PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12063494-B2
Application Number: US-202318468489-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dual function transducer

Abstract:
A transducer assembly comprising: a magnet motor assembly comprising a first magnet plate and a second magnet plate arranged along an axis, a first support plate positioned between inward facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, a second support plate positioned along an outward facing surface of the first magnet plate to form a first magnetic gap between the first support plate and the second support plate, and a third support plate positioned along an outward facing surface of the second magnet plate to form a second magnetic gap between the first support plate and the third support plate; a voice coil coupled to the magnet motor assembly, wherein the voice coil is positioned around the first support plate and within the first magnetic gap and the second magnetic gap; and a piston coupled to the voice coil, wherein the piston is operable to vibrate in a direction parallel to the axis.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure having an enclosure wall defining an enclosed space; 
 a magnet motor assembly coupled to the enclosure wall; 
 a first transducer component coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the first transducer component operable to move in a direction parallel to a first axis to produce a first transducer function; and 
 a second transducer component coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the second transducer component comprising a shaker coil operable to vibrate the magnet motor assembly in a direction parallel to a second axis to produce a second transducer function that vibrates the enclosure wall, and wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and the first axis and the second axis are within a same plane. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the first transducer function is a sound output. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the first transducer component comprises a voice coil coupled to a piston, and actuation of the voice coil vibrates the piston in the direction parallel to the first axis. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3  wherein the voice coil is positioned within a voice coil gap formed at a length side of the magnet motor assembly. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the second transducer function is a haptic output. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the shaker coil is positioned within a shaker coil gap formed at a width side of the magnet motor assembly. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the magnet motor assembly is configured to direct a magnetic field into a first region of magnetic field density and a second region of magnetic field density, and wherein the first region of magnetic field density actuates the first transducer component and the second region of magnetic field density actuates the second transducer component. 
     
     
       8. A dual function transducer assembly comprising:
 a magnet motor assembly coupled to an enclosure wall; 
 a first transducer component coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the first transducer component operable to move in a direction parallel to a first axis to produce a first transducer function; and 
 a second transducer component coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the second transducer component comprising a shaker coil operable to vibrate the magnet motor assembly in a direction parallel to a second axis to produce a second transducer function that vibrates the enclosure wall, and wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and the first axis and the second axis are within a same plane. 
 
     
     
       9. The dual function transducer assembly of  claim 8  wherein the first transducer function is a sound output. 
     
     
       10. The dual function transducer assembly of  claim 8  wherein the first transducer component comprises a voice coil coupled to a piston, and actuation of the voice coil vibrates the piston in the direction parallel to the first axis. 
     
     
       11. The dual function transducer assembly of  claim 10  wherein the voice coil is positioned within a voice coil gap formed at a length side of the magnet motor assembly. 
     
     
       12. The dual function transducer assembly of  claim 8  wherein the second transducer function is a haptic output. 
     
     
       13. The dual function transducer assembly of  claim 8  wherein the shaker coil is positioned within a shaker coil gap formed at a width side of the magnet motor assembly. 
     
     
       14. The dual function transducer assembly of  claim 8  wherein the magnet motor assembly is configured to direct a magnetic field into a first region of magnetic field density and a second region of magnetic field density, and wherein the first region of magnetic field density actuates the first transducer component and the second region of magnetic field density actuates the second transducer component.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/586,218, filed Sep. 27, 2019 which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     An aspect of the invention is directed to a dual function transducer, more specifically, a dual function transducer that contains a single magnet motor assembly for loudspeaker and shaker functionality. Other aspects are also described and claimed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In modern consumer electronics, audio capability is playing an increasingly larger role as improvements in digital audio signal processing and audio content delivery continue to happen. In this aspect, there is a wide range of consumer electronics devices that can benefit from improved audio performance. For instance, smart phones include, for example, electro-acoustic transducers such as speakers that can benefit from improved audio performance. Smart phones, however, do not have sufficient space to house multiple transducers and/or actuators typically used to achieve various functions that may be desirable (e.g., acoustic output, haptic output, etc.). This is also true for some portable personal computers such as laptop, notebook, and tablet computers, and, to a lesser extent, desktop personal computers with built-in transducers. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the disclosure is directed to a dual function transducer that can be used as both an electroacoustic transducer (e.g., loudspeaker) and a tactile transducer (e.g., shaker). The loudspeaker functionality may be used to output sound from the device while the shaker may be used to produce a haptic output, for example by vibrating a surface it is connected to. The transducer may include a single magnet motor assembly that accommodates both the loudspeaker components (e.g., piston and voice coil) and shaker components (e.g., shaker coil) so that both functions can be achieved using a single transducer. Representatively, the single magnet motor assembly may be used to generate one or more magnetic field(s) that are used by subcomponents of the dual function transducer to generate the desired output. For example, one of the subcomponents may provide the shaking (e.g., vibration) function and another of the subcomponent may serve a loudspeaker function. Both functions may require the electromechanical actuation of a portion of the components. The actuation may be in a same platen for both functions in the dual function transducer. The magnetic system design may therefore enable the utilization of two functions by directing the magnetic field into two or more sets of high magnetic field density. One or more sets will be utilized by the vibration function, and the other set by the loudspeaker function. 
     Representatively, in one aspect, the vibration function may use a static coil that is placed in one of the sets of high magnetic field density so that it can generate an electromagnetic force when an electrical current is applied to the coil. The magnetic system may be assembled to a compliant suspension system. When the force is generated by the coil, the magnetic system may move (actuate) to transmit a physical motion/force outside the system. The loudspeaker function may have a coil that is attached to a lightweight piston (e.g., diaphragm) that is connected to a suspension system. This is assembled such that the coil is suspended in the other set of high magnetic field density area from the magnetic system. In the loudspeaker application, the magnetic system has essentially no movement but the electromagnetic force generated moves the coil/piston assembly. This provides the mechanism to generate audible frequencies, for example, from 100 Hz to 20 kHz. The vibration function may require relatively low frequencies which are generally inaudible, whereas the loudspeaker function uses a portion of the audible frequency band. The different coils for the vibration and loudspeaker functions may have the ability to be driven independently by different channels on an amplifier, or together by the same channel, depending on the application needs. The dual function transducer provides the additional advantage of enabling sufficient space (volume) savings in the system, and can be made much more compact two separate modules used to achieve vibration and loudspeaker functions. 
