Rotating Speaker Hinge Assembly for Dynamic Sound Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices with hinge assemblies lack efficient integration of speakers, leading to space constraints and suboptimal sound distribution, as speakers are often fixed or not oriented effectively for user listening.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly that includes rotatable speaker openings, allowing the speakers to adjust their orientation with the device from a 0-degree closed position to a 360-degree tablet orientation, ensuring sound is directed towards the user while freeing up space within the device housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If speakers are fixed in the housing, then the device structure is simple, but sound distribution is suboptimal and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker opening is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation based on the device configuration (laptop mode, tablet mode, etc.). This dynamic adjustment optimizes sound distribution toward the user while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is given multiple functions: it provides the structural connection between housings, enables device configuration changes, and simultaneously rotates the speaker opening to optimize audio output. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating speaker orientation control into the existing hinge mechanism without adding separate complex systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If speakers are integrated into the housing, then space is utilized, but the speaker orientation cannot be adjusted for different device positions
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform both its traditional structural function and the additional function of rotating the speaker opening. By integrating these functions into a single mechanism, the patent achieves adaptable speaker orientation without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker opening rotation mechanism is merged with the hinge assembly structure. This combination allows the speaker orientation to be adjusted along with the device configuration changes, eliminating the need for separate speaker mounting mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the speaker opening rotates with the hinge assembly, then sound is directed towards the user, but the hinge assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker opening rotation is merged with the hinge assembly's existing rotational capability. By utilizing the hinge's natural movement to drive the speaker opening rotation, the patent avoids the need for separate actuation mechanisms, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the added functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a first housing that includes a processor and memory accessible by the processor; a second housing; a speaker accessible by the processor; and a hinge assembly that rotatably couples the first housing and the second housing where the first housing and the second housing include a 0 degree angle of rotation, closed orientation and a 360 degree angle of rotation, tablet orientation and where the hinge assembly includes an opening for the speaker that rotates responsive to rotation of the first housing and the second housing via the hinge assembly.