Dual Diaphragm Microphone with Nested PCB and Slit Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small microphones, such as lavalier and lapel microphones, face challenges in achieving high fidelity and compact design while maintaining effective acoustic properties and ease of concealment.
Innovation Solution
A microphone design featuring a cover with alternating radial and axial slits, a nested configuration with two diaphragms and a PCB, and a contact spacer for efficient sound wave conversion, allowing for a compact and high-fidelity sound capture mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the microphone size is reduced to enable concealment, then ease of concealment is improved, but acoustic properties and sound fidelity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the first diaphragm and second diaphragm are stacked one above the other within a single microphone housing. The PCB is positioned between the diaphragms, and all components are arranged in a compact vertical stack. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a minimal volume while preserving their acoustic functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal arrangement of microphone components to a vertical stacked configuration. The diaphragms are arranged in layers along the vertical axis, with the PCB positioned between them in the same vertical dimension. This dimensional reorganization enables compact packaging without compromising the acoustic path.
2Volume of moving object
If the microphone size is reduced to enable concealment, then ease of concealment is improved, but mechanical noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a foam windscreen that extends through the housing and surrounds the diaphragms. This windscreen is positioned to preemptively block and dampen mechanical noise and wind interference before these disturbances can reach and vibrate the diaphragms. The preliminary protective action reduces mechanical noise in the compact microphone structure.
3Reliability
If a nested configuration with multiple diaphragms is used, then sound fidelity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated PCB assembly. The PCB serves as both the structural support for the dual-diaphragm capacitor and the signal processing unit. By merging the mechanical support function and electronic signal processing function into one component, the overall device complexity is reduced despite the presence of multiple diaphragms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single PCB performs multiple functions: it provides structural support for the diaphragms, acts as one plate of the capacitor, and processes the electrical signals generated by the diaphragm vibrations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high sound fidelity.
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 design enables a compact, high-fidelity microphone that can be easily concealed, with adjustable acoustic properties and reduced mechanical noise cancellation, enhancing its usability in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
Condenser microphones operate by use of a capacitor, which generally consists of two plates and a voltage between them. One of the plates of the capacitor can be formed of a lighter material, such that it acts as a diaphragm, which vibrates as it encounters sound waves. This changes the distance between the two plates and alters the capacitance.
Implementation Method 2
One of the plates of the capacitor can be formed of a lighter material, such that it acts as a diaphragm, which vibrates as it encounters sound waves.
Implementation Method 3
The cover can include slits having a first length and a second length, and the first length can be greater than the second length. The slits can extend both radially and axially.
Data Source
AI summary
A microphone can include a cover having a series of slits and a nest. The nest can be configured to receive a first diaphragm, a second diaphragm, and a PCB in a stacked arrangement, such that the PCB is positioned between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. Also, the first diaphragm can define a first plane, the second diaphragm can define a second plane, and the PCB can define a third plane and the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane can extend parallel to one another. The cover can also include slits having a first length and a second length, and the first length can be greater than the second length. The slits can extend both radially and axially.