Microphone Boot for Combined Audio and Light Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in computing devices is to reduce component size and enhance efficient placement while maintaining acoustic and light quality, particularly in thinner devices that require multiple functionalities in a shared space without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
A combination port that integrates a microphone boot serving as both an audio input guide and a light guide, accommodating both a microphone and a light source within a single installation port, utilizing a microphone boot with a tapered cavity structure and transparent material to ensure efficient sound and light transmission while preventing leakage, and using seals to isolate components for improved sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If multiple components (microphone and light source) are integrated into a single port to reduce device thickness, then device thickness and component count are reduced, but acoustic quality and light transmission quality may deteriorate due to interference and space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single port into two separate cavities: a first cavity for the microphone with acoustic optimization, and a second cavity for the light source with light transmission optimization. This segmentation allows each component to have its own dedicated space with optimized characteristics, preventing interference between acoustic and optical functions while maintaining the integrated port design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions: the first cavity uses materials optimized for acoustic transmission (e.g., acoustic mesh, foam), while the second cavity uses materials optimized for light transmission (e.g., transparent or translucent materials). This local quality differentiation ensures that each component operates with optimal performance characteristics within the integrated structure.
2Device complexity
If a single port design is used to accommodate both microphone and light source, then manufacturing complexity and component placement complexity are reduced, but acoustic signal quality may deteriorate due to potential interference from the light source and limited acoustic space
Solution Approach 1:
The port is segmented into two distinct cavities with separate openings: the first cavity has a first opening for acoustic signal entry and the second cavity has a second opening for light transmission. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by providing clear spatial separation for each component while maintaining the benefit of a single integrated port structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures such as acoustic mesh, foam, or other acoustic treatment materials in the first cavity to mediate between the external environment and the microphone, ensuring optimal acoustic signal quality. Similarly, the second cavity uses transparent or translucent materials as intermediaries to optimize light transmission while maintaining structural integrity.
3Area of stationary object
If the microphone and light source are positioned close together in a thin device, then space efficiency is improved, but acoustic leakage and light interference may increase, compromising performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the port area into two distinct cavities with separate openings and pathways: the first cavity handles acoustic signals with its own opening and acoustic optimization, while the second cavity handles light transmission with its own opening and optical optimization. This segmentation prevents acoustic leakage and light interference even though the components are positioned close together in a thin device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material qualities are applied locally to each cavity: acoustic treatment materials (mesh, foam) in the first cavity to prevent acoustic leakage, and transparent/translucent materials in the second cavity to optimize light transmission. This local quality differentiation eliminates harmful interactions between the closely positioned components.
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 solution allows for a compact design with multiple functionalities in a single port, maintaining acoustic and light quality by effectively guiding audio inputs and outputting light indicators, enhancing the overall efficiency and thickness reduction of computing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first cavity defined in a first end portion of the microphone boot, the first cavity defining a first opening at the first end portion of the microphone boot, and a second opening in a wall of the first cavity, the first opening being in fluid communication with the second opening
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a microphone boot with a tapered cavity structure and transparent material to ensure efficient sound and light transmission
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A computing device may include a multi-functional port (130) in a base housing of the device. The multi-functional port may include an audio input (210) device that can receive and process external audio input signals through an opening (111) in the base housing. The multi-functional port may include a light source (220) that can output light through the opening in the base housing. The multi-functional port may include a microphone boot (250). The microphone boot may guide external audio input signals into to the audio input device for processing. The microphone boot may also guide light, emitted by the light source, out of the base housing.