Multi-pin Audio Plug with Retractable Nub for Noise Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In noisy environments, traditional single microphone noise reduction techniques fail to effectively suppress nonstationary background noise, degrading voice communication quality and accuracy in mobile device communications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pin plug with a retractable nub that can connect to multiple receptacles, providing additional electrical connections for enhanced noise cancellation, including multiple microphones, which can retract when used with legacy devices to maintain compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retractable nub with additional pins is added to the plug, then noise cancellation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nub is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically extend when additional connections are needed and retract when compatibility is the priority. This dynamic configuration enables the plug to adapt its complexity based on the receptacle type encountered.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is segmented into a main body and a separate retractable nub component. This segmentation allows the additional functionality to be isolated in a distinct module that can be independently controlled, manufactured, and maintained without affecting the core plug structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plug is designed to work with multiple receptacle types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug combines universal compatibility features in the main body with optional extended functionality in the retractable nub. The main plug ensures basic compatibility across devices, while the retractable nub provides additional connection pins for enhanced functionality when supported by the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable nub enables the plug to dynamically adapt its configuration based on the receptacle type detected, extending to provide additional pins for advanced receptacles and retracting for compatibility with standard receptacles, thereby achieving multi-functionality without permanent complexity.
3Reliability
If additional microphones are used for advanced noise cancellation, then noise reduction performance is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses additional microphones and processing power only when needed - specifically when an advanced receptacle is detected and the retractable nub is extended. For standard receptacles, the system reverts to basic single-microphone operation, thereby reducing energy consumption during normal use while maintaining enhanced capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise cancellation system dynamically adjusts its resource usage based on the detected receptacle type and nub extension state, activating additional microphones and processing only when the physical configuration indicates that enhanced noise cancellation is available and needed.
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
Improves signal-to-noise ratio and voice quality by actively canceling background noise, allowing for reliable communication in noisy environments while maintaining compatibility with standard devices.
Implementation Method 1
The retractable nub is configured to move with respect to the plug portion when the plug portion is engaged into the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
one or more electrical connections on the elongated stem
Data Source
AI summary
Flexible connectors that can be mated into specially designed electronic receptacles are described. In some embodiments, additional connections on the connector can make contact with the receptacle. However, the additional connections are also provided in a manner wherein if the connector is plugged into a legacy, conventional receptacle, the additional connectors become disengaged and slide away from, back from, or inside the jack so that the connector can still be used on legacy devices.