Earbud Speaker-Microphone Layout for Stable ANC Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable electronic devices experience degraded ANC performance due to peak signals from high sound ranges entering the microphone, which interferes with the active noise cancellation function, particularly in low sound ranges.
Innovation Solution
The wearable electronic device is designed with a first speaker for low sound ranges, a second speaker for higher sound ranges, a microphone, and a housing with a sound path and recess, positioning the microphone to avoid overlap with the second speaker, optimizing the relative disposition between speakers and the microphone to reduce high sound range interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microphone is disposed in the sound path to perform ANC function, then the ANC capability is improved, but high sound range peak signals from the speaker enter the microphone causing degraded ANC performance and howling
Solution Approach 1:
The sound path is segmented into multiple regions using a partition structure that divides the housing into a speaker region and a microphone region. This spatial segmentation prevents high sound range signals from the speaker from reaching the microphone while allowing the microphone to still detect low sound range noise for ANC processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure is positioned specifically between the speaker and microphone with optimized dimensions and placement. The local structure of the partition (including its height, width, and position relative to the sound path) is designed to selectively block high frequency signals while maintaining acoustic coupling for low frequency noise cancellation.
2Reliability
If the microphone is positioned to receive sound waves for ANC, then noise cancellation is enabled, but peak signals in high sound range cause degradation in ANC performance particularly in low sound range
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into distinct speaker and microphone regions using a partition, creating separate acoustic zones. This segmentation isolates the microphone from high sound range interference while preserving its ability to detect low sound range noise components for accurate ANC processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure acts as an acoustic intermediary between the speaker and microphone. It selectively filters the acoustic signals, allowing low frequency components to pass through while blocking high frequency peak signals, thereby protecting the microphone input quality for ANC.
3Device complexity
If speakers and microphone are mounted in a single housing for compact design, then device integration is improved, but acoustic interference between components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single housing is internally segmented into separate speaker and microphone regions using a partition structure. This internal segmentation maintains the compact integrated form factor while creating acoustic isolation zones that prevent harmful interference between the speaker and microphone components.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition structure is strategically positioned and dimensioned to create local acoustic isolation between components. The specific geometry and placement of the partition provide targeted noise blocking in the critical region between speaker and microphone while maintaining overall device compactness.
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
This configuration improves ANC performance by minimizing high sound range noise entering the feedback microphone, enhancing the active noise cancellation function.
Implementation Method 1
a first speaker configured to radiate a sound in a first sound range
Implementation Method 2
a second speaker configured to radiate a sound in a second sound range higher than the first sound range
Implementation Method 3
a microphone disposed at a position where, when the recess is viewed from above, the microphone overlaps with the first speaker in a first direction and does not overlap with the second speaker in the first direction
Implementation Method 4
a housing configured to accommodate the first speaker, the second speaker, and the microphone therein, the housing including a sound path extending in the first direction and configured to serve as a path through which sounds radiated from the first speaker and the second speaker move
Implementation Method 5
a recess configured to communicate the sound path with the outside of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a wearable electronic device including a speaker and a microphone, and more particularly, to a wearable electronic device worn on the user's ear. Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a wearable electronic device including: a first speaker configured to radiate a sound in a first frequency range; a second speaker configured to radiate a sound in a second frequency range higher than the first frequency range; a microphone; and a housing configured to accommodate the first speaker, the second speaker, and the microphone therein. The housing may include: a sound path configured to serve as a path through which sounds radiated from the first speaker and the second speaker move; and a recess configured to communicate the sound path with the outside of the housing. The microphone may be disposed at a position where, when the recess is viewed from above, the same overlaps with the first speaker in a first direction and does not overlap with the second speaker in the first direction.