Combined Audio Haptic Actuator Shared Volume Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact electronic devices face challenges in achieving optimal low-frequency acoustic performance due to limited space for speaker back volumes, which affects the integration of both audio and haptic actuators.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves combining the back volumes of audio and haptic actuators, allowing air to flow between them through strategically placed apertures, effectively increasing the acoustic performance by sharing a common air volume and enhancing battery life through improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the speaker back volume is reduced to make the device more compact, then the device size decreases, but the low-frequency acoustic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the back volume of the audio speaker with the air gap of the haptic actuator by removing the partition wall between them. This allows both actuators to share a common air volume, effectively increasing the speaker's back volume without increasing the overall device size. The haptic actuator's air gap, which would otherwise be wasted space, is utilized to enhance acoustic performance in the low-frequency range.
2Reliability
If the speaker back volume is increased to improve low-frequency acoustic performance, then the acoustic performance improves, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air volume serve multiple functions: it acts as the back volume for the audio speaker to enhance bass response, and simultaneously serves as the air gap for the haptic actuator to enable vibration feedback. This multi-functional use of the same air volume eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces for each actuator, maintaining compact device dimensions while improving acoustic performance.
3Reliability
If separate back volumes are provided for audio and haptic actuators, then each actuator functions independently, but the space utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the back volume space of the audio speaker with the air gap space of the haptic actuator into a single shared air volume. This merging eliminates redundant space allocation while maintaining the functional independence of both actuators through separate mounting structures and electrical connections, thereby significantly improving space utilization efficiency in compact devices.
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 approach enhances the low-frequency acoustic performance of audio speakers and extends battery life by optimizing the use of available space within compact devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first open volume is fluidly connected with the second open volume by an aperture between the first housing and the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
Actuator assemblies, and electronic devices and wearable devices including actuator assemblies, are disclosed. An actuator assembly includes: a first housing enclosing an audio actuator and a first open volume; and a second housing enclosing a haptic actuator and a second open volume. The first open volume is fluidly connected with the second open volume by an aperture between the first housing and the second housing. A first wall of the first housing abuts a second wall of the second housing. The aperture includes a first opening in the first wall of the first housing and a second opening in the second wall of the second housing. The first housing includes a linking component configured to mechanically connect to the second housing. The linking component includes a fluid conduit extending from the first open volume to an opening in the second wall of the second housing.