Slidable Microphone for Wind Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile phone microphones are ineffective in windy conditions due to fixed positions, leading to poor wind noise isolation, and prior solutions fail to provide adequate noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a movable microphone system, utilizing a transfer unit and actuator driven by sensor data to reposition the microphone based on wind noise detection, allowing it to minimize exposure to turbulent air flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the microphone position is fixed at the bottom of the device, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but wind noise interference increases significantly in windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable microphone that can dynamically change its position between a first position (exposed to external environment) and a second position (retracted into housing). The actuator system enables the microphone to move between these positions based on operational conditions, transforming the static microphone structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to windy environments by retracting into the housing when wind noise is detected
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the microphone is repositioned dynamically to avoid wind noise, then wind noise isolation improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microphone system into separable components: the microphone element mounted on a movable component, the actuator mechanism, and the housing with defined positions. This segmentation allows the movable microphone assembly to be implemented as a modular unit that can be integrated into existing device architectures, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The movable microphone system serves multiple functions: it acts as a standard fixed microphone when retracted, and as a wind-noise-resistant microphone when extended. The same mechanical structure enables both recording modes, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate microphone systems for different conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the microphone is moved between positions using an actuator, then adaptability to wind conditions improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic sensing and actuation cycles where the sensor periodically detects wind conditions and triggers microphone position changes only when necessary. This periodic operation mode allows the system to remain in low-power states during calm conditions while maintaining adaptability when wind conditions change
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides feedback about wind conditions to the control system, which then actuates the microphone position accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the microphone moves only when wind noise threshold is exceeded, optimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary actuation during calm periods
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
AI summary
The present invention provides a portable device (101), in particularly a mobile phone or smart watch. The portable device (101) preferably comprises at least a main body, wherein the main body (105) comprises a screen for outputting visual information, an acoustic output means for outputting acoustic information, in particularly a speaker, a processor unit (207) for operating the portable device, a communication means for transmitting data and/or signals, in particularly wirelessly, to another device, in particularly a further portable device or a server device, an electric energy source for powering the portable device and a sensor means (104) for detecting at least one effect subjected onto the portable device (101), and a microphone unit for receiving acoustic waves, wherein the microphone unit comprises a microphone, a transfer unit (103) for positioning the microphone between two end-positions and an actuator for moving the microphone between the end-positions, wherein the processor unit (207) operates the actuator in dependency of data or signals provided by the sensor means.