Door Intercom Sound Channel Offset for Water Ingress Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Door intercom stations are prone to water ingress due to spray water impingement, which can cause damage to the internal components, particularly the microphone, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The design features a sound opening offset downwards relative to the microphone receptacle, with a vertically or angled sound channel that directs water downwards, preventing it from reaching the microphone, and a seal between the cover and housing parts to ensure water does not enter the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sound opening is provided in the cover for audio communication, then voice communication function is enabled, but spray water can penetrate into the microphone area causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sound channel is designed to run vertically or at an angle to the vertical between the sound opening and the microphone receptacle. This three-dimensional configuration allows sound to pass through while preventing horizontal water ingress, as water runs down the vertical channel due to gravity rather than reaching the microphone area
2Measurement precision
If the sound opening is positioned directly in front of the microphone for optimal audio pickup, then communication quality is improved, but water ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal is arranged between the cover and the housing part connected to it, enclosing the sound opening and sound channel area. This seal acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents water from entering the housing through the sound opening while still allowing sound to pass through the channel to the microphone
Solution Approach 2:
The sound channel is configured to run vertically or at an angle between the sound opening and microphone receptacle, creating a three-dimensional path that separates the horizontal water ingress path from the vertical sound transmission path, thereby protecting the microphone while maintaining audio quality
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 configuration effectively prevents splash water from entering the microphone area, ensuring reliable protection against water ingress and potential damage, even in heavy rainfall conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a seal enclosing the area of the sound opening and the sound channel is arranged between the cover and a housing part connected to it
Implementation Method 2
spray water can get through the sound opening, but not up into the area of the microphone, because it always runs down again due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The device has a device housing (2), an outer cover (4) and a microphone arranged in the housing. The cover has a hearing tube (12) that is shifted downwards opposite to a microphone-receiver (6) in a normal installation condition of the device. A hearing channel (14) is provided between the tube and an area of the receiver. A sealing encloses the area of the tube and the channel and is arranged between the cover and a housing part.