Shelf with loudspeaker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wall-mounted shelves inefficiently use the volume below the top surface, lacking multi-use storage functionality.

Innovation Solution

A wall-mounted shelf design incorporating a loudspeaker element beneath the top surface, where the loudspeaker's casing forms part of the shelf, with mounting means that are hidden and adjustable, allowing for efficient space use and additional functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional wall-mounted shelves use traditional support means, then the shelf can support weight, but the support means take up a lot of wall space below the shelf

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall spaceVSAvoidmulti-use functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support function with the storage function by integrating support shelves into the same structure. The first support shelf supports the loudspeaker while the second support shelf supports audio equipment, merging structural support with multi-purpose storage to eliminate wasted wall space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf structure is designed to serve multiple functions: the main shelf surface holds objects, the first support shelf holds the loudspeaker, and the second support shelf holds additional audio equipment. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of the wall-mounted unit without requiring additional wall space.

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

2Volume of stationary object

If the shelf volume below the top surface is efficiently used, then space utilization improves, but the structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume utilizationVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The internal volume is segmented into distinct compartments: the main shelf cavity, the first support shelf cavity for the loudspeaker, and the second support shelf cavity for audio equipment. This segmentation allows efficient use of vertical space while maintaining structural integrity through properly positioned support elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking multiple support shelves at different heights within the shelf body. The first support shelf is positioned below the top shelf surface, and the second support shelf is positioned below the first support shelf, creating a multi-level structure that maximizes vertical space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If mounting means are made visible and accessible, then installation is easier, but aesthetic appeal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting accessibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting means are extracted from the visible front surface and positioned on the rear surface of the shelf body. The bracket is attached to the rear surface and extends forward to connect with the shelf, hiding the mounting hardware from view while maintaining installation accessibility from the back.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket serves as an intermediary element that connects the rear surface mounting points to the front shelf structure. This mediator allows the mounting hardware to be positioned inconspicuously on the rear surface while still providing secure attachment and proper structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11895450B2Shelf with loudspeaker
Publication Date: 2024.02.06 INTER IKEA SYST
  • US11895450B2 patent drawing
  • US11895450B2 patent drawing
  • US11895450B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wall-mounted shelf attachable to a vertical surface (14), the wall-mounted shelf (1) including a shelf body (1′) including a flat top shelf surface (10a) and a loudspeaker (2) including at least one loudspeaker element (12) and being arranged below the top shelf surface (10a). The wall-mounted shelf (1) further includes a mounting assembly (3), wherein the mounting assembly (3) includes a bracket (3) attachable to the vertical surface (14) and having a connection (5) for connecting the bracket (3) to the shelf body (1′).