Flat Spring Strip Electrical Connection for Sealed Speaker Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of electronic devices with compact speakers is complicated and costly due to the need for manual wire connections and sealing compounds, which can compromise the seal and reliability of the device.
Innovation Solution
The use of flat, thin, spring strips to electrically connect speaker contacts within the speaker box to contact pads on a printed circuit board, allowing automatic connection during assembly without the need for manual soldering or sealing compounds, maintaining the seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wires are used to electrically connect speaker contacts to PCB contact pads, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring strip is designed to automatically establish electrical connection between the speaker and PCB during the enclosure assembly process. The flexible spring strip with contact areas at both ends makes contact with the speaker contacts and PCB contact pads simultaneously when the two enclosure parts are joined, eliminating the need for separate manual wire connection steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the electrical connection function with the structural assembly process. The spring strip serves dual purposes: providing electrical connectivity and being automatically positioned during enclosure assembly. This merges what were previously separate operations (wire connection and assembly) into a single integrated process
2Reliability
If round wires are used to connect speaker contacts, then electrical connection is made, but sealing the speaker box becomes difficult without glue or liquid sealing compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The spring strip is designed with a flat, thin cross-section that allows it to pass through the speaker box housing without compromising the seal. The thin film-like structure of the spring strip enables it to fit through openings in the housing while maintaining the integrity of the sealed enclosure, eliminating the need for round wires that would require sealing compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The spring strip has different properties at different locations: it is flexible and thin in the portion passing through the housing to maintain sealing, while having contact areas at the ends for electrical connection. This local differentiation of properties allows it to serve multiple functions without compromising seal integrity
3Reliability
If connectors are used to electrically connect sub-assemblies, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but valuable space within the device is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential electrical connection function from bulky connectors and implements it through a minimal spring strip structure. By removing the unnecessary bulk of traditional connectors and retaining only the essential contact function, space within the compact electronic device is preserved while maintaining reliable electrical connection
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs, and ensures a reliable seal by eliminating the need for manual wire connections and sealing compounds, while maintaining the desired performance of the speaker.
Implementation Method 1
flat, thin, spring strip
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods electrically connect a sealed speaker and speaker back volume without wires. An electronic device includes a speaker with a first and second speaker contacts, a speaker box coupled with the speaker, and a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first and second contact pads. A speaker gasket is positioned between the speaker and the speaker box to form a seal. First and second spring strips electrically connect the first and second contact pads to the first and second speaker contacts, respectively, and each has a flat, thin cross-section in at least a portion extending between the speaker gasket and the speaker box. The first and second spring strips do not adversely affect the seal, do not require glue or sealer, and electrically connect with the first and second contact pads as the enclosure of the electronic device is closed.