PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10021800-B1
Application Number: US-201715470842-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Venting features of a portable electronic device

Abstract:
An electronic device having openings covered by a vent assembly is disclosed. The vent assembly may include multiple adhesive layers surrounding an air-permeable, liquid resistant membrane that allow air to flow into and/or out of the electronic device, while also preventing liquid ingress into the electronic device. The membrane may be supported by several structural elements. For example, the vent assembly includes an adhesive layer secured with the membrane, with the adhesive layer including a web region having multiple ribs that engage the membrane. Also, the vent assembly includes a mesh material that includes a porous region that receives a portion of the adhesive layer. Also, an additional vent assembly may cover an additional opening of the electronic device and provide protection for an operational component in the electronic device. The additional vent assembly may allow air into the additional opening for the operational component.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device having an enclosure that includes an internal volume, the enclosure having a through hole that opens to the internal volume, the electronic device comprising:
 an audio component disposed in the internal volume; and 
 a vent assembly positioned within the internal volume between the through hole and the audio component, the vent assembly comprising:
 a first adhesive layer having a first opening, 
 a membrane secured with the first adhesive layer and covering the through hole, the membrane having a material that prevents liquid exposure to the audio component while permitting transmission of audible sound, 
 a second adhesive layer secured with the membrane and having a second opening aligned with the first opening, and 
 a support layer secured with the second adhesive layer and having a support layer opening aligned with the second opening, wherein the membrane includes a material that allows air to enter and exit the internal volume via the through hole. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third adhesive layer having a third opening aligned with the support layer opening; 
 an operational component positioned in the internal volume; and 
 a circuit secured with the third adhesive layer and electrically coupled with the operational component, wherein when the circuit provides a force to the vent assembly in a first direction, the second adhesive layer provides a counterforce in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the first adhesive layer includes a first stiffness, and wherein the second adhesive layer includes a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the first adhesive layer includes a first adhesive strength, and wherein the second adhesive layer includes a second adhesive strength less than the first adhesive strength. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the operational component comprises a microphone. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane comprises polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a bracket positioned in the enclosure and aligned with the through hole, the bracket adhesively secured with the vent assembly via the first adhesive layer. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the a second opening includes a size and shape in accordance with the first opening. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure having a through hole; and 
 a vent assembly carried by the enclosure, the vent assembly capable of preventing liquid ingress into the through hole, the vent assembly comprising:
 a first adhesive layer that secures with the enclosure, the first adhesive layer having an opening, 
 a membrane secured with the first adhesive layer and covering the opening and the through hole, the membrane having a material that permits airflow through the membrane while preventing the liquid ingress, and 
 a second adhesive layer secured with the membrane, the second adhesive layer comprising a web region that supports the membrane. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising a mesh material that combines with the second adhesive layer, wherein the second adhesive layer includes:
 a first surface adhesively secured with the membrane, and 
 a second surface adhesively secured with the mesh material, the second surface opposite the first surface. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the mesh material comprises a porous region, and wherein the second adhesive layer is at least partially embedded in the porous region. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the web region comprises:
 a first adhesive rib; and 
 a second adhesive rib, wherein the first adhesive rib and the second adhesive rib define a second opening that allows the airflow, received by the membrane, to pass through the second adhesive layer. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising a third adhesive layer that secures with an additional component, wherein the mesh material includes:
 a first surface adhesively secured with the second adhesive layer, and 
 a second surface adhesively secured with the third adhesive layer, the second surface opposite the first surface. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the additional component comprises a support layer secured with the third adhesive layer. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first adhesive layer further comprises:
 a second opening; and 
 a rib separating the opening from the second opening.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/383,985, filed on Sep. 6, 2016, and titled “VENTING FEATURES OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to an electronic device. In particular, the following description relates a vent that permits airflow while blocking liquid passage. When positioned near an opening, or through hole, of the electronic device, the vent provides the electronic device with water-resistant capabilities, while also allowing equalization of air pressure between air in the electronic device and external/ambient air pressure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic device can be modified to include waterproof capabilities. For example, the electronic device may include a perforated element that resists water attempting to enter an opening of the electronic device. The perforated element alone, however, is insufficient for countering forces provided not only by water but also from other components or tools applied to the perforated element during assembly of the electronic device. 
