Retractable Microphone Assembly with Centring Element and Spring Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable microphone assemblies embeddable in desks face issues such as complexity, wear and tear due to microphone folding, and unnecessary components like separate opening mechanisms and light indicators, which increase complexity and reduce reliability.
Innovation Solution
A retractable microphone assembly with a centring element driven by a return spring, pulleys, and a belt system for actuation and guidance, featuring a translucent casing with integrated LEDs for status indication, and a design that protects the microphone and frame by ensuring the centring element projects outward during descent, simplifying the assembly and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate opening mechanism is provided to open the cover before the microphone pushes it, then the cover can be opened reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover opening function with the microphone's own pushing action. The microphone assembly includes a cover and a microphone element that directly pushes the cover open when extended, eliminating the need for a separate opening mechanism. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable cover opening through the microphone's inherent linear motion.
2Loss of information
If separate light indicating components are added to show speaking turn, then status indication is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light indicating function directly into the microphone assembly structure. LED lights are embedded within the microphone housing or cover, allowing status indication (such as speaking turn detection) to be displayed without requiring separate external light components. This integration maintains clear status communication while minimizing additional complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the microphone remains folded during retraction, then the retractable function is achieved, but the microphone and frame experience wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a protective cover that actively protects the microphone element during the retraction and extended positions. The cover is designed to slide over the microphone when it is not in use, preventing the folded microphone from striking or scratching the frame. This preliminary protective action occurs automatically as part of the retractable mechanism's operation, ensuring durability without compromising the retractable function.
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 provides a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and simplified retractable microphone assembly that reduces wear and complexity by using a centring element with a return spring and pulley system, ensuring the microphone and frame are protected during operation, while integrating lighting for status indication without additional components.
Implementation Method 1
the assembly comprises a return spring for returning the centring element to its position wherein its upper portion projects from the frame
Implementation Method 2
the actuation and guiding means of the movable support structure comprise pulleys and a belt
Implementation Method 3
the casing of the upper portion of the centring element is made of translucent material, wherein the light sources, preferably LEDs, are disposed in the interior thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a retractable microphone assembly embeddable in desks, comprising a housing (I), a frame (2) provided with an opening (3) and a cover (4) for the opening, a microphone (M), a mobile structure (E) for supporting the microphone (M), for moving the microphone (M) between a lower hidden position and an upper position of use, means for actuating and guiding the mobile support structure (E), comprising a centring element (5) for the microphone (M) which can be moved between a position wherein the upper portion (5A) thereof is hidden below the frame (2) and a position wherein it projects from the frame (2) through the opening (3), said centring element (5) being provided with lighting means, such that the functions of centring the microphone (M), applying pressure to the cover (4) and visual indication of the operational status of the microphone (M) can be carried out.