Speaker Frame Venting for Wearable Pressure Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices experience pressure imbalances due to blocked vent holes when worn on the body, leading to potential damage and complicating pneumatic testing, which requires additional components to protect waterproof membranes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a speaker frame with a built-in vent hole that balances internal and external pressures without an external vent, eliminating the need for separate components during pneumatic testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate vent hole is provided on the outer surface of the housing, then pressure balance between internal and external spaces is achieved, but the vent hole may be blocked by the user's body when worn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vent hole function with the speaker assembly by forming the vent hole within the speaker frame structure. The speaker frame includes a first opening that communicates with the internal space and a second opening on the outer surface, integrating pressure balance functionality into the existing speaker components rather than adding a separate vent hole structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker frame structure serves multiple functions: it houses the speaker components for audio output and simultaneously provides the vent hole structure for pressure balance. The frame's openings enable both acoustic signal transmission and air flow for pressure equalization, eliminating the need for dedicated separate vent holes that could be blocked.
2Reliability
If a waterproof membrane is disposed in the vent hole to prevent liquid ingress, then waterproofing is improved, but the membrane may be damaged during pneumatic testing
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof membrane is integrated into the speaker assembly structure rather than being a separate component in a dedicated vent hole. The membrane is disposed within the speaker frame's opening structure, allowing it to be protected by the surrounding frame during pneumatic testing while still maintaining waterproofing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker frame structure provides protective support around the waterproof membrane before testing occurs. The frame acts as a cushioning structure that prevents direct stress concentration on the membrane during pneumatic testing, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining the membrane's waterproofing integrity.
3Reliability
If a separate member is added to protect the waterproof membrane during pneumatic testing, then membrane damage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and testing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged into the speaker frame structure itself rather than requiring a separate protective member. The frame's design inherently provides the necessary protection during pneumatic testing, eliminating additional components and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining membrane integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support for the speaker, housing for the waterproof membrane, and protective structure during pneumatic testing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective members, reducing manufacturing complexity and testing costs.
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
Prevents vent hole blockage by the user's body and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by integrating the vent function into the speaker frame, ensuring efficient pressure balance and simplified testing.
Implementation Method 1
a first opening 512 formed on a first surface 511 of the speaker assembly 500, at least one second opening 514 formed on a second surface 513 of the speaker assembly 500, and a flow path 515 connecting the first opening 512 and the second opening 514... balance pressure of an internal space with external pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
This wearable device comprises: a housing including a speaker hole and forming an inner space; a speaker assembly inside the housing; and a sound duct extending from the inner surface of the housing, in which the speaker hole is formed, to the speaker assembly. The speaker assembly includes: a frame including at least one first opening, which is formed in a first surface facing the sound duct of the speaker assembly, at least one second opening, which is formed in a second surface, and a frame, which includes a flow path connecting the at least one first opening and the at least one second opening; a sealing member for sealing the inner space; and a vibration plate in contact with a portion of the sealing member. Various other embodiments may be possible.