     More specifically, aspects of the disclosure include a transducer assembly having a magnet motor assembly, and a piston and voice coil coupled to the magnet motor assembly. The magnet motor assembly may include a first magnet plate and a second magnet plate arranged along an axis, a first support plate positioned between inward facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, a second support plate positioned along an outward facing surface of the first magnet plate to form a first magnetic gap between the first support plate and the second support plate and a third support plate positioned along an outward facing surface of the second magnet plate to form a second magnetic gap between the first support plate and the third support plate. The voice coil may be positioned around the first support plate and within the magnetic gap, and the piston vibrates in a direction parallel to the axis. In some aspects, the first support plate and the second support plate extend beyond ends of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate such that the magnetic gap is formed by surfaces of the first support plate and the second support plate and the ends of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate. The inward facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate may have a same magnetic pole, and a magnetic flux line across the magnetic gap may be perpendicular to a winding height of the voice coil. In some aspects, a length or a width of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate may be parallel to the axis. The magnet motor assembly may be a first magnet motor assembly, the piston is a first piston and the voice coil is a first voice coil, and the assembly may further include a second magnet motor assembly that shares a third support plate positioned along an outward facing surface of the second magnet plate with the first magnet motor assembly. The second magnet motor assembly may include a third magnet plate, a fourth magnet plate and a fourth support plate, the third magnet plate is positioned between the third support plate and the fourth support plate, and the fourth magnet plate is positioned along a side of the fourth support plate opposite the third magnet plate; and a second piston and a second voice coil arranged along an end of the third magnet plate and the fourth magnet plate. In some aspects, the axis is a first axis, and the second piston vibrates along a second axis that is at an angle to the first axis. The piston and the voice coil may include a first piston and a first voice coil, and the transducer assembly may further include a second piston and a second voice coil positioned at an end of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, and the second piston vibrates along the axis. 
     In another aspect, a dual function transducer assembly is provided including a magnet motor assembly comprising a first magnet plate and a second magnet plate arranged in parallel to one another along a first axis; a sound output assembly coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the sound output assembly comprising a piston and a voice coil, and wherein the piston vibrates in a direction parallel to the first axis; and a shaker assembly coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the shaker assembly comprising a first shaker coil and a second shaker coil arranged to cause a vibration of the magnet assembly in a direction parallel to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. In some aspects, the magnet motor assembly is movably coupled to a transducer frame by a leaf spring. Still further, the voice coil may be rotated ninety degrees relative to the first shaker coil and the second shaker coil. In some aspects, inward facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate are attached to a center plate, and a pair of outer plates are attached to outward facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate. The center plate and the pair of outer plates may form at least three different magnetic gaps around the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate for receiving the voice coil, the first shaker coil and the second shaker coil. In some aspects, the piston and the voice coil are a first piston and first voice coil, and the sound output assembly further includes a second piston and a second voice coil arranged along another end of the magnet motor assembly and operable to vibrate in a direction parallel to the first axis. 
     In another aspect, a dual function transducer assembly includes a magnet motor assembly; a first transducer component coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the first transducer component operable to move in a direction parallel to a first axis to produce a first transducer function; and a second transducer component coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the second transducer component operable to move in a direction parallel to a second axis to produce a second transducer function, the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and the first axis and the second axis are within a same plane. In some aspects, the first transducer function is a sound output. The first transducer component may be a voice coil coupled to a piston, and actuation of the voice coil vibrates the piston in the direction parallel to the first axis. The voice coil may be positioned within a voice coil gap formed at a length side of the magnet assembly. In still further aspects, the second transducer function is a haptic output. The second transducer component may include a shaker coil, and actuation of the shaker coil vibrates the magnet assembly in a direction parallel to the second axis. The shaker coil may be positioned within a shaker coil gap formed at a width side of the magnet assembly. The shaker coil may be a first shaker coil, and the system further comprises a second shaker coil. The magnet assembly may be configured to direct a magnetic field into a first region of high magnetic field density and a second region of high magnetic field density, and the first region of high magnetic field density actuates the first transducer component and the second region of high magnetic field density actuates the second transducer component. In some aspects, the first region of high magnetic field density is along a length side of the magnet assembly and the second region of high magnetic field density is along a width side of the magnet assembly. The first transducer component and the second transducer component may be driven independently upon application of a current. In some aspects, the first transducer component and the second transducer component may be driven together upon application of a current. 
     In still further aspects, a transducer assembly is provided including a magnet motor assembly comprising a first magnet plate, a second magnet plate, a center plate positioned along inward facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, and a pair of outer plates positioned along outward facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate to form a plurality of channels along ends of the center plate that extend beyond the first and second magnet plates; and a coil positioned around at least one of the ends of the center plate and within at least one of the plurality of channels. In some aspects, the coil is one of a first pair of coils and the assembly further comprises a second pair of coils, the first pair of coils are positioned along a first axis and the second pair of coils are positioned along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. In other aspects, the coil is a shaker coil, and the shaker coil is operable to move the magnet motor assembly in at least two different directions. The shaker coil may be fixed to a device to be actuated and the magnet motor assembly is mounted to a compliant base. In other aspects, the coil is a first voice coil, and the transducer assembly further comprises a second voice coil, a first diaphragm coupled to the first voice coil and a second diaphragm coupled to the second voice coil. In some cases, the first voice coil and the second voice coil are operable to vibrate in directions parallel to at least two different axes. The magnet motor assembly may include an open center. In some aspects, at least one of the first voice coil and the first diaphragm or the second voice coil and the second diaphragm are positioned within the open center and the first diaphragm. An extension member may extend from opposing surfaces of the center plate and through a center opening in the first magnet plate, the second magnet plate and the pair of outer plates. In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of channels is formed between at least one end of the extension member and at least one of the pair of outer plates, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of channels receives a third voice coil arranged along a third axis different than at least two axes along which the first and second voice coils are arranged. In still further aspects, a third diaphragm is coupled to the third voice coil and is operable to vibrate in a direction parallel to the third axis. 
