Window Sound Sensing System Acoustic Shield Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current outdoor sound sensing devices are complex, costly, and prone to damage and theft, with maintenance being difficult and expensive due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions and complicated installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A window sound sensing system comprising a printed circuit board with a microphone module protected by an acoustic shield and a lightweight sticker, connected via a cable system to a sound recording and processing module, which is designed to be lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to install, with a cable protection module to prevent damage from window operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modules are placed inside a water resistant and fire resistant container, then protection from environmental conditions is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensitive microphone module from a complex protective container and places it directly on the window surface, protected by a simple acoustic shield. This eliminates the need for complicated water-resistant and fire-resistant containers while maintaining protection from environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive acoustic shield made of basic materials instead of expensive, complex protective containers. The acoustic shield provides sufficient protection for the microphone module while being easy to install and replace if needed.
2Ease of operation
If modules are exposed to outdoor environment, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability and maintenance difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the microphone module from the harsh outdoor environment by placing it on the interior side of the window, protected by an acoustic shield. This maintains ease of installation while significantly improving reliability and reducing maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic shield acts as an intermediary between the microphone module and the outdoor environment. It allows sound to reach the microphone while blocking water, dust, and other environmental contaminants, thus protecting the module without requiring complex protective structures.
3Reliability
If a sturdy container is used to protect modules, then reliability is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, sturdy protective containers with a simple, inexpensive acoustic shield. The acoustic shield provides adequate protection for the microphone module while being cost-effective and easy to install, eliminating the need for expensive protective enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies protection locally where it is most needed - around the microphone module - using a simple acoustic shield rather than a comprehensive protective container. This provides targeted protection while minimizing cost and installation complexity.
4Ease of operation
If wireless battery solution is used, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability and maintenance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply issue from the installation process by using a wired connection that utilizes existing window electrical wiring. This eliminates the need for battery installation while providing stable, reliable power to the microphone module, improving both installation ease and power supply reliability.
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 system provides effective and cost-efficient sound monitoring with reduced maintenance needs, improved durability, and simplified installation, while minimizing exposure to environmental hazards and reducing the risk of damage from window operation.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board has an aperture aligned to an acoustic shield to provide environmental protection to the microphone module
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor sound sensing system ideal for homes and buildings equipped with windows called the sound sensing system. The sound sensing system consists of a two-sided printed circuit board with a microphone module, a lightweight sticker, and a cable system that connects the printed circuit board to a sound recording and processing module. The printed circuit board has an aperture aligned to an acoustic shield to provide protection from the environment for the microphone module. The lightweight sticker has an aperture that is also aligned to the acoustic shield.