Condenser Microphone Unit Protrusion Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing condenser microphone units face challenges in ensuring the fixation of the electroacoustic transducer inside the unit case and stable grounding due to variations in the dimensional accuracy of the circuit board, leading to deteriorated frequency response and noise interference from external signals.

Innovation Solution

The unit case is formed into a hollow cylinder with protrusions on its inner surface, which are pressed inward to securely fix the electroacoustic transducer and ensure stable grounding by maintaining consistent contact with the circuit board's ground patterns, regardless of manufacturing variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the circuit board is used to fix the electroacoustic transducer inside the unit case, then the grounding is achieved, but the fixation and grounding are not ensured due to low dimensional accuracy of the circuit board

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation and grounding reliabilityVSAvoiddimensional accuracy of circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated fixation structure (protrusion from the end wall) is introduced as an intermediary component between the unit case and the electroacoustic transducer. This protrusion engages with a corresponding recess in the transducer holder, providing reliable mechanical fixation and electrical grounding through a specialized interface rather than relying on the circuit board's dimensional accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the circuit board diameter is smaller than the unit case opening, then the circuit board can be inserted, but the fixation and grounding are not ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit board insertionVSAvoidfixation and grounding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion structure acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the unit case opening and the electroacoustic transducer. It provides positive mechanical engagement through the recess-protrusion fit, ensuring reliable fixation and grounding regardless of the circuit board size relative to the case opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the electroacoustic transducer is fixed with the circuit board, then the structure is simple, but the frequency response characteristics deteriorate due to insufficient fixation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation structure complexityVSAvoidfrequency response characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion structure serves as an intermediary fixation mechanism that provides reliable mechanical support for the electroacoustic transducer. By engaging with the recess in the transducer holder, it maintains the precise spacing between the diaphragm and fixed electrode, ensuring accurate frequency response characteristics without requiring complex fixation structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3169080B1Condenser microphone unit, condenser microphone, and method of manufacturing condenser microphone
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 AUDIO TECHNICA CORP
  • EP3169080B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3169080B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3169080B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A condenser microphone is provided that can ensure the fixation of an electroacoustic transducer inside a unit case and the grounding of the electroacoustic transducer, regardless of variations in manufacture of the unit case and a circuit board. A condenser microphone unit (1) includes an electroacoustic transducer (20) and a unit case (10) accommodating the electroacoustic transducer (20). The unit case (10) includes at least one protrusion (10a) that is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the unit case (10). The electroacoustic transducer (20) is fixed inside the unit case (10) with the protrusion (10a).