Sound Module Duct Structure for Full-Screen Audio Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of sound modules in electronic devices, such as smartphones, often compromises display screen size due to the need for larger sound input/output holes, which reduces multimedia quality and requires a stable coupling structure for improved sound quality and assembly.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a duct structure that provides multiple sound paths within the device, maintaining display screen size while enhancing sound quality and incorporating a stable coupling structure for dustproof and waterproof performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sound input/output hole size is expanded to improve sound quality, then the sound module performance is improved, but the display screen size is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoiddisplay screen size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sound module is divided into separate functional components: the speaker unit, the acoustic hole, and the duct structure. This segmentation allows the acoustic hole to be positioned away from the display area while maintaining sound quality through the duct's sound transmission function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The duct structure serves as an intermediary element that transmits sound from the speaker unit to the acoustic hole. This mediator allows sound quality to be improved without requiring the acoustic hole to be directly adjacent to the speaker, thus preserving display screen size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the sound module is positioned closer to the acoustic hole to improve sound quality, then the sound output is enhanced, but the coupling stability and assembly ease are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sound module assembly is segmented into the speaker unit and the mounting structure with distinct functional zones. The speaker unit can be positioned optimally for sound quality while the mounting structure provides stable coupling, separating the sound optimization function from the mechanical coupling function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is designed to perform multiple functions: providing stable coupling between components, facilitating easy assembly through standardized interfaces, and enabling optimal positioning of the speaker unit for sound quality. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between sound quality and assembly ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the coupling structure is made more stable to improve assembly reliability, then the dustproof and waterproof performance is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: mechanical attachment, sealing for dust and water protection, and positioning alignment. This merging provides stable assembly and protection without proportionally increasing complexity, as one structure accomplishes multiple goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is designed as a multi-functional universal component that provides stable coupling, dustproof and waterproof sealing, and easy assembly capabilities simultaneously. This multi-functionality achieves high reliability without linearly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4369143B1Electronic device comprising sound module
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4369143B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4369143B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4369143B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments may comprise: a sound module; a support member comprising an accommodating space for accommodating the sound module; a display module disposed on the support member; and a duct structure for delivering sound generated by the sound module to the outside, wherein the duct structure comprises: an introduction space, at least a part of which is formed to be surrounded by the support member, which is disposed between the sound module and the display module, and to which the sound generated by the sound module is introduced; a first conduit branched in a first direction from the introduction space and formed to extend through at least a part of the support member; a second conduit disposed in parallel with the first conduit, branched in a second direction from the introduction space, and formed along a portion between the display module and the support member; and an output space connected to the first conduit and the second conduit and disposed adjacent to an exit of the sound, wherein the lengths of the first conduit and the second conduit correspond to each other.