Speaker Clip for Small Devices Using Segmented Housing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Small form factor electronic devices face challenges in providing auditory output without increasing their size, as the space within the main housing is often occupied by operative circuitry, limiting the integration of acoustical components.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design that incorporates a movably coupled attachment member with an acoustical device, such as a piezoelectric element, positioned outside the main housing, allowing for sound generation without occupying internal space, and utilizing a recessed region within the attachment member to optimize sound frequency and quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the main housing is used to enclose operative circuitry, then structural integrity and protection are improved, but the space available for acoustical components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidspace for acoustical components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate components: a main housing containing the operative circuitry and an attachment member containing the acoustical device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the main housing for structural integrity and the attachment member for acoustical functionality - while resolving the space conflict by placing acoustical components outside the main housing envelope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment member is movably coupled to the main housing, allowing the acoustical device to be positioned in a spatial dimension separate from the main housing interior. This dimensional transition enables the acoustical components to exist outside the traditional housing volume without compromising the structural enclosure of the operative circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the device size is reduced for small form factor, then portability is improved, but the space for integrating acoustical components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidacoustical output capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into a main housing and a detachable attachment member, the patent enables small form factor portability of the main device while allowing acoustical functionality to be added through the attachment member. This maintains compactness when the attachment member is not in use while providing enhanced acoustical capability when attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment member serves multiple functions: it provides structural attachment to the main housing, houses the acoustical device, and extends the functional capabilities of the device. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both the portability requirement and the acoustical capability requirement without increasing the base device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the acoustical device is positioned within the attachment member, then sound quality and frequency response are improved, but the attachment member complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound frequency and qualityVSAvoidattachment member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustical device is nested within the attachment member, with the attachment member providing an integrated housing structure that accommodates the acoustical components. This nesting arrangement allows for optimized sound quality and frequency response through careful design of the attachment member's internal geometry while keeping the overall structure compact and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment member combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: structural attachment, acoustic housing, and acoustic component mounting. By merging these functions into one component rather than using separate structures for each function, the patent reduces overall complexity while still enabling optimized acoustical performance.

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

Enables the provision of audible output in small form factor devices without increasing their size, while allowing for customization of acoustical properties to enhance sound quality and frequency response.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustical device, such as a piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10063951B2Speaker clip

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

Certain embodiments may take the form of an electronic device having a main housing encapsulating operative circuitry for the device. The electronic device includes an attachment member moveably coupled to the metal housing. The attachment member has an acoustical device located therein that is communicatively coupled to the operative circuitry in the main housing. The attachment member includes a recessed portion for positioning the acoustical device within the attachment member.