Hello all. I have a question which I'm not sure would completely fit here, but it IS DIY and ya'll are creative when it comes to creation.
So for an engineering project we were required to completely reverse engineer a desired assembly, and I chose a simple iHome speaker:
[IMG]http://www.geekgaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/ihome-ihm10b-portable-mp3-player-speaker-system-details-300x300.jpg[/IMG]
So I've completely re-created this device in autocad software, and I now need to improve the dock. I've been brainstorming with many different people, and thought I'd include you fine forumgoers in such brainstorming. Any ideas you can think of to improve the traditional speaker dock here just let them out. Anything you ever wanted in a dock...etc.
Some things we've come up with:
-Waterproofing the device and adding floaters to float in, say, a pool
-(Just for athstetics) Embossing the iHome logo, text having blue pulsing light
-Moving the speakers to the front, to each side of the MP3 player to actually face the listener
-Adding a 3rd "woofer" to the side where one speaker used to be to atleast slightly improve bass response (like on some laptops, not phenominal but does improve)
-Adding a clamp like feature to hold the device (my logitech MM-32's have such a thing)
-Adding a video out (for Andriod *micro usb* and iPhone *traditional 30 pin w/ lightning connector adapter extra*)
And we're constantly thinking up more. So any ideas throw em out there, and I'll take them into consideration, and then, of course, model them, and they should not affect the original geometry of the device (unless you have a pretty good idea that isn't too drastic).
Have fun and be creative ^_^
If you dont want to change the original geometry, then I would not consider adding any more speakers, or a clip, or legs of any kind. One assumes that there are tons of these Ihome things out there with many different varieties of speakers. Some go out lengthwise with tiny speakers, and some just have two larger speakers. There's no need to point the speakers forward, but what if you took them out of the spot they are mounted, flippid them backwards, sealed up the "grills" and then cut holes in the front of the device for sound to permeate through the front. Your bass response would be a bit better, and would probably not affect the trebble output too terribly. If it does (in your theoretical run of the device) then add smaller "tweeter" speakers to the front as well.
To further the design, completely seal the speakers themselves and their surrounds as they are now. Use plastics for the speaker cones and make them have a waterproof seal. Create a clear plastic case that is the shape of the largest ipod that rests on the dock and mount it to the device. Make the device run off a self contained battery, and seal the ipod in the clear case somehow to make a "pool version" but I'd assume the ipod would eventually put off heat in that close quarters and have issues.
I like the idea of this project. I would have chosen a power-drill but that[s just me
I find the best way to go about these projects is to pick something in life that terribly frustrates me for a lack of something, then I find it really easy to talk about.
I don't think things like moving the speakers about are really innovating. Things like a clamp for the device sound like more of a step in the right direction. How about you restyle it in a more robust finish like brushed aluminium? Or include some sort of charging capability and a bulkier battery? or how about making it suitable for use on a building site. Builders/DIY enthusiasts etc love radios because they are dirt cheap and tough as old boots, could you do something like that and give it some sort of enclosure to protect the player as well? maybe a fancy system where the case is in two halves and you pop the player in the middle and clamp the two halves together over it with a speaker in each end, a small window so you can see the screen and some buttons to select the music on the outside? make it water/paint/glue/dust proof and you'd have an absolute hit.
Just throwing out some ideas that instantly hit me when I thought about it.
a sliding thing that goes over the top of the ipod and holds it in place well. It has to hold it because the only reason I would want it is for those accidents which send your ipod flying after being forcefully ripped from its perch and pins destroyed.
[QUOTE=metallics;40501736]I find the best way to go about these projects is to pick something in life that terribly frustrates me for a lack of something, then I find it really easy to talk about.
I don't think things like moving the speakers about are really innovating. Things like a clamp for the device sound like more of a step in the right direction. How about you restyle it in a more robust finish like brushed aluminium? Or include some sort of charging capability and a bulkier battery? or how about making it suitable for use on a building site. Builders/DIY enthusiasts etc love radios because they are dirt cheap and tough as old boots, could you do something like that and give it some sort of enclosure to protect the player as well? maybe a fancy system where the case is in two halves and you pop the player in the middle and clamp the two halves together over it with a speaker in each end, a small window so you can see the screen and some buttons to select the music on the outside? make it water/paint/glue/dust proof and you'd have an absolute hit.
Just throwing out some ideas that instantly hit me when I thought about it.[/QUOTE]
Moving the speakers is most certainly an innovation- its improving the sound quality by directing the sound at the user, when the speakers are facing outwards the higher frequencies will hit surrounding objects (more than they already would, of course) causing harmonic distortion and muffling... etc.
The building site idea is absolutely genious. Ironic too- i've always eyed those tough worksite boomboxes and never thought to incorporate it. This is an example where I would have to change the geometry but I absolutely love the idea. I'll see if its acceptable to make different "versions" instead of having one innovated version, like a audiophile version, builders version, pool version (only because I don't think its practicle to add floaties on a DIY'er dock) and possibly a 'designers' version with brushed aluminum.
