Foldable Speaker Module With Hinge Sound Path for Stereo Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices often experience a mono sound effect when folded due to speakers being positioned adjacently, despite having two speakers, as sounds from both speakers emit in the same direction.
Innovation Solution
A through-hole in the hinge cover allows sound discharge from both ends of the device during folding, with seals to prevent sound leakage and external intrusion during unfolding, and expands speaker resonance space for increased volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two speakers are positioned at opposite ends of a foldable electronic device, then stereo sound effect can be achieved in unfolded state, but when folded the speakers move adjacent to each other and emit sound in the same direction resulting in mono sound effect
Solution Approach 1:
The sound emission function is segmented into two independent paths: one through the traditional speaker grille and another through the hinge cover. This allows each speaker to emit sound in different directions even when physically adjacent, maintaining stereo effect in folded state.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge cover acts as an intermediary sound discharge path. By providing a separate opening in the hinge cover, sound from each speaker can be directed differently, resolving the conflict between physical proximity and sound directionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a through-hole is formed in the hinge cover to discharge sound during folding, then stereo sound effect is maintained, but sound may leak outwards during unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member dynamically adapts its position based on the device's folded or unfolded state. When unfolded, it seals the through-hole to prevent sound leakage; when folded, it allows sound discharge, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining stereo effect and preventing sound leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is pre-positioned to automatically seal the through-hole when the device is unfolded, preventing sound leakage before it becomes an issue. This preliminary sealing action ensures that the sound discharge path is only active when needed during folding.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If seals are added to prevent sound leakage during unfolding, then sound containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is designed to automatically seal and unseal the through-hole based on the device's folding state without requiring external control mechanisms. The seal's movement is passively driven by the relative motion between the hinge cover and housing, minimizing added complexity.
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
Maintains a stereo sound effect in both folded and unfolded states while preventing sound leakage and external contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a first or second seal may prevent and/or reduce sounds output from the first speaker module from leaking out of the electronic device during un-folding of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
the first speaker module may be configured to discharge sound to outside of the electronic device through a first area provided in the first housing, a second area provided in the hinge structure, and a first through-hole extending through the hinge cover
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a first housing; a second housing, which is unfolded at a designated angle with respect to the first housing and rotates around a folding axis; a hinge structure, which provides the folding axis, and includes at least one hinge arranged between the first housing and the second housing so as to rotatably couple the first housing and the second housing; a hinge cover which accommodates the hinge structure therein, and is selectively exposed on the basis of the rotation of the second housing; a first speaker module including a speaker accommodated in the first housing; and a second speaker module including a speaker accommodated in the second housing.