     The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present invention. It is contemplated that the invention includes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitable combinations of the various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the Detailed Description below and particularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Such combinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The aspects are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” aspect in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same aspect, and they mean at least one. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a cross-sectional end view of one aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of one aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a schematic diaphragm of a transducer assembly coupled to a frame. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a cross-section end view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a cross-section end view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a cross-sectional top view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a cross-sectional top view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a cross-sectional top view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the transducer assembly of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a side perspective view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a cross-sectional top view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a simplified schematic view of an electronic device in which a transducer assembly may be implemented. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a block diagram of some of the constituent components of an electronic device in which a transducer assembly may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In this section we shall explain several preferred aspects of this invention with reference to the appended drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions and other aspects of the parts described in the aspects are not clearly defined, the scope of the invention is not limited only to the parts shown, which are meant merely for the purpose of illustration. Also, while numerous details are set forth, it is understood that some aspects of the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element&#39;s or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. 
       FIG.  1   - FIG.  2    illustrate cross-sectional end views of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  100  may be, for example, an electrodynamic or electro-acoustic transducer that converts electrical signals into vibrations and/or audible signals that can be output from a device within which transducer assembly  100  is integrated. For example, transducer assembly  100  may be a loudspeaker and/or shaker integrated within a smart phone, or other similar compact electronic device. In some cases, transducer assembly  100  may be attached to a surface of the device to actuate (e.g., vibrate) the surface. Transducer assembly  100  may be enclosed within a housing or enclosure of the device within which it is integrated. 
     Transducer  100  may generally include a magnet motor assembly  102 , a piston  104  and a voice coil  106 . In some aspects, the magnet motor assembly  102  may be arranged along a different axis than the piston  104  and voice coil  106 . Representatively, magnet motor assembly  102  may be arranged along a first axis  108 , and piston  104  and voice coil  106  may be arranged along an end  110  of the magnet motor assembly  102 . Referring now in more detail to magnet motor assembly  102 , magnet motor assembly  102  may include a first magnet  112  and a second magnet  114  arranged along first axis  108 . For example, first magnet  112  and second magnet  114  may be magnet plates that have a rectangular shape. The rectangular shaped magnets  112 ,  114  may be arranged so that a length dimension (L) or a width dimension (W), illustrated by line  150 , of the rectangular shaped magnets  112 ,  114  runs in a direction parallel to first axis  108 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . The thickness dimension (T) may run perpendicular to the first axis  108 . In this aspect, the inward surface  112 A of magnet  112  faces the inward surface  114 A of magnet  114 . Since surfaces  112 A and  114 A face one another, they may also be referred to herein as interfacing surfaces of the magnets plates  112 ,  114 , respectively. The magnets  112 ,  114  may be positioned between support plates  116 ,  118  and  120 . Representatively, the inward surfaces  112 A,  114 A of magnets  112 ,  114  may be positioned along opposite sides or surfaces of inner support plate  118 . The outward facing surfaces of  112 B,  114 B of magnets  112 ,  114  may be positioned along inward facing surfaces of support plates  116 ,  120 . In some aspects, the surfaces of magnets  112 ,  114  and support plates  116 ,  118  and  120  will directly contact one another and/or may be mechanically or chemically attached to one another to complete the magnet assembly structure. For example, the inward surfaces  112 A,  114 A of magnets  112 ,  114  may directly contact the opposing sides or surfaces of support plate  118 , and the outward surfaces  112 B,  114 B may directly contact the inward facing sides or surfaces of support plates  116 ,  120 , respectively. 
     Support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120  may be made of a material suitable for guiding a magnetic flux through the magnet assembly to create regions of high magnetic field density for actuating the transducer functions. For example, support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120  may be steel plates that are in direct contact with the magnets  112 ,  114  positioned in between. Support plates  116 ,  118  and  120  may have a similar shape to magnets  112 ,  114 , except that they may be taller than (e.g., longer length or width dimension), or otherwise extend beyond, an end of magnets  112 ,  114  so that the air or magnetic gap  122  that the voice coil  106  resides in is formed at the ends of magnets  112 ,  114 . For example, support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120  may have ends that extend beyond magnets  112 ,  114  such that the air or magnetic gap  122  is a channel defined by the interfacing sides or surfaces  116 B,  118 A,  118 B,  120 B of plates  116 ,  118 ,  120  extending beyond magnets  112 ,  114 , and the ends  112 C,  114 C of magnets  112 ,  114 . In addition, the same poles of each of magnets  112 ,  114  may face each other. For example, each of surfaces  112 A,  114 A of magnets  112 ,  114 , respectively, may represent a North pole so the same poles face, or interface with, one another. This arrangement directs the magnetic field generated by the magnets  112 ,  114  and associated magnetic flux density field lines  124 A,  124 B through the air or magnetic gap  122 , and creates one or more regions of high magnetic field density (e.g., region containing lines  124 A,  124 B), as shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     The voice coil  106  may be attached to a bottom side of piston  104 , and positioned around the end of the middle plate  118  and within air or magnetic gap  122 . The piston  104 , which may include a diaphragm and a surround, may be attached to a fixed portion of the assembly. The surround may be a relatively compliant structure that will allow the voice coil  106  to move relative to the middle plate  118 . For example, the magnetic flux density field lines  124 A,  124 B pass through the voice coil  106  positioned in gap  122  in a direction perpendicular to the winding height of voice coil  106  to drive a movement (e.g., vibration) of voice coil  106  in a direction parallel to first axis  108 . The magnetic field may be perpendicular to the current flowing through voice coil  106  so that the resulting force output is in a direction parallel to the first axis  108 . This in turn, drives a movement of the piston  104  (which is attached to the voice coil  106 ) in a direction parallel to first axis  108 . It should be recognized that having the magnetic flux density field lines  124 A,  124 B perpendicular to the winding height of the voice coil  106  allows for a narrow dimension (e.g., winding width) of the voice coil  106  to be arranged in a relatively narrow air or magnetic gap, which in turn results in a more efficient magnet motor assembly. For example, in some aspects, the portion of the air or magnetic gap  122  that voice coil  106  is positioned in may be narrower than the remainder of the gap. For example, the inward facing surfaces  116 B,  120 B of plates  116 ,  120  (e.g., surfaces that interface with the magnets) may include protrusions  116 A,  120 A, respectively. The protrusions  116 A,  120 A may be of any size and dimension suitable to narrow the size of the gap surrounding voice coil  106  as shown. During operation, a current (or signal) is driven through voice coil  106  to produce a magnetic field and a high magnetic field density within gap  122 . The magnet assembly  102  may be relative stationary compared to the voice coil  106  such that the movement of the voice coil  106  in response to the magnetic field moves (e.g., vibrates) piston  104  in a direction  152  parallel to first axis  108 . In some aspects, the movement of piston  104  is used to generate a sound output. In this aspect, transducer assembly  100  may be a loudspeaker, or otherwise have a loudspeaker function. 
