Audio Accessory Switching Unit for Balanced Signal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with earphones capable of only unbalanced signal output face economic and time costs when trying to listen to high-quality balanced music, as they need to install earphones with balanced signal output, which requires additional connectors and space on mobile terminals, limiting installation and fabrication.
Innovation Solution
An audio accessory with a single ear connector that includes a switching unit to select between balanced and unbalanced signal paths, allowing for high-quality music playback without additional cables or space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single ear connector with fixed pin map is used, then the device structure is simple and cost is reduced, but only unbalanced signal can be received limiting high-quality music playback
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure is made dynamic through the switching unit that can change the pin map configuration between balanced and unbalanced modes. The switching unit selectively connects different pins (L+, L-, R+, R- for balanced mode; L, R, G, M for unbalanced mode) based on the signal type, allowing the same physical connector to adapt to different signal requirements without requiring multiple dedicated connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ear connector is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting both balanced and unbalanced signal modes through the switching unit. The same connector structure can receive and process different types of audio signals (high-quality balanced music signals and standard unbalanced call signals), eliminating the need for users to choose between different earphone types for different purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two or more connectors are used for balanced signal output, then high-quality music playback is enabled, but installation space and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated connectors into a single ear connector by integrating a switching unit that can configure the connector for different signal modes. Instead of requiring separate physical connectors for balanced and unbalanced signals, the switching unit combines these functions within one connector structure, reducing the space required in the mobile terminal while maintaining both signal output capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users install earphones with balanced signal output capability, then high-quality music playback is achieved, but economic cost and time cost are inflicted
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting the signal type (balanced or unbalanced) and the switching unit automatically configures the appropriate pin map. This eliminates the need for users to manually select or install different earphone types, and the mobile terminal can work with any standard earphone connector while automatically providing balanced signal capability when available, reducing both economic and time costs for users.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio accessory and an audio output method are provided. The audio accessory includes a connector configured to be connected to an external device, an audio output unit configured to output a sound, and a switching unit configured to select a signal path according to whether the sound output through the audio output unit is in a balanced mode or an unbalanced mode.