PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10556252-B2
Application Number: US-201715846809-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device having a tuned resonance haptic actuation system

Abstract:
An electronic device includes an enclosure, a display positioned with the enclosure and defining a front face of the electronic device, and a haptic actuator positioned within the enclosure. The haptic actuator includes a housing comprising a wall and a movable mass positioned within the housing and configured to move within the housing to cause the haptic actuator to produce a vibrational response. The vibrational response includes a first component within a frequency range and a second component outside of the frequency range and providing a haptic output portion of the vibrational response. The haptic actuator also includes a tuning feature incorporated with the wall and configured to reduce the first component of the vibrational response while substantially maintaining the haptic output portion of the vibrational response.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a display positioned with the enclosure and defining a front face of the electronic device; and 
 a haptic actuator positioned within the enclosure and comprising:
 a housing comprising a wall having a thickness between about 100 microns and about 500 microns; 
 a movable mass positioned within the housing and configured to move within the housing to cause the haptic actuator to produce a vibrational response including:
 a first component within a frequency range; and 
 a second component outside of the frequency range and providing a haptic output portion of the vibrational response; and 
 
 a tuning feature incorporated with the wall and configured to reduce the first component of the vibrational response while substantially maintaining the haptic output portion of the vibrational response, the tuning feature defined by a recess having a depth between about 5 microns and about 10 microns into the wall. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the movable mass is movably coupled to the housing via an elastic member; and 
 the movable mass is configured to move substantially linearly along a direction that is substantially parallel to the wall. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the frequency range is from about 1 kHz to about 5 kHz. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the second component of the vibrational response is below about 1 kHz. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the tuning feature is configured to reduce the first component of the vibrational response by about 10 dBA as compared to a haptic actuator without the tuning feature. 
     
     
       6. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a display positioned with the enclosure and defining a front face of the electronic device; and 
 a haptic actuator comprising:
 a housing comprising a wall; 
 a movable mass positioned within the housing and configured to move relative to the housing to impart a force on the housing, thereby causing the haptic actuator to produce a haptic output that is part of a vibrational response of the haptic actuator; and 
 a channel formed in an exterior surface of the wall and comprising a first portion extending along a first direction and a second portion extending along a second direction different than the first direction, the channel having a width between about 100 microns and about 2.0 mm. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the channel is configured to reduce an amplitude of a subset of frequencies present in the vibrational response while substantially maintaining the haptic output. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the wall defines at least two additional channels. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the channel is defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls having scalloped surfaces. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 a first surface of the wall faces the movable mass; and 
 the channel is laser etched into a second surface of the wall that is opposite the first surface. 
 
     
     
       11. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a display positioned with the enclosure and defining a front face of the electronic device; and 
 a haptic actuator attached to an internal structure of the electronic device and configured to produce a vibrational response including at least an audible first component within a frequency range between about 1 kHz and about 5 kHz and a haptic second component below about 1 kHz, the haptic actuator comprising:
 a movable mass; and 
 a housing at least partially enclosing the movable mass and comprising a tuning feature configured to attenuate the audible first component of the vibrational response. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the housing comprises a wall defining an exterior surface of the housing; and 
 the tuning feature comprises a protrusion extending from the exterior surface. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the housing comprises a wall defining an exterior surface of the housing; and 
 the tuning feature comprises a plate secured to the exterior surface. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the plate comprises metal; and 
 the plate is secured to the exterior surface with an adhesive layer between the plate and the exterior surface. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the housing comprises a wall defining an exterior surface of the housing; 
 the tuning feature comprises a recess in the exterior surface; and 
 the electronic device further comprises a layer between and in contact with the exterior surface and the internal structure. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the tuning feature is configured to reduce the audible first component of the vibrational response without substantially reducing the haptic second component of the vibrational response. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the housing comprises a wall having a thickness between about 100 microns and about 500 microns; and 
 the tuning feature is at least partially defined by a recess having a depth between about 5 microns and about 10 microns into the wall. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the recess is defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls having scalloped surfaces. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the vibrational response comprises an audio component in a frequency range from about 1 kHz to about 5 kHz; and 
 the haptic output is below about 1 kHz. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 19 , wherein the channel is configured to reduce the audio component of the vibrational response by about 10 dBA as compared to a haptic actuator without the channel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/561,010, filed Sep. 20, 2017 and titled “Electronic Device Having a Tuned Resonance Haptic Actuation System,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate to haptic actuators, and in particular, to haptic actuators that may be incorporated into an electronic device to provide haptic output to a user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An electronic device can include a mechanical actuator to generate tactile sensations for a user, generally referred to as “haptic output.” Haptic outputs can inform the user of a specific mode, operation, or state of the electronic device, or for any other suitable purpose. Some haptic actuators include masses that are oscillated, rotated, or otherwise moved to produce a haptic output. The movement of a mass when producing a haptic output may also produce an audible output, such as a buzzing. 
     SUMMARY 
     An electronic device includes an enclosure, a display positioned with the enclosure and defining a front face of the electronic device, and a haptic actuator positioned within the enclosure. The haptic actuator includes a housing comprising a wall, a movable mass positioned within the housing and configured to move within the housing to cause the haptic actuator to produce a vibrational response. The vibrational response includes a first component within a frequency range, and a second component outside of the frequency range and providing a haptic output portion of the vibrational response. The frequency range may be from about 1 kHz to about 5 kHz, and the second component of the vibrational response may be below about 1 kHz. The haptic actuator also includes a tuning feature incorporated with the wall and configured to reduce the first component of the vibrational response while substantially maintaining the haptic output portion of the vibrational response. The movable mass may be movably coupled to the housing via an elastic member, and the movable mass may be configured to move substantially linearly along a direction that is substantially parallel to the wall. 
     The tuning feature may be configured to reduce the first component of the vibrational response by about 10 dBA as compared to a haptic actuator without the tuning feature. The tuning feature may be a recess in an exterior surface of the wall of the haptic actuator. The wall may have a thickness between about 100 and about 500 microns, and the recess may have a depth between about 5 and about 10 microns. 
