Waterproof port for electronic devices

One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing defining a port and a cavity, a processing element contained within the cavity of the housing, an input/output device (such as, but not limited to, a sound wave transducer) in selective communication with the port, and a flow-blocking member movably connected to the housing. The flow-blocking member selectively prevents fluid-flow, such as the flow of air, through the port. The electronic device also includes a fluid repelling member connected to the housing and positioned in a flow path between the port and the input/output device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a 35 U.S.C. 371 application of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/062509, filed Sep. 29, 2013 and titled “Waterproof Port for Electronic Devices,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL HELD

The present invention relates generally to a port for an electronic device, and, more specifically, to waterproof ports and apertures for electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Many types of electronic devices, such as smart phones, gaming devices, computers, watches, and the like, may include ports or openings to allow transmission of sound waves or to receive connectors. Some examples of these types of ports include microphone ports, speaker apertures, and headphone ports. During operation, some types of ports, such as microphone ports and speaker ports, require air flow between the enclosure of the electronic device in order to receive and/or transmit sound waves. The airflow pathway may also allow fluids, such as water, and/or debris to enter into the enclosure, which may damage internal components. Therefore, there is a need for a port or aperture that may prevent fluid ingress while still allowing airflow during operation.

SUMMARY

One example of the present disclosure includes an electronic device may take the form of an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing defining a port and a cavity, a processing element contained within the cavity of the housing, an input/output device (such as, but not limited to, a sound wave transducer) in selective communication with the port, and a flow-blocking member movably connected to the housing. The flow-blocking member selectively prevents fluid-flow, such as the flow of air, through the port. The electronic device also includes a fluid repelling member connected to the housing and positioned in a flow path between the port and the input/output device.

Another example of the disclosure includes a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device comprises an enclosure defining a cavity, a processing element at least partially enclosed within the cavity, and a flow aperture configured to be in selectively fluid communication with the cavity. The wearable electronic device also includes a button assembly operably connected to the enclosure and configured to selectively prevent fluid flow through the flow aperture and a sound wave transducer, such as a microphone or speaker, is positioned within the cavity and is in selective fluid communication with the flow aperture.

Yet another example of the disclosure includes a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a housing defining a cavity, a port defined in the housing, the port being in fluid communication with the cavity, a sound wave transducer in selective communication with the port, and a waterproof port assembly operably connected to the housing. The waterproof port assembly comprises a selectable component movable connected to the housing and a flow-blocking member operably connected to the selectable component and selectively positioned between the port and the sound wave transducer. During operation, movement of the selectable component causes movement of the flow-blocking member.

SPECIFICATION

Overview

Some embodiments herein may take the form of a compact electronic device, such as a wearable electronic device, smart phone, portable music player, gaming device, or the like, that incorporates a waterproof port or other type of aperture (collectively referred to herein as a “port”). In one embodiment, the waterproof port assembly includes an opening mechanism, such as a button or other selectable component, which selectively opens and closes a port. In the closed position, a flow-blocking member is positioned between an exterior of the electronic device and an interior of the electronic device to block air, fluids, and debris from entering into the electronic device. In the open position, the flow blocking member is moved or otherwise repositioned to allow fluid flow between the exterior of the electronic device and the interior. By selectively opening and closing (e.g., repositioning the flow-blocking member), the waterproof port may prevent water flow into the electronic device, but may still allow open to allow airflow (such as sound waves) to reach one or more sensors in the electronic device. In some embodiments, the port may also facilitate an electronic connection between an internal contact and an external connector or plug. The aperture through which this connection is made may be selectively opened and closed, as well.

