Piezoelectric Cover Panel for Echo-Free Sound Output

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Acoustic echoes are generated in electronic devices like mobile phones due to sound input from the device being directed to the microphone.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design featuring a cover panel with a piezoelectric vibration element on its inner surface and a drive section to vibrate the element based on sound signals, with the microphone hole positioned differently to prevent sound output from reaching the microphone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the microphone hole is provided in the cover panel to enable sound input, then the ease of operation is improved, but acoustic echo is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound input capabilityVSAvoidacoustic echo

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sound transmission path into separate channels: the cover panel is dedicated to sound output (speaker), while the microphone hole is provided in a different location (case body or side surface) for sound input. This spatial segmentation prevents the output sound from being directly captured by the microphone, thereby eliminating acoustic echo while maintaining both input and output functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent relocates the microphone hole from the front cover panel to another dimension or surface of the device (such as the side surface or rear case body). This dimensional relocation creates physical separation between the sound output path and sound input path, preventing acoustic echo while preserving microphone functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the piezoelectric vibration element is mounted on the cover panel to transmit sound, then the sound transmission efficiency is improved, but acoustic echo may be generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound transmission efficiencyVSAvoidacoustic echo

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains the piezoelectric vibration element on the cover panel for efficient sound output, but segments the microphone location to a different part of the device. This ensures that the high-efficiency sound transmission function is preserved while the acoustic echo problem is eliminated through spatial separation of input and output paths.

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 effectively prevents the generation of acoustic echoes by ensuring sound is transmitted to the user without being input back into the microphone.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric vibration element located on an inner main surface of the cover panel and a drive section that causes the piezoelectric vibration element to vibrate based on a sound signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9497536B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A cover panel is located on a front surface of an electronic device. A piezoelectric vibration element is provided on an inner main surface of the cover panel. A drive section causes the piezoelectric vibration element to vibrate based on a sound signal. The electronic device has a microphone hole located in a part other than the cover panel.