PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11910156-B1
Application Number: US-202217895984-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Audio modules with fins to reduce acoustic noise due to airflow

Abstract:
Implementations of the subject technology provide an acoustic module with fins integrated within the acoustic module to reduce acoustic noise. Airflow caused by pressure changes due to an oscillating diaphragm can be diverted by the fins within the acoustic module. The diverted airflow provide a more uniform airflow distribution within the acoustic module, which leads to a lower peak velocity and less unwanted noise. Fins may include a curved or crescent shape and may be spaced in a certain manner to divert the airflow.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An audio module, comprising:
 an enclosure that includes:
 a first volume that stores at least one audio component, and 
 a second volume defining a channel that forms an acoustic path for the at least one audio component; and 
 
 a plurality of fins at least partially disposed in the channel, the plurality of fins comprising:
 a first fin having a first length, and 
 a second fin having a second length greater than the first length. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The audio module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the enclosure comprises a first housing part and a second housing part coupled with the first housing part, and 
 the plurality of fins extend from the first housing part to the second housing part. 
 
     
     
       3. The audio module of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first fin forms a first arc, and 
 the second fin forms a second arc. 
 
     
     
       4. The audio module of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the plurality of fins further comprise a third fin having a third length greater than the second length, and 
 the third fin forms a third arc. 
 
     
     
       5. The audio module of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the first arc comprises a first radius of curvature, and 
 the second arc comprises a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature. 
 
     
     
       6. The audio module of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the channel comprises a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and 
 the first arc and the second arc are non-parallel with respect to the first wall and the second wall based on the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature, respectively. 
 
     
     
       7. The audio module of  claim 1 , wherein the first fin comprises:
 a first portion; and 
 a second portion at an angle with respect to the first portion, wherein the angle is at least 90 degrees. 
 
     
     
       8. The audio module of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the channel comprises a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and 
 the first portion is parallel with respect to the first wall and the second wall. 
 
     
     
       9. An audio module, comprising:
 an enclosure that comprising a channel; 
 audio components located in the enclosure, the audio components configured to generate acoustical energy resulting in airflow; and 
 a plurality of fins at least partially positioned in the channel, the plurality of fins configured to redistribute the airflow through the channel. 
 
     
     
       10. The audio module of  claim 9 , wherein the channel comprises:
 a first wall having a first length, and 
 a second wall having a second length greater than the first length. 
 
     
     
       11. The audio module of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of fins are configured to redistribute the airflow toward the first wall. 
     
     
       12. The audio module of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of fins comprise:
 a first fin; 
 a second fin separated from the first fin by a first distance; and 
 a third fin separated from the second fin by a second distance different from the first distance. 
 
     
     
       13. The audio module of  claim 12 , wherein the first distance is less than the second distance. 
     
     
       14. The audio module of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first fin includes a first length, 
 the second fin includes a second length greater than the first length, and 
 the third fin includes a third length greater than the second length. 
 
     
     
       15. The audio module of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the first fin forms a first arc, 
 the second fin forms a second arc, and 
 the third fin forms a third arc. 
 
     
     
       16. The audio module of  claim 12 , wherein one or more of the first fin, the second fin, and the third fin comprise an air-permeable material. 
     
     
       17. The audio module of  claim 9 , wherein the plurality of fins are offset with respect to a center of the channel. 
     
     
       18. An electronic device, comprising:
 a display configured to present visual information; 
 a housing coupled with the display; and 
 an audio module carried by the housing, the audio module comprising:
 an enclosure that defines an internal volume, the enclosure comprising:
 a first housing part, and 
 a second housing part, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part form a channel; 
 
 audio components disposed in the internal volume, the audio components comprising:
 a diaphragm, and 
 a voice coil configured to acoustically drive the diaphragm to generate acoustical energy, thereby generating airflow; and 
 
 a plurality of fins configured to redistribute the airflow through the channel, the plurality of fins comprising:
 a first fin, 
 a second fin, and 
 a third fin, wherein each of the first fin, the second fin, and the third fin engage the first housing part and the second housing part. 
 