     Also, the electronic device may include a touch-sensitive display assembly that receives an input or command through a touch-sensitive surface. Further, in some instances, the amount of force applied to the touch-sensitive surface is measured and can be used by the electronic device. When the force is relatively high, both the touch-sensitive display and a protective cover glass may bow or bend, thereby reducing the internal volume of the electronic device, and thus, increasing air pressure within the electronic device. In these instances, the perforated element may not expel air fast enough, and the increased air pressure can affect other internal components, such as a speaker module, that rely in part upon (or open to) the internal volume of the electronic device. Also, during operation, the speaker module may cause the air pressure within the electronic device to vary. As a result, the perforated element is susceptible to vibration in accordance with the variable air pressure, causing unwanted acoustical energy (from the perforated element) emitted from the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include an enclosure that includes an internal volume. The enclosure may include a through hole that opens to the internal volume. The electronic device may further include an audio component disposed in the internal volume. The electronic device may further include a vent assembly positioned within the internal volume between the through hole and the audio component. The vent assembly may include a first adhesive layer having a first opening. The vent assembly may further include a membrane secured with the first adhesive layer and covering the through hole. The membrane may include a material that prevents liquid exposure to the audio component while permitting transmission of audible sound. The vent assembly may further include a second adhesive layer secured with the membrane and having a second opening aligned with the first opening. The vent assembly may further include a support layer secured with the second adhesive layer and having a support layer opening aligned with the second opening. In some instances, the membrane includes a material that allows air to enter and exit the internal volume via the through hole. 
     In another aspect, a vent assembly for preventing liquid ingress into a through hole of an electronic device is described. The vent assembly may include a first adhesive layer that secures with the electronic device, the first adhesive layer having an opening. The vent assembly may further include a membrane secured with the first adhesive layer and covering the opening and the through hole. The membrane may include a material that permits airflow through the membrane while preventing the liquid ingress. The vent assembly may further include a second adhesive layer secured with the membrane. The second adhesive layer may include a web region that supports the membrane. 
     In another aspect, a method for forming a vent assembly for preventing liquid ingress in an electronic device is described. The method may include securing a membrane with a first adhesive layer. The method may further include securing a second adhesive layer with the membrane such that the membrane is positioned between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. The method may further include securing a mesh material with the second adhesive layer such that the second adhesive layer is positioned between the membrane and the mesh material. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device taken along Section A in  FIG. 1 , with the protective layer and the display assembly removed to show several vent assemblies proximate to the openings of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a vent assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the vent assembly shown in  FIG. 3 , showing various elements of the vent assembly; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a vent assembly, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the vent assembly shown in  FIG. 5 , showing various elements of the vent assembly; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an electronic device, showing an embodiment of a vent assembly installed in the electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an audio module, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the audio module shown in  FIG. 8 , taken along line A-A in  FIGS. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for forming a vent assembly for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to vent assemblies in an electronic device. A vent assembly may include one or more components that combine to prevent liquid ingress into the electronic device, while allowing air to pass into and/or out of the electronic device. In this regard, the electronic device may be modified, using one or more vent assemblies, to include water-resistant capabilities. 
     A vent assembly described herein may include an air-permeable, water-resistant membrane. Accordingly, the membrane may prevent penetration of water into the electronic device. However, in some instances, the force from water may cause some deformation to the membrane, particularly when the membrane is relatively thin. Moreover, during assembly of the electronic device, some components installed in the electronic device, or tooling associated with the installation, may engage the vent assembly and cause deformation to the membrane. 
     In order to protect the membrane from these forces, the vent assembly may include an adhesive layer and a mesh material that combine to surround the membrane. The adhesive layer may secure the vent assembly with the electronic device, while the mesh material provides support to the membrane. 
