PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11756392-B2
Application Number: US-202117332795-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Portable electronic device having a haptic button assembly

Abstract:
A haptic button assembly may be used for detecting inputs and providing haptic outputs at an electronic device. The haptic outputs may be provided in response to detected inputs or in response to other conditions at the electronic device. The haptic button assembly may define an input surface along an exterior of the electronic device. Inputs may be provided to the input surface of the haptic button assembly. An input may include a touch input on or along the input surface and/or a force input directed substantially perpendicularly to the input surface. The haptic button assembly may provide a haptic output by moving an input member of the haptic button assembly laterally (e.g., substantially parallel to the input surface).

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure comprising a sidewall, the sidewall defining an opening; 
 a haptic button assembly comprising:
 an input member positioned at least partially within the opening and defining an input surface; and 
 a haptic actuation system comprising:
 a magnet configured to generate a magnetic flux; and 
 a conductive coil positioned at least partially in the magnetic flux of the magnet, at least one of the magnet or the conductive coil coupled to the input member; 
 
 
 a switch configured to be actuated in response to a user input applied to the input surface; and 
 a processing unit positioned in the enclosure and configured to actuate the haptic actuation system, causing a lateral translation of the input member in a translation direction that is parallel to the input surface, thereby producing a haptic output. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the translation direction is a first translation direction; and 
 the input member is configured to translate along a second translation direction that is perpendicular to the input surface in response to the user input. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the translation of the input member along the second translation direction causes the switch to be actuated. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the electronic device further comprises:
 a display at least partially within the enclosure; and 
 a transparent cover over the display and defining a front side of the electronic device; and 
 
 the sidewall has:
 a height dimension extending from the front side of the electronic device to a back side of the electronic device; and 
 a length dimension perpendicular to the height dimension. 
 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the translation direction of the input member is parallel to the length dimension of the sidewall. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the height dimension is a first height dimension; 
 the length dimension is a first length dimension; and 
 the input member has:
 a second height dimension parallel to the first height dimension; and 
 a second length dimension, parallel to the first length dimension, the second length dimension greater than the second height dimension. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the conductive coil is a first conductive coil; 
 actuating the haptic actuation system includes causing a first electrical current to conduct through the conductive coil; 
 the lateral translation is a first lateral translation; 
 the translation direction is a first translation direction; 
 the haptic actuation system further comprises a second conductive coil positioned at least partially in the magnetic flux of the magnet; and 
 the processing unit is further configured to actuate the haptic actuation system by causing a second electrical current to conduct through the second conductive coil, causing a second lateral translation of the input member in a second translation direction opposite to the first translation direction. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 actuating the haptic actuation system includes causing a first electrical current to conduct through the conductive coil; 
 the lateral translation is a first lateral translation; 
 the translation direction is a first translation direction; 
 the processing unit is further configured to cause a second electrical current to conduct through the conductive coil in a second current direction opposite to a first current direction of the first electrical current; and 
 the second electrical current causes a second lateral translation of the input member in a second translation direction opposite to the first translation direction. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the user input causes the input member to translate less than ten microns; and 
 actuating the haptic actuation system causes the input member to translate more than one hundred microns. 
 
     
     
       10. A haptic button assembly for an electronic device, comprising:
 an input member defining an input surface and configured to translate along a first translation direction that is substantially parallel to the input surface and a second translation direction opposite to the first translation direction; 
 a magnetic component configured to generate a magnetic flux; 
 a first conductive segment configured to pass a first electrical signal through the magnetic flux, thereby causing the input member to move in the first translation direction; and 
 a second conductive segment configured to pass a second electrical signal through the magnetic flux, thereby causing the input member to move in the second translation direction. 
 
     
     
       11. The haptic button assembly of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first conductive segment is a first portion of a first conduction loop; and 
 the second conductive segment is a second portion of a second conduction loop. 
 
     
     
       12. The haptic button assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the first conductive segment and the second conductive segment are positioned between the input member and the magnetic component. 
     
     
       13. The haptic button assembly of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the haptic button assembly further comprises an input sensor configured to detect an input at the input surface; and 
 the haptic button assembly is configured to produce the movement in the first translation direction and the movement in the second translation direction in response to the input. 
 
     
     
       14. The haptic button assembly of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the magnetic component is a first magnetic component; 
 the magnetic flux is a first magnetic flux; and 
 the haptic button assembly further comprises:
 a second magnetic component configured to generate a second magnetic flux; 
 a third conductive segment configured to pass a third electrical signal through the second magnetic flux; and 
 a fourth conductive segment configured to pass a fourth electrical signal through the second magnetic flux. 
 
 
     
     
       15. An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure comprising a sidewall; 
 a haptic button assembly comprising:
 an input member positioned along the sidewall of the enclosure and defining an input surface, the input member configured to translate in a direction parallel to the input surface; 
 an input sensor configured to detect an input applied to the input member; and 
 a haptic actuation system comprising:
 a magnet configured to produce a magnetic flux; and 
 a conductive coil positioned at least partially within the magnetic flux, the haptic actuation system configured to, in response to the input sensor detecting the input, cause an actuation signal to be transmitted to the haptic button assembly, thereby causing the input member to translate in the direction. 
 
