Hardened portable communication system

Abstract

This document describes the techniques and methods for providing ruggedized portable communication systems. Many users utilize portable communication systems, including two-way radios, for outdoor activities (e.g., rock climbing, rafting, skiing). However, many portable communication systems lack the durability and ruggedness to withstand harsh environments while maintaining good acoustic characteristics. The ruggedized portable communication systems described herein provide techniques to maintain acoustic characteristics and improve user accessibility even under the most severe conditions. For example, this document describes passive drainage technology that withstands continuous water exposure without degrading the acoustic characteristics of the speaker and / or microphone.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 595,444, filed November 2, 2023, entitled “Reinforced Portable Communication System,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0002] Having the right equipment is crucial for both enjoyment and safety when engaging in outdoor activities such as mountaineering, backpacking, rafting, hunting, hiking, skiing, motorcycling, and off-road driving. Even the most experienced participants are not immune to adverse weather conditions, illness, and injury, which can quickly escalate situations. Traditional handheld radios are essential tools for hikers to maintain communication between teams and provide a lifeline for search and rescue teams from the outside world. While many handheld radios are available on the market, they often lack the durability and ruggedness required to withstand the harsh environments and extreme conditions encountered during outdoor expeditions. Prolonged exposure to water, excessive impact, and extreme fluctuations in operating temperature can interfere with the device's operability. This lack of ruggedness and resilience in conventional handheld radios can limit their usefulness in remote and harsh outdoor environments. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document addresses techniques for implementing hardened portable communication systems. In some examples, a system including an open channel and a drain port for drainage is described. The open channel diverts water droplets away from an internal speaker chamber. The internal speaker chamber is designed with a drain port to remove water and maintain the acoustic characteristics of the speaker. Additionally, a microphone chamber is connected to the speaker chamber via a channel to keep water outside the microphone chamber and sometimes even improve the acoustic characteristics of the microphone. Furthermore, techniques and methods for improving the connection between the hardened portable communication system and user backpacks, clothing, and other equipment are described.

[0004] This brief description introduces a simplified concept for reinforced portable communication systems, which are further described in the detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings. This brief description is not intended to identify the essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The technical references to the following figures are used to describe the reinforced portable communication system. These figures use the same numbers throughout to label the same features and components, or examples thereof.

[0006] Figure 1 An example portable communication system reinforced according to the technology disclosed herein is shown.

[0007] Figures 2-1 to 2-7 An example front panel of a waterproof, hardened portable communication system provided according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 An example modular connector for a hardened portable communication system is shown according to the technology disclosed herein.

[0009] Figures 4-1 to 4-8 An example modular ring for a hardened portable communication system is shown according to the technology disclosed herein.

[0010] Figures 5-1 to 5-6 An example auxiliary connector and housing for a hardened portable communication system are shown according to the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 6 An example flexible circuit used in a rigid portable communication system according to the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Overview The technologies described relate to techniques for implementing ruggedized portable communication systems designed for outdoor recreational activities, specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of outdoor adventures while maintaining optimal communication capabilities. These technologies cater to the needs of mountaineers, backpackers, rafters, hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, enabling enhanced robustness of portable communication devices to maintain a reliable and high-quality communication experience between users, especially in harsh environments.

[0013] Example System Figure 1 An example of a hardened portable communication system (PCS) 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, Figure 1 A front view of PCS 100 is shown. Although PCS 100 is shown as a two-way radio communication device, PCS 100 may be a handheld cellular phone, satellite phone, handheld positioning device, or other communication device. PCS 100 includes, for example, a speaker 102, a microphone 104, a transceiver 106, an antenna 108, one or more buttons 110, a processor 112, and a display 114. In this embodiment or other embodiments, PCS 100 may include fewer or additional components to provide communication and other functions.

[0014] The loudspeaker 102 generally converts electrical signals into corresponding sound (e.g., information received from another PCS 100 via transceiver 106). The loudspeaker 102 generally includes a cone-shaped or dome-shaped diaphragm to output the desired sound generated by the electrical signals. The PCS 100 may include loudspeakers 102 of various types and / or sizes to provide the desired communication functions.

[0015] Microphone 104 generally converts sound input (e.g., voice information provided by the user of PCS 100) into corresponding electrical signals. PCS 100 may include various types of microphones 104 to capture input sound and provide desired communication functions based on their electrical signal equivalents.

[0016] Transceiver 106 is generally an electronic device that can use antenna 108 to transmit and receive radio waves or signals for communication purposes. The transmitting and receiving functions of transceiver 106 may be combined into a single component or contained in two or more separate components.