     The piston  104  (e.g., diaphragm and surround) and voice coil  106  may have any size and dimension that allows for voice coil  106  to be suspended within the gap  122 . Representatively, where the gap  122  is formed by elongated channels on each side of plate  118 , piston  104  and voice coil  106  may also have an elongated shape. For example, piston  104  and voice coil  1056  may have a race track or rectangular shape and the longest sides may be arranged within, or otherwise along, the channels between plates  116 ,  118 ,  120  which form gap  122 . In some aspects, piston  104  and voice coil  106  may be the only moving structures coupled to magnet assembly  102 , and the other end of magnet assembly  102  may be mounted to an enclosure wall within which transducer  100  is implemented. In other aspects, a piston and voice coil may be positioned along both ends of magnet assembly  102 , or along other sides of magnet assembly  102 , so that the piston/voice coils vibrate along more than one axis of transducer  100 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  300  is similar to transducer assembly  100 , except that it incorporates both a loudspeaker function (e.g., sound output) and a shaker function (e.g., surface actuation). The loudspeaker function may be accomplished by vibrating the piston in a direction parallel to the first axis previously discussed, while the shaker function is accomplished by moving the magnet assembly in a different direction, for example, a direction parallel to a second axis (e.g., an axis perpendicular to the first axis). Representatively, transducer assembly  300  may include the same transducer components discussed in reference to  FIG.  1   - FIG.  2    to accomplish the loudspeaker function. For example, transducer assembly  300  may include magnet assembly  102 , voice coil  106  and piston (not shown for ease of illustration) as previously discussed in reference to  FIG.  1   - FIG.  2   . As previously discussed, this particular magnet assembly  102  and voice coil  106  configuration can move or vibrate voice coil  106  in a direction parallel to the first axis  108  to achieve a loudspeaker function. 
     The shaker function of transducer  300  may be achieved by moving or vibrating the magnet assembly  102  in a direction parallel to a second axis  308  that is different than the first axis  108 . For example, where magnet assembly  102  has a rectangular shape as shown, the first axis  108  may run in a direction parallel to a width side or dimension (W) and the second axis  308  may run in a direction parallel to a length side or dimension (L) of magnet assembly  102 . In this aspect, transducer  300  may be considered a biaxial or multi-axial transducer because it moves in different directions along at least two or more axes. Transducer  300  may further include a pair of shaker coils  302 ,  304  positioned along opposite sides or ends  310 A,  310 B of magnet assembly  102 . Shaker coils  302 ,  304  may be positioned along the width ends or sides of the middle support plate  118  as shown in  FIG.  3   . Air or magnetic gaps  322 ,  324  (similar to the air gap  122  of  FIGS.  1 - 2   ) may be formed around the ends  310 A,  310 B of support plate  118  to accommodate the shaker coils  302 ,  304 , respectively. The plates  116 ,  118 ,  120  may guide the flux density field lines (e.g., field lines  124 A,  124 B) through the magnetic gaps  322 ,  324  at the ends  310 A,  310 B in a manner similar to that previously discussed in reference to  FIG.  2   . This, in turn, causes the shaker coils  302 ,  304  positioned at ends  310 A,  310 B to generate a force parallel to the second axis  308 . It should further be understood that although a pair of shaker coils  302 ,  304  alone each end of the magnet assembly are disclosed, it is contemplated that in some aspects, a single coil along only one side of the magnet assembly may be used to drive the shaker function. For example, it is contemplated that in another configuration, only one of shaker coils  302 ,  304  may be positioned at one of ends  310 A,  310 B of plate  118  of magnet assembly and the other coil may be omitted, and the one coil used to driver the shaker operation. 
     The magnet assembly  102  may be mounted within a frame or other enclosure by a compliant suspension system so that the force generated by the shaker coils  302 ,  304  can move the magnet assembly  102  in a direction parallel to axis  308 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  4   , magnet assembly  102  may be mounted to a relatively stationary frame  402  by compliant members  404 ,  406 . Compliant members  404 ,  406  may, for example, be leaf springs or another compliant structure that will allow magnet assembly  102  to move in a direction  408  parallel to axis  308 . In some aspects, compliant members  404 ,  406  may be relatively stiff or non-compliant to movement in a direction  410  parallel to the first axis  108  (or perpendicular to axis  308 ). In this aspect, a movement of magnet assembly  102  along the first axis  108  in response to the force generated by voice coil  106  is prevented or minimized. Although not shown, it should further be understood that in some aspects, an actuating surface (e.g., wall of a device enclosure) or other surface desired to be moved may be attached to transducer  300  such that the shaker function of transducer  300  causes the actuating surface to move. 
     Returning now to  FIG.  3   , to accommodate the movement of magnet assembly  102  in the shaker direction (e.g., direction parallel to axis  308 ), there may be gaps  312  between inner surface of voice coil  106  and the middle plate  118 . In particular, as previously discussed, voice coil  106  may be attached to a piston (e.g., diaphragm and suspension), which may be attached to a relatively stationary structure (e.g., frame  402 ). Since voice coil  106  is therefore not directly attached to the magnet assembly  102 , it does not move in the shaker direction along with the magnet assembly  102 . Rather, the movement of piston may be limited to a direction parallel to the axis  108 . The end of middle plate  118  must therefore be able to move within voice coil  106  without hitting the inner surfaces at each end of the voice coil  106 . The gaps  312  may therefore be of a sufficient size such that middle plate  118  can move in the shaker direction without contacting, or otherwise interfering with, the surrounding voice coil  106 . 