     A haptic actuator includes a housing comprising a wall and a movable mass positioned within the housing and configured to move relative to the housing to impart a force on the housing, thereby causing the haptic actuator to produce a haptic output that is part of a vibrational response of the haptic actuator. The actuator may further include a recess formed in the wall and configured to reduce an amplitude of a subset of frequencies present in the vibrational response while substantially maintaining the haptic output. The subset of frequencies may be between about 1.2 kHz and about 4.5 kHz. A first surface of the wall may face the movable mass, and the recess may be laser etched into a second surface of the wall that is opposite the first surface. 
     The recess may be formed in an exterior surface of the wall. The wall may define at least two additional recesses. The recess may include a first portion extending along a first direction and a second portion extending along a second direction different than the first direction. 
     An electronic device includes an enclosure, a display positioned with the enclosure and defining a front face of the electronic device, and a haptic actuator attached to an internal structure of the electronic device and configured to produce a vibrational response including at least an audible first component within a frequency range and a haptic second component outside of the frequency range. The haptic actuator includes a movable mass and a housing at least partially enclosing the movable mass and comprising a tuning feature configured to attenuate the audible first component of the vibrational response. The tuning feature may be configured to reduce the audible first component of the vibrational response without substantially reducing the haptic second component of the vibrational response. The audible first component may correspond to a frequency range of the vibrational response between about 1 kHz and below about 5 kHz, and the haptic second component may correspond to at least part of the vibrational response outside the audible first component. 
     The housing may include a wall defining an exterior surface of the housing, and the tuning feature may include a protrusion extending from the exterior surface. 
     The housing may include a wall defining an exterior surface of the housing, and the tuning feature may include a plate secured to the exterior surface. The plate may include or be formed from metal, and the plate may be secured to the exterior surface with an adhesive layer between the plate and the surface. 
     The housing may include a wall defining an exterior surface of the housing, the tuning feature may include a recess in the exterior surface, and the electronic device may further include a layer between and in contact with the exterior surface and the internal structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  depicts an electronic device. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts an exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a schematic representation of a haptic actuator. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts an example volume vs. frequency plot for a representative haptic actuator. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts an example haptic actuator with a physical feature affecting audible output of the actuator. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts an example volume vs. frequency plot for the haptic actuator of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIGS. 4A-4E  depict an example haptic actuator with recesses formed in a wall. 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  depict an example haptic actuator with protrusions formed on a wall. 
         FIGS. 6A-6E  depict example configurations of physical features affecting audible output of an actuator. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  depict an example haptic actuator with a plate for affecting audible output of the actuator. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  depict example configurations of a linear haptic actuator. 
         FIG. 9  depicts an example configuration of a rotary haptic actuator. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The embodiments herein are generally directed to haptic actuators for use in electronic devices. Haptic actuators are used to produce haptic outputs, which are tactilely perceptible outputs that may be felt by a user and that may convey information to the user. For example, devices with touch screens may use haptic outputs to indicate when a user has selected (e.g., touched or pressed) an affordance on the touch screen. As another example, in devices with buttons or other input regions that do not move or do not produce tactile outputs, haptic outputs may be used to provide physical feedback indicating that the device has detected an actuation of the button or other input region. As yet another example, haptic outputs may be used to notify a user of an incoming call or message, to replace or accompany a more traditional audible notification such as a ringtone. 
     In some cases, haptic outputs are produced by moving a mass inside the electronic device. For example, linear actuators may move a mass along a substantially linear path, and rotary actuators or motors may spin an eccentric mass about an axis. When the mass moves, the momentum of the mass imparts forces to the electronic device that produce the haptic output (e.g., the physically or tactilely detectable output). The haptic output, however, is only one part of the overall vibrational response or output of the haptic actuator. For example, the movement of the mass may also produce audible output as a result of the resonance of the structure of the actuator itself. Thus, for example, a haptic actuator that oscillates a mass at about 150 Hz may produce a vibrational response that includes a wide range of frequency components. As used herein, a vibrational response refers to or includes mechanical waves within a medium, and may include infrasonic, audible, and ultrasonic frequencies. 
     In some cases, the overall vibrational response that is produced when a haptic actuator is activated (e.g., to produce a haptic output) includes undesirable sound. For example, the presence of audible noise during haptic outputs may be perceived as superfluous or annoying, as the haptic actuator may be intended to primarily provide tactile feedback, not audible feedback. For example, when a haptic output is being used to simulate a collapsing key or button (e.g., a click), a higher pitched buzz, tone, or sound accompanying the tactile output may be undesirable. As another example, in some cases, a haptic actuator is intended to be used as an alternative to audible alerts, such as to discreetly notify a user of an incoming call or email (e.g., in the case of a haptic actuator in a handheld electronic device such as a smartphone). In such cases, any resonance of the haptic actuator that results in audible output may be in conflict with the purpose of the haptic output. 
     Accordingly, haptic actuators as described herein may include tuning features that are configured to reduce an audible portion of a vibrational response of a haptic actuator. For example, tuning features may selectively reduce the volume of sound in a particular range of frequencies within the overall vibrational response, such as frequencies to which human hearing is particularly sensitive. These frequencies may be targeted because the increased sensitivity may cause them to be more irritating to users than other frequencies, and because small changes in the amplitude of these sounds may make a more significant difference in the perceived volume of the sounds than changes to other frequencies. Thus, configuring tuning features to reduce the audible output in a range of frequencies to which human hearing is particularly sensitive (e.g., between about 1 kHz and about 5 kHz) may help maximize the perceived reduction in volume, as compared to tuning features that are configured to reduce the volume of sound in a range of frequencies to which human hearing is less sensitive. 
