Metal Frame Thermal Bridge for Audio Driver Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio drivers in electronic devices face performance degradation due to heat generation, leading to increased resistance and reduced efficiency, which is not effectively addressed by traditional methods, and specialized high-thermal-capacity magnets are costly.

Innovation Solution

A metal frame member acts as a thermal bridge to dissipate heat from the audio driver assembly to the enclosure while also redirecting magnetic flux, enhancing both thermal management and acoustical performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional magnets are used in audio drivers, then device cost is reduced, but heat dissipation capability is insufficient leading to performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame member is divided into distinct functional regions: a recessed region for receiving the audio driver assembly, a flange member for thermal conduction and structural support, and a curved region for acoustic optimization. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while using cost-effective materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a thermal bridge for heat dissipation, and optimizes acoustic performance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall device cost while improving heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If audio driver operates continuously, then sound output is maintained, but heat accumulation increases causing voice coil resistance to increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidvoice coil performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flange member acts as a thermal intermediary, conducting heat away from the audio driver assembly and dissipating it to the enclosure. This thermal bridge prevents heat accumulation in the voice coil, maintaining its electrical properties and ensuring reliable continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If additional electrical current is supplied to compensate for performance loss, then audio driver performance is restored, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio driver performanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The solution converts the harmful thermal energy generated during operation into a beneficial cooling effect. By designing the frame member as a thermal bridge, the heat that would normally degrade performance is instead utilized to maintain optimal operating temperature, eliminating the need for additional power compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Temperature

If specialized high-thermal-capacity magnets are used, then heat absorption is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for specialized high-thermal-capacity magnets with a structurally optimized frame member that provides thermal management through its geometry and material properties. This substitution uses conventional materials and manufacturing processes while achieving the same thermal management effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution effectively maintains the magnetization of audio driver components, reduces power consumption, and improves sound quality by efficiently dissipating heat and managing magnetic flux, thus enhancing the overall performance of audio drivers without increasing device costs.

Implementation Method 1

The flange member receives heat generated by the internal component and passes the heat to the enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The frame member may include a metal substrate that redirects magnetic flux from the magnet to the voice coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux redirection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10237660B2One piece frame for a component in an electronic device

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device including a frame member suitable for use with an audio driver is disclosed. The frame member may include a recessed region that receives the audio driver. The frame member may further include a flange member surrounding the recessed region. The frame member may be formed from a material having a relatively high coefficient of thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the frame member can dissipate thermal energy (heat) generated from the audio driver. In addition, the frame member may be seated in an enclosure of an electronic device in a manner that allows the frame member to pass the thermal energy to the enclosure. Also, the frame member may include a ferromagnetic material, which may cause the frame member to direct magnetic flux from a magnet of the audio driver in a desired manner.