Self-Aligning MEMS Microphone Boot Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MEMS microphone assemblies face manufacturing difficulties due to complex alignment requirements and sealing issues, leading to air leakage and reduced sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS microphone assembly is formed by combining front and rear single-piece boots with recesses and collars that self-align and eliminate the need for adhesives, using acoustic tubes to transfer sound waves and reduce microphonics through air channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting configurations are used with multiple adhesives and careful alignment, then the MEMS microphone assembly can be manufactured, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate mounting components into a single integrated boot structure that houses the MEMS microphone element. This single-piece boot includes integrated acoustic tubes, sealing features, and mounting interfaces, eliminating the need for multiple adhesives and separate alignment operations while simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The boot structure incorporates self-aligning features such as recesses and protrusions that automatically position the MEMS microphone element correctly during assembly without requiring external alignment tools or multiple adhesive applications. The design enables the assembly to self-correct minor positioning variations
2Reliability
If the assembly is mounted in the manners shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 7 and 9, then the MEMS microphone can be housed, but sealing problems occur between the assembly and housing causing air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is constructed from a flexible yet acoustically sealed material that forms a continuous barrier between the internal acoustic environment and the external housing. This flexible boot structure conformally seals around the MEMS microphone element and interfaces with the housing to prevent air leakage while accommodating thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The MEMS microphone element is nested within the boot structure, which itself is nested within the housing. This nested configuration creates multiple sealing interfaces that work together to prevent air leakage, with the boot acting as an intermediate sealed chamber that protects the sensitive microphone 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
The solution simplifies assembly, reduces air leaks, and enhances sound detection quality by providing a self-aligning and leak-resistant configuration for the MEMS microphone assembly.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic tubes transfer the sound waves from the ports to the MEMS microphone
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments there are air channels provided with the acoustic tubes to reduce microphonics
Data Source
AI summary
MEMS microphone assembly which is formed by the combination of front and rear single piece boots, which are configured to mate, and a MEMS microphone. The front boot includes two ports for receiving sound waves which are provided to ports of the MEMS microphone. The front boot includes two collars to form the ports and which are used to align the MEMS microphone assembly in a housing containing the MEMS microphone assembly. Acoustic tubes transfer the sound waves from the ports to the MEMS microphone. There can be air channels provided with the acoustic tubes to reduce microphonics. The front and rear boots contain recesses to capture the MEMS microphone to simplify alignment and assembly.