In addition to the flow-blocking member, the waterproof port assembly may further include a fluid repelling member, such as a fluid-blocking mesh or a semi-permeable membrane. The fluid repelling member helps to prevent fluids from entering the electronic device through the waterproof port when the flow blocking member is open. In this manner, in the open position, the waterproof port may allow airflow through the port, but may substantially prevent or reduce fluid flow therethrough (at least at atmospheric pressure). By using the flow-blocking member in combination with the fluid repelling member, the waterproof port assembly may better prevent fluids from entering into the port, especially when the port assembly experiences greater than atmospheric pressure, such as may be exerted when the device is submerged in water or another fluid. That is, in instances where the port may only include a fluid repelling mesh, the mesh may prevent fluids from entering into the cavity in normal conditions. However, in instances where pressure is exerted on the mesh, such as when the device is underwater, the fluid may enter through the mesh. With the waterproof port assembly, the flow-blocking member may act to prevent fluids from entering through the port, even under enhanced (e.g., greater than atmospheric) pressure.

In some embodiments, the flow-blocking member may be selectively activated by depressing or otherwise interacting with a button, although other input mechanisms (slides, switches, wheels, and the like) may be used in other embodiments. For example, a button may be operably connected to the flow-blocking member and, as a user selects the button, the button may in turn cause the flow-blocking member to be repositioned so as to open/close the port.

As another example, the flow-blocking member may be formed integrally with the button. In this example, the button may be configured to allow fluid flow into the port in the open position, but prevent fluid flow in the closed position. As a first example, the button may be depressed into or sub-flush with respect to the enclosure of the electronic device, thereby defining flow pathway between the sidewalls of the button and the sides of the aperture into which the button moves. As a second example, the button may include a flow-directing groove or aperture defined therein. When the button is in a selected position, such as a compressed position, the flow groove or aperture may be positioned to allow air flow into and through the port.

The waterproof button assembly may further include a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism, one example of which is a spring, acts to return the flow-blocking member to a default position. In some embodiments, this default position may block or close the port. The biasing mechanism may be configured to allow the port to remain open for a select period of time. For example, the biasing mechanism may be a damped spring that may slowly return the button and/or flow blocking member to the closed position.

As another example, the biasing member may be an electronic component that can selectively open and close the port by selectively moving the flow blocking member. Some examples of an electronic component that can be used to move the flow blocking member include a motor, servo, or an electromagnet. In this example, the biasing member may prevent the flow blocking member from being moved from a blocking position relative to the port under certain conditions, such as when the exterior pressure exceeds a certain threshold. Continuing with this example, the biasing member may prevent the flow-blocking member from unblocking the port when the device is underwater, which may prevent fluids from being transmitted into the port accidentally. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments where the biasing member is an electronic component, the biasing member may selectively move the flow-blocking member to allow flow through the port. As an example, the biasing member may move the flow-blocking member to open the port when a certain application or function is activated on the electronic device.

The waterproof port may be used to communicate fluid or energy, such as sound waves, to and/or from the electronic device. As a first example, the electronic device may include a microphone positioned beneath the waterproof port or in another location that may be in audible communication with the waterproof port. In this example, sound waves may be transmitted (such as vocal sounds) through the port to reach the microphone positioned within an enclosure of the electronic device. By selectively opening and closing the port (e.g., by moving the flow-blocking member), sound waves may be in audible communication with the microphone when the port is open, but fluids may be prevented from entering into the enclosure and potentially damaging the microphone when the port is closed.

As a second example, the electronic device may include a speaker positioned in audible communication with the waterproof port. In this example, sound waves produced by the speaker may be selectively transmitted through the waterproof port to an exterior of the electronic device when the port is open, but fluids may prevented from being transmitted into the enclosure when the port is closed. In particular, the waterproof port assembly may be used in instances where a sound transducer is located within the electronic device and generates audio intended to be heard outside the housing, but where the electronic device may be used in certain environments, such as being underwater, the port may be closed to prevent fluid from entering into the device via the port.

In other embodiments the waterproof port may be used as an input/output connection port for the electronic device. In these embodiments, the waterproof port may be opened to allow a connector, such as, but not limited to, an audio jack, a plug, a universal serial bus connector, or the like, to be received therein. However, when the waterproof port is not in use, the flow-blocking member may cover the opening to prevent air, fluid, and debris from entering the opening.

