PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10184586-B2
Application Number: US-201615206156-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Self-energizing sealing mechanisms

Abstract:
An electronic device having an interior volume, the electronic device including a sealing mechanism to prevent ingress of water into the interior cavity. The sealing mechanism having a channel having a first opening at an external environment and a second opening that leads to the interior volume, a membrane that covers the second opening, the membrane being air permeable and water resistant such that the membrane allows air to pass and prevents passage of water up to an upper pressure threshold, a stopper mechanism, and a diaphragm comprising a surface arranged to receive an external water pressure and that is air and water impermeable, the diaphragm being coupled to the stopper mechanism that deflects in response to the water pressure such that the diaphragm actuates the stopper mechanism and seals off the channel from at the first opening preventing water pressure at the membrane from exceeding the upper pressure threshold.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing having walls that define an interior volume, the housing further defining:
 a first opening, and 
 a second opening that leads to the interior volume; 
 
 a sealing mechanism arranged to prevent ingress of a liquid into the interior volume, the sealing mechanism comprising: 
 a membrane that covers the second opening, the membrane being air permeable and liquid resistant such that the membrane (i) allows air to pass and (ii) prevents passage of the liquid up to a predetermined liquid pressure threshold; 
 a stopper mechanism at least partially positioned in the first opening; and 
 a diaphragm coupled to the stopper mechanism, wherein a deflection of the diaphragm by the liquid causes the stopper mechanism to (i) move and seal off the second opening and prevent the liquid at the membrane from exceeding the predetermined liquid pressure threshold, and (ii) seal off the diaphragm from an external environment that is outside the housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the stopper mechanism comprises a piston having a piston head and a gasket, the piston being coupled to the diaphragm, the gasket being arranged to a top side of the piston. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the stopper mechanism comprises a piston having a piston head and a gasket, the piston being coupled to the diaphragm and the gasket being arranged to a bottom side of the piston head, and wherein the second opening is inclined such that the second opening is below the gasket. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane is integrated into the diaphragm. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the diaphragm biases the stopper mechanism away from the first opening and the second opening when pressure of the liquid drops below a lower threshold. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene “ePTFE”. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the diaphragm is convoluted. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a display carried by the housing; 
 a first band feature coupled to the housing; and 
 a second band feature coupled to the housing, the second band feature capable of securing with the first band feature to secure the housing with an appendage of a user. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing mechanism is modular. 
     
     
       10. A method performed by a sealing mechanism for preventing ingress of liquid into an interior volume of a housing, the housing having a first opening at an external environment and a second opening that leads to the interior volume, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises:
 a membrane that covers the second opening, the membrane being air permeable and liquid resistant up to a pressure threshold such that the membrane allows air to pass and prevents passage of water; 
 a stopper mechanism at least partially positioned in the first opening; and 
 a diaphragm that is air and water impermeable and coupled to the stopper mechanism, the method comprising:
 receiving a liquid at a surface of the diaphragm and the membrane; 
 deflecting the diaphragm in response to the liquid received; and 
 closing, by the stopper mechanism, the second opening in accordance with the diaphragm deflecting and sealing off the diaphragm from the external environment, wherein a pressure from the liquid at the membrane is maintained less than the pressure threshold based on the stopper mechanism closing the second opening. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the stopper mechanism comprises a cantilevered gasket that extends over the first opening. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the stopper mechanism comprises a piston having a piston head and a gasket, the piston being coupled to the diaphragm and the gasket being arranged to a bottom side of the piston head, and wherein the first opening is arranged below the gasket. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the membrane is integrated into the diaphragm. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm is arranged in the first opening. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the diaphragm actuates the stopper mechanism away from the first opening and the second opening when the pressure of the liquid drops below the pressure threshold. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the membrane is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene “ePTFE”. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 10  wherein the diaphragm is convoluted. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the sealing mechanism is modular.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/222,743, entitled “SELF-ENERGIZING SEALING MECHANISMS” filed Sep. 23, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following disclosure relates to an electronic device. In particular, the following disclosure relates to electronic devices that can be subjected to environments having high moisture and/or water, and mechanisms for preventing the intrusion of water into the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices may include certain features to enhance a user experience as well as for preventing harm to the internal components of electronic devices in high water content environments. As electronic devices become more ubiquitous, it is beneficial to be able to use them in various environments without damaging the device, including when water is present. 
