Seatback Loudspeaker Assembly for Consistent Audio Across Seating Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seats with integrated speakers fail to provide a consistent and satisfactory acoustic output across a range of distinct users and seating positions due to limitations in speaker placement and integration, particularly in vehicles and entertainment venues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a loudspeaker assembly with an acoustic exit fixed in the seat backrest portion and angled to provide acoustic output below the nominal ear position, ensuring a consistent frequency response across varying seating positions by adjusting the firing angle of the driver relative to the seat backrest, which can be adjusted based on recline angles and occupant positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If speakers are integrated into conventional seats at nominal ear position, then audio output is provided to occupants, but frequency response becomes inconsistent across different seating positions and occupant heights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic output consistencyVSAvoidcompatibility across seating positions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the speaker system from the traditional headrest area to the seat backrest, changing the spatial dimension of audio delivery. The acoustic exit is positioned in the backrest portion rather than above the occupant's head, fundamentally altering the geometric relationship between speaker and listener across different seating configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic exit is specifically positioned and angled within the backrest structure to target a location below the nominal ear position. This localized optimization of acoustic delivery at a specific point in space (below ear level in the backrest region) creates consistent frequency response across varying occupant positions and heights

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If acoustic exit is positioned below nominal ear position in the backrest, then frequency response consistency improves across range of positions, but speaker integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency response consistencyVSAvoidspeaker integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loudspeaker assembly is integrated directly into the seat backrest structure, merging the audio system with the existing seat framework. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity despite the unconventional positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backrest structure serves as an intermediary element that houses and positions the acoustic exit. Rather than directly mounting speakers to the headrest or seat cushion, the backrest acts as a mediating structure that enables the acoustic exit to be positioned optimally while maintaining integration with the seat assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If acoustic exit is angled to target location below nominal ear position, then acoustic output consistency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic output consistencyVSAvoidacoustic exit angle precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular angular parameters for the acoustic exit orientation and particular positional relationships relative to the backrest structure. By defining specific parameter ranges for the acoustic exit angle and position, the design achieves consistent acoustic performance while providing manufacturing tolerances that balance precision requirements with production feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 achieves a more consistent and higher-quality acoustic output across a range of seating positions, improving inter-aural isolation and seat-to-seat isolation, while being easier to integrate and less intrusive than headrest speakers, with reduced mechanical and electrical challenges.

Implementation Method 1

at least one driver for generating an acoustic output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an acoustic exit fixed in the seat backrest portion and angled to provide the acoustic output to a location below a nominal ear position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11951889B2Seatback speakers

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 BOSE CORP

AI summary

Various implementations include seats and related loudspeakers. In particular cases, a seat includes: a seat headrest portion; a seat backrest portion; and a loudspeaker assembly. The loudspeaker assembly includes at least one driver for generating an acoustic output; and an acoustic exit fixed in the seat backrest portion and angled to provide the acoustic output to a location below a nominal ear position of an occupant of the seat, wherein a firing angle of the at least one driver provides the acoustic output to achieve a consistent frequency response across a range of positions deviating from the nominal ear position.