     In this aspect, transducer  300  may be a dual function transducer in that it can generate both a physical motion/force (e.g., shaker function) and acoustic output (e.g., loudspeaker function). In addition, the dual functions can be achieved using a single magnet assembly  102  (e.g., a single motor) because the magnet assembly  102  directs the magnetic field into two (or more) sets or regions of high magnetic field density (e.g., gaps  122 ,  322  and  324 ) that can be used to drive components used to achieve the vibration (shaker) function and components to achieve the loudspeaker function. In addition, the actuation of the components may be in a same plane (e.g., a plane defined by the middle plate  118 ), although the component movement may be in different directions. For example, the magnet assembly  102  may cause the voice coil  106  positioned in gap  122  (and the associated piston) to move in directions parallel to first axis  108  to achieve the loudspeaker function, and shaker coils  302 ,  304  positioned in gaps  322 ,  324  to move in directions parallel to second axis  308  to achieve the shaker function. In addition, as previously discussed, the vibration function requires relatively low frequencies which are generally inaudible, whereas the loudspeaker function uses a portion of the audible frequency band. Thus, the voice coil and shaker coils have the ability to be driven independently by different channels on the amplifier (upon input of a current or signal), or together by the same channel depending on the application needs. This, in turn, may reduce the amplifier resources. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a cross-section end view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  500  may include any number of the previously discussed transducers in a stacked arrangement to create a larger radiating surface. Representatively, transducer assembly  500  may include a stacked arrangement of two or more of transducers  100 . Representatively, transducer assembly  500  may include transducers  100 A,  100 B and  100 C stacked together. Although not shown, each of the components of the previously discussed transducer  100  may be included in transducers  100 A- 100 C, with the exception that adjacent transducers may share a support plate. Representatively, transducer  100 A may include magnet assembly  102 A, piston  104 A and voice coil  106 A as previously discussed in reference to  FIG.  1   - FIG.  2   . Magnet assembly  102 A may include two magnet plates  112 ,  114  arranged on opposite sides of a middle support plate  118 A and between outer support plates  116 A,  120 A. The support plates  116 A,  118 A,  120 A guide the magnetic flux lines through voice coil  106 A, which is suspended within the magnetic gap formed between the plates by piston  104 A, as previously discussed. Transducer  100 B is positioned adjacent transducer  100 A and includes magnet assembly  102 B, piston  104 B and voice coil  106 B. Magnet assembly  102 B includes two magnet plates  112 ,  114 . Magnet plates  112 ,  114  are positioned on opposite sides of a middle support plate  118 B, and arranged between the outer support plate  120 A of magnet assembly  102 A, and outer support plate  120 B of assembly  102 B. In this aspect, magnet assembly  102 B shares an outer support plate  120 A with magnet assembly  102 A. The piston  104 B is attached to plates  120 A and  120 B, and voice coil  106 B is attached to the piston  104 B so that it is suspended in the magnetic gap formed between the plates. Transducer  100 C is positioned adjacent transducer  100 B and includes magnet assembly  102 C, piston  104 C and voice coil  106 C. Magnet assembly  102 C includes two magnet plates  112 ,  114 . Magnet plates  112 ,  114  are positioned on opposite sides of middle support plate  118 C, and arranged between the outer support plate  120 B of magnet assembly  120 B and outer support plate  120 C of assembly  102 C. The piston  104 C is attached to plates  120 B and  120 C, and voice coil  106 C is attached to the piston  104 C so that it is suspended in the magnetic gap formed by magnet assembly  102 C. Each of the plates  112 ,  114 ,  116 A,  118 A- 118 C and  120 A- 120 C may be arranged along the axis  108  (e.g., having a length or width dimension running parallel to axis  108 ) as previously discussed. The magnet assemblies  102 A- 102 C may, for example, be mounted to an enclosure frame such that the plates are relatively stationary (particularly in a direction parallel to axis  108 ). The piston  104 A- 104 C and voice coil  106 A- 106 C move (e.g., vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis  108  upon application of a current. Stacking the transducer assemblies together in this manner therefore creates a larger radiating surface (e.g., pistons  104 A- 104 C). In some aspects, the larger radiating surface (e.g., pistons  104 A- 104 C) may be used for enhanced sound output (e.g., in the direction of arrow  502 ). Moreover, in some cases, each piston  104 A- 104 C may be excited independently for improved beamforming applications. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a cross-section end view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  600  may be similar to transducer assembly  500  in that it includes any number of the previously discussed transducers in a stacked arrangement. The transducers of assembly  600 , however, are arranged at angles to one another so that the overall radiating surface is curved. Representatively, transducer assembly  600  may include a stacked arrangement of two or more of transducers  100 . Representatively, transducer assembly  600  may include transducers  100 A and  100 B stacked together. Transducers  100 A- 100 B may share a support plate. Representatively, transducer  100 A may include magnet assembly  102 A, piston  104 A and voice coil  106 A as previously discussed in reference to  FIG.  5   . Magnet assembly  102 A may include two magnet plates  112 ,  114  arranged on opposite sides of a middle support plate  118 A and between outer support plates  116 A,  120 A. The support plates  116 A,  118 A,  120 A guide the magnetic flux lines through voice coil  106 A, which is positioned within the magnetic gap formed between the plates, as previously discussed. Transducer  100 B is positioned adjacent transducer  100 A and includes magnet assembly  102 B, piston  104 B and voice coil  106 B. Magnet assembly  102 B includes two magnet plates  112 ,  114 . Magnet plates  112 ,  114  are positioned on opposite sides of a middle support plate  118 B, and arranged between the outer support plate  120 A of magnet assembly  102 A, and outer support plate  120 B of assembly  102 B. In this aspect, magnet assembly  102 B shares an outer support plate  120 A with magnet assembly  102 A. 