[0017] Button 110 is configured to allow user input commands and / or activation of different functions or modes for PCS 100. For example, a user may use the call or communication button to initiate a communication session with another device, which causes microphone 104 to convert sound into electrical signals for transmission to the other device using transceiver 106 and antenna 108. As another example, a user may use one or more other buttons to control the volume of speaker 102. In this or other embodiments, one or more of buttons 110 may be replaced by toggle keys, switches, knobs, keypads, touchscreens, or other physical devices for receiving input from the user.

[0018] Processor 112 is an electrical component capable of executing instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium to perform or facilitate the performance of communication functions and other functions of PCS 100. Processor 112 may be implemented as a central processing unit, a microprocessor, or a system-on-a-chip.

[0019] Display 114 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) segment display, which includes fixed elements or icons and an arrangement of alphanumeric characters. Display 114 may emit light or light through a translucent portion of the outer casing of PCS 100 (e.g., polycarbonate). In this way, PCS 100 provides the user with bright and scratch-resistant feedback when needed, and provides an unobstructed surface when not needed.

[0020] water proof Some portable communication devices are waterproof. For example, such portable devices may have an IP67 rating, meaning that the device is protected against short-term immersion in water when subjected to pressure (e.g., at a depth of 15 cm to 1 meter). Some of these devices use a waterproof mesh to protect the speaker and / or microphone. However, if such devices are exposed to moisture for an extended period, the mesh will become soaked and experience adverse acoustic properties (e.g., sound attenuation from the speaker or noise pickup from the microphone).

[0021] Other devices use waterproof membranes to protect acoustic components. These membranes are generally not soaked through when exposed to water for extended periods. However, these membranes are susceptible to damage or fatigue over time, leading to a shorter product lifespan.

[0022] In contrast, PCS 100 uses drainage features to maintain waterproofing. Figures 2-1 to 2-7 Different outline views 200 for a front panel 202 used in a reinforced portable communication system are shown, including top view 200-1, side view 200-2, left view 200-3, bottom view 200-4, bottom view 200-5, perspective top view 200-6, and perspective bottom view 200-7. For example, Figures 2-1 to 2-7 The hardened portable communication system can be Figure 1 100 PCS.

[0023] The front panel 202 is the external portion of the PCS 100 that covers the speaker 102 and microphone 104. The front panel 202 includes multiple open slots 204. For example, as... Figure 2-1 The diagram shows a top view 200-1 of a front panel 202, which includes four open slots 204. In other embodiments, the front panel 202 may include fewer or additional open slots 204. Preferably, the front panel 202 includes at least two open slots 204 to minimize obstruction of the speaker 102 from openings through the front panel 202 to the surrounding environment. The open slots 204 provide openings between the environment (e.g., outside PCS 100) and the speaker 102, allowing sound waves to travel in the air between the speaker 102 and the user.

[0024] The front panel 202 may be combined with open slots 204 and also includes one or more closed slots 206 (e.g., as part of a decorative design for aesthetic purposes). In the illustrated embodiment, the front panel 202 includes two closed slots 206, one at each end of the array of open slots 204. In other examples, the closed slots 206 are omitted and / or replaced with additional open slots 204.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the open slot 204 and the closed slot 206 are positioned at an angle relative to the vertical axis 222. For example, the open slot 204 and the closed slot 206 are positioned at a 45-degree angle relative to the vertical axis 222. In other embodiments, the open slot 204 and the closed slot 206 may be positioned between 20 and 70 degrees relative to the vertical axis 222. The vertical positioning of the open slot 204 forces water droplets in or on the channel to roll down the open slot 204 and remain on the exterior of the front panel 202 and PCS 100 due to gravity. In this way, the vertical positioning of the open slot 204 facilitates cleaning of its respective opening. In other still embodiments, the open slot 204 may be positioned vertically (e.g., aligned with the vertical axis 222) or horizontally (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical axis 222).

[0026] The front panel 202 also includes an exhaust port 208 positioned toward the bottom of the front panel 202. For example... Figure 2-2 As shown in the side view 200-2, the exhaust port 208 has a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the exhaust port 208 may have different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, elliptical, circular).