 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the direction is a first direction; 
 the input member is further configured to translate in a second direction perpendicular to the input surface; and 
 the input comprises an input force applied to the input member along the second direction. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the input sensor comprises an electromechanical switch. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the input sensor comprises a force sensor. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the enclosure defines a hole surface defining a hole extending through the sidewall; 
 the input member defines a post extending into the hole; and 
 the electronic device further comprises a sealing member positioned between and in contact with the hole surface and the post. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 19 , wherein the translation of the input member in the direction compresses the sealing member, thereby deforming the sealing member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/904,409, filed Jun. 17, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,024,135, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments relate generally to an electronic watch or other electronic device. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to haptic button assemblies configured to receive inputs and provide haptic outputs at an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Typically, electronic devices include various buttons or input devices that are used to control the device or provide user input. However, traditional electromagnetic buttons may require a significant amount of space and provide limited functionality. The input devices and techniques described herein are directed to an input device that includes an integrated haptic mechanism that is configured to produce a tactile or perceptible feedback to a user when operating the input device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and apparatuses described in the present disclosure are directed to haptic button assemblies configured to receive inputs and provide haptic outputs at an electronic device. 
     One embodiment may take the form of an electronic device. The electronic device may include an enclosure, a haptic button assembly, and a processing unit. The enclosure may include a sidewall that defines an opening. The haptic button assembly may include an input member positioned within the opening and defining an input surface. The haptic button assembly may further include an input sensor configured to detect an input applied to the input surface. The haptic button assembly may further include a magnetic component positioned in the enclosure and coupled to the input member. The magnetic component may be configured to generate a magnetic flux. The haptic button assembly may further include a conduction loop having a conductive segment configured to conduct an electrical current through the magnetic flux in a direction that is transverse to a local flux direction of the magnetic flux. The processing unit may be positioned in the enclosure and configured to, in response to the input sensor detecting the input, cause the electrical current to conduct through the conduction loop, causing a lateral translation of the input member in a translation direction that is substantially parallel to the input surface, thereby producing a haptic output. 
     Another embodiment may take the form of a haptic button assembly for an electronic device. The haptic button assembly may include an input member defining an input surface and configured to translate along a first translation direction that is substantially parallel to the input surface and a second translation direction opposite to the first translation direction. The haptic button assembly may further include a support member coupled to the input member and configured to extend through a hole defined in an enclosure of the electronic device. The haptic button assembly may further include a magnetic component attached to the support member and configured to generate a magnetic flux. The haptic button assembly may further include a first conductive segment configured to pass a first electrical signal through the magnetic flux thereby causing the input member to move in the first translation direction to produce a first component of a haptic output. The haptic button assembly may further include a second conductive segment configured to pass a second electrical signal through the magnetic flux thereby causing the input member to move in the second translation direction to produce a second component of the haptic output. 
     Another embodiment may take the form of an electronic device comprising an enclosure, a haptic button assembly and a processing unit. The enclosure may include a sidewall that defines an opening. The haptic button assembly may include an input member positioned within the opening and defining an input surface. The haptic button assembly may further include a contact member coupled to the input member and positioned inward of the input surface. The haptic button assembly may further include a spring member positioned along a side of the contact member. The haptic button assembly may further include a conductive coil positioned along a side of the spring member opposite to the contact member. The processing unit may be configured to cause an electrical current to be applied to the conductive coil, thereby deflecting the spring member away from the contact member. The processing unit may be further configured to cause the electrical current applied to the conductive coil to be reduced or cease thereby causing the spring member to contact the contact member resulting in a haptic output at the input surface. 
     In addition to the example aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       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    is a functional block diagram of an example electronic device that incorporates a haptic button assembly; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an example of a watch (e.g., an electronic watch or smart watch) that may incorporate a haptic button assembly; 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates a partial exploded view of an electronic device that includes a haptic button assembly having conduction loops and magnetic components for producing haptic outputs; 
         FIGS.  3 B- 3 D  are example cross-section views of the haptic button assembly installed in the electronic device of  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  4    is an example cross-section view of a haptic button assembly that includes an electromagnet, installed in an electronic device; 
         FIG.  5 A  illustrates a partial exploded view of an electronic device that includes a haptic button assembly for providing haptic outputs by moving an input member substantially perpendicularly to an input surface; 
         FIG.  5 B  is an example cross-section view of the haptic button assembly installed in the electronic device of  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates a partial exploded view of an electronic device that includes a haptic button assembly having an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor; 
         FIG.  6 B  is an example cross-section view of the haptic button assembly installed in the electronic device of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  7    is an example cross-section view of a haptic button assembly having a piezoelectric element for providing haptic outputs, installed in an electronic device; and 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device that may incorporate a haptic button assembly. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is 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. 
     The following disclosure relates to a haptic button assembly for detecting inputs and providing haptic outputs at an electronic device. The haptic outputs may be provided in response to detected inputs or in response to other conditions at the electronic device. The haptic button assembly may define an input surface along an exterior of the electronic device. Inputs may be provided to the input surface of the haptic button assembly. An input may include a touch input on or along the input surface and/or a force input directed substantially perpendicularly to the input surface. The haptic button assembly may provide a haptic output by causing a lateral translation of an input member of the haptic button assembly. 
