Integrated Sound Module Sealing for Waterproof Audio Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in implementing a waterproof structure for sound components while maintaining sound emission functionality, requiring complex manufacturing processes that increase production costs.

Innovation Solution

A sound component design that integrates a sound frame and center diaphragm using the same material, with a sealing portion connecting them, allowing for simultaneous vibration and waterproofing functions through a single manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate sealing member is added to prevent moisture entry through the sound hole, then waterproof performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing portion is integrated into the sound component itself, merging the sealing function with the sound emission function. The sound component includes a sealing portion that seals the sound hole while the sound component vibrates to emit sound, eliminating the need for separate sealing members and reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sound component is designed to perform multiple functions: it emits sound through vibration and simultaneously seals the sound hole to prevent moisture entry. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining both sound emission and waterproofing performance

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

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for sound emission and sealing, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound emission performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sound component and sealing portion are manufactured as a single integrated component through one molding process. The sound component includes a sealing portion that is formed simultaneously with the main body, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining sound emission and sealing functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If additional sealing members are installed, then waterproofing is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is built into the sound component itself, eliminating the need for additional sealing members. The integrated design reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining effective waterproofing through the sound hole

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the need for additional sealing members, and maintains both sound emission and waterproofing performance.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration module comprising a loop disposed on a rear surface of the center diaphragm and configured to apply vibration to the center diaphragm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a sound component (e.g., a speaker or a receiver) configured to autonomously generate a sound wave through vibration according to an applied signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave generation: Sound

Implementation Method 3

a seal configured to connect the center diaphragm and the sound frame along a circumference of the center diaphragm and seal a space between the housing and the sound frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12542993B2Electronic device including sound module
Publication Date: 2026.02.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12542993B2 patent drawing
  • US12542993B2 patent drawing
  • US12542993B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including a sound module. The electronic device comprises: a housing in which at least one sound hole is formed; and a sound component mounted on the housing adjacent to the sound hole and configured to emit sound in a first direction toward the outside of the housing through the sound hole. The sound component includes: a sound frame forming a front surface open in the first direction; a center diaphragm disposed in the front space such that the front surface thereof faces the first direction; a vibration module including a loop disposed on the rear surface of the center diaphragm and configured to apply vibrations to the center diaphragm; and a sealing part including a seal that connects the center diaphragm and the sound frame along the circumference of the center diaphragm and provides a seal between the housing and the sound frame through a portion connected to the sound frame, wherein the sound frame and the center diaphragm may include the same material.