15 patents in this list

Updated:

In the world of mobile technology, sound quality often takes a backseat to sleek design and portability. Many users struggle with muffled audio during calls or weak sound projection from their devices. Mobile phone cases, typically seen as protective shells, are now being reimagined to tackle these acoustic challenges. By directing and amplifying sound, these cases aim to enhance the auditory experience without compromising the device's sleek profile.

Designing a phone case that effectively amplifies sound involves overcoming several obstacles. The challenge lies in redirecting audio without distortion, integrating these features seamlessly, and maintaining the case's primary function of protecting the device. Engineers must also consider the varying acoustic needs of different environments, from quiet offices to bustling streets, ensuring clarity and volume in every scenario.

This page explores a range of sound-enhancing mobile phone case designs. From cases with built-in acoustic tunnels to those with detachable speaker modules, each design offers unique solutions for improving audio quality. By integrating these innovations, users can enjoy clearer calls, richer music playback, and an overall better sound experience, all while keeping their devices safe and stylish.

1. Mobile Device Case with Integrated Sound Channeling and Handle Strap Mechanism

Paul G. Martin, 2023

Mobile device case that improves audio quality, provides better drop protection and allows easy device access while reducing size and weight compared to traditional cases. The case has a unique design to redirect sound emitted from the device speakers. It has nested sound channels within the case walls that connect to a chamber around the device speaker. This guides the sound out of the case instead of just through the bottom. It also has a built-in handle strap that protrudes away from the device when wrapped around, making it easier to grip. The strap support prevents it from collapsing into the case when not in use.

US11750238B1-patent-drawing

2. Mobile Device Stand with V-Shaped Base and Angled Acoustic Enhancement Panel

Z West Essentials LLC, 2023

A stand for mobile devices like smartphones that enables hands-free viewing at an angle while also enhancing the audio output without requiring external speakers or power sources. The stand has a V-shaped base with one leg serving as a support surface for the device's back. The other leg has an angled acoustic enhancement panel that reflects sound forward. This passively amplifies the device's internal speakers without electronics or batteries. The stand can also have a holder for a removable battery pack or solar charging cell.

US11672335B2-patent-drawing

3. Mobile Device Case with Acoustic Baffles and Horn Structures for Sound Amplification and Microphone Sensitivity Enhancement

John F. Ott, 2022

A case for mobile devices that amplifies the sound output from the device's speakers and improves microphone sensitivity. The case has baffles and horns that enhance acoustics when the device is inside. The speaker baffle has a tapered opening that expands like a horn to amplify sound. The microphone baffle compresses sound waves to boost sensitivity. The case also has a stand and clip.

US20220301532A1-patent-drawing

4. Protective Case with Multi-Channel Sound Direction System for Electronic Devices

CATALYST LIFESTYLE LIMITED, 2022

Protective case for electronic devices with sound-directing features to reduce interference between speakers and microphones when the device is in the case. The case has multiple sound channels that direct sound in different directions. This prevents speaker sound from blocking the microphone or vice versa when the device is inserted. The channels can have non-linear paths and offset openings to separate speaker and microphone sound paths.

5. Protective Cell Phone Case with Concave Copper Shield and Sound Amplification Features

William James Scott, 2022

A protective cell phone case is designed to redirect radiation away from the user while amplifying sound and shielding radio signals for privacy. The case has a hinged front plate with slots and a lip to fit over the phone, a copper shield with sound openings, and a back plate with a camera slot. The copper shield is concave to redirect radiation away from the user. The case also has octagonal notches and dense wood material for enhanced sound amplification.

6. Mobile Phone with Dual-Chamber Phase-Shifted Audio System for Directed Sound Emission

USOUND GMBH, 2021

Mobile phone with an integrated audio system that reduces environmental noise during calls. The phone has a touchscreen on the front and an audio system inside the housing. The audio system has two hollow spaces separated by a loudspeaker. Sound is emitted to the user's ear through a front opening and away from the ear through a rear opening. The sound waves from the front and rear openings are phase-shifted, so when the phone is used, the sound is mostly directed to the user's ear instead of leaking out from the rear. This avoids covering the front opening with the ear during calls like a headphone. The rear opening reduces the environmental noise picked up by the microphone.

7. Interlocking Dual-Shell Smartphone Case with Integrated Bluetooth Speaker

Tahjier Hammary, 2018

A speaker case for protecting and enhancing the audio capabilities of a smartphone. The case has two interlocking shells, one to hold the phone and another slide-on shell with a built-in Bluetooth speaker. The speaker is wirelessly connected to the phone inside the case to provide better sound quality without needing external speakers. The case also provides impact protection for the phone.

