Loudspeaker Module Mounting in Vehicle Wheel Arch

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of a loudspeaker module, such as a subwoofer, in a vehicle body is hindered by insufficient volume in the rear floor due to complex pollutant treatment systems and the structural constraints of sheet metal parts, which complicates mounting and requires innovative solutions to ensure reliable and cost-effective installation.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle body design featuring a rear wheel arch with an oblong opening and reinforcement for a lower support, along with a sealing mechanism and reversible fixing clevis, allows for the secure and discreet integration of a loudspeaker module, utilizing a steel plate reinforcement for increased thickness and a sealing means to accommodate the module's mounting and acoustic functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the loudspeaker module is installed within the rear floor, then the acoustic functionality is achieved, but the volume available is insufficient due to complex pollutant treatment systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailable volume in rear floorVSAvoidintegration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the loudspeaker module from the traditional floor installation to the wheel arch area, utilizing vertical space and three-dimensional volume in a different spatial dimension. This allows the module to be positioned where sufficient volume exists without compromising the rear floor space needed for pollutant treatment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The body structure is divided into separate components: the side lining, the internal part, and the reinforcement element. This segmentation allows the reinforcement to be specifically added in the wheel arch area to provide mounting support, while the rest of the body structure remains unchanged, enabling flexible integration of the loudspeaker module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the loudspeaker module is moved to another part of the body, then space availability is improved, but integration difficulties arise due to body structure constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace availability for loudspeaker moduleVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement element is pre-integrated into the body structure during the manufacturing process, specifically added in the wheel arch area before the loudspeaker module is installed. This preliminary action ensures that the mounting support is already in place, eliminating the need for complex modifications during installation and reducing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement element acts as an intermediary component between the body structure and the loudspeaker module. It provides a dedicated mounting interface with appropriate thickness and structural properties, mediating the connection between the thin sheet metal body parts and the heavy loudspeaker module, thereby simplifying integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If sheet metal parts of different thicknesses are assembled, then the body structure is formed, but the resistance to deformation of fixing zones is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebody structure conformationVSAvoidresistance to deformation of fixing zones
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly increasing the thickness of the entire body structure, the reinforcement element is locally added only in the specific wheel arch area where the loudspeaker module requires mounting. This local quality enhancement provides the necessary structural strength and deformation resistance at the fixing zones while maintaining the original thin-gauge construction elsewhere, preserving the body's overall shape and design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3863892B1Motor vehicle body equipped with a loudspeaker module
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 RENAULT SA
  • EP3863892B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3863892B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3863892B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle body (1) comprising at least one wheelhouse (2), in particular a rear wheelhouse, produced by assembling at least a portion of a body shell lateral lining (4) with an inner part (5), the body shell lateral lining (4) being a rear quarter lining delimiting an outer part of the wheelhouse (2), the inner part (5) being a part for connecting the lateral lining to a floor, in particular a trunk floor, the inner part (5) delimiting an inner part of the wheelhouse (2). The inner part (5) comprises an opening (50), through which is added and welded a reinforcement (6) of a lower support (7) intended to at least partially ensure the mounting of a loudspeaker module (8), in particular a subwoofer.