Elastomeric Shield for Miniature Microphone Acoustic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphone assembly techniques in portable communication devices are space-consuming and inconvenient for manufacturing, especially with the integration of surface mount compatible micro-machined silicon microphones, and do not efficiently support reflow soldering processes.
Innovation Solution
An elastic microphone shield with a hollow portion surrounding the miniature microphone, made from a rubber-like material with optional electrically conductive properties and a mesh for specific acoustical properties, providing an acoustic seal and EMI/ESD protection, suitable for surface mounting and automated assembly, including reflow soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gasket or o-ring with spring members is used to establish acoustic seal, then acoustic sealing efficiency is improved, but device space consumption increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the acoustic sealing function and the mechanical support function into a single integrated elastomeric shield structure. The shield includes an acoustic channel that provides the seal while also having a hollow portion that receives and supports the miniature microphone, eliminating the need for separate gaskets and spring members.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric shield serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides acoustic sealing between the acoustic channel and housing interior, supports the miniature microphone through its hollow portion, and maintains acoustic pathway integrity. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed.
2Reliability
If traditional gasket and spring member arrangement is used, then acoustic seal is established, but manufacturing time increases and automation compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (acoustic seal, microphone support, positioning structure) into a single integrated elastomeric shield that can be installed as one piece, dramatically reducing assembly steps and enabling automated installation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed with distinct functional segments (acoustic channel portion, hollow receiving portion, sealing portion) that are integrated into a single manufacturable component, allowing each function to be optimized while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If surface mount compatible microphones are used, then device integration is improved, but assembly process complexity increases due to reflow soldering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric shield is pre-formed with the hollow portion and acoustic channel structure before microphone installation. This preliminary preparation allows the microphone to be directly received and secured in the pre-configured shield, simplifying the assembly process for surface mount compatible microphones.
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 elastic shield ensures an efficient acoustic seal, shock absorption, and EMI/ESD protection, facilitating automated assembly and reflow soldering while minimizing space and manufacturing complexity, maintaining performance across various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic shield may be fabricated from a rubber-like material so as to achieve proper elastic and resilient properties
Implementation Method 2
In order to provide EMI and ESD protection the elastic shield may comprise an electrically conductive material, such as a carbon compound
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic shield comprising an acoustic channel having a sound inlet and a sound outlet, and a hollow portion being adapted to at least partly surround a miniature microphone, or alternatively, arranged to follow an outer contour of a miniature microphone. The present invention further relates to a miniature microphone assembly comprising a miniature microphone having a sound inlet, and an elastic shield comprising an acoustic channel having a sound inlet and a sound outlet, the elastic shield further comprising a hollow portion housing at least part of the miniature microphone in a manner so that the sound outlet of the acoustic channel is aligned with the sound inlet of the miniature microphone.