     While it may be desirable to reduce part of the audible component of the vibrational response of the haptic actuator, it may likewise be desirable to minimize or avoid changes to other portions of the vibrational response (e.g., other frequencies outside of a particular audible range), many of which may define or contribute to the overall haptic output that is perceived by a user. For example, the overall harmonic response of the actuator, including spectral content at many different frequencies, may define what a user actually feels during a haptic output. Tuning features may therefore be configured to reduce undesirable audible content (e.g., within a particular range of frequencies), without substantially altering other portions of the vibrational response (e.g., frequencies outside the particular range and that may contribute to the overall tactile feeling of a haptic output). Accordingly, a desired haptic output can be maintained while reducing or eliminating unwanted noise. 
     As described herein, tuning features may be formed in, on, or otherwise incorporated with a haptic actuator. Example tuning features include recesses formed into a housing of the actuator, protrusions formed on the housing, components affixed to the housing, and the like. The tuning features may alter the structure of the housing in a way that changes how mechanical waves propagate or resonate within the material of the housing. More particularly, the tuning features may reduce the extent to which the movement of a mass results in the production of audible outputs within a particular frequency range. Examples of tuning features and their particular effect on the vibrational response of a haptic actuator are described herein. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts an electronic device  100  that may use a haptic actuator to produce haptic outputs. The electronic device  100  is depicted as a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), though this is merely one example electronic device that may incorporate a haptic actuator as described herein. Accordingly, the concepts discussed herein may apply equally or by analogy to other electronic devices, including wearable electronic devices (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, biometric sensors), tablet computers, notebook computers, head-mounted displays, digital media players (e.g., mp3 players), implantable electronic devices, or the like. 
     The electronic device  100  includes an enclosure  102  and a cover  104 , such as a glass, plastic, ceramic, or other substantially transparent material, component, or assembly, attached to the enclosure  102 . The enclosure  102  may include a back and sides that cooperate to at least partially define an interior volume of the device  100 . 
     The cover  104  may cover or otherwise overlie a display and/or a touch sensitive surface (e.g., a touchscreen), and may define a front face and an input surface  110  of the electronic device  100 . For example, a user may operate the device  100  by touching the input surface  110  to select affordances displayed on the display. The electronic device  100  may also include a button  106 . The button  106  may be movable, such as a mechanical push-button or key, or it may be substantially rigid. In either case, the button  106  may be used to control an operation of the device  100  or otherwise cause the device  100  to perform various functions. 
     The electronic device  100  may also include a haptic actuator  108  positioned within the enclosure  102 . The haptic actuator  108  may produce haptic outputs that are perceived by a user of the device  100 . For example, the haptic actuator  108  may provide tactile feedback in response to inputs detected on the input surface  110  (e.g., touches or presses applied to the input surface  110 ) and/or the button  106  (e.g., where the button  106  is rigid or does not otherwise provide tactile feedback). The haptic actuator  108  may also produce haptic outputs for other reasons, such as for notifying a user of an incoming call, email, text message, or for any other notification. 
     As noted above, when the haptic actuator  108  is actuated, the haptic actuator  108  may produce a vibrational response that includes a haptic component or portion that is transmitted to the user via the input surface  110  or the button  106  (or any other surface or aspect of the enclosure  102  or device  100 ). This same vibrational response may also include frequencies that may not significantly contribute to the tactile sensation perceived by a user, and may in fact be distracting, irritating, or an otherwise undesirable aspect of a haptic output. Accordingly, the haptic actuator  108  may include tuning features that reduce these audible frequencies of the vibrational response when the haptic actuator  108  is used to produce haptic outputs via the input surface  110 , the button  106 , or any other portion of the device  100 . 
       FIG. 1B  is an exploded view of the device  100  of  FIG. 1A , showing the cover  104  and the haptic actuator  108  removed from the enclosure  102 . For clarity,  FIG. 1B  does not show other components that may be present in the device  100 , such as processors, batteries, circuit boards, sensors, cameras, switches, memory devices, and the like. Nevertheless, it will be understood that such components, as well as others not listed, may be included in an electronic device as described herein. 
     The haptic actuator  108  may include a housing  109  (or other structural component) and a movable mass. The movable mass (examples of which are described herein with respect to  FIGS. 8A-9 ) may be moved within or relative to the housing  109  to produce haptic outputs. For example, the haptic actuator  108  may produce haptic outputs by moving a mass within the housing  109  substantially linearly or substantially along a single plane, according to any suitable oscillating or pulsing motion, or any other suitable motion or pattern. In another example, the haptic actuator  108  may be configured to rotate an eccentric (e.g., unbalanced) mass about an axis at one or more speeds to produce vibrations or oscillations. 
     The housing  109  of the haptic actuator  108  may include mounting features  115  for attaching the haptic actuator  108  to the enclosure  102 . The enclosure  102  (or any other component or structure of the device  100 ) may include complementary mounting features  114  to which the mounting features  115  may be attached. As shown, the mounting features  115  are tabs with holes that may receive a fastener therethrough. The fastener may be anchored in the mounting features  114  of the enclosure  102  to secure the actuator  108  to the enclosure  102 . Any suitable fastener may be used, such as a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt, screw, etc.), post, clip, rivet, or the like. In some cases, a mounting feature  114  of the enclosure  102  may include a rod, shaft, or other protruding feature that is received in a hole of a mounting feature  115  of the haptic actuator  108 . The rod, shaft, or other protruding feature may then be deformed to form a rivet-like head that overlaps the mounting feature  115  and secures the haptic actuator  108  to the enclosure  102  (or to any component to which the haptic actuator  108  is attached). 