     As used herein, a “lateral translation” generally refers to side-to-side motion and/or motion that is substantially parallel to an input surface. As used herein, items, surfaces, directions, and the like are “substantially parallel” to one another if they are parallel or within a threshold amount (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, etc.) of being parallel to one another. As used herein, items, directions, surfaces, and the like are “substantially perpendicular” to one another if they are perpendicular or within a threshold amount (e.g., 5 degrees, 10 degrees, etc.) of being perpendicular to one another. 
     As used herein, the term “haptic output” may refer to outputs produced by the electronic device that may be perceived through user touch. Without limitation, a haptic output may include an impulse, a vibration, or other type of movement of a surface of the electronic device that may be perceived through a touch of the user. In some cases, a haptic button assembly may vibrate, displace, and/or deflect a device component (e.g., an enclosure, a cover, or an input device) to produce a haptic output at an external surface of the device defined by the device component. In some cases, haptic outputs may be produced by relative movement of one or more device components with respect to one or more additional device components. As one example, a haptic button assembly may cause a first device component (for example, an input member) to vibrate, oscillate, rotate and/or translate relative to another device component (for example, a device enclosure) to produce a haptic output that may be perceived by a user. 
     Whereas traditional buttons and similar input devices may have an translating member that translates in response to an input, the haptic button assemblies described herein may not actually translate inward in response to the input, or may translate inward a very small amount that would not normally be perceivable by a user (e.g., less than 10 microns). In some cases, the haptic outputs provided by the haptic button assembly may simulate the feeling of providing input to a traditional input device. For example, the haptic button assembly may provide a haptic output in response to detecting an input to mimic the downward and/or upward travel of a traditional button press operation. To provide haptic outputs, the input member of the haptic button assembly may translate laterally a distance that is perceptible to a user (e.g., greater than 50 microns, greater than 100 microns, or more). 
     The haptic button assemblies described herein may include a haptic engine for providing haptic outputs by causing the input member to move or vibrate. The haptic engine may include electromagnetic components such as conduction loops and magnetic components, vibrating motors, such as eccentric rotating mass vibration motors, piezoelectric elements, and other suitable mechanisms for providing haptic outputs by causing the input member to move or vibrate. 
     The haptic button assembly may include one or more conduction loops and one or more magnetic components for providing haptic outputs by generating electromagnetic forces that cause the input member to move. The magnetic components or the conduction loops may be coupled to the input member. A processing unit of the electronic device may cause electrical signals (e.g., electrical current, electromagnetic signals, drive signals, and the like) to pass through the conduction loops. The electrical signals induced in the conduction loops may result in a Lorentz force that can cause the conduction loops and/or the magnetic components to move, thereby causing the input member to move. The term conduction loop may be used generally to refer to various implementations that may also be described as a coil, wire coil, conductive winding, spool, or the like. The conduction loops may include electromagnetic coils, electrically conductive coils, wire loops, other electrically conductive materials, and the like. The magnetic components may include permanent magnets, electromagnets, and the like. 
     The conduction loops may be attached or coupled to an enclosure of the electronic device, and the magnetic components may be attached or coupled to an actuation member that moves with the input member. In other embodiments, the magnetic components may be attached or coupled to an enclosure of the electronic device, and the conduction loops may be attached or coupled to an actuation member that moves with the input member. 
     Each magnetic component generates a magnetic flux. A pole of a magnetic component may be directed toward a conductive segment of a conduction loop such that the conductive segment passes through a portion of a magnetic field produced by or emanating from the pole of the magnetic component. The portion of the magnetic field that the conductive segment passes through may predominantly be composed of magnetic flux directed in a single direction (a “local flux direction”). The conductive segment may pass an electrical current through the magnetic flux in a direction that is transverse to the local flux direction. As used herein, the term “transverse” refers to directions, surfaces, lines, and the like that are not parallel and/or that extend across one another. The conductive segment may pass an electrical current through the magnetic flux in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the local flux direction. 
     According to the Lorentz force law, for each conduction loop, the electrical current conducted through the magnetic flux in a direction that is transverse to the local flux direction of the magnetic flux produces a Lorentz force that is substantially perpendicular to the electrical current and the local flux direction. This Lorentz force may cause the magnetic components and/or the conduction loops to move laterally with respect to one another, thereby causing lateral translation of the input member in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to both the electrical current flowing through the segment and the magnetic flux and substantially parallel to the input surface. 
     The term “attached,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically affixed, fastened, and/or retained to one another. The term “coupled,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically attached to one another, operate with one another, communicate with one another, are in electrical connection with one another, and/or otherwise interact with one another. Accordingly, while elements attached to one another are coupled to one another, the reverse is not required. As used herein, “operably coupled” or “electrically coupled” may be used to refer to two or more devices that are coupled in any suitable manner for operation and/or communication, including wiredly, wirelessly, or some combination thereof. As used herein, the term “abutting” means that two elements share a common boundary or otherwise contact one another, while the term “adjacent” means that two elements are near one another and may (or may not) contact one another. Thus, elements that are abutting are also adjacent, although the reverse is not necessarily true. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 8   . 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    is a functional block diagram of an example electronic device  100  that incorporates a haptic button assembly. The electronic device  100  may include a device enclosure  102 , a haptic button assembly  110 , one or more input devices  120 , one or more output devices  122 , a display  124 , and a processing unit  126  positioned at least partially within the enclosure  102 . 
     The haptic button assembly  110  may receive inputs and provide haptic outputs. The haptic button assembly  110  may extend at least partially through an opening  103  in the enclosure  102 , such as an opening in a sidewall of the enclosure  102 . The haptic button assembly  110  may be positioned beneath and/or define an input surface  113  of the electronic device  100 . The haptic button assembly  110  may include an input member  112  that defines the input surface  113 . The haptic button assembly  110  may further include a haptic engine  114  for producing haptic outputs at the input surface  113  and an input sensor  116  for detecting inputs to the haptic button assembly  110 . 
