Expandable Speaker Chamber for Acoustic and Portability Trade-off

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for portable audio devices that are both compact and effective, capable of enhancing acoustical properties while maintaining portability and compatibility with portable electronics such as smartphones and digital music players.

Innovation Solution

A speaker design featuring a user-selectably expandable chamber made of flexible or rigid materials that can change its profile between expanded and collapsed states, enhancing or modifying sound quality based on user selection or wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the chamber is expanded to enhance acoustical properties, then sound quality is improved, but portability and device thickness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustical propertiesVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber is designed to be dynamically changeable between expanded and collapsed states. The chamber includes a flexible wall that can be selectively deformed from a first configuration (expanded state for enhanced acoustical properties) to a second configuration (collapsed state for portability and thin profile), allowing the device to adapt its physical state based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the chamber (volume, shape, thickness) are changed between different states to optimize performance. By altering the chamber's physical configuration between expanded and collapsed states, the device achieves both enhanced acoustical properties during use and improved portability during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If the chamber is collapsed to improve portability, then device thickness is reduced, but acoustical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidacoustical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber's dynamic configurability allows it to switch between collapsed (thin profile for portability) and expanded (enhanced acoustics) states as needed, resolving the contradiction between portability and acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber's physical parameters are selectively adjusted between states - collapsed when portability is prioritized, expanded when acoustical performance is prioritized - allowing optimal performance for each operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a rigid chamber structure is used to maintain acoustical properties, then sound quality is stable, but portability and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustical propertiesVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber incorporates a flexible wall made of flexible material that can be selectively deformed between configurations. This flexible shell maintains the necessary acoustic enclosure while enabling the chamber to collapse into a thin profile for portability, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and volume, maintaining acoustic integrity while enabling portable deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the chamber is made flexible to improve portability, then device flexibility is enhanced, but structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible wall is designed to provide sufficient structural stability to maintain the chamber's acoustic enclosure integrity while allowing controlled deformation between expanded and collapsed states, balancing flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber may incorporate curved or rounded geometries that provide structural strength and stability while maintaining flexibility, allowing the chamber to resist deformation during use while still enabling portability during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 speaker provides improved acoustical properties when expanded and maintains portability when collapsed, ensuring compatibility with various electronic devices and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The chamber may be configured (shaped) to control resonance of the sound waves generating the audible sound and thus control acoustic qualities of the audible sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9351066B2Expandable speaker

Publication Date: 2016.05.24 POW AUDIO INC

AI summary

A speaker apparatus or system with a user selectably expandable chamber is provided. The chamber in its expanded state enhances the speaker's acoustical properties. The chamber in its collapsed (in physical dimension or shape) state provides a thin profile for increased portability or low profile mounted solutions. The speaker is compatible with current electronics.