Windshield Sound Module for Vehicle Audio Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle entertainment systems face challenges in providing improved integration and sound quality, with speakers often distributed across the vehicle interior, and there is a need for more advanced display and audio system integration that maintains a visually appealing design while enhancing user experience.

Innovation Solution

The entertainment system incorporates multiple sound emitting units arranged along the transverse extension of the windshield, emitting sound towards the windshield, and integrated behind a display device, allowing for improved sound quality and hidden placement, potentially using an air vent outlet for further integration and cost reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If speakers are distributed across the vehicle interior (doors, instrument panel, ceiling), then sound quality is maintained, but the system integration and visual appeal are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound qualityVSAvoidsystem integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sound emitting module is divided into multiple sound emitting units (first, second, third, and fourth units) that are distributed along the transverse extension of the windshield. Each unit contains speaker elements that emit sound in specific directions toward the windshield, creating a segmented approach to achieve both sound quality and integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sound emitting units are arranged in a spatial configuration along the transverse extension of the windshield rather than being distributed throughout the vehicle interior. This dimensional repositioning allows the system to achieve better integration while maintaining sound quality through strategic placement in a specific geometric arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If multiple sound emitting units are placed along the windshield transverse extension, then system integration is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sound emitting units are merged into a single integrated sound emitting module that is positioned behind the display device. This combining approach reduces the number of separate components in the vehicle interior while achieving the desired integration effect, as the module functions as a unified system rather than discrete distributed speakers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sound emitting module serves multiple functions: it provides sound emission, integrates with the display device structure, and contributes to the overall aesthetic design. The display device itself may also serve as a structural support for the sound emitting module, creating a multi-functional integration that reduces component count.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If sound emitting units are hidden behind the display device, then visual appeal is improved, but accessibility for maintenance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual appealVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The sound emitting module is nested within the vehicle interior structure behind the display device, with the display device acting as a cover or housing element. This nesting arrangement hides the sound emitting units from view to improve visual appeal while keeping them accessible through the display device structure for maintenance purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enhances sound quality in the vehicle cabin, provides a more integrated and aesthetically pleasing system by hiding speakers, and optimizes space for other features, while maintaining or improving sound quality and reducing the number of visible components.

Implementation Method 1

multiple sound emitting units are distributed along the transverse extension of a windshield of the vehicle and to emit sound towards the windshield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3819157B1An entertainment system for a vehicle including a sound emitting module

Publication Date: 2023.04.05 VOLVO CAR CORP

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AI summary

The disclosed subject matter generally relates to an entertainment system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a sound emitting module including multiple sound emitting units, wherein the sound emitting module is adapted to be arranged such that the multiple sound emitting units are distributed along the transverse extension of a windshield of the vehicle and to emit sound towards the windshield, and a display device arranged between the sound emitting module and an occupant seating position, wherein the display device is arranged to cover the sound emitting module as seen from the occupant seating position. The disclosed entertainment system provides the advantage of integrating a more advanced sound system in the form of a sound emitting module including multiple sound emitting units.