Speaker Water Discharge via Acoustic Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with waterproof speakers face issues where water entering the speaker grill prevents sound transmission, and existing water discharge methods require cumbersome user operations, leading to potential misuse or continued water presence inside the device.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a water submersion detection unit, a sound signal generation unit for automatic water discharge, and a booster unit to increase amplifier voltage, ensuring water is discharged automatically when the device is picked up from water, along with a light emission circuit for notification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof speaker grill is provided, then water resistance is improved, but water accumulates inside the speaker grill preventing sound transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidwater accumulation inside speaker grill

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration by strongly vibrating the speaker to generate sound pressure that discharges water from the speaker grill. The speaker is driven at high amplitude vibration to create sufficient sound pressure for water discharge, directly addressing the water accumulation problem while maintaining the waterproof speaker grill structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a manual water discharge function is provided, then water discharge capability is improved, but user operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater discharge capabilityVSAvoiduser operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the speaker to automatically discharge water without requiring user operations. The water discharge function is activated automatically when the device is picked up from water, as detected by the water submersion detection unit, eliminating the need for users to manually activate combination key switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback through a water submersion detection unit that detects when the device is submerged or picked up from water. This detection feedback triggers the automatic activation of the water discharge function, creating a closed-loop system that responds to environmental conditions without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automatic water discharge is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic water dischargeVSAvoiddetection and control circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by using the existing speaker component for dual purposes: normal sound output and water discharge through strong vibration. The amplifier and speaker grill also serve dual functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated water discharge components and minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the water discharge function with the existing audio playback system. The speaker, amplifier, and control circuits that normally handle audio signals are also utilized for water discharge, combining multiple functions into existing components rather than adding separate dedicated systems.

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

The device reliably discharges water from the speaker grill upon pickup, ensuring sound transmission is restored without user intervention, and the light notification aids in confirming the discharge process.

Implementation Method 1

The water submersion detection unit may include a pair of electrodes and detect the water submersion by an electrical connection of these electrodes to each other while detecting the pickup by the electrodes being electrically separated thereafter.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a technology for strongly vibrating a speaker and discharging water inside a speaker grill by its pressure (sound pressure)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic radiation pressure: Acoustic Radiation Pressure

Implementation Method 3

a light emission circuit including a light emitting element and configured to light or blink the light emitting element in parallel to the input of the water discharge sound signal to the amplifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS9461605B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 ICOM INC

AI summary

An electronic device with a speaker, an amplifier for driving the speaker and a speaker grill provided on the front surface of the speaker includes a pickup detection unit for detecting that the electronic device has been picked up from water and a water discharge sound generation unit for generating a water discharge sound signal for discharging water having entered inside the speaker grill according to the detection of the pickup from the water and inputting the generated water discharge sound signal to the amplifier.