Semi-Rigid Polymer Light Pipe for Acoustic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern portable electronic devices face challenges in optimally locating user interface components such as displays, loudspeakers, and microphones due to increased functionality, leading to sub-optimal performance and acoustic interference issues.
Innovation Solution
An illuminative output device featuring a semi-rigid polymer light pipe that provides vibration isolation and serves as a stand, redirecting light from light emitting devices and preventing slippage, while enhancing acoustic performance by isolating the device from supporting surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user interface components are densely packed to increase functionality, then device versatility improves, but acoustic interference and performance optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light pipe from the device body and extends it beyond the rear surface to function as both a notification element and a vibration isolation mechanism. This separation allows the main device body to be compact while the extended light pipe provides acoustic isolation for the loudspeaker without interfering with the densely packed internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended light pipe acts as an intermediary element between the device body and the supporting surface. It serves multiple functions: delivering light notifications, isolating vibrations from the loudspeaker, and preventing direct contact between the device and surface, thereby reducing acoustic interference while maintaining compact internal packaging.
2Volume of moving object
If device components are tightly arranged to reduce size, then device compactness improves, but acoustic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the light pipe in the direction perpendicular to the rear surface of the device body. This dimensional extension allows the light pipe to protrude beyond the device boundaries, providing vibration isolation and acoustic performance benefits without increasing the footprint or volume of the main device body, thus maintaining compactness while improving acoustic reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If light pipe is integrated into device body, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but vibration isolation and acoustic performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light pipe into two functional portions: an integrated portion within the device body that can be manufactured as part of the housing structure, and an extended portion that protrudes beyond the rear surface to provide vibration isolation. This segmentation allows the light pipe to serve dual purposes while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular integration.
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 solution effectively delivers device status indications via light, provides optimal acoustic performance by isolating microphones and loudspeakers, and prevents device slippage, offering a compact and cost-effective solution for improved user interface component placement.
Implementation Method 1
The semi-rigid polymer light pipe directs light received from the one or more light emitting devices outside of the housing
Implementation Method 2
provides vibration isolation and serves as a stand, redirecting light from light emitting devices and preventing slippage, while enhancing acoustic performance by isolating the device from supporting surfaces
Implementation Method 3
The continuous band frictionally resists movement of the housing along a surface when the continuous band is in contact with the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing. A semi-rigid polymer light pipe ring is positioned along the housing. A portion of the semi-rigid polymer light pipe ring extends outwardly beyond a convex major surface of the housing. A substantially planar housing member is coupled to and seals an interior of the semi-rigid polymer light pipe ring.