Acoustic Immersion Detection in Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices lack the ability to detect when they are immersed in liquid, which can lead to malfunction or damage without alerting the user, and they often lack functionality for operation underwater.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a wireless communication module, acoustic transducers, and a processor that receives a first signal, identifies its strength or signal-to-noise ratio, outputs a second signal of different frequency, and detects immersion in liquid based on the received signal, allowing it to determine if it is partially submerged in water and potentially transition to an underwater operating mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic devices are made waterproof to prevent malfunction underwater, then reliability is improved, but the ability to detect immersion status and adapt operations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using acoustic transducers to emit sound waves and analyze the reflected or transmitted signals to detect immersion status. The system continuously monitors acoustic signal characteristics (such as echo time, intensity, or frequency changes) and uses this feedback to determine whether the device is immersed in liquid, enabling real-time adaptation of operations while maintaining waterproof sealing.
2Device complexity
If no immersion detection function is provided in conventional devices, then device complexity is reduced, but the user cannot be alerted of unexpected immersion situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical immersion detection mechanisms with acoustic field-based detection. Instead of using mechanical sensors or switches that require physical contact with liquid, the system uses acoustic transducers to detect immersion status through sound wave propagation characteristics, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while providing reliable immersion status information.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic transducers are added to detect immersion, then measurement precision of immersion status is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using acoustic transducers that serve dual purposes: they act as both speakers for audio output and as sensors for immersion detection. The same hardware component emits acoustic waves for user interaction and simultaneously detects immersion status by analyzing the acoustic signal characteristics, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enables the device to alert the user of immersion and adapt operations for underwater use, preventing damage and enhancing functionality in aquatic environments.
Implementation Method 1
outputting, by the electronic device, a second signal having a second frequency that is different from the first frequency... receiving the second signal by the electronic device; and detecting whether the electronic device is at least partially immersed in a liquid based on the received second signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: receiving, by an electronic device, a first signal having a first frequency; identifying, by the electronic device, at least one of a strength of the first signal or a signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal; outputting, by the electronic device, a second signal having a second frequency that is different from the first frequency, the second signal being output based on at least one of the strength of the first signal or the signal-to-noise ratio of the first signal; receiving the second signal by the electronic device; and detecting whether the electronic device is at least partially immersed in a liquid based on the received second signal.