     As can be seen in  FIG.  6   , transducer  100 A may be arranged along one axis  108 A and transducer  100 B may be arranged along another axis  108 B that is at an angle to axis  108 A. This arrangement, in turn, results in piston  104 A and piston  104 B facing different directions and creates an enlarged radiating surface that is generally curved, or otherwise includes surfaces facing different directions. Depending on the number of transducers that are stacked, the radiating surface can cover a full 360 degrees. For example, magnet assembly  102 A may be arranged so the center support plate  118 A runs parallel to axis  108 A. Each of the remaining plates  112 ,  114 ,  116 A,  120 A making up magnet assembly  102 A may be arranged at angles to axis  108 A, and each other. The adjacent magnet assembly  102 B may be arranged so the center support plate  118 B runs parallel to axis  108 B. Each of the remaining plates  112 ,  114 ,  116 B,  120 B making up magnet assembly  102 B may be arranged at angles to axis  108 B, and each other. In other words, all of plates  112 ,  114 ,  116 A- 116 B,  118 A- 118 B and  120 A- 120 B are at angles to one another. Piston  104 A of magnet assembly  102 A is attached to plates  116 A,  120 A so its axis of vibration is parallel to axis  108 A, while piston  104 B of magnet assembly  102 B is attached to plates  120 A,  120 B so its axis of vibration is parallel to axis  108 B. In this aspect, pistons  104 A,  104 B are considered facing different directions and/or have axes of vibration at angles to one another, and a sound output will, in turn, be in different directions (e.g., direction parallel to axes  108 A,  108 B). Increasing the numbers of transducers in the stack up will further increase the curved surface to a full 360 degree range for sound output in any number of directions within that range. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a cross-sectional top view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  700  may have the primary function of a shaker that is operable to move along multiple axes in different directions. Representatively, transducer assembly  700  may include a magnet assembly  702  which is formed by a stack-up of two magnets (e.g., magnets  112 ,  114 ) and three support plates (e.g., support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ) as previously discussed, although only middle support plate  118  is shown in  FIG.  7   . The remaining plates are removed for ease of illustration. Shaker coils  710 A,  710 B,  710 C and  710 D may be positioned around each end of the middle support plate  118  within magnetic gaps formed between the various magnets and support plates, similar to the arrangement shown in  FIG.  3   . In addition, although not shown, similar to magnet assembly  102  described in  FIG.  3   , magnet assembly  702  may be attached to a relatively stationary frame (e.g., frame  402 ) by one or more compliant members (e.g., members  404 ,  406 ) that allow assembly to move relative to the frame. The compliant members may, for example, be leaf springs or another compliant structure that will allow magnet assembly  702  to move relative to the frame. The shaker coils  710 A- 710 D are arranged in pairs along each of axes  108 ,  308 . For example, shaker coils  710 B,  710 D are arranged along axis  108  and shaker coils  710 A,  710 C are arranged along axis  308 . In addition, shaker coils  710 A- 710 D may be fixed to an actuating surface or device to be actuated or moved. In this aspect, upon application of a current that excites the magnet assembly  702  and shaker coils  710 A- 710 D, shaker coils  710 A- 710 D cause the magnet assembly  702  to be displaced in the desired axes (e.g., axes  108 ,  308 ). This, in turn, causes a movement (e.g., vibration) of the associated actuating surface along one or both of axes  108 ,  308  to achieve a multidirectional shaker function. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a cross-sectional top view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  800  may have a similar arrangement as transducer  700 , except that it provides a loudspeaker function instead of a shaker function. Representatively, transducer assembly  800  may include a magnet assembly  802  which is formed by a stack-up of two magnets (e.g., magnets  112 ,  114 ) and three support plates (e.g., support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ) as previously discussed, although only middle support plate  118  is shown in  FIG.  8   . Each of pistons  804 A,  804 B,  804 C and  804 D may have a voice coil  806 A,  806 B,  806 C and  806 D attached to it, and may be positioned at each end of the middle support plate  118 . For example, pistons  804 A- 804 D may each be positioned over the end of the middle support plate and separately attached to a stationary structure (e.g., surrounding frame) by a suspension member (not shown). Voice coils  806 A- 806 D may be suspended within magnetic gaps formed between the various magnets and support plates, by the pistons  804 A- 804 D. In addition, although not shown, similar to magnet assembly  102  described in  FIG.  2   , magnet assembly  802  may be fixedly attached to a relatively stationary frame so that it does not move relative to the frame. The pistons  804 A- 804 D and voice coils  806 A- 806 D are arranged in pairs along each of axes  108 ,  308 . For example, pistons  804 B,  804 D and voice coils  806 B,  806 D are arranged along axis  108  and pistons  804 A,  804 C and voice coils  806 A,  806 C are arranged along axis  308 . Axis  108  may be perpendicular to axis  308 . Pistons  804 B,  804 D and voice coils  806 B,  806 D arranged along axis  108  may therefore be described as facing a different direction than the pistons  804 A,  804 C and voice coils  806 A,  806 C arranged along axis  308 . Upon application of a current that excites the magnet assembly  802  and voice coils  806 A- 806 D, voice coils  806 A- 806 D cause their respective pistons  804 A- 804 D to be displaced in directions parallel to the desired axes (e.g., axes  108 ,  308 ). This, in turn, causes sound output in different directions parallel to one or both of axes  108 ,  308  to achieve a multidirectional or multiaxial loudspeaker function. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a cross-sectional top view of another aspect of a transducer assembly.  FIG.  10    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the transducer assembly of  FIG.  9   . Transducer assembly  900  may have a similar arrangement to aspects of transducer  700  and transducer  800  so that it provides both a loudspeaker function and a shaker function. Representatively, transducer assembly  900  may have four coils, two of which may be voice coils connected to pistons along one axis to achieve the loudspeaker function, and the other two may be shaker coils positioned along another axis for the shaker function. Representatively, transducer assembly  900  may include a magnet assembly  902  which is formed by a stack-up of two magnets (e.g., magnets  112 ,  114 ) and three support plates (e.g., support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ) as previously discussed. Only the middle support plate  118  can be seen in  FIG.  9   , and the remaining plates  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  120  can be seen in  FIG.  10   . A pair of pistons  904 A,  904 B with voice coils  906 A,  906 B coupled thereto may be positioned at opposite ends of the middle support plate (e.g, support plate  118 ) along axis  108 . Voice coils  906 A,  906 B may be suspended within magnetic gaps formed between the various magnets and support plates, by the pistons  804 A,  804 B, as previously discussed. In addition, although not shown, pistons  904 A,  904 B may be fixedly attached to a relatively stationary frame by a surround or other suspension member. The pistons  904 A,  904 B and voice coils  906 A,  906 B are arranged along axis  108  such that their axis of vibration is parallel to axis  108 . In particular, upon application of a current that excites the magnet assembly  902  and voice coils  906 A,  906 B, pistons  904 A,  904 B may be displaced in a direction parallel to axis  108 . The pistons  904 A,  904 B may be displaced simultaneously, or independently, as desired. It is further contemplated that although a pair of pistons/voice coils is shown, additional pistons/voice coils along different axes may also be included (e.g, axis  308 ). The vibration of the pistons  904 A,  904 B produces an audio or sound output along at least axis  108  for the loudspeaker function. 
