Vehicle Subwoofer Phase Control for Acoustic Sensitivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing subwoofers in vehicles face limitations in output due to their large space requirements and low sensitivity, which is exacerbated by the need for a large enclosure and the use of dampers that reduce energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a vehicle system that utilizes two subwoofers with different resonance frequencies, where a controller adjusts the phase difference of electrical signals transmitted to these subwoofers to maximize sensitivity, and omits dampers to enhance sound pressure and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a single subwoofer with large enclosure is used, then low frequency sound output is provided, but the sensitivity is limited due to space constraints in vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidenclosure space
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the subwoofer system into multiple independent subwoofer units (first subwoofer and second subwoofer) positioned at different locations in the vehicle. Each subwoofer operates independently with phase control, eliminating the need for a single large enclosure while achieving enhanced low frequency sound output and sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If dampers are added to subwoofers, then enclosure stability is improved, but energy efficiency decreases and sensitivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenclosure stabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes dampers from the subwoofer system entirely. Instead of using dampers for stability, the invention achieves enclosure stability through phase control of multiple subwoofers and strategic positioning, thereby eliminating energy loss associated with damper materials and maintaining high sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple subwoofers are used to compensate for space limitations, then low frequency sound is enhanced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic phase control where the controller adjusts the phase of electrical signals sent to each subwoofer based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the acoustic output and sensitivity without requiring complex mechanical structures, resolving the contradiction between enhanced performance and system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach increases the sensitivity of low-frequency sound output in vehicles, providing a richer audio experience while reducing costs and improving manufacturing reliability by eliminating the need for dampers and enhancing energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a controller configured to transmit an electrical signal corresponding to a play sound to the first subwoofer, to invert a phase of the electrical signal, and to transmit the electrical signal whose the phase is inverted to the second subwoofer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase difference:

Implementation Method 2

a first subwoofer provided at a driver's seat side of the vehicle and having a first resonance frequency; a second subwoofer provided on a passenger seat side of the vehicle and having a second resonance frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

adjusting a position at which a sensitivity between the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency is maximized by adjusting a phase difference between the electrical signal transmitted to the first subwoofer and the electrical signal transmitted to the second subwoofer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS10820102B1Vehicle and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2020.10.27 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10820102B1 patent drawing
  • US10820102B1 patent drawing
  • US10820102B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle and a method of controlling the vehicle are provided. The vehicle may include: a first subwoofer provided at a driver's seat side of the vehicle and having a first resonance frequency; a second subwoofer provided on a passenger seat side of the vehicle and having a second resonance frequency; and a controller configured to transmit an electrical signal corresponding to a play sound to the first subwoofer, to invert a phase of the electrical signal, and to transmit the inverted electrical signal to the second subwoofer.