     The vent assembly may also include a second adhesive designed to provide additional support to the membrane. The second adhesive layer may include a web region that includes multiple ribs that structurally supporting the membrane, with adjacent ribs defining an opening that allows for airflow. Furthermore, the second adhesive layer may be positioned between the membrane and the mesh material. In this regard, the mesh material may include a porous region such that the second adhesive layer at least partially embeds in the porous region. When the second adhesive layer cures in the mesh material, the combination of the second adhesive layer and the mesh material not only provides structural support against liquids, but also provides support against varying air pressure inside the electronic device that otherwise cause the membrane to vibrate and generate unwanted acoustical energy. 
     In order to enhance the protective capabilities provided by the adhesive layer to the membrane, the vent assembly may include multiple adhesive layers. Moreover, the adhesive layer may include different material compositions to provide different functions. For example, some adhesive layers may include a relatively high bonding strength to maintain the vent assembly secured in a desired manner. Other adhesive layers may include a relatively high stiffness designed offset or counter shearing forces exerted on the membrane. Accordingly, the vent assembly may include different adhesive that serve different purposes. 
     The vent assemblies described herein may be used to allow air into and/or out of an internal volume defined by an enclosure, or housing, of the electronic device. Alternatively, or in combination, at least one of vent assemblies may be positioned between an opening (or openings) of the electronic device and an operational component (such as a microphone or a speaker module) located in the internal volume. In this manner, at least some of the vent assemblies provide protection against liquids entering the opening(s), while allowing airflow to and from the operational component. Also, the membranes described herein may be referred to as being “transparent” to audio transmission. In other words, a membrane may allow acoustical energy to pass through the material that forms the membrane in order to exit the electronic device (in the case of the membrane protecting a speaker) or to enter the electronic device (in the case of the membrane protecting a microphone). 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a laptop computer device. In other embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a wearable electronic device designed to secure with an appendage (such as a wrist) of a user of the electronic device  100 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is a consumer electronic device, such as a mobile wireless communication device that takes the form of, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer device. 
     The electronic device  100  may include an enclosure  102  having several sidewalls and a rear (or bottom) wall that combine to define an internal volume that receives several internal components (not shown), such as a processor circuit, a memory circuit, an internal power supply, sensors, a microphone, and a speaker module, as non-limiting examples. The enclosure  102  may be formed from a metal, such as aluminum or an alloy that includes aluminum. However, other materials are possible, such as a rigid plastic or ceramic. Also, when the enclosure  102  is formed from a metal, the enclosure  102  may undergo an anodization process that immerses the enclosure  102  in an anodic bath with one or more acidic compounds. The anodization process is designed to provide an aesthetic finish to the enclosure  102  as well as improve the structural rigidity. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a display assembly  104  designed to present visual information, such as video or still images, to a user of the electronic device  100 . The display assembly  104  may include a touch-sensitive layer that includes capacitive touch-sensitive technology, designed to respond to a touch input to the display assembly. The display assembly  104  may respond to the touch input by changing the visual information presented on the display assembly  104 . Furthermore, the input or command may depend in part upon an amount of force applied to the display assembly  104 . For example, a touch input applying a small amount of force may correspond to a command different from a touch input applying a relatively larger amount of force. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a protective layer  106  that covers the display assembly  104 . Accordingly, a touch input event (described above) may also include a force applied to the protective layer  106 . The protective layer  106  may include a transparent material, such as glass or sapphire. Also, the protective layer  106  may include an opening  108  through which an audio module (not shown) in the electronic device  100  emits acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. Although not shown, the electronic device  100  may include a frame that carries the protective layer  106 . The frame is designed to couple or mate with the enclosure  102 . 
     During a touch input event, the protective layer  106  may bend or bow in accordance with the amount of force applied to the protective layer  106 . In this regard, the internal volume of the electronic device  100 , defined in part by the enclosure  102  and the protective layer  106 , may change based on the bending or bowing of the protective layer  106 . As an example, applying a force to the protective layer  106  may bend the protective layer  106  in a direction toward the enclosure  102 , thereby causing the internal volume of the electronic device  100  to decrease. The amount of bending, and in turn, the amount of volume decrease, is based upon the amount of force applied to the protective layer  106 , and in turn, the display assembly  104 . When the force is removed, the bending of the protective layer  106  and the display assembly  104  may cease, thereby causing the internal volume to increase as the protective layer  106  and the display assembly  104  returns to their original, unbent (flat) configuration. 
