Modular Vehicle Audio Network With Distributed Speaker-Amps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle audio systems are inflexible, bulky, and difficult to customize, as they rely on large, discrete speakers and complex wiring configurations, which compromise passenger comfort and increase vehicle weight, making upgrades and modifications challenging.
Innovation Solution
A modular, reconfigurable audio system using smaller DAS modules with integrated speakers and amplifiers, connected via a digital network, allowing for easy installation, customization, and upgrades, with a central digital audio controller configuring and distributing audio signals to each module for enhanced sound experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional large discrete speakers with complex wiring are used, then audio power and sound output are improved, but vehicle weight increases and passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is divided into multiple independent speaker modules distributed throughout the vehicle interior. Each module contains its own amplifier and speaker components, eliminating the need for a single large amplifier and reducing overall system weight while maintaining audio power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional analog wiring with digital communication buses to connect speaker modules. This substitution reduces the amount of heavy gauge wire needed, thereby reducing vehicle weight while maintaining signal integrity and audio power delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional analog speaker systems with extensive wiring are used, then audio coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each speaker module is designed as a universal unit that can be installed in multiple locations and configured for different audio zones. The modules use standardized digital communication interfaces, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining versatile audio coverage throughout the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio system allows dynamic configuration where speaker modules can be individually enabled or disabled based on vehicle configuration and user preferences. The digital control system dynamically routes audio signals to appropriate modules, providing adaptable coverage without complex physical wiring changes.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed audio systems are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and customization options deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system uses standardized, modular speaker units that can be manufactured independently and then assembled in various configurations. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling extensive customization through different module combinations and placements.
Solution Approach 2:
Speaker modules are pre-configured with digital identification codes and default settings during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration simplifies assembly while allowing post-installation customization through software programming, enabling the system to adapt to different vehicle types and user preferences.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods described herein provide an audio system and modules that include speakers that can be packaged in new locations, and/or that can be driven by a local amplifier (amp). The new audio system can be easily upgraded with more modules inserted into the speaker network. For example, the custom system can increase capacity by replacing a trim panel with a new integrated trim panel having a module with one or more smaller speakers and the local amp. A control processor can detect the modules, which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), an amp, and/or at least one speaker.