Concealed Speaker Active Member Using PVC for Moisture Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-wall speaker systems face issues with moisture resistance and acoustic fidelity, often resulting in deformed panels and compromised sound quality due to the use of foam-core materials, which are prone to damage and resonance issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or expanded PVC active members, which provide improved moisture resistance and acoustic performance by forming a graphic image on the surface, creating an acoustic chamber that enhances sound transmission while maintaining a visually inconspicuous design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If foam-core materials are used for speaker panels, then ease of manufacture is improved, but moisture resistance and acoustic fidelity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from foam-core to PVC or expanded PVC, which fundamentally alters the moisture resistance and acoustic properties while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with PVC or expanded PVC materials that combine structural integrity, moisture resistance, and acoustic performance in a single material system, replacing the layered foam-core construction
2Ease of manufacture
If foam-core materials are used for speaker panels, then ease of manufacture is improved, but acoustic fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters (density, elasticity, moisture content) of the speaker panel from foam-core to PVC or expanded PVC, which directly improves acoustic fidelity by reducing resonance and improving sound transmission characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different aspects of the speaker system - using PVC or expanded PVC specifically for the active member where acoustic performance is critical, while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard fabrication techniques
3Device complexity
If foam-core panels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but resonance issues and deformation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the panel material from foam-core to PVC or expanded PVC, which has superior dimensional stability and resistance to resonance, eliminating the need for complex reinforcement structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses expanded PVC or PVC materials that are inherently resistant to deformation and resonance, providing long-term structural stability without requiring complex support systems or reinforcement
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 PVC or expanded PVC active members offer better acoustic fidelity and resistance to moisture, resulting in a more pleasing sound quality and improved frequency response, with a peak frequency response shifted outside the vocal range, thus addressing the limitations of foam-core panels.
Implementation Method 1
the inward surface, the base frame and the speaker assembly, define an acoustic chamber, through which acoustic energy is transferred from the reciprocating member of the speaker to the active member so that the outward surface of the active member transmits the acoustic energy as sound to the room
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to several embodiments of a concealed speaker system, The concealed speaker system further has a speaker assembly mounted to the base frame and an active member which may be formed of PVC, expanded PVC, hardened fibrous materials, foam core, or equivalents that has an outer surface which in some embodiments is substantially coplanar with the surrounding wall section, and in other embodiments extends slightly outward therefrom. The base frame, speaker assembly, and the active member cooperate to form an acoustic chamber that is positioned behind the inner surface of the active member. Acoustic energy is transferred from the speaker assembly to the active member where the sound is produced therefrom to the room.