Wireless Speaker Assembly for Recessed Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Installing in-ceiling or in-wall speakers in existing residential or commercial buildings is challenging due to the need for routing wires through installed wallboards, power wires, plumbing, or ductwork, requiring extra craftsmanship and being costly, especially when geometric precision is needed.

Innovation Solution

A wireless audio system that can be easily assembled to an existing recessed light fixture, using a wireless speaker with a powerbase module, adjustable mounting lip, and frame extension, allowing for power and audio control via a standard light bulb socket and enabling multiple speakers to be installed without new wiring, or an integrated light/speaker assembly that replaces existing fixtures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If in-ceiling or in-wall speakers are installed in existing buildings, then audio system functionality is added, but installation complexity and cost increase due to wire routing through wallboards, power wires, plumbing, or ductwork

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio system installationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the audio system from traditional wired installation and creates a standalone wireless speaker unit that can be independently installed without integrating into existing building wiring infrastructure. This allows the audio functionality to be added separately from the building's electrical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless speaker assembly is designed to be universally installable in various locations (ceilings, walls, corners) without requiring location-specific wiring. The single unit serves multiple functions: audio playback, wireless connectivity, and adaptable mounting in different architectural configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If in-ceiling or in-wall speakers are installed in existing buildings, then audio system functionality is added, but craftsmanship requirements and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio system installationVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The audio system is segmented into a self-contained wireless speaker unit that is installed as a discrete component rather than being integrated into the building's structural wiring system. This segmentation allows for simpler, more straightforward installation by standard contractors without requiring specialized wiring expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If geometric precision is required for speaker installation, then audio quality is improved, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker assembly incorporates adjustable and adaptable mounting mechanisms that can accommodate variations in installation locations without requiring precise geometric alignment. The design allows for dynamic adjustment during installation to achieve proper orientation and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless speaker unit is designed as a standardized, replicable component that can be installed multiple times using the same mounting process. This standardization reduces the need for custom precision work at each installation location while maintaining consistent audio performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11856374B2Acoustic and illuminating recessed assembly
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 TALBI AZIZ
  • US11856374B2 patent drawing
  • US11856374B2 patent drawing

AI summary

At least one embodiment of the current invention provides a wireless audio assembly for use with recessed lighting fixtures and comprising: a wireless speaker, a powerbase module, a mounting support and a frame extension. The wireless audio assembly is attached to an existing recessed light, gets its power from recessed light power lines and has an opening in the center with a concave surface that appears as a continuation to the recessed light center opening.