Movable Audio Output Module for UE

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user equipment (UE) designs, such as TVs, often have fixedly arranged audio output modules that fail to meet user demands for flexibility and efficiency in audio signal delivery, leading to potential blockages and damage when not in use.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a drive module that moves the audio output module along a straight line between a first location inside the housing and a second location outside, allowing it to output audio signals when needed and retract when not in use, thereby reducing blockages and protecting the module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the audio output module is fixedly arranged inside the housing, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the audio output may be blocked and the module is vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio blockage and module damageVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio output module is transformed from a fixed arrangement to a movable one, allowing it to dynamically change position between inside and outside the housing based on audio output requirements. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling the module to avoid blockages and damage when retracted, while providing unobstructed audio output when extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The audio output module is moved to a safe position inside the housing in advance before any potential damage or blockage occurs. The drive module proactively positions the audio output module based on predicted or detected audio output states, preventing harmful factors before they can affect the module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the audio output module is moved outside the housing for audio output, then audio signal delivery is improved, but the module becomes vulnerable to damage when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio signal delivery efficiencyVSAvoidmodule protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The audio output module dynamically adjusts its position based on operational requirements. When audio output is needed, it moves outside the housing to ensure unobstructed sound delivery. When audio output is not needed, it retracts inside the housing for protection, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The audio output module automatically moves between positions based on its own operational state without requiring manual intervention. The drive module responds to audio output state changes by autonomously positioning the module, allowing the system to self-regulate between performance and protection modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the audio output module is retracted inside the housing when not in use, then space is optimized and module is protected, but audio output may be blocked when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule protectionVSAvoidaudio output performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions the audio output module between retracted and extended positions based on real-time audio output state detection. This ensures the module is protected when not in use while providing optimal audio output performance when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drive module uses feedback from the audio output state to determine the appropriate position for the audio output module. When audio output is detected, the module is moved outside the housing; when audio output stops, it is retracted inside. This feedback mechanism ensures both protection and performance are optimized at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If a drive module is added to move the audio output module, then audio output performance and module protection are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The addition of the drive module enables the audio output module to transition from a static to a dynamic system. This dynamic capability improves audio output efficiency by ensuring unobstructed sound delivery and protects the module from damage, justifying the increased device complexity through enhanced performance and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drive module serves multiple functions: it moves the audio output module to optimize audio signal delivery, positions the module to avoid blockages, and protects the module from damage. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by resolving multiple technical contradictions simultaneously.

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

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 design enhances user experience by ensuring unobstructed audio output and protecting the audio module from damage when not in use, while optimizing space usage in UE.

Implementation Method 1

a drive module connected to the audio output module. The drive module is configured to drive the audio output module to move along a straight line between a first location and a second location

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11363358B2User equipment and method for outputting audio
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • US11363358B2 patent drawing
  • US11363358B2 patent drawing
  • US11363358B2 patent drawing

AI summary

User equipment (UE) includes a housing, an audio output module, and a drive module connected to the audio output module. The drive module is configured to drive the audio output module to move along a straight line between a first location and a second location. The first location is inside the housing. The second location is outside the housing. When the audio output module is in an audio output state, the drive module is configured to drive the audio output module to move along the straight line to the second location. When the audio output module exits the audio output state, the drive module is configured to drive the audio output module to move along the straight line to the first location.