Shape Memory Alloy Lens and Speaker Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional lens and speaker modules in electronic devices are limited in their ability to rotate, shift, or adjust focal distances and sound output orientation without requiring the entire device to be turned, restricting their usability.

Innovation Solution

The integration of shape memory alloys connecting key components of the lens and speaker modules allows for adjustable relative positions by changing the size of the alloys, enabling focal adjustments and sound direction changes without rotating the entire device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional lens modules are mounted in electronic devices, then the device can take pictures and perform video communication, but the lens cannot rotate or shift left or right or adjust focal distances without the whole device being turned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelens adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lens module incorporates a shape memory alloy that enables dynamic adjustment of the lens stand's position and orientation. The alloy transforms between martensite and austenite phases in response to temperature changes, allowing the lens to rotate and shift independently without moving the entire device, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes temperature as a control parameter to change the phase state of the shape memory alloy. By adjusting the temperature, the alloy's physical properties change, enabling the lens module to achieve different positions and orientations. This parameter change approach allows focal distance adjustment and directional shifting while maintaining device stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional speaker modules are mounted in electronic devices, then the device can play music and display videos, but the speaker cannot adjust the output orientation of sounds without the whole electronic device being turned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound output orientation adjustmentVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker module integrates a shape memory alloy that enables dynamic reorientation of the speaker unit. When temperature changes cause the alloy to transform phases, the speaker unit rotates to different orientations automatically, providing adaptable sound output directions without increasing structural complexity, as the alloy's inherent shape memory property provides the mechanical actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory alloy performs the orientation adjustment function autonomously based on temperature changes, without requiring external actuators or complex control mechanisms. The alloy's phase transformation naturally drives the speaker unit to the desired orientation, making the system self-adjusting and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If shape memory alloys are used to connect lens stand and base, then relative positions can be adjusted by changing the size of the alloy, but the device requires temperature control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefocal distance adjustmentVSAvoidtemperature control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs temperature as a simple controllable parameter to adjust the focal distance. By changing the temperature of the shape memory alloy, the lens stand's position relative to the base changes accordingly. This approach avoids complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, using thermal energy to achieve precise positional control through the alloy's phase transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the convenience and flexibility of using lens and speaker modules by allowing for independent adjustments of focal distances and sound output orientations, improving their functionality within electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a first shape memory alloy (130A) connects the lens stand (110A) and the base (120A)... the first shape memory alloy (130A) is spring-like or cylindrical... By changing the size of the shape memory alloy, the relative positions of the lens stand and the base can be changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The shape memory alloy has 'martensite phase change,' and the alloy transforms from the 'martensite structure' to the 'austenite structure' and restores to the original shape when heated to the phase change temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS9131137B2Lens module and speaker module
Publication Date: 2015.09.08 WISTRON CORP
  • US9131137B2 patent drawing
  • US9131137B2 patent drawing
  • US9131137B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lens module and a speaker module are provided. The lens module includes a lens stand, a base and a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy connects the lens stand and the base. The speaker module includes a speaker unit, a box and a shape memory alloy. The box has a rear wall and an opening. The shape memory alloy connects the speaker unit and the rear wall.