Transparent Polycarbonate Far-Field Sound Support Frame Lens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing far-field speech systems in electrical devices, such as televisions, face challenges in integrating the far-field speech board without compromising aesthetics, as current installations either occupy unnecessary space or conflict with infrared lenses.

Innovation Solution

A far-field speech support with a lens function is introduced, made of transparent polycarbonate material, which acts as a lens to reflect infrared signals to the infrared receiving head, reducing the number of lenses and providing space for the far-field speech board installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the far-field speech board is installed externally on the television, then the speech recognition function is achieved, but the aesthetics of the television is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeech recognition functionVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the far-field speech board with the front frame structure, integrating the speech recognition function into the existing television design. The speech board is positioned on the front frame rather than being externally mounted, combining multiple functions (speech recognition, structural support, and aesthetic design) into a unified component that maintains television aesthetics while providing the required speech recognition capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Shape

If the far-field speech board is installed in the front frame, then the aesthetics is improved, but the volume of the front frame must be increased to avoid affecting the infrared lens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaestheticsVSAvoidfront frame volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the far-field speech board in a different spatial dimension relative to the infrared lens. By mounting the speech board on the front frame at a location that does not interfere with the infrared lens path, and using a transparent or translucent material for the speech board housing, the design accommodates both components without increasing the overall front frame volume significantly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the front frame volume is increased to accommodate the far-field speech board, then the speech board installation is facilitated, but the aesthetics of the television is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeech board installationVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The front frame is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both structural support and aesthetic purposes. The far-field speech board is integrated into the front frame structure, allowing the front frame to simultaneously provide mechanical support, maintain aesthetic appearance, and facilitate the speech recognition function without requiring additional volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This solution enhances the aesthetics of electrical devices by minimizing the visual impact of the far-field speech board while maintaining effective infrared signal transmission and facilitating easier installation.

Implementation Method 1

acts as a lens to reflect infrared signals to the infrared receiving head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4086896B1Far-field sound support frame having lens function, and electrical apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SHENZHEN TCL DIGITAL TECH CO LTD
  • EP4086896B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4086896B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4086896B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed in the present disclosure are a far-field sound support frame having a lens function and an electrical apparatus. The far-field sound support frame comprises: a base; a far-field sound board installation portion, a far-field sound portion being provided on the base and used to install a far-field sound board; a transparent light guide provided at a bottom side of the far-field sound board installation portion; a fastening structure provided on the base and used to install an infrared receiver assembly; and an infrared reflection portion corresponding to a position of the transparent light guide and located below the installed infrared receiver assembly. The far-field sound support frame in the present disclosure is capable of serving as a lens, and provides installation space for a far-field sound board, thereby facilitating installation of far-field sound boards.