Turning now to the figures, an illustrative electronic device the waterproof port assembly will now be discussed in more detail.FIG. 1is a top plan view of an electronic device100including the waterproof port assembly. As discussed above, the waterproof port assembly selectively opens and closes a port to allow the electronic device to be substantially waterproof, while still including the airflow features of a port. With reference toFIG. 1, the electronic device100may include a housing102, a display104, a band106, the waterproof port assembly108, a selectable component110, and a port112. As shown inFIG. 1, the electronic device100is a wearable component, such as watch. However, in other embodiments, the electronic device100may be a smart phone, a portable music and/or video player, a laptop or tablet computer, or the like. As such, although the below description is made with reference to a wearable device such as that shown inFIG. 1, many other embodiments incorporating the waterproof port assembly108are envisioned.

The housing102may form a hub or main body for the electronic device100and may enclose one or more integral components (such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, storage components, etc.). The housing102may be integrally formed, two or more components connected together, or other variations of enclosures. The display104is a visual display element such as a liquid crystal display, plasma display, or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the display104may include input functionality, and may include a multi-touch input system, such as a capacitive input screen. The display104may be connected to the housing102and be positioned on a front of the housing102.

The electronic device100may include a plurality of electronic components that may be enclosed within or attached to the housing102.FIG. 2is a simplified block diagram of the electronic device100. With reference toFIG. 2, the electronic device100may include one or more processing elements114, a memory component116, an input/output component118, one or more sensors129, a microphone122, a speaker124, and/or power source126. The components or groups of components may be in electrical communication with one another, such as through one or more system busses126, electrical traces, wirelessly, or the like.

The power source126provides power to the components of the electronic device100. The power source126may be a battery, solar panel, or other portable power element. Additionally, the power source126may be rechargeable or replaceable.

The processing element114or processor is substantially any type of device that can receive and execute instructions. For example, the processing element114may be a processor, microcomputer, or the like. Additionally, the processing element114may include one or more processors and in some embodiments may include multiple processing elements.

The one or more sensors120may be configured to sense a number of different parameters or characteristics that may be used to influence one or more operations of the electronic device100. For example, the sensors120may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, capacitive sensors, light sensors, image sensors, pressure or force sensors, or the like. As will be discussed in more detail below, one or more of the sensors120may be used in conjunction with the waterproof port assembly108to selectively close and open the port, as well as receive user input therefrom.

With continued reference toFIG. 2, the memory component116stores electronic data that may be utilized by the electronic device100. For example, the memory component116may store electrical data or content—e.g., audio files, video files, document files, and so on-corresponding to various applications. The memory116may be, for example, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, or flash memory.

The input/output interface118may receive data from a user or one or more other electronic devices. Additionally, the input/output interface118may facilitate transmission of data to a user or to other electronic devices. For example, the input/output interface118may be used to receive data from a network, or may be used to send and transmit electronic signals via a wireless or wired connection (Internet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet being a few examples). In some embodiments, the input/output interface118may support multiple network or communication mechanisms. For example, the network/communication interface118may pair with another device over a Bluetooth network to transfer signals to the other device, while simultaneously receiving data from a WiFi or other network.

The microphone122may be used in conjunction with the input port112to receive sound waves. The microphone122is configured to receive sound waves and transform them into electrical signals. In particular, the microphone122may be an acoustic-to-electric transducer or other sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. As will be discussed in more detail below, the microphone122may be positioned to be in fluid communication with the port112such that the microphone122may receive sound waves through the housing102.

The speaker124may also be used in conjunction with the input port112or through another input port. The speaker124creates sound waves from electrical signals. For example, the speaker124may be an electro-acoustic transducer that creates sound in response to an electrical audio signal.

With reference again toFIG. 1in embodiments where the electronic device100is wearable, the electronic device100may include a band106, such as a wrist band, arm band, or the like, that secures the electronic device100to a person or structure. The band106may connect to the housing102and may include attachment elements, such as a buckle, hook and loop, fasteners, or clasps, that connect the ends of the band106to each other. The length of the band106and/or attachment elements may be varied as desired.