     Shaker coils  910 A,  910 B may be arranged along opposite ends or sides of the middle support plate of magnet assembly  902 , which are different from the ends or sides the voice coils  906 A,  906 B are arranged around. For example, shaker coils  910 A,  910 B may be arranged around sides that are bisected by the axis  308 , which is perpendicular to axis  108 . The magnet assembly  902  may be attached to the fixed structure (e.g., a frame) by a compliant member (e.g., leaf spring) so that the magnet assembly  902  can move relative to the fixed structure. Upon application of a current that excites the magnet assembly  902  and shaker coils  910 A,  910 B, shaker coils  910 A,  910 B cause magnet assembly  902  to be displaced in a direction parallel to axis  308  (e.g., perpendicular to axis  108 ), as illustrated by the arrow. This in turn, results in a movement of an actuating surface attached to the magnet assembly  902  for the shaker function. Transducer  900  may be operable to switch between the shaker function and loudspeaker function as desired. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a side perspective view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  1100  may have a similar arrangement to aspects of transducer  500  except that instead of vertically or radially arranging the pistons/voice coils relative to one another (as shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   ), they are horizontally arranged along an end of the same middle plate. Representatively, transducer assembly  1100  may include a magnet assembly  1102  which is formed by a stack-up of two magnets (e.g., magnets  112 ,  114 ) and three support plates (e.g., support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ) as previously discussed. One end or side of the middle support plate  118  may include a number of horizontally arranged, side by side protrusions or receiving members  1118 A,  1118 B,  1118 C. Pistons  104 A,  104 B,  104 C with voice coils  106 A,  106 B,  106 C coupled thereto may be positioned over the members  1118 A,  1118 B,  1118 C, respectively. For example, opposite ends or sides of each of the pistons  104 A- 104 C may be attached to the outer plates  116 ,  120  as shown. This, in turn, positions the voice coils  106 A- 106 C around members  1118 A- 1118 C, and within the magnetic gaps formed around each of members  1118 A- 1118 C. Upon application of a current, the voice coils  106 A- 106 C will vibrate in a direction parallel to axis  108 . The voice coils  106 A- 106 C can be excited independently or together. The vibration of the voice coils  106 A- 106 C causes a vibration of the associated pistons  104 A- 104 C. In some aspects, this line source or array of voice coils  106 A- 106 C can be excited independently for beaming purposes. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a top plan view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  1200  may have a similar arrangement as transducer  800 , except that it includes a center opening to receive additional pistons/voice coils. Representatively, transducer assembly  1200  may include a magnet assembly  1202  which is formed by a stack-up of two magnets (e.g., magnets  112 ,  114 ) and three support plates (e.g., support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 ) as previously discussed, although only middle support plate  118  is shown in  FIG.  12   . The magnet assembly  1202  may further include a center opening  1212  so that pistons and voice coils can be arranged around both the outer edges or sides  1220  and interior edges or sides  1222  of the middle support plate  118  as shown. For example, the magnet assembly  1200  may have a ring like configuration as shown. Pistons  1204 A,  1204 B,  1204 C,  1204 D having voice coils  1206 A,  1206 B,  1206 C,  1206 D attached thereto are arranged around the outer sides  1220  of support plate  118 . Pistons  1204 E,  1204 F,  1204 G,  1204 H having voice coils  1206 E,  1206 F,  1206 G,  1206 H are arranged around the inner sides  1222  of support plate  118  (e.g., within opening  1212 ). In addition, pistons  1204 A,  1204 C,  1204 E,  1204 G and the associated voice coils  1206 A,  1206 C,  1206 E,  1206 G may be considered arranged along axis  108  such that they all move (e.g, vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis  108 . Pistons  1204 B,  1204 D,  1204 F,  1204 H and the associated voice coils  1206 B,  1206 D,  1206 F,  1206 H may be considered arranged along axis  308  such that they all move (e.g., vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis  308 . Axis  108  and axis  308  may be perpendicular to one another such that the pistons/voice coils arranged along the different axes  108 ,  308  face different directions, and vibrate in different directions. Similar to the previously discussed configurations, magnet assembly  1202  may be mounted to a fixed structure (e.g., frame) so that it is relatively stationary, and the pistons  1204 A- 1204 H and voice coils  1206 A- 1206 H are attached to the fixed structure by a compliant member (e.g., surround) such that they are free to move relative to the fixed structure. Upon application of a current, the voice coils  1206 A- 1206 H move (e.g., vibrate) and cause the pistons  1204 A- 1204 H to move (e.g., vibrate), for example, to produce a multidirectional or multiaxial sound output. For example, in some cases, pistons  1204 A- 1204 D may be used to produce a high frequency sound output and pistons  1204 E- 1204 H may be used to produce a low frequency sound output. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of another aspect of a transducer assembly. Transducer assembly  1300  may have a similar arrangement as transducer  800 , except that it includes a center opening to receive an extension portion of the middle plate that allows for an additional piston/voice coil assembly. Representatively, transducer assembly  1300  may include a magnet assembly  1302  which is formed by a stack-up of two magnets  112 ,  114  and three support plates  116 ,  118 ,  120 , as previously discussed. The magnet assembly  1302  may further include a center opening  1312 . The center opening  1312  extends through each of the magnets  112 ,  114  and the outer support plates  116 ,  120 . The middle support plate  118  includes an extension member  1314  that extends perpendicular to a top surface and a bottom surface of support plate  118 . For example, support plate  118  may have a substantially cross-shaped configuration as shown. The extension member  1314  includes a top end  1314 A that extends through the opening in magnet  112  and outer plate  116 , and a bottom end  1314 B that extends through the opening in magnet  114  and outer plate  120 . As a result of this arrangement, at least four different gaps or channels  1322 A,  1322 B,  1322 C,  1322 D for receiving a voice coil are formed between the middle support plate  118  and the outer plates  116 ,  120 . 
