Retro-Install Speaker Enclosure Kit for Wall Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall-mounted speaker enclosures require destructive modifications to the wall for installation, failing to adequately dampen vibrations and absorb sound energy from the rear of the speaker, particularly for the woofer portion.
Innovation Solution
A speaker enclosure kit comprising a flexible polymer strip with foamed polymer on both sides, vibration dampening material, and a flexible sound absorbent sheet, allowing for retro-installation without damaging the existing wall, by fitting through existing openings and being expanded to form a complete enclosure between wall studs and panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large opening is cut into the wall for mounting the speaker enclosure, then the speaker can be installed, but the wall structure is damaged and requires destructive modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker enclosure is nested within the existing wall cavity between studs, utilizing the available space without requiring external modifications. The enclosure fits inside the wall structure like a doll within a doll, eliminating the need to cut openings in the wall surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall is prepped during construction by leaving adequate space between studs and installing wiring beforehand, allowing the speaker enclosure to be installed later without destructive modifications. The preliminary preparation of the wall cavity enables retro-installation of the speaker system.
2Ease of manufacture
If the speaker enclosure uses the entire inside of the wall between studs, then installation is simplified, but vibration dampening and sound energy absorption are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker enclosure utilizes composite construction combining drywall, insulation material, and damping compounds. The drywall provides structural enclosure, the insulation material absorbs sound energy, and damping compounds reduce vibrations from the woofer, creating a multi-functional composite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the speaker enclosure have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The rear portion near the woofer contains vibration damping material, while the interior cavity contains sound-absorbing insulation. This localized differentiation addresses vibration and sound energy issues without complicating the overall installation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the wall stud width is limited to 2x4 inches, then the wall structure remains standard, but the space for mounting the speaker enclosure is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker enclosure utilizes the depth dimension of the wall cavity between studs rather than attempting to expand the stud width. By optimizing the use of available depth space and configuring the enclosure to fit within the existing stud dimensions, adequate volume is achieved without altering the standard wall structure.
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 the installation of a vibration-dampening and sound-absorbing speaker enclosure within an existing wall without damaging it, enhancing sound quality by reducing rearwave vibrations and improving woofer performance.
Implementation Method 1
a speaker surround member having a foamed polymer, such as a urethane foam, attached to both sides of a flexible polymer strip
Implementation Method 2
having a foamed polymer, such as a urethane foam, attached to both sides of a flexible polymer strip
Implementation Method 3
A flexible sound absorbent material, such as a rubber or butyl sheet, can also fit through the wall speaker opening for attachment to the vibration dampening material
Data Source
AI summary
A process and kit is provided for retro-installing a speaker enclosure for a wall mounted speaker. The process includes mounting a selected speaker surround member in a building wall between the front and back wall surfaces and between the wall studs and around the opening for a wall mounted speaker and adhesively mounting a selected sheet of vibration dampening material to the back wall surface behind the opening for the wall mounted speaker and attaching a flexible sound absorbent material to the vibration dampening material so that a wall mounted speaker enclosure is installed in an existing building wall.