Motorcycle Speaker Tweeter Positioning for High-Frequency Sound Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motorcycle acoustic systems fail to effectively transmit sound in the high-note range to the operator during travel due to the high directivity of high-note sounds and the operator's helmet and external noise interference.

Innovation Solution

The system includes left and right speakers with midrange/woofer units and tweeter units positioned to regenerate midrange/low-note and high-note sounds, respectively, with tweeter units arranged below extensions from the meter display unit to direct sound towards the operator, ensuring effective transmission of high-note sounds without increasing the system's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tweeter units are positioned to direct high-note sounds towards the operator, then sound transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound transmission reliabilityVSAvoidspeaker configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker system is segmented into distinct frequency-range units: tweeter units for high-note sounds and midrange/woofer units for midrange and low-note sounds. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, with tweeter units positioned to direct high-frequency sounds toward the operator while midrange/woofer units handle other frequency ranges from lateral positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the speaker system have different functional qualities tailored to their purposes. The tweeter units are specifically positioned between the meter display unit and the rider to direct high-note sounds toward the operator's ears, while midrange/woofer units are positioned laterally to provide omnidirectional coverage for lower frequencies. Each unit's location and orientation are optimized for its specific frequency range and transmission requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Area of stationary object

If tweeter units are arranged below extensions from meter display unit, then spatial efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefairing space utilizationVSAvoidtweeter unit positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tweeter units are positioned in the vertical dimension below extensions of the meter display unit, rather than only lateral placement. This three-dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization within the fairing by utilizing vertical space that would otherwise be underutilized, while still maintaining proper sound direction toward the operator.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The fairing design incorporates predetermined extension regions that guide the placement of tweeter units. By pre-defining these extension areas in the fairing structure, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces positioning precision requirements, as the extension regions serve as built-in guides for correct tweeter unit installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration allows for reliable transmission of high-note sounds to the operator, enhancing the acoustic experience with realistic sound reproduction and maintaining spatial efficiency around the meter display unit.

Implementation Method 1

a left tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the left midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS9094745B2Motorcycle with acoustic system
Publication Date: 2015.07.28 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US9094745B2 patent drawing
  • US9094745B2 patent drawing
  • US9094745B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To enable a regenerated sound in the high-note range to sufficiently reach an ear of an operator (rider) during travel. A meter display unit is provided for displaying drive information such as a vehicle speed or a travel distance. Left and right speakers are disposed on both sides of the meter display unit for generating regenerated sounds such as English conversation and music. The left speaker includes a left midrange/woofer unit disposed on the left side of the meter display unit for regenerating midrange/low-note sound and a left tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the left midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sounds. The right speaker includes a right midrange/woofer unit disposed on the right side of the meter display unit for regenerating midrange/low-note sound and a right tweeter unit disposed between the meter display unit and the right midrange/woofer unit for regenerating high-note sounds.