PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8804993-B2
Application Number: US-201113163308-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Audio port configuration for compact electronic devices

Abstract:
A portable electronic device that provides compact configurations for audio elements are disclosed. The audio elements can be drivers (e.g., speakers) or receivers (e.g., microphones). In one embodiment, a molded acoustic chamber can be formed to assist in directing audio sound between an opening an outer housing and an internal flexible electronic substrate. The audio element can be mounted on or coupled to the flexible electrical substrate over an opening therein that allows allow audio sound to pass there through. The molded acoustic chamber can also be formed such that it includes a barrier, such as a mesh barrier, so that undesired foreign substances can be blocked from entry or further entry into the audio chamber. The molded acoustic chamber can also be formed such that it includes one or more acoustic seals that can be used to provide an acoustic seal between the molded acoustic chamber and the opening in the outer housing.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, the housing having an audio port opening; 
 a flexible substrate for electrical circuitry provided within the housing, the flexible substrate including a first side and a second side, the flexible substrate including a substrate opening there through; 
 an audio component coupled to the first side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening; and 
 a molded acoustic chamber provided within the housing, the molded acoustic chamber having:
 an internal audio channel through the molded acoustic chamber from a first end to a second end, the second end being more compliant than the first end, 
 wherein the first end of the molded acoustic chamber is acoustically sealed to the second side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening, and 
 wherein the second end of the molded acoustic chamber is acoustically sealed to the inner surface of the housing adjacent the audio port opening; and 
 at least one sealing ring integrally molded with the second end of the internal audio chamber. 
 
 
     
     
       2. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic device comprises a mesh barrier integrally molded with the second end of the integral audio chamber. 
     
     
       3. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the molded acoustic chamber is formed in a first mold process, and the second end of the molded acoustic chamber is formed in a second mold process, the second end being integrally molded to the first end. 
     
     
       4. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the molded acoustic chamber comprises a mesh barrier integrally molded with the second end of the integral audio chamber. 
     
     
       5. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the audio port opening includes a recess configured to receive a portion of the second end of the molded acoustic chamber. 
     
     
       6. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the molded acoustic chamber comprises at least one sealing ring integrally molded with the second end of the integral audio chamber, and wherein the sealing ring seal is configured to seal the second end of the molded acoustic chamber to the recess of the audio port opening. 
     
     
       7. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the molded acoustic chamber comprises a mesh barrier integrally molded with the second end of the integral audio chamber. 
     
     
       8. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the mesh barrier is positioned within the recess of the audio port opening. 
     
     
       9. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the audio component is a microphone or a speaker. 
     
     
       10. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the internal audio chamber is tapered such that the internal audio chamber is more narrow at the second end than the first end. 
     
     
       11. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic device is a mobile phone or is configured to operate as a mobile phone. 
     
     
       12. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, the housing having an audio port opening; 
 a flexible substrate for electrical circuitry provided within the housing, the flexible substrate including a first side and a second side, the flexible substrate including a substrate opening there through; 
 an audio component coupled to the first side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening; 
 a molded acoustic chamber provided within the housing, the molded acoustic chamber having an internal audio channel through the molded acoustic chamber from a first end to a second end; and 
 a mesh barrier integrally molded with the second end of the molded acoustic chamber, wherein the first end of the molded acoustic chamber is acoustically sealed to the second side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening, and wherein the second end of the molded acoustic chamber is acoustically sealed to the inner surface of the housing adjacent the audio port opening. 
 
     
     
       13. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the molded acoustic chamber comprises at least one sealing ring integrally molded with the second end of the internal audio chamber. 
     
     
       14. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the audio port opening includes a recess configured to receive a portion of the second end of the molded acoustic chamber. 
     
     
       15. A portable electronic device as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the molded acoustic chamber comprises at least one sealing ring integrally molded with the second end of the integral audio chamber, and wherein the sealing ring seal is configured to seal the second end of the molded acoustic chamber to the recess of the audio port opening. 
     
     
       16. A method for assembling an audio subsystem for use in a portable electronic device, comprising:
 providing a molded acoustic chamber including:
 at least a first portion having a first end; 
 a second portion having a second end; 
 an internal audio channel through the molded acoustic chamber from the first end to the second end, 
 
 wherein the internal audio chamber is tapered such that the internal audio chamber is more narrow at the second end than the first end; and
 a mesh barrier provided within or adjacent the internal audio channel; 
 
 providing a flexible substrate for electrical circuitry, the flexible substrate including a first side and a second side, the flexible substrate including a substrate opening there through; 
 attaching an audio component coupled to the first side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening; and 
 acoustically coupling the first end of the molded acoustic chamber to the second side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening. 
 
     
     
