Transparent Speaker Cover Layout for Compact Stereo Laptop Housings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable information handling systems face challenges in component accessibility and audio output due to their compact design, which limits upgradeability and restricts airflow, and integrated speakers struggle to produce effective stereo sound due to size constraints.

Innovation Solution

A portable information handling system with a transparent housing cover that rotates to expose internal components, integrates a display for visual cues, and uses a piezoelectric speaker with a sealed chamber under the cover to enhance audio output and accessibility, while an inflatable seal maintains airflow resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If speakers are integrated into the portable housing with reduced footprint, then the system size is reduced, but the speaker effectiveness and stereo sound quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem sizeVSAvoidspeaker effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions speakers on the transparent cover rather than integrating them into the main housing body. This spatial reconfiguration utilizes the cover surface area, effectively adding a dimensional solution to the size constraint problem. The speakers are arranged with adequate spacing on the cover surface, allowing stereo sound effects while maintaining compact overall system dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the speaker system into separate left and right channel speakers positioned independently on the transparent cover. This segmentation allows each speaker to function effectively with proper spacing between them, achieving stereo sound quality without increasing the overall housing volume. The speakers are further segmented from the main housing structure by being mounted on the removable cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the housing is designed with compact dimensions for portability, then mobility is improved, but component accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing sizeVSAvoidcomponent accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent cover is designed as a separable component that can be removed from the housing. This segmentation allows users to access internal components by simply removing the cover, avoiding the need to disassemble the entire housing structure. The cover acts as an independent access panel that maintains system compactness while providing easy component accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent cover is extracted as a separate removable element from the main housing structure. This extraction creates a straightforward access mechanism where the cover can be taken off to reach internal components, solving the accessibility problem without compromising the compact integrated design of the main housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Temperature

If the transparent cover is made sealed for airflow control, then thermal management is improved, but audio output quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal controlVSAvoidaudio output quality

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent cover incorporates localized speaker openings or acoustic chambers in specific regions where speakers are mounted. These local modifications provide acoustic pathways for sound output while the rest of the cover maintains its sealed structure for thermal management. This local quality approach allows simultaneous achievement of thermal control and audio output quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic chambers or intermediate structures between the sealed cover and the speakers. These intermediary elements facilitate sound transmission through the otherwise sealed cover, allowing audio output while maintaining the overall sealed structure for thermal management. The intermediary acoustic pathways mediate between the conflicting requirements of sealing and sound output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Simplifies component access and enhances audio output by providing visual cues and improved airflow management, allowing for better system upgrades and gaming performance by presenting positional information as visual cues.

Implementation Method 1

integrates a speaker, such as a piezoelectric speaker, under the transparent cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The transparent cover is sealed with an inflatable seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11262807B1Information handling system speaker mount under a transparent housing cover

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A piezoelectric speaker fits in a cavity of a portable information handling system covered by a transparent cover that defines a speaker chamber within the cavity. The transparent cover integrates wirelines that align power pads with power contacts of the speaker to communicate audible information that generates sounds. In one embodiment, the transparent cover integrates a liquid crystal display that presents visual images associated with generated sound and backlit with illumination provided from the cavity.