Headrest Shaker Placement for Synchronized Seat Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound systems in seats, such as those in motor vehicles, often produce vibrations that can be annoying over time, and there is a need for improved vibration control techniques, particularly in the automotive industry.
Innovation Solution
Positioning a shaker in the headrest near a bass loudspeaker in the seat, aligning its movement axis with the loudspeaker, and using digital signal processing to characterize and control the vibrations for enhanced synchronization and perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shakers are integrated directly in the foam of a seat or connected to the lower parts of the seat frame, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vibration sensation is either very local or requires a very performant shaker to move the whole seat assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into multiple vibration control zones with separate shakers: headrest shakers for upper body vibration control and seat bottom shakers for lower body vibration control. This segmentation allows each shaker to independently control vibrations in its specific zone, improving overall vibration control precision without requiring a single high-performance shaker to move the entire seat assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to shaker placement by positioning shakers in the headrest (upper dimension) and seat bottom (lower dimension), creating multi-level vibration control. This dimensional distribution allows vibrations to be controlled at different heights and locations simultaneously, improving both manufacturing simplicity and vibration control effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a single performant shaker is used to move the whole seat assembly, then comprehensive vibration control is achieved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration control system is segmented into multiple independent shaker units distributed throughout the seat (headrest, backrest, seat bottom). Each shaker handles a specific region, reducing the power and performance requirements of individual shakers while maintaining comprehensive vibration control coverage. This segmentation simplifies the overall device complexity compared to using a single high-power shaker.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple shaker units are used that can serve different functions in different zones of the seat. Each shaker can independently control vibrations in its designated area, providing universal vibration control capability across the entire seat assembly without requiring a single complex high-performance shaker.
3Ease of manufacture
If shakers are positioned far from the loudspeaker, then the structure is simpler, but the synchronization between audio and vibration perception is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Shakers are positioned locally near the loudspeaker in the headrest assembly, creating a localized vibration control zone. This local positioning ensures that vibrations are generated close to the audio source, improving synchronization between audio output and vibration perception. The local quality approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving precise vibration-audio synchronization in the critical headrest area.
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 approach allows for more natural and synchronized vibration perception, enabling active vibration control and emulation of loudspeaker vibrations, enhancing the user experience by aligning shaker and loudspeaker vibrations, and allowing for personalized vibration adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The current passing through the voice coil produces a magnetic field which interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet
Implementation Method 2
A bass loudspeaker, which is arranged to output vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning a shaker in a seat includes a headrest and a backrest. The headrest has a bass loudspeaker. The shaker is positioned in the headrest. The seat is typically a seat in a motor vehicle or a seat in a theatre or a massage chair or an entertainment chair.