Small Speaker System with Flip Dog Mounting for Ceiling Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large ceiling speakers burden suspended ceiling systems and require rear access for installation, limiting their use in non-removable panels and failing to provide localized sound control with 180° dispersion.
Innovation Solution
A small, panel-mounted speaker system with a flip dog mechanism that allows manual installation without rear access, utilizing an annular frame, hollow cylindrical mechanism, and semi-annular teeth for 180° sound dispersion and secure clamping, reducing weight load on the ceiling or panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large ceiling speakers are used to provide sound coverage, then sound dispersion is improved, but weight load on the ceiling system increases and installation complexity increases due to rear access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker system is divided into multiple small modular units that can be distributed across the ceiling, each providing localized sound coverage. This segmentation allows the sound dispersion function to be achieved through multiple small speakers rather than one large speaker, reducing individual weight load while maintaining overall coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to sound dispersion by positioning speakers at the ceiling level with optimized acoustic projection. The small speakers are positioned to project sound downward and outward, creating a three-dimensional sound field that covers large areas from compact ceiling-mounted positions
2Area of stationary object
If large ceiling speakers are used to ensure sound coverage, then sound dispersion is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to rear access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring access to the rear of ceiling panels for installation, the patent inverts the installation approach by designing speakers that can be installed from the front or top side only. The snap-fit mechanism and front-accessible mounting features allow installation without needing to reach behind the ceiling panel, dramatically simplifying installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker system incorporates self-installing features including snap-fit mechanisms that automatically secure the speaker to the ceiling panel when inserted, and integrated mounting structures that guide proper positioning. These self-service features eliminate the need for complex installation procedures or specialized tools, allowing straightforward front-side installation
3Weight of stationary object
If small speakers are used to reduce weight load, then ceiling burden is reduced, but sound dispersion capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple small speaker units distributed across the ceiling area, where each unit contributes to the overall sound coverage. The collective arrangement of segmented small speakers achieves the sound dispersion area of a large speaker while maintaining the weight advantages of small individual units
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple small speaker units are combined in a distributed array to achieve the cumulative sound dispersion effect of a large speaker. The merged acoustic output from multiple small sources covers the same area as a single large speaker would, while the total weight is distributed and reduced compared to one large unit
4Ease of operation
If manual installation without rear access is implemented, then installation ease is improved, but security mechanism complexity increases due to flip dog mechanism requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The flip dog mechanism acts as an intermediary between the simple insertion action and the secure locked state. This intermediate mechanical component translates the straightforward front-side insertion motion into a reliable security lock, providing both ease of installation and secure mounting without requiring complex multi-step procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A small speaker for panel mounting in a hole as small as seventy five millimeters diameter in which access to the rear of the panel is not required. The small speaker uses spring-loaded flip dogs that are actuated by rotating a sound disperser that is connected to a hollow cylindrical mechanism having gear teeth on its external surface which engage flip dog gears on the top surfaces of the flip dogs. Internally, the hollow cylindrical mechanism has an indentation that supports a speaker baffle which, in turn supports a speaker bushing. A loudspeaker is attached to the speaker bushing near the speaker baffle. Two housing sections attach, spaced apart, to an annular frame on opposing sides and receive the hollow cylindrical mechanism rotationally therein. The flip dogs operate in the spaces between the housing sections. Methods of mounting and dismounting are described.