 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the second fin is longer than the first fin, and 
 the third fin is longer than the second fin. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the channel comprises an outlet, and 
 the plurality of fins are configured to cause a uniform distribution of the airflow through the outlet.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to acoustic devices including, for example, audio modules with fins. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Audio modules, such as speakers, generate acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. Audio modules generally include a diaphragm driven by a motor to produce the audible sound. In some cases, however, the resultant airflow from diaphragm oscillation causes unwanted noise due to the airflow achieving certain velocities. Moreover, smaller audio modules commonly found in consumer electronic devices often include turns or bends in the audio module housing. These turns can separate the airflow within the housing and cause uneven airflow distribution within the housing, which also contributes to the unwanted noise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several aspects of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an example electronic device that includes several audio modules in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of an example audio module in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the audio module shown in  FIG.  2   , taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG.  2   , in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an aerial view of an example audio module in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an enlarged view of an example module, showing relationships among the fins in the audio module, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an enlarged view of an example audio module, showing additional relationships among the fins in the audio module, in accordance with one or more implementations. 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    illustrate aerial views of example audio modules with a different number of fins in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an aerial view of an example audio module with fins having a different shape in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective view of an example fin with a mesh material in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a block diagram of an example electronic device that can include one or more audio modules in accordance with various aspects of the subject technology. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates an electronic system with which one or more implementations of the subject technology may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology can be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and can be practiced using one or more other implementations. In one or more implementations, structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     Electronic devices, such as mobile wireless communication devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computing devices) include audio modules designed to output acoustical energy in the form of audio content, such as music, audio tracks corresponding to video content, voices of remote users of electronic devices participating in phone calls or audio and/or video conferences, podcasts, or any other audio content. Audio modules described herein may include a membrane, or diaphragm, driven by a voice coil to produce the audio content. The movement of the membrane causes pressure fluctuations within the audio module, causing airflow throughout the audio module. In some instances, however, the resultant airflow causes unwanted acoustical noise, i.e., audio content separate from the desired audio content. This may be due in part, for example, to a relatively high airflow velocity and a generally uneven airflow distribution through the audio module. 
     In accordance with aspects of the subject technology, an audio module, or audio output device, is provided with fins positioned within the audio module that guide the airflow generated during acoustical energy output. The fins can redirect at least some of the airflow through the audio module to decrease a peak velocity of air. Additionally, the fins can redistribute the airflow, thus providing a more uniform airflow distribution. Beneficially, the fins can reduce unwanted acoustical noise. 
     The fins described herein may take different shapes, such as a crescent shape or a rectangular shape, as non-limiting examples. Further, the fins described herein may include a variance in spacing, or separation, between both the walls of the audio module housing and/or between adjacent fins. Additionally, the angle of the fins within the audio module housing can vary in order to direct airflow in a desired manner (e.g., reduce peak airflow velocity). 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device  100 . As shown, the electronic device  100  includes a mobile wireless communication device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computing device. The electronic device  100  includes a housing  102  designed to carry various components, including processing circuitry (e.g., central processing unit, graphics processing unit), memory circuitry that stores executable programs (e.g., software), a battery that stores electrical energy, an image capturing device (e.g., camera), and a microphone, as non-limiting examples. 
