Portable Device Sound Guide Chamber via Keyboard Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices with exposed speaker holes face issues of sound divergence and reduced volume due to space constraints and interference from keyboard modules, leading to compromised sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A portable device design featuring a sound guide chamber in the keyboard module with a sound input opening and a gap between keys, allowing sound transmission without exposed speaker holes, enabling reduced device size and enhanced sound quality by aligning sound output and input openings and using a rib structure to concentrate sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If speaker holes are exposed on the casing surface, then sound transmission is enabled, but sound diverges and volume is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a keyboard casing as an intermediary structure between the speaker and the external environment. This casing includes a sound guide chamber that channels sound waves through a defined path, preventing sound divergence while maintaining transmission efficiency. The keyboard casing acts as a mediator that solves the contradiction between enabling sound transmission and maintaining sound volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional exposed speaker holes on the casing surface to a three-dimensional sound guide chamber structure within the keyboard casing. By utilizing the vertical space and internal volume of the keyboard casing, the design creates a volumetric sound transmission path rather than relying on surface-level openings, thereby concentrating sound energy and preventing divergence.
2Ease of operation
If speaker holes are exposed on the casing, then sound transmission is enabled, but device size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard casing serves multiple functions: it houses the keyboard keys, provides structural support, and acts as a sound guide chamber for audio transmission. By integrating the sound transmission function into the existing keyboard casing structure, the design eliminates the need for separate speaker openings on the device exterior, thereby enabling compact device sizing without compromising sound transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound guide chamber is nested within the keyboard casing, utilizing the internal space of the existing structure. This nested arrangement allows the sound transmission system to be embedded within the device's overall form factor, eliminating the need for additional external space and enabling device size reduction while maintaining functional integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If keyboard module is present, then device functionality is enhanced, but it blocks sound transmission from speaker holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the keyboard module and speaker system into a unified structure where the keyboard casing double as the sound guide chamber. The keyboard keys and sound transmission path are integrated within the same structural envelope, allowing the keyboard module to enhance device functionality while simultaneously serving as the sound transmission medium, thereby eliminating the blocking effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard casing acts as an intermediary structure that reconciles the presence of the keyboard module with effective sound transmission. Rather than allowing the keyboard to block sound, the design uses the keyboard casing itself as a sound guide, transforming the potential obstacle into a functional component that facilitates audio output while maintaining full keyboard functionality.
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 design increases sound volume and reduces device size by effectively guiding sound through the keyboard module, achieving a 8 dB difference in decibel levels between standing and lying states.
Implementation Method 1
at least one speaker and at least one sound output opening. The speaker is accommodated in the display casing and outputs sounds in response to receiving audio signals
Implementation Method 2
The keyboard casing includes a sound guide chamber therein and at least one sound input opening for receiving the sounds from the sound output opening
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device includes a display module and a keyboard module. The display module includes a display casing, at least one speaker and at least one sound output opening. The speaker is accommodated in the display casing for outputting sounds. The sound output opening is used for transmitting the sounds from the speaker. The keyboard module includes a keyboard casing and a plurality of keys. The keyboard casing includes a sound guide chamber therein and at least one sound input opening for receiving the sounds from the sound output opening. The sound input opening is spatially communicated with the sound guide chamber. The keys are disposed on the keyboard casing. Two adjacent keys define a gap therebetween, and this gap is spatially communicated with the sound guide chamber.