Systems and methods for retaining a microphone

Systems and methods for retaining a microphone using a microphone boot are disclosed. The microphone boot may include a sound channeling structure for receiving and delivering sound, and a microphone retaining block for retaining a microphone and passing the sound to the microphone. The sound channeling structure may be secured to a housing of an electronic device. The sound channeling structure may include a sound tube and a hooking component that may be insertable into a tunnel and a slot, respectively, of the microphone retaining block. The sound tube may deliver the sound into the tunnel for passing to the microphone. The hooking component may lock into the slot to secure the sound channeling structure to the microphone retaining block. Thus, the microphone boot may be tightly sealed to prevent leakage of the sound, and may fix the microphone within the electronic device even in the presence of external force.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This can relate to systems and methods for retaining a microphone, and more particularly, to systems and methods for retaining a microphone using a microphone boot.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Oftentimes during usage, an electronic device may be subjected to deliberate external forces (e.g., improper handling of the electronic device). These deliberate forces may transfer vibrations to various components housed in the electronic device, and may cause these various components to move within the electronic device. For example, the deliberate forces may transfer vibrations to a microphone of the electronic device. In particular, these vibrations may mechanically couple into the microphone, which may cause undesirable sounds to be input into an audio system of the electronic device. When the electronic device is subjected to such deliberate forces continuously over time, the performance of the microphone may be affected.

In addition, because a microphone is typically best suited to receive sound from a single sound path, it may be desirable to ensure that substantially all of the sound received by an electronic device (e.g., via a housing aperture) is relayed to the microphone (e.g., to a diaphragm of the microphone) via a single sound path. As an example, oftentimes in conventional microphone systems, multiple sound paths may exist between the outside of the electronic device and the microphone. When this occurs, sound entering the electronic device via these multiple paths may interfere with each other, causing constructive and destructive interference of sound waves. This creates high and low peaks in the frequency response of the microphone, which may prevent the microphone from accurately detecting the incoming sound. As another example, if the electronic device includes a speaker housed within, sound exiting or radiating from the speaker's walls may be picked up by the microphone. This can cause an undesirable echo when the electronic device is used in speakerphone mode, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Systems and methods for retaining a microphone using a microphone boot are provided.

In some embodiments, a microphone boot may be provided. The microphone boot may include a sound channeling structure including a frame, a sound tube, and at least one hooking component. The sound tube and the at least one hooking component may extend away from a first side of the frame. The microphone boot may also include a microphone retaining block including a front face, a microphone retaining cavity, a tunnel, and at least one slot. The tunnel may extend from the front face to the microphone retaining cavity. The tunnel may be operative to receive the sound tube and each slot of the at least one slot may be operative to releasably couple a respective one of the at least one hooking component when the sound channeling structure is coupled to the microphone retaining block.

In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided. The electronic device may include a housing having a housing aperture, a microphone having a microphone aperture, and a microphone boot having a first boot structure and a second boot structure releasably coupled to each other. The first boot structure may include a sound delivering channel having an opening at each end. A first one of the openings may be aligned with the housing aperture and a second one of the openings may be disposed in the second boot structure. The microphone may resides within the second boot structure. The microphone aperture may be aligned with the second one of the openings.

In some embodiments, a method of integrating a sound channeling structure with a microphone retaining block to form a microphone boot may be provided. The sound channeling structure may include a frame having a sound tube and a hooking component disposed thereon. The microphone retaining block may include a tunnel and a slot. The method may include mating the sound tube with the tunnel, and releasably coupling the hooking component to the slot to form the microphone boot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Systems and methods for retaining a microphone using a microphone boot are provided and described with reference toFIGS. 1-7.

FIG. 1Ais a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device100. In some embodiments, electronic device100may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to storing image content) and, in other embodiments, electronic device100may perform multiple functions (e.g., a device that stores image content, plays music, and receives and transmits telephone calls). Moreover, in some embodiments, electronic device100may be any portable, mobile, or hand-held electronic device configured to control output of content. Alternatively, electronic device100may not be portable at all, but may instead be generally stationary. Electronic device100may include any suitable type of electronic device operative to control output of content. For example, electronic device100may include a media player (e.g., an iPod™ available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), a cellular telephone (e.g., an iPhone™ available by Apple Inc.), a personal e-mail or messaging device (e.g., a Blackberry™ available by Research In Motion Limited of Waterloo, Ontario), any other wireless communication device, a pocket-sized personal computer, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a music recorder, a still camera, a movie or video camera or recorder, a radio, medical equipment, any other suitable type of electronic device, and any combinations thereof.

