Integrated Ceiling Mount Bracket for Loudspeakers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling mount brackets for loudspeakers lack efficient adjustment mechanisms and integrated electrical signal handling, making installation complex and prone to errors, especially in environments where skilled electricians are not available.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling mount bracket with yaw and pitch adjustment assemblies, a pre-wired electrically conductive path for signal transmission, and a mounting system for a ceramic connector and thermal fuse, along with a cover that encloses a volume compliant with electrical codes, simplifying the installation process and reducing the risk of damage to the loudspeaker.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If ceiling mount brackets use separate wiring and mounting components, then electrical connections can be made, but installation becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidnumber of separate components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mounting bracket, wiring block, and electrical terminals into a single integrated ceiling mount assembly. The wiring block is built into the mounting structure, and terminals are pre-positioned within the bracket body, eliminating the need for separate wiring components and reducing installation complexity while maintaining electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated ceiling mount bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical mounting support for the loudspeaker, contains built-in electrical terminals for signal connection, and includes strain relief features for wire management. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while simplifying the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If ceiling mount brackets lack integrated electrical handling, then manufacturing is simpler, but installation requires skilled electricians

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidintegration of electrical systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling mount bracket is designed to be self-sufficient for electrical connections, with pre-positioned terminals and integrated wiring blocks that eliminate the need for external electricians during installation. The strain relief device automatically protects wires, and the integrated design guides wire routing, allowing installers to complete electrical connections as part of the mechanical mounting process without requiring specialized electrical skills.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If ceiling mount brackets lack strain relief devices, then manufacturing is simpler, but loudspeakers are prone to damage during construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidadditional protective components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling mount bracket incorporates a strain relief device that is pre-installed and positioned to protect electrical wires from damage before any installation activities occur. This strain relief feature is built into the mounting structure, providing automatic protection against wire pulling and mechanical stress during the construction and installation process, preventing damage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If ceiling mount brackets lack adjustment mechanisms, then manufacturing is simpler, but speaker orientation cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker orientation flexibilityVSAvoidadjustment assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling mount bracket incorporates adjustable mounting arms with pitch and yaw adjustment capabilities, allowing the loudspeaker orientation to be dynamically changed during installation. These adjustment mechanisms enable the speaker to be positioned at various angles and orientations to optimize acoustic performance, while the adjustable design is integrated into the mounting structure rather than being a separate add-on component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8311262B2Loudspeaker ceiling mount bracket
Publication Date: 2012.11.13 TRANSOM POST OPCO LLC
  • US8311262B2 patent drawing
  • US8311262B2 patent drawing
  • US8311262B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A ceiling mount bracket for a loudspeaker. The ceiling mount bracket includes a mounting plate; an assembly to orient the loudspeaker; an assembly to receive audio signals and to provide the audio signals to the speaker; and a wiring block to connect to signal transmission wires. The wiring block includes a first terminal designated for 70/100 volt operation; a second terminal designated for 8 ohm operation; an electrically conductive path from the first terminal to a first pin of the receptacle; and an electrically conductive path from the second terminal to a second pin for the receptacle. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a mounting position for a ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The mounting position includes a threaded hole to accommodate a corresponding threaded extension of the ceramic connector and thermal fuse. The ceiling mount bracket also includes a cover enclosing more than 200 cubic centimeters.