Acoustic Boot Ducts for Microphone Array Phase Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microphone arrays with closely spaced microphones face challenges in achieving optimal acoustic performance due to the limited distance between acoustic openings on electronic device surfaces, which restricts the effective distance between sound inlets, especially for Small Array Microphone (SAM) applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of an acoustic boot with extended ducts that connect the acoustic openings on an electronic device's case to the microphone membranes, allowing for increased effective microphone distance by directing the ducts in different orientations and enhancing air tightness with protruding rings and detachable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If microphone membranes are placed close together in a single package, then the device size is reduced, but the effective acoustic distance between sound inlets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic boots with ducts that extend in different spatial dimensions from the microphone housing. By routing sound waves through ducts that project in different directions (not just linear distance), the system achieves greater effective acoustic separation while maintaining compact physical footprint. This dimensional transformation allows the microphones to effectively 'hear' from farther apart locations despite being physically close together.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic boot acts as an intermediary structure between the microphone housing and the external environment. It contains ducts that serve as acoustic pathways, mediating the transmission of sound waves from the external world to the closely-spaced microphone membranes. This intermediary structure enables the system to overcome the limitation of physical proximity by providing extended acoustic paths.
2Length of moving object
If acoustic boot is inserted between device case and microphone housing, then effective microphone distance is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic boot is designed to integrate multiple functions into a single component structure. It combines the acoustic pathway function with sealing elements (protruding rings) and connection mechanisms (detachable connections) into one integrated assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed and simplifies the overall installation process, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite adding acoustic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic boot serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides extended acoustic pathways, creates air tight seals between the housing and case, and offers detachable connections for easy installation and removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving the goal of increased effective microphone distance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ducts are extended to connect acoustic openings, then sound energy transmission is improved, but air tightness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic boot incorporates protruding rings that function as flexible sealing elements. These rings can be made of elastomeric or flexible plastic materials that create air tight seals while accommodating the duct structures. The flexible sealing elements maintain reliable air tightness even as the ducts extend and bend to connect acoustic openings, preventing air leakage while preserving sound transmission pathways.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the effective microphone distance and improves acoustic performance by ensuring better air tightness and phase matching, enabling improved sound energy transmission and isolation, suitable for various portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each duct comprises of two sound ports. For first duct, its first sound port is connected to the first acoustic opening, and its second sound port is to the first sound inlet to microphone membrane in housing
Implementation Method 2
enhancing air tightness with protruding rings and detachable connections
Implementation Method 3
The design of microphone array housing to fit the acoustic boot to achieve a better airtight and phase match for the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a case, an acoustic boot, a first microphone and a second microphone. The case includes a first acoustic opening, a second acoustic opening. The acoustic boot comprises a first duct and a second duct, the first duct is connected to the first acoustic opening, and the second duct is connected to the second acoustic opening. The first microphone is connected to the first duct. The second microphone is connected to the second duct.