Rock Speaker Solar Charging and Wireless Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speakers are not suitable for garden environments due to their lack of waterproofing, need for wired charging, and inability to blend in with the surroundings, making them impractical for outdoor use.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof speaker designed to resemble a rock, featuring a rock-shaped housing with multiple openings, a solar panel for charging, a rechargeable battery powered by solar energy, and a wireless Bluetooth processor for audio communication, allowing for wireless audio playback and synchronization with other speakers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional speaker is used in a garden setting, then audio playback function is provided, but the speaker is not waterproof and cannot withstand outdoor weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweather resistanceVSAvoidoutdoor environment suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker housing is designed to resemble a natural rock with realistic coloration, texture, and irregular shape. This camouflaging approach allows the speaker to blend seamlessly into garden environments, making it visually indistinguishable from actual rocks while providing weather-resistant outdoor functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker combines multiple materials including waterproof housing materials that can withstand outdoor weather conditions, solar panel materials for energy harvesting, and rock-like exterior materials. This composite construction enables both weather resistance and outdoor adaptability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a conventional speaker is used in a garden setting, then audio playback function is provided, but wiring is needed for charging and communication which is impractical outdoors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless operationVSAvoidwiring requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical wiring connections with wireless communication technologies. The speaker incorporates wireless audio transmission capability and wireless charging functionality, eliminating the need for physical cables for both power supply and data communication, thereby simplifying outdoor operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker incorporates a solar panel that automatically charges its internal battery when exposed to sunlight. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for external power cables or manual charging operations, allowing the speaker to autonomously replenish its power supply in outdoor environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional speaker is used in a garden setting, then audio playback function is provided, but the speaker does not blend with the garden environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental integrationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker housing is designed to resemble a natural rock with realistic coloration, texture, and irregular shape. This camouflaging approach allows the speaker to blend seamlessly into garden environments, making it visually indistinguishable from actual rocks while providing weather-resistant outdoor functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker adopts an irregular, non-uniform shape that mimics natural rock formations rather than conventional geometric speaker designs. This organic curvature and asymmetry enable the speaker to harmonize with natural garden landscapes, enhancing environmental integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of operation

If a solar panel is attached to the rock-shaped housing, then wireless charging is enabled, but the solar panel becomes visible and disrupts the natural appearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless charging capabilityVSAvoidvisual integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panel is strategically positioned on the rear or less visible portions of the rock-shaped housing, while the front and prominent areas maintain their natural rock appearance. This localized differentiation allows the solar panel to function effectively without compromising the overall aesthetic integration of the speaker into the garden environment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 a practical, weather-resistant, and aesthetically integrated solution for outdoor music playback, enabling wireless connectivity and synchronization, while maintaining a natural appearance that blends with garden settings.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel attached to the housing in a configuration that allows light from outside of the housing to contact the solar panel to generate electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10231039B2Rock speaker
Publication Date: 2019.03.12 ALPINE CORPORATION
  • US10231039B2 patent drawing
  • US10231039B2 patent drawing
  • US10231039B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a speaker simulating a rock comprising: a) a housing simulating a rock, the housing having a plurality of openings; b) a loudspeaker placed inside of the housing, audio from the loudspeaker leaving the housing through the openings; c) a solar panel attached to the housing in a configuration that allows light from outside of the housing to contact the solar panel to generate electricity; d) a rechargeable battery to be charged by the electricity from the solar panel, the rechargeable battery powering the loudspeaker; e) a wireless processor configured to communicate with a wireless protocol to obtain audio content; wherein the speaker plays the audio content received from the wireless communication through the loudspeaker.