Speaker Module Acoustic Waveguide Layout for Leakage Control

Solution Overview

Problem

In downsized electronic devices, it is challenging to maintain sound quality due to sound pressure leakage through gaps between structures, which can degrade sound quality and generate noise.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is designed with an acoustic waveguide and a stable layout structure that isolates the sound transmission path from the display, preventing sound pressure leakage and noise generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the electronic device is downsized, then the device becomes more portable and compact, but sound quality deteriorates due to sound pressure leakage through gaps between structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidsound pressure leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modules: a first housing containing the speaker module and acoustic waveguide, and a second housing containing the display. This segmentation allows the sound transmission path to be isolated from the display area, preventing sound pressure leakage while maintaining a compact overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hinge module acts as an intermediary connection between the first and second housings. The hinge module includes a hinge cover that separates the sound transmission path from the display area, serving as a mediator to prevent sound pressure leakage while allowing the housings to connect and pivot relative to each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the speaker module and display are disposed close to each other, then the device layout is compact, but noise is generated due to leaked sound pressure causing internal structures to vibrate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout complexityVSAvoidnoise generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate modules: a first housing containing the speaker module and acoustic waveguide, and a second housing containing the display. This segmentation allows the sound transmission path to be isolated from the display area, preventing sound pressure leakage while maintaining a compact overall device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A hinge module acts as an intermediary connection between the first and second housings. The hinge module includes a hinge cover that separates the sound transmission path from the display area, serving as a mediator to prevent sound pressure leakage while allowing the housings to connect and pivot relative to each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If gaps are left between structures for assembly and thermal management, then manufacturing and cooling are facilitated, but sound quality degrades due to sound pressure leakage through the gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidsound pressure leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful function of gaps (sound pressure leakage) is extracted and isolated by introducing the hinge module with a hinge cover between the first and second housings. The hinge module creates a sealed separation that eliminates sound pressure leakage while maintaining the necessary gaps for assembly and thermal management in other areas of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

The solution enhances sound quality by preventing sound pressure leakage and noise generation, while allowing for a stable display mounting structure and design freedom.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic waveguide configured to radiate sound output from the speaker module at one side of the second display to an external space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic waveguide: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentUS20260039999A1Electronic device comprising speaker module

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an acoustic waveguide, a first support plate for defining at least a part of the acoustic waveguide at one surface thereof, a first display arranged on the one surface of the first support plate, a second display arranged on the other surface of the first support plate, and a speaker module arranged on the other surface of the first support plate between the first support plate and the second display, wherein the acoustic waveguide can be formed to radiate, from one side of the second display to an external space, a sound outputted from the speaker module.