     The electronic device  100  may include a display  104 . The display  104  is designed to present visual information in the form of textual information, still images, and/or motion images (e.g., video). The display  104  may include a capacitive touch input display designed to receive touch inputs and/or gestures from a user. The display  104  may be covered by a transparent layer  106  that is coupled with the housing  102 . The transparent layer  106  may include a material such as glass, plastic, or sapphire. 
     The electronic device  100  further includes additional input features, such as a button  108   a  and a button  108   b . The buttons  108   a  and  108   b  can be actuated by a user to depress a switch to, for example, control what is presented on the display  104 . 
     The electronic device  100  further includes several audio modules (e.g., speaker modules). As shown, the electronic device  100  includes an audio module  110   a , an audio module  110   b , and an audio module  110   c . The audio modules  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c  are designed to provide acoustical energy output in the form of audible sound. Accordingly, the acoustical energy output provided by the audio modules  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c  may take the form of audio content, such as music and audio tracks corresponding to video content, as non-limiting examples. The amplitude (e.g., volume) of the audio modules  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c  can be adjusted by user inputs to the display  104  and/or to the buttons  108   a  and  108   b . The housing  102  includes openings  112   a  and openings  112   b  that allow the acoustical energy generated by the audio modules  110   a  and  110   b , respectively, to exit the electronic device  100 . The transparent layer  106  includes an opening  114  that allows the acoustical energy generated by the audio module  110   c  to exit the electronic device  100 . 
     Also, the electronic device  100  may include a port  115  designed to receive a connector (not shown in  FIG.  1   ). Based on the port  115 , the electronic device  100  may transmit or receive data, as well as receive electrical energy to charge a battery of the electronic device  100 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of an audio module  210 . The audio module  210  includes an enclosure  216  that defines an exterior of the audio module  210  and provides an internal volume that encloses several components for the audio module  210 . The enclosure  216  includes a housing part  218   a  and a housing part  218   b . The housing parts  218   a  and  218   b  may include a molded plastic, as a non-limiting example. 
     The enclosure  216  includes an internal volume portion for audio components  220  used to produce acoustical energy. The audio components  220  may include a voice coil, a membrane, a permanent magnet, and a yoke, as non-limiting examples. The enclosure  216  further includes an internal volume portion that forms a channel  222 . The acoustical energy generated by the audio components  220  passes through the channel  222 , and subsequently exits the audio module  210  through an outlet  224 , or opening, of the enclosure  216  formed at the end of the channel  222 . 
     Additionally, the audio module  210  includes several fins. For example, the audio module  210  includes a fin  226   a , a fin  226   b , and a fin  226   c  located in the enclosure  216 , and primarily located in the channel  222 . The fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  may be formed during a molding operation of the housing part  218   a  or the housing part  218   b . Accordingly, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  may include the same or similar material make up as that of the housing parts  218   a  and  218   b . Alternatively, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  may include a different material, such as a metal (e.g., aluminum), to provide additional protection against breaking or collapsing of the channel  222 . Moreover, when a metal is used, the thickness of the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  may vary (e.g., decrease) as the metal may provide more stiffness. When formed from a different material than that of the housing parts  218   a  and  218   b , an over molding operation may be used to attach the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  to the housing parts  218   a  and  218   b . Alternatively, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  may be adhered to the housing parts  218   a  and  218   b.    
     Based on their position in the enclosure  216 , the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  are designed to direct airflow, resulting from the acoustical energy generated by the audio components  220 , through the enclosure  216  such that the peak velocity of the airflow is reduced, and the airflow is more evenly distributed through the channel  222 , as compared to an audio module without the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c . This will be further shown and described below. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the audio module  210 , taken along line  3 - 3  in  FIG.  2   . As shown, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  extend to and engage each of the housing parts  218   a  and  218   b . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  engage one of the housing parts  218   a  and  218   b.    
