Ceiling Speaker with Radial Sound Dispersion and Local Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling speakers lack local volume control, local light emission control, and wide sound dispersion, often disrupting ceiling aesthetics and failing to provide tailored audio experiences in large rooms.
Innovation Solution
A sleek ceiling speaker system with a housing, speaker baffle, sound funnel, and elongated actuator that allows for radial sound dispersion over 180°, integrated LED lighting, and a variable transformer tap for manual volume and lighting control, featuring a small visual footprint and open-centered magnetic assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional ceiling speakers with large grills and frames are used, then sound output is sufficient, but the ceiling aesthetic pattern is interrupted and visual footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The sound funnel is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled together, allowing for a compact design that maintains sound dispersion functionality while reducing the visual footprint on the ceiling
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker components are nested within a compact housing structure, with the sound funnel nested within the housing and the speaker driver nested within the sound funnel, creating a space-efficient design that preserves ceiling aesthetics
2Ease of operation
If ceiling speakers are controlled as a whole system, then installation is simplified, but local volume control and lighting control are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker incorporates self-contained control capabilities with local volume control and lighting control that can be adjusted independently at each speaker location, eliminating the need for complex centralized control systems while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker housing integrates multiple functions including sound output, local volume control, and lighting control with ambient sensing, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If uniform sound distribution is provided across large rooms, then coverage is maximized, but local audio preferences cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
Each speaker is equipped with independent local control capabilities that allow users to customize audio preferences and lighting settings at each location, enabling local audio customization without requiring complex system-wide control
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
Enables local volume and lighting control with wide sound dispersion, maintaining a slim profile and enhancing user customization without interrupting ceiling patterns, providing efficient and flexible audio solutions for diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
the sound disperser is adapted to disperse sound radially outwardly over at least 180° around a center of the sound disperser
Implementation Method 2
the elongated actuator includes a light pipe adapted to receive light from the LED board
Implementation Method 3
a transformer supported on the sound baffle and/or the housing; and a variable transformer tap supported on the elongated actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A sleek ceiling speaker having an annular magnetic assembly and annular dust cap through which extends an elongated actuator, which may also be a light pipe. The elongated actuator supports a variable transformer tap which is manually operated by rotating a bottom end of the elongated actuator which is expanded into a sound disperser plug. Changing the transformer tap changes the volume produced by the speaker. The elongated actuator may also support an LED board that provides light to the light pipe and to the transparent or translucent sound disperser plug. Rotating the elongated actuator may also be used to change the lighting. The housing is secured to a ceiling tile by attaching a releasably attachable outwardly extending circumferential flange to a sound funnel that supports the sound disperser.