[0027] exist Figure 2-4 The image shows a bottom view 200-4 of the front panel 202. A wall 218 on the interior portion of the front panel 202 defines a speaker chamber 212. Figure 2-4 In the illustrated embodiment, wall 218 has a circular shape that matches or is similar to the shape of the speaker cone. In other embodiments, wall 218 may have a different shape that matches the shape of the speaker cone. The speaker chamber 212 consists of the inner surface of the front panel 202, the inner surface of wall 218, and the speaker cone of speaker 102 (not shown in the diagram). Figure 2-4 Defined by the outer surface of the speaker chamber 212 (as shown in the diagram). The open slot 204 provides an opening between the speaker chamber 212 and the external environment. The speaker cone can be engaged with the inner portion of the wall 218 and / or the front panel 202 by mechanical force and / or gaskets. The outer surface of the speaker cone is made of a waterproof material (e.g., rubber, synthetic material) or a coating to prevent water from leaking from the speaker chamber 212 into the electronic components of the speaker 102 or other internal portions of the PCS 100.

[0028] As water enters the speaker chamber 212 through the open channel 204, gravity forces the water out of the speaker chamber through the drain port 208. The drain port 208 is located at the bottom of the speaker chamber 212 and allows water to exit. The combination of the open channel 204 and its vertical arrangement with the drain port 208 provides a passive means of removing water from the speaker chamber 212 and maintaining the waterproofness of the PCS 100 without the need for a mesh or membrane. The cross-sectional area of ​​the drain port 208 may be at least one-quarter of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the openings in the open channel 204. By draining water from the speaker chamber 212 through the drain port 208, the acoustic characteristics of the speaker (e.g., volume) can be maintained at a relatively high level (e.g., ninety percent). This is particularly helpful for maintaining communication during water activities such as river rafting.

[0029] The interior portion of the front panel 202 also at least partially defines the microphone chamber 214. For example... Figure 2-5 As shown in the bottom view 200-5, the microphone chamber 214 is defined by an inner portion of the front panel 202, another wall 220 having a partially circular shape protruding from the inner portion of the front panel 202, another partially circular wall protruding from the chamber housing 216, and an outer portion (not shown) of the microphone 104. The chamber housing 216 also provides circular wall portions to partially define the speaker chamber 212. Although in Figure 2-5 The middle chamber closure 216 is shown as a separate component, but in other embodiments, the chamber closure 216 may be made as part of the front panel 202.

[0030] Channel 210 connects microphone chamber 214 to speaker chamber 212. Channel 210 provides a channel in the inner wall of front panel 202. The portion of the bottom surface of channel 210 within speaker chamber 212 includes one of open slots 204. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom surface of channel 210 is wider than the width of open slot 204. For example, the width of channel 210 may be approximately 2.5 mm, and the width of open slot 204 may be approximately 1.1 mm. In other embodiments, the bottom surface of channel may have the same width as open slot 204.

[0031] In the depicted embodiment, channel 210 has an approximately rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, channel 210 may have a circular, elliptical, tapered (e.g., trapezoidal), or other cross-sectional shape to allow sound to pass through and maintain air pressure to keep water out of microphone chamber 214. The cross-sectional shape of channel 210 may also be configured to reduce the surface tension of water in channel 210 to reduce blockage therein.

[0032] Channel 210 extends beneath chamber housing 216 (in other words, chamber housing provides a top surface for a portion of channel 210). In this way, microphone chamber 214 is connected to speaker chamber 212, allowing sound waves to travel from the external environment through open slot 204 into speaker chamber 212, and then through channel 210 into microphone chamber 214. Because microphone chamber 214 is otherwise enclosed relative to the external environment, the air within microphone chamber 214 prevents water from entering through channel 210. In this way, the waterproof and acoustic integrity of microphone 104 is maintained without mesh or diaphragm. Therefore, microphone 104 remains free from noise generated by water within microphone chamber 214 and provides better sound transmission than other communication devices that use openings within microphone chamber 214 that pass directly through front panel 202 to the external environment. In this way, microphone chamber 214 also provides wind resistance for microphone 104, avoiding annoying wind noise common in many outdoor activities. In addition, the channel 210 is larger than most holes traditionally used in microphone chambers, allowing for better acoustic performance and providing wind protection by placing it in an auxiliary chamber.

[0033] Modular connection points Portable communication systems generally include a connection point that allows the user to attach the system to their clothing, backpack, or other equipment. This connection point can be a hook or loop to which a tether can be attached. It can also be a clip that can be attached to a strap or part of clothing. Generally, these connection points are molded or otherwise formed as part of the outer casing.

[0034] Similarly, the PCS 100 includes connection points on the back. Figure 3-1 The modular ring 302 is shown in the image. The modular ring 302 can be used as a hook and loop attachment. Figure 3-2 The image shows a modular clip 304. Instead of being made as part of the back panel, the modular ring 302 and modular clip 304 are modular and can be interchangeably attached to the portable communication system 100 using two screw holes 306. In other embodiments, different numbers of screw holes 306 can be used to attach modular connection points. The modular ring 302 and modular clip 304 can be replaced by various modular connectors, including hook attachments, magnetic attachments, or button attachments. These modular connection points can be implemented on the PCS 100 or other portable electronic devices that a user attaches to their clothing, backpack, or other equipment.