     SUMMARY 
     An electronic device is described. Some embodiments include an electronic device having a housing having walls that define an interior volume, the electronic device including a sealing mechanism arranged to prevent ingress of water into the interior cavity. The sealing mechanism can include a channel having a first opening at an external environment and a second opening that leads to the interior volume. The sealing mechanism can further include a membrane that covers the second opening, the membrane being air permeable and water resistant such that the membrane allows air to pass and prevents passage of water up to an upper pressure threshold. The sealing mechanism can further include a stopper mechanism and a diaphragm comprising a surface arranged to receive an external water pressure and that is air and water impermeable, the diaphragm being coupled to the stopper mechanism wherein the diaphragm deflects a first distance in response to the water pressure such that the diaphragm actuates the stopper mechanism and seals off the channel from the external environment at the first opening preventing water pressure at the membrane from exceeding the upper pressure threshold. 
     Some embodiments can include a method performed by a sealing mechanism for preventing ingress of water into an interior volume of a housing, wherein the sealing mechanism can include a channel having a first opening at an external environment and a second opening that leads to the interior volume. The sealing mechanism can further include a membrane that covers the second opening, the membrane being air permeable and water resistant up to an upper pressure threshold such that the membrane allows air to pass and prevents passage of water. The sealing mechanism can further include a stopper mechanism and a diaphragm that is air and water impermeable and coupled to the stopper mechanism. The method can include receiving a water pressure at the diaphragm, deflecting the diaphragm in response to the water pressure received, and closing the channel at the first surface opening in accordance with the deflection of the diaphragm, wherein a pressure at the membrane is maintained less than the pressure threshold. 
     In some embodiments the stopper mechanism can include a piston having a piston head and a gasket, the piston being coupled to the diaphragm, the gasket being arranged to a top side of the piston, opposite where the piston couples with the diaphragm and wherein the gasket cantilevers over the first opening. In some embodiments the stopper mechanism can include a piston having a piston head and a gasket, the piston being coupled to the diaphragm and the gasket being arranged to the bottom side of the piston head, and wherein the channel is inclined such that the first opening is below the gasket. 
     In some embodiments the stopper mechanism also seals off the diaphragm from the external environment. In some embodiments the membrane is integrated into the diaphragm. In some embodiments the diaphragm is biased to actuate the stopping mechanism open when the external water pressure drops below a lower threshold. In some embodiments the membrane is made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene “ePTFE”. In some embodiments the diaphragm is convoluted. In some embodiments the electronic device is a wearable. In some embodiments the sealing mechanism is modular. 
     In some embodiments the stopper mechanism comprises a cantilevered gasket that extends over the first opening. In some embodiments the stopper mechanism comprises a piston having a piston head and a gasket, the piston being coupled to the diaphragm and the gasket being arranged to the bottom side of the piston head, and wherein the opening is arranged below the gasket. In some embodiments the diaphragm is arranged in the channel. In some embodiments the diaphragm actuates the stopping mechanism open when the external water pressure drops below a lower threshold. In some embodiments the diaphragm is convoluted. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       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. 1  shows a front view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  shows a rear view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing several openings in the housing; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a representation of one embodiment of a sealing mechanism in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a representation of an alternative embodiment of a sealing mechanism in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a representation of an alternative embodiment of a sealing mechanism in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a representation of an alternative embodiment of a sealing mechanism in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show a representation of an alternative embodiment of a sealing mechanism in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  shows a representation of an alternative embodiment of a sealing mechanism in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a representation of an alternative embodiment of a sealing mechanism in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  shows a representation of an integrated diaphragm and air permeable water-resistant membrane in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart of a method performed by a sealing mechanism for sealing off an interior of a housing in accordance with the described embodiments; and, 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an electronic device suitable for use with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are 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. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to sealing mechanisms for electronic devices using membranes. In particular, the sealing mechanism can be used in electronic devices that can have a form factor that renders the electronic device mobile and/or wearable. By wearable, it is meant that a user can wear the electronic device as a decorative (but also functional) accessory that can be secured or otherwise attached to a garment or appended to a user&#39;s limb much like a watch. In the context of this discussion, however, the electronic device can be considered an accessory that can be carried or worn by the user. In this way, the electronic device can act both as an adornment as well as a source of useful information. The information can be provided real time and can be associated with a current physical state of the user and/or information regarding an external environment that the user would find of interest. For example, the electronic device can be worn as a bracelet or a watch that can be taken along on various athletic endeavors such as rock climbing, skydiving, surfing, jogging etc. In this way, the electronic device can be used to monitor (and record if need be) external conditions such as temperature, pressure, light conditions, speed, distance and so on. By mobile it is meant the electronic device that can easily be carried by a user. Mobile electronic devices can provide much of the same information as wearable&#39;s, and sometimes more. 
     Mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones, and wearables, such as an electronic watch, are used in a variety of circumstances and conditions that can expose the electronic device to water or moisture For example, simply washing dishes or one&#39;s hands can expose the wearable device to soapy water (which can have undesirable effects) whereas in other situations (such as swimming or diving), exposure to water can be beneficial and desirable (detecting water temperature, for example). In any case, it is important that regardless of the reason(s) for the exposure to water, that the integrity of the interior of the electronic device be maintained. 
     To prevent water intrusion, an electronic device may include seals. That said, electronic devices must also be able to “breathe,” or vent air from the internal portions of the electronic device for various reasons such as maintaining pressure differentials between the interior and exterior of the electronic device housing. Venting also allows for operation of components such as microphones and speakers. 
     Some water-resistant seals allow air to permeate a membrane, but prevent water from passing through the membrane. Even still, when pressure increases or if water impurities are introduced, such as soap of other surfactants, these membranes do not perform as well and can allow water to permeate the membrane. In particular, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (“ePTFE”) membranes often can be used as a way to allow airflow and block water, but these membranes lose their water resisting ability when external water is highly pressurized or the water has surfactant chemicals such as soap. 
     Accordingly, some embodiments of sealing mechanisms for preventing the intrusion of water can include a vent in the electronic device that can be covered by an air permeable water-resistant membrane (hereinafter “membrane”), such as ePTFE, that prevents water from entering the enclosure via the vent, but allows air to permeate the membrane. However, the ability of the membrane to prevent water intrusion can be degraded by higher pressures and exposure to surfactants such as soap that can reduce a surface tension of the water. Since surface tension of the water prevents water from passing through the mesh&#39;s pores, a reduction of the surface tension can allow passage of at least some of the water molecules through the mesh. Initially, the membrane can still resist permeation of soapy water, but as the pressure increases, the ability to resist this permeation decreases, since the surface tension is decreased or higher pressure. Thus, additional mechanisms are needed to ensure that water does not enter the enclosure after being exposed to such surfactants. 
     Accordingly, a sealing mechanisms can be used utilizing a membrane (hereinafter “membrane”) spanning a vent in conjunction with a diaphragm and stopping mechanism. The diaphragm can biases the stopping mechanism, which can take the form of a gasket, to seal off the vent. In some embodiments the diaphragm can be connected with a piston. The piston can be arranged in an opening in the sealing mechanism enclosure. The piston can be connected to a vent gasket such that increased pressure on the diaphragm, from being submerged in water, for example, can cause the diaphragm to change shape in a flexing motion. In this way, the flexing of the diaphragm can cause the piston to push the vent gasket into a position to seal off the vent such that additional water does not enter the vent. In some embodiments the vent gasket can be static and a piston can be actuated against the vent gasket by the increasing pressure to seal off the vent. In some embodiments, the vent and diaphragm can be configured such that when the diaphragm flexes, both the diaphragm and the membrane are sealed off from the exterior environment. Sealing off both the membrane and the diaphragm not only prevents additional water from entering the vent, but it also prevents additional pressure from building up on the membrane. In this way, the membrane can still be effective in resisting permeation of the low-pressure soapy water, but additional pressure build up is prevented, thus avoiding potentially overloading the membrane. This can be advantageous since overloading the membrane can cause it to strain, tear or even stretch to a degree that water can permeate the mesh pores of the membrane. 