     The electronic device  100  may include external controls that provide an input or command to an internal component of the electronic device  100 . For example, the electronic device  100  may include a switch  110  electrically coupled to a processor circuit (not shown) in the electronic device  100 . The switch  110  may be actuated relative to the enclosure  102  in a direction toward or away from the protective layer  106 . The electronic device  100  may further include a button  112  electrically coupled to the aforementioned processor circuit. The button  112  may be actuated relative to the enclosure  102  in a direction toward the enclosure  102 . 
     The electronic device  100  may include additional openings, or through holes, formed in the enclosure  102  and used by some internal components for the electronic device  100 . For example, the electronic device  100  may include a first set of openings  116  (or first set of through holes) formed in the enclosure  102 , with at least some of the first set of openings  116  used to vent the electronic device  100 . In other words, at least some of the first set of openings  116  may allow airflow into and/or out of the internal volume defined by the enclosure  102 . Additionally, one opening of the first set of openings  116  may be used by an audio component, such as a microphone, to allow airflow into the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may further include a second set of openings (or second set of through holes) formed in the enclosure  102 . The second set of openings  118  may allow acoustical energy generated from the electronic device  100  by a speaker module (not shown) to exit the electronic device  100 . Also, one opening of the second set of openings  118  may be used by an additional audio component, such as an additional microphone, to allow airflow into the electronic device  100 . While  FIG. 1  shows the first set of openings  116  and the second set of openings  118  each having a discrete number of openings, additional openings are possible for either of the first set of openings  116  and/or the second set of openings  118 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  100  taken along Section A in  FIG. 1 , with the protective layer  106  and the display assembly  104  removed to show several vent assemblies proximate to the openings of the enclosure  102 . For purposes of illustration and simplicity, several additional components are removed. As shown, the first set of openings  116  may include a first opening  132  and a second opening  134 , and a third opening  136 , while the second set of openings  118  may include a first opening  138  as well as additional openings (not shown). The electronic device  100  may include a first vent assembly  122  covering the first opening  132  and the second opening  134 , and a second vent assembly  124  covering the third opening  136 . Also, the electronic device  100  may include a third vent assembly  126  covering the first opening  138 . The aforementioned vent assemblies may be designed to prevent liquid entering one or more of the aforementioned openings from further entering into the electronic device  100 , while also allowing airflow into the electronic device  100 , as well as allowing airflow out of the electronic device  100 . The various components, and their associated features, will be shown and described below. 
     When the electronic device  100  undergoes an elevation change, the external pressure (that is, air pressure outside the electronic device  100 ) changes. In order to equalize the pressure outside the electronic device  100  with pressure inside the electronic device  100 , the first vent assembly  122  allows airflow into or out of the electronic device  100 . For example, during a pressure increase outside the electronic device  100 , airflow may enter the electronic device  100  by way of the then the first opening  132  and/or the second opening  134 , and then the first vent assembly  122 , causing the internal air pressure to increase and equalize with air pressure outside the electronic device  100 . This may prevent the external pressure from damaging a component(s) of the electronic device  100 . Conversely, during a pressure decrease outside the electronic device  100 , airflow may exit the electronic device  100  by way of the first vent assembly  122 , and then the first opening  132  and/or the second opening  134 , causing the internal air pressure to decrease and equalize with air pressure outside the electronic device  100 . This may prevent the electronic device  100  from expanding, which could otherwise cause the protective layer  106  to decouple from the enclosure  102  (both the protective layer  106  and the enclosure  102  are shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The second vent assembly  124  and the third vent assembly  126  are positioned to allow air, but not liquids, into the third opening  136  and the first opening  138 , respectively. Also, the second vent assembly  124  and the third vent assembly  126  may be used by a first operational component  150  and a second operational component  152 , respectively, of the electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the first operational component  150  and the second operational component  152  include a first microphone and a second microphone, respectively. The operational components may include different acoustical components, such as speaker modules. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a vent assembly  200 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The vent assembly  200  may be used in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In this regard, the first vent assembly  122  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) may include any feature or features shown and described herein for the vent assembly  200 . 
