Shielded Plumbing Transducer Mount for Magnetic Field Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for projecting music and vibrations into bath tubs and shower enclosures using electromagnetic transducers often generate magnetic fields that interfere with electronic devices, such as pacemakers, and complicate maintenance or vibration transmission.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic shield assembly is mounted on the exterior of the plumbing fixture, with a transducer positioned within a cavity, and a vibration-transmitting post extends through the shield to maintain effective magnetic shielding while allowing for easy transducer removal and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic transducer is placed outside the fixture against the exterior wall, then vibrations can be transmitted to the fixture, but magnetic fields are generated that may interfere with electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the electromagnetic transducer and the fixture. The shield is positioned against the exterior wall with the transducer mounted on its outer surface, allowing vibration transmission while blocking magnetic fields from entering the fixture interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the magnetic shield (for field blocking), the transducer mounting bracket (for mechanical coupling), and the transducer itself (for vibration generation). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a magnetic shield is placed between the transducer and the fixture, then magnetic field interference is reduced, but vibration transmission may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration-transmitting post serves as a mediator that passes through the magnetic shield. The post provides a dedicated mechanical pathway for vibration transmission while the magnetic shield maintains its field-blocking function, thus resolving the conflict between shielding effectiveness and vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shield is designed as a thin-walled structure with a hole through it. This thin-film approach allows the shield to block magnetic fields effectively while minimizing its interference with mechanical vibration transmission through the post, as the shield walls are sufficiently thin to allow vibration passage.
3Ease of operation
If the transducer is mounted directly to the fixture wall, then vibration transmission is maximized, but the transducer cannot be easily removed or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into the transducer, the bracket, and the shield assembly. The transducer attaches to the bracket, which in turn attaches to the shield. This segmentation allows the transducer to be easily detached from the bracket for replacement while the bracket remains permanently mounted to the fixture, maintaining both vibration transmission efficiency and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket provides a dynamic mounting solution that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the transducer. The bracket can be permanently fixed to the fixture while the transducer itself remains removable, creating a flexible system that adapts to maintenance needs without compromising the structural connection for vibration transmission.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the shield is made from thick magnetically shielding material, then magnetic field shielding is improved, but the shield becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shield utilizes thin-walled construction rather than thick material. The shield walls are made sufficiently thin to allow vibration transmission through the post while maintaining adequate magnetic field shielding capability. This thin-film approach reduces manufacturing complexity and material usage while preserving the essential shielding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield assembly combines multiple materials and components: the magnetic shield material for field blocking, the vibration-transmitting post for mechanical coupling, and the bracket for mounting. This composite approach allows each material to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, reducing the need for thick single-material construction.
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 solution effectively shields users from magnetic fields while maintaining the ability to transmit vibrations and allowing for easy maintenance of the transducer, ensuring both safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The shield can at least to some extent shield an internal portion of the plumbing fixture from magnetic fields generated by the transducer
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic transducer assembly... a transducer having at least a portion thereof mounted in the cavity, and a means for transmitting vibrations from the transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Plumbing fixtures are disclosed having acoustic electromagnetic transducers mounted thereon to transmit music or other vibrations to the fixture interior. The mounting assembly provides for a shield that reduces exposure of those in the fixture to a magnetic field generated by the transducers. In one form there is a post extending from the transducer, through the shield, to a bracket on the housing. Other structures are provided to facilitate removability of the shield and transducer for maintenance purposes.