Portable Audio Amplifier with Interchangeable Housing and Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current portable audio amplifiers lack customization options and storage compartments for accessories, leading to increased complexity in transportation and potential loss of items.

Innovation Solution

A portable music amplifier with an internal housing and exchangeable external housing made from repurposed materials, featuring a storage compartment for audio accessories and the ability to customize after purchase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If portable amplifiers include internal storage compartment, then accessories organization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessories organizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a storage compartment nested within the amplifier housing structure. The compartment is integrated into the existing device body, allowing accessories to be stored inside the amplifier without requiring external carrying cases or separate storage solutions. This nesting approach organizes accessories while minimizing additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If portable amplifiers offer interchangeable housing, then customization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the amplifier housing into separable components, including interchangeable faceplates and modular housing sections. This segmentation allows different housing elements to be manufactured independently and then assembled, enabling customization options without requiring complete redesign of the entire amplifier. Each modular component can be produced using standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-generated harmful factors

If portable amplifiers use repurposed materials, then environmental impact is reduced, but manufacturing precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs repurposed materials such as recycled metals and plastics for amplifier housing and components. By adjusting manufacturing parameters like material preparation methods, surface treatment processes, and assembly tolerances, the patent achieves acceptable precision levels while utilizing environmentally friendly recycled materials. The design accommodates variations in repurposed material properties through flexible manufacturing approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8406449B2Portable audio amplifier with interchangeable housing and storage compartment
Publication Date: 2013.03.26 WEGENER ADAM STEPHEN MR
  • US8406449B2 patent drawing
  • US8406449B2 patent drawing
  • US8406449B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable audio amplifier for a portable audio device or musical instrument that includes an internal housing and an exchangeable external housing and exchangeable cover, as well as a storage compartment is described. The storage compartment, which is contained in the internal housing, may contain a cord and other audio accessories such as picks, batteries, adapters, or personal items. The storage compartment can be opened through various methods, including translation, swiveling, pivoting, or sliding of a cover. The amplifier's external housing and/or cover may be customized by the user after purchase using exchangeable elements. Exchangeable external housing options, which act like a skin for the amplifier, include both manufactured housings (designed specifically as an external housing for the audio amplifier) and repurposed housings (designed for a primary purpose other than audio amplification). An adaptive structure may be used to adapt the dimensions of the internal housing to a larger, external housing.