     The vent assembly  200  may include a first adhesive layer  202  designed to secure internal with the electronic device  100  along an internal surface of a sidewall of the enclosure  102  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Additional adhesive layers will be shown and described below. The vent assembly  200  may include a membrane  210  secured with (and behind) the first adhesive layer  202 . The membrane  210  may include an air-permeable, liquid-resistant material, and will be described below. 
     As previously shown and described, the vent assembly  200  may include a size and shape to cover one or more openings of the enclosure  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Also, the vent assembly  200  may include a sufficiently large size and shape in order to allow airflow through the membrane  210 . For example, air pressure within the electronic device  100  may increase during a touch input (representing a command input by a user) to the display assembly  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Moreover, air pressure within the electronic device  100  may fluctuate during use a speaker module (not shown) located in the electronic device  100 . In this regard, the vent assembly  200 , and in particular, the membrane  210 , is selected to include a size and shape (that is, a surface area) sufficiently large enough to allow airflow to exit the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when the display assembly  104  is depressed, and/or when the pressure fluctuates during use of the aforementioned speaker module. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the vent assembly  200  shown in  FIG. 3 , showing various elements of the vent assembly  200 . For example, the vent assembly  200  may include a first adhesive layer  202 , as previously described. The first adhesive layer  202  may include a first opening  204  and a second opening  206  separated from first opening  204  by a rib  208 . The first adhesive layer  202  may permit passage of airflow by way of the first opening  204  and the second opening  206 , while the rib  208  provides structural support to the vent assembly  200 . 
     The vent assembly  200  may further include a membrane  210 , as previously described. The membrane  210  is positioned relative to the first adhesive layer  202  such that the first adhesive layer  202  adhesively secures with a first surface  212  of the membrane  210 . The membrane  210  may include an air-permeable, liquid-resistant material. As shown in the enlarged view, the membrane  210  may include a material having small openings, or micro-openings. In some embodiments, the membrane  210  includes polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”). Further, the PTFE material may include a stretched PTFE, formed in part by pulling on two opposing sides of the PTFE material in opposite directions. In this regard, when the material includes small openings, the stretching action may expand the small openings, thereby allowing airflow to pass through the material more quickly (due to the increase size and shape of the openings). Accordingly, when a force is applied to the protective layer  106  and the display assembly  104  (both shown in  FIG. 1 ), causing an internal volume decrease, and corresponding internal pressure increase, of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), the membrane  210 , having openings of increased dimensions, more readily allows air to pass out of the electronic device  100  so that the internal pressure of the electronic device  100  equalizes with external pressure outside the electronic device  100  before some (or all) of the internal components of the electronic device  100  are affected from any pressure change. In some embodiments, the membrane  210  includes a thickness of approximately 5 micrometers. Also, in order support the membrane  210 , the membrane  210  may rely upon the rib  208  of the first adhesive layer  202 . Also, while a specific material is described for the membrane  210 , other air-permeable, liquid-resistant materials are possible. 
     The vent assembly  200  may further include a second adhesive layer  220  that secures to a second surface (not shown) of the membrane  210 , with the second surface being opposite the first surface  212 . Accordingly, the membrane  210  may be positioned between the first adhesive layer  202  and the second adhesive layer  220 . In order to provide additional support to the membrane  210 , the second adhesive layer  220  may include a web region  222  that includes several ribs. For example, the web region  222  may include a first rib  224  and a second rib  226 . As shown, several additional ribs are possible. The ribs may engage the membrane  210  to provide structural support, while the openings between adjacent ribs permit airflow through the second adhesive layer  220 . 
