Polyolefin Foam Support for Waterproof Sound Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Waterproof sound-transmitting membranes in electronic devices often introduce sound distortion, particularly due to the generation of high-order harmonics when sound passes through, which is a significant issue for maintaining high-quality sound reproduction in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof sound-transmitting member is designed with a support layer made of polyolefin-based resin foam, which has a loss modulus of 1.0×10^7 Pa or less and a loss factor of 1.0×10^-1 or more, joined to the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane to reduce sound distortion by absorbing high-order harmonics and stabilizing the sound transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is attached to the opening to prevent water entry, then waterproofing is improved, but sound transmission quality deteriorates due to distortion and high-order harmonics generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A support layer made of polyolefin-based resin foam is introduced as an intermediary between the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane and the external environment. This support layer absorbs high-order harmonics and vibration energy, preventing them from distorting the transmitted sound while allowing the membrane to maintain its waterproofing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the support layer: loss modulus of 1.0×10^7 Pa or less and loss factor of 1.0×10^-1 or more. By controlling these viscoelastic parameters, the support layer optimally balances sound absorption capabilities with structural support, reducing harmonic distortion without compromising waterproofing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is used, then waterproofing is achieved, but vibration noise and chattering noise increase due to membrane instability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidvibration noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support layer acts as a pre-positioned cushioning element behind the waterproof membrane. It absorbs vibration energy and dampens chattering noise before these vibrations can propagate outward, preventing the membrane from fluttering and generating harmful vibration noise during sound transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure combining the waterproof sound-transmitting membrane with a polyolefin-based resin foam support layer. This composite material system integrates the waterproofing properties of the membrane with the vibration-damping characteristics of the foam, simultaneously achieving waterproofing and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 use of a polyolefin-based resin foam support layer effectively reduces sound distortion by absorbing vibration energy and high-order harmonics, thereby improving sound quality and maintaining undistorted sound transmission in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

The support layer includes a polyolefin-based resin foam, and the support layer has a loss modulus of 1.0×10^7 Pa or less and a loss factor of 1.0×10^-1 or more

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the support layer has a loss modulus of 1.0×10^7 Pa or less and a loss factor of 1.0×10^-1 or more

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9693134B2Waterproof sound-transmitting member
Publication Date: 2017.06.27 NITTO DENKO CORP
  • US9693134B2 patent drawing
  • US9693134B2 patent drawing
  • US9693134B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A waterproof sound-transmitting member includes a waterproof sound-transmitting membrane and a support layer. The support layer includes a polyolefin-based resin foam. The support layer has a loss modulus of 1.0×107 Pa or less and a loss factor of 1.0×10−1 or more. The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane is, for example, a stretched porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. The waterproof sound-transmitting membrane may include an adhesive layer.