Charging capabilities I was thinking of adding too, but I also want to make the speakers at a budget that isn't like typical apple associated products. Ha. This is another reason why I want to do separate models, so I don't throw every feature into one along with a heafty price tag. I will be required to do a full cost analysis, too, so I'll hold off on a desired price range for now
[editline]2nd May 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=Serj22;40497009]If you dont want to change the original geometry, then I would not consider adding any more speakers, or a clip, or legs of any kind. One assumes that there are tons of these Ihome things out there with many different varieties of speakers. Some go out lengthwise with tiny speakers, and some just have two larger speakers. There's no need to point the speakers forward, but what if you took them out of the spot they are mounted, flippid them backwards, sealed up the "grills" and then cut holes in the front of the device for sound to permeate through the front. Your bass response would be a bit better, and would probably not affect the trebble output too terribly. If it does (in your theoretical run of the device) then add smaller "tweeter" speakers to the front as well.
To further the design, completely seal the speakers themselves and their surrounds as they are now. Use plastics for the speaker cones and make them have a waterproof seal. Create a clear plastic case that is the shape of the largest ipod that rests on the dock and mount it to the device. Make the device run off a self contained battery, and seal the ipod in the clear case somehow to make a "pool version" but I'd assume the ipod would eventually put off heat in that close quarters and have issues.
I like the idea of this project. I would have chosen a power-drill but that[s just me[/QUOTE]
I would agree, however upon dissassembling the speakers, I noticed there is HEAPS of unused volume within the device. Its just a tiny amplifier chip and little itty bitty LED chip with the LED soldered in screwed to the top. I thought before dissassembling the speakers used the internal volume as an enclosure, but I was wrong- the grilles on the side are actually part of a little box which houses the driver, which are not big enough to provide any type of 'enclosure' for the drivers, nor are sealed. Its really odd, and I'll post pictures. Therefore an additional 2" or so woofer would take advantage of the volume inside the device. And it would probably sound quite nice.
I'd also like to say that I am an audio hobbyist, both car and home, and design enclosures, so luckily I have that knowledge at my disposal when I present my design. Your idea sounds exactly like a bandpass enclosure, which I like, however I have a feeling it would completely destroy the upper frequencies of the drivers. Adding a tweeter would work, my problem is there isn't TOO much surface area on the front pannel, and I'd be worried the device would block the tweeter, rendering it useless. I'd think adding a small woofer on one end and just using a sealed enclosure would probably be a more efficient route to go, however I'd like to try out your design, so I'll see if I cant make it work.
I don't know how god of quality the speakers are in the Ihome, but im assuming that the are probably single channel mid range speakers. My suggestion would be to add small tweeters to the now fourward facing speakers, this would improve the sound by eliminating distortion caused by sudden changes for mid to high range sounds. and some form of equalizer wouldn't be a bad idea. even if it was just a simple treble and bass system with a dial of up and down button of some sort.
another idea stemming from the issues iv had; i used to work in a machine shop, the biggest issue i've had with speakers going out is when metal shavings are pulled in to it and eventually tear a hole in the speaker, or distort the sound. going along with the idea of a more rugged design, i would add some sort of tight magnetized mesh to the covers to catch some particles.
again keeping to the rugged design, put a rubber like material around it, kind of like a otter box, or make the ends the rubber like stuff and the middle section aluminium, keeping that nice sleek design apple is known for. and add a magnet to the back; so it could be hung on say a tool box or tool rack in your shop. this would also keep it out of the way and free up space in your work area, as well keep it relatively clean.
Call it the iShop.
[QUOTE=chiefcoyote;40512766]I don't know how god of quality the speakers are in the Ihome, but im assuming that the are probably single channel mid range speakers. My suggestion would be to add small tweeters to the now fourward facing speakers, this would improve the sound by eliminating distortion caused by sudden changes for mid to high range sounds. and some form of equalizer wouldn't be a bad idea. even if it was just a simple treble and bass system with a dial of up and down button of some sort.
another idea stemming from the issues iv had; i used to work in a machine shop, the biggest issue i've had with speakers going out is when metal shavings are pulled in to it and eventually tear a hole in the speaker, or distort the sound. going along with the idea of a more rugged design, i would add some sort of tight magnetized mesh to the covers to catch some particles.
again keeping to the rugged design, put a rubber like material around it, kind of like a otter box, or make the ends the rubber like stuff and the middle section aluminium, keeping that nice sleek design apple is known for. and add a magnet to the back; so it could be hung on say a tool box or tool rack in your shop. this would also keep it out of the way and free up space in your work area, as well keep it relatively clean.
Call it the iShop.[/QUOTE]
You guys are godly creative. I mean I'm not calling myself unorgininal but I'm just saying I wasn't expecting such good ideas - I guess I underestimated ya'll.