     The vent assembly  200  may further include a mesh material  230  that secures with the second adhesive layer  220 . Accordingly, the second adhesive layer  220  may be positioned between the membrane  210  and the mesh material  230 . The mesh material  230  may include a porous region  232 . In some embodiments, the mesh material  230  includes an acoustic mesh. In this regard, the mesh material  230  may provide an acoustically transparent material that acts as a barrier to dust and water. Also, the porous region  232  may allow the second adhesive layer  220  to at least partially embed, or fill, in the mesh material  230 . For example, the ribs of the second adhesive layer  220  may embed at corresponding locations of the mesh material  230 . In this manner, when the embedded portion of the second adhesive layer  220  cures within the mesh material  230 , the mesh material  230  provides additional support to the membrane  210 . 
     The vent assembly  200  may include a third adhesive layer  240  secured with the mesh material  230 , and may be adhesively secured with an additional component (not shown) in an electronic device (such as the electronic device  100 , shown in  FIG. 1 ). As shown, the mesh material  230  may be positioned between the second adhesive layer  220  and the third adhesive layer  240 . Further, in some instances, a portion of the third adhesive layer  240  is embedded in the porous region  232  of the mesh material  230 , in a manner similar to that of the second adhesive layer  220 . Also, as shown, the third adhesive layer  240  includes an opening  242  that permits airflow through the third adhesive layer  240 . 
     Optionally, the vent assembly  200  may include a support layer  250 . In some embodiments, the support layer  250  includes a polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) material. However, the second adhesive layer  220  and the mesh material  230  may provide sufficient support to the membrane  210  without the support layer  250 . As shown, the support layer  250  may include a first opening  252  and a second opening  254  that permit airflow through the support layer  250 . When the vent assembly  200  includes the support layer  250 , the support layer  250  may adhesively secure with the third adhesive layer  240 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a vent assembly  300 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The vent assembly  300  may be used in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In this regard, the second vent assembly  124  and the third vent assembly  126  (both shown in  FIG. 2 ) may include any feature or features shown and described herein for the vent assembly  300 . 
     The vent assembly  300  may include a first adhesive layer  302  designed to secure internal with the electronic device  100  along an internal wall of the enclosure  102  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Additional adhesive layers will be shown and described below. The first adhesive layer  302  may include an opening  304  that allows air to pass through the first adhesive layer  302  (at the opening  304 . The vent assembly  300  may include a membrane  310  secured with the first adhesive layer  302 . As shown, the membrane  310  may cover the opening  304 . The membrane  310  may include an air-permeable, liquid-resistant material, and will be described below. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the vent assembly  300  shown in  FIG. 5 , showing various elements of the vent assembly. For example, the vent assembly  300  may include a first adhesive layer  302  having an opening  304 , as previously described. The first adhesive layer  302  may include an opening  304 . The vent assembly  300  may further include a membrane  310 , as previously described. The membrane  310  may include an air-permeable, liquid-resistant material. Further, the membrane  310  may include any feature or features previously described for a membrane, such as the membrane  210  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). Also, the first adhesive layer  302  may adhesively secure with a first surface  312  of the membrane  310 . 
     The vent assembly  300  may further include a second adhesive layer  320  that secures to a second surface (not shown) of the membrane  310 , with the second surface being opposite the first surface  312 . Accordingly, the membrane  310  may be positioned between the first adhesive layer  302  and the second adhesive layer  320 . The second adhesive layer  320  may permit airflow to pass by way of an opening  322 . 
     The vent assembly  300  may further include a support layer  330 . The support layer  330  may secure with the second adhesive layer  320 . Accordingly, the second adhesive layer  320  may be positioned between the membrane  310  and the support layer  330 . In some embodiments, the support layer  330  includes a PET material. The support layer  330  may permit airflow to pass by way of an opening  332 . 