       17. A method as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the method further comprises:
 providing a portable electronic device housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, the housing having an audio port opening; 
 placing the audio subsystem within the portable electronic device housing; and 
 acoustically coupling the second end of the molded acoustic chamber to the inner surface of the portable electronic device housing adjacent the audio port opening.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/431,347, filed Jan. 10, 2011 and entitled “AUDIO PORT CONFIGURATION FOR COMPACT ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to audio ports for electronic devices and, more particularly, for audio port configurations for compact electronic devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Today, it is popular for portable electronic devices, such as notebook computers, netbook computers, portable digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players) and the like, include at least one speaker to produce audio sound output and at least one microphone to receive audio sound input. 
     Portable electronic devices often provide audio jacks (i.e., audio connectors) that facilitate connection with headsets or headphones which provide personal external speakers for their users. Portable electronic devices can provide one or more internal speakers that are able to be utilized for producing audio sound. Similarly, portable electronic devices can have a microphone jack that facilitates connection with a microphone which can be externally provided for a user. Portable electronic device can also provide one or more internal microphones that are able to be used to pickup (i.e., receive) audio sound. 
     There is, however, an ongoing need to make portable electronic devices smaller and thinner. As portable electronic devices get smaller and thinner, there are increased difficulties in providing the same or greater functionality in a smaller area. With respect to audio sound, a portable electronic device can utilize one or more speakers and one or more microphones provided internal to the housing of the portable electronic device. Unfortunately, given the area constraints imposed on many portable electronic devices, it is increasingly difficult to provide high-quality audio sound output and pickup without hindering the ability to make portable electronic devices smaller and thinner. Consequently, there is a need for improved approaches to provide high-quality audio sound output and/or pickup from portable electronic devices as they get smaller and thinner. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention pertain to a portable electronic device that provides compact configurations for audio elements. The audio elements can be drivers (e.g., speakers) or receivers (e.g., microphones). In one embodiment, a molded acoustic chamber can be formed to assist in directing audio sound between an opening an outer housing and an internal flexible electronic substrate. The audio element can be mounted on or coupled to the flexible electrical substrate over an opening therein that allows allow audio sound to pass there through. The molded acoustic chamber can also be formed such that it includes a barrier, such as a mesh barrier, so that undesired foreign substances can be blocked from entry or further entry into the audio chamber. The molded acoustic chamber can also be formed such that it includes one or more acoustic seals that can be used to provide an acoustic seal between the molded acoustic chamber and the opening in the outer housing. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, or apparatus. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     According to one embodiment, a portable electronic device can include a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the housing having an audio port opening. A flexible substrate, an audio component and a molded acoustic chamber can be provided within the housing. The flexible substrate can include a first side and a second side, and the flexible substrate can include a substrate opening there through. The audio component can be coupled to the first side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening. The molded acoustic chamber can have an internal audio channel through the molded acoustic chamber from a first end to a second end. The second end of the molded acoustic chamber can be more compliant (i.e., less rigid) than the first end. In addition, the first end of the molded acoustic chamber can be acoustically sealed to the second side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening, and the second end of the molded acoustic chamber can be acoustically sealed to the inner surface of the housing adjacent the audio port opening. 
     According to another embodiment, a portable electronic device can include a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the housing having an audio port opening. A flexible substrate, an audio component and a molded acoustic chamber can be provided within the housing. The flexible substrate can include a first side and a second side, and the flexible substrate can include a substrate opening there through. The audio component can be coupled to the first side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening. A molded acoustic chamber can have an internal audio channel through the molded acoustic chamber from a first end to a second end. A mesh barrier can also be integrally molded with the second end of the molded acoustic audio chamber. The first end of the molded acoustic chamber can be acoustically sealed to the second side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening, and the second end of the molded acoustic chamber can be acoustically sealed to the inner surface of the housing adjacent the audio port opening. 
     According to one embodiment, a molded acoustic chamber can provide an audio channel from an audio component to an audio port opening. The molded acoustic chamber can include: a first portion having a first end, the first portion being molded from a first material; a second portion having a second end, the second portion being molded from a second material; an internal audio channel through the molded acoustic chamber from the first end to the second end; and a mesh provided at the second portion of the molded acoustic chamber. 
     According to one embodiment, a method can pertain to forming an acoustic chamber for use in a portable electronic device. The acoustic chamber can provide an audio channel from an audio component internal to the portable electronic device to an audio port opening in an outer housing for the portable electronic device. The method can include at least: configuring a mold to form a first portion of an acoustic chamber; injecting a first material into the mold to form the first portion of the acoustic chamber; reconfiguring the mold to form a second portion of the acoustic chamber; and injecting a second material into the reconfigured mold to form the second portion of the acoustic chamber. Also, when the second portion of the acoustic chamber is formed, the second portion of the acoustic chamber can be bonded to the first portion of the acoustic chamber and has the audio channel extending there through. Further, the second portion that is formed can include at least one seal integrally formed to at least participate in sealing the second portion to an inner surface of the outer housing for the portable electronic device. 
     According to one embodiment, a method can pertain to assembling an audio subsystem for use in a portable electronic device. The method can include at least: providing a molded acoustic chamber including at least a first portion having a first end, a second portion having a second end, an internal audio channel through the molded acoustic chamber from the first end to the second end, and a mesh provided within or adjacent the internal audio channel. The method can also include providing a flexible substrate for electrical circuitry, the flexible substrate including a first side and a second side, the flexible substrate including a substrate opening there through. The method can also include attaching an audio component coupled to the first side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening, and acoustically coupling the first end of the molded acoustic chamber to the second side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening. 
     According to one embodiment, a portable electronic device can include a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, and the housing can include an audio port opening. The portable electronic device can also include a cosmetic barrier having a first side and a second side, an audio component provided within the housing, an acoustic chamber provided within the housing, and an acoustic barrier. The acoustic chamber can have an internal audio channel through the acoustic chamber from a first end to a second end, with the second end of the acoustic chamber including a recessed portion. The acoustic barrier can be coupled to the acoustic chamber within the recessed portion. In addition, the first end of the acoustic chamber can be acoustically sealed to the audio component. Still further, the second side of the cosmetic barrier can be acoustically sealed to the inner surface of the housing adjacent the audio port opening, and the first side of the cosmetic barrier can be acoustically sealed to the second end of the acoustic chamber. 