     In other words as the pressure increases, the pressurized liquid on the outside of the diaphragm and the ambient pressure inside create a pressure differential, which causes the diaphragm to deflect towards the interior. The membrane is still able to resist the pressure. However, as the diaphragm deflects further, the nominally open vent gasket closes and makes a self-energizing seal before water pressure reaches the critical pressure at which the membrane would have failed. Once the vent gasket is closed, the gasket resists ingress of water and offloads the membrane from having to resist high pressures. 
     When pressure is lowered, for instance when the electronic device is removed from water and returned to the ambient air pressure, the diaphragm can retract, or relax, causing the vent gasket to retract away from the vent. This allows air to once again travel into and out of the enclosure via the vent and membrane. 
     In some embodiments, the diaphragm can be biased so that the vent gasket does not cover the vent except when the mechanism is subjected to a threshold pressure. In some embodiments the vent gasket can be integrated into the piston. In some embodiments, the vent can be configured to be located near the piston and diaphragm such that when the diaphragm deflects and the piston moves the vent gasket is pressed up against the vent, sealing it off from the exterior environment. In some embodiments the membrane can act as the diaphragm itself. 
     The embodiments shown and described relate to an electronic device. The electronic device can take the form of a mobile electronic device and/or a wearable electronic device that can be attached to a garment worn by a user or carried with respect to an appendage (such as a wrist) of the user. These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an electronic device  10 , in accordance with the described embodiments. In some embodiments, the electronic device  10  is a mobile communication device, such as a smart phone. In other embodiments, the electronic device  10  is a wearable computing device. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  10  is a wearable electronic device designed to secure with an appendage (for example, an arm or a leg) of a user of the electronic device  10 . 
     Electronic device  10  may include a housing  12  formed from a rigid material, such as a metal (including stainless steel or aluminum). Housing  12  may be coupled with a first band feature  16  and a second band feature  18 , with the first band feature  16  and the second band feature  18  are designed to secure the electronic device  10  with an appendage of a user. Also, the electronic device  10  may include a display module  20  designed to display visual content, including a day and a time of the day, etc. In some embodiments, the display module  20  is a light-emitting diode (“LED”) display. Further, in some embodiments, the display module  20  is an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) display. The display module  20  may further include a cover glass  22  disposed over the display module  20 . In addition to displaying time, the display module  20  may also display visual content based upon applications, or “apps,” stored on a memory circuit (not shown) disposed between the housing  12  and the display module  20 . For example, icon  28  can be used to indicate a particular activity (in this case a wave can indicate aquatic activity such as surfing). Seal  30  can provide a good environmental seal isolating an interior of electronic device  10  from an external environment. Seal  30  can take the form of membranes, O-rings, tape, or other similar sealing materials. In this way, the interior of electronic device  10  can act as an environmental reference datum. Also, the electronic device  10  may pair, via wireless communication, with an additional electronic device (not shown), such as a smart phone. 
     Electronic device  10  may include several input features electrically coupled with one or more processors (not shown), and designed to control the display module  20 . For example, electronic device  10  can include a first control input  24  and a second control input  26 , each of which may be partially disposed in openings of housing  12 . The first control input  24  may take the form of a dial design for clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, with the rotation used to control the display module  20 . Further, the first control input  24  may be depressed to define a further control input feature. The second control input  26  may take the form of a button that provides an additional control input feature when depressed. Although not shown, the first control input  24  and/or second control input  26  may be disposed in other locations of the housing  12 . Also, the electronic device  10  may include more or fewer control inputs in other embodiments. Further, the electronic device  10  may include a touch sensor (not shown) disposed behind (and in some cases integrated) with