduce leakage between seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If perforated foam is used in the headrest, then comfort for the occupant's head is improved, but audio quality deteriorates due to loss inefficiency and early roll-off frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous lattice structure made of thermoplastic polyurethane material that allows audio signals to pass through while providing head support. The controlled porosity enables acoustic transparency unlike conventional solid foam, resolving the contradiction between comfort and audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest combines different materials with complementary properties: thermoplastic polyurethane lattice structure for acoustic transparency, memory foam or viscoelastic foam for comfort, and fabric or leather for upholstery. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of comfort and audio performance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a solid dense structure is used in the headrest, then audio leakage between seats is prevented, but acoustic transparency for the intended listener is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure has varying local densities optimized for different functions: lower density regions allow acoustic transparency for the intended listener, while higher density regions provide audio leakage prevention. This spatial variation in material properties resolves the contradiction between preventing audio leakage and maintaining acoustic transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest is segmented into functional zones: a front portion with higher density to prevent audio leakage to adjacent seats, and a rear portion with lower density to maintain acoustic transparency for the occupant. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of both requirements.
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
Improves audio performance by increasing acoustic transparency and maintaining headrest rigidity, ensuring optimal listening experience without degrading audio quality.
Implementation Method 1
The first density of the first section is less than the second density of the second section to increase an acoustic transparency of the audio output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly is provided. The seatback for a first seat is configured to receive an occupant in a vehicle. A headrest is coupled to the seatback and includes at least one loudspeaker and a lattice structure. At least one loudspeaker is positioned in the headrest and is configured to transmit an audio output signal from the headrest. The lattice structure includes a first section positioned proximate to the at least one loudspeaker to enable the audio output signal to pass therethrough and a second section to prevent the audio output signal from leaking to a second seat. The first section is formed at a first density and the second section is formed at a second density. The first density of the first section is less than the second density of the second section to increase an acoustic transparency of the audio output signal.