Vibrating Panel Assembly for Vehicle Audio Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular audio systems face challenges with weight, complexity, noise penetration, visibility, and acoustic performance due to conventional loudspeakers, which are poorly positioned and lack efficient integration with vehicle trim panels, leading to inadequate sound quality and imaging.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating panel assembly using a substrate panel with an electroacoustic vibrator mounted on its inner surface, integrated into vehicle trim panels, which increases modal density and flattens frequency response, reducing weight and complexity while improving sound radiation and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional loudspeakers are used in vehicular audio systems, then sound radiation capability is provided, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loudspeaker functionality with the vehicle's existing trim panels by integrating electroacoustic vibrators directly into the panel structure. The trim panel itself becomes the radiating surface, eliminating the need for separate speaker enclosures and mounting structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sound radiation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The trim panel serves multiple functions: it maintains its original aesthetic and structural role while simultaneously functioning as the sound radiating surface. The electroacoustic vibrator integrated into the panel enables the panel to perform both decorative/structural and acoustic functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated speaker components
2Power
If conventional loudspeakers are used, then sound radiation is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mass of the speaker system with the existing trim panel mass. Instead of adding separate speaker components with their own enclosures and mounting hardware, the electroacoustic vibrator is integrated directly into the panel, utilizing the panel's existing structure as part of the radiating system and thereby minimizing additional weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thin, flexible trim panels as the radiating surface. These panels can be made from lightweight materials and are integrated directly into the vehicle's existing trim structure, avoiding the need for heavy traditional speaker enclosures while maintaining adequate sound radiation capability
3Power
If conventional loudspeakers are positioned in vehicle trim panels, then sound radiation is provided, but acoustic performance deteriorates due to poor positioning and lack of integration
Solution Approach 1:
The electroacoustic vibrator is integrated directly into the trim panel structure, ensuring optimal positioning within the panel thickness. This integration allows precise control of the radiating surface geometry and enables the entire panel to function as a coherent acoustic radiator, improving frequency response and sound distribution compared to conventional mounted speakers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different structural zones within the panel: an inner portion with lower flexural modulus for vibration, an outer boundary portion for structural support, and an intermediate portion with increased modal density. This localized variation in properties optimizes acoustic performance while maintaining structural integrity
4Ease of operation
If conventional loudspeakers are used, then audio function is provided, but imaging and sound quality are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct zones within the panel with different mechanical properties: the inner portion has lower flexural modulus for vibration, the intermediate portion has increased modal density for frequency distribution, and the outer boundary provides structural support. This localized differentiation optimizes both sound quality and imaging while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite panel construction with multiple materials or structures having different flexural moduli. The inner portion uses material with lower flexural modulus for vibration, while the outer boundary uses material with higher flexural modulus for structural support, creating a composite structure that optimizes both acoustic performance and structural requirements
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 reduces weight and complexity, enhances sound quality by improving frequency response and imaging, and integrates seamlessly with vehicle trim panels, providing efficient sound radiation and aesthetic integration.
Implementation Method 1
An electroacoustic vibrator mounted on an inner surface of the substrate panel at a predetermined location is configured to vibrate the panel over the range of audible frequencies in response to an electrical signal applied to the vibrator
Implementation Method 2
Sound waves are longitudinal mechanical waves. They can be propagated in solids, liquids, and gases. The material particles transmitting such a wave oscillate in the direction of propagation of the wave itself
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrating panel assembly configured to radiate sound into a passenger compartment of a vehicle having a support structure is provided. The assembly includes a substrate panel having front and back surfaces. The panel includes an inner portion, an outer boundary portion formed on the perimeter of the panel and an intermediate portion between the inner portion and the outer boundary portion. The vibrating panel has a frequency distribution of modes in a range of audible frequencies. The panel is configured to be attached to the support structure. An electroacoustic vibrator is mounted on the inner portion at the back surface at a predetermined location and is configured to vibrate the panel over the range of audible frequencies in response to an electrical signal. The intermediate portion is configured to increase modal density of the panel.