Satellite Microphone Mute Button with Perimeter LED and Tactile Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite microphones used in conjunction with conference phone devices often have small mute buttons and LEDs that are difficult to locate and notice, especially from varying angles, which can lead to interference with voice capturing and reduced sound quality.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an elongated light indicator that surrounds the perimeter of the microphone, providing a visible glow from a wide range of angles, and a movable module with a tactile switch that generates tactile and audible feedback when pressed, ensuring easy operation without obstructing the microphone elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the mute button and LED are made small to reduce interference with voice capturing, then the microphone elements have less obstruction, but the mute button becomes difficult to locate and press, and the LED becomes hard to notice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the LED from a point-source indicator to a linear light-conducting element that extends along the perimeter of the movable module. This dimensional change allows the light to be visible from multiple angles while keeping the physical footprint small, resolving the contradiction between minimizing obstruction and maximizing visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light conducting element as an intermediary between the light source and the external environment. This mediator distributes and directs light along the perimeter of the module, making the LED visible from various angles without requiring a larger physical size, thus resolving the contradiction between small size and visibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mute button is made small to reduce interference with voice capturing, then less space is occupied, but dexterity is required to locate and press it accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile feedback mechanism utilizes the third dimension (vertical displacement) to provide audible and tactile signals. The movable module physically moves when pressed, creating click sounds and tactile feedback that are detectable without requiring the button to be large, thus resolving the contradiction between small size and detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements tactile and audible feedback mechanisms that provide immediate confirmation when the mute button is pressed. This feedback system allows users to accurately locate and operate the small button without requiring excessive dexterity, resolving the contradiction between compact size and ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the LED is made small and geometrically confined to reduce interference with voice capturing, then the device structure is more compact, but nearby conference participants may fail to notice the glowing LED depending on angles and locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the LED functionality along the perimeter of the movable module, creating a linear light-conducting element. This dimensional extension allows light to be emitted and conducted along the edge, making it visible from multiple angles and positions without increasing the overall device footprint, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and multi-angle visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The light conducting element serves as an intermediary that distributes light from the LED source along the perimeter of the module. This mediator ensures that light is visible from various angles and positions around the device, resolving the contradiction between small size and visibility from multiple viewpoints.
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
This design enhances the visibility and usability of the mute function, reducing interference and maintaining optimal sound quality by ensuring the mute button and LED are easily accessible and noticeable, even from different angles, thus improving user interaction with satellite microphones.
Implementation Method 1
A satellite microphone may include a mute button and a light emitting diode (LED) on its outer surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An apparatus may include: a stationary module; a movable module having an outer surface and a substrate; a tactile switch secured on a first side of the substrate; a light indicator secured on a second side of the substrate, the first side and the second side being opposing sides of the substrate, etc. The movable module is configured to generate a spatial displacement relative to the stationary module along a spatial direction in response to a physical force exerted on the outer surface along the spatial direction.