Earphone Speaker Duct Structure for Acoustic Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing earphone speaker units lack an optimized duct structure for acoustic tuning, leading to sound deviation and inefficient sound emission.

Innovation Solution

A duct structure with a donut-shaped duct space and a partition wall that includes an inflow hole, an outflow hole, a tuning hole, and a mesh member, configured to enable efficient acoustic tuning by controlling sound flow and minimizing assembly-induced sound deviation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple frame structure with a ventilation hole is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the acoustic tuning performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structureVSAvoidacoustic tuning performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a ventilation hole for sound emission, a duct structure with inflow/outflow holes for controlled sound flow, a partition wall to separate sound paths, and a tuning hole with mesh member for acoustic tuning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a three-dimensional duct structure with vertical and horizontal pathways, transforming the simple two-dimensional ventilation hole into a multi-dimensional sound control system. The duct extends vertically from the ventilation hole with partition walls creating separate chambers, enabling complex acoustic tuning within a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If acoustic tuning elements are added to the frame, then the acoustic tuning performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic tuning performanceVSAvoidduct structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The duct structure is merged with the frame assembly, where the duct serves both as a structural support element and an acoustic tuning component. The partition wall, tuning hole, and mesh member are integrated into the duct structure itself rather than being separate attachments, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining acoustic tuning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The duct structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the speaker assembly, controls sound flow from the ventilation hole, creates acoustic resonance through the tuning hole and mesh member, and directs sound emission through the partition wall configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the duct space is enlarged for better acoustic tuning, then the acoustic tuning performance is improved, but the volume of the earphone increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic tuning performanceVSAvoidearphone volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The duct structure is nested within the existing frame assembly, utilizing the vertical space above the ventilation hole and integrating with the speaker module housing. The partition wall and tuning hole are nested within the duct chamber, maximizing the use of available space without increasing the overall earphone volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mesh member in the tuning hole acts as a flexible acoustic element that provides acoustic tuning functionality without requiring large physical dimensions. The thin mesh structure allows sound wave interaction while occupying minimal space, enabling effective acoustic tuning within a compact duct volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 duct structure optimizes acoustic tuning within design limits, improving sound quality by enhancing middle frequency range sounds and resonance, while minimizing sound deviation.

Implementation Method 1

a tuning hole formed to penetrate through the partition wall; and a mesh member installed to block the tuning hole, thereby enabling acoustic tuning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic tuning: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11425488B2Duct structure of earphone speaker unit

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 BUJEON

AI summary

The present invention provides a duct structure of an earphone speaker unit comprising: a diaphragm; a speaker module located at a back of the diaphragm, comprising an acoustic coil, a magnet, and a yoke, and generating sound of the diaphragm, and a frame member surrounding the yoke, wherein the frame member forms a donut-shaped duct space along circumference of the yoke, and wherein the frame member comprises: an inflow hole formed to enable sound generated from the speaker module to flow into the duct space; an outflow hole formed to enable sound inside the duct space to flow out to the outside; a partition wall blocking a path of sound in a vertical direction inside the duct space; a tuning hole formed to penetrate through the partition wall; and a mesh member installed to block the tuning hole, thereby enabling acoustic tuning.