     According to one embodiment, a portable electronic device can include a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface and also having an audio port opening. The portable electronic device can also include an acoustic chamber provided within the housing, and an audio component provided within the housing. The acoustic chamber can have an internal audio channel through the acoustic chamber from a first end to a second end. The second end of the acoustic chamber can include a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion, and the second side of the acoustic chamber can be acoustically sealed to the inner surface of the housing adjacent the audio port opening. The audio component can be acoustically sealed to the first end of the acoustic chamber. Still further, the portable electronic device can include an acoustic mesh barrier coupled to the acoustic chamber within the first recessed portion, and a cosmetic mesh barrier coupled to the acoustic chamber within the second recessed portion. 
     According to one embodiment, a portable electronic device can include at least: a housing having an inner region having a frame structure; a printed circuit substrate secured relative to the frame structure; a gyro detector for providing gyro data; a vibration isolation member; and an acoustic module including or acoustically coupling to a speaker. The acoustic module can be secured relative to the frame structure at least in part via the vibration isolation member. The vibration isolation member can reduce vibrations from the acoustic module that reach or influence the gyro detector. 
     According to one embodiment, a linear vibration motor device can include at least: a housing, an extended side portion integral with or coupled to the housing, and at least one contact coil provided at the extended side portion. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention 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  is a perspective diagram of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  200  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  250  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3A  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  300  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3B  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  350  according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  is a cross-sectional diagrams of formation of an acoustic chamber  400  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of an acoustic chamber molding process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of an acoustic chamber assembly process according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of a speaker driver according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of a receiver according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a portion of a flexible substrate according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a low-profile linear vibration motor according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates a vibration motor assembly according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     It should be noted that  FIGS. 1-12B  are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, these figures are enlarged so that features are more readily visible. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to a portable electronic device that provides compact configurations for audio elements. The audio elements can be drivers (e.g., speakers) or receivers (e.g., microphones). In one embodiment, a molded acoustic chamber can be formed to assist in directing audio sound between an opening an outer housing and an internal flexible electronic substrate. The audio element can be mounted on or coupled to the flexible electrical substrate over an opening therein that allows allow audio sound to pass there through. The molded acoustic chamber can also be formed such that it includes a barrier, such as a mesh barrier, so that undesired foreign substances can be blocked from entry or further entry into the audio chamber. The molded acoustic chamber can also be formed such that it includes one or more acoustic seals that can be used to provide an acoustic seal between the molded acoustic chamber and the opening in the outer housing. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-12B . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective diagram of a portable electronic device  100  according to one embodiment. The portable electronic device  100  is a representative illustration for a portable electronic device. However, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the size, scale, shape, configuration and/or appearance of the portable electronic device  100  can vary widely. 
     The portable electronic device  100  includes a housing  102  that provides an exterior surface for the portable electronic device  100 . The portable electronic device  100  provides one or more functional capabilities that can be utilized by its user. In so doing, the portable electronic device can include at least one input/output component  104 . 
     The user input/output component  104  typically includes one or more user input devices and/or one or more output device. The one or more user input devices can allow the user to interact with the portable electronic device. The one or more output devices can provide outputs from the portable electronic device to the user or another device. The input/output component  104  can, for example, pertain to one or more of a display, a touch screen, a touchpad, a keypad, a button, a dial, and etc. For example, the input/output component  104  can provide a display and a touch screen combination, with the display providing output capability and the touch screen providing input capability. 
     The portable electronic device  100  can also include an audio circuit  106 . The audio circuit  106  is typically provided internal to the housing  102  of the portable electronic device  100 . The audio circuit  106  can operate to produce audio signals that can be supplied to one or more speakers internal to the housing  102  of the portable electronic device  100 . The one or more speakers, in response to the audio signals, can produce audio sound that can be directed (e.g., by way of one or more acoustic chambers) to one or more audio output openings  108  in the housing  102  of the portable electronic device  100 . In one embodiment, each of the one or more audio output openings  108  can include a mesh cover  110  that serves to protect foreign matter from entering into the housing  102  of the portable electronic device  100  by way of the audio output opening  108 . 
     The audio circuit  106  can also operate to receive audio signals that are picked-up by one or more microphones internal to the housing  102  of the portable electronic device  100 . The one or more microphones can pick-up audio sounds that are received (e.g., directly or by way of one or more acoustic chambers) via an audio input opening  112  in the housing  102  of the portable electronic device  100 . In general, the portable electronic device  100  can place the audio input opening  112  in any of various location. However, in this embodiment, the audio input opening  112  is provided on a side of the housing  102 . In one embodiment, the audio input opening  112  can also include a mesh cover (not shown) that serves to protect foreign matter from entering into the housing  102  of the portable electronic device  100  by way of the audio input opening  112 . 
     The housing  102  of the portable electronic device  100  can also include an external connection port  114 . The external connection port  114  allows the portable electronic device  100  to be directly or indirectly connected to a host device (e.g., personal computer) or other electronic devices (e.g., docking station), so as to exchange data or to charge a battery (not shown) utilized by the portable electronic device  100 . 
     The portable electronic device  100  can also include a receiver opening  116  and a button opening  118 . The receiver opening  116  can be provided adjacent an internal receiver (e.g., speaker) that can provide audio output to a user of the portable electronic device  100 . The button opening  118  can be provided adjacent a button that allows the user to interact with the portable electronic device  100 . Although the receiver opening  116  and the button opening can be provided in the translucent face  105 , it should be understood that these components could be provided elsewhere in the portable electronic device  100 . For example, these components could be provided at the side of the portable electronic device  100 . The translucent face  105  can be a glass sheet or a plastic sheet. The translucent face  105  provides a front face for the housing. The translucent face can also be thin, such as having a thickness of less than  1  millimeter. 
