Audio Output Port Design in Rotatable Computing Device Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with rotatable housings face challenges in minimizing component size and optimizing component placement, particularly in integrating audio output ports without increasing thickness, while maintaining sound quality and functionality across different modes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an audio output device within the base housing of a computing device, utilizing a hinge assembly and support pads to direct sound through an opening in the housing, reduces overall thickness and eliminates the need for additional enclosure plates, while an isolation pad minimizes vibration-related noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an audio output device is integrated within the base housing without additional enclosure plates, then the overall thickness of the computing device is reduced, but the structural complexity of housing the audio device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio output device is merged with the base housing by eliminating the separate enclosure plate. The audio device is positioned to utilize the inner facing surface of the base housing as its enclosure, combining two previously separate structural elements into one integrated assembly, thereby reducing overall thickness while managing structural complexity through design integration
Solution Approach 2:
The base housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the computing device, houses the audio output device, and acts as the enclosure for the audio device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated enclosure plate, reducing thickness while the universal design manages structural complexity by making the housing perform multiple roles
2Productivity
If the audio output device is positioned close to the housing opening, then sound propagation efficiency is improved, but vibration-related noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
A support pad is introduced as an intermediary element between the audio output device and the base housing. This support pad serves as a mediator that provides mechanical support for stable sound propagation while isolating vibrations to prevent noise transmission to the housing, thereby resolving the contradiction between sound efficiency and vibration noise
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a support pad for mechanical support and vibration isolation, and an isolation pad for noise reduction. This segmentation allows the audio device to be positioned close to the opening for efficient sound propagation while using the isolated support structure to minimize vibration-related noise transmission
3Volume of moving object
If components are placed more efficiently to reduce size, then the device footprint is minimized, but the placement precision and structural stability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support pad is designed with localized functional properties: it provides mechanical support at the contact point with the audio device while simultaneously providing vibration isolation. This local quality differentiation allows efficient component placement with reduced size while managing precision requirements through specialized local characteristics of the support structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support pad appears to utilize composite or multi-functional material properties, combining structural support capabilities with vibration isolation characteristics. This composite approach enables compact component placement while reducing the precision and stability requirements through material-level solutions that provide both support and isolation functions
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 configuration allows for a thinner computing device design while maintaining effective sound propagation and reducing noise interference, enhancing user experience across laptop, tablet, and easel modes.
Implementation Method 1
an isolation pad minimizes vibration-related noise
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A computing device may include an audio output device installed in a base housing. A front volume of the audio output device may be defined in part by an inner facing surface of a housing of the computing device, with an audio output port defined by an opening in the housing. In some computing devices, the opening defining the audio output port may also accommodate a hinge assembly rotatably coupling the housing to a display. A path from the audio output device to the audio output port may be defined in part by a support pad that guides sound out through the audio output port toward the user, and may also function as a support pad supporting the computing device on a work surface when operating in a tablet mode.