     The haptic actuator  108  may impart forces onto the device  100  via the mounting features  114 ,  115 , or via any other areas of physical contact between the haptic actuator  108  and the device  100 . For example, when a mass inside the housing  109  is moved to produce a haptic output, momentum from the moving mass may be transmitted to the enclosure  102  via the mounting features  114 ,  115 . In some cases, a wall or surface of the housing  109  may be in contact with an underlying surface of the enclosure  102  (or another component of the device  100 ), and the momentum from the haptic actuator  108  may be transmitted through the contacting surfaces. In other cases, there may be one or more layers of material between the housing  109  and the underlying surface of the enclosure  102  (or other internal component of the device  100 ), such as an adhesive, shim, foam pad, or the like. In such cases, the momentum from the haptic actuator  108  may be transmitted to the underlying surface or component (and ultimately to the enclosure  102 ) through the interstitial layer(s). In addition to the momentum from the moving mass, an entire vibrational response of the haptic actuator, including higher frequency content produced by the actuator  108 , may be transmitted to the enclosure  102  via the mounting features and/or contacting surfaces between the actuator  108  and the enclosure  102 . 
     The haptic actuator  108  may be electrically connected to other components of the device  100  to facilitate the operation of the haptic actuator  108 . For example, the haptic actuator  108  may be connected to a power source (e.g., a battery) and a controller that controls various aspects of the haptic actuator  108 , such as a speed, frequency, or pattern of motion of a mass of the haptic actuator  108 . More particularly, a controller may control how and when electrical current is applied to electrical coils, piezoelectric materials, or other components configured to move a mass, to produce a desired haptic output. Example haptic outputs that may be produced by the haptic actuator  108  in conjunction with the controller and power source include oscillations, vibrations, pulses (e.g., non-repeating or non-cyclical movements of a mass), or the like. 
       FIG. 2A  is a schematic representation of a haptic actuator  200 . The haptic actuator  200  includes a housing or frame  204 , and a mass  202  that is movable relative to the housing or frame  204 . While the movement of the mass  202  relative to the housing or frame  204  is represented in  FIG. 2A  as a linear movement, this is merely for representation and a mass may move in any suitable manner to produce haptic outputs, such as by rotating. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts an example volume vs. frequency plot  206  of a vibrational response of a representative haptic actuator (e.g., the haptic actuator  200 ) while the haptic actuator is producing a haptic output. The volume axis of the plot  206  may represent a weighted or scaled representation of the volume of a sound produced by a haptic actuator. For example, the volume axis may represent an A-weighted volume of the sound, which scales the volume to account for the different sensitivity of human hearing to different frequencies. For example, human hearing has different sensitivities to sounds of different frequencies such that frequencies having equivalent sound pressure levels are not necessarily perceived as having equivalent volumes. Accordingly, the plot  206  (and in particular the volume axis) may be scaled to more accurately represent the perceived volume of certain frequencies. 
     The frequency axis of the plot  206  may illustrate the frequencies that may be present in a given vibrational response of a haptic actuator. As noted above, the vibrational response of a haptic actuator may include vibrational content (e.g., mechanical waves) at numerous different frequencies, which may include any frequencies including infrasonic, audible, and ultrasonic frequencies. The spectral content of a vibrational response may be the result of various mechanical properties of the haptic actuator itself, as well as other components, objects, fluids, or other materials in contact with or in proximity to the haptic actuator. For example, a mass (e.g., the mass  202 ) within a haptic actuator (e.g., the haptic actuator  200 ) may be moved or oscillated at a particular frequency (e.g., 150 Hz). Due to the mechanical properties of the actuator and the surrounding environment, the vibrational response of the actuator includes numerous additional frequencies, such as harmonics or overtones of the original oscillation frequency, as well as other frequencies that may be caused by friction between components of the actuator, resonance of the physical structures of the actuator, as well as other phenomena. 
     Many of the spectral components of the vibrational response of an actuator may contribute to the tactile feel of a haptic output. These spectral components may include a portion of the vibrational response that is at a frequency of oscillation or rotation of a mass of a haptic actuator, as well as other physically perceptible frequency components. 
     A portion of the vibrational response may also be within a particular range of audible frequencies that are aurally undesirable. This component or portion of the vibrational response, represented in  FIG. 2B  by the range  208 , may refer to a frequency range to which human hearing is particularly sensitive. For example, the range  208  of the vibrational response shown in  FIG. 2B  may be between about 1 kHz and about 5 kHz, or between about 1.2 kHz and about 4.5 kHz (or any other narrower included range). While other portions of the vibrational response may be audible, the increased sensitivity of human hearing to the frequencies in this particular range may cause this portion of the vibrational response be perceived as particularly loud. Further, such sounds may be irritating or convey an impression of a low-quality or broken component or device. 
     As noted above, in order to reduce the volume of a haptic output, the haptic actuator may include a tuning feature that is configured to reduce the volume of a subset of the frequencies in the vibrational response. For example, the tuning feature (or tuning features) may attenuate or reduce a portion of the vibrational response that is between about 1 kHz and about 5 kHz, where human hearing is particularly sensitive. The tuning feature may also be configured so that it does not substantially reduce other frequencies or components of the vibrational response, such as frequencies that are outside of the targeted portion of the vibrational response (e.g., frequencies that are below about 1 kHz or above about 5 kHz). Accordingly, the tuning feature can act as a notch filter or a band-stop filter for the vibrational response, reducing unwanted audible output and maintaining other frequencies so that the overall haptic output remains substantially unchanged. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts an example haptic actuator  300  with a tuning feature  302 , which may be configured to reduce a subset of the audible frequencies of the vibrational response of the haptic actuator  300 . The tuning feature  302  may be any suitable feature, such as a recess, protrusion, plate, hole, pattern, or the like. The tuning feature  302  may change the mechanical properties of a housing  301  of the actuator  300  so that audible output within a particular frequency band is attenuated. The tuning feature  302  may change the stiffness or rigidity (or any other suitable property) of the housing  301 , and thus may change how mechanical waves propagate and/or resonate through the material of the housing  301 . For example, the tuning feature  302  may change a resonant frequency of the housing  301 . 