     Inputs may be provided to the input surface  113  of the haptic button assembly  110 . An input (e.g., input I shown in  FIG.  1   ) may include a touch input on or along the input surface  113  and/or a force input directed substantially perpendicularly to the input surface  113 . The input I may be detected by the input sensor  116  and registered as an input by the processing unit  126 . The input member  112  may not translate in response to the input, or it may translate inward a very small amount that would not normally be perceivable by a user (e.g., less than 10 microns). In some cases, the haptic outputs provided by the haptic engine  114  may simulate the feeling of providing input to a traditional input device. For example, the haptic engine  114  may provide a haptic output in response to detecting an input to mimic the downward and/or upward travel of a traditional button press operation. 
     The input sensor  116  is operably coupled to the input surface  113  and configured to output a signal in response to detecting the input I. In various embodiments, the input sensor  116  may measure inputs using a variety of methods and techniques, including strain sensing, piezoresistive strain gauge, capacitive touch sensing, capacitive force sensing, contact sensing, electromechanical switch, electromagnetic, piezoelectric, optical, potentiometric, and so on. 
     The haptic engine  114  may provide haptic outputs by moving the input member  112 . In some cases, the haptic engine  114  may provide a haptic output by causing a lateral translation of the input member in one or more translation directions that are substantially parallel to the input surface  113  (indicated by the line M). This motion may be substantially perpendicular to an input force applied to the input surface  113 . 
     The haptic engine  114  may provide a first haptic output component of a haptic output by moving the input member  112  in a first direction substantially parallel to the input surface  113  and a second haptic output component of the haptic output by moving the input member in a second direction, opposite the first direction, and substantially parallel to the input surface  113 . Additionally or alternatively, the haptic engine  114  may provide a haptic output by moving the input member  112  inward and/or outward substantially perpendicularly to the input surface  113 , vibrating the input member  112 , rotating the input member  112 , oscillating the input member, and the like. 
     As noted herein, the haptic engine  114  may provide haptic outputs in response to inputs received at the input surface  113 . The haptic engine  114  may provide different haptic outputs for different levels of input. For example, if the input is a touch input, the haptic output may be provided by moving the input member  112  in one direction. Additionally or alternatively, if the input is a force input, the haptic output may be provided by moving the input member  112  in two or more directions (e.g., back and forth) and/or vibrating the input member  112 . In some cases, if the force input is below a force threshold, the haptic output may be provided by moving the input member in two or more directions, and if the force input is at or above a force threshold, the haptic output may be provided by vibrating the input member  112 . The different inputs received at the input surface  113  may correspond to different functions, which may each result in operational changes of the electronic device  100 , including different graphical outputs, user interface changes, and the like. The haptic outputs provided by the haptic button assembly  110  may correspond to these operational changes of the electronic device  100 . 
     The haptic engine  114  may produce haptic outputs by generating electromagnetic forces that cause the input member  112  to move. The haptic engine  114  may include one or more conduction loops and one or more magnetic components for providing haptic outputs by generating electromagnetic forces that cause the input member  112  to move. The magnetic components or the conduction loops may be coupled to the input member  112 . Electrical signals (e.g., electrical current, electromagnetic signals, drive signals, and the like) induced in and carried by the conduction loops result in a Lorentz force that can cause the conduction loops and/or the magnetic components to move, thereby causing the input member  112  to move. The conduction loops may include electromagnetic coils, electrically conductive coils, wire loops, other electrically conductive materials, and the like. The magnetic components may include permanent magnets, electromagnets, and the like. Embodiments using conduction loops and/or magnetic components are discussed in more detail with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 5 B . 
     The haptic engine  114  may include a motor, an actuator, or the like for providing haptic outputs. In some cases, the haptic engine  114  may include a vibration motor, such as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor. The motor may be positioned at least partially within or otherwise coupled to the input member  112 , and may cause the input member to vibrate to provide a haptic output. Embodiments using motors are discussed in more detail with respect to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B . The haptic engine  114  may include a piezoelectric element for providing haptic outputs. The piezoelectric element may be positioned at least partially within or otherwise coupled to the input member  112 , and may cause the input member to move, deform, and/or vibrate to provide a haptic output. Embodiments using piezoelectric elements are discussed in more detail with respect to  FIG.  7   . 
     The haptic button assembly  110  may produce haptic outputs in response to receiving one or more signals from the processing unit  126 . In some cases, the haptic outputs may correspond to inputs received by the electronic device  100  and/or outputs provided by the electronic device. The haptic outputs may correspond to operational states, events, or other conditions at the electronic device  100 , including inputs received at the electronic device (e.g., touch inputs, rotational inputs, translational inputs), outputs of the electronic device (e.g., graphical outputs, audio outputs, haptic outputs), applications and processes executing on the electronic device, predetermined sequences, user interface commands (e.g., volume, zoom, or brightness controls, audio or video controls, scrolling on a list or page, and the like), and the like. The haptic button assembly  110  may be operably coupled to the processing unit  126  via a connector  128   a  and/or via one or more additional components of the electronic device  100 . 
     Haptic outputs produced by the haptic button assembly  110  may be coordinated with an audio output of a speaker or another audio device of the electronic device  100 . In some cases, the haptic button assembly  110  may produce audio outputs in addition to or as an alternative to producing haptic outputs. For example, actuation of the haptic button assembly  110  may produce a sound. Audio outputs may be produced in response to any of the conditions, inputs, or the like discussed above with respect to haptic outputs. In some cases, audio outputs and haptic outputs are produced by the same actuation or actuations of the haptic button assembly  110 . 
     The display  124  may be positioned at least partially within the enclosure  102 . The display  124  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  100 . In one embodiment, the display  124  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. The display  124  is operably coupled to the processing unit  126  of the electronic device  100 , for example by a connector  128   b . In some cases, the graphical output of the display  124  is visible along at least a portion of an external surface of the electronic device  100 . 
