Handheld Scanner Acoustic Membrane for Sealed Loud Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data capture devices face challenges in achieving sufficiently loud audio indications while maintaining device sealing and cleanability, as existing designs require open ports that compromise sealing and are difficult to position without obstructing the user's hand or exposing to liquids.
Innovation Solution
A handheld data capture device with a housing that includes a water impermeable membrane covering a hole, forming a cavity with an audio device to resonate at different frequencies, ensuring sealing and cleanability by eliminating open ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an open port is used between the air volume and external environment to produce audio indications, then high sound pressure level is achieved, but sealing and cleanability of the device are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible acoustic membrane (such as ePTFE or other porous materials) to seal the port opening while allowing acoustic waves to pass through. This membrane acts as a flexible barrier that maintains the seal integrity for IP67 rating while permitting audio frequencies to transmit, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving high sound pressure levels and maintaining device sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous materials (ePTFE membranes or similar porous structures) for the acoustic seal that allow acoustic waves to pass through while blocking liquids and contaminants. The porous structure enables acoustic transmission for high sound pressure levels while the material properties maintain water and dust sealing, thus resolving the contradiction between audio performance and sealing reliability.
2Power
If an open port is positioned to allow audio output, then audio indications are produced, but the port is susceptible to liquids or blocked by user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible acoustic membrane seals the port opening, preventing liquid ingress and hand blocking while allowing acoustic transmission. The membrane remains acoustically transparent to the frequencies needed for audio indications, thus eliminating the harmful effects of liquid exposure and hand obstruction while maintaining audio output functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic membrane serves as an intermediary element between the internal air volume and the external environment. It mediates the transmission of acoustic energy while blocking harmful factors such as liquids and physical obstructions from reaching the internal components, thereby resolving the contradiction between audio output and protection from harmful factors.
3Reliability
If ePTFE acoustic membrane is incorporated to cover the port and improve sealing, then sealing is improved, but the device becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explores alternative materials and design parameters to achieve the same sealing functionality at lower cost. This may include using different porous materials, adjusting membrane thickness, or modifying the port geometry to work with more cost-effective sealing solutions while maintaining IP67 rating and acoustic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent considers alternative sealing approaches that use more economical materials or simpler sealing mechanisms that can achieve the required IP67 rating without the high cost of ePTFE membranes. This may involve using standard rubber gaskets, foam seals, or other cost-effective sealing technologies that provide adequate protection and acoustic transmission.
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 device produces high sound pressure levels without open ports, maintaining sealing and cleanability, achieving sound levels of at least 65 decibels at 2 feet from the membrane.
Implementation Method 1
the audio device is configured to resonate at a first frequency and cause the water impermeable membrane to resonate at a second frequency, different that the first frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An example handheld data capture device may include a housing including a head portion and a handle portion extending from the head portion, the head portion having an external wall with a hole formed therethrough. A data capture module is positioned within the housing and an audio device is positioned within and mounted to the housing. A water impermeable membrane is secured to an external surface of the external wall of the housing and covers the hole. A cavity is located between the audio device and the water impermeable membrane. The audio device is configured to resonate at a first frequency and cause the water impermeable membrane to resonate at a second frequency, different that the first frequency.