Acoustic Port Valve for Portable Electronics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable communications devices face challenges in maintaining optimal sound output, particularly in low frequency ranges, due to their compact design, which can be affected by changes in internal volume and pressure, leading to potential distortion in sound quality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a valve mechanism that regulates the acoustic coupling between the speaker's back volume chamber and the internal chamber, allowing the valve to transition between open and closed positions based on the device's mode of use and pressure inputs, thereby maintaining optimal acoustic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the device housing internal volume changes (e.g., when user presses on device), then surrounding pressure on speaker increases, but sound output quality deteriorates due to pressure-induced distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound output qualityVSAvoidpressure-induced distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the back volume chamber and the interior chamber. This valve selectively controls acoustic coupling, allowing pressure equalization when needed while blocking pressure transmission that would distort speaker operation, thus protecting sound output quality from pressure-induced distortion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve transitions between open and closed configurations dynamically based on operational mode (receiver mode vs. speaker mode). In receiver mode, the valve opens to allow pressure equalization; in speaker mode, the valve closes to isolate the back volume chamber and prevent pressure-induced distortion, enabling adaptive response to changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If the speaker back volume chamber is acoustically coupled to the interior chamber, then low-frequency sound output improves, but the system becomes sensitive to pressure changes from user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow-frequency sound outputVSAvoidsensitivity to pressure changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve provides dynamic control over acoustic coupling, transitioning between open and closed states based on operational mode. This allows the system to maintain optimal acoustic coupling for low-frequency output when appropriate while isolating against pressure changes when needed, achieving adaptability across different usage scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the acoustic parameter (coupling state) of the back volume chamber based on operational conditions. By controlling the valve position, the system adjusts whether the chamber is acoustically coupled or isolated, optimizing performance for different modes while mitigating harmful effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the device maintains a compact design, then portability improves, but the speaker back volume chamber size is reduced, affecting maximum sound output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice housing volumeVSAvoidspeaker sound output

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The valve mechanism enables the back volume chamber to serve multiple functions: when open, it provides acoustic coupling to enhance low-frequency output; when closed, it maintains a sealed chamber for controlled acoustics. This multi-functionality allows a compact chamber design to deliver optimal performance across different operational modes without requiring a larger physical volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances low-frequency sound output by adjusting the back volume chamber's characteristics, preventing pressure-induced distortion and ensuring consistent acoustic performance across different usage scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

The valve may be a piezoelectric valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The valve may comprise an electroactive polymer operable to actuate the valve to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer actuation: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentEP3518555B1Valve for acoustic port

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 APPLE INC

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A portable electronic device including an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber. A speaker module is positioned within the interior chamber and includes a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker. The back volume chamber includes an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The device further including an electromechanical valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The electromechanical valve is operable to transition between an open configuration in which the acoustic vent port is open to the interior chamber and a closed configuration in which the acoustic vent port is closed off from the interior chamber.