Rotating Smart Speaker for Vehicle Sound Image Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5-way speaker systems in vehicles face challenges in adjusting sound image positions for the driver's seat and rear VIP seat due to sound image distortion, particularly in implementing high-end audio for a natural tone and wide sound field.

Innovation Solution

A smart speaker system that includes a motor-driven rotary shaft with a ring radiator tweeter and a hybrid woofer, combining a subwoofer and mid-range speaker, which can rotate to radiate sound in specific directions, and a controller that adjusts sound image positions based on vehicle occupancy and seating arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a 5-way speaker system is applied to implement high-end audio in a vehicle, then a natural tone and wide sound field can be achieved, but sound image distortion occurs making it difficult to adjust reference positions for driver's seat and rear VIP seat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound field coverageVSAvoidsound image position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the speaker assembly rotatable around a vertical axis through a motor-driven mechanism. This allows the sound image position to be dynamically adjusted according to seating positions and passenger distribution, transforming a static speaker system into an adaptive one that can precisely target sound to different locations in the vehicle cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by combining multiple speaker types (tweeter, mid-range speaker, subwoofer) into a single integrated rotatable assembly. This unified structure can serve multiple functions: it can rotate to different positions to serve different seats, adjust sound image position dynamically, and maintain high-end audio quality with natural tone across various configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If speakers are fixed in position to maintain stable sound output, then audio consistency is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to different seating arrangements and passenger configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio consistencyVSAvoidseating arrangement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains reliability through its ability to dynamically adapt. The rotatable speaker assembly can adjust its position based on detected seating arrangements and passenger distribution, ensuring that high-quality audio and proper sound image positioning are maintained regardless of how passengers are seated in the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by detecting seating positions and passenger distribution, then using this information to control the rotation of the speaker assembly and adjust the sound image position accordingly. This closed-loop system ensures audio consistency is maintained while adapting to different configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate speakers are used to cover different frequency ranges, then comprehensive sound coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency range coverageVSAvoidspeaker system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the tweeter, mid-range speaker, and subwoofer into a single rotatable assembly. This unified structure reduces the number of separate speaker units and mounting locations needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive frequency range coverage through the combined capabilities of the integrated drivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 smart speaker system effectively adjusts sound image positions to enhance audio quality by directing sound specifically to occupants, improving the listening experience by maintaining a natural tone and wide sound field without the limitations of traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

a motor that rotates a rotary shaft in one direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first speaker mounted on an inclined surface formed on an upper end of the speaker housing, a second speaker mounted on a vertical surface of the speaker housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Data Source

PatentUS12262185B2Smart speaker and method for providing sound using the same

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An embodiment smart speaker includes a motor configured to rotate a rotary shaft, a speaker housing connected with the rotary shaft, a first speaker mounted on an inclined surface disposed on an upper end of the speaker housing, a second speaker mounted on a vertical surface of the speaker housing, a cover configured to protect the first speaker and the second speaker, and a controller configured to control a rotation of the first speaker and the second speaker using the motor to radiate a sound in at least one target direction.