Camera Microphone Aperture Pattern for Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera microphone ports often compromise between aesthetic appeal and functional durability, particularly in outdoor environments, where they may be exposed to elements like rain and snow, and struggle to effectively receive sound while maintaining a traditional design.
Innovation Solution
A membrane assembly is integrated into the camera housing with a pattern of apertures and a channel that directs sound waves to the microphone, using a membrane that separates the apertures and microphone, allowing sound to pass while preventing moisture and debris from entering, and featuring indents that give the appearance of multiple active holes for an aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple microphone ports are provided for aesthetic appeal, then the appearance is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased exposure to moisture and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple aperture openings arranged in a pattern, but only one aperture is connected to a functional channel leading to the microphone. This segmentation allows the aesthetic appearance of multiple openings while maintaining reliability by limiting actual sound entry points to a single protected channel.
2Shape
If multiple aperture openings are provided, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional channels and components
Solution Approach 1:
The functional channel is extracted and connected to only one specific aperture in the pattern, while the other apertures serve purely aesthetic purposes. This extraction reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple internal channels, membranes, and sealing components that would be required if all apertures were functional.
3Reliability
If a membrane is added to protect the microphone, then protection from moisture is improved, but sound reception quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A thin membrane is positioned at the entrance of the single functional channel to provide waterproofing while allowing sound waves to pass through. The membrane acts as a flexible barrier that protects the microphone from moisture and debris while maintaining adequate sound reception quality for outdoor recording conditions.
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 solution enhances sound reception and waterproofing by reducing the number of active channels, maintaining a desirable aesthetic while ensuring sound is directed to the microphone through a single active aperture, and preventing moisture and debris from entering the camera.
Implementation Method 1
a channel defined in the support that directs sound waves from only one of the apertures in the pattern to the microphone
Implementation Method 2
a membrane that extends across the channel and separates the one of the apertures and the microphone
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture apparatus including an audio component and a housing that encloses the audio component. The housing includes a pattern of apertures and at least one audio aperture disposed at a location of the pattern of indents and extended through the housing. The image capture apparatus includes a membrane assembly that defines a channel intersected by a membrane, and the channel is aligned with the at least one audio aperture.