Electronic device100may include a processor or control circuitry102, memory104, communications circuitry106, power supply108, input component110, output component112, and a detector114. Electronic device100may also include a bus103that may provide a transfer path for transferring data and/or power, to, from, or between various other components of device100. In some embodiments, one or more components of electronic device100may be combined or omitted. Moreover, electronic device100may include other components not combined or included inFIG. 1A. For example, electronic device100may include motion detection circuitry, light sensing circuitry, positioning circuitry, or several instances of the components shown inFIG. 1A. For the sake of simplicity, only one of each of the components is shown inFIG. 1A.

Memory104may include one or more storage mediums, including for example, a hard-drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as read-only memory (“ROM”), semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (“RAM”), any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. Memory104may include cache memory, which may be one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data for electronic device applications. Memory104may store media data (e.g., music, image, and video files), software (e.g., for implementing functions on device100), firmware, preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable device100to establish a wireless connection), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), contact information (e.g., telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), calendar information, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof.

Communications circuitry106may be provided to allow device100to communicate with one or more other electronic devices or servers using any suitable communications protocol. For example, communications circuitry106may support Wi-Fi (e.g., an 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth™, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”), BitTorrent™, file transfer protocol (“FTP”), real-time transport protocol (“RTP”), real-time streaming protocol (“RTSP”), secure shell protocol (“SSH”), any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. Communications circuitry106may also include circuitry that can enable device100to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

Power supply108may provide power to one or more of the other components of device100. In some embodiments, power supply108can be coupled to a power grid (e.g., when device100is not a portable device, such as a desktop computer). In some embodiments, power supply108can include one or more batteries for providing power (e.g., when device100is a portable device, such as a cellular telephone). As another example, power supply108can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar power using solar cells).

One or more input components110may be provided to permit a user to interact or interface with device100. For example, input component110can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, an electronic device pad, dial, click wheel, scroll wheel, touch screen, one or more buttons (e.g., a keyboard), mouse, joy stick, track ball, a microphone, and combinations thereof. For example, input component110may include a multi-touch screen. Each input component110can be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating device100.

Electronic device100may also include one or more output components112that may present information (e.g., textual, graphical, audible, and/or tactile information) to a user of device100. Output component112of electronic device100may take various forms, including, but not limited, to audio speakers, in-ear earphones, headphones, audio line-outs, visual displays, antennas, infrared ports, rumblers, vibrators, or combinations thereof.

For example, output component112of electronic device100may include an image display112as an output component. Such an output component display112may include any suitable type of display or interface for viewing image data captured by detector114. In some embodiments, display112may include a display embedded in device100or coupled to device100(e.g., a removable display). Display112may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light emitting diode (“LED”) display, an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) display, a surface-conduction electron-emitter display (“SED”), a carbon nanotube display, a nanocrystal display, any other suitable type of display, or combination thereof. Alternatively, display112can include a movable display or a projecting system for providing a display of content on a surface remote from electronic device100, such as, for example, a video projector, a head-up display, or a three-dimensional (e.g., holographic) display.

In some embodiments, output component112may include an audio output module that may be coupled to an audio connector (e.g., a male audio jack) for interfacing with an audio device (e.g., a headphone, an in-ear earphone, a microphone, etc.).

It should be noted that one or more input components110and one or more output components112may sometimes be referred to collectively herein as an I/O interface (e.g., input component110and output component112as I/O interface111). It should also be noted that input component110and output component112may sometimes be a single I/O component, such as a touch screen that may receive input information through a user's touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen.

Detector114may include one or more sensors of any suitable type that may capture human recognition data (e.g., face data) that may be utilized to detect the presence of one or more individuals. For example, detector114may include an image sensor and/or an infrared sensor. The image sensor may include one or more cameras with any suitable lens or number of lenses that may be operative to capture images of the surrounding environment of electronic device100. For example, the image sensor may include any number of optical or digital lenses for capturing light reflected by the device's environment as an image. The captured light may be stored as an individual distinct image or as consecutive video frame images of a recording (e.g., several video frames including a primary frame and one or more subsequent frames that may indicate the difference between the primary frame and the subsequent frame). As used herein, the term “camera lens” may be understood to mean a lens for capturing light or a lens and appropriate circuitry for capturing and converting captured light into an image that can be analyzed or stored by electronic device100as either an individual distinct image or as one of many consecutive video frame images.

