Handheld Media Device Support Unit for Wall-Mounted Audio Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld media devices pose challenges in playback due to their small screens, which are difficult to view, and reliance on external speakers like headphones, which can be problematic in wet environments and limit others' ability to hear music in shared spaces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a handheld media device into a substantially planar object, such as a wall or mirror, with a support unit and signal connection, allowing media signals to be input into a sound system integrated within the object, enabling audio and video playback through speakers, with adjustable volume controls and optional display screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If headphones are used to play audio media signals, then audio playback is enabled, but the user is limited in wet environments and cannot share music with others

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio playback versatilityVSAvoidlimitation in wet environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (the planar object with integrated sound system) that mediates between the handheld media device and the user's audio needs. This intermediary provides a fixed audio output location that eliminates the need for headphones, allowing music playback in wet environments and enabling others to hear the music simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the audio playback function with a fixed installation (planar object such as wall or mirror). By combining the media device with a permanent structure that houses the sound system, the solution eliminates the portability limitations of headphones while maintaining audio playback capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If headphones are used to play audio media signals, then audio playback is enabled, but other people in the vicinity cannot hear the music

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio sharing capabilityVSAvoidisolation of audio output

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the audio output with a fixed installation that serves the entire room. The planar object (wall or mirror) with integrated sound system acts as a communal audio outlet, allowing multiple people in the vicinity to hear the music simultaneously, thus eliminating the isolation inherent in headphone usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a handheld media device is used, then portability is maintained, but the small screen is difficult to view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen visibilityVSAvoiddevice portability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary display solution where the planar object (wall or mirror) serves as the display surface. This intermediary provides a large viewing area that replaces the small handheld screen, making media content easily visible while the handheld device remains portable for holding and operating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8774422B2Apparatuses and methods for playing handheld media device signals

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 ELECTRIC MIRROR LLC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a support unit for a handheld media device. The support unit has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is coupleable to a substantially planar object. The substantially planar object is configured for mounting in a vertical position. The second surface is sized to support the handheld media device when the handheld media device is placed thereon.