Magnetic Audio Volume Control via Connector Encoder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices face space constraints for mechanical volume control mechanisms, leading to increased complexity and reduced feature availability as they become smaller and more feature-rich.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic encoder system that utilizes a rotating magnetic field to control audio volume by sensing the relative motion between a magnet and a connector member, allowing for volume adjustment without additional mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical volume control mechanisms (knobs, push buttons) are added to portable electronic devices, then volume control functionality is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the volume control function with the audio connector by integrating a magnetic encoder into the connector housing. The magnetic encoder detects rotational motion of the audio plug itself, merging the control mechanism with the existing connector structure rather than adding separate mechanical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical volume control mechanisms (knobs, push buttons) with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic encoder uses magnetic field changes caused by rotation of the audio plug to generate volume control signals, eliminating the need for separate mechanical control components.
2Ease of operation
If additional mechanical components are added for volume control, then volume adjustment capability is improved, but available space in the device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The volume control function is merged with the audio connector structure. The magnetic encoder is integrated into the connector housing, and the audio plug itself serves as the control element through its rotational motion, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming mechanical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio plug serves dual functions: electrical connection for audio signals and volume control input. By making the audio plug itself the control element through magnetic field interaction, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate control components.
3Ease of operation
If separate volume control mechanisms are implemented, then volume control function is achieved, but the number of components and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic encoder is integrated into the audio connector housing as a single assembly, combining the connector and volume control mechanism into one manufacturable unit. This reduces the total number of separate components and simplifies the manufacturing process compared to implementing separate volume control mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient space utilization by integrating volume control into existing audio connectors, simplifying device design and user interaction while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic encoder adapted to respond to magnetic input to provide a control output for electronic equipment... the magnetic encoder is in position with respect to the connector member to receive magnetic input representative of relative motion
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic encoder is responsive to rotation of a magnetic field and the relative motion is rotational motion
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic equipment control of a parameter of electronic equipment includes magnetic encoder responsive to magnetic input to provide control output for electronic equipment, a connector member connects electrically with a further connector member; the magnetic encoder receives magnetic input representing relative motion between the further connector member and the connector member to provide such control output. The further connector member has an electrical terminal connectible with the connector member, a magnet positioned relative to the electrical terminal for movement therewith providing magnetic output representing such movement, and the magnet and magnetic encoder are in proximity for magnetic coupling to provide the magnetic encoder magnetic force representing relative movement of the connector member and further connector member. A method of adjusting a parameter of electronic equipment includes effecting relative movement between connected parts of an electrical connector, and using magnetic force representation of such relative movement adjusting such parameter.