In some embodiments, detector114may also include one or more sensors that may detect any human feature or characteristic (e.g., physiological, psychological, physical, movement, etc.). For example, detector114may include a microphone for detecting voice signals from one or more individuals. As another example, detector114may include a heartbeat sensor for detecting heartbeats of one or more individuals. As yet other examples, detector114may include a fingerprint reader, an iris scanner, a retina scanner, a breath sampler, and a humidity sensor that may detect moisture and/or sweat emanating from any suitable portion of an individual's body. For example, detector114may include a humidity sensor that may be situated near or coupled to one or more portions of input component110, and that may detect moisture and/or sweat from an individual's hands. It should be appreciated that any detector114may include any sensor that may detect any human feature or characteristic.

In some embodiments, detector114may also include positioning circuitry for determining a current position of device100. The positioning circuitry may be operative to update the current position at any suitable rate, including at relatively high rates to provide an estimation of speed and distance traveled. In some embodiments, the positioning circuitry may include a global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver for accessing a GPS application function call that may return geographic coordinates (i.e., a geographic location) of the device. The geographic coordinates may be fundamentally, alternatively, or additionally, derived from any suitable trilateration or triangulation technique. For example, the positioning circuitry may determine the current location of device100by using various measurements (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (“SNR”) or signal strength) of a network signal (e.g., a cellular telephone network signal) that may be associated with device100. For example, a radio frequency (“RF”) triangulation detector or sensor integrated with or connected to device100may determine the (e.g., approximate) current location of device100. Device100's current location may be determined based on various measurements of device100's own network signal, such as, for example: (1) an angle of the signal's approach to or from one or more cellular towers, (2) an amount of time for the signal to reach one or more cellular towers or device100, (3) the strength of the signal when it reaches one or more towers or device100, or any combination of the aforementioned measurements. Other forms of wireless-assisted GPS (e.g., enhanced GPS or A-GPS) may also be used to determine the current position of device100. Instead or in addition, the positioning circuitry may determine the current location of device100based on a wireless network or access point that may be in range or a wireless network or access point to which device100may be currently connected. For example, because wireless networks may have a finite range, a wireless network that may be in range of device100may indicate that device100is located in within a detectable vicinity of the wireless network. In some embodiments, device100may automatically connect to a wireless network that may be in range in order to receive valid modes of operation that may be associated or that may be available at the current position of device100.

In some embodiments, detector114may also include motion sensing circuitry for detecting motion of an environment of device100and/or objects in the environment. For example, the motion sensing circuitry may detect a movement of an object (e.g., an individual) about device100and may generate one or more signals based on the detection.

Processor102of device100may control the operation of many functions and other circuitry provided by device100. For example, processor102may receive input signals from input component110and/or drive output signals through display112. Processor102may load a manager program (e.g., a program stored in memory104or another device or server accessible by device100) to process or analyze data received via detector114or inputs received via input component110to control output of content that may be provided to the user via output component112(e.g., display112). Processor102may associate different metadata with the human recognition data captured by detector114, including, for example, positioning information, device movement information, a time code, a device identifier, or any other suitable metadata. Electronic device100(e.g., processor102, any circuitry of detector114, or any other component available to device100) may be configured to capture data with detector114at various resolutions, frequencies, intensities, and various other characteristics as may be appropriate for the capabilities and resources of device100.

Electronic device100may also be provided with a housing101that may at least partially enclose one or more of the components of device100for protecting them from debris and other degrading forces external to device100. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be provided within its own housing (e.g., input component110may be an independent keyboard or mouse within its own housing that may wirelessly or through a wire communicate with processor102, which may be provided within its own housing).

Electronic device100may include one or more microphones (e.g., as part of I/O interface111) for capturing sounds from the environment (e.g., a user's voice). It should be appreciated that various criteria may be used to select the type of microphone for inclusion in an electronic device. For example, it may be preferable to use microphones that draw minimal power, that are compact, and that are easy to manufacture and integrate into electronic devices. As another example, it may be important to choose a microphone that provides a suitable frequency response. For example, a microphone may have a suitable frequency response if it can receive sounds over a range of frequencies that are audible to humans. MEMS microphones can provide one or more of these features. For example, MEMS microphones are smaller than conventional counterparts, and may allow an electronic device to be made smaller. MEMS microphones are also easy to integrate into electronic devices and can provide suitable frequency responses.

FIG. 1Bis a front view of electronic device100. As shown inFIG. 1B, housing101may at least partially enclose I/O interface111. Moreover, housing101may include a microphone160(e.g., a MEMS microphone) and an aperture120through a portion of housing101(e.g., cut through a glass portion of housing101). Aperture120may be situated on a bottom surface of electronic device100and may face the −Y direction. Microphone160may be situated within housing101and adjacent aperture120such that, when a user holds electronic device100close to the user's face, sound from the user's mouth may pass through aperture120and travel towards microphone160.