8. Carrier for Portable Communication Device with Integrated Acoustic Tunnel Formed by Device Screen and Carrier Surface

MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC., 2018

A carrier for a portable communication device, like a radio, improves audio quality by directing sound from the device's speaker into an acoustic tunnel formed between the device screen and the carrier surface. This allows the device to be carried lower on the body while still providing good audio without increasing the volume or using external speakers. The tunnel concentrates and focuses the sound towards the user's ear. The carrier has a body with ends and a surface between them, and the device is secured to the carrier with a releasable connection. The device screen faces the carrier surface, forming the tunnel.

US20180219570A1-patent-drawing

9. Detachable Speaker System with Expandable Housing and Universal Fastener for Portable Electronic Devices

Zachary Pierce, 2018

A detachable speaker system for portable electronic devices like smartphones that provides improved audio quality in a compact form factor. The system involves a speaker unit with expandable housing that attaches to the device using a universal fastener. This allows the speaker to be easily detached and swapped with other accessories. The expandable housing accommodates the speaker components in a compact size when attached to the device, then expands to provide better acoustics when detached. The universal fastener allows the same attachment mechanism to work with any device or case.

10. Collapsible Smartphone Speaker Accessory with Integrated Hollow Tapering Structure and Wireless Sound Transmission Capability

Ty Fields, 2018

A collapsible smartphone speaker accessory that amplifies sound from the device when deployed. The accessory attaches to a smartphone case and can be collapsed and stored inside the case when not in use. It has a hollow tapering shape for natural sound amplification. The accessory can also transmit sound wirelessly to other devices with the same accessory. This allows multiple devices to connect and use the accessories as distributed speakers.

US9961175B2-patent-drawing

11. Mobile Device Case with Detachable Digital-to-Analog Audio Conversion Module

DIASONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., 2017

A case for mobile devices that improves audio quality by converting digital sound sources stored on the device to high quality analog signals. The case has a detachable audio module that connects to the device and amplifies the digital audio. This allows using a single high quality audio module with any mobile device by attaching it to the case, rather than needing separate audio devices for each device type. The module can be fixed to the case using magnets or screws.

12. Mobile Device Protective Case with Integrated Wireless Interfaces, Audio Components, and Sliding Connection Mechanism

PERI, INC., 2016

Protective case for mobile devices that adds features like integrated speakers, wireless charging, ambient light sensors, and toggling device functions. The case has wireless interfaces like Bluetooth and WiFi, a rechargeable battery, speakers, and a microphone. It connects to the device via a sliding interface. The case can provide wireless audio, charging, and functionality when attached, without needing external peripherals.

US20160315652A1-patent-drawing

13. Storage Device with Integrated Sound Amplification and Redirection Projection System

Mark W. SCHELLER, 2016

A storage device for carrying an electronic device that amplifies and redirects sound emitted by the device when it's inside the storage device. The storage device has a projection device with a recess that reflects sound back toward the device when it's close by. The projection device can be placed inside the storage device to amplify and redirect sound emitted by the device inside the storage device. This prevents muffling or indiscernible sound when the device is in a bag or case.

14. Portable Device Accessory with Integrated Magnetic Speaker-Arm and Clip Case

4 Audio LLC, 2015

Portable electronic device accessory with built-in speakers and stand for enhancing audio quality and viewing convenience. The accessory has a clip case to hold the device snugly and prevent dropping. It has a base with magnets and a pivoting support arm. The case has magnets and cutouts to attach the arm. The arm has speakers. This allows tilting the device for better viewing angles while the speakers provide high quality sound.

US20150341712A1-patent-drawing

15. Tablet Computer Case with Integrated Loudspeaker Compartment

NORDIC ENTERPRISES LIMITED, 2015

A protective case for tablet computers that integrates an external loudspeaker into the case. The case has a compartment to hold the tablet and a separate speaker compartment that houses the loudspeaker. This allows amplified audio playback from the tablet through the external speaker without needing an external device. It also provides protection for the tablet screen from impacts that could damage it.

Request the PDF report with complete details of all 15 patents for offline reading.

The sound amplification techniques shown by the patents featured here range from passive designs that use resonating chambers and channels to integrated speaker systems and removable accessories. Even more functions like privacy protection and noise reduction are covered in some circumstances