     The vent assembly  300  may include a third adhesive layer  340  secured with the support layer  330 . The third adhesive layer  340  may adhesively secure with an additional component (not shown) in an electronic device. As shown, the support layer  330  may be positioned between the second adhesive layer  320  and the third adhesive layer  340 . Also, the third adhesive layer  340  may permit airflow to pass by way of an opening  342 . Although an exploded view is shown in  FIG. 6 , it should be noted that the vent assembly  300  may be assembled such that the aforementioned openings of the layers are aligned with one another. In this regard, the openings may be “aligned” by being concentric with one another, or at least partially overlapping one another. For example, the opening  304  of the first adhesive layer  302  may align with the opening  322  of the second adhesive layer  320 . Also, the opening  322  of the second adhesive layer  320  may align with the opening  332  of the support layer  330 , and the opening  332  of the support layer  330  may align with the opening  342  of the third adhesive layer  340 . 
     The first adhesive layer  302  and the third adhesive layer  340 , both on an outer perimeter of the vent assembly  300 , may include a material (or materials) designed to provide enhanced adhesive strength, thereby increasing adhesive bonding of the vent assembly  300  with a component(s) secured with the first adhesive layer  302  and the third adhesive layer  340 . Also, the first adhesive layer  302  and the third adhesive layer  340  may promote improved sealing capabilities. The second adhesive layer  320 , which may be centrally located in the vent assembly  300 , may provide the vent assembly  300  with enhanced stiffness or rigidity. In particular, the increased stiffness may provide the membrane  310  with increases support against shearing forces exerted on the membrane  310 . This will be shown below. Accordingly, the vent assembly  300  may include different types of adhesives that provide different enhancements to the vent assembly  300  in addition to simply providing bonding capabilities. Also, based on the different functions and characteristics, the aforementioned adhesives may include different compositions, or material make-ups. In this regard, the first adhesive layer  302  and the third adhesive layer  340  may include a bonding strength greater than that of the second adhesive layer  320 , while the second adhesive layer  320  may include a stiffness greater than that of the first adhesive layer  302  and the third adhesive layer  340 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an electronic device  400 , showing an embodiment of a vent assembly  500  installed in the electronic device  400 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  400  may include any feature(s) previously described for an electronic device. Also, the vent assembly  500  may include any feature(s) shown and described herein for the vent assembly  300  (shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). In this regard, as shown in the enlarged view, the vent assembly  500  may include a first adhesive layer  502 , a membrane  510 , a second adhesive layer  520 , a support layer  530 , and a third adhesive layer  540 . 
     The electronic device  400  may include an enclosure  402  having an opening  404 , or through hole. The electronic device  400  may include a bracket  410  aligned with the opening  404 , and adhesively secured with the vent assembly  500  by the first adhesive layer  502 . Also, as shown, the membrane  510  is positioned to block or cover the opening  404  internally within the electronic device  400 . Also, the electronic device  400  may include an operational component  450 . In some embodiments, the operational component  450  includes a microphone. As shown, the operational component  450  is secured and electrically connected with a circuit  452 . The circuit  452  may include a flexible circuit designed to flex or bend to position the operational component  450  in a desired location. The circuit  452  may include a stiffening element  454  that secures with the vent assembly  500  by the third adhesive layer  540 . 
     As shown, the circuit  452  includes a bend  456  such that the circuit  452  includes one region that oriented at, or approximately at, a 90-degree angle with respect to another region (of the circuit  452 . Further, the bend  456  may cause an “upward” force in the direction of an arrow  550  and toward a protective layer  406 , causing shearing forces that are exerted on the membrane  510 . As denoted by the arrow  550 , the shearing force is in a direction parallel with respect to the vent assembly  500  and its layers/components. However, the second adhesive layer  520  may include an enhanced stiffness that provides counterforce, or offsetting force, to the shearing forces, such that the membrane  510  is prevented from deformation, such as wrinkling, that may cause distortions in the membrane  510  that affect audio performance. The support layer  530  may also provide support, including structural support, to the second adhesive layer  520 , and in turn, to the membrane  510 . Also, the first adhesive layer  502  and the third adhesive layer  540  may bond with the bracket  410  and the stiffening element  454 , respectively, providing enhanced bonds such that the vent assembly  500  remains intact in a desired location, even in response to shearing forces from the circuit  452 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an audio module  600 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The audio module  600  may be used by an electronic device (not shown) as a speaker module to generate acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. As shown, the audio module  600  may include a body  602  that defines an outer perimeter of the audio module  600  and houses several internal components (not shown) of the audio module  600 . The body  602  may include an extension  604 , or snout, that mates with another component (not shown). The acoustical energy generated from the audio module  600  may exit via the extension  604 . The body  602  may further include an opening  606  that opens to a back volume (not shown) of the audio module  600 . In this regard, the back volume of the audio module  600  may also open to the internal volume (defined in part by the protective layer  106  and the enclosure  102 , both shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) by way of the opening  606 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the audio module  600  shown in  FIG. 8 , taken along line A-A in  FIG. 8 . As shown, the audio module  600  may include a suspension element  608  that holds a surround element  610 . Also, the audio module  600  may include a membrane  612  secured with the surround element  610 . In some embodiments, the membrane  612  includes a silicone membrane that is liquid-resistant. However, other liquid-resistant materials are possible. During operation, the audio module  600  is designed to provide electrical energy that causes the membrane  612 , along with the surround element  610 , to vibrate at various frequencies to produce acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. 