The waterproof port assembly108used to selectively open and close the port will now be discussed in further detail.FIG. 3is an enlarged view of the electronic device ofFIG. 1, illustrating select components of the waterproof port assembly108.FIG. 4is a cross-section view of the electronic device ofFIG. 1taken along line4-4inFIG. 3. With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the waterproof port assembly108may include the selectable component110and the port112. The selectable component110is configured to receive a user input and may be movable, such as compressible, slidable, or rotatable. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the selectable component110may be a compressible button that translates laterally relative to a sidewall148of the housing102. However, many other types movement are envisioned, at least some of which will be discussed below with respect toFIGS. 13A and 13B.

In some embodiments, the selectable component110may include a main body140and a base136. The main body140may have a smaller diameter than the base136, which as will be discussed in more detail below, may allow the base136to seal an aperture in the housing102. For example, the base136may receive an O-ring or other sealing member that seals against the inner surface of the housing102. In some embodiments, the selectable component110may have, in cross-section, a “T” shape. The top surface of the main body140may define a user engagement surface150. The user engagement surface150may be configured to receive a user input to allow the selectable component110to be moved or selected.

An actuator134is operably connected to the selectable component110or may otherwise be configured to be selectively activated when the selectable component110is activated. The actuator134may be an at least partially rigid member that extends between the selectable element110and a flow-blocking member128. The actuator134links the selectable component to the flow-blocking member and is configured to change the position of the flow-blocking member128upon activation of the selectable component110. It should be noted that the actuator134is illustrated as a static element inFIG. 4, such as a rod. However, in some embodiments, the actuator134may be a variable element. For example, the actuator134may be an electrical motor, drive shaft for a motor, or the like. Examples of this type of actuator134will be discussed in more detail below.

With continued reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the waterproof port assembly108may further include or otherwise incorporate, or cooperate with, the flow-blocking member128. The flow-blocking member128acts as a cover or seal for the port112. The flow blocking member128may be positioned on an interior of the housing102or an exterior of the housing102. The flow-blocking member128may have a larger diameter than a diameter of the port112, which allows the flow-blocking member128to better seal the interior of housing102from the port112when in the closed position. The flow-blocking member128may be formed of an impermeable material such that fluids, debris, and particles may be substantially prevented from passing therethrough, even under pressure.

A sealing member146may be associated with the flow-blocking member128and may be used to seal the perimeter of the flow-blocking member128against the sidewalls of the housing102. The sealing member146may be an O-ring, cup-seal, elastomeric material, or the like.

In some embodiments, the waterproof port assembly108may further include a fluid repelling member132. The fluid repelling member132may be semi-permeable and may allow sound waves to pass therethrough, but may repel fluids, such as water. For example, the fluid repelling member132may be a water-resistant mesh that covers the port112. The fluid repelling member132may help to prevent fluids from entering through the housing102via the port112when the flow-blocking member128is in an open position.

With reference toFIG. 4, the waterproof port assembly108may also include a biasing member144operably connected to the actuator134and/or flow-blocking member128. The biasing member144may be substantially any element that can exert a biasing force against the flow-blocking member128and actuator134. In one embodiment, the biasing member144may be a spring, which can be compressed by the actuator134with a predetermined amount of force. Upon removal of the force, the biasing member144may return the actuator134to its original position. Other possible biasing members are, but are not limited to, a piston, a magnet, and the like.

In some embodiments, the biasing member144may be damped or otherwise configured to return the actuator134to a default position at a predetermined rate. In these embodiments, the flow-blocking member128may be returned to the closed position after a predetermined time period. This allows the port112to be opened for a predetermined period of time, but close automatically after the time expires. As one example, after opening, the biasing member may slowly exert a closing force on the flow-blocking member that closes the flow-blocking member after 30 seconds. However, in other embodiments, the biasing member may not be damped or may be damped to allow the flow-blocking member to return quickly to a closed position. In this example, port may remain open only as a user is exerting a force on the selectable component, or for a short time frame after the user removes the force.

