Offset Sound Openings in Handheld Audio Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices with loudspeakers intended for ear placement often have low output volume due to difficulty in forming an effective seal between the device and the user's ear, especially with small devices where the sound openings are close to the edge, leading to inefficient sound transmission.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a case with an elongated cavity and sound openings spaced from the edge, forming a Helmholtz resonator that enhances sound transmission by positioning the audio transducer away from the edge, allowing for a better seal and improved audio response, particularly amplifying higher frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the audio transducer is disposed close to the edge of the case for compactness, then the device size is reduced, but the ability to form an effective seal with the user's ear deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the sound openings in a different spatial dimension relative to the audio transducer - specifically, offset laterally from the transducer rather than directly adjacent. This dimensional repositioning allows the sound openings to be located near the edge for compactness while the transducer can be positioned inward to form an effective seal with the user's ear, resolving the contradiction between device size and seal effectiveness.
2Length of moving object
If the sound openings are disposed close to the edge of the device, then the device can be more compact, but the seal between the device and user's ear becomes difficult to establish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic path into distinct functional zones: the audio transducer is positioned in a seal-forming zone away from the edge, while the sound openings are positioned in a different zone closer to the edge. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the transducer for sealing and the openings for sound emission - thereby resolving the contradiction between compact length and ease of seal formation.
3Reliability
If the audio transducer is spaced from the edge of the case, then a better seal can be formed with the user's ear, but the device requires a longer case with void regions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the case length to accommodate both the sealed transducer position and the sound openings, the patent repositions the sound openings in a lateral dimension offset from the transducer. This allows the transducer to be positioned inward for effective sealing while the openings are positioned closer to the edge in a different spatial arrangement, eliminating the need for extended case length and avoiding void regions.
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 increases the perceived sound volume and quality by allowing a more effective seal between the device and the user's ear, enhancing the transmission of audio frequencies and providing an aesthetically pleasing placement of sound openings hidden from view.
Implementation Method 1
forming a Helmholtz resonator that enhances sound transmission by positioning the audio transducer away from the edge, allowing for a better seal and improved audio response, particularly amplifying higher frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a handheld electronic device. The device comprises a case and an audio transducer. The case has a housing, a cover, an indentation, a first opening and an audio transducer. The housing has a housing surface. The cover has a cover surface with at least a portion of the cover surface being disposed adjacent at least a portion of the housing surface; an elongated channel formed therein opposite the cover surface; an insert; and a lens disposed adjacent to the insert. The indentation is formed in at least one of the housing adjacent the housing surface and the cover adjacent the cover surface and the indentation is disposed between and forms a cavity in the case between at least a portion of the housing adjacent the housing surface and at least a portion of the cover adjacent the cover surface. The cavity is elongated along at least a first axis. The first opening is formed in the case and provides fluid communication between the cavity and the channel and being located along a first axis. The audio transducer is disposed on the housing and is in fluid communication with the cavity where the audio transducer is spaced from the first opening along the first axis. In the device, the indentation and the first opening are formed in the insert; and the channel is disposed between the insert and the lens.