Seat Shell Cavity Noise Reduction Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional noise reduction methods in closed structures like airplanes and trains face challenges in effectively reducing noise while minimizing weight and maintaining comfort, as existing solutions often compromise on sound quality and installation complexity due to limited speaker capacity and positional adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A noise reduction device integrated into the seat's shell cavity, utilizing a noise detector, controller, and control sound output unit, which enhances low-frequency noise reduction by increasing speaker cabinet volume and allowing for flexible installation and design adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a high-density sound insulation material is used as partition wall material, then noise reduction effect is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reduction effectVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive mechanical sound insulation materials with an active noise control system that uses electronic signal processing. Microphones detect noise, controllers process the signals, and speakers generate anti-phase sound waves to cancel noise, eliminating the need for heavy high-density partition wall materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical material properties to acoustic signal parameters. Instead of using material density to block sound, the system uses phase reversal and frequency matching to actively cancel noise, achieving weight reduction while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a large-capacity speaker is installed to improve low-frequency noise reduction, then noise reduction efficiency is improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reduction efficiencyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the three-dimensional cavity space within the seat shell to accommodate the speaker system. By strategically positioning speakers within the existing seat structure's hollow spaces, the system achieves large-capacity noise reduction without increasing the overall seat volume or requiring additional installation space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The noise reduction device is nested within the existing seat structure. The speaker, microphone, and controller are integrated into the seat's shell cavity, utilizing the already-available space rather than adding external components, thus achieving compact integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If speaker position is adjusted to match user ear position, then noise reduction effect is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reduction effectVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the speaker position can be changed based on user characteristics. The system includes a speaker position adjustment mechanism that allows the speaker to be positioned at different locations within the seat cavity to match different users' ear positions, optimizing noise reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the user's ear position and pre-adjusts the speaker position before noise reduction begins. This preliminary action ensures optimal positioning is achieved without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during noise reduction operation.

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 improves noise reduction efficiency, particularly in low-frequency ranges, while ensuring comfort and design flexibility, providing a high-quality noise environment in aircraft and train cabins.

Implementation Method 1

a method of generating sound wave having a phase opposite to the phase of noise is generally executed. By using this method, it is possible to lower the noise level at the noise source or in the vicinity thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase opposition and destructive interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a microphone for detecting sound generated from noise sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Implementation Method 3

a speaker which converts the electric signal input from the controller to sound and transmits the sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9090332B2Noise reduction device

Publication Date: 2015.07.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A noise reduction device, including a microphone for detecting noise, a noise controller for reversing the phase of noise detected by the microphone based on information outputted from the microphone, and a speaker for outputting sound based on information outputted from the noise controller, is arranged at a seat surrounded by a shell portion having a cavity, wherein a speaker is disposed in the cavity of the shell portion.