Although typical electronic devices may only include a single microphone, electronic device100may include a plurality of microphones. For example, electronic device100may include an aperture122through another portion of housing101(e.g., cut through another glass portion of housing101) and may, in addition to microphone160, include a microphone161(e.g., another MEMS microphone). Aperture122may be situated on a front surface of housing101(e.g., adjacent a receiver130that may be a component of detector114) and may face the +Z direction (e.g., out of the page shown inFIG. 1B). Microphone161may be situated within housing101and adjacent aperture122such that, when a user holds electronic device100with the front surface facing the user (e.g., during a video conference using a camera132of electronic device100), sound from the user's mouth may pass through aperture122and travel towards microphone161. Situating microphone161on the front surface of housing101may more efficiently capture sound during such a video conference call, since the sound from the user's mouth may not be sufficiently directed towards the bottom surface of housing101for microphone160to capture.

FIG. 1Cis a back view of electronic device100. As shown inFIG. 1C, electronic device100may include an aperture124through another portion of housing101(e.g., cut through yet another glass portion of housing101) and may, in addition to microphones160and161, include a microphone162(e.g., yet another MEMS microphone). Aperture124may be situated on a back surface of housing101(e.g., near a top portion of the back surface) and may face a direction opposite the +Z direction ofFIG. 1B. Microphone162may be situated within housing101and adjacent aperture124such that, when a user holds electronic device100with the back surface facing the user (e.g., during a video conference using a camera134of electronic device100), sound from the user's mouth may pass through aperture124and travel towards microphone162. Situating microphone162on the back surface of housing101may allow more efficient capture of sound during such a video conference call, since the sound from the user's mouth may not be sufficiently directed towards the front or bottom surfaces of housing101for any of microphones160and161to capture.

Oftentimes during usage, an electronic device may be subjected to deliberate external forces (e.g., improper handling of the electronic device). These deliberate forces may transfer vibrations to various components housed in the electronic device, and may cause these various components to move within the electronic device. For example, the deliberate forces may transfer vibrations to a microphone of the electronic device. In particular, these vibrations may mechanically couple into the microphone, which may cause undesirable sounds to be input into an audio system of the electronic device. When the electronic device is subjected to such deliberate forces continuously over time, the performance of the microphone may be affected.

In addition, because a microphone is typically best suited to receive sound from a single sound path, it may be desirable to ensure that substantially all of the sound received by an electronic device (e.g., via a housing aperture) is relayed to the microphone (e.g., to a diaphragm of the microphone) via a single sound path. As an example, oftentimes in conventional microphone systems, multiple sound paths may exist between the outside of the electronic device and the microphone. When this occurs, sound entering the electronic device via these multiple paths may interfere with each other, causing constructive and destructive interference of sound waves. This creates high and low peaks in the frequency response of the microphone, which may prevent the microphone from accurately detecting the incoming sound. As another example, if the electronic device includes a speaker housed within, sound exiting or radiating from the speaker's walls may be picked up by the microphone. This can cause an undesirable echo when the electronic device is used in speakerphone mode, for example.

FIG. 2Ashows a view of a portion of electronic device100, including a microphone boot200, from a first perspective.FIG. 2Bshows a view of the portion of electronic device100, including microphone boot200, from a second perspective. As described below, microphone boot200may be configured to channel sound received by electronic device100to microphone160with minimal sound leakage, and protect microphone160from movement within electronic device100even when electronic device100is subjected to external force.

As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, microphone boot200may include a sound channeling structure202and a microphone retaining block252. Sound channeling structure202may be configured to receive sound (e.g., that may pass through housing aperture120in a +n direction, as shown inFIG. 2B) and deliver the received sound to microphone retaining block252. Sound channeling structure202may also couple to microphone retaining block252such that there is minimal to no leakage of air between coupling faces of sound channeling structure202and microphone retaining block252. For example, sound channeling structure202may couple to microphone retaining block252in a relatively tight seal. Microphone retaining block252may include a retaining cavity (described later) that may be configured to retain microphone160, for example. A tight seal between sound channeling structure202and microphone retaining block252may allow sound channeling structure202to deliver substantially all of the received sound to microphone retaining block252(and thus, to microphone160).

Each of sound channeling structure202and microphone retaining block252may be composed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, microphone retaining block252may be softer or more compliant than sound channeling structure202. For example, sound channeling structure202may be composed of metal, whereas microphone retaining block252may be composed of any material that may be softer than metal (e.g., durometer50silicone). As described below, a softer (or more compliant) microphone retaining block252may at least partially expand (e.g., internally) when portions of sound channeling structure202are inserted into corresponding portions of microphone retaining block252.