the display module  20 . This allows the user to further control the display module  20  by depressing the cover glass  22  triggering the touch sensor to generate a control input and alter the visual content of the display module  20 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing several openings in the housing  12 . As shown, the first band feature  16  is engaged with the second band feature  18  to define a closed configuration allowing the electronic device  10  to be secured with an appendage of a user. The electronic device  10  may include a first opening  32  in the housing  12  that may allow, for example, an output of audible sound from a speaker module (not shown) disposed in the housing  12 . Also, the electronic device  10  may include a second opening  34  in the housing  12  that may allow, for example, an input of audible sound to a microphone (not shown) disposed in the housing  12 . Although the first opening  32  and the second opening  34  are shown in distinct locations, the first opening  32  and the second opening  34  may vary in location along the housing  12 , and further, may vary in size and shape. Further, the number of openings may vary according to the functionality of the electronic device  10 . For example, an additional opening (not shown) may be used in conjunction with the first opening  32  to enhance the audible sound. While seal  30  provides a good seal for interior components of electronic device  10  from the external environment, openings such as openings  32  and  34  provide water intrusion points. That said, proper operation of the microphone or audio for instance require openings in housing  12  to allow air that transmits sound to pass through housing  12 . The systems described in various embodiments herein can be used in conjunction with openings like openings  32  and  34  to allow proper operation of internal components while preventing water from entering housing  12 , when electronic device  10  is subject to a water or a water environment. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a representation of a sealing mechanism  300  in accordance with the described embodiments. Sealing mechanism  300  can include an enclosure  302  with an interior side  304  and an exterior side  306 . The enclosure  302  can be integrated into the housing  12  or it can be sub-enclosure to can be installed within the interior of the housing  12 . The enclosure  302  can have a vent  308  for allowing air to flow in and/or out of enclosure  302 . The vent  308  can be a single opening, as shown, or can be multiple openings in the enclosure  302 . A membrane  310  can span the vent  308 . In the case of one or more openings forming vent  308  the membrane  310  can span all the openings. Alternatively several membranes can span each opening. The membrane  310  can be made of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (“ePTFE”). The membrane  310  can allow air, but resist water, from permeating the membrane  310 . In some embodiments, a diaphragm opening  318  can be arranged near vent  308  and be configured to extend between the interior side  304  and the exterior side  306 . A diaphragm  312  can span diaphragm opening  318 . Diaphragm opening  318  can be configured so that diaphragm  312  can move within diaphragm opening  318 . Diaphragm  312  can be connected to a piston  314 . Piston  314  can take many shapes and forms. Here it is shown as puck shaped with an elongated portion that connects to diaphragm  312 . A vent gasket  316  can be connected to piston  314 . As illustrated, vent gasket  316  can be connected to the top of piston  314  and extend cantilevered across enclosure  302  and over vent  308 . 
     In operation, when sealing mechanism  300  is introduced to an environment where the pressure exceeds a certain threshold, such as being placed under water, water can enter the vent  308  and diaphragm opening  318 . Diaphragm  312  is not water or air permeable and thus neither water nor air pass into interior side  304  via diaphragm opening  318 . At lower pressures, the membrane  310  also does not allow water to permeate to interior side  304 . As the pressure increases, however, the ability of the membrane  310  to resist water, particularly when surfactants are present, degrades. Simultaneously though, the increased pressure exerts a force on the diaphragm, deflecting it. As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , as diaphragm  312  deflects, piston  314  is pulled toward interior side  304 . Once a threshold amount of pressure is applied, diaphragm  312  will deflect to the point that vent gasket  316  contacts enclosure  302  and effectively seals off vent  308 . Increasing pressure increases the effectiveness of the seal created by vent gasket  316  over vent  308  since the diaphragm will continue to deflect and pull piston  314  toward the interior side  304 . In addition, water pressure will build up on vent gasket  316  itself, since gasket  316  is also exposed to exterior side  306 . 