[0035] exist Figures 4-1 to 4-6The diagram shows a top view, side view, bottom view, and perspective view of the modular ring 302. As discussed above, the modular ring 302 includes two screw holes 402, a ring 404, and a plate 406. The modular ring 302 is preferably made of a thermoplastic material. This relatively soft material provides a flexible ring 404 that accommodates various hooks and allows hooks to slide in and out of the ring 404 relatively easily. The ring 404 is configured to hold various hooks in place during use. The soft material also provides a pleasant tactile experience to the user when attaching the PCS 100 to the hooks.

[0036] The screw hole 402 is offset from the ring 404 to allow tools to approach to remove and attach the modular ring 302. The ring 404 is also positioned at or near the horizontal center of the modular ring 302, such that the center of mass of the PCS 100 is located at or near the horizontal position of the ring 404, allowing the PCS 100 to be suspended vertically or nearly vertically on hooks or other attachment devices.

[0037] In one embodiment, ring 404 may include one or more ribs or textures along its inner side. The ribs or textures provide greater stability to the positioning of PCS 100 when attached to a hook, maintaining its relative alignment with a backpack, clothing, or other equipment. Modular ring 302 is attached to PCS 100 such that ring 404 extends perpendicular to the rear but is aligned along or parallel to the vertical axis of PCS 100.

[0038] like Figure 4-6 As shown, the modular ring 302 is fabricated or molded around a plate 406, which may be formed of aluminum, another metal alloy, hard plastic, or another rigid material. The plate 406 is encapsulated or covered by the material of the modular ring 302. In other words, the thermoplastic material of the modular ring 302 completely surrounds the plate 406 and fills the holes in the plate 406. The plate 406 provides rigidity to the originally soft material of the modular ring 302.

[0039] like Figure 4-7 and Figure 4-8 As shown, plate 406 is a separate component of modular ring 302 and can be formed by stamping, injection molding, 3D printing, or other methods. Plate 406 can then be placed inside an injection-molded part for modular ring 302, which is formed around plate 406. Holes in plate 406 allow material to fill these holes; when a force is applied to ring 404, the force is distributed in the material to the side and bottom portions to pull through the holes in plate 406. Without through holes in plate 406, the material of modular ring 302 is pulled around the edges of plate 406, reducing the load-bearing capacity of ring 404. Holes allow force to be distributed to the material inside and behind plate 406. Figure 4-8In the illustrated embodiment, the hole facing the bottom of the plate (and below the lower portion of ring 404) has a larger cross-sectional area than other holes in plate 406, to distribute a larger portion of the vertical force to the material behind plate 406. Using this technique, modular ring 302 can support up to 200 pounds.

[0040] Additional connection points Some portable communication systems include additional connection points. For example, users use these additional connection points to attach the device to their clothing, backpack, or other equipment using hooks or other tethers. In this way, if the main connection point or tether fails, the additional connection points provide redundant protection against loss or drop of the device. Generally, these additional connection points (if present) are molded into the housing. For example, a loop can be molded as part of the plastic housing. In other designs, the loop may be formed using a semi-circular metal object embedded in a part of the plastic housing.

[0041] In contrast, PCS 100 uses auxiliary connection points 502 that connect to the internal frame 504 or the body. For example... Figure 5-1 As shown, the auxiliary connection point 502 may protrude from the bottom portion of PCS 100. In some embodiments, this auxiliary connection point 502 is made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or another metal. In other embodiments, the auxiliary connection point 502 may be made of plastic or a composite material that provides sufficient strength and durability.

[0042] like Figure 5-2 and Figure 5-3 As shown, the auxiliary connection point 502 is screwed onto the inner frame 504 of the PCS 100. Like the auxiliary connection point 502, the inner frame 504 is made of aluminum or another metal. In other embodiments, the inner frame 504 may be made of plastic or a composite material providing sufficient strength and durability. In other embodiments, the auxiliary connection point 502 may be attached to the inner frame 504 using other connection methods (e.g., welding or riveting). In still other embodiments, the auxiliary connection point 502 may be made as part of the inner frame 504 and protrude from a portion of the inner frame 504 beyond the housing 506 of the device.

[0043] Figure 5-4 A perspective view of the auxiliary connection point 502 extending from the housing 506 is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the auxiliary connection point 502 extending away from the housing 506 is streamlined to minimize the device's profile. The housing 506 may also include one or more protrusions 508 around or near the auxiliary connection point 502, allowing the portable communication system 100 to stand upright on a horizontal surface of equal height.

