Speaker Surround Mounting Without Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speaker assemblies require an outwardly extending flanged portion and a clamp for attaching the surround to the frame, which increases the size of the surround, reduces the diaphragm size, and adds complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A speaker assembly design where the surround is mounted to the frame without an outwardly extending flanged portion or clamp, using an inner portion attached to the diaphragm and an outer portion attached to the frame with a flange, allowing for a larger diaphragm size within the same frame diameter, and incorporating support members and reinforcement members for structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clamp is used to attach the surround to the frame, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clamp component from the speaker assembly by redesigning the surround to include an integrated flanged portion that directly attaches to the frame. This extraction of the separate clamp element simplifies the assembly to just the surround and frame, reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanged portion is merged into the surround structure itself, creating an integrated component. The surround now includes both the diaphragm-suspending function and the frame-attaching function through its flanged portion, eliminating the need for a separate clamp and reducing overall assembly complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If an outwardly extending flanged portion is used to attach the surround to the frame, then the attachment stability is improved, but the overall size of the surround increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the flange outward radially from the surround periphery, the patent positions the flanged portion inward toward the center of the speaker assembly. This dimensional repositioning allows the flange to provide stable frame attachment without increasing the external dimensions of the surround, thereby preserving cone area.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional approach extends the flange outward from the surround edge, but this patent inverts the approach by positioning the flanged portion inward. This inversion allows the mounting surface to be located inside the traditional flange position, reducing the overall surround footprint while maintaining attachment stability.
3Area of stationary object
If the flange extends outwardly from the surround, then the mounting surface area is increased, but the cone area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting surface is repositioned from the external periphery of the surround to an internal location closer to the center. This dimensional change allows sufficient mounting surface area to be obtained within the existing surround boundaries, preventing encroachment on the cone area while providing adequate attachment surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding the surround outward to provide mounting surface area, the patent inverts the approach by locating the mounting surface inward. This inversion enables the mounting surface to be positioned within the available space without reducing the external dimensions or the cone area.
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker assembly includes a frame and a surround that suspends a diaphragm from the frame. An outer portion of the surround is disposed, dimensioned, and configured to permit the mounting of the surround to the frame such that the surround, itself, does not need to include an outwardly extending flange and/or clamp. Rather, the outer portion of the surround is generally disposed on the frame, with the mounting surface of the outer portion of the surround extending inward relative to the outer periphery of the surround.