       FIG.  4    illustrates an aerial view of the audio module  210 . For purposes of illustration, the housing part  218   a  is removed. As shown, the enclosure  216  includes a volume  230   a  that receives the audio components  220  and a volume  230   b  that defines the channel  222 . The fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  are generally positioned in the volume  230   b , but may also be partially positioned in the volume  230   a . During operation, a diaphragm  232  of the audio components  220  is driven (e.g., oscillated) to generate acoustical energy. This results in pressure fluctuations within the enclosure  216 , which generates airflow. The airflow is represented by dotted lines in  FIG.  4   . 
     The channel  222  represents a diversion or departure for the airflow from the volume  230   a  to the volume  230   b , causing the airflow to change direction. Put another way, the channel  222  represents a bend in the enclosure  216  that causes the airflow to change direction (including a 90-degree change of direction), which can cause an uneven airflow distribution through the channel  222 . However, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  redirect the airflow through the channel  222  such that the airflow passing through the channel  222  includes a relatively uniform airflow distribution. For example, the channel  222  includes a wall  234   a  and  234   b , with the walls  234   a  and  234   b  being parallel, or least substantially parallel. As shown in  FIG.  4   , some of the airflow reaches the wall  234   b . However, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  direct at least some of the airflow away from the wall  234   b  and generally in a direction toward the wall  234   a . As a result, the airflow is more evenly distributed prior to exiting through the outlet  224 . Moreover, the peak velocity of the airflow is reduced based upon the increased uniform airflow distribution. Beneficially, unwanted acoustical noise (i.e., audio content separate from the desired audio content generated by the audio components  220 ) is reduced based on a reduction of the peak velocity of the airflow. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an enlarged view of the audio module  210 . Several dimensional features of the audio module  210  are shown. For example, the wall  234   a  includes a dimension  236   a , or length, and the wall  234   a  includes a dimension  236   b , or length. As shown, the dimension  236   b  is greater than the dimension  236   a , thus providing the channel  222  with different characteristics. 
     Further, each of the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  include a crescent shape. In this regard, each of the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  is defined by one or more arcs. For example, the fin  226   a  (representative of the fins  226   b  and  226   c ) includes an arc  238   a  and an arc  238   b . While the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  generally include the same shape, at least some differences may be present. For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , the fin  226   b  includes a length that is greater than a length of the fin  226   a , and the fin  226   c  includes a length that is greater than the length of the fin  226   b . Put another way, the fin  226   c  is longer than the fin  226   b , and the fin  226   b  is longer than the fin  226   a . Accordingly, the fin  226   c  is longer than the fin  226   a.    
     Also, several spatial differences among the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  may be present. For example, the fin  226   a  is separated from the wall  234   a  by a dimension  240   a , or distance, and the fin  226   c  is separated from the wall  234   b  by a dimension  240   b . As shown, the dimension  240   b  is greater than the dimension  240   a . In this regard, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  may be, collectively, offset from a center of the channel  222 . As shown, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  are, collectively, biased toward, or closer to, the wall  234   a  than the wall  234   b . Further, the fin  226   a  is separated from the fin  226   b  by a dimension  240   c , and the fin  226   b  is separated from the fin  226   c  by a dimension  240   d . As shown, the dimension  240   d  is greater than the dimension  240   c . Further, as shown, the dimension  240   b  is greater than the dimension  240   d.    
     Although not shown, other spatial relationships may be present. For example, in some embodiments, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  are centered within the channel  222 , i.e., separated equally from the wall  234   a  and the wall  234   b . Further, in some embodiments, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  are separated equally from each other. Also, based on their respective shapes, the fins  226   a ,  226   b , and  226   c  are non-parallel, or at least include a substantially non-parallel portion, with respect to the walls  234   a  and  234   b.    
       FIGS.  6 - 10    show and describe fins with different characteristics. It should be noted that the fins shown and described in  FIGS.  6 - 10    may include several features similar to those shown and described for the fins  226   a ,  226   c , and  226   c  in  FIGS.  2 - 5   . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an aerial view of an audio module  310 . The audio module  310  includes an enclosure  316  that forms a channel  322 . For purposes of illustration, a housing part of the enclosure  316  is removed. As shown, the audio module  310  includes a fin  326   a , a fin  326   b , and a fin  326   c , each having a crescent shape. However, the individual shapes of the fins  326   a ,  326   b , and  326   c  may differ. For example, the fin  326   a  includes an angle α 1  and an angle θ 1 , with the angles α 1  and θ 1  being relative to an imaginary straight line (shown as a dotted line). Further, the fin  326   b  includes an angle α 2  and an angle θ 2 , with the angles α 2  and θ 2  being relative to an imaginary straight line (shown as a dotted line). Also, the fin  326   c  includes an angle α 3  and an angle θ 3 , with the angles α 3  and θ 3  being relative to an imaginary straight line (shown as a dotted line). Each of the angles α 1 , α 2 , and α 3  are approximately in the range of 10 to 40 degrees. In some embodiments, each of the angles α 1 , α 2 , and α 3  are different from each other. In some embodiments, one of the angles α 1 , α 2 , and α 3  is different from the remaining, while the remaining angles are the same. In some embodiments, each of the angles α 1 , α 2 , and α 3  are the same. 
