Keyboard Keycap Speaker Ports for Cleaner Laptop Audio Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in designing portable computer devices is to maintain audio performance while minimizing space, which is compromised by the traditional placement of speakers on either side of the keyboard, leading to reduced sound quality and an unsightly appearance.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves positioning speakers underneath the keyboard with direct porting through the keycaps, eliminating the need for speakers on either side of the keyboard and reducing the visibility of speaker ports, thereby enhancing sound quality and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If speakers are positioned on either side of the keyboard, then audio performance can be maintained with traditional placement, but the device appearance becomes unsightly and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker positioning is moved from the traditional lateral placement (side of keyboard) to an underneath placement (below the keyboard plane). This dimensional change allows the speaker ports to be integrated into the keyboard structure, eliminating visible side ports while maintaining audio performance through the keycap openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker system is merged with the keyboard structure by positioning speakers underneath the keyboard and using the keycaps as part of the speaker porting system. This integration eliminates the need for separate side speaker openings, creating a unified design that improves appearance while maintaining functionality.
2Shape
If speakers are positioned underneath the keyboard with porting through keycaps, then a cleaner design with fewer visible holes is achieved, but space constraints are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker system is segmented into multiple small speakers positioned under different sections of the keyboard, with each speaker ported through adjacent keycaps. This segmentation allows efficient use of the limited space underneath the keyboard while distributing the audio output across multiple points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different keycaps in the keyboard are assigned different functions: some keycaps serve as speaker ports while others maintain traditional switch functionality. This local differentiation allows the keyboard structure to serve dual purposes in different regions, optimizing space utilization.
3Volume of stationary object
If traditional speaker placement is used, then space for audio components is adequate, but the number of visible speaker ports increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keycaps serve multiple functions: they maintain their primary role as keyboard input components while simultaneously serving as speaker port covers. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of visible openings by combining the keyboard interface and speaker porting functions into a single structural element.
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 approach achieves high-quality sound with fewer speakers, providing better treble response and reducing distortion, while also offering a cleaner design with fewer visible holes for speaker porting.
Implementation Method 1
the keycap including an opening to define a port through which sound from the speaker is able to pass
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus including speakers ported through keys of a keyboard are disclosed. An example electronic device includes a housing, and a keyboard carried by the housing. The keyboard includes a key having a keycap that covers an associated switch. The example electronic device further includes a speaker within the housing underneath the keyboard. The keycap includes an opening to define a port through which sound from the speaker is able to pass.