Expandable Video Conference Device with Directional Audio
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In video conferences with multiple attendees, existing devices struggle to effectively transmit sound in different directions, leading to unclear audio reception and transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a main body and expandable members, each equipped with a radio or speaker module, where a sliding driver module expands the members to allow sound reception or transmission in various directions by moving along an axis, utilizing magnetic repulsion and linkage rods for expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses a fixed single-direction speaker configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the sound transmission coverage is limited and cannot effectively serve multiple directions in video conferences
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker system is segmented into multiple independent speaker modules (first speaker module, second speaker module, third speaker module, fourth speaker module) positioned at different locations. Each module can transmit sound in different directions, enabling comprehensive sound coverage for video conferences with multiple attendees while maintaining a modular structure that balances complexity with functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses multiple speakers positioned in different directions, then the sound transmission coverage is improved, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage rods are nested within the main body of the device, with the first linkage rod connected to the first speaker module and the second linkage rod connected to the second speaker module. When the linkage rods extend, they deploy the speaker modules outward in a coordinated manner, allowing multiple speakers to be positioned in different directions while maintaining a compact form factor when retracted, thus reducing perceived structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the device remains in a compact state, then the device portability is good, but the image module cannot be exposed for video capture
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions dynamically between a first state (compact, image module hidden) and a second state (expanded, image module exposed). The linkage rods act as dynamic elements that can extend and retract, allowing the device to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic transformation enables the device to maintain portability when not in use while providing full video capture functionality when deployed.
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
Enables clear audio reception and transmission in different directions, providing a better video conferencing experience by allowing the device to capture and project sound effectively around a conference table.
Implementation Method 1
when the sliding member is located at the first position, a position of the second magnetic pole of each of the expanded members are moved away from the first magnetic pole, and when the sliding member is moved toward the second position, the second magnetic pole of each of the expanded members approaches toward the first magnetic pole of the main body and is subjected to a magnetic repulsion of the first magnetic pole and is rotated outward with respect to the main body
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a main body, a driver module, and a plurality of expanded members is provided. The main body includes at least one image module. The driver module is movably disposed in the main body. The expanded members are disposed beside the main body and connected to the driver module, and each of the expanded members includes at least one of a radio module and a speaker module. The driver module is adapted to drive the expanded members to expand from a collapsed position to a use position, when the expanded members are located at the collapsed position, the expanded members are collapsed to the main body, and the expanded members are driven by the driver module to be expanded with respect to the main body and are moved to the use position.