     In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display  124  is responsive to inputs provided at the display and one or more additional input devices  120 . For example, the processing unit  126  may be configured to modify the graphical output of the display  124  in response to receiving rotational inputs, receiving translational inputs, or receiving touch inputs. In some cases, a haptic output provided by the haptic button assembly  110  corresponds to the graphical output of the display  124 . The haptic button assembly  110  may receive an input, and a graphical output of the display  124  may be changed and a haptic output may be provided in response to the input. In some cases, the haptic button assembly  110  may produce a haptic output that is coordinated with a change in the graphical output of the display  124 . For example, the haptic output may be produced at or near the same time as the change in the graphical output of the display  124 . In some cases, a time that the haptic output is produced overlaps a time that the graphical output of the display  124  changes. 
     The display  124  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display  124  is positioned beneath and viewable through the cover. 
     Broadly, the input devices  120  may detect various types of input, and the output devices  122  may provide various types of output. While the haptic button assembly  110  may be an example of an input device  120  and/or an output device  122 , the input devices  120  may generally refer to buttons, sensors, crowns, and the like, and the output devices  122  may generally refer to speakers, other haptic engines, and the like. 
     The processing unit  126  may be operably coupled to the input devices  120  and the output devices  122 , for example by connectors  128   c  and  128   d . The processing unit  126  may receive input signals from the input devices  120 , in response to inputs detected by the input devices. The processing unit  126  may interpret input signals received from one or more of the input devices  120  and transmit output signals to one or more of the output devices  122 . The output signals may cause the output devices  122  to provide one or more outputs. Detected input at one or more of the input devices  120  may be used to control one or more functions of the electronic device  100 . In some cases, one or more of the output devices  122  may be configured to provide outputs that are dependent on, or manipulated in response to, the input detected by one or more of the input devices  120 . The outputs provided by one or more of the output devices  122  may also be responsive to, or initiated by, a program or application executed by the processing unit  126  and/or an associated companion device. In some cases, the output devices  122  may include a speaker, and the processing unit  126  may cause the speaker to produce an audio output in conjunction with a haptic output provided using the haptic button assembly  110 . Examples of suitable processing units, input devices, output devices, and displays, are discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG.  8   . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates an example watch  200  (e.g., an electronic watch or smart watch) that may incorporate a haptic button assembly. The watch  200  may include a watch body  204  and a watch band  206 . Other devices that may incorporate a crown assembly include other wearable electronic devices, other timekeeping devices, other health monitoring or fitness devices, other portable computing devices, mobile phones (including smart phones), tablet computing devices, digital media players, or the like. The watch  200  may have similar components, structure, and/or functionality as the device  100  described with respect to  FIG.  1   . The watch  200  may provide time and timing functions, receive messages and alerts, and may track activity of a user. In some cases, the watch may monitor biological conditions or characteristics of a user. 
     The watch body  204  may include an enclosure  202 . The enclosure  202  may include a front side enclosure member that faces away from a user&#39;s skin when the watch  200  is worn by a user, and a back side enclosure member that faces toward the user&#39;s skin. Alternatively, the enclosure  202  may include a singular enclosure member, or more than two enclosure members. The one or more enclosure members may be metallic, plastic, ceramic, glass, or other types of enclosure members (or combinations of such materials). 
     The enclosure  202  may include a cover sheet  234  mounted to a front side of the watch body  204  (i.e., facing away from a user&#39;s skin) and may protect a display  224  mounted within the enclosure  102 . The display  224  may produce graphical output that may be viewable by a user through the cover sheet  234 . In some cases, the cover sheet  234  may be part of a display stack, which display stack may include a touch sensing or force sensing capability. The display may be configured to depict a graphical output of the watch  200 , and a user may interact with the graphical output (e.g., using a finger, stylus, or other pointer). As one example, the user may select (or otherwise interact with) a graphic, icon, or the like presented on the display by touching or pressing (e.g., providing touch input) on the cover sheet  234  at the location of the graphic. As used herein, the term “cover sheet” may be used to refer to any transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent surface made out of glass, a crystalline material (such as sapphire or zirconia), plastic, or the like. Thus, it should be appreciated that the term “cover sheet,” as used herein, encompasses amorphous solids as well as crystalline solids. The cover sheet  234  may form a part of the enclosure  202 . In some examples, the cover sheet  234  may be a sapphire cover sheet. The cover sheet  234  may also be formed of glass, plastic, or other materials. 
     In some embodiments, the watch body  204  may include an additional cover sheet (not shown) that forms a part of the enclosure  202 . The additional cover sheet may have one or more electrodes thereon. For example, the watch body  204  may include an additional cover sheet mounted to a back side of the watch body  204  (i.e., facing toward a user&#39;s skin). The one or more electrodes on the additional cover sheet may be used to determine a biological parameter, such as a heart rate, an electrocardiogram, or the like. In some cases, the electrodes are used in combination with one or more additional electrodes, such as a surface of a crown assembly or other input device. 
     The watch body  204  may include at least one input device or selection device, such as a haptic button assembly, button, crown, scroll wheel, knob, dial, or the like, which input device may be operated by a user of the watch  200 . 
     The watch  200  may include a haptic button assembly  210  similar to the haptic button assemblies described herein. The haptic button assembly  210  may be used to provide inputs to the watch  200  and to provide haptic outputs at the watch. The haptic button assembly  210  may be positioned along a portion of the enclosure  202 , for example along a sidewall of the enclosure as shown in  FIG.  2   . In some cases, the enclosure  202  defines an opening through with a portion of the haptic button assembly extends. 
     In some embodiments, the watch  200  includes a crown  208 . The enclosure  202  may define an opening through which a portion of the crown  208  extends. The crown  208  may be user-rotatable, and may be manipulated (e.g., rotated, pressed) by a user. The crown  208  may be mechanically, electrically, magnetically, and/or optically coupled to components within the enclosure  202 , as one example. A user&#39;s manipulation of the crown  208  may be used, in turn, to manipulate or select various elements displayed on the display, to adjust a volume of a speaker, to turn the watch  200  on or off, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, the haptic button assembly  210 , the crown  208 , scroll wheel, knob, dial, or the like may be touch sensitive, conductive, and/or have a conductive surface, and a signal route may be provided between the conductive portion and a circuit within the watch body  204 , such as a processing unit. 
