Dynamic Acoustic Valve for Earphone Occlusion and Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable communication devices, such as earphones, face challenges in maintaining optimal sound quality due to their low profile, which affects impedance and leads to undesirable occlusion effects during active noise control and noise cancellation, requiring a dynamic solution to control leak between the inner cavity and ambient environment.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic electromechanical valve system with flaps that can open and close to control the vent between the inner cavity and ambient environment, using electrostatic forces to transition between closed and open positions, allowing for adjustable impedance and low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed acoustic seal is maintained for optimal noise cancellation, then active noise control performance is improved, but adaptability to different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic valve mechanism enables the system to adapt to different environments by transitioning between sealed and open states. The electrostatic actuation allows rapid response to environmental changes, providing both optimal noise cancellation when needed and environmental awareness when required, thus achieving both performance and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical valve mechanisms are used to control acoustic leak, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve mechanisms (motors, gears, linkages) with an electrostatic actuation system. A flexible membrane with electrode patterns is actuated by applied voltages, eliminating complex mechanical components while achieving the same acoustic leak control functionality, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous power is applied to maintain valve position for acoustic control, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic valve operates using periodic or pulsed voltage applications rather than continuous power. The flexible membrane with electrode patterns can be actuated with brief voltage pulses to achieve the desired acoustic control state, and the system maintains this state without continuous power input, significantly reducing power consumption while preserving dynamic adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatically actuated flexible membrane system utilizes the applied voltage field directly to achieve valve positioning without requiring additional mechanical actuators or continuous power for maintenance. The system serves itself by using the electric field to both actuate and maintain the acoustic control state, minimizing ongoing power requirements
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 dynamic control of leak to achieve optimal sound quality by isolating the device for noise cancellation and transparency, reducing occlusion effects while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the flap is coupled to a support member having a first portion arranged perpendicular to the flap. Upon application of a voltage, the flap transitions from a closed position to an open position in which it is coupled to the first portion by an electrostatic force
Implementation Method 2
The flap may further include a piezoelectric layer coupled to the electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber and a sound output port to an ambient environment; a transducer positioned within the interior chamber and dividing the interior chamber into a front volume chamber coupling a first side of the transducer to the sound output port and a back volume chamber coupled to a second side of the transducer; and an electromechanical valve comprising a number of flaps operable to open and close a vent to the interior chamber, the front volume chamber or the back volume chamber.