Acoustic Isolation Cover for Speaker-Microphone Interference

Solution Overview

Problem

Device covers can interfere with the audio capabilities of devices by allowing audio output from one interface to be erroneously detected as input by another interface, such as speaker audio being picked up by the microphone due to vibration and resonance within the housing.

Innovation Solution

The device case incorporates acoustic isolation barriers positioned between the first and second portions of the case, defining separate spaces for audio interfaces like microphones and speakers, with perforations allowing sound transmission while preventing cross-interface audio interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a device cover is used to protect the device from external forces, then the device protection capability is improved, but the audio interface capability deteriorates due to interference between audio output and input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protection capabilityVSAvoidaudio interface capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device cover is segmented into multiple portions (first portion and second portion) with an acoustic isolation barrier positioned between them. This segmentation creates separate acoustic zones that isolate audio interfaces while maintaining structural protection, resolving the contradiction between device protection and audio interface reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An acoustic isolation barrier is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second portions of the device cover. This barrier acts as a mediator that prevents audio interference between output and input interfaces while allowing the cover to maintain its protective function, thus resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the device cover encases the audio interfaces, then the device protection is improved, but audio quality deteriorates due to vibration and resonance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protectionVSAvoidaudio quality

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into separate acoustic zones using an acoustic isolation barrier, which segments the internal space to prevent vibration and resonance from affecting audio quality while maintaining overall structural protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic isolation barrier provides localized acoustic isolation properties in specific regions of the device cover, creating acoustic isolation zones around sensitive audio interfaces without compromising the overall structural integrity and protection of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If openings are added to the device case for sound transmission, then audio output capability is improved, but audio input quality deteriorates due to cross-interface interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio output capabilityVSAvoidaudio input quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device cover is segmented into multiple portions (first portion and second portion) with an acoustic isolation barrier positioned between them. This segmentation creates separate acoustic zones that isolate audio interfaces while maintaining structural protection, resolving the contradiction between device protection and audio interface reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An acoustic isolation barrier is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second portions of the device cover. This barrier acts as a mediator that prevents audio interference between output and input interfaces while allowing the cover to maintain its protective function, thus resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively isolates audio interfaces, ensuring clear audio output and input functionality while protecting the device from impacts and environmental hazards, maintaining audio quality and preventing interference.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic isolation barrier between the first portion and the second portion, the acoustic isolation barrier defining a second space such that the audio interface is located in the second space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic isolation: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS20250299661A1Acoustic isolation device cover

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 HATCHMED CORP

AI summary

A device case including a first portion. The device case including a second portion opposite of the first portion, the first portion and the second portion defining a first space for a device such that the device case encases the device when the device is installed in the first space. The device case including a set of perforations through the device case and corresponding to a location of an audio interface of the device in the first space, the audio interface including at least one of a microphone or a speaker. The device case including an acoustic isolation barrier positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the acoustic isolation barrier defining a second space such that the audio interface is located in the second space when the device is installed in the first space.