Microphone Structure in Camera Housing for Aesthetic Sound Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing volume of camera modules in electronic devices, combined with the need for microphone modules, leads to aesthetic weaknesses and increased manufacturing costs due to visible holes in camera housings and reduced space for printed circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A microphone structure where the microphone module is disposed within the camera housing, utilizing a conduit system with a first path perpendicular to the camera module and a second path connecting it, allowing external sound transmission without visible holes, thus enhancing aesthetics and preserving space for printed circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hole is formed in the camera housing to transmit external sound to the microphone module, then the microphone module can receive external sound, but the aesthetics of the electronic device deteriorates and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone module is nested within the camera housing, specifically disposed inside the camera housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction (which covers the camera module). This eliminates the need for external holes while maintaining sound reception capability through internal acoustic paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space by forming acoustic paths in multiple directions (first direction for camera coverage, second direction for microphone placement, third perpendicular direction for sound transmission). This spatial arrangement allows sound transmission without visible external holes.
2Ease of operation
If a hole is formed in the window included in the camera housing to transmit external sound, then the microphone module can receive external sound, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone module is integrated within the camera housing structure, eliminating the need for separate window modifications. The acoustic paths are formed within the existing housing geometry, avoiding additional manufacturing steps for hole formation in windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera housing serves multiple functions: it protects the camera module, houses the microphone module, and provides acoustic paths for sound transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sound transmission openings in the window.
3Ease of operation
If the microphone module is disposed adjacent to the enlarged camera module, then the microphone can receive sound in the photographing direction, but the space for the printed circuit board is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking in the first direction (camera housing covering camera module) and second direction (microphone disposed inside camera housing), rather than lateral placement. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both camera and microphone modules to coexist without reducing printed circuit board area.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone module is nested within the camera housing volume, which covers the camera module in the first direction. This nested arrangement utilizes the vertical space above the camera module, preserving lateral space for the printed circuit board.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments may comprise: a camera module including at least one camera, a camera housing disposed to cover the camera module in a first direction, a microphone module including at least one microphone disposed in the camera housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a first path formed in the camera housing in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and a second path formed in the camera housing to connect the first path and the microphone module.