Waterproof Sound Membrane Slack Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound-permeable members with waterproof membranes face a trade-off between sound permeability and waterproofness, where high waterproofness often results in reduced sound quality and increased power consumption, making it difficult to achieve both effectively.

Innovation Solution

A sound-permeable member with a waterproof membrane is designed to be fixed in a slack state, allowing it to be spaced apart from the base flat plane, which improves sound permeability by reducing energy loss and resonance, while maintaining high waterproofness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the average pore size of the waterproof sound-permeable membrane is made small to improve waterproofness, then waterproofness is improved, but sound permeability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidsound permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the installation state parameter of the membrane from a tensioned flat state to a slack state with curvature. This parameter change allows the membrane to vibrate more freely in response to sound waves, improving sound permeability without requiring changes to the pore size parameter that would compromise waterproofness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic behavior by allowing the membrane to vibrate and move in response to sound pressure. The slack state enables the membrane to dynamically respond to acoustic waves, converting the static, rigid membrane installation into a dynamic system that accommodates sound transmission while maintaining waterproofness through its material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a waterproof sound-permeable membrane is used to close the opening, then waterproofness is improved, but sound quality deteriorates and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the membrane installation from a flat, tensioned state to a curved, slack state. This parameter change reduces the membrane's resistance to sound wave propagation, thereby improving sound quality while maintaining the waterproof barrier function of the membrane material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary deformation to the membrane during installation, creating a pre-formed slack state with curvature. This preliminary action prepares the membrane to more effectively respond to sound waves by reducing tension and allowing greater vibrational freedom, thus improving sound quality before the device is actually used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the waterproof sound-permeable membrane is fixed tightly to the main body, then waterproofness is maintained, but sound permeability is reduced due to resonance and energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidsound energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial configuration parameter of the membrane by introducing curvature and slack. This parameter change creates a buffer zone that reduces the transmission of vibrational energy from sound waves to the membrane structure, thereby reducing resonance and energy loss while maintaining the waterproof seal through the curved geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a cushioning effect by introducing slack and curvature into the membrane installation. This beforehand cushioning absorbs and dissipates the energy from sound waves before it can be transmitted through the membrane structure, reducing resonance and energy loss while maintaining waterproofness through the continuous membrane barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design enhances sound permeability and acoustic characteristics while maintaining high waterproofness, allowing for better performance in water-resistant electronic devices without compromising sound quality or increasing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a waterproof sound-permeable membrane that allows sound to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) porous membrane as disclosed in JP 2815618 B and JP 2004-83811 A

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary pressure: Capillary Pressure

Implementation Method 3

degradation of sound quality (deterioration of acoustic characteristics)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 4

energy loss

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy dissipation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2219387B1Sound passing member utilizing waterproof sound passing membrane and process for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 NITTO DENKO CORP
  • EP2219387B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2219387B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3
  • EP2219387B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The sound-permeable member (18) includes a waterproof sound-permeable membrane (1) that allows sound to pass therethrough and blocks liquid from passing therethrough and a main body (8) having an opening (8p) for passing sound. The opening (8p) is closed by the waterproof sound-permeable membrane (1). The waterproof sound-permeable membrane (1) is fixed to the main body (8) in a slack state. A polytetrafluoroethylene porous membrane and a porous ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene membrane preferably can be used as the waterproof sound-permeable membrane (1).