With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the user engagement surface150and a portion of the main body140of the selectable component110may be received through a button aperture138defined in the sidewall148of the housing102. The base136of the selectable component136may have a larger diameter than the button aperture138and may seal against the interior surface of the sidewall148to prevent fluids and/or debris from entering into a cavity130defined by the housing102. The actuator134extends from and is operably connected to the base136of the selectable component110. The microphone122and/or speaker124may be connected to the actuator134and may be movable with the actuator134.

The actuator134connects to the flow-blocking member128, which in turn is connected to the biasing member144. A first end of the biasing member144is thus connected to the How-blocking member128and a second end of the biasing member144may be anchored on a portion of the housing102or a support structure142.

Operation of the waterproof port108assembly will now be discussed. With reference toFIG. 3, in a first position, the flow-blocking member128may be closed, sealing the port112. In this position, the flow-blocking member128may substantially prevent fluids and debris from entering into the cavity130through the port112. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the flow-blocking member128may be positioned below the aperture defining the port112and the sealing member146may seal against the interior side of the housing102surrounding the port. The combination of the sealing member146and the flow-blocking member128may substantially prevent fluids from entering into the cavity130. For example, the flow blocking member128may be larger than the port112and the sealing member146may seal the flow-blocking member against the housing102, to prevent fluids from travel around the flow-blocking member128into the cavity130. In the first position, the flow-blocking member128may hinder sound waves from being transmitted through the port112.

To open the port112, the user may provide an input to the selectable component110.FIG. 5Ais an enlarged plan view of the electronic device100as a force is applied to the selectable component110. Further,FIG. 5Bis a simplified cross-section view of the electronic device taken along line5B-5B inFIG. 5A. With reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B, as a force F is applied to the user engagement surface150, the selectable component110moves laterally relative to the sidewall150and further into the cavity130. Movement of the selectable component110causes the base136to transmit the force F to the actuator134, thereby causing the actuator134to act on the flow-blocking member128. The flow-blocking member128moves laterally within the housing102towards the support142, compressing the biasing member144. Compression of the biasing member144allows the flow-blocking member128to be displaced relative to the port112. For example, as shown inFIG. 5A, the flow-blocking member128may be offset from the center of the port112, such that the flow-blocking member128may only seal a portion of the port112. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 5A, as the flow-blocking member128is moved, the cavity may be at least partially visible through the fluid repelling member.

With reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B, as the force F continues to be applied the selectable component110transitions further into the cavity130, moving the actuator134closer towards the support structure142and compressing the biasing member144. The movement of the actuator134and the compression of the biasing member144moves the flow-blocking member128past the port112. This allows the port112to become unblocked and thus allows sound waves and air to be transmitted therethrough. It should be noted that the fluid repelling member132may remain in position over the port112to prevent fluids from entering through the port112, while still allowing sound waves to be transmitted therethrough. As shown inFIG. 6A, in some embodiments, in the open position, the flow-blocking member may allow the cavity to be visible through the mesh or other material of the repellent.

With reference toFIGS. 4 and 6B, when the force F is removed, the biasing member exerts a biasing force on the flow-blocking member128as the biasing member decompresses. As one example, in embodiments where the biasing member is a spring, as the spring stretches back out it pushes the flow-blocking member in a direction towards the sidewall148of the housing102. The biasing force is then transmitted to the actuator134, which forces the selectable component110to move towards the sidewall148and out of the cavity130. The biasing force may be configured to return the selectable component110to its initial, decompressed position (as shown inFIG. 4).

In some embodiments, the biasing member144may be configured to exert a rate of force sufficient to close the flow-blocking member rapidly after the user force F is removed from the selectable component110. In other words, the biasing member may be configured to control the speed that the flow-blocking member moves in transitioning from the open position to the closed position. In these examples, the port may remain open only as the user is compressing the selectable component110. However, in other embodiments, as briefly mentioned above, the biasing member144may be configured to have a reduced rate of force. For example, the biasing member144may have an over-damped response. In these examples, the port may remain open for a predetermined time as determined by the over-damped response, even after the user removes the input force. This may allow the user to remove his or her input from the selectable component, while using the port to transmit sound waves or receive sound waves from the sound transducer (e.g., microphone or speaker). It should be noted that in other embodiments, the biasing member144may be configured to only activate the biasing force when initiated, such that the port may remain open until the user provides input to close the port.

