Shared Microphone and Tray Eject Hole for Cleaner Device Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of microphone holes in electronic device housings detracts from the aesthetic appearance.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a housing with a single hole that serves both as a microphone hole and a tray separation mechanism, allowing a tray to be inserted and removed via a pin, thus maintaining aesthetics while enabling sound input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate microphone hole is provided in the housing, then sound input functionality is ensured, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to the additional hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tray hole serve multiple functions: it allows tray insertion/removal and also serves as the microphone hole for sound input. By making the tray hole universal for both tray access and audio input, the design eliminates the need for a separate microphone hole, thereby maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring sound input functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of the microphone hole with the tray hole into a single opening in the housing. This consolidation of functions into one hole rather than having separate holes for microphone and tray access resolves the contradiction by reducing visual disruption while maintaining both functionalities
2Shape
If a single hole is used for both microphone and tray separation, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for a passage structure
Solution Approach 1:
The passage structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: one portion guides the pin for tray separation while another portion directs sound waves to the microphone. This segmentation allows the single hole to serve multiple functions through internally divided pathways, managing complexity through functional separation within the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The passage structure acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the single hole and the internal components (tray mechanism and microphone). It provides the necessary structural complexity to enable pin insertion and sound guidance without requiring multiple external holes, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while managing internal complexity
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 design improves the aesthetic appeal of the electronic device by utilizing a single hole for both microphone functionality and tray separation, enhancing the device's visual appeal.
Implementation Method 1
sound from outside the electronic device is introduced through the hole and transmitted to the microphone
Implementation Method 2
when a pin is inserted through the hole, the tray is separated from the socket
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device comprises: a housing that forms at least a portion of an exterior appearance of the electronic device; a socket accommodated in the housing corresponding to a tray hole formed in the housing; a tray that is inserted into the socket through the tray hole and is configured to support an external storage medium; a microphone accommodated in the housing; and a hole formed in the housing or the tray, wherein the electronic device is configured such that when a pin is inserted through the hole, the tray is separated from the socket, and a sound from the outside of the electronic device is introduced through the hole and transmitted to the microphone.