Spring-Loaded Tab Ceiling Speaker Mounting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for mounting speaker systems to ceilings lack efficient temporary support during installation and secure clamping, making the process cumbersome and prone to errors, especially when removing the system.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a threaded rod, a bracket, and a spring-loaded tab that provides temporary support during installation by rotating between angular positions to facilitate passage through ceiling openings and secure clamping once in place, allowing for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing mounting devices are used, then the speaker system can be secured to the ceiling, but the installation process is cumbersome and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into distinct functional components: a spring-loaded tab assembly for temporary support, a clamping mechanism for permanent fixation, and a threaded rod for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining device effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded tab is pre-configured to provide temporary support during the installation process. This preliminary action holds the speaker system in place before final clamping, preventing installation errors and making the mounting process more straightforward by eliminating the need for temporary external supports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If existing mounting devices are used, then the speaker system can be secured to the ceiling, but removal of the system is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidsecurity of mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device transitions from a dynamic state during installation (spring-loaded tab providing temporary support) to a static clamped state for permanent mounting. This dynamic behavior allows the device to be easily installed and removed while maintaining reliable security when properly mounted, as the spring mechanism can be easily disengaged to release the clamp.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded tab serves as a temporary support element that is discarded after installation is complete. The tab provides necessary support during mounting but is designed to be easily removed or discarded once the permanent clamping is achieved, facilitating simple removal of the entire system when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Reliability

If the spring-loaded tab remains in the second angular position, then the object is securely clamped to the ceiling, but the tab interferes with the ceiling opening during installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of clampingVSAvoidpassage through ceiling opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded tab is designed to rotate between two angular positions: a first position during installation where the tab is retracted and does not interfere with the ceiling opening, and a second position during clamping where the tab engages to secure the speaker system. This dynamic rotation allows the tab to adapt its function based on the installation stage, eliminating interference during passage while providing secure clamping when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism automatically urges the tab into the correct angular position based on the installation stage. During installation, as the speaker system is lowered, the spring naturally allows the tab to rotate to the retracted first position. Once clamping is initiated, the spring force automatically drives the tab to the engaged second position, providing self-service functionality without requiring manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables secure and efficient mounting of speaker systems to ceilings with easy removal, reducing installation errors and ensuring the device does not interfere with the ceiling opening during the process.

Implementation Method 1

a spring mechanism in communication with the first and second tab portions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The threaded rod has a rod axis, a first end to receive a driver tool and a second end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded rod mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3529996B1Device for installation and removal of a ceiling speaker system
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 BOSE CORP
  • EP3529996B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3529996B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3529996B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A device for securing an object to a ceiling includes a threaded rod, a bracket and a spring-loaded tab. The spring-loaded tab has a tab portion with an outer surface. The tab portion is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the threaded rod. When the device is attached to the object and the object moves into an opening in the ceiling for installation to the ceiling, the tab portion is urged from an extended position to enable the object to pass through the opening. Subsequently, the tab portion returns to its extended position such that the object can be temporarily supported by the tab within the ceiling opening. The bracket is configured so that during a removal process, a portion of the bracket urges the tab portion inward from the extended positon to enable the object to be removed from the ceiling opening.