Waterproof Microphone Membrane Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waterproof membranes in submersible audio devices can become irreparably damaged due to excessive deflection from water pressure, leading to water penetration and compromised audio quality.
Innovation Solution
A supporting structure comprising plastic rings with adhesive layers is used to limit the deflection of the waterproof membrane, preventing it from exceeding a threshold that would cause damage, while allowing sufficient vibration for audio quality preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the waterproof membrane is made more flexible to maintain audio quality, then audio quality is improved, but the membrane becomes more susceptible to damage from water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible waterproof membrane that can vibrate to transmit audio signals while remaining thin and lightweight. The membrane is specifically designed with flexible properties to allow vibration for audio quality while the supporting structure prevents excessive deflection, resolving the contradiction between flexibility for audio and resistance to water pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the protective system into separate functional components: a flexible membrane for audio transmission and a rigid supporting structure for mechanical protection. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, addressing the contradiction between membrane flexibility and pressure resistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the membrane is made stiffer to resist water pressure, then membrane durability is improved, but audio quality deteriorates due to reduced vibration capability
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the functions of pressure resistance and audio transmission into distinct components: a stiff supporting structure provides water pressure resistance while a flexible membrane layer maintains vibration capability for audio quality. This functional segmentation resolves the contradiction between stiffness for pressure resistance and flexibility for audio transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a rigid supporting ring (providing stiffness for water pressure resistance) with a flexible membrane material (providing vibration capability for audio quality). This composite approach allows both contradictory requirements to be satisfied simultaneously through material and structural combination.
3Reliability
If the membrane area is increased to improve audio sensitivity, then audio quality is improved, but the membrane deflects more under water pressure increasing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the membrane function from the structural support function, allowing the membrane to be large for audio sensitivity while the supporting ring provides the necessary structural strength to prevent excessive deflection under water pressure, resolving the contradiction between membrane area and deflection resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin film membrane that can be made with larger area for improved audio sensitivity while maintaining flexibility. The corresponding rigid supporting structure compensates for the increased deflection tendency of the larger area membrane, allowing both audio sensitivity and deflection resistance to be achieved.
4Reliability
If the membrane is made thinner to reduce distortion, then audio quality is improved, but the membrane becomes more vulnerable to water pressure damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective barrier into two layers: a thin membrane for high-fidelity audio transmission with minimal distortion and a thicker supporting structure for mechanical strength and water pressure resistance. This segmentation allows the membrane to be thin for audio fidelity while the support provides necessary strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite structure where a thin membrane material provides superior audio fidelity with minimal distortion, while a stronger supporting ring material provides the necessary mechanical strength and water pressure resistance, resolving the contradiction between membrane thinness and strength.
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 effectively prevents membrane damage and maintains audio quality by restricting excessive deflection, ensuring the membrane remains functional and waterproof under varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A first adhesive layer couples the first supporting ring to a top surface of the printed circuit board. A second adhesive layer couples the waterproof membrane to the top surface of the first supporting ring
Implementation Method 2
A waterproof membrane is coupled to a top surface of the first supporting ring via a second adhesive layer. The membrane vibrates in response to ambient sound
Data Source
AI summary
An audio capture device for a submersible camera including a supporting structure to prevent a waterproof membrane from deflecting beyond a point that will cause damage to the membrane. A microphone assembly includes a microphone for detecting ambient sound and generating an electrical signal representing the ambient sound. The microphone assembly is covered by a waterproof membrane to prevent water from reaching the microphone assembly. One or more supporting rings near the waterproof membrane prevents the waterproof membrane from deflecting more than a threshold deflection.