Microphone Assembly Vertical Audio Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphone assemblies in compact electronic devices, such as mobile phones, face challenges in achieving high audio performance due to the use of V- or L-shaped audio channels, which lead to signal loss, and require expensive manual assembly with flexible printed circuit boards for improved performance.
Innovation Solution
A compact microphone assembly with a rigid microphone unit secured to a rigid mounting element, allowing for automatic placement and soldering, featuring a vertical audio port configuration for optimal audio reception and using an L- or T-shaped mounting element to facilitate alignment with a printed circuit board, eliminating the need for flexible connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a V- or L-shaped audio channel is used to conduct speech from the microphone port to the audio port, then the microphone port can be located on the thin lower side of the telephone, but the audio performance is reduced due to signal loss in the curved or angled audio channel
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element is designed with an L-shaped or T-shaped configuration that extends in multiple dimensions, allowing the audio port to be positioned vertically relative to the circuit board while the mounting side remains on the lower side of the device. This dimensional arrangement creates a straight audio channel path without requiring curved or angled connections, thereby maintaining audio performance while enabling the microphone port to be located on the thin lower side of the telephone
2Reliability
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to provide electronic connections between the main circuit board and the MEMS microphone package, then a straight audio channel can be achieved, but the assembly cost increases as it requires manual assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element combines multiple functions into a single rigid structure: it provides mechanical support for the MEMS microphone package, creates a straight audio channel through its L-shaped or T-shaped configuration, and provides electrical connections through integrated contact pads on its mounting side. This merged design eliminates the need for separate flexible printed circuit boards and manual assembly, allowing the entire structure to be manufactured using standard automatic placing and soldering processes while maintaining both audio performance and manufacturing efficiency
3Device complexity
If the lid holding the audio port is co-planar or parallel to the main circuit board, then the assembly is simple, but the audio channel becomes curved or angled leading to signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element extends vertically from the main circuit board plane, positioning the audio port in a vertical orientation relative to the circuit board. This dimensional change allows the audio channel to be straight while the mounting structure remains simple and integrated, resolving the conflict between assembly simplicity and audio performance
Data Source
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AI summary
A microphone assembly (100, 200) comprising a microphone unit (101) secured to a mounting element (110,210). The microphone unit (101) has a first side (103) comprising an audio port (104), and the mounting element (110, 210) comprises a rigid body having a mounting side (111,211). The first side (103) of the microphone unit (101) is arranged at a right angle to the mounting side (111,211) of the mounting element (110,210). The microphone unit may (101) comprise a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone package holding a MEMS microphone die, and the mounting side (111,211) of the mounting element may be configured for being mounted or soldered to a printed circuit board (121). The microphone assembly (100, 200) may be mounted to a device printed circuit board (121) being part of an electronic device (400). The electronic device (400) may comprise a cover part (401) having an audio channel (402) extending along a straight line through the cover part (401) towards said audio port (104) and the audio port may (104) be aligned with the audio channel (402).