Speaker-Based Moisture Detection and Discharge in Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices are susceptible to damage or malfunction when moisture enters through openings, particularly affecting speakers and microphones, leading to potential circuit damage or corrosion.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device utilizes multiple speakers to identify moisture introduction and guides a tilting direction for moisture discharge, enabling efficient moisture removal through controlled speaker operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple speakers are used to detect moisture, then moisture detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture detection precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speaker serves dual functions: it acts as both an audio output device and a moisture detection sensor. By utilizing the existing speaker components (voice coil, diaphragm, air cavity) for both sound production and moisture sensing, the patent eliminates the need for separate detection hardware, thereby improving moisture detection precision without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker system performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own operational parameters (impedance changes, sound output variations) to detect moisture presence. This self-service approach allows the device to detect moisture using its existing components without requiring additional external sensors or complex detection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If moisture discharge function is enabled, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of moisture accumulation into a beneficial discharge mechanism. By detecting moisture through speaker performance degradation and then using the speaker system itself to generate vibrations and heat that evaporate and expel the moisture, the harmful moisture becomes the trigger for its own removal, improving reliability without adding complex discharge hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The moisture discharge function operates periodically based on detection results. When moisture is detected, the system activates the speaker to perform discharge operations at specific intervals, allowing moisture to be gradually evaporated and expelled through controlled periodic cycles rather than requiring continuous complex intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 device damage by quickly identifying and discharging moisture, restoring audio performance and reducing further moisture ingress.

Implementation Method 1

identify introduction of moisture into at least one speaker from among the multiple speakers by using the multiple speakers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical impedance change: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

enabling the at least one speaker to perform a moisture discharge function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal evaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

output information for guiding a tilting direction of the electronic device to discharge moisture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4701229A1Electronic device for performing operation according to moisture detection, operation method thereof, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4701229A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4701229A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4701229A1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

An electronic device (101), according to one embodiment, may comprise: a plurality of speakers (255); at least one processor (120); and a memory (130) operatively connected to the plurality of speakers and the at least one processor. The memory, according to one embodiment, may store instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the electronic device to identify introduction of moisture into at least one speaker from among the plurality of speakers by using the plurality of speakers in response to the execution of a specified function. The instructions, according to one embodiment, may be configured to cause the at least one processor to output information for guiding a tilting direction of the electronic device for discharging moisture that has been introduced into the at least one speaker. The instructions, according to one embodiment, may be configured to cause the at least one processor to enable the at least one speaker to perform a moisture discharge function.