     The portable electronic device  100  can include any suitable type of electronic device having a display. For example, the portable electronic device  100  can be a laptop, tablet computer, media player, phone, GPS unit, remote control, personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like, and devices combining some or all of this functionality. Depending on the capabilities of the portable electronic device  100 , internal to the portable electronic device  100  are various electrical components that serve support the device capabilities. The electronic components include one or more of integrated circuit(s), electronic substrate(s) (flex circuits, printed circuit boards), wireless transceiver(s), battery(s), microphone(s), speaker(s), display circuitry(s), touch circuitry(s), and connectors (e.g., ports), user input devices (button, switches, etc.). 
     According to one aspect, a portable electronic device can be provided with a compact configuration for audio elements. The audio elements can be drivers (e.g., speakers) or receivers (e.g., microphones). In one embodiment, an audio element can be mounted on or coupled to an intermediate structure (e.g., a flexible electrical substrate) having an opening therein to allow audio sound to pass there through. In another embodiment, an audio chamber can be formed to assist in directing audio sound between an opening an outer housing and a flexible electronic substrate to which the audio element is mounted or coupled thereto. 
       FIG. 2A  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  200  according to one embodiment. The portable electronic device  200  includes a housing  202  for the portable electronic device  200 . The housing  202  has an opening  204  that allows audio sound to enter or be emitted from the portable electronic device  200 . The portable electronic device  200  includes an audio element  206  provided internal to the housing  202  for the portable electronic device  200 . The audio element  206  can represent a speaker driver (e.g., speaker) and/or a receiver (e.g., microphone). When the audio element  206  serves as a receiver, audio sound can be picked-up via the opening  204  in the housing  202 . The sound, in this example, can be environment or can be audio sound (e.g., voice communications) associated with a user. 
     Alternatively, when the audio element  206  serves as a speaker driver, the speaker driver  306  upon controlled activation can produce audio sound that can be directed out of the opening  204  of the housing  202 . For example, the audio sound can be associated with playback of digital media asset, such as a video file (e.g., movie), an audio file (e.g., music or podcast), etc., by the portable electronic device  300 . As another example, the audio sound can be associated with a user, such as a voice conversation, using the portable electronic device  200  as a wireless telephone. 
     In the low-profile design for the portable electronic device  200 , the compactness of the portable electronic device  200  is of importance. Consequently, placement of the audio element  206  within the housing  202  for the portable electronic device  200  is managed such that the overall size and/or thickness of the portable electronic device  200  is able to remain compact (e.g., thin). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , an audio channel can be established between the speaker driver  206  and the opening  204 . The audio element  206  can be acoustically coupled to the opening  204  in the housing  202  by or via various components that participate in providing the audio channel. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the audio channel can extend from the speaker driver  206  to the opening  204  in the housing  202 . As such, the audio channel passes through an opening  208  within a flexible electronic substrate  210 . The flexible electrical substrate  210  is, for example, a flex circuit. The flexible electrical substrate  210  can provide electrical traces, pads, vias, and the like that support electronic devices and/or electrical interconnections between electronic devices. The portable electronic device  200  can include a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) and the flexible electronic substrate  210  can couple to the PCB. The audio element  206  can be coupled to the flexible electrical substrate  210  such that audio element  206  (e.g., the receiver or speaker driver) is acoustically coupled to audio channel. In one implementation, the audio element  206  can be acoustically sealed to a first surface of the flexible electrical substrate  210  by a seal  212 . The seal  212  can, for example, by provided by a layer of adhesive, a compliant gasket (e.g., form gasket), or solder. In the case where a gasket is used, an adhesive can be used to adhere the seal  212  to the first surface of the flexible electrical substrate  210  as well as to the audio element  206 . 
     To further support the audio channel, the portable electronic device  200  can also include an audio chamber  214  (or audio boot). The audio chamber  214  can include a first portion  214   a  and a second portion  214   b . In one implementation, the first portion  214   a  is a substantially rigid member, and the second portion  214   b  is a substantially compliant member. The rigidity of the first portion  214   a  and the compliance of the second portion  312   b  are relative to one another. The audio chamber  214  is normally a single structure and can be formed with a molding process with respect to elastomers (e.g., plastics (including thermoplastics elastomers), rubber or foams), such as nylon, silicone, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or polypropylene. For example, a co-molding or overmolding process can be performed to integrally form the audio chamber  214  having the first portion  214   a  and the second portion  214   b.    
     The first portion  214   a  can be adhered to a second surface of the flexible electronic substrate  210 . For example, an adhesive layer  216  can be provided between the second surface of the flexible electrical substrate  210  and the first portion  214   a  of the audio chamber  214 . The second portion  214   b  can be provided adjacent the opening  204  in the housing  202 . In one implementation, the second portion  214   b  can abut against the opening  204  in the housing  202 . The second portion  214   b  can be secured and/or acoustically sealed about the opening  204  by any of a variety of ways, including by the second portion  214   b  itself, a gasket, adhesive and the like, or some combination thereof. 
     The audio chamber  214  includes an audio channel  216  that extends through the audio chamber  214 . Hence, the audio channel  216  provided by the audio chamber  214  serves to extend the audio channel from the flexible electronic substrate  210  to the opening  204  in the housing  202 . As such, the opening  208  in the flexible electrical substrate  210  and the audio channel  216  through the audio chamber  214  both facilitate providing the complete audio channel. The audio element  206  can emit or receive sound through the opening  208  in the flexible electrical substrate  210  and through the audio channel  216  of the audio chamber  214  so that the sound being emitted or received by the audio element  206  can pass through the opening  204  in the housing  202 . 
     Additionally, a mesh barrier  218  (or mesh screen) can be included with the audio chamber  214 . More particularly, the mesh barrier  218  can be provided in the audio channel  216  of the audio chamber  214  to block unwanted substances from further entering the audio channel. The mesh barrier  218  serves as a device that does not substantially impede audio sound through the audio channel  216 , but does provide a barrier that impedes foreign substances (e.g., dust, dirt) from passing through the audio channel  216 . In one embodiment, the mesh barrier is molded along with the molding of the second portion  214   b . By molding the mesh barrier, which tends to be quite small, with the audio chamber  214 , assembly of an audio subsystem for the portable electronic device becomes simplified and more reliable. 
     In general, the position of the mesh barrier  218  can be adjacent or within the audio channel  216 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates the mesh barrier  218  within the audio channel  216  proximate to the opening  204  of the housing  202 , which is the environmental opening of the audio channel. However, in other embodiments, the mesh barrier  218  can be positioned differently. 
       FIG. 2B  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  250  according to one embodiment. The portable electronic device  250  is generally similar to the portable electronic device  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A . However, the portable electronic device  250  positions the mesh barrier  218  at the top portion of the second portion  214   b . Again, the mesh barrier  218  can be molded integrally with the second portion  214   b.    