     The audio module  600  may further include a front volume  614  and a back volume  616  separated from the front volume  614  by the membrane  612 . As previously described, the opening  606  may open to both the internal volume of the electronic device (not shown) and the back volume  616 . As a result, any pressure increases in the internal volume may affect the acoustical performance of the audio module  600 . For example, a pressure increase in the internal volume may increase the pressure in the back volume  616 , and actuate the membrane  612  such that the membrane  612  contacts the body  602 . This is generally undesirable, particularly when the audio module  600  is in use, as this may cause distortions in audio quality. 
     In order to prevent the membrane  612  from contacting the body  602 , several modifications can be made. For example, the suspension element  608  can be tightened, or stiffened, to limit some vibrational movement of the surround element  610 . Also, the membrane  612  may be increased in size to limit movement of the membrane  612 . As shown, the membrane  612  includes a dimension greater than that of the extension  604 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart  700  showing a method for forming a vent assembly for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. The vent assembly may be used to support a liquid-resistant electronic device by covering one or more openings of the electronic device, with the vent assembly allowing air, but not liquids, to pass into and/or out of the electronic device, thereby providing liquid ingress protection for an operational component of the electronic device. Also, the vent assembly may be used to vent the electronic device, allowing a liquid-resistant electronic device equalize internal air pressure with external (ambient) air pressure in an efficient manner. 
     In step  702 , a membrane is secured with a first adhesive layer. The membrane may include an air-permeable, liquid resistant membrane. In this regard, the membrane may include PTFE, including stretched PTFE. The first adhesive layer may secure with the electronic device. Also, in some embodiments, the first adhesive layer includes an enhanced bonding strength. In this regard, the first adhesive layer may provide an enhanced seal with an enclosure of the electronic device, or a bracket installed in the electronic device. Also, the first adhesive layer may include an opening. Further, the first adhesive layer may include multiple openings separated by rib. 
     In step  704 , a second adhesive layer is secured with the membrane such that the membrane is positioned between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. The second adhesive layer may include a web region having several ribs that provide structural support for the membrane. The second adhesive layer may also include openings between adjacent ribs. Also, in some instance, the second adhesive layer may provide an enhanced stiffing material to counter or offset shearing forces exerted on the membrane. 
     In step  706 , a mesh material is secured with the second adhesive layer such that the second adhesive layer is positioned between the membrane and the mesh material. The mesh material may include an acoustic mesh. Further, the mesh material may include a porous region that receives a portion of the second adhesive layer. 
     Optionally, a support layer may be included. Also, a third adhesive layer may be secured with the mesh material (or the optional support layer). The porous region of the mesh material may receive a portion of the third adhesive layer. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170327
Publication Date: 20180710
Grant Date: 20180710
Priority Date: 20160906
Inventors: ZHANG, Yaocheng
FROESE, KEVIN M.
MYERS, SCOTT A.
POPE, BENJAMIN J.
HURRELL, DAVID A.
BAVETTA, SALOME
NYLAND, ERIC N.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/035", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/068", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/068", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/035", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/03", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0215", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 62749695