Flat Panel Loudspeaker Chassis with Ceramic Composite Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat panel loudspeaker mounting systems do not provide a stable enough installation to prevent cracks in the mounting surface over time due to vibrations and thermal expansion/contraction.
Innovation Solution
A flat panel loudspeaker chassis with an outer perimeter made of ceramic composite material, which matches the thermal expansion/contraction and moisture absorption characteristics of the mounting surface, ensuring a stable bond and preventing cracks. Additionally, a metal bridge with a compliant coupling is used to reduce vibration transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a housing or mounting unit is installed in a hole formed in a wall to mount flat panel speakers flush with walls, then the audio devices can be mounted without protruding from surfaces, but the installation is not stable enough to prevent cracks in the mounting surface over time due to vibrations and thermal expansion/contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is constructed from a composite material comprising a rigid framework providing structural support and a compliant matrix material distributed throughout the framework. This composite structure allows the chassis to maintain its shape while absorbing vibrations and thermal stresses, preventing cracks in the mounting surface while enabling flush mounting
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting units are used to install flat panel speakers, then installation is simplified, but cracks appear over time due to vibrations from the speaker or thermal expansion/contraction of the wall or ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis material parameters are specifically designed to match the thermal expansion coefficient and compliance characteristics of the mounting surface materials (drywall, plaster, wood). This parameter matching allows the chassis to expand and contract with the mounting surface, preventing stress concentration and crack formation while maintaining installation simplicity
3Strength
If the chassis is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the chassis can support the speaker, but vibrations are transferred to the mounting surface causing cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis employs a composite material with different local properties: the rigid framework provides structural integrity and support, while the compliant matrix material distributed throughout absorbs vibrations. This local differentiation allows the chassis to maintain strength while reducing vibration transfer to the mounting surface
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 solution provides a stable and aesthetically pleasing installation by preventing cracks in the mounting surface and ensuring the integrity of the loudspeaker system.
Implementation Method 1
The ceramic composite material is preferably of a kind with similar characteristics as the mounting surface in terms of thermal expansion/contraction and moisture absorption. This ensures that the bond between the flat panel loudspeaker chassis and the mounting surface does not move in a way that causes cracks to be formed.
Implementation Method 2
The ceramic composite material is preferably of a kind with similar characteristics as the mounting surface in terms of thermal expansion/contraction and moisture absorption.
Implementation Method 3
By having a compliant coupling between the metal bridge and the outer perimeter of the chassis, the vibrations of the metal bridge will not be transferred to the chassis to a significant degree. This will further reduce the stress on the bond between the chassis and the mounting surface and will aid in preventing cracks from being formed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flat panel loudspeaker chassis for mounting a flat panel loudspeaker in a mounting surface. The chassis comprises an outer perimeter defining an opening for a flat panel loudspeaker to be inserted into. The outer perimeter of the flat panel loudspeaker chassis comprises a ceramic composite material. The invention also relates to a method for installing a flat panel loudspeaker, where the flat panel loudspeaker comprises a flat panel loudspeaker chassis with an outer perimeter comprising a ceramic composite material.