Speaker Design

You need to consider ways to use or improve the sound of the speaker, through using the sound architecture inside (shapes) to create channels for the sound to move away from the back of the speaker to come out of the front or sides of your design. 

The best speaker designs find ways to minimise the vibrations that the speaker and sound waves make when music is played through the speaker. At lower volumes this is not usually a factor however when you turn up the volume there are more forceful sound waves which can create vibrations. Thinking about where those sound waves go will improve the sound quality of your speaker - it is usually the Bass tones that emit from the back of the speaker unit. Other considerations are 'amplifying' the sound through making the channel for the sound waves go from a small size through to a larger size i.e. like a trumpet, trombone etc. Simple design ideas to reduce vibration should also include 'feet' for your speaker to raise the bottom off the 'sitting' surface which helps. 

You should also consider how you can use insulating materials inside the speaker to change the sound waves and reduce vibrations.  

The images below show some speakers with the internal sound architecture channels and the use of insulating materials.

You need to consider how your design could become 'flat pack'. This means looking at 'flattish' panels that can be joined together in some way. Panels can be shaped, formed, detailed, and rounded.

You could also design your own 3D printed joining / connecting components as part of your design These could become a feature of the speaker.

• A research / Inspiration board of existing speakers that inspire you, alongside other shapes, forms and products that you like.

• A wide range of quick concept blue pencil sketches of designs for a stylish speaker (and amplifier). These can be a mixture of 2D and 3D sketches. Try to avoid 'novelty' designs and think about stylish products, and also try not to just design a 'box'.

• An A3 sheet of rendered design ideas (minimum of 4 rendered ideas) for a speaker (and amplifier).

• At least one (more is better) small 1/3rd to 1/5th scale models (card, foam, foam board) of your speaker designs.

• The development of one of your design ideas using sketches, 'Procreate' and your test models, ready to be modelled in Onshape.

• Research into the size of the speakers and amplifier board so that everything will fit; research into 3D Printed joining / connecting components; research into flat pack manufacturing methods and suitable manufacturing methods for the 'sides' of your speaker. You may also wish to make any test 'pieces' to check for size and holding methods. Then also think about covering up any parts / things that you may not wish to see i.e. do you want a speaker ring to cover the screw holes.

• Test model (full size) of your speaker design, with a speaker fitted and held in place. This can be Cardboard, Foam board, modelling / tooling board, Styrofoam, Plywood / MDF. This should also include test architecture for the inside to improve / increase the sound.

• CAD Modelling (Onshape) of your speaker (and amplifier) design. This will be used for manufacturing parts in a school workshop as well as for Virtual Rendering and AR modelling and testing.

• A final presented design for your speaker.

• The manufacture of your speaker.