Hybrid Mounting Apparatus for R/C Model Audio Exciters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote Control (R/C) scale model vehicles lack the auditory experience of full-sized vehicles due to fragile and non-weather-resistant speakers, which are easily damaged during severe operating conditions, as existing audio systems rely solely on adhesive mounting that fails to secure the audio exciter during crashes and harsh environments.

Innovation Solution

A mounting apparatus for audio exciters in R/C model vehicles that secures the exciter without modifying it, using a combination of mechanical fasteners and adhesive rings to prevent physical damage from extreme operations, while allowing full-range sound production and limiting mechanical excursion to prevent over-travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive mounting is used to secure the audio exciter, then the exciter can be easily installed without modification, but the mounting reliability fails during crashes and harsh environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmounting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines adhesive mounting with mechanical fastening elements (screws, clips, or snap-fits) to create a hybrid mounting system. The adhesive provides initial bonding and seals the mounting hole, while the mechanical element provides structural strength and resistance to vibration and impact forces during crashes, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and mounting reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system uses composite construction by integrating different mounting mechanisms (adhesive and mechanical fasteners) into a single solution. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both adhesive bonding (ease of installation, sealing) and mechanical fastening (strength, reliability under stress) to overcome the limitations of using either method alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a rigid mounting structure is used to prevent exciter movement, then mounting reliability improves, but the exciter's mechanical excursion is limited and sound quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidsound production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rigid mounting structure (mounting plate with fasteners) that provides stable attachment to the vehicle body, and a flexible mounting interface (elastomeric material or compliant mechanism) that allows the audio exciter to move freely within a controlled range. This segmentation enables the rigid portion to ensure reliability while the flexible portion preserves sound production capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system changes the mechanical parameters of the mounting structure by incorporating compliant or elastomeric materials that provide controlled flexibility. This allows the mounting point to be rigid enough to prevent detachment during crashes while sufficiently flexible to permit the audio exciter's mechanical excursion for optimal sound production across different volume levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the audio exciter is allowed full movement range for optimal sound production, then sound quality is maintained, but the exciter is vulnerable to physical damage during extreme operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound production capabilityVSAvoidphysical damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system incorporates protective elements such as elastomeric mounting material, recessed mounting cavities, or限位 structures that are designed in advance to cushion and limit the audio exciter's movement. These protective features are built into the mounting structure beforehand, allowing the exciter to move freely within safe boundaries while preventing excessive excursion that could cause physical damage during crashes or extreme operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 a realistic simulation of full-sized vehicle sounds, ensures the audio exciter's durability during severe operations, and maintains sound quality without altering the acoustic parameters significantly, allowing for robust and reliable operation in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive ring supported on a plastic mounting tab

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

audio exciters, also known as audio transducers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The apparatus may limit the mechanical excursion of the exciter to prevent physical damage to the exciter during extreme operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3170317B1On-board audio system for a model vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 TRAXXAS
  • EP3170317B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3170317B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3170317B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

A realistic simulation of the dynamic sounds of a full-sized vehicle are created on a moving R/C Scale Model. A mounting apparatus supports an audio exciter in a model vehicle without any modification to the exciter. A full range of volume of sound may be produced by the exciter without limiting the range of movement of the exciter as volume is increased or decreased. The apparatus may limit the mechanical excursion of the exciter to prevent physical damage to the exciter. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for operating the audio exciter in a model vehicle.