       FIG. 3A  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  300  according to one embodiment. In general, the portable electronic device  300  is similar to the portable electronic device  200  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  except that sealing to a housing is performed differently and position of mesh barrier is slightly repositioned. 
     The portable electronic device  300  includes a housing  302  for the portable electronic device  300 . The housing  302  has an opening  304  that allows audio sound to enter or be emitted from the portable electronic device  300 . The portable electronic device  300  includes an audio element  306  provided internal to the housing  302  for the portable electronic device  300 . The audio element  306  can represent a speaker driver (e.g., speaker) and/or a receiver (e.g., microphone). When the audio element  306  serves as a receiver, audio sound can be picked-up via the opening  304  in the housing  302 . The sound, in this example, can be environment or can be audio sound (e.g., voice communications) associated with a user. 
     Alternatively, when the audio element  306  serves as a speaker driver, the speaker driver  306  upon controlled activation can produce audio sound that can be directed out of the opening  304  of the housing  302 . For example, the audio sound can be associated with playback of digital media asset, such as a video file (e.g., movie), an audio file (e.g., music or podcast), etc., by the portable electronic device  300 . As another example, the audio sound can be associated with a user, such as a voice conversation, using the portable electronic device  300  as a wireless telephone. 
     In the low-profile design for the portable electronic device  300 , the compactness of the portable electronic device  300  is of importance. Consequently, placement of the audio element  306  within the housing  302  for the portable electronic device  300  is managed such that the overall size and/or thickness of the portable electronic device  300  is able to remain compact (e.g., thin). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , an audio channel can be established between the speaker driver  306  and the opening  304 . The audio element  306  can be acoustically coupled to the opening  304  in the housing  302  by or via various components that participate in providing the audio channel. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the audio channel can extend from the speaker driver  306  to the opening  304  in the housing  302 . As such, the audio channel passes through an opening  308  within a flexible electronic substrate  310 . The flexible electrical substrate  310  is, for example, a flex circuit. The flexible electrical substrate  310  can provide electrical traces, pads, vias, and the like that support electronic devices and/or electrical interconnections between electronic devices. The portable electronic device  300  can include a printed circuit board (PCB) (not shown) and the flexible electronic substrate  310  can couple to the PCB. The audio element  306  can be coupled to the flexible electrical substrate  310  such that audio element  306  (e.g., the receiver or speaker driver) is acoustically coupled to audio channel. In one implementation, the audio element  306  can be acoustically sealed to a first surface of the flexible electrical substrate  310  by a seal  312 . The seal  312  can, for example, by provided by a layer of adhesive, a compliant gasket (e.g., form gasket), or solder. In the case where a gasket is used, an adhesive can be used to adhere the seal  312  to the first surface of the flexible electrical substrate  310  as well as to the audio element  306 . 
     To further support the audio channel, the portable electronic device  300  can also include an audio chamber  314  (or audio boot). The audio chamber  314  can include a first portion  314   a  and a second portion  314   b . In one implementation, the first portion  314   a  is a substantially rigid member, and the second portion  314   b  is a substantially compliant member. The rigidity of the first portion  314   a  and the compliance of the second portion  312   b  are relative to one another. The audio chamber  314  is normally a single structure and can be formed with a molding process with respect to elastomers (e.g., plastics (including thermoplastics elastomers), rubber or foams), such as nylon, silicone, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or polypropylene. For example, a co-molding or overmolding process can be performed to integrally form the audio chamber  314  having the first portion  314   a  and the second portion  314   b.    
     The first portion  314   a  can be adhered to a second surface of the flexible electronic substrate  310 . For example, an adhesive layer  316  can be provided between the second surface of the flexible electrical substrate  310  and the first portion  314   a  of the audio chamber  314 . The second portion  314   b  can be provided adjacent the opening  304  in the housing  302 . 
     The audio chamber  314  includes an audio channel  316  that extends through the audio chamber  314 . Hence, the audio channel  316  provided by the audio chamber  314  serves to extend the audio channel from the flexible electronic substrate  310  to the opening  304  in the housing  302 . As such, the opening  308  in the flexible electrical substrate  310  and the audio channel  316  through the audio chamber  314  both facilitate providing the complete audio channel. The audio element  306  can emit or receive sound through the opening  308  in the flexible electrical substrate  310  and through the audio channel  316  of the audio chamber  314  so that the sound being emitted or received by the audio element  306  can pass through the opening  304  in the housing  302 . 
     Additionally, a mesh barrier  318  (or mesh screen) can be included with the audio chamber  314 . More particularly, the mesh barrier  318  can be provided in the audio channel  316  of the audio chamber  314  to block unwanted substances from further entering the audio channel. The mesh barrier  318  serves as a device that does not substantially impede audio sound through the audio channel  316 , but does provide a barrier that impedes foreign substances (e.g., dust, dirt) from passing through the audio channel  316 . In one embodiment, the mesh barrier is molded along with the molding of the second portion  314   b . By molding the mesh barrier, which tends to be quite small, with the audio chamber  314 , assembly of an audio subsystem for the portable electronic device becomes simplified and more reliable. 
     In general, the position of the mesh barrier  318  can be adjacent or within the audio channel  316 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates the mesh barrier  318  within the audio channel  316  proximate to the opening  304  of the housing  302 , which is the environmental opening of the audio channel. However, in other embodiments, the mesh barrier  318  can be positioned differently. 
     In one embodiment, such as shown in  FIG. 3A , the second portion  314   b  can abut against the opening  304  in the housing  302 . The second portion  314   b  can be secured and/or acoustically sealed about the opening  304 . In addition, to assist with acoustically sealing the acoustic chamber  310  to the housing  302  can include a recess  320 , and the top portion of the second portion  314   b  can be integrally provided with one or more sealing rings  322 . For example, the sealing rings  322  can be molded with the second portion  314   b . The sealing rings  322  of the acoustic chamber fit against and seal to the recess  320  in the housing  302 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  350  according to one embodiment. The portable electronic device  350  is generally similar to the portable electronic device  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3A . However, with the portable electronic device  350 , the acoustic chamber  310 ′ is provided in an angular manner to compensate for a position offset between the opening  304  in the housing  302  and the opening  308  in the flexible electrical substrate  310 . Hence, the acoustic chamber  310 ′ can be formed to translate its audio channel  316 ′ in up to three-dimensions. The audio channel  316 ′ can also be narrowed or tapered from one end to the other. Additionally, the mesh barrier  318 ′ can be position at the top of the second portion  314   b′.    