     Similarly, each of the angles θ 1 , θ 2 , and θ 3  may be approximately in the range of 10 to 40 degrees. In some embodiments, each of the angles θ 1 , θ 2 , and θ 3  are different from each other. In some embodiments, one of the angles θ 1 , θ 2 , and θ 3  is different from the remaining, while the remaining angles are the same. In some embodiments, each of the angles θ 1 , θ 2 , and θ 3  are the same. The respective angles for the fins  326   a ,  326   b , and  326   c  can be selected to divert airflow in a manner that minimizes acoustic noise profile (i.e., minimum unwanted noise) for the audio module  310 . Accordingly, the respective angles may be selected to reduce peak velocity of the airflow, as well as enhance/increase airflow distribution within the channel  322 . 
     Based on the angles (e.g., α and θ) for the fins  326   a ,  326   b , and  326   c , the curvature for the fins  326   a ,  326   b , and  326   c  may be the same or different. For example, the fin  326   a  includes a radius of curvature  328  (representative of a radius of curvature for the fins  326   b  and  326   c ) that is based upon the angles α 1  and θ 1 . When either of the angles α 2  and θ 2  differ from that of the angles α 1  and θ 1 , respectively, the radius of curvature  328  of the fin  326   a  is different from that of the fin  326   b . Similarly, when either of the angles α 3  and θ 3  differ from that of the angles α 1  and θ 1 , respectively, the radius of curvature  328  of the fin  326   a  is different from that of the fin  326   c . Conversely, when the angles α 1 , α 2 , and α 3  are the same, and when the angles θ 1 , θ 2 , and θ 3  are the same, then the radius of curvature for the fins  326   a ,  326   b , and  326   c  are the same. 
     The number of fins may vary in some audio modules. For example,  FIG.  7    illustrates an audio module  410  with an enclosure  416  that forms a channel  422 . The audio module  410  includes a fin  426   a  and a fin  426   b  located within the channel  422 . In another example,  FIG.  8    illustrates an audio module  510  with an enclosure  516  that forms a channel  522 . The audio module  510  includes a fin  526   a , a fin  526   b , a fin  526   c  and a fin  526   d  located within the channel  522 . Accordingly, the number of fins is not limited to a discrete number and may vary in different audio modules based on factors such as available space and desired acoustic noise minimization. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates an aerial view of an audio module  610  that includes an enclosure  616  with a channel  622 . The audio module  610  includes a fin  626   a  and a fin  626   b  located within the channel  622 . Each of the fins  626   a  and  626   b  may include rectangular sections connected together. For example, the fin  626   a  includes a rectangular portion  640   a  and a rectangular portion  640   b  connected to the rectangular portion  640   a . Similarly, the fin  626   b  includes a rectangular portion  642   a  and a rectangular portion  642   b  connected to the rectangular portion  642   a . However, as shown in  FIG.  9   , the rectangular portions  642   a  and  642   b  include at least one dimension greater than that of the rectangular portions  640   a  and  640   b , respectively. Accordingly, the fin  626   b  is longer than the fin  626   a.    
     Further, the rectangular portions  640   a  and  640   b  are separated by an angle β 1 , and the rectangular portions  642   a  and  642   b  are separated by an angle β 2 . Each of the angles β 1  and β 2  includes an obtuse angle. Moreover, the angles β 1  and β 2  may each include an angle approximately in the range of 100 to 150 degrees. As shown in  FIG.  9   , the angles β 1  and β 2  are the same, and the general shape of the fins  626   a  and  626   b  is similar. However, in some embodiments, the angles β 1  and β 2  are different, and as a result, the shape of the fins  626   a  differs from that of the fin  626   b.    
       FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective view of a fin  726  with an air-permeable material  746 . In some embodiments, the air-permeable material  746  includes a mesh material. The fin  726  further includes a border  748  that surrounds the air-permeable material  746 . 
     When integrated into an audio module, the fin  726  may allow at least some airflow to pass through the air-permeable material  746 . For example, airflow  750  (represented by dotted lines) includes a portion  752   a  that is deflected by the air-permeable material  746 , and a portion  752   b  that passes through the air-permeable material  746 . Accordingly, the fin  726  can permit some of the airflow  750  to pass through when, for example, the force/pressure of the airflow  750  is relatively high. Beneficially, the fin  726  may further promote an even airflow distribution through a channel of an audio module. It should be noted that one or more fins described herein may be modified to include an air-permeable material similar to that of the air-permeable material  746 . 
