Microphone Assembly Aerodynamic Base for Wind Buffeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
External microphones on autonomous vehicles face challenges in reliably detecting acoustic signals due to exposure to weather, wind, and air flow, which can lead to contamination and noise interference, affecting accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A microphone assembly design featuring a base with angled or curved surfaces to direct airflow away, a cap with a domed portion and a gap to minimize air flow, a scrim layer, membrane, and foam layer to prevent contaminants, and a grill to allow acoustic signals while blocking noise, along with a microphone array and support columns for structural integrity and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the microphone is exposed to the external environment for accurate acoustic detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the microphone is subjected to weather, wind, and contaminants that degrade reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cap structure with a gap that acts as a flexible protective enclosure. The cap is positioned above the microphone array and connected via support columns, creating a protected cavity that shields the microphones from direct exposure to weather, wind, and contaminants while still allowing acoustic signals to pass through the gap for accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the cap and base serves as an intermediary channel that mediates between the external acoustic environment and the microphone array. This gap allows acoustic signals to transmit through while the cap structure blocks direct paths for contaminants, water, and wind buffeting to reach the microphones.
2Reliability
If protective structures are added to shield the microphone from weather and wind, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a cap for weather shielding, a gap for acoustic transmission, support columns for structural integrity, and a base for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the microphone array from weather and wind, provides a mounting surface for the gap, and works with the support columns to create a stable structure. The base similarly provides both mounting functionality and structural support, reducing the need for separate components.
3Reliability
If the cap is positioned close to the microphone array for protection, then reliability is improved, but air flow and wind buffeting still reach the microphone
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed with a curved or domed surface that is aerodynamic in shape. This curvature allows air flow to smooth over the top of the cap rather than creating turbulent eddies that would force air and water into the gap. The curved geometry effectively redirects airflow away from the microphone array while maintaining close proximity for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure utilizes composite design elements combining rigid support columns with a flexible or rigid cap, creating a hybrid structure that provides both structural integrity and aerodynamic flow management. The combination of these elements creates a protective barrier that effectively blocks wind buffeting while allowing acoustic signals to pass through.
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 design effectively protects the microphone array from weather and wind buffeting, ensuring accurate detection of acoustic signals by minimizing contamination and noise interference, enhancing the reliability and durability of the microphone assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The third surface defines an angled or curved shape to direct air flow that contacts the third surface in a direction away from the first surface
Implementation Method 2
The scrim layer may be configured to minimize or prevent water or other contaminants from contacting the microphone array
Implementation Method 3
The grill may include one or more openings configured to permit the acoustic signals to pass through the grill to the microphone array
Implementation Method 4
The foam layer is configured to reduce wind buffeting and noise directed toward the at least three microphones
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone assembly includes a base that includes a first surface, a second surface and a third surface. The first surface is configured to connect the base to a mounting location in an external environment. The second surface is positioned parallel to the first surface with the third surface positioned therebetween. The third surface defines a curved shape to direct air flow that contacts the third surface in a direction away from the first surface. The microphone assembly also includes a cap disposed over and separated from the base by a gap. The cap includes a domed portion that has a convex shape that curves away from the second surface of the base. The microphone assembly also includes a microphone array that includes a plurality of microphones. The microphone array is disposed within the cap and is configured to receive acoustic signals from the external environment through the gap.