In some embodiments, the actuator134may pivot to selectively move the flow-blocking member128.FIG. 7Ais a simplified cross-section view of the waterproof port assembly including a pivoting flow-blocking member.FIG. 7Bis a simplified top view of the flow-blocking member ofFIG. 7Aillustrating a movement path. With reference toFIG. 7A, in this example, the actuator134may include a pivot171, such as a joint or flexible component, that connects to the flow-blocking member128. The pivot171is configured to move the flow-blocking member along a path similar to the path165illustrated inFIG. 7B. This movement selectively aligns the flow-blocking member128with the port112, to close/open the port112.

In the example ofFIG. 7A, the fluid repelling member132may be positioned beneath the flow-blocking member128. In this manner, the fluid repelling member132may be exposed while the port112is open, which may prevent the fluid repelling member132from becoming saturated with fluids when the port is closed. In other words, in embodiments where the fluid repelling member may be positioned an exterior of the device100or remain exposed even while the flow-blocking member is covering the port, the device100may be underwater or otherwise exposed to volume of fluid, which could cause the fluid repelling member132to become saturated, which may reduce its effectiveness and/or cause wear over time.

In some embodiments, the biasing member may be an electromechanical component.FIG. 8is a simplified cross-section view of the waterproof port assembly108including an electrically driven biasing member147. With reference toFIG. 8, in this example, the biasing member147may be an electric motor, such as a solenoid, servo, or the like, and may include a drive shaft149. The drive shaft149is operably connected to the actuator134and the flow-blocking member128. In this example, the biasing member144may act to move the flow-blocking member128, and optionally the actuator134, to selectively open and close the port112.

In one embodiment, the selectable component110may not be movable and/or may not be connected to the actuator134. In this example, the selectable component110may include a sensor153that detects a user input to the user engagement surface150provides a signal to the biasing member144to open the port112. As an example the sensor153may be a capacitive sensor, a force sensor, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope that detects the user input to the selectable component110, such as a user touch, movement, or the like. The sensor153signal is then provided to processing element and/or biasing member to activate the biasing member144. As the biasing member144is activated, the drive shaft149moves the flow-blocking member128laterally relative to the port112. For example the drive shaft149causes the flow-blocking member128to translate within the housing102. Additionally, the biasing member144may act to close the port112by moving the flow-blocking member128in an opposite direction.

In the example ofFIG. 8, the selectable component110may not be movable and/or movement of the selectable component may not translate into direct movement of the flow-blocking member128. This allows the flow-blocking member128to be automatically opened/closed based on a number of different inputs, not just user inputs to the selectable component110. As an example, the biasing member144may open the input port112in response to an application being activated (e.g., a music playback application being activated, a voice memo recording application initiating, or the like). In these examples, the biasing member144may automatically open the port112by moving the flow-blocking member128when the application is activated and/or as the application requests. This may also allow the biasing member144to close the port112when the application requests, closes, or becomes inactive, or after a predetermined time period.

In some embodiments, the selectable component may be positioned within the port.FIG. 9Ais a top plan view of an example of the electronic device100with the selectable component positioned within the port.FIG. 9Bis a simplified cross-section view of the electronic device taken along line9B-9B inFIG. 9A.FIG. 9Cis a simplified cross-section view of the electronic device similar toFIG. 9Bwith a force being applied to the selectable component. With reference initially toFIGS. 9A and 9B, in this example of the waterproof port assembly208, the selectable component210may be received within an aperture defined in the housing102. The aperture may define the port212and so the selectable component210may be positioned at a desired location for the port212. For example, as shown inFIG. 9A, the selectable component210may be positioned on a top of the housing102adjacent the display104, rather than on a side of the device100as in the example ofFIG. 3. However, it should be noted, that the position of the selectable component in the embodiment herein may be varied as desired.