       FIG. 3B  depicts an example volume vs. frequency plot  304  of a vibrational response of the haptic actuator  300  while the haptic actuator  300  is producing a haptic output. Like the plot in  FIG. 2B , the volume axis of the plot in  FIG. 3B  may represent a weighted or scaled representation of the volume of a sound produced by the haptic actuator, such as an A-weighted volume of the sound produced by a haptic actuator. However, the plot  304  includes an attenuated output in the component of the vibrational response within the range  208 . In particular, the A-weighted volume of the frequencies in the range  208  may be reduced, while the A-weighted volume (as well as other properties or values) of the other components of the vibrational output (e.g., outside the range  208 ) are substantially unchanged. For example, the vibrational response of the actuator  300  outside of the 1 kHz to 5 kHz range may be substantially unchanged as compared to an actuator without the tuning feature. In some cases, the tuning feature  302  reduces the volume of the frequencies within the range  208  by about 10 dBA (A-weighted decibels) as compared to a haptic actuator without the tuning feature. In some cases, the volume is reduced by about 8 dBA, 9 dBA, 11 dBA, 12 dBA, or any other suitable value. In some cases, the frequencies of the vibrational response outside of the range  208  may be attenuated by less than about 0.5 dBA, 1 dBA, 2 dBA, or 5 dBA (individually and/or on average), despite the presence of the tuning feature and the attenuation of the targeted frequency range. 
     A haptic actuator with a tuning feature that reduces the amplitude of frequencies within a particular frequency range results in an actuator that is quieter but that still produces haptic outputs with substantially the same tactile feel. This may be particularly useful when a desired haptic output from a haptic actuator produces too much noise in a particular frequency band, as the tuning feature can reduce the unwanted noise without substantially changing the tactile feel of the desired haptic output. 
     The tuning feature  302  is shown as a zig-zag or “N” shaped feature (e.g., a protrusion or recess) on a surface of the housing of the haptic actuator  300 . However, this configuration is representative of any suitable tuning feature that may produce the attenuation of the targeted frequencies of the vibrational response. Other examples of tuning features that may produce the attenuation represented in  FIG. 3B  are described herein with respect to  FIGS. 4A-7B and 9 . 
       FIG. 4A  depicts an example haptic actuator (or simply “actuator”)  400  that includes a tuning feature. In particular, the actuator  400  includes a housing  403  having a first exterior surface  401  and a second exterior surface  404 . The actuator  400  may be configured to be installed in a device such that that the second exterior surface  404  is facing or is in contact with an internal structure or component of the device (e.g., a circuit board, enclosure, battery, mounting layer, or other component inside an electronic device). The second exterior surface  404  may be in contact with another component, or it may be separated from another component by a gap (e.g., an air gap). Where the second exterior surface  404  is in contact with another component, mechanical waves or vibrations may propagate from the housing  403  to the other component via the interface between the second exterior surface  404  and the other component. In this way, the component in contact with the housing  403  (as well as other components to which mechanical waves may propagate from the housing  403 ) may amplify or transmit portions of the vibrational response, which may make the component of the vibrational response within a range of high human sensitivity more prominent. Accordingly, positioning the tuning feature on this surface may aid in reducing the overall audible output of the haptic actuator as perceived by a user of the device. 
       FIG. 4B  depicts the second exterior surface  404  (also referred to as a bottom surface) of the haptic actuator  400 , and  FIG. 4C  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the actuator  400  viewed along line A-A in  FIG. 4B  (with internal components such as a movable mass omitted for clarity). As shown in  FIGS. 4B-4C , the bottom surface  404  of the actuator  400  (e.g., the exterior surface of a bottom wall  405 ) includes tuning features  402  (including tuning features  402 - 1 , . . . ,  402 - n ). The tuning features  402  are channels or recesses formed into the bottom surface  404  and having a zig-zag or “N” shaped pattern. For example, the channels may have a first portion (e.g., corresponding to one leg of the “N” shaped pattern) extending along one direction, and a second portion (e.g., corresponding to a second leg of the “N” shaped pattern) extending along a different direction than the first portion. As shown in  FIG. 4B , there are three discrete tuning features  402 . In some cases, a single, continuous channel or recess having a zig-zag pattern (e.g., including several linear portions extending along different directions) may be used. 
     The pattern and positioning of the tuning features  402  may be configured to disrupt the propagation, resonance, and/or amplification of certain mechanical waves within the housing  403 , and in particular within the bottom surface  404 . For example, the positioning of the three tuning features  402 - 1 ,  402 - 2 , and  402 - 3  at even intervals along a longitudinal axis of the housing  403  may provide a desired attenuation of a particular frequency band. The tuning features  402  may cause the attenuation by changing the stiffness of the housing, by increasing the resistance to the propagation of mechanical waves or vibrations through the housing material, or via other phenomena. For example, the discontinuities in the surface of the bottom wall  405  may impede mechanical waves within the material, making it more difficult for the waves (e.g., vibrations) within a particular frequency band to propagate or resonate in the material. The discontinuities may also change a fundamental frequency of the housing  403  (or the bottom wall  405 ), resulting in a different vibrational response during a haptic output as compared to a housing without the tuning features. 
       FIG. 4D  shows a portion of the actuator  400  corresponding to detail B-B in  FIG. 4C , showing details of recesses  406 - 1 ,  406 - 2  of a tuning feature  402 . Like the zig-zag pattern of the tuning feature  402 , the shape and dimensions of the recesses  406  may also contribute to the effectiveness of the tuning feature  402  in reducing the volume of certain audible frequencies. For example, in some cases, the recesses  406  have a depth  408  that is between about 1 and about 50 microns, or between about 5 and about 20 microns, or between about 5 and about 10 microns. In a wall  405  having a thickness  410  that is between about 100 and about 500 microns, the recesses  406  having a depth within these ranges may produce a desired attenuation (e.g., an attenuation of about 8-12 dBA in a frequency range between about 1-5 kHz or about 1.2-4.5 kHz), and may attenuate other frequencies less than about 5 dBA. The recesses  406  may have a width  416  ( FIG. 4D ) between about 100 microns and 2.0 mm. 
