Multi-Microphone Sound Isolation via Segmented Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In voice-recognition-based platforms, sound can escape between the spaces of multiple microphones, disrupting accurate voice and direction recognition.

Innovation Solution

The design of an electronic device with multiple microphones includes specific structural features such as support members and sound-permeable members to prevent sound from escaping between microphone paths, ensuring that sound is directed to each microphone accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple microphones are used for voice recognition, then voice recognition accuracy is improved, but sound escapes between microphone spaces causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice recognition accuracyVSAvoidsound interference between microphones
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple sound introduction spaces, with each space dedicated to a specific microphone. Partition walls separate these spaces to prevent sound from escaping between microphones, ensuring each microphone receives sound only from its designated direction and space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each sound introduction space is optimized for its specific microphone with tailored acoustic characteristics. The partition walls create localized acoustic environments that enhance the performance of individual microphones while preventing cross-interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If sound introduction spaces are shared between microphones, then device complexity is reduced, but sound interference occurs between microphones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrophone space structureVSAvoidvoice recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a single shared space, the housing is segmented into multiple dedicated sound introduction spaces. Each space is assigned to a specific microphone, eliminating the need for complex acoustic management in shared spaces while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of partition walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If partition walls are added to separate sound spaces, then sound interference is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound interference between microphonesVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition walls are integrated into the housing structure itself, combining the functions of sound isolation with the structural framework. This merging approach prevents sound interference while avoiding the addition of separate, complex isolation components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls serve multiple functions: they structurally define the housing, create sound isolation barriers, and establish the geometric configuration of sound introduction spaces. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the added sound isolation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3826320B1Electronic device comprising multiple microphones
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3826320B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3826320B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3826320B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device may comprise: a housing; a printed circuit board disposed inside the housing, the printed circuit board comprising a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a first through-hole and a second through-hole penetrating the first surface and the second surface; a first microphone disposed on the second surface so as to at least partially overlap the first through-hole when seen from above the first surface; a second microphone disposed on the second surface so as to at least partially overlap the second through-hole when seen from above the first surface; a support member disposed on the first surface, the support member comprising a third surface facing the first surface, a fourth surface facing away from the third surface, a third through-hole at least partially overlapping the first through-hole when seen from above the first surface, and a fourth through-hole at least partially overlapping the second through-hole when seen from above the first surface; a first sound-transmitting member disposed on the fourth surface so as to at least partially overlap the third through-hole; and a second sound-transmitting member disposed on the fourth surface so as to at least partially overlap the fourth through-hole. Various other embodiments may be included.