Headrest Side-Firing Loudspeaker Waveguide for Forward Sound Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loudspeaker configurations in headrests, such as those in vehicle seats, often result in large headrests and degrade inter-aural performance due to radiation patterns. Additionally, side-mounted loudspeakers can be inefficient in controlling sound dispersion, leading to an undesirable listening experience.
Innovation Solution
A loudspeaker module is designed with a first loudspeaker driver mounted inside the headrest behind a lateral non-contact surface, oriented to radiate sound laterally. A waveguide with an opening in the lateral direction and an exit opening in the forward direction is used to direct sound towards the front side of the headrest, enhancing sound dispersion control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If loudspeakers are positioned behind the listener in the headrest, then sound reproduction is achieved, but headrest size increases and inter-aural performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional rear-facing loudspeaker placement to side-oriented placement with waveguide-directed forward radiation. This dimensional repositioning allows the loudspeaker system to maintain effective sound reproduction while reducing the required headrest volume by utilizing lateral space and directing sound forward through waveguides rather than radiating omnidirectionally from the rear
2Volume of stationary object
If loudspeakers are mounted on the sides of the headrest to reduce size, then headrest packaging is improved, but sound dispersion control becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary component between the side-mounted loudspeaker driver and the listening environment. It mediates the sound radiation by capturing sound from the lateral-oriented driver and redirecting it forward with controlled dispersion, thereby maintaining both compact headrest dimensions and effective sound dispersion control
3Productivity
If loudspeakers fire directly into the listener's ear when head is turned, then sound delivery is direct, but listening experience becomes undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide creates a localized controlled sound field with specific radiation characteristics. By designing the waveguide geometry to provide particular dispersion patterns, the system ensures that sound is delivered optimally to the listener's forward-facing ear while reducing direct sound exposure when the head is turned, thereby maintaining desirable listening experience across different head positions
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 improved sound dispersion control and reduces the size of the headrest while maintaining effective sound reproduction, enhancing the listening experience by directing sound specifically towards the listener.
Implementation Method 1
A first waveguide has an opening in the lateral direction, x, and an exit opening in a forward direction, y. The forward direction, y, is generally perpendicular to the lateral direction, x. The first waveguide is mounted to the first loudspeaker driver so that the opening aligns with a radiating surface of the first loudspeaker driver and the exit opening extends along the first lateral non-contact surface of the headrest exteriorly to the headrest.
Implementation Method 2
In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker has an acoustic lens above the loudspeaker driver.
Data Source
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AI summary
At least one loudspeaker module having a loudspeaker driver mounted inside a headrest behind a lateral non-contact surface of the headrest and is oriented so that a central axis of radiation is along a lateral direction, x, of the headrest. A waveguide has an opening in the lateral direction, x, and an exit opening in a forward direction, y. The forward direction, y, is generally perpendicular to the lateral direction, x. The waveguide is mounted to the loudspeaker driver so that the opening aligns with a radiating surface of the loudspeaker driver and the exit opening extends along the lateral non-contact surface of the headrest exteriorly to the headrest. The opening is vertically oriented on the lateral non-contact surface of the headrest so that a central axis of radiation of the waveguide is directed toward the forward direction, y. The loudspeaker has an acoustic lens above the loudspeaker driver.