     The enclosure  202  may include structures for attaching the watch band  206  to the watch body  204 . In some cases, the structures may include elongate recesses or openings through which ends of the watch band  206  may be inserted and attached to the watch body  204 . In other cases (not shown), the structures may include indents (e.g., dimples or depressions) in the enclosure  202 , which indents may receive ends of spring pins that are attached to or threaded through ends of a watch band to attach the watch band to the watch body. The watch band  206  may be used to secure the watch  200  to a user, another device, a retaining mechanism, and so on. 
     In some examples, the watch  200  may lack any or all of the cover sheet  234 , the display  224 , the haptic button assembly  210 , or the crown  208 . For example, the watch  200  may include an audio input or output interface, a touch input interface, a force input or haptic output interface, or other input or output interface that does not require the display  224 , the haptic button assembly  210 , or the crown  208 . The watch  200  may also include the aforementioned input or output interfaces in addition to the display  224 , the haptic button assembly  210 , or the crown  208 . When the watch  200  lacks the display, the front side of the watch  200  may be covered by the cover sheet  234 , or by a metallic or other type of enclosure member. 
     As noted herein, the haptic button assemblies described herein may produce haptic outputs by generating electromagnetic forces that cause the input member to move.  FIG.  3 A  illustrates a partial exploded view of an electronic device  300  that includes a haptic button assembly  310  having conduction loops and magnetic components for producing haptic outputs.  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D  are example cross-section views of the haptic button assembly  310  installed in the electronic device  300 .  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D  may represent similar views as cross-sections taken through section line A-A of  FIG.  2   . As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the haptic button assembly  310  includes an input member  312  and a haptic engine  314 . The haptic engine  314  may include one or more conduction loops (e.g., conduction loops  340   a - d ) and an actuation member  350 . The conduction loops  340   a - d  may conduct electrical signals that interact with one or more magnetic components (e.g., magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b ) to generate electromagnetic forces to produce haptic outputs. As noted above, the term conduction loop may be used generally to refer to various implementations that may also be described as a coil, wire coil, conductive winding, spool, or the like. 
     The conduction loops  340   a - d  may be fixed with respect to the enclosure. For example, the conduction loops  340   a - d  may be positioned in a pocket  336  (e.g., a recessed region) of the enclosure  332 . The conduction loops  340   a - d  may be positioned within and/or at least partially surrounded by a loop housing  342 . The conduction loops  340   a - d  may be at least partially encapsulated within the loop housing  342 . As used herein, “encapsulated” may refer to a component that is contacted by and partially or completely surrounded by another component. For example, the conduction loops  340   a - d  may be encapsulated within the loop housing  342  by injection molding. 
     The actuation member  350  may be coupled to the input member  312  such that when the input member moves with the actuation member and vice versa. The input member  312  may include or be coupled to support members  332   a ,  332   b  that extend through holes  303   a ,  303   b  defined in of an enclosure  302  of the electronic device  300 . The support members  332   a ,  332   b  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the actuation member  350 . The support members  332   a ,  332   b  may extend at least partially through holes  356   a ,  356   b  defined in the actuation member  350 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  3 B , the input member  312  may be positioned at least partially outside of the enclosure  302 , and may define an input surface  313  along an exterior of the device  300 . The input member  312  may be positioned in an opening  305  in a sidewall of the enclosure  302 . As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the sidewall may define a recessed surface inward of the opening  305 , and the holes  303   a ,  303   b  may extend through the recessed surface. 
     The electronic device  300  may register an input in response to a force or touch applied to the input surface  313 . The haptic button assembly  310  may further include one or more input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  for detecting the inputs applied to the input surface  313 . As shown in FIG.  3 B, the input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  may be attached to the actuation member  350 , and may be capable of detecting an input I applied to the input surface  313  (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the input surface). The input I may cause the input member  312  to move inward (e.g., downward with respect to  FIG.  3 B ) a very small amount (e.g., less than 10 microns). This movement may not be perceivable by a user, but the input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  may be capable of detecting the movement. In some cases, each input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  detect the movement by detecting a change in the size of a gap  317   a ,  317   b  between the input sensor and the enclosure  302  or another component of the device  300 . The input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  may be any suitable type of sensor, including capacitive sensors (capacitive touch sensors, capacitive force sensors, capacitive gap sensors), strain sensors, optical sensors, electromagnetic sensors, piezoelectric sensors, and the like. The input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  may be capacitive sensors capable of detecting a self-capacitance or mutual capacitance that changes based on the size of the gaps  317   a ,  317   b.    
     In some cases, the input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  may be configured to detect an input in response to contact between electrodes. The actuation member  350  may include a first electrode, and a second electrode may be attached to the enclosure. One or more input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  may detect the input in response to a contact between the first electrode and the second electrode. 
     Once an input (e.g., an input force) is removed from the input member  312 , the input member  312  may return to an unactuated position. The haptic button assembly  310  may include a restoring member for applying a restorative force to the input member  312 . As one example, the haptic button assembly  310  may include a restoring member  358  positioned between the actuation member  350  and the conduction loops  340   a - d . The restoring member  358  may include a spring or a compliant material that allows the actuation member  350  to move laterally, while being able to provide an upward biasing force (e.g., a restorative force) on the input member  312 . The input I on the input surface  313  may cause the restoring member  358  to expand as the actuation member  350 , and therefore the input sensors  316   a ,  316   b , move away from the enclosure  302 . The input sensors  316   a ,  316   b  may register this change in the position of the actuation member  350  as an input. Upon removal of the input I, the restorative force exerted by the restoring member  358  may cause the actuation member  350  and the input member  312  to return to an undepressed position. The restoring member  358  is described by way of example, and is not meant to be limiting. In other embodiments, the restoring member  358  may be positioned between the input member  312  and the enclosure  302 , and may be compressed in response to the input I. Additionally or alternatively, the restoring member  358  may be positioned similarly to and/or integrated with the sealing members  338   a - b  discussed below. 