     The tuning features  402  may be formed by any suitable technique. For example, the tuning features  402  may be formed by machining, laser etching, chemical etching, plasma etching, or any other suitable technique. In a laser etching process, a laser may be used to form a recess (e.g., a channel) having a particular width. For example, the laser may produce a beam having a particular spot size (corresponding to the desired width), which may be directed on the wall  405  and pulsed as the beam is translated along the path of the recess. The process of translating the beam while pulsing the beam ablates material from the wall  405  to form the recess. Further, the channel produced by the laser etching process may be defined by opposing sidewalls that have a scalloped shape. For example,  FIG. 4E  shows a portion of the actuator  400  corresponding to detail E-E in  FIG. 4B . The recess  406  (corresponding to the tuning feature  402 - 1 ) has opposing sidewalls  412 , each having a scalloped surface. In particular, the sidewalls  412  may include or be defined by rounded segments  414  that may be artifacts of the size and shape of the laser beam (which may be substantially circular) as the beam is pulsed to ablate the material and form the recess  402 - 1 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  show tuning features that are recesses in a wall of the housing. In other cases, tuning features may be protrusions instead of recesses.  FIGS. 5A-5D , discussed below, depict an example haptic actuator  500  having tuning features  502  that are or include protrusions or protruding structures. 
       FIG. 5A  depicts an example haptic actuator (or simply “actuator”)  500  that includes a housing  503  having a first exterior surface  501  and a second exterior surface  504 . Similar to the actuator  400 , the actuator  500  may be configured to be installed in a device such that the second exterior surface  504  is facing or in contact with an internal structure or component of the device (e.g., a circuit board, enclosure, battery, mounting layer, or other component inside an electronic device). Mechanical waves may propagate from the housing  503  to another component of a device as described above with respect to  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 5B  depicts the second exterior surface  504  (also referred to as a bottom surface) of the haptic actuator  500 , and  FIG. 5C  depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the actuator  500  viewed along line C-C in  FIG. 5B  (with internal components such as a movable mass omitted for clarity). As shown in  FIGS. 5B-5C , the bottom surface  504  of the actuator  500  (e.g., the exterior surface of a bottom wall  505 ) includes tuning features  502  (including tuning features  502 - 1 , . . . ,  502 - n ). The tuning features  502  are protrusions formed on the bottom surface  504  and having a zig-zag or “N” shaped pattern. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the actuator  500  includes three discrete tuning features  502 . In some cases, a single, continuous protrusion or rib having a zig-zag pattern may be used. 
     The tuning features  502  may function in substantially the same way as the tuning feature  402 . For example, the pattern and positioning of the tuning features  502  may be configured to disrupt the propagation, resonance, and/or amplification of certain mechanical waves or vibrations within the housing  503 , and in particular within the bottom surface  504 . For example, the positioning of the three tuning features  502 - 1 ,  502 - 2 , and  502 - 3  at even intervals along a longitudinal axis of the housing  503  may provide a desired attenuation of a particular frequency band within the vibrational response of the actuator  500 , without substantially attenuating other frequencies. The tuning features  502  may cause the attenuation by changing the stiffness of the housing, by increasing the resistance to the propagation of mechanical waves or vibrations through the housing material, or via other phenomena. For example, the discontinuities in the surface of the bottom wall  505  may impede mechanical waves within the material, making it more difficult for mechanical waves within a particular frequency band to propagate or resonate in the material. The discontinuities may also change a fundamental frequency of the housing  503  (or the bottom wall  505 ), resulting in a vibrational response having a different vibrational response during a haptic output as compared to a housing without the tuning features. 
       FIG. 5D  shows a portion of the actuator  500  corresponding to detail D-D in  FIG. 5C , showing details of protrusions  506 - 1 ,  506 - 2  of a tuning feature  502 . Instead of the recesses of the tuning features  402 , the tuning features  502  include protrusions  506 , such as raised wall features. The protrusions may have any suitable height  508  above a base surface of the bottom wall  505 , such as between about 10 and about 100 microns, while the wall  505  may have a thickness  510  that is between about 100 and about 500 microns. 
     The protrusions  506  may be formed in any suitable way. For example, the protrusions  506  may be formed by machining or etching (e.g., laser, plasma, or chemical etching) material from the wall  505  to produce the protrusions  506  and a base surface that is relieved relative to the protrusions  506 . Alternatively, the protrusions  506  may be formed by physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, welding, additive manufacturing, or any other suitable technique. 
       FIGS. 6A-6E  depict additional example tuning features that may be used to selectively reduce a component of a vibrational response within a particular frequency band or range. Any of the tuning features shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 6A-6E  may be formed as recesses (similar to the tuning features  402  described with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4D ) or protrusions (similar to the tuning features  502  described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5D ), and may have similar dimensions and may be formed in similar manners to the tuning features  402 ,  502 . 
       FIG. 6A  depicts an actuator  600  with a single, serpentine tuning feature  602 . The tuning feature  602  may be a single, continuous feature that extends over substantially an entire surface of the actuator  600  (e.g., substantially edge-to-edge). 
       FIG. 6B  depicts an actuator  610  with a series of substantially parallel, linear tuning features  612 . As shown, the tuning features  612  may extend along a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (e.g., left-to-right as shown in  FIG. 6B ) of the actuator  610 . In cases where the actuator  610  is a linear actuator, the tuning features  612  may each extend substantially perpendicularly to an axis or direction of motion of a mass that is positioned within the actuator  610 . In some cases, the tuning features  612  may be oriented at an oblique angle relative to a longitudinal axis (or an axis or direction of motion of a mass), such as about 10, 20, 30, 45, or 60 degrees from the longitudinal axis. While  FIG. 6B  shows ten separate parallel tuning features  612 , any number of tuning features  612  may be used, and they may be spaced apart in any suitable configuration. For example, the tuning features  612  may be evenly spaced (as shown), or they may be separated into multiple groups with each group having a first spacing between features and each group being spaced apart from an adjacent group by a second different spacing. Alternatively, the tuning features may be spaced differently, such as with irregular spacing. 
