Pivotable Loudspeaker Cover for Mobile Device Acoustic Resonance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have compact designs that result in poor sound quality, especially in the low-frequency range, due to small loudspeakers, and lack protection and adjustability for optimal viewing angles.

Innovation Solution

A speaker system with a protective shell that includes pivotable plate-shaped components forming a sound channel to enhance sound quality and provide protection, allowing the device to be positioned at desired angles for improved sound and display orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the mobile device is made compact and lightweight, then portability is improved, but sound quality deteriorates due to small speakers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shell is divided into a base portion and a cover portion that can be separated. The cover portion includes plate-shaped components that can be pivoted to different positions, allowing the system to transform from a compact protective case to an expanded sound resonance structure when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms a two-dimensional protective case into a three-dimensional sound resonance structure by pivoting plate-shaped components from a flat configuration to an upright configuration, creating volume for sound resonance without adding weight to the device itself.

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

2Reliability

If a sound chamber is added to improve sound quality, then bass response is improved, but device bulkiness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective shell serves dual functions: as a protective case when the plate-shaped components are in the first position, and as a sound resonance chamber when pivoted to the second position. This eliminates the need for a separate sound chamber accessory.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The plate-shaped components are designed to be pivotable between different positions, transforming the static protective shell into a dynamic structure that can change its configuration from compact to expanded volume, providing sound resonance only when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the screen is exposed on an external surface for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against damage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen accessibilityVSAvoidscreen protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover portion with plate-shaped components can be dynamically positioned to either protect the screen when closed or allow access when opened, providing flexible protection without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If the device casing is made rigid for structural stability, then strength is improved, but adjustability for viewing angles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasing strengthVSAvoidviewing angle adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The casing is segmented into rigid base portions for structural strength and movable plate-shaped components for adjustability, combining the benefits of both rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plate-shaped components are designed to be pivotable, allowing the user to adjust the viewing angle while the base portion maintains structural integrity, providing both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system significantly improves sound quality by creating a resonance volume and provides protection and adjustability for mobile devices, maintaining a compact and lightweight design.

Implementation Method 1

a sound channel from the loudspeaker opening to the rear wall of the enclosure... The sound channel thus forms a connection from the loudspeaker opening to the back of the enclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

creating a resonance volume to enhance sound quality

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3494831B1Loudspeaker cover for a mobile device and speaker system comprising a such loudspeaker cover
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 ENGLERT KLAUS
  • EP3494831B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3494831B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3494831B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a loudspeaker housing for a mobile device (2) with a loudspeaker (3). The loudspeaker housing comprises a protective shell (4) into which the mobile device (2) can be inserted, the protective shell (4) having a rear wall (5) and at least one side wall (6) with a loudspeaker opening (7), and a plate-shaped component (8) which is pivotably attached to the protective shell (4) about a first pivot axis (9). Furthermore, the loudspeaker housing (1) comprises at least a second plate-shaped component (10) which is pivotably attached to the first plate-shaped component (8) about a second pivot axis (11), wherein the pivot axes (9, 11) are preferably perpendicular to each other, and wherein the protective shell (4) has a sound channel (12) from the loudspeaker opening (7) to the rear wall (5) of the protective shell (4).