     At least four different pistons  1304 A,  1304 B,  1304 C,  1304 D and voice coils  1306 A,  1306 B,  1306 C,  1306 D can be arranged around magnet assembly  1302 , and along different axes. For example, pistons  1304 A,  1304 C having voice coils  1306 A,  1306 C attached thereto are arranged along axis  108 , and pistons  1304 B,  1304 D having voice coils  1306 B,  1306 D attached thereto are arranged along axis  1308 . It should be noted that axis  1308  may be different from the previously discussed axes (e.g., axes  108 ,  308 ) in that it is an axis through the opening  1302  in the magnet assembly  1302 , and therefore not within a same plane as the plates forming magnet assembly  1302 . Axis  108  is perpendicular to axis  1308 , and runs parallel to the planar surfaces of the various plates  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  120 . Pistons  1304 A,  1304 C and the associated voice coils  1306 A,  1306 C are arranged along axis  108  such that they all move (e.g, vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis  108 . Pistons  1304 B,  1304 D and the associated voice coils  1306 B,  1306 D are arranged along axis  1308  such that they all move (e.g., vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis  1308 . Similar to the previously discussed configurations, magnet assembly  1302  may be mounted to a fixed structure (e.g., frame) so that it is relatively stationary, and the pistons  1304 A- 1304 C and voice coils  1306 A- 1306 C are attached to the fixed structure by a compliant member (e.g., surround) such that they are free to move relative to the fixed structure. Upon application of a current, the voice coils  1306 A- 1306 C move (e.g., vibrate) and cause the pistons  1304 A- 1304 C to move (e.g., vibrate), for example, to produce a multidirectional or multiaxial sound output. This, in turn, causes sound output in different directions parallel to one or both of axes  108 ,  1308  to achieve a multidirectional or multiaxial loudspeaker function. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a simplified schematic perspective view of an exemplary electronic device in which a transducer assembly as described herein, may be implemented. As illustrated in  FIG.  14   , the transducer assembly may be integrated within a consumer electronic device  1402  such as a smart phone with which a user can conduct a call with a far-end user of a communications device  1404  over a wireless communications network; in another example, the transducer assembly may be integrated within the housing of a tablet computer  1406 . These are just two examples of where the transducer assembly described herein may be used; it is contemplated, however, that the transducer assembly may be used with any type of electronic device, for example, a home audio system, any consumer electronics device with audio capability, or an audio system in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile infotainment system.). 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a block diagram of some of the constituent components of an electronic device in which the transducer assembly disclosed herein may be implemented. Device  1500  may be any one of several different types of consumer electronic devices, for example, any of those discussed in reference to  FIG.  14   . 
     In this aspect, electronic device  1500  includes a processor  1512  that interacts with camera circuitry  1506 , motion sensor  1504 , storage  1508 , memory  1514 , display  1522 , and user input interface  1524 . Main processor  1512  may also interact with communications circuitry  1502 , primary power source  1510 , transducer  1518  and microphone  1520 . Transducer  1518  may be a speaker and/or the transducer assembly described herein. The various components of the electronic device  1500  may be digitally interconnected and used or managed by a software stack being executed by the processor  1512 . Many of the components shown or described here may be implemented as one or more dedicated hardware units and/or a programmed processor (software being executed by a processor, e.g., the processor  1512 ). 
     The processor  1512  controls the overall operation of the device  1500  by performing some or all of the operations of one or more applications or operating system programs implemented on the device  1500 , by executing instructions for it (software code and data) that may be found in the storage  1508 . The processor  1512  may, for example, drive the display  1522  and receive user inputs through the user input interface  1524  (which may be integrated with the display  1522  as part of a single, touch sensitive display panel). In addition, processor  1512  may send a current or signal (e.g., audio signal) to transducer  1518  to facilitate operation of transducer  1518 . Representatively, the processor  1512  may send a current or signal to one or more components of the transducer assembly (e.g., voice coil  106 , shaker coils  302 ,  304 , etc) to drive the components independently or together. For example, the coils  106 ,  302 ,  304  could be driven independently by different channels on the amplifier, or together by the same channel, depending on the application needs. 
     Storage  1508  provides a relatively large amount of “permanent” data storage, using nonvolatile solid state memory (e.g., flash storage) and/or a kinetic nonvolatile storage device (e.g., rotating magnetic disk drive). Storage  1508  may include both local storage and storage space on a remote server. Storage  1508  may store data as well as software components that control and manage, at a higher level, the different functions of the device  1500 . 
     In addition to storage  1508 , there may be memory  1514 , also referred to as main memory or program memory, which provides relatively fast access to stored code and data that is being executed by the processor  1512 . Memory  1514  may include solid state random access memory (RAM), e.g., static RAM or dynamic RAM. There may be one or more processors, e.g., processor  1512 , that run or execute various software programs, modules, or sets of instructions (e.g., applications) that, while stored permanently in the storage  1508 , have been transferred to the memory  1514  for execution, to perform the various functions described above. 
     The device  1500  may include communications circuitry  1502 . Communications circuitry  1502  may include components used for wired or wireless communications, such as two-way conversations and data transfers. For example, communications circuitry  1502  may include RF communications circuitry that is coupled to an antenna, so that the user of the device  1500  can place or receive a call through a wireless communications network. The RF communications circuitry may include a RF transceiver and a cellular baseband processor to enable the call through a cellular network. For example, communications circuitry  1502  may include Wi-Fi communications circuitry so that the user of the device  1500  may place or initiate a call using voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) connection, transfer data through a wireless local area network. 
     The device may include a transducer  1518 . Transducer  1518  may be a speaker and/or a transducer assembly such as that described in reference to  FIGS.  1 - 13   . Transducer  1518  may be an electric-to-acoustic transducer or sensor that converts an electrical signal input (e.g., an aocustic input) into a sound or vibration output. The circuitry of the speaker may be electrically connected to processor  1512  and power source  1510  to facilitate the speaker operations as previously discussed (e.g, diaphragm displacement, etc). 
     The device  1500  may further include a motion sensor  1504 , also referred to as an inertial sensor, that may be used to detect movement of the device  1500 , camera circuitry  1506  that implements the digital camera functionality of the device  1500 , and primary power source  1510 , such as a built in battery, as a primary power supply. 
     While certain aspects have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting. In addition, to aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230915
Publication Date: 20240813
Grant Date: 20240813
Priority Date: 20190927
Inventors: RUSSELL, Rebecca J.
ILKORUR, ONUR I.
Wilkes, Jr., David S.
WILK, CHRISTOPHER
NEWMAN, MICHAEL J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R2209/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2209/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2209/041", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/063", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G10K9/13", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2209/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/063", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/046", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2209/041", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2209/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2209/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/063", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/046", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 75162358