With continued reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B, in this example, the selectable component210may be substantially similar to the selectable component110and may include a sealing element246positioned around the body of the selectable component210. In this example, the selectable component210may act as the flow-blocking member and may be formed of an impermeable material, to prevent fluids from entering into the cavity130when in the closed positioned.

The selectable component210may be connected to a biasing member244that may be supported on a support structure242. The biasing member244may be substantially similar to the biasing member144illustrated inFIG. 4. In this example, the biasing member244may act directly on the selectable component210to return the selectable component210to an initial position (e.g., the position shown inFIG. 9B). The waterproof port assembly208may also include a fluid repelling member232. In this example, the fluid repelling member232may be connected to the selectable component210and may be flexible. For example, the fluid repelling member232may be configured to stretch along to accommodate movement of the selectable component210.

With reference toFIG. 9C, in operation, the user may apply a force F to the user engagement surface250formed on the top of the selectable component210. As the force F is applied, the selectable component210may compress and move vertically relative to the top surface151of the housing102. In the compressed position, an air flow path211is defined through the port212into the cavity130. For example, the selectable component210may compress such that the engagement surface250may be positioned below the interior edge of the top surface151of the housing102. This may allow air to flow into and out of the port212and may provide fluid communication between a device exterior and the microphone122, speaker124, or other input/output device positioned between the exterior of the housing102and the cavity130. As such, the selectable component210acts as the flow-blocking member and when it is repositioned relative to the port212, air may flow through the port212to reach the microphone122and/or speaker124.

With continued reference toFIG. 9C, the fluid repelling member232may stretch along with the movement of the selectable component210. This allows fluids, such as water, to be repelled and substantially prevented from reaching certain components within the cavity130, even when the selectable component is compressed or in the open position.

FIGS. 10 and 11illustrate another example of the waterproof assembly including the selectable component received in the input port. With reference toFIG. 10, in this example, the waterproof port assembly308may include a selectable component310positioned within the port312. The selectable component310may include a main body340having a stem336and defining a user engagement surface350. The stem336may be an elongated member that extends longitudinally from a bottom portion of the main body340. The stem336may have a smaller diameter than the main body340and be configured to be received in the port312. A flow recess314, which may also be an aperture, may be defined in the stem336. The flow recess314defines an area of a reduced diameter for the stem336and selectable component310. As will be discussed in more detail below, the reduced diameter may create a flow pathway between a sealing member of the housing102and the selectable component310. In other embodiments, the selectable component310may include a flow aperture defined through the stem.

With continued reference toFIG. 10, the waterproof port assembly308may further include a biasing member344, a sealing member346, and a retaining clip423. The biasing member344is operably connected to the selectable component310, and similar to the biasing member144, acts to return the selectable component310to an initial position. The sealing member346may be an O-ring, seal cup, or other component configured to seal around the selectable component310.

The retaining clip324acts to retain the selectable component310attached to the housing102. For example, the retaining clip324may be a washer, C-clip, nut, or other fastening device. The retaining clip324may have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the input port312or a portion of the input port312surrounding an end of the selectable component310. The retaining clip324may allow some movement of the selectable component310relative to the housing102, but may act as a stop mechanism to prevent the selectable component310from being removed from the assembly. For example, the retaining clip324may allow the selectable component310to move into and out of the cavity130of the housing120in response to an input force, but may prevent the selectable component310from being completely removed or becoming detached from the housing.

With continued reference toFIG. 10, in a first position, the selectable component310is positioned with the stem336extending through the port316. The sealing member346extends around the stem336and seals against the internal sidewalls318defining the port312. The sealing member346substantially prevents fluids and debris from entering into the cavity130via the port312.

