3D Printed Tablet Speaker Amplifying Stand Handles

I recently bought a DragonTouch X10 Tablet, and after using if for the first few days I noticed a few things:

1. The speakers, even on full volume, are not very loud, particularly when watching YouTube videos. The speakers are on the back of the tablet, away from the user.
2. Holding a 10-inch tablet while standing is not particularly comfortable.
3. If you want to set the tablet on a tablet upright, you need a stand of some sort.

While many cases for tablets are available to solve the last issue, I haven't seen any that address the first two. Even in a case, the profile of the tablet is flat, and the speakers are left as-is.

I was able to design acoustic sound-amplifying handles that slide snugly on to the tablet, that also allow it to be set on a table or desk, displayed vertically.

Step 1: Video

Step 2: Design

The handles were designed in Autodesk's Fusion 360.

Measurements of the back of the tablet, the speaker, the relationship to the edges of the tablet, and the thickness were taken using digital calipers.

First, the speaker's shape was drawn and an offset created. A few planes at different angles were created and sketched on, then a loft created between each one. The body created by the lofts will later be cut out of the handle's geometry to create the channel for the sound to go through.

Multiple sketches were drawn and extruded to create the handle, and fillets applied to round the surface. The channel body was cut from the handle body, then the bottom face drafted 10 degrees to set the tablet viewing angle back slightly, and for better balance. By mirroring one completed handle, a body for the opposite side is created.

-

Find the files on Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1612288

Step 3: Printing

I printed both handles on my Prusa i3 in black PLA at 200C. No special printing considerations were made regarding infill, shells, etc. so whatever works best on the printer available to you is what you should go with.

Step 4: Conclusion

I chose to not to record a sound comparison with the handles on and off of the tablet, because in my experience watching similar phone acoustic amplifiers on YouTube, it's hard if not impossible to tell any difference from the camera's microphone. If you'll take my word for it or print your own, they do a nice job of increasing the sound!

Without the 3D printed amplifiers, it is difficult to hear music or a video while holding the tablet a few feet away. With the handles attached, the sound is audible over small background noise like conversation or a fan.