As shown inFIG. 2B, sound channeling structure202may couple to internal surface side101i. This may secure sound channeling202(and thus, the entirety of microphone boot200) within electronic device100. In this manner, microphone160may be fixed within electronic device100and isolated or protected from undesired movement that may be caused from, for example, forceful contact of electronic device with an external object.

Sound channeling structure202may couple to internal surface side101ivia one or more adhesives. In particular, sound channeling structure202may directly couple to an adhesive304, which may, in turn, couple to a cosmetic mesh402. Cosmetic mesh402may include any filter that may block external contaminants (e.g., water, dirt, dust, etc.) from entering microphone boot200. Cosmetic mesh402may directly couple to an adhesive302, which may, in turn, couple to internal surface side101i. Adhesive302may be similar to adhesive304, and may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., acrylic PSA, silicone, etc.) that may adhere to various surface types (e.g., the surfaces of cosmetic mesh402, internal surface side101i, and sound channeling structure202).

As described above, microphone160may reside within a retaining cavity of microphone retaining block22. Because microphone160may also be mounted on a portion (not shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B) of a circuit board170(e.g., a flex or flexible printed circuit board (“PCB”)), the retaining cavity may be configured to also retain that portion of circuit board170. This portion of circuit board170may couple to portion170b, which may reside on internal surface side101i. The portion of circuit board170and portion170bmay couple to each other via a connection170cthat may be configured to bend and at least partially reside within a hole101hof internal surface side101i. Connection170cmay be configured to bend in this manner based on spacing requirements within electronic device100. For example, by positioning connection170cat least partially within hole101h, microphone boot200may be positioned closer to internal surface side101i(e.g., in the −m direction), allowing electronic device100to be made smaller.

FIG. 3Ashows an exploded view of the portion of electronic device100, including microphone boot200, from a first perspective.FIG. 3Bshows another exploded view of the portion of electronic device100, including microphone boot200, from a second perspective. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, adhesives302and304may include apertures302aand304a, respectively. Each of apertures302aand304amay be similar in size to housing aperture120, and may allow sound (e.g., that housing aperture120may receive from external surface side101e) to pass to microphone boot200. AlthoughFIGS. 3A and 3Bshow cosmetic mesh402as solid throughout an entirety of its surface, it should be appreciated that cosmetic mesh402may also include one or more holes. These holes may be large enough to pass the received sound, but may also be small enough to block or impede contaminants (e.g., water, dirt, dust, etc.) from traveling into microphone boot200(and thus, into microphone160).

To add an extra layer of protection for microphone160(e.g., from external contaminants), an acoustic mesh502may also be included. In particular, sound channeling structure202may include a recess222that may be configured to retain acoustic mesh502. Acoustic mesh502may couple to recess222via an adhesive306, which may also reside on recess222). Adhesive306may be similar to any of adhesives302and304. AlthoughFIGS. 3A and 3Bshow acoustic mesh502as solid throughout an entirety of its surface, it should be appreciated that acoustic mesh502may also include one or more holes. These holes may be large enough to pass sound, but may also be small enough to block or impede contaminants (e.g., water, dirt, dust, etc.), which may affect microphone160's ability to effectively capture sound, from traveling into microphone boot200(and thus, into microphone160).

As shown inFIG. 3A, sound channeling structure202may include a frame204, a platform206that may raise from frame204, a sound tube212that may protrude from platform206, and hooking components208and210. Sound tube212may include a hollow channel along its longitudinal length that may extend from a sound receiving aperture212rto a sound delivering aperture212d.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, sound channeling structure202may align with each of adhesive306, acoustic mesh502, adhesive304, cosmetic mesh402, adhesive302and housing aperture120. In particular, sound channeling structure202may align with these components such that substantially all of the sound (e.g., that housing aperture102may receive) may pass through aperture302a, cosmetic402, aperture304a, cosmetic mesh502, and adhesive306(e.g., in this order), and into sound channeling structure202via sound receiving aperture212r. The hollow channel of sound tube212may deliver the received sound via sound delivering aperture212dwith minimal to no leakage.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, microphone retaining block252may include a retaining cavity aperture274a. Retaining cavity aperture274amay lead into a retaining cavity (not shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B) that may be configured to self-center and retain microphone160and portion170aof circuit board170. As described above, microphone160may be mounted on portion170a. Thus, retaining cavity aperture274amay have a size large enough to allow the combination of microphone160and portion170ato pass therethrough into the retaining cavity. Moreover, the retaining cavity may also be large to accommodate the combination of microphone160and portion170a, but may be small enough to prevent movement of the combination of microphone160and portion170awhile residing therein. Microphone retaining block252may also include an adhesive308that may secure portion170a(and thus, microphone160) to an inner surface of microphone retaining block252. Adhesive308may be similar to any of adhesives302,304, and306, and may include an aperture308athat may allow sound to pass into microphone aperture160a. Moreover, adhesive308may also form an air-tight seal between microphone retaining block252and microphone160when microphone160interfaces or contacts a concentrator ring (not shown inFIG. 3A) residing within microphone retaining block252.

