Integrated Loudspeaker Assembly Using Device Enclosure Back Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer electronic devices often compromise audio quality due to size and design constraints, leading to suboptimal loudspeaker assemblies with unnecessary material and space usage, and variable acoustic properties influenced by component placement and manufacturing variability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated loudspeaker assembly with a speaker unit and mounting support that acoustically isolates perforations within the device casing, utilizing a back volume shared with the enclosure to enhance audio output, combined with an audio enhancement system that compensates for acoustic properties and manufacturing variations through parametrically configurable processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional loudspeaker assembly with self-contained speaker enclosure is used, then the audio output is produced, but the device size and material usage increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loudspeaker assembly with the device casing by integrating the speaker unit directly into the casing structure, eliminating the need for a separate self-contained speaker enclosure. The casing itself serves as the speaker enclosure, and the back volume is formed by the device's internal enclosure space, thereby reducing material usage while maintaining audio performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device casing serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection, houses internal components, and simultaneously acts as the speaker enclosure forming the back volume for the loudspeaker. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated speaker housing materials, reducing overall material usage while preserving audio output capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the speaker unit is attached to the casing with mounting adhesive, then the assembly is simplified, but acoustic isolation of perforations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting support is designed with distinct functional zones: an attachment portion for bonding to the casing and a speaker unit portion for mounting the speaker. This segmentation allows the attachment portion to be acoustically isolated from the perforations while maintaining structural attachment, thereby achieving both assembly simplicity and acoustic isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting support acts as an intermediary element between the casing and the speaker unit, providing acoustic isolation while maintaining mechanical attachment. The support structure is configured to prevent acoustic interference from the casing to the perforations while keeping the assembly process simple through integrated mounting features.
3Volume of stationary object
If the back volume is predetermined by a separate speaker enclosure, then the loudspeaker assembly is complete, but the device form factor and space availability are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The back volume of the loudspeaker is merged with the device's internal enclosure space. Instead of a separate predetermined speaker enclosure, the available space within the device casing is utilized as the back volume, thereby maximizing the use of existing device volume while maintaining proper loudspeaker operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The back volume is not fixed but dynamically determined by the available space within the device enclosure after accommodating other components. This allows the back volume to adapt to different device form factors and component layouts, optimizing space utilization while maintaining audio performance.
4Ease of manufacture
If audio subassemblies are fabricated to specification by component suppliers, then manufacturing is streamlined, but acoustic properties vary due to manufacturing variability
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing system includes adjustable parameters that can be modified to compensate for variations in acoustic properties caused by manufacturing tolerances. The system allows for parameter optimization based on actual device measurements, thereby maintaining consistent audio performance despite variations in component fabrication and assembly.
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 solution results in improved audio performance with reduced size and complexity, extending bass range and optimizing audio output while minimizing space and cost, and allows for real-time adjustment of acoustic parameters to match specific device configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting support is configured to attach the speaker unit to the casing so as to substantially acoustically isolate the perforations from the rest of the enclosure
Implementation Method 2
The speaker unit may include an electromagnetic, thermoacoustic, electrostatic, magnetostrictive, ribbon, array type, and/or electroactive material based speaker element
Implementation Method 3
The enclosure contributes a back volume for the speaker unit
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated loudspeaker assembly along with associated methods and systems for enhancing audio output from a consumer electronic device including such an integrated loudspeaker assembly are disclosed. More particularly an integrated loudspeaker assembly configured to utilize the enclosure of an associated consumer electronic device for back volume is disclosed. Methods and systems for optimizing the audio performance of a consumer electronic device with an integrated loudspeaker assembly are also disclosed.