Self-Propelled Wireless Speaker Tracking Mobile Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless speaker systems face difficulties in setup and mobility due to the need for audio signal transmission via physical cables, limiting their convenience and usability.

Innovation Solution

A wireless speaker system featuring a self-propelled device equipped with a processing unit, wireless audio transmitter/receiver unit, tracking unit, and actuator, allowing it to move autonomously alongside a mobile device while transmitting audio signals wirelessly and charging via inductive methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If audio signals are transmitted through physical cables, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to setup difficulty and limited mobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsetup convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless transmission system using Bluetooth or WiFi modules. This substitution eliminates the need for physical plugging and unplugging of audio cables, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining connection stability through reliable wireless protocols.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the audio source and the speaker device. This intermediary enables audio signal transmission without direct physical contact, resolving the contradiction by providing both wireless convenience and stable connection through the mediator's reliable communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If wireless transmission is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential signal interference

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidsignal transmission stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple wireless transmission modes (Bluetooth and WiFi) within the same device, allowing the system to switch between different protocols based on environmental conditions. This multi-functionality ensures reliable signal transmission while maintaining wireless mobility, as the device can adapt to different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates automatic connection management where the device monitors signal quality and automatically switches between Bluetooth and WiFi modes or reconnects when signals are lost. This feedback mechanism maintains reliable transmission despite the wireless nature, addressing the reliability concern while preserving mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If self-propelled devices are added, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the audio playback function with self-propelled mobility in a single integrated device. The speaker unit incorporates motors, wheels, and tracking components alongside the audio hardware, merging multiple functions into one device. This reduces overall system complexity compared to separate components while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements autonomous tracking functionality where the speaker device automatically follows the user based on location data from the mobile device. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual positioning or complex control interfaces, thereby reducing operational complexity while significantly improving adaptability and mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 convenient and flexible use of wireless speakers that can move with users, providing high-quality audio entertainment without the constraints of physical connections, enhancing user experience and practicality.

Implementation Method 1

configured to receive an audio signal via a wireless transmission interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

configured to track a location of a mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The actuator drives the self-propelled speaker device to move along with the mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9716930B1Wireless speaker system
Publication Date: 2017.07.25 AIROHA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
  • US9716930B1 patent drawing
  • US9716930B1 patent drawing
  • US9716930B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A wireless speaker system including one or more self-propelled speaker device is provided. The self-propelled speaker device includes a processing unit, a wireless audio transmitter/receiver unit, a speaker unit, a tracking unit, and an actuator. The wireless audio transmitter/receiver unit is coupled to the processing unit and configured to receive an audio signal via a wireless transmission interface. The speaker unit is coupled to the processing unit and configured to produce sound according to the audio signal. The tracking unit is coupled to the processing unit and configured to track a location of a mobile device. The actuator is coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit controls the actuator according to the location of the mobile device. The actuator drives the self-propelled speaker device to move along with the mobile device.