With reference toFIG. 11, as a force F is applied to the user engagement surface350of the selectable component310, the selectable component310travels inwardly into the housing102. The retaining clip324allows the stem336to extend into the cavity130, moving the flow recess314further into the port312and become substantially aligned with the sealing member346. As shown inFIG. 11, in this position, the flow recess314defines a flow pathway311for air to flow from the exterior of the housing102into the cavity130to reach the microphone122. Similarly, in the compressed or activated position, the selectable component310defines the flow pathway311from the cavity130, such as from the speaker124, to the exterior of the housing102. In particular, due to the reduced diameter of the stem336at the location of the flow recess314, the sealing member324does not seal against the entire diameter of the stem336. Thus, air can flow between the cavity130and the exterior of the housing along the stem336and the interior sidewall of the sealing member346. When the input force F is removed, the biasing member (shown inFIG. 9C) returns the selectable component to its closed position.

FIG. 12is a side elevation view of the selectable component310ofFIG. 10including a flow aperture. With reference toFIG. 12, in embodiments where the selectable component310includes a flow aperture354, the flow aperture354may include a first opening356at a first location and a second opening358at a second location that may be positioned lower on the stem336than the first location. In this example the flow path311may be defined through the selectable component310, rather than around it as show inFIG. 11. With continued reference toFIG. 12, the first opening356functions as an inlet for the flow path311and the second opening358functions as an outlet for the flow path311. To activate the port312, the selectable component310may be compressed similar toFIG. 11, but in in this example, the selectable component310may be sufficiently depressed such that the second opening358is positioned below the sealing member346and the first opening356is positioned above the sealing member346. Air can then travel through the flow path311defined in the selectable component310to reach the cavity130.

In some embodiments, the flow-blocking member and/or the selectable component may be slidable.FIGS. 13A-13Cillustrate an example of the waterproof port assembly408including a slidable selectable component410. With reference initial toFIGS. 13A and 13C, the selectable component410may include a main body436defining a flow-blocking member for the port412and a gripping feature440, such as a nub or protrusion, that extends from the main body436. In this example, the main body436may be substantially planar and may be configured to extend across the entirety of the port412. The gripping feature440extends from a top surface of the main body436and defines a user engagement surface to allow the user to move the selectable component410from a first position to a second position along a predetermined movement track468(seeFIG. 13B).

A first end480of the selectable component410may be connected to a fluid repelling member432, such as a water repellent mesh. The fluid repelling member432may be substantially similar to the fluid repelling member in the other examples, but may be configured to be movably connected to the selectable component410.

With reference toFIG. 13A, in a first position, the selectable component410may be positioned to extend across the entire opening of the port412. For example, the selectable component410may be positioned within the housing102to allow the main body436to extend between edges of the housing defining the port412. In this position, the main body436forms a flow-blocking member to prevent fluid from entering into the cavity130. In the closed position, the fluid repelling member432may be positioned within the housing102and adjacent to the port412, but may not be in fluid communication with the port412. For example, as shown inFIG. 13A, the fluid repelling member432may be positioned next to an edge of the port412.

With reference toFIGS. 13B and 13C, to open the port412, the user may apply a force F to the gripping feature440, to move the selectable component410from the closed position shown inFIG. 13Ato the open position shown inFIGS. 13B and 13C. In this position, the main body436may be moved horizontally along the track468and be positioned adjacent an edge of the port412and the fluid repelling member432may be moved into a position to be in fluid communication with the port412. In one embodiment, the fluid repelling member432may be positioned to extend over at least a portion of the port412. With reference toFIG. 13C, the gripping feature440may transition from being adjacent a first edge484of the port to being positioned against a second edge486of the port412. In other words, the gripping portion440may translate across a length of the port412to be moved to the open position.

With reference toFIGS. 13B and 13C, in the open position, the main body436of the selectable component410may be only partially positioned within the port412and the fluid repelling member432may be positioned in remaining portion for the port412. This allows a flow path411to be defined between an exterior of the housing into the cavity130via the port412. Thus, sound waves can reach the microphone122within the cavity130and/or sound waves produced by the speaker124may travel through the port412to reach the exterior of the housing102. To close the port, the user may provide a force to the finger grip440to move the main body into the closed position.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on a wearable electronic device, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to substantially any other type of electronic device. Similarly, although the waterproof port assembly may be discussed with response to a compressible button, the devices and techniques disclosed herein are equally applicable to other types of input structures. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.