Earphone Speaker Unit FPCB Radial Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing speaker units in earphones face limitations in volume and sound reproduction area due to the space occupied by the substrate and backup plate, particularly when trying to accommodate both high-pitched and low-pitched sound ranges, which restricts the radial size of the diaphragm.
Innovation Solution
A speaker unit design that includes a frame, magnet, diaphragm, coil, and flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with a unique configuration where the FPCB is divided into areas to support the diaphragm and connect to the coil, allowing for increased radial size of the diaphragm by reducing the width of the backup plate and optimizing the placement of components for improved sound reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide substrate is used to accommodate multiple pads for high-pitched and low-pitched speaker units, then the number of pads increases to support both frequency ranges, but the radial size of the diaphragm is restricted due to space occupation by the substrate and backup plate
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is divided into multiple pads (first pad for high-pitched speaker unit, second pad for low-pitched speaker unit, third pad for additional connections) arranged in a radial pattern. This segmentation allows each pad to serve specific frequency ranges while maintaining a compact overall structure that does not restrict diaphragm size.
Solution Approach 2:
The pads are arranged in a radial direction rather than a planar grid, transitioning from two-dimensional to radial positioning. This dimensional change enables multiple pads to be accommodated within a smaller radial footprint, preserving diaphragm area while supporting multiple speaker units for different frequency ranges.
2Ease of manufacture
If a radially wide substrate and backup plate are used to support multiple pads, then the space for pad attachment is secured, but the volume and reproduction area of sound are limited due to restricted diaphragm size
Solution Approach 1:
The FPCB is segmented into multiple independently positioned pads that can be attached to the substrate. This segmentation allows the substrate and backup plate to be smaller in radial width while still providing adequate attachment space for all necessary pads, thereby preserving diaphragm area for improved sound volume and reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging pads in the radial direction rather than requiring a large planar area, the design reduces the radial width needed for the substrate and backup plate. This dimensional reorganization maintains sufficient pad attachment space while maximizing the diaphragm area, leading to improved sound volume and reproduction characteristics.
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 design enhances the volume and reproduction range of sound by allowing for a larger diaphragm size, effectively addressing the space constraints and improving sound quality across different frequency ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a coil disposed to be radially overlapped with the magnet and the plate
Implementation Method 2
a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)... The third area includes a contact point connected to the coil
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a speaker unit for an earphone. The speaker unit includes a frame, a magnet, a plate fixed to the frame and coming into contact with the magnet, a diaphragm, a coil disposed to be radially overlapped with the magnet and the plate, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Here, the FPCB includes a first area fixed to the diaphragm, a second area connected to the frame, and a plurality of third areas configured to connect the first area to the second area. The third area includes a contact point connected to the coil. The third areas each include at least one bent area, and a space is disposed between the third areas adjacent to each other.