Angled Acoustic Waveguide for Non-Coaxial Microphone Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing devices face limitations in effectively mounting microphones to enclosures, particularly in terms of acoustic alignment and aesthetics, as traditional coaxial mounting restricts flexibility and can result in suboptimal acoustic performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of acoustic waveguides with angled surfaces and varying passage diameters, which allow for the transmission of acoustic energy from the enclosure openings to the microphone, enabling flexible mounting configurations and improved acoustic coupling while incorporating mesh screens to prevent debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If speakers and microphones are mounted directly adjacent to openings in the enclosure and aligned coaxially, then the mounting is simple and straightforward, but the acoustic performance is suboptimal and flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
An acoustic waveguide is introduced as an intermediary component between the enclosure opening and the microphone. The waveguide includes a passage that directs acoustic waves from the opening to the microphone sensor, enabling optimal acoustic coupling while allowing the microphone to be mounted at a different location than the opening. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining mounting simplicity while significantly improving acoustic performance through the mediating waveguide structure.
2Reliability
If microphones are mounted non-coaxially relative to enclosure openings, then acoustic performance and design flexibility are improved, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic waveguide serves as a mediator that connects the enclosure opening to the off-coaxial microphone position. The waveguide body with its internal passage simplifies the mounting process by providing a pre-formed acoustic path, eliminating the need for complex acoustic treatments or multiple components. This allows non-coaxial mounting that improves acoustic performance while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide body performs multiple functions: it directs acoustic waves from the opening to the microphone, provides structural support for mounting the microphone at an angled position, and can incorporate mesh screens for debris protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving improved acoustic performance through non-coaxial mounting.
3Reliability
If the waveguide passage has varying diameter from inlet to outlet, then acoustic energy transmission is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passage diameter is varied along its length, being larger at the inlet (facing the enclosure opening) and smaller at the outlet (facing the microphone). This parameter change optimizes acoustic energy transmission by providing a larger aperture for sound wave entry and a more focused path toward the microphone sensor. The gradual transition in diameter can be achieved through standard molding techniques, balancing acoustic optimization with manufacturing capabilities.
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 acoustic performance by allowing for non-coaxial microphone placement, improving sound transmission efficiency, and maintaining aesthetic appeal by utilizing the waveguide's design to direct sound waves effectively to the microphone sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a passage connecting the inlet to the outlet. The passage may be adapted to transmit acoustic energy through an interior portion of the waveguide body
Implementation Method 2
A mesh screen may be disposed at the inlet and/or outlet of the acoustic waveguide, or along a length of the acoustic waveguide to prevent debris from plugging the passage or from damaging the microphone sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Computing devices and microphone assemblies including acoustic waveguides are described. According to some examples, a computing device may include an enclosure, a microphone which may be spaced apart and angled relative to the interior surface of the enclosure to which the microphone may be coupled. The computing device may further include an acoustic waveguide disposed between the microphone and the interior surface of the enclosure, the acoustic waveguide having a passage for allowing acoustic energy to be transmitted from a microphone opening in the enclosure to the receiving element of the microphone (also referred to as sensing element, or microphone sensor).