       FIGS. 4A-4C  is a cross-sectional diagrams of formation of an acoustic chamber  400  according to one embodiment.  FIG. 4A  illustrates a first portion  402  of the acoustic chamber  400 . The first portion  402  has an internal audio channel  404 . The first portion  402  is can be molded using a relatively rigid elastomer, such as polycarbonate or Acrylonitrile Butaduene Styrene (ABS).  FIG. 4B  illustrates a second portion  406  of the acoustic chamber  402 . The second portion  406  also has the internal audio channel  404  that extends through the second portion  406 . The first portion  402  is can be molded using a relatively compliant elastomer, such as silicone. The top portion of the second portion  406  has a recess  408 . Sealing rings  410  are formed at the recess  408 . In one embodiment, the sealing rings  410  are molded along with the molding of the second portion  402 . In addition, the second portion  406  includes a mesh barrier  412 . The mesh barrier  412  serves as a device that does not substantially impede audio sound through the audio channel  404 , but does provide a barrier that impedes foreign substances (e.g., dust, dirt) from passing through the audio channel  404 . In one embodiment, the mesh barrier  412  is molded along with the molding of the second portion  402 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrated the acoustic chamber  400  formed from the first portion  402  shown in  FIG. 4A  and the second portion  406  shown in  FIG. 4B . In one embodiment, the acoustic chamber  400  is formed by a two-shot molding process. In a first-shot of molding, the first portion  402  is molded in a mold using a first material that is a relatively rigid elastomer. Then, in a second shot of molding, the mold is reconfigured and the second portion  406  is thereafter molded onto the first portion  402  (which remains in the mold) using a second material that is relatively conformable elastomer. As such, the second portion  406  is integrally molded, and thus bonded, to the first portion  402 . 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of an acoustic chamber molding process  500  according to one embodiment. The acoustic chamber molding process  500  can initially con figure 502  a mold to form a first portion of an acoustic chamber. Once the mold has been configured  502 , the first portion of the acoustic chamber can be injection molded  504  using a first material. Next, the mold can be reconfigured  506  to form a second portion of the acoustic chamber. After the mold has been reconfigured  506 , the second portion of the acoustic chamber can be injection molded  508  using a second material. The second material can be more compliant, i.e., less rigid, than the first material. Here, the second portion is integrally formed with the first portion. After the second portion has been injection molded  508  such that it is integrally formed with the first portion, the acoustic chamber molding process  500  can end. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of an acoustic chamber assembly process  600  according to one embodiment. The acoustic chamber assembly process  600  can provide  602  a molded acoustic chamber having an internal audio channel. The molded acoustic chamber can extend through the molded acoustic chamber from a first end to a second end. The molded acoustic chamber can also include a mesh provided within or adjacent the internal audio channel. The acoustic chamber assembly process  600  can also provide  604  a flexible substrate for electrical circuitry with the flexible substrate having a substrate opening. In addition, an audio component can be attached  606  to a first side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening. Further, the acoustic chamber assembly process  600  can acoustically couple  608  the first end of the molded acoustic chamber to a second side of the flexible substrate adjacent the substrate opening. After the first end of the molded acoustic chamber is acoustically couple  608  to the second side of the flexible substrate, the acoustic chamber assembly process  600  has assembled the acoustic chamber and can end. 
       FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view of a speaker driver  700  according to one embodiment. The speaker driver  700  can pertain to the audio element (operating as a speaker driver)  206 ,  306  in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  3 A and  3 B. The speaker driver  700  can pertain to a dynamic speaker. The speaker driver  700  includes a speaker housing  702 . The speaker housing  702  has an opening  704  through which generated sound wave can be expelled from the opening  704 . The internal structure of the speaker driver  700  can include a driver element  706  (e.g., magnet and coil) and a diaphragm  708 . 
     Although the speaker driver  700  includes a speaker housing  702 , it should be noted that in another embodiment, the speaker driver  700  can be mounted internal to an electronic device housing without a dedicated speaker housing, i.e., without the speaker housing  702 . In one implementation, the driver element  706  (e.g., magnet and coil) and the diaphragm  708  can be secured to a structure within the electronic device housing (without a dedicated speaker housing). 
       FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view of a receiver  750  according to one embodiment. The receiver  750  can pertain to the audio element (operating as a microphone)  206 ,  306  in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  3 A and  3 B. The receiver  750  can pertain to a MEMS microphone. The receiver  750  includes a receiver housing  752 . The receiver housing  752  has an opening  754  through which generated sound wave can be expelled from the opening  754 . The internal structure of the receiver  750  can include a receiver element  756  (e.g., magnet and coil) and a diaphragm  758 . 
     Although the receiver  750  includes a receiver housing  752 , it should be noted that in another embodiment, the receiver  750  can be mounted internal to an electronic device housing without a dedicated receiver housing, i.e., without the receiver housing  752 . In one implementation, the receiver element  756  (e.g., magnet and coil) and the diaphragm  758  can be secured to the electronic device housing (without a dedicated receiver housing). 
     In one embodiment, the scale of a portable device housing and the opening in the housing for an audio port are rather small. For example, the thickness of the housing can be approximately 3 millimeters (mm) or less, and the opening in the housing for the audio port can be approximately 1 mm in diameter or less. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of a portion of a flexible substrate  800  according to one embodiment. The flexible substrate  800  can, for example, be a flex circuit. The flexible substrate  800  can provide electrical traces  802 , electrical connections  804  and/or electrical pads  806  on one or both primary surfaces of the flexible substrate  800 . The flexible substrate  800  can also include an opening  808  there through for supporting an audio port as discussed above where an audio component (e.g., receiver or speaker driver) can be coupled to the flexible substrate  800  over or adjacent the opening  808 . 
     Further, various electronic components can be attached to the flexible substrate  800 . These electrical components can include transistors, capacitors, resistors, inductors, integrated circuits, microphones, sensors, switches, etc. For example, the flexible substrate  800  can include a representative electrical component  810  electrically and mechanically attached to the flexible substrate  800 . 
     Another aspect of certain embodiments provides a low-profile audio port arrangement. The audio port arrangement can include an acoustic chamber that include at least one recess area for a barrier that can block foreign matter from an audio channel while not blocking the audio sound from passing through the acoustic chamber. 
       FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  900  according to one embodiment. The portable electronic device  900  includes a housing  902  for the portable electronic device  900 . The housing  902  has an opening  904  that allows audio sound to enter or be emitted from the portable electronic device  900 . The portable electronic device  900  includes an audio element  906  provided internal to the housing  902  for the portable electronic device  900 . The audio element  906  can represent a speaker driver (e.g., speaker) and/or a receiver (e.g., microphone). 
     When the audio element  906  serves as a receiver, audio sound can be picked-up via the opening  904  in the housing  902 . The sound, in this example, can be environment or can be audio sound (e.g., voice communications) associated with a user. 
     Alternatively, when the audio element  906  serves as a speaker driver, the speaker driver  906  upon controlled activation can produce audio sound that can be directed out of the opening  904  of the housing  902 . For example, the audio sound can be associated with playback of digital media asset, such as a video file (e.g., movie), an audio file (e.g., music or podcast), etc., by the portable electronic device  900 . As another example, the audio sound can be associated with a user, such as a voice conversation, using the portable electronic device  900  as a wireless telephone. 
     In the low-profile design for the portable electronic device  900 , the compactness of the portable electronic device  900  is of importance. Consequently, placement of the audio element  906  within the housing  902  for the portable electronic device  900  is managed such that the overall size and/or thickness of the portable electronic device  900  is able to remain compact (e.g., thin). 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , an audio channel can be established between the audio element  906  and the opening  904 . The audio element  906  can be acoustically coupled to the opening  904  in the housing  902  by or via various components that participate in providing the audio channel. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the audio channel can extend from the audio element  906  to the opening  904  in the housing  902 . 
