Soundskin Case Acoustic Waveguides Bass Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of personal electronic multimedia devices results in smaller audio speakers, leading to an unsatisfactory audio experience due to reduced sound quality and bass response.
Innovation Solution
A case for multimedia pad devices, known as 'soundskin', which incorporates an audio processing device, acoustic waveguides, and speakers to enhance audio output, providing a robust stereo audio with improved bass response while serving as a protective cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of personal electronic devices is reduced, then portability is improved, but audio speaker size is reduced leading to degraded sound quality and bass response
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the audio output function from the pad device itself by using an external case with dedicated audio transducers. The pad device focuses on computation and display, while the case handles audio reproduction, allowing each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The case is designed to receive and enclose the pad device within a recessed-well region, creating a nested configuration where the smaller pad device fits inside the larger case structure. This nesting allows the compact pad to gain enhanced audio capabilities without requiring separate equipment.
2Volume of moving object
If standard speakers are used in miniaturized devices, then device compactness is improved, but audio output quality and bass response deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The audio transducers are extracted from the pad device and placed in the external case, allowing the use of larger, higher-quality speakers that would not fit within the compact pad. This extraction enables superior audio performance while maintaining the portability of the pad device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the audio function to an external dimension by using the case as a separate audio output device. Instead of trying to fit large speakers inside the pad, the solution extends audio capabilities to an external component, effectively adding a new spatial dimension for audio reproduction.
3Manufacturing precision
If acoustic waveguides are used to enhance bass response, then audio quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic waveguides are introduced as intermediary structures that channel and enhance bass frequencies from the audio transducers. These waveguides act as mediators that improve audio quality by directing sound waves efficiently while adding manageable complexity only to the acoustic path, not to the entire device system.
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 soundskin device enhances audio output by channeling sound through acoustic waveguides, resulting in a richer, fuller sound experience compared to standard multimedia device speakers, while also offering protective features and battery management to balance playback time with the device.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates an audio processing device, acoustic waveguides, and speakers to enhance audio output
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 1F~1G
Figure 2A
AI summary
A soundskin for a pad-type device comprises a housing, at least one microphone, a signal processing device, at least one audio transducer, and an acoustic waveguide. The housing receives a pad-type device. The signal processing device receives a signal from a pad-type device when the pad-type device is received by the housing. The signal processing device provides a directive sound enhancement of the audio input signals based on room acoustics, such as reverberation, echo, noise, delay, frequency response, and/or speaker-positional information that is determined by the signal processing device. The audio transducer device generates an audible audio output in response to an audio signal output from the signal processing device. The acoustic waveguide receives the audible audio output and generates an enhanced bass audio output from the acoustic waveguide.