Voice-controlled household device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Voice-controlled household devices with microphones placed on top surfaces are prone to water interference in splash water environments, leading to weakened and distorted sound signals, which impair voice recognition.
Innovation Solution
A microphone placement design featuring a front face and affixed cover with a vertical acoustic path and air gap, preventing water from reaching the microphone, while allowing sound to pass through, and optionally including a funnel-shaped or horizontal section to channel sound and direct water away.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the microphone is placed on the top surface of the device, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the microphone is prone to water interference in splash water environments
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic path is configured to extend in a vertical direction between the front face and front cover, changing from a horizontal top-surface placement to a vertical through-path configuration. This dimensional change allows sound to reach the microphone while water flows downward away from the microphone position.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap between the front face and front cover acts as an intermediary acoustic path. This intermediate space allows sound waves to pass through while physically separating the microphone from direct exposure to splash water on the device exterior.
2Reliability
If water enters the acoustic path, then the sound signal may be weakened or distorted, but creating a completely sealed path may block sound transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic path has different characteristics at different locations: the vertical section allows water to flow through while the horizontal section with the ledge creates a water barrier. This local differentiation protects the microphone in the lower section while maintaining sound transmission throughout the path.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic path is segmented into a vertical section and a horizontal section with distinct functions. The vertical section channels sound downward while the horizontal section with the ledge segment creates a water drainage feature, dividing the path into functional zones that address both sound transmission and water protection.
3Shape
If the front cover is mounted close to the front face, then the device has a compact appearance, but sound transmission may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the lateral distance between front cover and face, the design utilizes the vertical dimension by creating a through-path that extends from the front cover through the face to the microphone. This allows compact lateral dimensions while maintaining adequate acoustic transmission path length.
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
Ensures optimal voice recognition in wet environments by keeping the microphone dry and preventing clogging or sound distortion, making the device suitable for use in kitchens or bathrooms.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic path from the surrounding to the microphone comprises a gap between the front face and the front cover
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic path extends in a vertical direction between the front face and the front cover. Therefore, a liquid like water may run through the path past the microphone
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A household device comprises a microphone that is adapted to sample sound from a surrounding of the household device and processing means for recognizing a voice command on the basis of the sampled sound. Further, there is a front face that extends in a vertical direction and a front cover that is affixed to the front face so that an acoustic path from the surrounding to the microphone comprises a gap between the front face and the front cover.