Electronic Device Sound Hole Segmentation for Dust Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with a single large sound hole are prone to dust and particle ingress, which affects component performance and appearance, and result in suboptimal sound quality due to blockages.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device features a sound hole composed of multiple tiny holes, each with a diameter less than 0.1 millimeter, arranged in a matrix or other patterns, preventing particle entry and enhancing aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single large sound hole is used, then sound transmission is improved, but dust and particles can easily enter and block the hole

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddust and particle ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single large sound hole is divided into multiple tiny holes (each less than 0.1mm in diameter) arranged in an array. This segmentation prevents dust and particles from blocking the sound path while maintaining adequate sound transmission, as particles cannot easily obstruct multiple small openings simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a single large sound hole is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the appearance becomes boring and unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound hole fabricationVSAvoidappearance aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sound hole is segmented into multiple tiny holes arranged in specific patterns (such as circular, linear, or grid arrangements). This creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance while the manufacturing process uses standardized arrays that can be efficiently produced using precision drilling or laser techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sound hole array can have different characteristics (such as varying hole densities or patterns in different zones) to optimize both appearance and acoustic performance, allowing aesthetic differentiation without complicating overall manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a single large sound hole is used, then sound output is maximized, but the device is vulnerable to particle blockage affecting sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound quality consistencyVSAvoidsound hole structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sound hole structure is segmented into multiple tiny holes that work collectively to maintain sound quality. The redundancy of multiple holes ensures that if some are partially blocked, others continue to transmit sound effectively, maintaining consistent audio output without requiring complex active cleaning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration effectively prevents dust and particles from entering, ensuring reliable performance and high-quality sound while enhancing the device's appearance.

Implementation Method 1

When the receiver 4 is activated by acoustic signals from an external circuit to generating sounds, the sound waves are transmitted outside of the electronic device via the sound hole 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave transmission: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9176541B2Electronic device
Publication Date: 2015.11.03 AAC TECHNOLOGIES PTE LTD
  • US9176541B2 patent drawing
  • US9176541B2 patent drawing
  • US9176541B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device includes a shell, a display panel coupled with the shell for forming an accommodating space, a receiver positioned in the accommodating space and a sound hole formed on the display panel. The sound hole is composed of a number of tiny holes, each of the tiny holes has a diameter less than 0.1 millimeter. The electronic device has a high working reliabilities and a good communication sound effect.