     To further support the audio channel, the portable electronic device  900  can include an acoustic chamber  908  (or audio boot). The acoustic chamber  908  can include an internal audio channel  910  that extends through the acoustic chamber  908  from a first end to a second end. The acoustic chamber  908  is normally a single structure and can be formed with a molding process with respect to elastomers (e.g., plastics (including thermoplastics elastomers), rubber or foams), such as nylon, silicone, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or polypropylene. 
     The first end of the acoustic chamber  908  can abut against the audio element  906 . The first end of the acoustic chamber  908  can be secured and/or acoustically sealed to the audio element  906  by any of a variety of ways, including a mechanical feature, a gasket, adhesive and the like, or some combination thereof. The second end of the acoustic chamber  908  can be acoustically coupled to a cosmetic barrier  912  (e.g., cosmetic mesh barrier). An adhesive layer  914  can be provided to couple the second end of the acoustic chamber  908  to a first side of the cosmetic barrier  912 . A second side of the cosmetic barrier  912  can be acoustically coupled to the housing  902  around the opening  904  in the housing  902 . An adhesive layer  916  can be provided to couple a second side of the cosmetic barrier  912  to the inner surface of the housing  902 . 
     The acoustic chamber  900  also includes a recess  918 . An acoustic barrier  920  (acoustic mesh barrier) can be provided and secured in the recess  918 . The acoustic barrier  920  can be provided in the audio channel  910  of the audio chamber  908  to block unwanted substances from further entering the audio channel. The acoustic barrier  920  serves as a device that does not substantially impede audio sound through the audio channel  910 , but does provide a barrier that impedes foreign substances (e.g., dust, dirt) from passing through the audio channel  910 . In one embodiment, the acoustic barrier  920  can be a separate component that is secured to the recess  918  of the acoustic chamber  908 . In another embodiment, the acoustic barrier  920  can be integrally formed (e.g., molded) along with the molding of the acoustic chamber  908 . 
     The acoustic barrier  920  can be secured and/or acoustically sealed to the recess  918  by any of a variety of ways, including a mechanical feature, a gasket, adhesive and the like, or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , an adhesive layer  922  can be provided to couple the acoustic barrier  920  to the recess  918  in the acoustic chamber  900 . 
     Since the acoustic barrier  920  is provided in the recess  918  and surrounded by the acoustic seal provided for the cosmetic barrier  912  (e.g., via the adhesive layer  914 ), in one embodiment, the acoustic barrier  920  can be secured to the recess  918  without being acoustically sealed. Also, by providing the acoustic barrier  920  at the recess  918  of the acoustic chamber  908 , the acoustic barrier  920  can provide a more compact and reliable design. That is, since the acoustic barrier  920  is not in an audio channel stack-up, its height can be partially or fully hidden. Further, since acoustically sealing against an acoustic barrier, which tends to be small and pliable, is difficult, providing the acoustic barrier  920  within the recess  918  mitigates its acoustic sealing from impacting design reliability. 
       FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  1000  according to one embodiment. The portable electronic device  1000  shown in  FIG. 10  is similar to the portable electronic device  900  illustrated in  FIG. 9 , except that the portable electronic device  1000  provides two recessed regions. 
     The portable electronic device  1000  includes a housing  1002  for the portable electronic device  1000 . The housing  1002  has an opening  1004  that allows audio sound to enter or be emitted from the portable electronic device  1000 . The portable electronic device  1000  includes an audio element  1006  provided internal to the housing  1002  for the portable electronic device  1000 . The audio element  1006  can represent a speaker driver (e.g., speaker) and/or a receiver (e.g., microphone). 
     When the audio element  1006  serves as a receiver, audio sound can be picked-up via the opening  1004  in the housing  1002 . The sound, in this example, can be environment or can be audio sound (e.g., voice communications) associated with a user. 
     Alternatively, when the audio element  1006  serves as a speaker driver, the speaker driver  1006  upon controlled activation can produce audio sound that can be directed out of the opening  1004  of the housing  1002 . For example, the audio sound can be associated with playback of digital media asset, such as a video file (e.g., movie), an audio file (e.g., music or podcast), etc., by the portable electronic device  1000 . As another example, the audio sound can be associated with a user, such as a voice conversation, using the portable electronic device  1000  as a wireless telephone. 
     In the low-profile design for the portable electronic device  1000 , the compactness of the portable electronic device  1000  is of importance. Consequently, placement of the audio element  1006  within the housing  1002  for the portable electronic device  1000  is managed such that the overall size and/or thickness of the portable electronic device  1000  is able to remain compact (e.g., thin). 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , an audio channel can be established between the audio element  1006  and the opening  1004 . The audio element  1006  can be acoustically coupled to the opening  1004  in the housing  1002  by or via one or more components that participate in providing the audio channel. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the audio channel can extend from the audio element  1006  to the opening  1004  in the housing  1002 . To support the audio channel, the portable electronic device  1000  can include an acoustic chamber  1008  (or audio boot). The acoustic chamber  1008  can include an internal audio channel  1010  that extends through the acoustic chamber  1008  from a first end to a second end. The acoustic chamber  1008  is normally a single structure and can be formed with a molding process with respect to elastomers (e.g., plastics (including thermoplastics elastomers), rubber or foams), such as nylon, silicone, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), or polypropylene. 
     The first end of the acoustic chamber  1008  can abut against the audio element  1006 . The first end of the acoustic chamber  1008  can be secured and/or acoustically sealed to the audio element  1006  by any of a variety of ways, including a mechanical feature, a gasket, adhesive and the like, or some combination thereof. The second end of the acoustic chamber  1008  can be acoustically coupled to the housing  1002  around the opening  1004  in the housing  1002 . An adhesive layer  1012  can be provided to couple a second side of the acoustic chamber  1008  to the inner surface of the housing  1002 . 
     The acoustic chamber  1010  can include a first recess  1014 . A cosmetic barrier  1016  (e.g., cosmetic mesh barrier) can be provided and secured in the first recess  1014 . The cosmetic barrier  1016  can be provided for aesthetic reasons but may also serve to block some unwanted substances from the audio channel  1010 . For example, the cosmetic barrier  1016  can be a metal mesh. An adhesive layer  1018  can be provided at the first recess  1014  to secure (and possibly acoustically seal) the cosmetic barrier  1016  to the first recess  1014 . 
     The acoustic chamber  1000  can also includes a second recess  1020 . An acoustic barrier  1022  (acoustic mesh barrier) can be provided and secured in the recess  1020 . The acoustic barrier  1022  can be provided in the audio channel  1010  of the audio chamber  1008  to block unwanted substances from further entering the audio channel. The acoustic barrier  1022  can serve as a device that does not substantially impede audio sound through the audio channel  1010 , but does provide a barrier that impedes foreign substances (e.g., dust, dirt) from passing through the audio channel  1010 . In one embodiment, the acoustic barrier  1022  can be a separate component that is secured to the second recess  1020  of the acoustic chamber  1008 . In another embodiment, the acoustic barrier  1022  can be integrally formed (e.g., molded) along with the molding of the acoustic chamber  1008 . 
     The acoustic barrier  1022  can be secured and/or acoustically sealed to the second recess  1020  by any of a variety of ways, including a mechanical feature, a gasket, adhesive and the like, or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , an adhesive layer  1024  can be provided to couple the acoustic barrier  1022  to the recess  1020  in the acoustic chamber  1010 . 
