Acoustic Interface for Media Device Docking Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media device docking stations interfere with sound reception and transmission, causing muffling and feedback between the speaker and microphone, which reduces sound quality.
Innovation Solution
The docking station incorporates acoustic interfaces, including gaps and channels, to allow unobstructed sound flow between the media device and the environment, with internal and external apertures that facilitate sound transmission and reception, reducing pressure and echo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the media device is docked to the docking station, then the media device is securely positioned and charged, but the docking station structure interferes with and muffles sound transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station structure is segmented into separate functional zones: a docking interface for secure positioning and charging, and separate acoustic passages for sound transmission. This segmentation allows the docking function to be fulfilled while preserving acoustic pathways that prevent sound muffling.
Solution Approach 2:
Acoustic passages and gaps act as intermediaries between the media device and the external environment. These passages mediate the sound transmission by providing dedicated pathways that bypass the docking station's structural barriers, enabling clear audio transmission while maintaining the docking connection.
2Reliability
If the media device is docked to the docking station, then the media device is securely positioned, but feedback or echo is created between speaker and microphone
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic pathways are segmented into separate channels for sound output and input. The speaker and microphone are positioned in relation to each other through the acoustic passage structure, which segments the acoustic field to prevent direct feedback loops while maintaining secure docking.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic passages serve as intermediaries that control the acoustic field between the speaker and microphone. By providing structured pathways, these passages mediate the acoustic interaction to prevent feedback and echo while allowing the docking connection to remain secure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If gaps and acoustic passages are added to the docking station, then sound transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic passages and gaps are merged with the docking station's structural components rather than being separate add-on elements. The acoustic functionality is integrated into the existing docking structure, combining structural support and acoustic transmission functions to minimize additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station structure is designed to serve multiple functions: providing secure mechanical docking, enabling electrical charging connections, and facilitating acoustic transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in 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
Enhances sound quality by minimizing interference and feedback, ensuring clear audio emission and reception while the media device is docked.
Implementation Method 1
one or more audio passages or acoustic channels are provided through the docking station to enable audio or sound to travel freely from the media device to outside of the docking station
Implementation Method 2
a gap is established at the interface between the well walls of the docking station and the housing of the media device... The gap allows sound or audio to travel freely to or from the media device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a media device docking station having one or more acoustic channels to transfer sound to or from the media device while the media device is docked with the docking station.