[0044] External design Some portable communication systems, particularly handheld two-way radios, have housings made of one or two different hard plastics. In contrast, the PCS 100 uses a thermoplastic overmolded part as the housing 506 to provide shock absorption and improved grip and handling in extreme environments with high friction surfaces. Additionally, the thermoplastic material is slightly compressible, making it easier and more comfortable to hold. Figure 5-4 and Figure 5-5 As shown, the housing 506 largely covers the bottom and sides of the portable communication system 100. Figure 5-6 As shown, it may also partially cover the front and / or rear of the portable communication system 100. The housing 506 includes cutouts or holes for various buttons, charging ports, and antennas. The housing 506 is integrated with other external components to create an outer enclosure for the PCS 100, rather than simply a shell or partial shell inserted into the top of a plastic casing.

[0045] Internal electrical connections Some portable communication systems mount all or most of their electrical components onto a single sheet of board, which can make assembly more difficult. Additionally, this arrangement of electrical components may mean that electronics associated with buttons and other input controls are easily displaced from the board.

[0046] In contrast, PCS 100 uses multiple flexible electronic components (or flexible circuits 602) that mount one or more electronic devices on flexible plastic. For example... Figure 6 As shown, PCS 100 places the electronic components associated with button 110 on flexible circuit 602, and connects them to the main electrical board (not shown) via another flexible circuit 602. Figure 6 (As shown in the diagram). Multiple flexible circuits 602 are spot-welded together in some areas. In other areas, the flexible circuits 602 may have connectors that mate with corresponding connectors of other flexible circuits 602 or electrical boards.

[0047] in conclusion Although various embodiments of this disclosure have been described in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto but can be practiced in various ways within the scope of the appended claims. It will be apparent from the foregoing description that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0048] The use of "or" and related grammatically related terms indicates an unrestricted, non-exclusive alternative unless the context explicitly states otherwise. As used herein, the phrase referring to "at least one" in a list of items means any combination of those items, including individual members. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination of multiple of the same elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

Claims

1. A portable communication system (100), comprising: One or more transceivers (106) are configured to transmit and receive radio signals using an antenna (108); A loudspeaker (102) is configured to convert electrical signals corresponding to radio signals received by the one or more transceivers (106) into sound; A microphone (104) is configured to convert sound input into a corresponding electrical signal for transmission by the one or more transceivers (106); A housing configured to surround the one or more transceivers (106), the speaker (102), and the microphone (104); and Modular ring (302) is configured to be attached to the housing via two or more screws.

2. The portable communication system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The modular ring (302) includes a plate (406) and a ring (404) configured to hold the hook in a fixed position during use, wherein the plate (406) is encapsulated within the modular ring.

3. The portable communication system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The ring (404) is made of thermoplastic material.

4. The portable communication system (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The thermoplastic material of the ring (404) is formed or molded around the plate (406) and through holes in the plate (406).

5. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The plate (406) is formed of aluminum, another metal alloy, hard plastic or another rigid material.

6. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The plate (406) is stamped, injection molded, or 3D printed.

7. The portable communication system (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The plate (406) is disposed inside an injection molded part for the modular ring (302), the injection molded part being formed around the plate (406).

8. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The holes in the plate (406) allow the thermoplastic material of the ring (404) to fill the holes, and the modular ring (302) is configured to distribute the force in the thermoplastic material to the side and bottom portions of the modular ring (302) to pull through the holes in the plate (406) when a force is applied to the ring (404).

9. The portable communication system (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The hole facing the bottom of the plate (406) and below the lower portion of the ring (404) has a larger cross-sectional area than other holes in the plate (406).

10. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein, The ring (404) is located at or near the horizontal center of the centroid of the portable communication system (100).

11. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein, The modular ring (302) is attached to the portable communication system (100) such that the ring (404) extends perpendicular to the rear of the portable communication system (100) and is aligned along or parallel to the vertical axis of the portable communication system (100).

12. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein, The ring (404) includes one or more ribs or textures along its inner side.

13. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein, The modular ring (302) also includes two or more screw holes (402) offset from the ring (404).

14. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The modular ring (302) can be interchangeably replaced by another modular accessory device, which includes a modular clip (304), a hook accessory, a magnetic accessory, or a button accessory.

15. The portable communication system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The portable communication system (100) also includes an auxiliary connection point (502) connected to the internal frame (504) or body of the portable communication system (100), the auxiliary connection point (502) extending from the bottom portion of the portable communication system (100) and including an auxiliary ring.

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