Fin Element Reducing Acoustic Distortion in Portable Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices experience acoustic distortion when emitting audible sound due to vibrations from internal structures, leading to lower quality audio, especially through small or offset openings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fin element within the internal volume between the audio module and the cover opening to disrupt turbulence and re-laminarize the sound flow, reducing acoustic distortion and enhancing audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the audio module emits sound through a small or offset opening, then the device maintains a compact design, but acoustic distortion increases due to turbulence in the sound flow
Solution Approach 1:
A fin element is introduced as an intermediary component in the sound flow path between the audio module and the cover opening. This fin element acts as a mediator that transforms turbulent sound flow into laminar flow, reducing acoustic distortion while allowing the opening to remain small and offset for compact device design
Solution Approach 2:
The fin element changes the flow parameters of the sound waves by converting turbulent flow patterns into laminar flow patterns. This parameter change in the flow regime reduces acoustic distortion without requiring a change in the opening size or position, maintaining the compact device design
2Device complexity
If the sound flow path is direct and simple, then the device structure is simple, but acoustic distortion occurs due to uncontrolled turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The fin element serves as a simple intermediary structure that is easily integrated into the existing device architecture. It provides turbulence reduction functionality without requiring a complex redesign of the sound flow path or additional active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The fin element is designed to passively reduce turbulence through its geometric configuration in the sound flow path. The structure self-regulates the flow without requiring external power, control systems, or complex mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while eliminating acoustic distortion
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 fin element effectively reduces acoustic distortion, resulting in higher quality audio by ensuring a laminar sound flow as it exits the device, even through small or offset openings.
Implementation Method 1
disrupt turbulence and re-laminarize the sound flow
Implementation Method 2
re-laminarize the sound flow, reducing acoustic distortion
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device includes a housing that at least partially defines an internal volume. The portable electronic device further includes a cover secured to the housing and that is and capable of enclosing the internal volume. The cover having a cover opening capable of passing an audible sound provided by an audio module located within the internal volume. The audible sound passing from the audio module to the cover opening along an audible sound path. The portable electronic device further includes a bracket assembly positioned in the internal volume and having: (i) a bracket opening that is aligned with and between the audio module with the cover opening, and (ii) a fin element that spans the bracket opening, the fin element having at least a portion positioned within the audible sound path.