Wearable Speaker Clip and Magnetic Coupler for Secure Clothing Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable speakers face challenges such as discomfort, inadequate sound pressure levels, improper sound delivery angles, and weight issues due to the limitations of standard and magnetic clips, which are not suitable for secure attachment to various clothing items, and require excessive battery power to maintain sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A portable audio speaker system with a combination of a standard clip and magnetic couplers that allows secure attachment to both edged and non-edged portions of clothing, featuring a removable magnetic member that can magnetically couple to the speaker housing, enabling versatile and lightweight attachment without increasing weight or size, and includes an etched magnet surface for improved adhesive bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard clip is used to attach the speaker to clothing edges, then the speaker can be securely attached to edges of articles, but the speaker cannot be attached to non-edge portions of clothing and requires the user to position the clip precisely at edges
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into two separate functional components: a standard clip for edge attachment and a magnetic coupler for non-edge attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other, enabling the speaker to be attached to both edged and non-edged portions of clothing
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device combines multiple attachment methods (standard clip and magnetic coupler) into a single universal system that can attach to various locations on clothing edges and non-edges. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to choose between different attachment mechanisms and allows flexible positioning anywhere on the garment
2Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic clip is used to attach the speaker to non-edge portions of clothing, then the speaker can be attached away from edges, but the magnetic force is insufficient for thick objects like belts or straps
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device separates the magnetic coupling function from the mechanical clipping function. The magnetic coupler provides the necessary holding force for non-edge attachment, while the standard clip provides the mechanical strength needed for edge attachment and thick objects. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the standard clip and magnetic coupler into a single integrated attachment device that can handle both thin non-edge portions and thick objects like belts or straps. The combination provides both the flexibility to attach away from edges and the force necessary for secure attachment to substantial objects
3Weight of moving object
If the speaker is designed to be lightweight and portable, then comfort during physical activities is improved, but the battery life may be reduced when delivering high sound pressure levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical clip system with a magnetic coupling system that utilizes magnetic fields instead of mechanical force. This substitution allows for lighter construction while maintaining secure attachment, as the magnetic force can be adjusted to provide sufficient holding strength without requiring heavy mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical friction and pressure (standard clip) to magnetic attraction (magnetic coupler). This parameter change allows for reduced weight while maintaining attachment security, as magnetic forces can be tuned to provide the necessary holding strength with minimal material usage
4Adaptability or versatility
If the speaker is designed with a removable magnetic member for versatile attachment, then the attachment flexibility is improved, but the risk of detachment during physical activities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into a permanent housing portion and a removable magnetic member. This segmentation allows the magnetic member to be easily attached and detached for versatile positioning, while the housing portion remains securely attached to the speaker. The separation ensures that the removable component can be independently managed for attachment and detachment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic member acts as an intermediary between the speaker housing and the clothing. It provides the necessary attachment force when magnetically coupled to the housing, while allowing for easy detachment when needed. This intermediary component enables versatile attachment without compromising the structural integrity or security of the main speaker-housing connection
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
The system provides a secure, lightweight, and durable speaker that delivers high sound pressure levels with aligned sound delivery, reducing battery consumption and minimizing detachment risks, while maintaining comfort during physical activities.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic coupler, separate from any magnet of the speaker transducer, coupled to the housing; and a removable member having a second magneto coupler, at least a portion of the removable member fitting within the boundary of the clip cutout. The second magneto coupler of the removable member is capable of being magnetically coupled to the first magneto coupler that is coupled to the housing, so that the magnetic coupling allows the housing to be attached to a non-edge portion of a non-metallic and/or non-magnetic item
Implementation Method 2
there is a need for an attachment device that is minimal in size and weight, and has no more weight or size than a device tasked with performing as only a magnetic clip or standard clip
Data Source
AI summary
A portable audio speaker system is disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, the portable audio speaker system includes at least one speaker assembly including a housing; a speaker element disposed inside of the housing; a charging interface disposed on the housing and configured to receive electrical power from an external source to charge an internal power supply of the portable audio speaker system; and a clip member coupled to the housing, the clip member and the housing together forming a clipping device. The clipping device allows the housing to be coupled to, and decoupled from, an edge of an item. In one or more further embodiments, the portable audio speaker system includes a control button configured to control a plurality of functions of the at least one speaker assembly and/or a spring element coupling the clip member to the housing.