Ultra-slim Speaker with Segmented Membranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current speakers in thin 3C products, such as iPads and smartphones, face challenges in miniaturization as they cannot be made lighter and thinner while maintaining sound quality, particularly in reproducing alto and bass frequencies, and their manufacturing is complex due to the need for fixing acoustical elements on steel sheets.
Innovation Solution
A ultra-slim speaker structure comprising a bass membrane with a surrounding embossed pattern, an alto membrane with a groove, and an acoustical element formed by stacked ceramic layers, allowing sound to be guided through both membranes, with the alto membrane compensating for bass sound loss and reducing harmonic distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If speakers are miniaturized to fit thin 3C products, then the device thickness is reduced, but sound quality deteriorates (loss of audio frequencies)
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker is divided into two functional membranes: a bass membrane for low frequency sound and an alto membrane for high frequency sound. This segmentation allows each membrane to be optimized for its specific frequency range, maintaining sound quality while reducing overall speaker thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker uses composite material structures including ceramic material layers for the acoustical element, and different materials for the bass membrane (PE, PC) and alto membrane (silk fabric, paper embryo, wood sheet, foam). This composite approach enables thin construction while preserving acoustic performance across frequency ranges.
2Volume of moving object
If acoustical elements are fixed on steel sheets for miniaturization, then speaker size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bass membrane and alto membrane are merged into an integrated structure where the alto membrane is disposed on the bass membrane. The acoustical element is mounted on the alto membrane, creating a consolidated assembly that simplifies manufacturing compared to separate fixed components on steel sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker uses flexible membrane structures (bass membrane and alto membrane) instead of rigid steel sheet fixation. This allows for easier assembly and manufacturing while achieving miniaturization, as the membranes can be layered and integrated more simply than traditional steel sheet mounting.
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 enables a more convenient manufacturing process, broader application range, and improved sound quality by maintaining original frequency reproduction without losing alto and bass frequencies, with the bass membrane capable of producing sound up to 300 Hz, and reducing harmonic distortion.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustical element, capable of the application to thinned products such as iPad, iPhone, cellular phones or, notebook computers
Implementation Method 2
sound is guided out through alto, bass membranes after audio signals are received by an acoustical element
Data Source
AI summary
A ultra-slim includes bass, alto membranes and acoustical element, where a surrounding embossed pattern is configured on a location adjacent to the rim of the bass membrane to form a dangling edge, and a frame stopping portion formed by a step is disposed on the center thereof. Whereby, a groove formed by a step is disposed on the center of alto membrane, and the acoustical element is formed by stacking a plurality of ceramic material layers together, thereby mounting the acoustical element on the alto membrane, and then lodging the alto membrane in the inner edge of the frame stopping element of the bass membrane to construct a thinned speaker in which sound is guided out through the bass and alto membranes after audio signals are received, capable of the application thereof to thinned products such as iPad, iPhone, cellular phones or notebook computers.