Compact Home Assistant Controlled Sound Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for compact voice-activated electronic devices with multiple user interface options that can perform reliably in smart home environments, particularly those without display screens, and require audible responses to voice inputs, while maintaining a low cost and simple form factor.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of voice-activated electronic devices with touch sensors and a controlled sound path to a microphone, utilizing a housing with capacitive touch sensors and an acoustically porous cover to enhance user interaction and sound delivery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact form factor is used for the voice-activated device, then the device size and cost are reduced, but the sound delivery quality and microphone accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an acoustic waveguide that redirects sound waves from the speaker along a controlled three-dimensional path through the housing structure to the exterior surface. This dimensional approach allows sound to travel efficiently through the compact device body without requiring a larger form factor, resolving the contradiction between compact size and sound delivery quality
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic waveguide acts as an intermediary structure between the speaker and the exterior housing surface. It mediates the sound transmission by providing a dedicated acoustic pathway that controls sound wave propagation, ensuring high-quality sound delivery despite the compact device dimensions
2Shape
If the microphone is concealed within the housing for aesthetic purposes, then the device appearance is improved, but the microphone's accessibility to sound waves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An acoustically porous cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the concealed microphone and the external environment. This cover allows sound waves to pass through to the microphone while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the device, as the porous material can be integrated into the housing design without compromising visual appeal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes acoustically porous materials for the cover or housing sections surrounding the microphone. These porous materials permit sound wave transmission while providing a finished aesthetic appearance, thus resolving the contradiction between concealed microphone placement and sound accessibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user interface options (touch sensors, voice recognition) are added, then the device functionality and user interaction capabilities are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, acts as an acoustic waveguide for sound delivery, houses the acoustic porous cover for microphone protection, and incorporates touch-sensitive surfaces for user interaction. This multi-functionality approach allows diverse user interface capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the acoustic waveguide function with the housing structure itself, and combines the touch-sensitive surface with the existing housing or cover elements. By integrating these functions into unified structures rather than adding separate components, the device achieves multiple user interface options while controlling overall complexity
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
Enables eyes-free and hands-free voice interface capabilities, allowing users to control devices and access information through voice commands, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design with improved sound delivery and touch sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The touch sensor includes a sensing portion and a contact portion extending from the sensing portion. The sensing portion is placed in proximity to an interior surface of the housing, and is configured to detect a touch on a corresponding area of an exterior surface of the housing
Implementation Method 2
a controlled sound path to a microphone concealed within an acoustically porous cover
Data Source
AI summary
A compact electronic device has a touch sensor and/or a microphone that are concealed within a housing at least partially wrapped by an acoustically porous cover. In some implementations, the touch sensor includes a sensing portion and a contact portion extending from the sensing portion. While the sensing portion is placed in proximity to an interior surface of the housing to detect a touch on the housing, the contact portion is bent to electrically couple the sensing portion to a circuit board via two distinct electrical paths. In some implementations, an exterior surface of the housing includes a sealing area surrounding an aperture on the housing, and the acoustically porous cover is affixed to the sealing area via an adhesive. The adhesive covers the sealing area and permeates a thickness of the acoustically porous cover, thereby enabling formation of a controlled sound path to access the microphone via the aperture.