Removable Microphone Assembly with Magnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices often have permanently attached microphones that can be of low quality compared to high-quality speakers, making it expensive to purchase headphones with both high-quality audio components, and users face difficulties in using the microphone independently due to its permanent attachment.

Innovation Solution

A microphone assembly that is removably attachable to a surface using a coupling assembly with magnets and adjustable coupling members, allowing for flexible positioning and easy attachment/detachment, enabling the microphone to be used with various devices and surfaces, including retrofitting audio headsets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a microphone is permanently attached to headphones, then the assembly is structurally simple and reliable, but the microphone quality cannot be independently optimized and the user cannot use the microphone independently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent microphone usageVSAvoidmicrophone assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microphone assembly is divided into separate components: a microphone unit with coupling assembly and a support structure. This segmentation allows the microphone to be independently attached to various surfaces including headphones, enabling independent usage while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly is designed with universal attachment capability to work with multiple surfaces and devices. The magnet and engagement mechanism can attach to different materials and configurations, making the microphone assembly versatile for various applications beyond just headphones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If high-quality speakers and high-quality microphone are integrated in headphones, then audio performance is improved, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio input qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The microphone is extracted from the integrated headphone assembly and made into a separate, independently attachable unit. This allows users to pair high-quality microphones with existing headphones without requiring expensive integrated designs, separating the audio input quality requirement from the headphone manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly uses cost-effective materials and mechanisms (magnet, simple engagement structures) that provide reliable attachment without requiring expensive manufacturing processes. This enables high-quality audio components to be assembled affordably through modular rather than integrated construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If a removable coupling mechanism is used to attach microphone to surface, then the user can easily attach and detach and reposition the microphone, but the coupling assembly structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachment easeVSAvoidcoupling assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic attachment mechanism. The magnet provides automatic attraction and secure holding without requiring screws, clips, or other complex mechanical components, achieving easy attachment and detachment with minimal structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling assembly provides self-aligning and self-holding functionality. When brought near the surface, the magnet automatically attracts and secures the microphone in place without requiring precise manual alignment or additional fastening actions, simplifying the attachment operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 microphone assembly provides a convenient, adjustable, and cost-effective solution for using high-quality microphones independently of headphones, allowing users to attach and detach the microphone easily and position it optimally for improved audio input.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling assembly includes at least one magnet that magnetically and removably attaches the microphone support to the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8611579B2Microphone assembly for removable attachment to surface

Publication Date: 2013.12.17 GTDEVICE LLC

AI summary

A microphone assembly is operable to be removably attached to a surface. The microphone assembly includes a microphone and a microphone support that operably supports the microphone. The microphone assembly further includes a coupling assembly that is operable to removably connect the microphone support to the surface. The coupling assembly includes at least one magnet that magnetically and removably attaches the microphone support to the surface.