Johnson Controls, reputed to be world’s largest independent supplier of automotive interior systems, will exhibit loudspeakers that can be built “invisibly” into vehicles at the Frankfurt Show.
Johnson Controls, reputed to be world’s largest independent supplier of automotive interior systems, will exhibit loudspeakers that can be built “invisibly” into vehicles at the Frankfurt Show.
The company claims the small loudspeakers can be installed in any of several positions, depending on the acoustic qualities of the car. The loudspeakers, using surface-sound technology, can reportedly be fitted into sun visors, headrests, or moulded into the facia, door panels or interior components.
But how? The loudspeaker membrane normally used to carry sound is superfluous because the material the car is constructed of takes over that role. A Johnson Controls spokesman said the need for an aperture in a car to carry speakers is thus eliminated.
Furthermore, the technology offers acoustical benefits and installation options not possible with conventional loudspeakers. Johnson Controls claim its innovative speakers create a smooth sound throughout the vehicle by “eliminating the audio irregularities caused by standard car audio speakers”.
The new loudspeakers can be made in almost any size and shape, and curved or contoured to fit a vehicle’s interior.
Johnson Controls specialises in automotive interior systems such as seating, doors, overhead consoles, cargo management, electronics and instrument panels. BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault, Rover, Toyota and Volkswagen are understood to be some of the firm’s main customers.