     One or more magnetic components (e.g., magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b ) may be attached or otherwise coupled to the actuation member  350 . The conduction loops  340   a - d  and the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b  may be used to generate a haptic output by moving the input member  312 . In some cases, a haptic output may be provided in response to detecting an input at the input surface  313 . 
     As noted above, the input member  312  may be moved laterally in one or more directions that are substantially parallel to at least a portion of the input surface  313  (e.g., left and/or right with respect to  FIG.  3 B  as indicated by the line M). As noted above, the input member  312  may translate inward (e.g., downward with respect to  FIG.  3 B ) a very small amount in response to the input I (e.g., less than 10 microns). This translation may be imperceptible or barely noticeable to a user. The input member  312  may translate laterally (e.g., left and/or right with respect to  FIG.  3 B ) a larger amount that is perceptible to the user (e.g., greater than 50 microns, greater than 100 microns, or more). The haptic output produced by the lateral translation of the input member  312  may simulate a traditional button press operation so that the user perceives inward and/or outward translation of the input member  312  that is beyond the inward and/or outward translation that actually occurs. 
     To provide haptic outputs using the haptic button assembly  310 , a processing unit of the electronic device  300  may cause electrical signals (e.g., electrical current, electromagnetic signals, drive signals, and the like) to be induced in and carried by the conduction loops  340   a - d , for example by a processing unit. The electrical signals in the conduction loops  340   a - d  and the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b  may interact to cause a resulting force, such as a Lorenz force. This force may generate a haptic output by causing the actuation member  350 , and therefore the input member  312 , to translate laterally. 
     A pole of each magnetic component  352   a ,  352   b  may face (e.g., be directed toward) one or more conductive segments  344   a - d  of the conduction loops  340   a - d  such that each conductive segment passes through a portion of a magnetic field produced by or emanating from the pole of the magnetic component. The portion of the magnetic field that the conductive segment  344   a - d  passes through may predominantly be composed of a localized region of magnetic flux directed in a single direction (a “local flux direction”). The local flux direction may be oriented toward the conductive segment  344   a - d  or away from the conductive segment and/or input surface  313 , depending on the polarity of the magnetic components  352   a - b . As one example, shown in  FIG.  3 B , the local flux direction of the localized regions of magnetic flux B 1  and B 2  may be directed towards the conductive segments  344   a - d  (e.g., upward with respect to  FIG.  3 B ). 
     The conductive segments  344   a - d  may pass electrical signals through the localized regions of magnetic flux B 1  and B 2  in a direction that is transverse to the local flux direction. The conductive segments  344   a - d  may pass electrical signals through the localized regions of magnetic flux B 1  and B 2  in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the local flux direction. The electrical signals may be carried in a direction that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the input surface  313 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 C , current conducted by the conduction loop  340   a  may result in current conducted by the conductive segment  344   a  in a direction is that is out of the page with respect to  FIG.  3 C , and current conducted by the conduction loop  340   c  may result in current conducted by the conductive segment  344   c  in a direction is that is out of the page with respect to  FIG.  3 C . Similarly, as shown in  FIG.  3 D , current conducted by the conduction loop  340   b  may result in current conducted by the conductive segment  344   b  in a direction is that is into the page with respect to  FIG.  3 D , and current conducted by the conduction loop  340   d  may result in current conducted by the conductive segment  344   d  in a direction is that is into the page with respect to  FIG.  3 D . 
     According to the Lorentz force law, for each conductive segment  344   a - d , the electrical current conducted through the localized region of magnetic flux B 1  and B 2  of the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b  in a direction that is transverse to the local flux direction produces a Lorentz force that is substantially perpendicular to the electrical current and the local flux direction. This Lorentz force may be substantially parallel to at least a portion of the input surface  313  (e.g., left or right with respect to  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D ). The direction of the force (e.g., left or right) depends on the direction of the electrical current flowing through the conductive segments  344   a - d  and/or the local flux direction of the localized regions of magnetic flux B 1  and B 2 . 
     The Lorentz force may cause the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b  and/or the conduction loops  340   a - d  to move laterally with respect to one another, thereby causing lateral translation of the input member  312  in a direction that is transverse to both the electrical current flowing through the conductive segment and the magnetic flux and substantially parallel to the input surface  313 . As shown in  FIG.  3 C , in the case of the conduction loops  340   a  and  340   c , the electrical current flowing out of the page will cause the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b , and therefore the actuation member  350  and the input member  312 , to move to the right as indicated by the arrow M 1 . As such, a first haptic output or haptic output component may be produced by applying electrical current to the conduction loops  340   a  and  340   c . As shown in  FIG.  3 D , in the case of the conduction loops  340   b  and  340   d , the electrical current flowing out of the page will cause the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b , and therefore the actuation member  350  and the input member  312 , to move to the left as indicated by the arrow M 2 . As such, a second haptic output or haptic output component may be produced by applying electrical current to the conduction loops  340   b  and  340   d.    
     As used herein, a “conductive segment” may refer to a portion of a conduction loop that may extend more than 5 degrees but less than 180 degrees around the conduction loop. While the conductive segments  344   a - d  are shown as solid blocks, the conductive segments may be formed from multiple round conductive elements (wires or strands) that are wrapped or wound to define the conduction loop. 
     The conduction loops  340   a - d  may be positioned relative to the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b  such that the localized regions of magnetic flux B 1  and B 2  primarily interact with current flowing through the conductive segments  344   a - d , and do not interact substantially with current flowing through other portions  346   a - d  of the conduction loops. Each magnetic component  352   a ,  352   b  may define a magnetic axis extending between the poles (e.g., up and down with respect to  FIG.  3 B ). The local flux direction of the magnetic flux B 1 , B 2  may be substantially parallel to the magnetic axis. A central axis of each conduction loop  340   a - d  may be offset from a central axis of a respective magnetic component  352   a ,  352   b  such that, for each conduction loop  340   a - d , there exist one or more lines that are parallel to the magnetic axis of a magnetic component  352   a ,  352   b , extend through the magnet, intersect the conductive segment  344   a - d  of the conduction loop, and do not intersect the portion  346   a - d  of the conduction loop. This may result in the localized regions of magnetic flux B 1  and B 2  primarily interacting with current flowing through the conductive segments  344   a - d , even though there will also be interaction with the electrical current flowing through the portions  346   a - d  as well. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the positioning described above may result in a conductive segment  344   a - d  of each conduction loop  340   a - d  being positioned over one of the magnetic components and a portion  346   a - d  of each conduction loop not being positioned over a magnetic component. Said another way, a magnetic component  352   a ,  352   b  may vertically overlap a conductive segment of each conduction loop  340   a - d , while a magnetic component may not vertically overlap other portions of each conduction loop. As shown in  FIG.  3 B , conductive segments  344   a - d  of the conduction loops  340   a - d  may be positioned over (or be vertically overlapped by) one of the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b  and portions  346   a - d  may not be positioned over (or be vertically overlapped by) a magnetic component. 
