Surface-Integrated Vibration Sensor for Hidden Vehicle Sound Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle systems face challenges in integrating microphone sensors in streamlined designs without visibility and requiring dedicated spaces, and external sensors are prone to damage from harsh conditions, affecting performance.
Innovation Solution
A surface-integrated vibration sensor with a piezo-diaphragm transducer enclosed in a housing, mounted to the vehicle's interior or exterior surfaces, measuring structure-borne vibrations instead of airborne sound, thus being invisible and durable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional microphone sensors are used with acoustic transparent air-paths, then sound detection function is achieved, but the sensors become visible and require dedicated installation spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic measurement system (microphone detecting airborne sound through air-paths) with a vibration sensing system that measures structure-borne vibrations directly through the surface structure. This substitution eliminates the need for acoustic transparent openings and dedicated mounting spaces, as the sensor integrates directly into the surface itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is merged with the surface structure by integrating the transducer directly into the backside of the surface structure. This combining of the sensor with the surface eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces and makes the sensor invisible from the exterior, while maintaining sound detection functionality through vibration measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external microphone sensors are placed on vehicle exterior surfaces, then voice command detection is enabled, but the sensors are damaged by harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated into the surface structure and fully enclosed by a housing that is part of the surface assembly. This integration protects the sensor from harsh environmental conditions while maintaining its voice command detection capability, as the sensor measures vibrations through the surface rather than exposing microphone elements to the elements.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the exposed microphone system with an integrated vibration sensor, the system eliminates the vulnerability of traditional microphones to environmental damage. The vibration sensor measures sound through structure-borne vibrations, allowing it to function reliably in harsh conditions without direct exposure to elements.
3Shape
If panoramic sunroof designs with glass surfaces are used, then streamlined appearance is achieved, but dedicated spaces for sensor installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is merged with the glass surface structure by integrating the transducer directly into the backside of the glass. This integration eliminates the need for dedicated sensor mounting spaces within the glass assembly, allowing streamlined panoramic sunroof designs to maintain both aesthetic appearance and sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is positioned in the third dimension by integrating it into the backside of the glass surface, rather than requiring lateral mounting spaces. This dimensional relocation allows the sensor to be embedded within the existing glass structure without compromising the streamlined appearance or requiring additional installation space.
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 hidden, durable, and effective alternative to traditional microphones, maintaining sensitivity and reliability for vehicle systems while eliminating the need for visible installations and protecting against environmental damage.
Implementation Method 1
the transducer is a piezo-diaphragm based vibration sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration sensor assembly having a rigid surface and a transducer integrated with the rigid surface. The transducer measures structure-borne sound waves that cause vibration motion of the rigid surface. The rigid surface may be glass, metal or plastic and may be part of an interior part or panel, or an exterior panel, of a vehicle.