       FIG. 6C  depicts an actuator  620  with three x-shaped tuning features  622 - 1 ,  622 - 2 , and  622 - 3 . The x-shaped tuning features may include a first portion (e.g., corresponding to one leg of the x-shaped pattern) extending along one direction, and a second portion (e.g., corresponding to a second leg of the x-shaped pattern) extending along a different direction than the first portion. The tuning features  622  may be positioned substantially in-line along a longitudinal axis of the actuator  620 . As shown, the tuning features  622  are physically separate features, though in other cases they may be a single continuous feature (e.g., the terminal ends of adjacent legs of adjacent features may be joined to form a continuous channel or rib). 
       FIG. 6D  depicts an actuator  630  with three tuning features  632 - 1 ,  632 - 2 , and  632 - 3  each having a zig-zag shape. The tuning features  632  are shown rotated 90 degrees as compared to the tuning features  402 ,  502 . More particularly, the zig-zag shaped tuning features  632  are shown extending along an axis that is substantially perpendicular (e.g., 90 degrees) to the longitudinal axis of the actuator  630 . In other examples, the tuning features may be oriented along a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis, such as 60, 45, or 30 degrees, or any other suitable angle. As shown, the tuning features  632  are separated from one another by a space  634 . This space may be any suitable size or dimension. For example, the space may be about 1, 2, or 3 times the width of the tuning features themselves. In other cases, the space may be less than a width of a tuning feature. The particular dimensions of the tuning feature and the space between adjacent tuning features may be selected to produce a desired attenuation of mechanical waves within the housing of the actuator  630  (e.g., to attenuate frequencies between about 1 kHz and about 5 kHz). 
       FIG. 6E  depicts an actuator  640  with tuning features  642 - 1 ,  642 - 2 , and  642 - 3 , each composed of a group of recesses, through-holes, or protrusions (e.g., posts, bosses, or the like). The recesses or protrusions of the features  642  are arranged in a regular pattern or array (e.g., a grid), though other shapes and arrangements of the recesses or protrusions are also contemplated (e.g., recesses or protrusions arranged to form circles, x-shapes, zig-zags, squares, or the like). 
     While the tuning features described above are shown on a bottom exterior surface of a housing, they may also or instead be positioned on other surfaces or portions of an actuator housing. For example, they may be positioned on an inward or interior facing surface of the bottom wall of an actuator housing. Additionally or alternatively, they may be positioned on an exterior or interior surface of a top wall or side of the actuator housing. In some actuator configurations, they may be positioned on other components or portions of the actuator, such that the vibrational response is attenuated within a particular range of audible frequencies, without substantially attenuating other frequencies. 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  depict perspective and partial cross-sectional views, respectively, of a haptic actuator  700  having a tuning feature  702  in the form of a plate  706  ( FIG. 7B ) that is secured to a housing  703  of the actuator  700 . The tuning feature  702  may function to attenuate or reduce the volume of frequencies within a particular band, similar to the tuning features described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A-6E . For example, the tuning feature  702  may add mass to the actuator  700 , which may change a fundamental frequency of the housing  703  (or a wall of the housing  703 ) and thus may selectively reduce the volume of a portion of the vibrational response of the actuator  700  within a particular frequency range. 
     The tuning feature  702  may include a plate  706 . The plate  706  may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, or the like. The plate  706  may be configured to have a particular physical property, such as stiffness, density, mass, outer dimension, or the like, to have a desired effect on the vibrational response of the actuator  700 . For example, the mass of the plate  706  may be selected such that the vibrational response of the actuator  700  is attenuated within a particular frequency band (e.g., between about 1 kHz and about 5 kHz or any range therein) as compared to the actuator without the plate  706 . In some embodiments, the plate  706  may be formed from steel, aluminum, tungsten, copper, or the like. Where the plate  706  is conductive, it may also form a shield that reduces electromagnetic interference from or to the actuator  700 . 
     The plate  706  may be positioned on any surface of the actuator  700 . As shown, the actuator  700  includes a first (e.g., a top) surface  701  and a second (e.g., bottom) surface  704  that is opposite the first surface  701 . As shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B , the plate  706  is positioned on the first surface  701 , though this is merely one example configuration, and the plate may be positioned on the second surface  704 . In some cases, multiple plates are used, with one or more plates on each of the first and second surfaces  701 ,  704  (and optionally one or more plates on any of the side surfaces of the actuator  700 ). 
     In some cases, when the actuator  700  is incorporated in an electronic device (e.g., a smart phone), the plate  706  is in contact with another component or structure of the device, such as a circuit board, a battery, a mounting feature of an enclosure of the device, a display component, or the like. Also, the plate  706  may be arranged in a device such that, when the device is dismantled (e.g., for repair), the plate  706  is visible without removal of the actuator  700  from the device. In such cases, the plate  706  may include readable information, such as a serial number, logo, device name, or any other suitable information. When readable information is included on the plate  706 , it may be applied or incorporated in any suitable way, such as via engraving, etching, ink or paint deposition, anodizing, additional labels, or the like. 
     The plate  706  may be attached to the housing  703  via an adhesive layer  705 . The adhesive layer  705  may be any suitable adhesive, such as a pressure or heat sensitive adhesive, epoxy, cyanoacrylate, or the like. The physical properties (e.g., stiffness, elasticity, bond strength, thickness, application pattern, etc.) of the adhesive layer  705  may be configured or selected to further improve attenuation of frequencies within a desired frequency band. In some cases, however, the adhesive layer  705  may be substantially inconsequential to the performance of the plate  706  as a tuning feature. For example, the adhesive layer  705  may be sufficiently thin that the effect of the adhesive layer  705  on the vibrational response of the actuator  700  may be negligible. Instead of or in addition to an adhesive layer, the plate  706  may be attached by welding, soldering, brazing, or any other suitable process or component. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict partial cut-away views of example haptic actuators, showing several example arrangements of movable masses and elastic members that movably couple the masses to the housing. For example,  FIG. 8A  depicts a haptic actuator  800  that includes a housing  802 , with a movable mass  804  movably coupled within the interior of the housing  802  via elastic members  806 . The elastic members  806  are configured as a substantially flat (e.g., ribbon shaped) spring that is formed into a curved or bent configuration. The elastic members  806  deflect or deform when the mass  804  is moved within the housing  802  (e.g., along a direction of motion  807 ), and, when deflected or deformed, they impart a force to the mass  804  to return the mass  804  to a central or neutral position. 
