Articulating Microphone Mount Ball Socket Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphone mounts lack adaptability and control over positioning, failing to maximize sound reproduction performance across various mounting situations and applications.
Innovation Solution
An articulating mount with a ball and socket pivot system, combined with a slotted cap and O-ring mechanism, allowing for precise and adjustable positioning of microphones on surfaces like ceilings or walls, while maintaining plenum ratings and providing resistance to temperature and assembly variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed microphone mount is used, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the microphone positioning adaptability and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system by replacing fixed mounts with an articulating mechanism that allows the microphone to move between multiple positions. The ball and socket joint enables the microphone to be adjusted at various angles and orientations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different mounting scenarios while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a mounting housing, a ball and socket joint, and a microphone assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the housing provides structural support, the ball and socket enables articulated movement, and the microphone assembly can be precisely positioned. The modular design improves adaptability while keeping individual components relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If an articulating mount with ball and socket pivot is used, then the microphone positioning precision and freedom of movement are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ball and socket joint where a spherical ball fits into a socket, allowing the microphone to be positioned at any orientation. The spherical geometry provides 360-degree rotational freedom while maintaining a compact and simple structure. This curved geometric approach achieves high positioning precision without requiring complex mechanical linkages, as the sphere naturally provides smooth, controlled movement in all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball and socket joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the mounting housing and the microphone assembly. It translates the structural support of the housing into precise, controlled movement of the microphone. The ball and socket serves as a mediator that enables articulated positioning without requiring direct complex mechanical connections, thereby achieving precision while managing complexity through a well-established mechanical interface.
3Reliability
If the slotted cap and O-ring mechanism is used, then the microphone can be securely mounted with adjustable positioning, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring and slotted cap mechanism is designed to self-adjust and self-lock during assembly. When the micropone is inserted and the cap is tightened, the O-ring automatically compresses to provide the necessary retention force, and the slots in the cap guide the ball into proper alignment. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex adjustment procedures or specialized tools, improving reliability while simplifying the manufacturing and assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The slotted cap design allows for parameter changes in the positioning of the microphone by adjusting the orientation of the slots. The slots can be positioned at different angles to accommodate various mounting configurations. This parameter adjustment capability is achieved through simple geometric design rather than complex mechanical adjustments, improving mounting security while maintaining ease of manufacture through straightforward geometric modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone having an integral ball along the microphone body is mounted in a housing that defines a socket for receiving the ball. The microphone may be articulated on the ball and socket mount and the resistance to the articulation force may be varied by tightening and loosening a slotted cap that exerts a spring force on the microphone. The microphone and housing may be mounted to a surface such as a wall or ceiling and plenum ratings may be maintained through ceiling mounts.