     In addition to smartphones and tablet computing devices, audio modules described herein may be integrated into other devices. For example,  FIG.  11    illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  800  that represents additional, non-limiting devices, each of which including one or audio modules  810 . The one or more audio modules  810  may include features similar to those shown and descried herein for an audio module, such as one or more fins for airflow and peak velocity control, as non-limiting examples. The electronic device  800  can take the form of a desktop computing device. Alternatively, the electronic device  800  may take the form of wireless headphones or wireless earbuds, each of which including at least two audio modules. Optionally, the electronic device  800  may include a display  804 , and accordingly, the electronic device  800  can take the form of a standalone display, a computing device with a display, or a laptop computing device. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates an electronic system  900  with which one or more implementations of the subject technology may be implemented. The electronic system  900  can be the electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . The electronic system  900  may include various types of computer readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer readable media. The electronic system  900  includes a bus  908  that places in communication a permanent storage device  902 , a system memory  904  (and/or buffer), an output device interface  906 , a read-only memory (ROM)  910 , one or more processing unit(s)  912 , an input device interface  914 , and one or more network interfaces  916 , or subsets and variations thereof 
     The bus  908  collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of the electronic system  900 . In one or more implementations, the bus  908  communicatively connects the one or more processing unit(s)  912  with the ROM  910 , the system memory  904 , and the permanent storage device  902 . From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s)  912  retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of the subject disclosure. The one or more processing unit(s)  912  can be a single processor or a multi-core processor in different implementations. 
     The ROM  910  stores static data and instructions that are needed by the one or more processing unit(s)  912  and other modules of the electronic system  900 . The permanent storage device  902 , on the other hand, may be a read-and-write memory device. The permanent storage device  902  may be a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when the electronic system  900  is off In one or more implementations, a mass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the permanent storage device  902 . 
     In one or more implementations, a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, flash drive, and its corresponding disk drive) may be used as the permanent storage device  902 . Like the permanent storage device  902 , the system memory  904  may be a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike the permanent storage device  902 , the system memory  904  may be a volatile read-and-write memory, such as random access memory. The system memory  904  may store any of the instructions and data that one or more processing unit(s)  912  may need at runtime. In one or more implementations, the processes of the subject disclosure are stored in the system memory  904 , the permanent storage device  902 , and/or the ROM  910  (which are each implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium). From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s)  912  retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of one or more implementations. 
     The bus  908  also connects to the input device interface  914  and the output device interface  906 . The input device interface  914  enables a user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic system  900 . Input devices that may be used with the input device interface  914  may include, for example, alphanumeric keyboards and pointing devices (also called “cursor control devices”). The output device interface  906  may enable, for example, the display of images generated by electronic system  900 . Output devices that may be used with the output device interface  906  may include, for example, printers and display devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a flat panel display, a solid state display, a projector, or any other device for outputting information. One or more implementations may include devices that function as both input and output devices, such as a touchscreen. In these implementations, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. 
     Finally, as shown in  FIG.  12   , the bus  908  also couples the electronic system  900  to one or more networks and/or to one or more network nodes, such as the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG.  1   , through the one or more network interfaces  916 . In this manner, the electronic system  900  can be a part of a network of computers (such as a LAN, a wide area network (“WAN”)), or an Intranet, or a network of networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of the electronic system  900  can be used in conjunction with the subject disclosure. 
