Shape-Adaptable Audio Port Surface for Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio ports in electronic devices face challenges in achieving optimal sound quality due to gaps formed between non-flat ear shapes and device surfaces, either due to insufficient deformation of deformable materials or complete sealing that blocks sound transmission.
Innovation Solution
A shape-adaptable surface for audio ports integrated with sensors and a processor that adjusts the surface to form a channel between the audio port and the ear, using electroactive polymers or shape memory alloys to conform to the ear shape, ensuring effective sound coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a deformable material is used for the speaker portion, then the surface can conform to the ear shape, but the material may not deform enough to create sufficient audio coupling, resulting in gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable surface portions that can change their deformation state in response to detected gap conditions. Sensors detect gaps between the device and ear, and the processor activates specific surface portions to deform and fill those gaps, creating dynamic adaptation rather than static deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters of the surface portions by controlling their deformation through actuation mechanisms. The surface portions can transition between deformed and non-deformed states, allowing precise control over the degree of conformity to fill gaps without complete sealing
2Reliability
If the deformable surface is made to deform completely to seal with the ear, then no gaps exist, but sound cannot travel well from the audio port to the user's ear because the seal blocks or muffles the sound
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different deformation states to different local regions of the surface. Surface portions surrounding the audio port deform to seal and prevent sound leakage, while the central area maintains a controlled gap or channel to allow sound transmission. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sealing and sound transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The surface is divided into multiple independent controllable portions, allowing selective deformation of specific regions. This segmentation enables the system to create seals in certain areas while maintaining sound pathways in other areas, preventing the complete sealing that would block sound transmission
3Device complexity
If a substantially flat surface is used for the audio port, then the device structure is simple, but gaps form between the surface and the user's ear, causing sound dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static flat surface into a dynamic adaptive surface that can change its shape as needed. The surface portions can deform on demand to conform to the ear shape and fill gaps, providing the benefits of complexity only when required, while maintaining simplicity during normal use
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 solution enhances sound quality by reducing gaps and preventing muffled sounds, allowing for improved sound delivery and transmission without obstructing sound waves.
Implementation Method 1
using electroactive polymers or shape memory alloys to conform to the ear shape
Implementation Method 2
using electroactive polymers or shape memory alloys to conform to the ear shape
Implementation Method 3
the speaker portion deforms to cushion the object and to equalize pressure between the speaker portion and the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing a shape-adaptable surface for an audio port of a device includes an audio port, a shape-adaptable surface having a plurality of portions, a plurality of sensors coupled to the shape-adaptable surface, wherein the plurality of sensors are operative to sense a plurality of distances between the object and the shape-adaptable surface, and a processor operatively coupled to the shape-adaptable surface and the plurality of sensors, said processor configured to control some of the plurality of portions of the shape-adaptable surface to adjust the plurality of distances and to provide a channel between a sound receiver of the object and the audio port. An improved audio coupling is formed by adjusting the distances between the shape-adaptable surface and the object, thereby transmitting sounds directly from the audio port of the device to a sound receiver of the object.