Microphone Mute Switching Circuit for Low-Noise Headsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional headsets with microphone mute switches generate noise when switching to a mute state due to impedance changes in the transmission lines.

Innovation Solution

A headset design incorporating an electronic switch controlled by a voltage generator, which transitions between conductive and non-conductive states to manage the transmission of electrical signals, reducing noise by disconnecting the first transmission line and minimizing magnetic coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a switch for muting is switched while sound is input to a microphone, then the microphone can be muted, but noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemute functionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by gradually changing the control voltage to transition the electronic switch from conductive to non-conductive state before completely disconnecting the transmission line. This gradual transition prevents sudden impedance changes that cause noise, while still achieving the mute function. The control voltage changes over time to smoothly reduce the electrical signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by varying the control voltage parameter over time during the switching process. The control voltage transitions from a level that maintains conduction to a level that creates non-conduction, and this gradual parameter change prevents noise generation. The electronic switch's conductivity parameter is modulated to avoid abrupt disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the electronic switch is switched to non-conductive state to mute the microphone, then signal transmission is blocked, but magnetic coupling may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal isolationVSAvoidmagnetic coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a gradual voltage transition as a mediator between the conductive and non-conductive states. The control voltage serves as an intermediary parameter that smoothly transitions the electronic switch state, preventing direct abrupt switching that would cause magnetic coupling. This intermediary transition reduces electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by gradually reducing the control voltage before the electronic switch completely transitions to the non-conductive state. This gradual voltage reduction cushions the transition process, preventing sudden changes that would generate magnetic coupling and electromagnetic noise. The cushioning effect is achieved through time-based voltage decay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Effectively reduces noise during mute state transitions by gradually changing the control voltage and increasing impedance, preventing sound leakage and magnetic coupling, thus enhancing signal integrity.

Implementation Method 1

an electronic switch that switches between (i) a conductive state in which the first electrical signal is transmitted and (ii) a non-conductive state in which the first electrical signal is not transmitted, on the basis of a control voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a voltage generator that generates the control voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical voltage generation: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

a microphone that converts a sound to a first electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic to electrical conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10893354B2Headset
Publication Date: 2021.01.12 AUDIO TECHNICA CORP
  • US10893354B2 patent drawing
  • US10893354B2 patent drawing
  • US10893354B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A headset includes: a microphone, a first transmission line that transmits a first electrical signal generated by the microphone to an external device; an operation switch that receives an operation for switching between (i) a non-mute state in which the first electrical signal is transmitted to the external device and (ii) a mute state in which the first electrical signal is not transmitted to the external device; an electronic switch that switches between (i) a conductive state in which the first electrical signal is transmitted and (ii) a non-conductive state in which the first electrical signal is not transmitted, on the basis of a control voltage which changes according to the state of the operation switch; and a voltage generator that generates the control voltage.