Camera Audio Drainage Cover for Fast Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of liquids such as water can distort or block ambient audio signals from reaching the audio assembly in cameras used in environments where they may be exposed to water, impacting their performance.
Innovation Solution
An audio component drainage system is implemented, featuring a cover with apertures and a drainage channel that allows ambient audio to reach the assembly while efficiently draining moisture away, using tapered stanchions and a cover depression to facilitate quick liquid removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the audio assembly is exposed to water environments, then the camera can be used in diverse environments (beaches, lakes, pools, oceans), but the presence of liquid distorts or blocks ambient audio signals from reaching the audio assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The audio assembly is segmented from the water-exposed environment through a separate sealed chamber. The housing defines an interior cavity that acoustically couples to the audio assembly while being separable from the exterior water-exposed surface, creating distinct zones for audio transmission and water exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
A drainage system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the water-exposed exterior and the audio assembly. The drainage channel with tapered stanchions provides a controlled pathway that allows liquid to be drained away from the audio assembly while maintaining acoustic coupling, mediating between the conflicting requirements of water exposure and audio signal transmission.
2Reliability
If a drainage system is added to remove liquid from the audio assembly, then audio performance is improved after emerging from water, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system is merged with the existing housing structure. The drainage channel is formed by the relationship between the cover and the housing interior surface, and the stanchions are coupled to the exterior surface at the aperture location. This integration combines the drainage function with the existing structural elements rather than adding completely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered stanchions create a localized drainage pathway with varying width - wider at the inlet and narrower at the outlet. This local variation in geometry optimizes the drainage function at specific locations without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire structure. The aperture is also locally positioned to facilitate drainage while maintaining acoustic coupling.
3Reliability
If the audio assembly is directly exposed to ambient audio through an aperture, then audio signal transmission is improved, but liquid can easily enter and block the audio assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage channel with tapered stanchions serves as an intermediary structure between the aperture and the audio assembly. This intermediary pathway allows ambient audio to reach the audio assembly through the aperture while providing a controlled mechanism for liquid to be drained away, preventing direct liquid contact with the audio components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage system is designed to act preliminarily by quickly draining liquid away from the audio assembly as soon as the device emerges from water. The tapered geometry and strategic positioning of the aperture and drainage channel create a rapid drainage action that prevents liquid from blocking the audio assembly before audio transmission is needed.
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
The system ensures rapid removal of moisture, allowing ambient audio to reach the audio assembly quickly, improving performance and reducing the time required for audio components to function effectively after emerging from a liquid environment.
Implementation Method 1
a drainage channel extending between the cover, the exterior surface of the housing, and the stanchions. The drainage channel includes a first portion defining an inlet of the drainage channel, and the first portion has a first width defined by the stanchions. The drainage channel includes a second portion defining an outlet of the drainage channel, and the second portion has a second width defined by the stanchions. The stanchions are tapered in shape so that the first width is wider than the second width.
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device includes a housing that defines a cavity and an aperture positioned within the cavity and an audio device disposed within the housing at a location of the aperture. The image capture device includes stanchions that extend outward from the cavity and a cover coupled to the stanchions. The cover is free of contact with the housing.