     Sealing mechanism  300  can take various other forms, of which a select few are described in various embodiments below.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show an alternative embodiment representation of sealing mechanism  400  in accordance with the described embodiments. Here the configuration of most components is similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , except here vent  408  is configured to extend between the interior side  404  and the exterior side  406  as well as underneath the puck shaped portion of piston  414 . Vent gasket  416  can be connected to the bottom side of piston  414  at the puck shaped portion of piston  414 . When the pressure builds, exerting a force on diaphragm  412 , piston  414  is pulled to seal off vent  408  with the vent gasket  416  being sandwiched between piston  414  and the enclosure  402 . In this embodiment vent gasket  416  can additionally seal off diaphragm hole  418 . This provides the advantage of when the pressure builds; greater and greater strain is not exerted on the diaphragm, which otherwise could possibly cause the diaphragm to fail. Instead, once piston  414  seals off vent  408  and diaphragm hole  418 , increasing amounts of pressure will only be applied to the piston, maintaining piston  414  in the sealed state as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show an alternative embodiment representation of sealing mechanism  500  in accordance with the described embodiments. In this embodiment, sealing mechanism  500  is arranged between an exterior side  506  and interior side  504  and is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Piston  514  is suspended by diaphragms  512 , which connects to enclosure  502  on both sides of the diaphragms  512 . The membrane  610  is connected to the bottom of piston  514 , which spans vent  508 . Openings  524  are located in piston  514  allowing water and air into the region where the membrane  510  resides. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show an alternative embodiment representation of sealing mechanism  600  in accordance with the described embodiments. Here, piston  614  is configured so that it is suspended from enclosure  602  via diaphragm  612 . Enclosure  602  has a cap portion  622  that bridges vent  608  and diaphragm hole  618 . Cap portion  622  has one or more holes  624  that allow water and/or air to pass across enclosure  602  via cap portion  622  from exterior side  606  toward interior side  604 , but not past diaphragm  612  or the membrane  610  given this configuration. As pressure builds in sealing mechanism  600 , piston  614  is pushed toward interior side  604  by the deflection of diaphragm  612 . Enclosure  602  has a plug portion  626  that is covered by vent gasket  616 . The membrane  610  is arranged across an opening in the piston  614  below plug portion  626 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , when piston  614  moves toward interior side  604  and is pressed against vent gasket  616 , the membrane  610  is sealed off from any further pressure build up due to increased pressure on exterior side  606 . Diaphragm  612  is shown in a convoluted shape here, but on all described embodiments can take the form of a concave, convex, convoluted, linear or various other cross sectional patterns. The convoluted shape can lead to a designed response by the diaphragm that can be tuned to particular circumstances depending on the shape. This particular embodiment has the advantage that the enclosure  602  and the portions of sealing mechanism  600  which are exposed to exterior side  606 , are static whereas the moving portions, such as piston  614  are internal to the enclosure  602  and otherwise not exposed to the exterior side  606 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show an alternative embodiment representation of sealing mechanism  700  in accordance with the described embodiments. As seen, piston  714  has vent gaskets  716  connected to its underside and is suspended by diaphragms  712 , which are also connected to enclosure  702 . In this embodiment, vent  708  takes the form of several openings that are arranged in piston  714  forming a basket for water and/or air to enter and interact with the membrane  710 . In this embodiment, like the one shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , when the pressure seals off vent gasket  716  against enclosure  702 , diaphragms  712  are also sealed off and additional pressure will not build up on either the membrane  710  or diaphragms  712 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a cross sectional view an alternative embodiment representation of sealing mechanism  800  in accordance with the described embodiments. In this embodiment sealing mechanism  800  can be a modular system that can be assembled and then installed in the housing  12  or other component of an electronic device. In this embodiment enclosure  802  can have threads  832  along its exterior, either entirely along its length or partially, as shown. Threads  832  can coordinate with corresponding threads (not shown) in a hole in an electronic device housing  12 . Piston  814  can be arranged in the interior of enclosure  802  and can extend from diaphragm hole  818 , where the diaphragm  812  connects piston  814  to enclosure  802 . Vent  808  extends from interior side  804  up along piston  814  toward exterior side  806 . Piston  814  has a puck shaped portion with a vent gasket  816  connected to the underside of puck shaped portion. Piston  814  has a bulbous end opposite the puck shaped portion where the membrane  810  can be arranged. A cap  830  can be attached to the top of enclosure  802  and can have cap holes  824  for allowing air and water to flow through. An O-ring  828  can be arranged around the exterior of enclosure  802  so that when the modular sealing mechanism  800  is installed in an electronic device, water is only allowed to penetrate the intended areas of sealing mechanism  800  and not otherwise enter the interior of the electronic device (not shown). 
       FIGS. 9A and 9   b  show an alternative embodiment representation of sealing mechanism  900  in accordance with the described embodiments. In this embodiment, two curved vent gaskets  916  can be arranged to form a vent  908 . The vent gaskets  916  can take the form of flexible flaps and can be made of rubber or plastic among other flexible materials. The vent gaskets  916  can be attached to each other by a membrane  910 . Here the membrane  910  can be an integrated with the diaphragm, one embodiment of which is described and shown further below with regard to  FIG. 10 . Like in other embodiments, as pressure builds up on an exterior side  906 , the membrane  910 , given that is integrated with the diaphragm, deflects inward toward interior side  904 . Given the configuration of the membrane  910  and how it is connected to vent gaskets  916 , vent gaskets are drawn toward the interior side  904  and toward each other. Once vent gaskets  916  mate, they form a seal preventing additional water intrusion and/or pressure build up on the membrane  910 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9B . This embodiment has the advantage of having fewer components by not needing a piston for example and by integrating the diaphragm into the integrated diaphragm the membrane. 
