Acoustic Opening Layout With Shielding for Symmetric Phone Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with asymmetrical holes for sound emission degrade aesthetic quality and acoustic performance, particularly when additional holes are introduced to achieve symmetry.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a housing design with a first opening on the front surface and multiple second openings on the side surface, featuring a shielding structure that directs sound outputs from a speaker and receiver through specific openings to maintain symmetry and enhance acoustic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If additional holes are introduced to achieve symmetrical hole placement, then aesthetic quality is improved, but acoustic performance deteriorates due to unintended sound discharge pathways
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the acoustic component and the additional holes. This shielding structure selectively blocks sound waves from reaching the additional holes while allowing sound to discharge through the intended primary opening, thus maintaining both aesthetic symmetry and acoustic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding structure is positioned specifically to cover only certain holes (the additional holes for symmetry) while leaving other holes (the primary sound discharge opening) uncovered. This localized application of the shielding structure allows different holes to have different functions - some for sound discharge and others blocked for aesthetic purposes only.
2Reliability
If sound discharge area is moved closer to the center of the electronic device, then acoustic performance is improved, but aesthetic quality deteriorates due to asymmetrical appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention accepts and utilizes the asymmetrical nature of the sound discharge opening positioned near the center for optimal acoustic performance. Rather than trying to make the opening itself symmetrical, the design embraces the asymmetry while adding symmetrical aesthetic elements (additional holes) that are functionally differentiated through the shielding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hole structure is segmented into functionally distinct groups: primary sound discharge holes positioned for acoustic optimization and additional aesthetic holes positioned for symmetry. The shielding structure further segments these by selectively blocking certain holes, creating functional zones within the overall hole pattern.
3Shape
If additional holes are added to achieve symmetry, then aesthetic quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for shielding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding structure is merged with the housing or frame structure of the electronic device, integrating the sound-blocking function into the existing structural elements. This reduces the need for separate, additional components and minimizes the increase in device complexity while still achieving the aesthetic symmetry goal.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a camera perpendicular to a first edge of the electronic device, disposed inside the housing, a speaker disposed on one side of the camera inside the housing, a receiver disposed on another side of the camera inside the housing, and a structure disposed between the first edge and the camera inside the housing. The housing includes a first opening formed on the front surface, and a plurality of second openings formed on a side surface. The structure may shield some of the plurality of second openings such that a first sound output from the speaker is output to other second openings or at least one of the first openings, and a second sound output from the receiver is output to the first opening.