Integrated Audio Driver Shell for Smartphones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accessory devices for electronic devices lack an integrated audio solution that can efficiently generate acoustical energy while providing protective coverage, often requiring separate audio components that increase complexity and manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

An accessory device with a shell that includes a coil and a permanent magnet, where the coil forms an electromagnet upon receiving varying electrical current, interacting with the permanent magnet to acoustically drive the shell and generate sound, thereby integrating the audio function with the protective cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate audio components are added to the accessory device, then audio functionality is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the protective cover and audio driver into a single integrated unit. The cover itself serves as the acoustic chamber and housing for the audio components, eliminating the need for separate audio components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining audio functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides physical protection for the electronic device while also serving as the acoustic housing and sound transmission medium. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate audio components are added to the accessory device, then audio functionality is provided, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The audio driver is integrated directly into the cover structure, allowing the cover to be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit. This reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover serves dual purposes as both protective housing and audio system enclosure, reducing the total bill of materials and manufacturing complexity. By making the cover multi-functional, fewer separate components need to be manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional audio components are used, then audio generation is achieved, but volume and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustical energy generationVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The audio driver components are nested within the cover structure itself. The voice coil, magnet, and other audio components are positioned within the existing cover volume, utilizing the cover's internal space efficiently and minimizing the overall volume of the accessory device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic chamber is formed by the cover's own structure rather than requiring a separate enclosed space. This integration allows the audio system to generate acoustical energy within the existing cover volume, reducing the overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces manufacturing costs and volume by sharing components for both protection and audio generation, offering a compact and efficient means to produce acoustical energy within the accessory device.

Implementation Method 1

a coil coupled with the body and configured to receive a varying electrical current to form an electromagnet that provides a magnetic field in accordance with the varying electrical current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The accessory device may further include a magnet that provides a permanent magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field of the electromagnet causing the coil to actuate relative to the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

acoustically drive the body to generate the acoustical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic energy generation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS20170289657A1Integrated cosmetic audio driver

Publication Date: 2017.10.05 APPLE INC

AI summary

An accessory device suitable for use with an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include an audio assembly designed to generate acoustical energy. The audio assembly may use certain components of the accessory device to generate the acoustical energy. For example, the accessory device may include a shell, or rigid body, that provides structural support for the accessory device. The accessory device may also include a flexible layer, such as silicone, disposed over the shell. The audio assembly may use part of the shell and acoustically drive that part of the shell to generate the acoustical energy. Further, the audio assembly may use part of the flexible layer as a “surround” to allow part of the shell to move relative to other parts. The electronic device may electrically couple with the accessory device, thereby providing a means for providing an audio signal.