     Similarly,  FIG. 8B  depicts a haptic actuator  810  that includes a housing  802 , with a movable mass  814  movably coupled within the interior of the housing  812  via elastic members  816 . In the example actuator  810 , the elastic members are coil springs that deflect or deform when the mass  814  is moved within the housing  812  (e.g., along a direction of motion  817 ). 
     The haptic actuators  800 ,  810  in  FIGS. 8A-8B  may also include other components and features, such as electrical coils, magnets, structural guides and/or supports, and the like. Structural guides and/or supports may help support the masses relative to the housing and may guide the masses so that they move substantially along a linear direction or substantially within a particular plane. Coils, magnets, and the like may be used to cause the masses to move relative to the housings, for example, by selectively energizing coils to produce a motive force on the masses. The motion of the masses  804 ,  814 , including the forces applied to the housing via the elastic members  806 ,  816 , friction between the masses and support members, resonance of the elastic members, etc., may contribute to the overall vibrational response of the haptic actuator, and thus may ultimately produce undesirable audible output. The haptic actuators  800 ,  810  may therefore use tuning features such as those described above to reduce or attenuate a portion of the vibrational response having particular audible content. 
       FIG. 9  depicts an example rotary haptic actuator  900  that may include one or more tuning features that are configured to reduce or attenuate a subset of the frequencies in a vibrational response of the haptic actuator  900 . The haptic actuator  900  may include a housing  902  and an eccentric (e.g., unbalanced) mass  906  coupled to a shaft of the haptic actuator  900 . The housing  902  may enclose or be a functional part of a motor that causes the eccentric mass  906  to spin relative to the housing  902 . The motor may be any suitable motor, such as a brushed direct-current motor, a brushless motor, a servo, a piezoelectric motor, or the like. 
     The haptic actuator  900  may be configured to rotate the eccentric mass  906  to cause a vibration that may be transferred to another component or device via mounting features  904 . For example, the haptic actuator  900  may be coupled to an electronic device (e.g., a battery, enclosure, circuit board, or other component of an electronic device), and when the eccentric mass  906  is rotated, the vibrations may be transmitted to the electronic device to produce a haptic output. 
     When rotating to produce a haptic output, the haptic actuator  900  may produce a vibrational response. Like the linear haptic actuators described above, the overall vibrational response may be a result of the force impulses produced by the rotation of the eccentric mass  906 , friction from bearings or bushings or other contacting parts, harmonics of the overall actuator structure, or the like. Without tuning features, the vibrational response of the haptic actuator  900  may be correspond to a volume vs. frequency plot such as that shown in  FIG. 2B . For example, the vibrational response may include a component within a frequency range to which human hearing is particularly sensitive. Accordingly, the haptic actuator  900  may include one or more tuning features  908  that reduce or attenuate that particular component of the vibrational response (e.g., frequencies between about 1 kHz and about 5 kHz), but that do not substantially reduce or attenuate other components of the vibrational response. 
     The tuning features  908  may be substantially similar in structure and function to those described above. For example, the tuning features  908  may be recesses or protrusions formed in an exterior surface of the housing  902 . In some cases, the tuning features  908  may be openings that extend through the housing  902  from an exterior surface of the housing to an interior surface of the housing. As yet another example, the tuning features may include multiple small recesses or through-holes that are arranged in regular patterns to form arrays (e.g., grids) or other shapes (e.g., circles, x-shapes, zig-zags, squares, or the like). 
     The tuning feature  908  of a rotating haptic actuator may operate in substantially the same way as those in a linear actuator, and may thus provide similar audible-frequency attenuation. For example, the tuning features  908  may reduce the amplitude or apparent volume of a subset of the frequencies of the overall vibrational response of the haptic actuator  900 . More particularly, they may attenuate frequencies between about 1 kHz and about 5 kHz by about 8-12 dBA. Furthermore, the tuning features  908  may achieve such attenuation without substantially attenuating other frequencies in the overall vibrational response (e.g., frequencies below about 1 kHz and/or above about 5 kHz). For example, frequencies outside of the targeted range may be attenuated by less than about 5 dBA, individually and/or on average. 
     The tuning features  908  may achieve such attenuation in the same or similar manner as described above in conjunction with linear actuators. For example, the tuning features  908  may change the fundamental frequency of the housing  902 , and thus change how the housing  902  resonates when the mass  906  is being rotated (e.g., when the actuator  900  is producing a haptic output). The tuning features  908  may also or instead disrupt the propagation of mechanical waves or vibrations through the material of the housing  902 , thus changing the extent to which certain frequencies can travel, resonate, or become amplified in the material of the housing  902 . Other phenomena may also contribute to the particular effect of the tuning features  908  on haptic outputs. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. For example, while the methods or processes disclosed herein have been described and shown with reference to particular operations performed in a particular order, these operations may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form equivalent methods or processes without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Moreover, structures, features, components, materials, steps, processes, or the like, that are described herein with respect to one embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment or incorporated into other embodiments.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20171219
Publication Date: 20200211
Grant Date: 20200211
Priority Date: 20170920
Inventors: TSANG, LOK PUI CALVIN
CHEN, YU
ZHAO, QINGGUO
FU, WEIQIANG
WANG, HONG FENG
AU, CHUNG YIN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B06B1/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B06B1/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B06B1/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 65719744