Vehicle Intercom Housing Layout for Closed-Window Two-Way Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face challenges in communicating with individuals outside their vehicles without exposing themselves to inclement weather or potential health risks, as existing systems require rolling down windows or opening doors, which can damage the vehicle, disrupt temperature, and increase vulnerability to disease transmission and safety threats.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle intercom system with wireless, externally secured speakers and microphones adjacent to mirrors, allowing two-way communication without opening windows or doors, featuring an actuator for selective activation and integration with the vehicle's interior and exterior housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver rolls down the window or opens the door to communicate with someone outside, then communication effectiveness is improved, but the driver is exposed to inclement weather, infectious diseases, and safety threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intercom system as an intermediary device that enables communication between the driver inside the vehicle and individuals outside without requiring physical exposure. The system uses speakers mounted on the exterior surface (such as the rearview mirror) and a microphone inside the vehicle to transmit audio signals, allowing the driver to communicate effectively while keeping the window rolled up and door closed, thus eliminating exposure to harmful external factors
2Ease of operation
If the driver rolls down the window during inclement weather, then communication is enabled, but the vehicle interior temperature is disturbed and interior fabric may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The intercom system serves as a mediator that allows communication without compromising the vehicle's thermal environment. By mounting the speaker on the exterior surface and using the existing window as a barrier, the system enables audio transmission while maintaining the sealed interior, thus preserving temperature stability and protecting interior fabrics from weather damage
3Ease of operation
If the driver rolls down the window to communicate, then two-way communication is achieved, but the driver's anxiety increases due to safety concerns with strangers
Solution Approach 1:
The intercom system acts as a protective intermediary that facilitates two-way communication while maintaining the driver's physical separation from outsiders. The driver can hear and speak with individuals outside through the system without exposing themselves to potential threats, thereby reducing anxiety and safety concerns associated with direct face-to-face interactions with strangers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of rolling down the window with an electronic audio transmission system. Instead of physically exposing the driver to the external environment, the system uses electrical signals transmitted through the intercom device to enable communication, thereby substituting a potentially hazardous mechanical action with a safe electronic alternative
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle intercom system is provided. The system includes one or more housings. Each housing includes a speaker, a microphone, and a lighting element. At least one housing is secured to the exterior of a vehicle via a fastener. In one embodiment, the exterior housing is adjacent to the vehicle mirrors. At least one housing is securable within the vehicle's cabin via a fastener. The speakers are operably connected to the microphone. The one or more housings are in wireless communication with one another and all housings are in wireless communication with an actuator. The actuator is securable to an internal surface of the vehicle cabin. The actuator is configured to activate the speaker and the microphone on each housing to enable two-way audible communication, allowing the driver or passengers to easily communicate with individuals located outside of the vehicle.