Electronic Device Barometric Sensor Air-Path Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of a hole for a barometric pressure sensor on electronic devices degrades their aesthetic appeal and waterproof performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a speaker hole and a separate air vent hole, with a duct system connecting the speaker to the barometric pressure sensor, allowing external air to be introduced through the speaker hole without needing an external hole for the sensor, and a separate air vent for internal air release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hole is formed on the outside of the electronic device to transfer barometric pressure to the sensor, then the barometric pressure sensor can measure external pressure, but the aesthetic appeal of the electronic device is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
A duct is introduced as an intermediary component to transfer barometric pressure from the speaker hole to the barometric pressure sensor. This allows the sensor to receive external pressure information through an existing opening (speaker hole) rather than requiring a separate visible hole, thus maintaining aesthetic appeal while enabling measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker hole serves multiple functions: it acts as both a sound output opening and a pressure transfer channel for the barometric pressure sensor. By making the speaker hole multi-functional, the design eliminates the need for a separate aesthetic-compromising hole while maintaining both audio and sensing capabilities
2Device complexity
If a hole for the barometric pressure sensor and an air vent hole are used in a shared manner, then the number of holes is reduced, but the waterproof performance of the electronic device is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of pressure transfer and air venting are segmented into separate pathways: the duct with through-hole serves the barometric pressure sensor, while a separate air vent hole handles air venting. This segmentation allows each opening to be optimized for its specific function with appropriate sealing, maintaining waterproof performance while managing multiple functions through controlled openings
3Ease of operation
If a separate hole is formed for the barometric pressure sensor, then the sensor can function effectively, but the number of external holes increases degrading aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system merges the pressure transfer function with the internal structure of the device. The through-hole in the housing and the duct passage combine to create an internal pressure transfer pathway that connects the speaker hole to the sensor, eliminating the need for a separate external hole and maintaining aesthetic appeal while ensuring sensor functionality
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 design maintains the device's waterproof performance while allowing the barometric pressure sensor to function effectively, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a duct configured to connect the through-hole and a sound output passage which is a space configured to connect the first slit and the sound output hole
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure includes a front plate configured to form at least a part of a front surface of the electronic device, a speaker disposed in the electronic device, a barometric pressure sensor disposed in the electronic device to measure barometric pressure, a housing configured to form a side surface of the electronic device, and a first slit provided as a gap having a first interval between the housing and an edge portion of the front plate, wherein the housing includes a sound output hole provided at a position at which the speaker is disposed, and a through-hole provided at a position at which the barometric pressure sensor is disposed, and the housing is spaced apart from the front plate to provide a duct configured to connect the through-hole and a sound output passage which is a space for connecting the first slit and the sound output hole. In addition, various other embodiments identified through the specification are possible.