Headset Radio IC Isolation from Audio Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radio reception performance in electronic devices connected to headsets or earphones deteriorates due to noise from data signals and other components, leading to decreased signal quality.

Innovation Solution

A headset electronic device design that includes a radio IC and antenna, separate from the audio IC, with a connection line and speaker, where the radio IC processes radio signals independently, reducing noise interference by spacing it away from the audio IC and using noise-blocking circuits, and a processor in an external electronic device controls the radio IC through a connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the radio IC and antenna are integrated with the audio IC in the headset device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radio reception quality deteriorates due to noise interference from data signals and other components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidradio reception quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the headset device into two separate functional modules: an audio IC module for audio signal processing and a radio IC module for radio signal reception. This segmentation isolates the radio IC and antenna from noise-generating components, resolving the contradiction by reducing device complexity through modular design while maintaining radio reception quality through physical separation of functional blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radio IC and antenna are extracted as a separate module from the audio IC in the headset device. This extraction removes the radio reception function from the noisy audio environment, allowing independent optimization of each module. The radio module can be positioned away from noise sources while the audio module handles audio processing, thus maintaining radio reception quality without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of moving object

If the radio IC is placed close to the audio IC for compact design, then the headset size is reduced, but noise from the audio IC interferes with radio signal reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadset sizeVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a noise blocking circuit as an intermediary element between the audio IC and radio IC modules. This mediator blocks noise signals from the audio IC from reaching the radio IC, enabling compact placement of the two modules while protecting the radio reception function from interference. The noise blocking circuit acts as a barrier that allows physical proximity without signal interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different quality requirements to different regions of the headset device. The radio IC module is designed with high sensitivity to radio signals and is protected from noise, while the audio IC module is designed for high-power audio signal processing. By creating distinct functional zones with appropriate noise protection measures in the radio zone, the patent achieves compact design without compromising radio reception quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If data signals are transmitted through the connector for audio functionality, then the headset provides comprehensive audio capabilities, but the data signals create noise that degrades radio broadcast signal reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio capabilitiesVSAvoidradio broadcast signal reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal transmission paths by separating audio signal processing (through the audio IC) from radio signal reception (through the radio IC). The connector handles audio data signals for comprehensive audio capabilities, while the radio module receives broadcast signals through a dedicated path. This segmentation allows both audio versatility and radio reception reliability to coexist by preventing cross-interference between the two signal types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The noise blocking circuit serves as an intermediary that selectively blocks noise from data signals transmitted through the connector from reaching the radio IC. This mediator allows the connector to provide comprehensive audio capabilities while protecting the radio reception function from degradation, thus maintaining both audio versatility and radio signal reception quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12041409B2Electronic headset device capable of receiving radio signal, and electronic device connected therewith
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12041409B2 patent drawing
  • US12041409B2 patent drawing
  • US12041409B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic headset device, comprising a headset housing; a speaker disposed inside the headset housing; a connector for connecting with an external electronic device; an audio IC module electrically connected with the connector and configured to convert a digital audio signal into an analogue audio signal; a connection line for electrically connecting the speaker with the audio IC module; a radio IC module disposed on the path of the connection line and electrically connected to the connection line; and a radio antenna connected to the radio IC module, wherein the radio IC module may be configured to use the radio antenna to receive a radio signal.