Ceiling Loudspeaker Mounting Frame and Back Box Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling speaker systems either lack the ease of installation of lay-in speakers or the aesthetic appeal of tile-mounted speakers, with no solution combining both benefits.
Innovation Solution
A support frame and back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile, allowing for the mounting of a removable loudspeaker cartridge through a hole in the tile, with interchangeable cartridges and a design that accommodates multiple installations, including a fire-resistant back box for compliance with building codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a speaker is mounted directly to a ceiling tile, then the installation is simple, but the speaker size is limited due to the tile's limited structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the mounting structure into separate components: a support frame that attaches to the ceiling tile and a back box that provides additional structural support. This segmentation allows the tile to remain intact while the support frame and back box bear the speaker's weight, enabling larger speakers to be installed without compromising the tile's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame acts as an intermediary between the ceiling tile and the speaker, distributing the load across the tile's surface through the frame's geometry. The back box serves as a second intermediary, providing additional structural support and mounting surface. This intermediary structure eliminates the need to rely on the tile's inherent structural strength while maintaining simple installation procedures.
2Strength
If a support frame is added to support a heavier speaker, then the speaker weight capacity increases, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame and back box are designed to work together as an integrated assembly. The support frame attaches to the ceiling tile grid, and the back box mounts to the support frame, creating a unified structure that supports the speaker. This merging of components streamlines the installation process compared to using separate support structures, as the frame and box are designed to fit together precisely and require minimal alignment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is designed to accommodate various speaker sizes and configurations, making it a universal mounting solution. The back box serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enclosing the speaker's rear components, and offering a mounting surface for electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining high weight capacity.
3Reliability
If a metal back can is added for fire code compliance, then fire safety compliance is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-resistant back box is integrated with the structural support function. The same back box that provides mounting surface and structural support also serves as the fire containment enclosure. This merging of fire safety function with structural and mounting functions eliminates the need for separate fire containment structures, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving fire code compliance.
4Ease of operation
If a lay-in speaker design is used, then the installation is easy, but the visual appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the installation structure (support frame and back box) from the visible speaker assembly. The support frame attaches to the ceiling tile grid, while the speaker is mounted within the back box, which is positioned to be flush with or slightly recessed in the ceiling tile. This segmentation allows the visible portion to maintain the clean appearance of a traditional tile-mounted speaker while the hidden support structures provide the ease of installation characteristic of lay-in speakers.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for installing a tile-mounted ceiling speaker that combines the ease of installation of a lay-in speaker system with the visual appearance of a tile-mounted speaker system. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus of the present invention includes a support frame and back box assembly configured for installation on top of a ceiling tile and a loudspeaker cartridge configured to be mounted to the support frame through an appropriately-sized hole in the ceiling tile. In one or more embodiments, the method of the present invention comprises forming an appropriately-sized hole in a ceiling tile, laying an integrated back box and support frame on top of the ceiling tile, connecting wires from an external audio source to terminals provided at the back box, connecting wires provided on the inside of the back box to a loudspeaker cartridge, inserting the loudspeaker cartridge into the hole in the ceiling tile from below, fastening the loudspeaker cartridge to the support frame, and fastening a grille to the loudspeaker cartridge. In one or more embodiments, a variety of interchangeable loudspeaker cartridges having differing loudspeaker configurations are provided. In one or more embodiments, the support frame and back box assembly is configured to allow installation of more than one loudspeaker cartridge. In one or more embodiments, the loudspeaker cartridges are configured for use both with a back box and without back box.