Unitary Audio Bracket Integrating Speaker and Microphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable media devices face challenges in optimizing space for additional components and sensors while maintaining functionality, as conventional methods often result in reduced performance or increased size due to the need for various mounting hardware for microphones and speakers.
Innovation Solution
A unitary audio bracket with an embedded acoustic mesh is used to secure both microphone and speaker assemblies within the device housing, sharing common electrical and structural features to save space, and preventing particulates from entering through audio ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components and sensors are added to improve functionality, then device functionality is improved, but device size increases and available space in housing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the speaker housing and microphone housing into a single integrated audio component housing. This merging of previously separate components reduces the total space required in the device housing while maintaining both speaker and microphone functionality, thus improving space utilization without sacrificing device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated audio component housing serves multiple functions simultaneously - it houses both the speaker and microphone, provides acoustic channels for both components, and includes acoustic mesh for particle prevention. This multi-functionality allows the single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components and mounting hardware, saving space in the device housing.
2Reliability
If separate mounting hardware is used for speaker and microphone, then each component is securely mounted, but device size increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates separate mounting hardware for speaker and microphone by integrating both components into a single housing structure. The audio component housing itself serves as the mounting structure, with recesses that directly receive and secure both the speaker and microphone assemblies, thereby reducing the total amount of mounting hardware needed and saving space in the device housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio component housing is segmented into distinct recesses - a first recess for the speaker assembly and a second recess for the microphone assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently secured within its own designated space while maintaining overall integration, providing reliable mounting without requiring additional external hardware.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If acoustic mesh is added to prevent particulates, then particle protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic mesh is integrated directly into the audio component housing structure, combining the particle protection function with the existing housing and acoustic channel structure. The mesh is positioned within the acoustic channels where it prevents particulates from entering the speaker and microphone assemblies without requiring separate protective components, thus maintaining simplicity while providing protection.
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 solution effectively reduces space usage within the device while maintaining high-quality audio transmission and reception, improving voice quality and orientation flexibility without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic mesh embedded within the polymeric substrate and extending across the audio channel, the acoustic mesh preventing particulates from passing through the audio channel
Implementation Method 2
a polymeric substrate defining an audio channel therethrough; audio emitted by the speaker housing is transmitted through one of the audio channels
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to an audio assembly that includes both a speaker assembly and a microphone. By mounting both the microphone and the speaker assembly to a unitary audio bracket, space savings can be achieved over a configuration that relies on separate brackets for each component. In some embodiments, an acoustic mesh can be embedded within the audio bracket and extending across an audio channel defined by the audio bracket. The microphone can be aligned with an opening in the audio bracket by an alignment clip that is coupled with the microphone. The alignment clip helps to achieve alignment of a sensor opening of the microphone with a channel defined by the audio bracket.