Speaker Module with RF Transmissive Window

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices face challenges in integrating radio frequency transmissive components seamlessly into their enclosures, which affects device footprint, thickness, and manufacturing costs, while also requiring separate parts for structural and cosmetic functions.

Innovation Solution

A speaker module is designed with an integrated radio frequency transmissive window that serves as both a cosmetic edge and structural support, allowing for a continuous edge in the device housing by combining non-conductive and conductive materials, reducing the need for separate components and enhancing radio frequency signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate parts are used for structural and cosmetic functions in device housing, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker housing is merged with the device enclosure to form a single integrated component. The speaker housing serves dual purposes: it provides structural support for the speaker assembly and simultaneously forms part of the device's external enclosure, eliminating the need for separate cosmetic covers and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker housing is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it houses the speaker, provides structural support, forms part of the device enclosure, and creates the radio frequency transmissive window opening. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed in the device assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If conventional encasement materials are used, then structural protection is provided, but radio frequency signal transmission is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural protectionVSAvoidradio frequency signal blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker housing is constructed with different materials for different regions: non-conductive materials (such as plastic or polymer) are used specifically for portions that form radio frequency transmissive windows, while conductive materials may be used for other structural portions. This localized material selection allows RF signals to pass through specific areas while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker housing employs composite construction combining non-conductive materials for RF transmissive sections with other materials for structural sections. This composite approach allows the housing to simultaneously provide mechanical strength and permit radio frequency signal transmission through designated windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of moving object

If device footprint and thickness are reduced, then portability is improved, but integration of radio frequency transmissive components becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the radio frequency transmissive window function into the speaker housing structure itself, rather than adding separate RF transmissive components. By making the speaker housing walls form the RF windows, the design eliminates the need for additional dimensional space that would be required for separate RF window components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reduces device thickness and border size, decreases manufacturing costs by integrating multiple functions into a single part, and provides a seamless transition between materials, improving the device's aesthetic and functional performance.

Implementation Method 1

The first sidewall may form a radio frequency transmissive window... the first end wall is configured to integrate a flexible antenna element for receiving radio frequency signals through the radio frequency transmissive window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11064273B2Device enclosure with integrated speaker housing

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A speaker module is described that includes a first sidewall opposite a second sidewall. The first sidewall may form a radio frequency transmissive window and the second sidewall may include at least one port aperture to receive an electrical connection for at least one speaker. The speaker may also include a first end wall opposite a second end wall in which the first end wall is configured to integrate a flexible antenna element for receiving radio frequency signals through the radio frequency transmissive window. The first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first end wall, and the second end wall form an enclosure to house the at least one speaker.