As shown inFIG. 3B, microphone retaining block252may also include an aperture270athat may lead into a tunnel270. Aperture270amay be configured to receive at least a portion of sound tube212. For example, aperture270may be configured to receive at least a portion of sound tube212that may extend from sound delivering aperture212dto anywhere between sound delivering aperture212dand sound receiving aperture212r. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, aperture270amay align with sound tube212, as well as each of adhesive308, a circuit board aperture172, and microphone aperture160a. In particular, microphone retaining block252may align with these components such that substantially all of the sound (e.g., that sound tube212may deliver via sound delivering aperture212d) may pass through aperture308, circuit board aperture172(e.g., in this order), and into microphone aperture160a. In this manner, microphone160may capture substantially all of the sound (e.g., received via housing aperture120from outside of electronic device100) with minimal to no leakage.

As described above, microphone retaining block252may be composed of material that may be softer than the material of sound channeling structure202. This may allow portions of sound channeling structure202, that may insert into corresponding portions of microphone retaining block252, to snug fit within the corresponding portions. In particular, an outer circumference of sound tube212may be slightly larger than each of the circumferences of aperture270aand tunnel270such that, when sound tube210is inserted into tunnel270, an outer surface of sound tube212may snug fit and apply force (e.g., radially outward forces) onto an inner surface of tunnel270. In such a snug fit configuration, substantially all of the sound, that may be delivered via sound delivering aperture212dof sound tube212, may enter microphone retaining block252with minimal to no leakage.

Because microphone retaining block252may be softer or compliant, the shape or outer dimensions of microphone retaining block252may change (e.g., expand) when sound tube212is inserted into tunnel270. Such a change in shape or size of microphone retaining block252may affect other components that may reside near microphone retaining block252within electronic device100. To prevent this from occurring, microphone retaining block252may include one or more relief cuts280. Relief cuts280may surround aperture270a, and may each extend from front face252fto a predefined distance within microphone retaining block252. Relief cuts280may be configured to provide relief to the structure of microphone retaining block252when sound tube212is inserted into tunnel270. For example, when aperture270a(and thus, tunnel270) expands radially outward due to insertion of sound tube212, each of relief cuts280may absorb the expansion by decreasing in size, thus preventing a potential bowing effect that may distort the overall shape (and size) of microphone retaining block252. In this manner, even when a larger sound tube212may be inserted into a comparatively smaller aperture270aand tunnel270, the overall outer dimensions of microphone retaining block252may remain substantially intact (e.g., without any deviation to its intended dimensions).

A snug fit of sound tube212within tunnel270(e.g., as described above) may at least partially secure sound channeling structure212to microphone retaining block252. However, in some embodiments, microphone retaining block252may further secure to sound channeling structure212via one or more dedicated securing features. In particular, microphone retaining block252may include slots258and260that may be configured to receive hooking components208and210, respectively. Although not shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, each of slots258and260may include a support edge/surface onto which a corresponding hook end208hand hook end210hmay rest, or otherwise latch onto. For example, when each of hooking components208and210are inserted into corresponding slots258and260, hook end208hand hook end210hmay each latch or lock onto the corresponding support edge/surface. In this manner, sound channeling structure202may securely couple to microphone retaining block252. It should be appreciated that any of a length of the hooking component, a distance of the support edge from an opening of the slot, and a length of sound tube212may be defined such that, when sound tube212is inserted into tunnel270and when hooking components208and210are inserted and locked into corresponding slots258and260, a front face202fof sound channeling structure202may be substantially flush with front face252fof microphone retaining block252. For example, the dimensions of the aforementioned components may be defined such that sound channeling structure202may form a tight seal with microphone retaining block252via front faces202fand252f. In this manner, microphone retaining block252may secure to housing101(e.g., via sound channeling structure202) to protect microphone160from movement within electronic device100. Moreover, substantially all of the sound, that may enter electronic device100via housing aperture120, may be channeled by microphone boot200directly to microphone160with minimal to no leakage.

