Optical Deflectable Surface Sensing for Sealed Acoustic Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices fail to precisely detect the motion of a deflectable surface, particularly in applications like mobile phones, where traditional microphone structures with sound ports are inadequate for accurate acoustic signal detection.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a deflectable element with a reflective surface, an optical emitter, and an optical receiver, which uses reflected optical signals to determine the motion of the deflectable surface, allowing for precise evaluation and potentially replacing traditional membrane structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microphone structures with sound ports are used, then acoustic signals can be detected, but measurement precision of surface motion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrostatic sensing system with an optical sensing system. An optical emitter projects light onto the deflectable surface, and an optical receiver detects the reflected light to measure surface motion. This optical substitution eliminates the need for sound ports and provides precise motion detection without mechanical contact, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the deflectable surface and the detection system. The optical emitter and receiver use reflected light to indirectly measure surface motion, avoiding direct mechanical interaction. This intermediary approach enables high-precision measurement while maintaining a simple, sealed device structure without sound ports.
2Reliability
If sound ports are used for acoustic detection, then acoustic signals can be received, but water and dust protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic detection mechanism (requiring sound ports) with an optical detection mechanism. The optical emitter and receiver can be hermetically sealed within the device, eliminating sound ports and providing inherent water and dust protection while maintaining acoustic signal detection capability through optical measurement of surface vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the acoustic signal by measuring the mechanical vibration of the deflectable surface optically. Instead of directly receiving acoustic waves through sound ports, the system captures the surface motion caused by acoustic signals and converts it into an electrical signal, achieving acoustic detection without compromising sealing integrity.
3Measurement precision
If electrostatic evaluation is used for membrane sensing, then membrane motion can be detected, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrostatic evaluation method with optical evaluation. The optical receiver detects reflected light from the deflectable surface to measure motion, providing higher precision than electrostatic methods. The system uses low-power optical components and can operate with pulsed illumination, reducing energy consumption while improving measurement accuracy.
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
Enables precise detection of surface motion and acoustic signals without the need for a sound port, improving signal quality and allowing for water and dust-proof designs while maintaining acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
an optical emitter configured for imaging an optical signal towards the reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver configured for receiving a reflected optical signal from the reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sensing a motion of a deflectable surface includes a deflectable element having a first side beam deflectable and includes a reflective surface at a second side of the deflectable element, proposing the first side. The device includes an optical emitter for emitting an optical signal towards the reflective surface and an optical receiver for receiving a reflected optical signal from the reflective surface and for providing a reception signal based on a reflective optical signal. The device includes a control unit in communication with the optical receiver for determining information related to the motion of the deflectable element based on the reception signal.