Voice-Enabled Device Recessed Ceiling Mounting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voice-enabled devices, such as smart speakers, face challenges in convenient placement due to aesthetic and clutter issues, as well as the visual impact of electrical cables, which can interfere with their effective use.
Innovation Solution
A voice-enabled device fixture that recesses the device behind a ceiling, using retaining spring brackets or spring clips to secure it in place, allowing for cable management and adjustable positioning, including tilting, to minimize visual impact and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a voice-enabled device is placed at a desired location, then usability is improved, but aesthetic impact and clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voice-enabled device from its conventional visible placement and relocates it into the ceiling cavity. The device is installed within the ceiling structure, with only the trim visible from below, effectively removing the visual clutter while preserving accessibility through the opening in the trim.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the device placement from a two-dimensional surface placement (on shelves or tables) to a three-dimensional integration within the ceiling volume. This dimensional shift allows the device to be concealed within the ceiling cavity while remaining accessible through the trim opening.
2Shape
If a voice-enabled device is recessed behind a ceiling, then aesthetic impact is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the installation system into distinct modular components: the housing that fits within the ceiling cavity, the trim that provides the visible interface, and retaining structures (spring brackets or clips) that secure the assembly. This segmentation allows for simplified installation and assembly of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as the trim and retaining structures that mediate between the ceiling cavity and the voice-enabled device. These intermediaries simplify the installation process by providing standardized interfaces and secure mounting mechanisms without requiring complex custom fabrication.
3Reliability
If electrical cable is used to power the device, then functionality is improved, but visual clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical cable from the visible space and routes it through the ceiling cavity along with the voice-enabled device. The cable management system channels the power cable through the housing and trim structures, keeping it concealed within the ceiling structure and eliminating visual clutter while maintaining power supply functionality.
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 convenient and aesthetically pleasing placement of voice-enabled devices by hiding them behind a ceiling, reducing clutter, and allowing for effective use while maintaining functionality through secure attachment and cable routing.
Implementation Method 1
retaining spring brackets or spring clips to secure it in place
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a mounting assembly for the recessed installation of a voice-enabled device. The mounting assembly comprises a trim comprising an outer flange, an inner flange, and a wall section. At least a portion of the outer flange of the trim is designed to be positioned below a ceiling, and the inner flange is designed for positioning the voice-enabled device thereon. The mounting assembly also comprises retaining structures that are attached to the wall section. The retaining structures are designed to hold the voice-enabled device on the inner flange.