In some embodiments, an additional structure (not shown) may be included to further secure microphone boot200to housing101. For example, the additional structure may be configured to apply a bias force in the −n direction onto one or more portions of rear surface252rof microphone retaining block252.

In some embodiments, sound channeling structure202may be detachable from microphone retaining block252. For example, each of hook ends208hand210hmay be released from the corresponding support edge of the corresponding slots258and260. In these embodiments, microphone retaining block252may include a slit275that may allow insertion of one or more tools therein. For example, a tool may be inserted into slit275to move one or more of hook ends208hand210hinto release positions (e.g., where hook ends208hand210hare released from the corresponding support edges of slots258hand260h). In these release positions, sound channeling structure202may be detachable from microphone retaining block252(e.g., by applying one or more appropriate forces to any of sound channeling structure202and microphone retaining block252).

FIG. 3Cshows a cross-sectional view of microphone boot200, taken in a −m direction ofFIG. 2Bon a plane formed by the lines W and V ofFIG. 2B. As shown inFIG. 3C, sound channeling structure202may couple with microphone retaining block252to form microphone boot200. Sound tube212may reside within tunnel270, hooking component208may reside within slot258, and hooking component210may reside within slot260. Each of slots258and260may include corresponding support surfaces258sand260sthat may allow hook ends258hand260hto lock or latch thereon.

FIG. 4Ashows a perspective view of sound channeling structure202.FIG. 4Bshows a top view of sound channeling structure202, taken along a line C ofFIG. 4A.FIG. 4Cshows a front view of sound channeling structure202, taken along a line D ofFIG. 4A. As shown inFIGS. 4A-4C, sound channeling structure202may include sound tube212that may protrude from raised platform206in a direction facing away from front face202f. Each of hooking components208and210may also protrude from raised platform206in a similar manner. AlthoughFIGS. 4A-4Cshow sound channeling structure202including raised platform206, in some embodiments, one or more of sound tube212and hooking components208and210may instead protrude directly from frame204.

As described above with respect toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer circumference of sound tube212may be at least slightly larger than circumferences of aperture270aand tunnel270of microphone retaining block252. In this configuration, sound tube212may snug fit into tunnel270, which may at least partially expand tunnel270into relief cuts280. As part of this configuration, sound tube212may have a first diameter d1 near sound delivering aperture212d, and may have a second larger diameter d2 near raised platform206such that (e.g., forming a convex shape), when sound tube212is inserted into tunnel270, a larger diameter portion of sound tube212may snug fit within aperture270aof tunnel270.

FIG. 5Ashows a perspective view of microphone retaining block252.FIG. 5Bshows a view of a rear face252rof microphone retaining block252.FIG. 5Cshows a view of a top face252tof microphone retaining block252.FIG. 5Dshows a view of a side face252sof microphone retaining block252. As shown inFIG. 5A, microphone retaining block252may include retaining cavity aperture274athat may reside on bottom face252bof microphone retaining block252, and that may lead into retaining cavity274c. As shown inFIG. 5B, microphone retaining block252may also include slit275. Although slit275may be shown to have a thickness t, it should be appreciated that slit275may include any suitable thickness that may allow one or more tools to be inserted therethrough.

FIG. 5Eshows a view of front face252fof microphone retaining block252.FIG. 5Fshows a cross-sectional view of microphone retaining block252, taken from line A-A ofFIG. 5E.FIG. 5Gshows a cross-sectional view of microphone retaining block252, taken from line B-B ofFIG. 5E. As shown inFIGS. 5F and 5G, retaining cavity274cmay be shaped to retain microphone160and portion170aof circuit board170. Further, tunnel270may extend from aperture270ato an internal aperture270bthat may lead into retaining cavity274c. Retaining cavity274cmay also include concentrator ring276(e.g., shown as portions of concentrator ring276inFIGS. 5F and 5G) that may surround a perimeter of internal aperture270b. Protrusions276may be composed of any suitable type of material (e.g., foam), and may be configured to impinge (e.g., at any suitable force) onto various portions of portion170aof circuit board170(e.g., when microphone160and portion170aare residing within retaining cavity274c). In this manner, retaining cavity274cmay secure microphone160within retaining cavity274c, which may prevent microphone160from falling out of retaining cavity aperture274a.