     Since the cosmetic barrier  1016  is provided in the first recess  1014  and the acoustic barrier  1022  is provided in the second recess  1020 , these barriers need not provide acoustic seals. Since these barriers  1016  and  1022  are surrounded by the acoustic seal provided for the second end of the acoustic chamber  1008  (e.g., via the adhesive layer  1012 ), in one embodiment, the cosmetic barrier  1016  can be secured to the first recess  1014  without being acoustically sealed and also the acoustic barrier  1022  can be secured to the second recess  1020  without being acoustically sealed. Also, by providing the cosmetic barrier  1016  at the first recess  1014  and the acoustic barrier  1022  at the second recess  1020 , the audio channel for the audio element  1006  can provided with a more compact and reliable design. That is, neither the cosmetic barrier  1016  nor the acoustic barrier  1022  are in an audio channel stack-up, and thus their height can be partially or fully hidden. Further, since acoustically sealing against an acoustic barrier, which tends to be small and pliable, is difficult, providing the acoustic barrier  1022  within the second recess  1020  mitigates its acoustic sealing from impacting design reliability. 
     Still another aspect of certain embodiments provides vibration isolation in a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can include a low-profile acoustic module and a digital gyroscope. For improved operation, a vibration isolation member can be provided to isolate potentially interfering vibrations from the audio module to the digital gyroscope. 
       FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a portable electronic device  1100  according to one embodiment. The portable electronic device  1100  can include, in part, an internal frame  1102  that is provided internal to a housing for the portable electronic device  1100 . Attached to the internal frame  1102  is a printed circuit substrate  1104  (e.g., printed circuit board). The printed circuit substrate  1104  can include electrical traces, electrical components (e.g., electronic devices), and integrated circuits. One electrical component included on the printed circuit substrate  1104  is a digital gyroscope  1106  (e.g., gyro detector). The digital gyroscope  1106  can provide angular information pertaining to orientation of the portable electronic device  1100 . In one embodiment, the digital gyroscope  1106  can provide inertial sensing technology that detects and measures the angular rate of an object. One example of a MEMS-based gyroscope is ADXRS453 available from Analog Devices, though like devices are available from various suppliers. 
     In addition, the portable electronic device  1100  also include an acoustic module  1108 . The acoustic module  1108  can provide at least audio output (e.g., by a speaker) for the portable electronic device. The acoustic module  1108  can be secured to the internal frame  1102  via mounts  1110  and screws  1112 . At least one vibration isolation member  1114  can be provide to isolate vibrations from the acoustic module  1108 . In one embodiment, the vibration isolation member  1114  can be provided between at least a portion of the acoustic module  1108  and the internal frame  1102 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the vibration isolation member  1114  can be under compression (i.e., in a compressed state) as it serves to maintain separation between the acoustic module  1108  and the corresponding mount  1110 . As a result, the vibration isolation member  1114  can serve to dampen or mitigate vibrations from the acoustic module  1108  that propagate to the internal frame  1102 . As a result, vibrations from the acoustic module  1108  are at least partially isolated from reaching the digital gyroscope  1106 , such as via the internal frame  1102 . Accordingly, the vibration isolation member  1114  can reduce vibrations from the acoustic module  1108  that reach and possibly undesirably influence the digital gyroscope  1106 . In one embodiment, the vibration isolation member  1114  can be an elastomer. 
     According to another embodiment, a linear vibration motor can be configured to facilitate low profile implementations. With portable electronic devices low profile designs are often required. Hence, a low-profile linear vibration motor can facilitate availability of low-profile implementations for portable electronic devices. 
       FIG. 12A  illustrates a low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  according to one embodiment. The low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  has a reduced height, hence, its low profile. The low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  include a housing  1202  and an extended cover  1204 . The extended cover  1204  can be integral with the housing  1202  or can be a separate component that attaches to the housing  1202 . The extended cover  1204  has an extended side portion  1208  that contains one or more contact coils  1208  (contact springs). The low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  can be driven by an electromagnetic force with a resonance frequency determined using a spring provided within the low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  and a mass hanging from the spring to thereby generate vibrations. 
       FIG. 12B  illustrates a vibration motor assembly  1250  according to one embodiment. The vibration motor assembly  1250  pertains to assembly of the low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  to a print circuit substrate  1252  (e.g., print circuit board. The low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  can be electrically connected to the printed circuit substrate  1252  by the one or more contact coils  1208 . The printed circuit substrate  1252  can supply power to the low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  by way of the one or more contact coils  1208 . The one or more contact coils  1208  can deform when the low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  is controlled to vibrate, such that resulting vibrations do not damage the electrical connections which are durable and reliable. 
     Conventionally, a low-profile linear vibration motor would include its contact coils on the bottom surface of its packaging and thus would then thus be used to attach to a printed circuit substrate. Advantageously, however, by providing the one or more contact coils  1208  to the side of the housing  1202  (such as the extended side portion  1208 ) enables the low-profile linear vibration motor  1200  to be coupled to the printed circuit substrate  1252  in a reduced profile manner (i.e., lower overall height). 
     Additional details on speaker arrangements can be found in: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/794,561, filed Jun. 4, 2010 and entitled “AUDIO PORT CONFIGURATION FOR COMPACT ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/698,957, filed Feb. 2, 2010 and entitled “LOW-PROFILE SPEAKER ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMPACT ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     Additional details on audio port configurations can be found in: (1) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/325,803, filed Apr. 19, 2010 and entitled “AUDIO PORT CONFIGURATION FOR COMPACT ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (2) U.S. application Ser. No. 12/794,561, filed Jun. 4, 2010 and entitled “AUDIO PORT CONFIGURATION FOR COMPACT ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     Embodiments of the invention are well suited for portable, battery-powered electronic devices, and more particularly handheld battery-powered electronic devices. Examples of portable, battery-powered electronic devices can include laptops, tablet computers, media players, phones, GPS units, remote controls, personal digital assistant (PDAs), and the like. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110617
Publication Date: 20140812
Grant Date: 20140812
Priority Date: 20110110
Inventors: SHUKLA ASHUTOSH Y.
MERZ NICHOLAS G. L.
TAN TANG YEW
MOOLSINTONG PINIDA JAN
WANG ERIK
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T29/4913", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3437", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3418", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/035", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10083", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C45/1671", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C45/1676", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/34", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C45/1676", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3418", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10083", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C45/1671", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3437", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/035", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46455270