Offset Acoustic Channel in Electronic Device Housing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

As electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets have increasing screen-to-body ratios, the compact internal structure poses a challenge in maintaining sound quality while meeting appearance requirements, as space for sound outlets is compressed.

Innovation Solution

The housing assembly forms an acoustic channel with an offset configuration, where a first sound cavity extends toward a side surface and a second sound cavity extends along the lengthwise direction, with a sound outlet positioned on the outer surface, optimizing sound wave propagation and reducing space occupation near the outlet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the internal structure is made more compact to increase screen-to-body ratio, then appearance requirements are met, but space for sound outlets is compressed which affects sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies offset configuration where the sound outlet is positioned at an offset from the receiver in the thickness direction, and the acoustic channel extends along the lengthwise direction rather than directly beneath the receiver. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the sound outlet to be placed in a location that does not compromise either appearance or sound quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If the sound outlet is positioned close to the receiver, then space is saved, but sound quality deteriorates due to acoustic channel interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an acoustic channel as an intermediary structure that connects the receiver to the sound outlet. This acoustic channel acts as a controlled medium that guides sound waves from the receiver to the outlet while maintaining acoustic integrity, allowing the sound outlet to be positioned away from the receiver without compromising sound quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If the acoustic channel is configured with offset arrangement, then space occupation near sound outlet is reduced, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidacoustic channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic channel is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first acoustic channel extending from the receiver along the thickness direction, and a second acoustic channel extending along the lengthwise direction. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific acoustic function while collectively achieving space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration ensures sound quality while minimizing space usage near the sound outlet, enhancing the product's appearance and allowing for more compact internal module arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

forms an acoustic channel with an offset configuration by communicating a first sound cavity extending toward a side surface of a middle frame, a second sound cavity extending toward a lengthwise direction of the side surface with a sound outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3820123B1Housing assembly, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3820123B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3820123B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3820123B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A housing assembly (100) and an electronic device (10) relate to the technical field of electronic devices. The housing assembly (100) comprises a middle frame (11). The middle frame (11) comprises a side surface (12). A first sound cavity (110), a second sound cavity (120) and a sound output hole (130) are arranged at the middle frame (11). One end of the first sound cavity (110) corresponds to a receiver. The other end of the first sound cavity (110) extends toward the side surface (12) and is in communication with the second sound cavity (120). The second sound cavity (120) extends in a lengthwise direction of the side surface (12) and is in communication with the sound output hole (130). The invention employs a sound guiding channel having an offset configuration to communicate a receiver with an external environment, thereby ensuring quality of an audio output while reducing an occupied region near the sound output hole (130) and improving the appearance of a product to meet the appearance requirement.