Audio Device Slit Housing Integrating Sound and Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing residential fire alarms primarily rely on sound alerts, which may not be sufficient for quick evacuation, especially in cases where the alarm sound is not heard, such as in hearing-impaired individuals or during emergencies in complete darkness, potentially delaying evacuation.
Innovation Solution
An audio device that integrates both sound and illuminating light alerts, where a control unit determines the presence of a fire and triggers both a loudspeaker for alarm sounds and LEDs for illuminating the evacuation route, housed in a design that minimizes the visibility of sound and light emission holes, allowing for quicker evacuation without compromising aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If additional alert capability (illuminating light) is provided besides sound alarm, then evacuation time is reduced, but cosmetic appearance is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sound hole and window hole into a single integrated slit structure on the front wall. This merging of functional elements (sound emission and light emission) into one aesthetic unit allows the device to provide both auditory and visual alerts while maintaining a clean, unified appearance that does not compromise cosmetic aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional separate circular holes to a linear slit dimension, creating a modern, sleek appearance. By arranging the sound hole and window hole along the length of the slit rather than placing them as separate circular openings, the design achieves a more contemporary aesthetic while maintaining both functional requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate sound hole and window hole are provided, then sound and light can be emitted, but cosmetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sound hole and window hole into a single slit structure, allowing both sound and light emission functions to coexist within one integrated opening. This combination maintains versatility in alert capabilities while presenting a unified, aesthetically pleasing appearance that avoids the visual clutter of multiple separate holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sound outlet for the loudspeaker and as a light outlet for the illuminating LED. This multi-functionality allows a single structural element to fulfill multiple alert purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated openings and thereby preserving cosmetic appearance.
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 device facilitates faster evacuation by providing both auditory and visual alerts, reducing the time to recognize the emergency and locate the exit, even in dark or noisy conditions, while maintaining a cosmetic appearance that is not significantly affected.
Implementation Method 1
a loudspeaker to emit an alarm sound and a voice warning message
Implementation Method 2
an illuminating unit including at least one light-emitting diode (LED) to emit illuminating light that irradiates a surrounding region
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An object of the present disclosure is to contribute to evacuating a person in a shorter time while reducing the chances of affecting the cosmetic appearance. An audio device (1) includes a control unit, a first emission unit (11), a second emission unit, and a housing (4). The control unit determines, in accordance with information provided about a particular event, whether the particular event is present. The first emission unit (11) emits a sound to alert a person to the presence of the particular event. The second emission unit emits illuminating light. The housing (4) includes: a base portion to be fixed onto a structural component (C1); and a front wall portion (4B) provided in front of the base portion. The front wall portion (4B) has a slit (9) provided through a front surface (40) thereof and recessed toward the base portion. The slit (9) has: a sound hole (H1) provided in a first region (91) of an inner surface (90) thereof to let the sound come out of the housing (4); and a window hole (H2) provided in a second region (92) of the inner surface (90) thereof to let the illuminating light come out of the housing (4).