Ceiling Speaker Diffuser Adjustment for Tile Thickness and Sound Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling speakers are designed for specific ceiling tile thicknesses and acoustic port sizes, leading to potential deformation or failure of the tile over time, and lack adjustability for optimal sound dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A small ceiling speaker system with an adjustable diffuser that adapts to varying ceiling tile thicknesses and acoustic port sizes, featuring a diffuser barrel with adjustable threads and demarcations for visual indication, allowing for optimal sound dispersion and minimizing weight on the tile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a speaker system is mounted on a ceiling, then it provides convenient placement and aesthetic appearance, but it becomes difficult to service and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker system is divided into separable components: the speaker unit itself and the mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism includes a mounting plate attached to the ceiling and a removable mounting bracket that connects the speaker to the plate. This segmentation allows the speaker to be easily removed for servicing while leaving the mounting infrastructure in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component from the speaker unit. The mounting bracket can be detached from both the ceiling mounting plate and the speaker, allowing the speaker to be easily removed and replaced without disturbing the ceiling installation. This extraction of the mounting function enables independent servicing of the speaker while maintaining the ceiling mount structure.
2Ease of operation
If a speaker system is mounted on a ceiling, then it provides convenient placement, but it becomes difficult to remove and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable connection. The mounting bracket includes threaded fasteners that can be easily tightened to secure the speaker or loosened to remove it. This dynamic connection allows the speaker to be firmly mounted during operation but easily removed when replacement is needed, providing adaptability while maintaining secure installation.
3Device complexity
If a speaker system includes all necessary components integrated, then it simplifies the overall system, but it increases the size of the speaker unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the compact speaker unit and the separate mounting mechanism. By separating the mounting function from the speaker housing, the speaker itself can remain small and compact while the mounting components (mounting plate, mounting bracket, fasteners) are distributed around it. This segmentation allows system-level integration without increasing the speaker's volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism extends the system in spatial dimensions external to the speaker housing. The mounting plate is installed on the ceiling surface, the mounting bracket extends downward to connect to the speaker, and fasteners provide vertical securing. This dimensional distribution of mounting components allows the speaker unit to remain compact while achieving complete system integration through the three-dimensional mounting structure.
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 system provides effective sound dispersion and reduces the risk of tile deformation by supporting the speaker system on the ceiling grid rather than the tile itself, ensuring consistent performance across different ceiling configurations.
Implementation Method 1
US patent 1,765,486 discloses reflecting sound waves off one or more adjustably positioned curved surfaces to achieve sound amplification. US patent 1,632,040 discloses reflecting sound waves off one or more adjustably positioned curved surfaces to achieve sound amplification.
Implementation Method 2
a small speaker system with a sound diffuser that can adjust over a range of thicknesses of ceiling tiles
Data Source
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AI summary
A small dual-speaker ceiling speaker system including a loudspeaker and a tweeter with an acoustic diffuser that is adjustable over a range of lengths for different thicknesses of ceiling tile and is independently adjustable over a range of acoustic port sizes. The loudspeaker sends acoustic waves into a acoustic channel that includes a truncated conical shell, or acoustic channel cone, with a cylindrical acoustic channel shell extending therefrom. A tweeter is mounted in the acoustic channel shell. A diffuser couples to the acoustic channel shell using threads that may be engaged or disengaged. The diffuser has a diffuser element that can be raised or lowered with a screw to adjust the size of the acoustic port. The diffuser element has demarcations for visually indicating acoustic port size. A housing with a base having extendable braces supports the speaker system on the ceiling grid, rather than on the tile.