The speakers used are the tiny titanium-cone micro drivers like most modern docks, and pretty much all smaller ipod docks used, with a titanium cone and rubber surrounds. The cones will most certainly not suffer tears from metal shavings unless a tiny little rod-like shaving gets shoved into it. Problem with trying to strengthen a cone (and this goes for ALL speakers, a common issue that many companies are trying to resolve) is making it stronger without adding weight. More wieght=less efficiency, and especially with the weak tiny voice coils in these drivers (although I must say these little titanium drivers really do move) that'll make it probably to the point the coils wouldn't cool very well- a good reason they probably used lightweight titanium for the cones. And sound/athstetics. I think the magnet covers are a good idea, but then again it might just attract a whole bunch of magnetic shit/shavings that otherwise wouldn't even be near the cover. But I can look into it, if I havent reached my budget after the major innovations happen I could see into it.
The outside of the iShop (and yes, I will be going with that name, I like it) I want to style like a black and decker drill I have, except use my own colors and make it look "appley" but rugged. But yeah, most likely the midle section will have some aluminum, and I'll definitely consider a magnet suspended deisgn.
[QUOTE=masterwolf;40516315]You guys are godly creative. I mean I'm not calling myself unorgininal but I'm just saying I wasn't expecting such good ideas - I guess I underestimated ya'll.
The outside of the iShop (and yes, I will be going with that name, I like it) I want to style like a black and decker drill I have, except use my own colors and make it look "appley" but rugged. But yeah, most likely the midle section will have some aluminum, and I'll definitely consider a magnet suspended deisgn.[/QUOTE]
:dance: someone finally took advise from my sleep deprived self! why is it that i only come up with good ideas when im really tired or its late at night.
anyway, my only concern would be, that the magnetic suspension thing would have to be pretty strong to hold up the ishop. could it potentially mess with the speakers?
I would also like to say metallics idea isnt bad either. If it's going to be a jobsite radio though, nothing would say "doesn't belong" like brushed aluminum. Something about that black plastic covered in paint and drywall just screams "this is a jobsite radio." The idea of using all that extra space inside to enclose the ipod is great. One idea I could think of, is eliminate the speaker from one side, and slide the ipod into it and then have a door that closes over it. Use the front of the casing for two tweeters, and then a single mid-range and woofer on the unused side. It will be a weird arrangement, and not as simple as the bandpass design, but it would be interesting, and self-enclosed which would be cool.
[QUOTE=Serj22;40522741]I would also like to say metallics idea isnt bad either. If it's going to be a jobsite radio though, nothing would say "doesn't belong" like brushed aluminum. Something about that black plastic covered in paint and drywall just screams "this is a jobsite radio." The idea of using all that extra space inside to enclose the ipod is great. One idea I could think of, is eliminate the speaker from one side, and slide the ipod into it and then have a door that closes over it. Use the front of the casing for two tweeters, and then a single mid-range and woofer on the unused side. It will be a weird arrangement, and not as simple as the bandpass design, but it would be interesting, and self-enclosed which would be cool.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, one problem with going mono is it wouldn't have a full sound- a single 1.3" driver wont cut it. Loudness nor a 'full sound.' My logitch mm-32's sound decent and they have 4 drivers. I think I can probably fit everything so it can split. Either way we're getting the ipod on the inside somehow.
Man I love how facepunch is coming up with really cool ideas for this. As far as a shop radio, I wold much rather have a mettle than plastic, its way easier to clean if you get it dirty, and petrol loves eating anything plastic. especially diesel. iv broken allot of plastic stuff before because i've knocked it off of my box. Ya it would be cheaper and probably easier to produce if it was made out of plastic, because you can just mold it. hell you can print it. but the metal is going to last a hell of alot longer in a rough environment than the plastic would. say you were liker me and had to work out in the sun of farm trucks all day, and you wanted you lesson to your tunes outside. You don't want to leave your plastic radio outside in the sun because it will warp or become brittle, and then you're just one drop away from ruining an $80 stereo. I personally don't like buying the same thing twice if it only lasted me 6 months. now if it lasted me a year or so then I might by two or three next time and keep one at home and one in my truck.
edit: also.
be sure to post some pictures of the finished product to show what we have helped create.
[QUOTE=masterwolf;40516315] Problem with trying to strengthen a cone (and this goes for ALL speakers, a common issue that many companies are trying to resolve) is making it stronger without adding weight. More wieght=less efficiency,[/QUOTE]
This is a big problem with speaker design, but efficiency is not quite the reason. Basically, the natural frequency and resonant frequency of the speaker cone will always be greater than 15k, to minimize resonant effects on the frequency response of the speaker. Increasing the mass of the cone has the effect of lowering the resonant frequency and it could enter the audible range.
ω = (K/M)^0.5
where ω is the resonant frequency, K is the stiffness constant and M is the mass of the oscillating body.
How wide are the speakers?
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