As described above with respect toFIGS. 4A-4C, the outer circumference of sound tube212may be slightly larger than the circumferences of aperture270aand tunnel270of microphone retaining block212. In this configuration, sound tube212may snug fit into tunnel270, which may at least partially expand tunnel270into relief cuts280. As part of this configuration, tunnel270may have a diameter d3 near aperture270a, and may have a second smaller diameter d4 near internal aperture270b(e.g., forming a convex shape) such that, when sound tube212is inserted into tunnel270, the portion of sound tube212having diameter d1 may reside within the portion of tunnel270having diameter w4, and the portion of sound tube212having diameter d2 may reside within the portion of tunnel270having diameter d3.

In some embodiments, microphone retaining block252may also include a rear-impinging structure that may be configured to further secure microphone160within retaining cavity274c.FIG. 6Ashows a front view of microphone retaining block252, similar to the view shown inFIG. 5E, including rear-impinging structure290.FIG. 6Bshows a rear view of microphone retaining block252, similar to the view shown inFIG. 5B, including rear-impinging structure290.FIG. 6Cshows a view of a top face of microphone retaining block252, similar to the view shown inFIG. 5C, including rear-impinging structure290.FIG. 6Dshows a cross-sectional view of microphone retaining block252, similar to the view shown inFIG. 5F, including rear-impinging structure290.FIG. 6Eshows a cross-sectional view of microphone retaining block252, similar to the view shown inFIG. 5G, including rear-impinging structure290. As shown inFIGS. 6A-6E, microphone retaining block252may include rear-impinging structure290that may be inserted into an opening (not shown) of rear face252rof microphone retaining block252.

Rear-impinging structure290may include a plurality of protrusions292that may span throughout a rear end of retaining cavity274cwhen rear-impinging structure290is inserted into microphone retaining block252. Protrusions292may be composed of any suitable type of material (e.g., foam, the same material as microphone retaining block252, etc.). In some embodiments, protrusions292may be formed during manufacture of microphone retaining block252(e.g., at the time of molding of microphone retaining block252). Each one of protrusions292may have a shape and/or composition that may allow it expand into surrounding empty space. In this manner, protrusions292may apply a load or force to microphone160toward concentrator ring276without deforming or changing the outer shape of microphone retaining block252. Protrusions292may, additionally or alternatively, be present on an outer surface of the microphone retaining block252, and may similarly apply a load or force to microphone160toward concentrator ring276.

FIG. 7shows an illustrative process700of integrating sound channeling structure202with microphone retaining block252to form microphone boot200. Sound channeling structure202may include frame204having sound tube212and hooking component208disposed thereon. Microphone retaining block252may include tunnel270and slot258. Process700may begin at step702. At step704, the process may include mating the sound tube with the tunnel. For example, the process may include mating sound tube212with tunnel270. In particular, the process may include aligning sound tube212with tunnel270, or more specifically, aligning sound delivering aperture212dwith aperture270a. The process may also include inserting sound tube212into tunnel270. For example, the process may include moving sound channeling structure202in the +n direction ofFIG. 3and/or moving microphone retaining block252in the −n direction ofFIG. 3to insert sound tube212into tunnel270.

At step706, the process may include releasably coupling the hooking component to the slot to form the microphone boot. For example, the process may include releasably coupling hooking component208to slot258to form microphone boot200(e.g., as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B). In particular, the process may include aligning hooking component208(and hook end208h) with an opening of slot258. The process may also include inserting hooking component208(and hook end208h) through the opening and into slot258. The process may further include hooking or latching hook end208honto support surface258swithin slot258.

In some embodiments, the process may also include retaining a microphone within a retaining cavity of the microphone retaining block. For example, the process may include retaining microphone160within retaining cavity274cof microphone retaining block252. In some embodiments, step704may result in alignment between the sound tube to a microphone aperture of the microphone. For example, step704may result in alignment between sound tube212to microphone aperture160aof microphone160. This may allow sound to be delivered from the sound tube212(e.g., via sound delivering aperture212d) to microphone160.

Moreover, in some embodiments, step706may result in the securing of the sound channeling structure to the microphone retaining block. For example, step706may result in the securing of sound channeling structure202to microphone retaining block252. In this manner, microphone160, which may reside within microphone retaining block252, may be fixed in position within microphone boot200.

It should be appreciated that, although process700has been described to include coupling only one hooking component with one slot, process700may also include coupling a second hooking component (e.g., hooking component210) with a second slot (e.g., slot260).

It is to be understood that the steps shown in process700ofFIG. 7are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered.

While there have been described systems and methods for retaining a microphone using a microphone boot, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up and “down,” “front” and “back,” “top” and “bottom,” “left” and “right,” “length” and “width,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the devices of this invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of this invention. Moreover, an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention may be of any suitable three-dimensional shape, including, but not limited to, a sphere, cone, octahedron, or combination thereof.

Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.