     These functions described above can be implemented in computer software, firmware or hardware. The techniques can be implemented using one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable processors and by one or more programmable logic circuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected through communication networks. 
     Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (also referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and/or solid state hard drives, read-only and recordable Blu-Ray® discs, ultra density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media can store a computer program that is executable by at least one processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter. 
     While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself. 
     As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer”, “server”, “processor”, and “memory” all refer to electronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of the specification, the terms display or displaying means displaying on an electronic device. As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are entirely restricted to tangible, physical objects that store information in a form that is readable by a computer. These terms exclude any wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other ephemeral signals 
     To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; e.g., feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; e.g., by sending web pages to a web browser on a user&#39;s client device in response to requests received from the web browser. 
     Aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks). 
     The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and may interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In one or more implementations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a client device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated at the client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be received from the client device at the server. 
     In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an audio module is provided that includes an enclosure with a first volume that stores at least one audio component. The enclosure further includes a second volume defining a channel that forms an acoustic path for the at least one audio component. The audio module further includes fins at least partially disposed in the channel. The fins include a first fin having a first length. The fins further include a second fin having a second length greater than the first length. 
     In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an audio module is provided that includes an enclosure that that includes a channel. The audio module further includes audio components located in the enclosure. The audio components are configured to generate acoustical energy resulting in airflow. The audio module further includes fins at least partially positioned in the channel. The fins are configured to redistribute the airflow through the channel. 
     In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided that includes a display configured to present visual information. The electronic device further includes a housing coupled with the display. The electronic device further includes an acoustic module carried by the housing. The audio module includes an enclosure that defines an internal volume. The enclosure includes a first housing part. The enclosure further includes a second housing part. The first housing part and the second housing part form a channel. The audio module further includes audio components disposed in the internal volume. The audio components include a diaphragm. The audio components further include a voice coil configured to acoustically drive the diaphragm to generate acoustical energy, thereby generating airflow. The audio module further includes fins configured to redistribute the airflow through the channel. The fins includes a first fin, a second fin, and a third fin. Each of the first fin, the second fin, and the third fin engage the first housing part and the second housing part. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The previous description provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the disclosure described herein. 
     The predicate words “configured to”, “operable to”, and “programmed to” do not imply any particular tangible or intangible modification of a subject, but, rather, are intended to be used interchangeably. For example, a processor configured to monitor and control an operation or a component may also mean the processor being programmed to monitor and control the operation or the processor being operable to monitor and control the operation. Likewise, a processor configured to execute code can be construed as a processor programmed to execute code or operable to execute code. 
     The term automatic, as used herein, may include performance by a computer or machine without user intervention; for example, by instructions responsive to a predicate action by the computer or machine or other initiation mechanism. The word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. 
     A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an “embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as a “configuration” may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220825
Publication Date: 20240220
Grant Date: 20240220
Priority Date: 20220825
Inventors: BARATELLI, Marco
NOTARANGELO, Claudio
DONARSKI, MATTHEW A.
Chan, Mo C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/28", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/345", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 89908531