       FIG. 10  shows an integrated diaphragm/membrane  1000  in accordance with various described embodiments. In this particular embodiment, integrated diaphragm/membrane  1000  can be circular and include the membrane portions  1010 . It can also include diaphragm portions  1012  between the membrane portions  1010 . The membrane portions  1010  can take various other shapes including square, rectangular, triangular amongst other various shapes. The membrane portions  1010  can be symmetrically radially arranged around integrated diaphragm/membrane  1000  and. The membrane portions  1010  can also be configured in numerous other patterns and arrangements that make integrated diaphragm/membrane  1000  easier to manufacture. Integrated diaphragm/membrane  1000  can be used in any of the embodiments contemplated herein where it is beneficial to integrate the diaphragm with the membrane. 
       FIG. 11  shows a flow chart for a method  1100  preformed by a sealing mechanism in accordance with the described embodiments. In a first step  1110 , the sealing mechanism as provided in the described embodiments can receive a water pressure at the first surface of the stopper mechanism. In a second step  1120 , the sealing mechanism can deflect the diaphragm in response to the water pressure received at the first surface. In a third step  1130  the sealing mechanism can close a channel at the first opening in accordance with the deflection of the diaphragm, maintaining a pressure at the membrane of less than the pressure threshold. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an electronic device  1200  suitable for use with the described embodiments. The electronic device  1200  illustrates circuitry of a representative computing device. The electronic device  1200  includes a processor  1202  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the electronic device  1200 . The electronic device  1200  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  1204  and a cache  1206 . The file system  1204  is, typically, a semiconductor memory, cloud storage, or storage disks or hard drives. The file system  1204  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the electronic device  1200 . However, since the access time to the file system  1004  is relatively slow, the electronic device  1200  can also include a cache  1206 . The cache  1206  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  1206  is substantially shorter than for the file system  1204 . However, the cache  1206  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  1204 . Further, the file system  1204 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  1206 . The power consumption is often a concern when the electronic device  1200  is a portable media device that is powered by a battery  1224 . The electronic device  1200  can also include a RAM  1220  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1222 . The ROM  1222  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  1220  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  1206 . 
     The electronic device  1200  also includes a user input device  1208  that allows a user of the electronic device  1200  to interact with the electronic device  1200 . For example, the user input device  1208  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the electronic device  1200  includes a display  1210  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1202  to display information to the user. A data bus  1216  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  1204 , the cache  1206 , the processor  1202 , and the CODEC  1213 . 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  1200  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs, podcasts, etc.) in the file system  1204 . When a user desires to have the electronic device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  1210 . Then, using the user input device  1208 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  1202 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  1213 . The CODEC  1213  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  1214 . The speaker  1214  can be a speaker internal to the electronic device  1200  or external to the electronic device  1200 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the electronic device  1200  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The electronic device  1200  also includes a network/bus  1211  that couples to a data link  1212 . The data link  1212  allows the electronic device  1200  to couple to a host computer or to accessory devices. The data link  1212  can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface  1211  can include a wireless transceiver. The media items (media assets) can pertain to one or more different types of media content. In one embodiment, the media items are audio tracks (e.g., songs, audio books, and podcasts). In another embodiment, the media items are images (e.g., photos). However, in other embodiments, the media items can be any combination of audio, graphical or visual content. Sensor  1226  can take the form of circuitry for detecting any number of stimuli. For example, sensor  1226  can include a Hall Effect sensor responsive to external magnetic field, an audio sensor, a light sensor such as a photometer, and so on. 
     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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160708
Publication Date: 20190122
Grant Date: 20190122
Priority Date: 20150923
Inventors: DE JONG, ERIK G.
BOOZER, BRAD G.
Lukens, William C.
PELLETIER, David M.
FOX, EUGENE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16K99/0055", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16K24/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16K31/126", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16K31/126", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16K31/126", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16K24/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0215", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16K99/0055", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16K24/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58283919