Shower Speaker Orientation Control via Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower and speaker assemblies lack integration of sensors to dynamically adjust audio output based on orientation and user interaction, leading to suboptimal audio experiences.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of sensor assemblies, including accelerometers and Hall effect sensors, within the speaker housing to determine orientation and control audio output, along with touch sensors for user input, allowing for adaptive volume and track selection based on position and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated into the speaker housing to detect orientation, then the audio output can be dynamically adjusted based on orientation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speaker housing with sensor components (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) to create an integrated assembly. The sensor is physically integrated into the speaker housing structure, allowing orientation detection functionality to be merged with the audio output device, thereby enabling adaptive audio without requiring a completely separate sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker housing serves multiple functions: it contains the audio output components, houses the sensor elements, provides structural support, and acts as the interface for user interaction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, addressing the complexity concern while maintaining adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are used to determine orientation, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation detection system is segmented into three distinct sensor elements (accelerometer for gravity detection, gyroscope for rotational motion, magnetometer for magnetic field reference), each handling a specific aspect of orientation measurement. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive orientation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly combines different types of sensing elements (inertial sensors, magnetic sensors) into a composite sensing system. Each sensor type compensates for the limitations of the others, creating a more robust and precise orientation detection capability than any single sensor could provide alone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the speaker housing is made movable relative to the support, then the adaptability to different orientations is improved, but the reliability of stable positioning decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker housing is designed with movable joints or mounting mechanisms that allow it to assume different angular positions relative to the support structure. This dynamic positioning capability enables the speaker to be oriented in various directions while maintaining secure attachment, balancing flexibility with stability through controlled degrees of freedom.
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
Enhances the audio experience by dynamically adjusting volume and playback based on the speaker's orientation and user input, providing a more immersive and interactive shower experience.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may include an accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
One of the first sensor element and the second sensor element may include a Hall effect sensor element
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A speaker (18) and assemblies with a speaker (18). An assembly may include a speaker (18) including a speaker housing (106), and speaker components (110) supported in the speaker housing (106) and operable to produce an audio output; a sensor (520) operable to sense an orientation of the speaker housing (106); and control components (524) operable to determine the orientation of the speaker housing, and control the speaker components (110) based on the orientation of the speaker housing (106).