Vehicle Body Panel Speaker Assembly Using Sealed Resonance Cavities

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speaker assemblies in vehicles are space-constrained due to the reduction in vehicle size, necessitating a reevaluation of their integration within the vehicle body to optimize interior space without additional components.

Innovation Solution

Integrating speaker assemblies directly into vehicle body panels, forming resonation chambers within these panels, and utilizing existing pillars to house speakers, reducing the need for separate trim components and optimizing space by incorporating ports for ventilation and pressure balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If speaker assemblies are installed to separate trim components attached to the vehicle body, then the acoustic performance can be maintained, but the interior space is reduced and the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior spaceVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the speaker assembly directly into the vehicle body panel structure, eliminating the need for separate trim components. The speaker is mounted within a cavity formed by the body panel itself, combining functions that were previously separated into different components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle body panel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, forms the speaker cavity, and integrates the speaker mounting structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated trim components solely for speaker housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If the vehicle size is reduced, then the vehicle dimensions are optimized, but the space available for speaker assemblies is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle dimensionsVSAvoidspeaker assembly space
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the depth dimension of the vehicle body panel to create the speaker cavity, rather than requiring additional lateral or vertical space. By forming the cavity within the existing panel thickness, speaker assembly space is created without increasing overall vehicle dimensions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker assembly is nested within the vehicle body panel structure itself. The cavity is formed by utilizing the space between the inner and outer surfaces of the body panel, effectively nesting the speaker housing within the existing structural component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 integration method reduces the number of components and maximizes interior space by utilizing existing vehicle body structures, enhancing acoustic performance while minimizing the need for additional trim components.

Implementation Method 1

the internal cavity provides a resonation chamber for the speaker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the port is vented externally of the vehicle body panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure balance: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4610111A1Vehicle body panels for speakers, speaker assemblies with vehicle body panels, and installation methods therefore
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH
  • EP4610111A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4610111A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4610111A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A vehicle body panel is provided defining an internal cavity that is acoustically sealed at least partially along a perimeter with an opening in the vehicle body panel for access to the internal cavity and sized to receive a speaker in the opening. A speaker assembly is provided with the speaker is installed in the opening. A speaker assembly is provided with a first vehicle body panel with an opening. A speaker is installed in the opening. A second vehicle body panel is attached to the first vehicle body panel and sealed along a connection with the first vehicle body panel to collectively provide an internal cavity accessible at the opening, to provide a resonation chamber for the speaker. A method is provided by sealing a plurality of vehicle body panels. A speaker is installed in an opening in the plurality of sealed vehicle body panels.