Direction Switching Audio Input Unit for Stereo Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices, such as mobile phones, have direction limitations that hinder user convenience and stereo audio playback, as they require specific postures for proper operation and often necessitate additional speakers for stereo sound, increasing manufacturing costs and device size.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a housing having two ends, featuring an audio input and output system that can switch between two working directions, ensuring the audio input unit is always aligned with the user's voice source, regardless of device orientation, and utilizing a single speaker for stereo playback by dynamically adjusting audio output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single speaker is used in the mobile terminal, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but stereo playing effect cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the audio input unit movable between different positions (first end and second end of the housing) based on the working direction. The audio input unit can be dynamically switched between first and second working states corresponding to different orientations, enabling the single speaker to achieve stereo effect in both directions without requiring two fixed speakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the single audio input unit universal by enabling it to perform the function of both left and right speakers depending on the device orientation. The same hardware component (audio input unit) serves multiple functions (stereo playback in different directions) through directional switching, eliminating the need for dedicated left and right speakers.
2Device complexity
If the audio input unit is fixed at one end of the housing, then device structure is simplified, but the user's voice source cannot be aligned with the audio input unit when device orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the audio input unit dynamic rather than fixed. The unit can move between the first end and second end of the housing based on detection of working direction, automatically aligning with the user's voice source regardless of device orientation while maintaining relatively simple structure through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by detecting the working direction of the electronic device and using this information to control the position of the audio input unit. The detection unit monitors orientation and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the audio input unit's position accordingly, ensuring continuous alignment with the voice source.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two speakers are added to achieve stereo playback, then stereo playing effect is improved, but manufacturing cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to enable a single speaker to fulfill the role of two speakers through directional switching. By moving the audio input unit between different positions based on working direction, the system achieves stereo effect in both orientations without the cost and space of two permanent speakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of two separate speakers into a single audio input unit that can operate in different positions. The same hardware component performs the combined function of both left and right speakers depending on device orientation, reducing manufacturing cost and device size while maintaining stereo capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two speakers are added to achieve stereo playback, then stereo playing effect is improved, but device space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the audio input unit to move between positions rather than having two fixed speakers occupy space simultaneously. The single movable unit provides stereo capability in both directions without requiring the physical space of two permanent speakers, reducing overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two speaker functions into one movable component, eliminating the need for separate left and right speaker spaces. The consolidated design reduces device space requirement while maintaining stereo playback capability through directional switching.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a direction switching method are described. The electronic device includes a housing having a first end and a second end, an audio input unit and an audio output unit. The electronic device has at least a first working direction and a second working direction, the direction from said first end to said second end is a reference direction when the electronic device is in the first working direction; and the direction from the second end to the first end is the reference direction when the electronic device is in the second working direction, wherein the audio input unit in a working state is located at the second end when the electronic device is in the first working direction; and the audio input unit in the working state is located at the first end when the electronic device is in the second working direction.