Loudspeaker Suspension Bracket With Auto Electrical Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hanging loudspeaker housings on walls is challenging due to the need for simultaneous mechanical and electrical connections, which are difficult to manage in limited spaces, and existing suspension systems lack stability and adjustment options, leading to potential misorientation and unauthorized adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A combination of a loudspeaker housing and a suspension bracket featuring complementary mechanical and electrical coupling devices, allowing for simultaneous mechanical and electrical connections during coupling, with adjustable orientations and secure locking to prevent accidental disengagement or unauthorized adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical connection is made first, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space and difficulty in making electrical connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of electrical connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines mechanical coupling and electrical connection into a single integrated operation. The electrical contacts are positioned such that they automatically engage when the mechanical coupling devices are brought together, eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical connection steps. This resolves the contradiction by making both connections simultaneously, improving ease of operation while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contacts are pre-positioned and aligned on the coupling devices before installation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the mechanical coupling is performed, the electrical connections automatically engage without requiring additional manual manipulation, thus improving ease of operation while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If electrical connection is made first, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to wire length issues and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of electrical connectionVSAvoidinstallation safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging mechanical coupling and electrical connection into a single simultaneous action, the patent eliminates the safety risks associated with making electrical connections first. The installer maintains control of the loudspeaker housing throughout the process, and no excessive wire length or unauthorized electrical exposure occurs, thus improving reliability while keeping the operation simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contacts are designed to automatically engage through their own positioning and alignment features when the mechanical coupling devices are brought together. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for the installer to manually connect wires or deal with loose electrical connections, improving both safety and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If ball and socket joint is used, then the adaptability is improved with unlimited adjustment possibilities, but the stability deteriorates due to orientation changes from vibrations and temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment possibilitiesVSAvoidorientation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hinge mechanism that provides controlled adjustability during installation, allowing the installer to position the coupling device at the desired angle. Once positioned, the hinge can be locked to maintain that orientation permanently. This dynamic approach combines the adaptability of adjustment with the stability of a fixed connection, resolving the contradiction between unlimited adjustment and orientation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If fixed bracket is used, then the stability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates with limited adjustment possibilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidorientation adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism transitions from a fixed bracket by providing controlled movement capability during installation, then locks into a stable fixed position afterward. This allows the system to exhibit both adaptability (during positioning) and stability (after locking), resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3409995B1Combination of a loudspeaker box and suspension bracket for the suspension of such a loudspeaker box.
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 APART AUDIO NV
  • EP3409995B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3409995B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3409995B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Combination (1) of a loudspeaker housing (2) and a suspension bracket (3) for the hanging thereof to a fixed suspension point, whereby the suspension bracket (3) is provided with a first mechanical coupling device (5), whereby the loudspeaker housing (2) is provided with a second mechanical coupling device (21) that is complementary to the first mechanical coupling device (5), whereby the suspension bracket (3) is provided with at least two first electrical contact points (19) that are at a fixed position and in a fixed orientation with respect to the first mechanical coupling device (5), whereby the loudspeaker housing (2) is provided with at least two second electrical contact points (28) that are located at a fixed position and in a fixed orientation with respect to the second mechanical coupling device (21), whereby the first electrical contact points (19) are complementary to the second electrical contact points (28), whereby the first and second electrical contact points (19, 28) are arranged to make contact with one another in the situation in which the loudspeaker housing (2) and the suspension bracket (3) are mechanically coupled by means of the mechanical coupling devices (5, 21).