Speaker Support Member for Acoustic Volume Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The volume of a speaker unit in a mobile electronic device is limited by the device's inner space, leading to constraints on the sizes of other components and excessive vibration of the thin back plate during operation.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a support member with a first portion surrounding the speaker unit and a second portion extending to cover the printed circuit board, creating additional fluid communication spaces that expand the volume without increasing the physical space occupied by the speaker unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the volume of the speaker unit is increased, then the sound quality is improved, but the sizes of other components (e.g., printed circuit board and battery) are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support member extends in the vertical direction (thickness direction) to create additional acoustic volume without increasing the horizontal footprint. By forming a sealed cavity between the support member and the back plate, the patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness) to expand the effective speaker volume while maintaining compact horizontal dimensions that accommodate other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member structure is nested within the existing device housing, with the first portion surrounding the speaker unit and the second portion extending to cover the printed circuit board. This nested configuration creates additional acoustic volume by utilizing the space between the speaker unit and the back plate, effectively nesting the acoustic cavity within the existing device structure without requiring additional external space.
2Volume of moving object
If the speaker unit volume is increased, then the sound quality is improved, but the physical space occupied by the speaker unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member extends in the vertical direction (thickness direction) to create additional acoustic volume without increasing the horizontal footprint. By forming a sealed cavity between the support member and the back plate, the patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness) to expand the effective speaker volume while maintaining compact horizontal dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is divided into two functional portions: a first portion that surrounds the speaker unit to form the acoustic cavity, and a second portion that extends to cover the printed circuit board. This segmentation allows the structure to provide both acoustic volume enhancement and structural support without requiring a single large-volume component.
3Length of stationary object
If a thin back plate is used, then the device thickness is reduced, but the back plate excessively vibrates when the speaker unit operates
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as an intermediary structure between the speaker unit and the back plate. It provides mechanical support and stabilization to prevent excessive vibration of the thin back plate during speaker operation, while simultaneously creating the sealed acoustic cavity. The support member mediates between the need for a thin back plate and the need for vibration stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member appears to be made of a rigid material that provides structural support to the thin back plate, creating a composite structure that combines the thin back plate with the stiffer support member to reduce vibration while maintaining overall device thickness.
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 configuration enhances sound quality by providing an expanded volume for the speaker unit within the limited inner space of the device, reducing the risk of excessive vibration and improving audio performance.
Implementation Method 1
a second space in fluid communication with the first space is formed between the first portion and the surface of the speaker unit. The second portion and the first printed circuit board form at least a portion of a substantially sealed third space in fluid communication with the second space.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a first printed circuit board, a speaker unit including a speaker housing and a diaphragm, and a support member including a first portion surrounding a portion of the speaker unit and spaced apart from a surface of the speaker unit by a predetermined gap and a second portion extending from the first portion to cover a surface of a portion of the first printed circuit board. A first space located on one side of the diaphragm is formed in the speaker housing, and a second space in fluid communication with the first space is formed between the first portion and the surface of the speaker unit. The second portion and the first printed circuit board form at least a portion of a substantially sealed third space in fluid communication with the second space.