Transducer With Side Output Window For Narrow Device Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transducers in portable devices are wide and shallow, which conflicts with modern industrial design trends towards frameless or minimal bezel devices, requiring a compromise between audio quality and device width, and cannot efficiently accommodate the transducer within the limited space without extending the device case.
Innovation Solution
The transducer configuration is rotated to a 'narrow and deep' orientation, with acoustic openings repositioned to allow acoustic waves to pass through the side or rear of the casing, reducing the width requirement and maintaining audio quality by minimizing the bezel space needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transducer configuration is used (wide and shallow), then audio quality is maintained, but device width increases and conflicts with modern frameless design trends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the transducer from a wide-and-shallow configuration to a narrow-and-deep configuration by changing the orientation of the acoustic output plane relative to the device face. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the acoustic openings to be positioned at an angle (e.g., 45-135 degrees) to the device front surface, enabling sound emission through the side or rear of the device rather than requiring wide front bezel space.
2Productivity
If transducer is oriented with acoustic openings facing front, then sound emission is efficient, but more bezel space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the acoustic openings at an angle to the device front surface, allowing sound to be emitted through the side or rear of the device. This angular orientation (45-135 degrees relative to the front face) redirects the acoustic output away from the front bezel area, enabling efficient sound emission without requiring large front panel opening space.
3Length of stationary object
If transducer width is reduced to match frameless design, then device width decreases, but audio quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves narrow device width by reorienting the transducer's acoustic output plane at an angle to the device front surface. This allows the transducer to extend deeper into the device housing rather than wider across the front, maintaining compact device dimensions while preserving audio quality through proper acoustic coupling and resonance chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the transducer and its acoustic components (resonance chambers, acoustic openings) within the device housing structure itself, nesting these acoustic elements within the existing device form factor. This allows the acoustic system to be embedded within the device depth rather than requiring additional front panel space.
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 allows for a more compact transducer design that aligns with modern design trends, maintaining audio quality while reducing the device's width, enabling better integration within portable devices without compromising sound output.
Implementation Method 1
an air displacement component configured to move on application of an electrical signal to generate an acoustic wave
Implementation Method 2
the transducer casing comprises an output window located and acoustically coupled to the air displacement component in a second plane wherein the angle between the first plane and the second plane is substantially in the range from 45 to 135 degrees
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A transducer comprising: an air displacement component configured to move on application of an electrical signal to generate an acoustic wave in a first plane in the direction of the movement of the air displacement component; a transducer casing configured to mechanically support the air displacement component, wherein the transducer casing comprises at least one output window located and acoustically coupled to the air displacement component in a second plane.