     For each of the conduction loops  340   a - d , all or a substantial portion of the electrical current flowing through the conductive segments  344  through the localized region of the magnetic flux may be flowing in substantially the same direction. For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 C , the electrical current flowing through the conductive segment  344   a  of the conduction loop  340   a  may be flowing in a direction out of the page and the electrical current flowing through the conductive segment  344   c  of the conduction loop  340   c  may be flowing in the same direction out of the page. Similarly, as shown in  FIG.  3 D , the electrical current flowing through the conductive segment  344   b  of the conduction loop  340   b  may be flowing in a direction into the page and the electrical current flowing through the conductive segment  344   d  of the conduction loop  340   d  may be flowing in the same direction into the page. 
     The magnetic flux generated by the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b  may be oriented predominantly in a single direction in the areas near the conductive segments  344   a - d . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D , the magnetic flux B 1  generated by the magnetic component  352   a  and the magnetic flux B 2  generated by the magnetic component  352   b  may be directed upward with respect to  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D . Because the conductive segments  344   a - d  are positioned over the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b , the magnetic flux B 1  and B 2  will predominantly interact with the electrical current flowing through the conductive segments  344   a - d  in the single direction (e.g., into or out of the page with respect to  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D ), even though there will also be interaction with the electrical current flowing through the portions  346   a - d  as well. As such, the predominant interaction between the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b  and the electrical current flowing through the conduction loops  340   a - b  will be magnetic flux oriented in a first local flux direction interacting with electrical current flowing in a second direction transverse to the first direction. 
     In some cases, each conduction loop  340   a - d  may have electrical current induced only in one direction. Alternatively, each conduction loop  340   a - d  may have electrical current induced in both directions at different times or in different operational states. As such, each conduction loop  340   a - d  may be used to move the actuation member  350  in either direction depending on the direction of the induced electrical current. All four conduction loops  340   a - d  may be used to move the actuation member  350  in both directions. 
     The directions of electrical current and localized flux directions of the magnetic flux described with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In various embodiments, the localized flux direction of the magnetic flux and/or the direction of electrical current may be different from the examples described above. Similarly, the haptic button assembly  310  is illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  as including two magnetic components and four conduction loops, but this is not intended to be limiting. In various embodiments, the haptic button assemblies described herein may include any number of magnetic components and conduction loops. For example, the haptic button assembly  310  may include one magnetic component or three or more magnetic components. Similarly, the haptic button assembly  310  may include one or more conduction loops. In one example embodiment, the haptic button assembly  310  may include one magnetic component and one conduction loop, and electrical current may be applied to the conduction loop in a first direction to produce a first haptic output or haptic output component and in a second direction to produce a second haptic output or haptic output component. 
     In the embodiments described above, the conduction loops are fixed with respect to the enclosure and the magnetic components move with the input member. However, this is not meant to be limiting, and in other embodiments, the magnetic components may be fixed with respect to the enclosure and the conduction loops may move with the input member. For example, the conduction loops may be attached to or coupled to the actuation member and configured to move in response to the force resulting from the magnetic flux of the magnetic components interacting with the electrical current flowing through the conduction loops. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , a portion of the enclosure  302  may be positioned between the input surface  313  and at least a portion of the conduction loops  340   a - d , or the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b , the actuation member  350 . Similarly, at least a portion of the conduction loops  340   a - d , or the magnetic components  352   a ,  352   b , the actuation member  350  may be positioned between the first and second support members  332   a ,  332   b . This may allow the overall size of the haptic button assembly  310  to be reduced. The haptic button assembly  310  may include one or more sealing members  338   a ,  338   b  for preventing the ingress of contaminants into the electronic device  300 . The sealing members  338   a ,  338   b  may extend around the support members  332   a ,  332   b  and form a seal between the support members and the enclosure  302  when the support members are positioned in the holes  303   a ,  303   b . The sealing members  338   a ,  338   b  may be formed of a compliant material that allows the input member  312  to translate relative to the enclosure  302  to provide haptic outputs. The sealing members  338   a ,  338   b  may be or include an elastomeric coating, adhesive, or other compliant filler material. 
       FIG.  4    is an example cross-section view of a haptic button assembly  410  that includes an electromagnet, installed in an electronic device  400 .  FIG.  4    may represent a similar view as a cross-section taken through section line A-A of  FIG.  2   . The haptic button assembly  410  may be similar to the haptic button assembly  310 , and may include an input member  412  and a haptic engine  414 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the haptic engine  414  may be offset from the input member  412 . This may provide numerous advantages, including reducing a thickness of the haptic button assembly  410 . 
     The haptic engine  414  may include an electromagnet  448  and a magnetic component  452 . The magnetic component  452  may be coupled to an actuation member  450  that is coupled to the input member (e.g., by support members  432   a ,  432   b ). The electromagnet  448  may include a ferromagnetic core  448   b  that extends left to right with respect to  FIG.  4   , and a layer of coil windings  448   a  wound around the core  448   b.    
     In response to an electrical current induced in the electromagnet, the electromagnet  448  may generate a local magnetic flux that interacts with the magnetic component  452  to cause the input member  412  to move laterally (e.g., substantially parallel to the input surface  413  or left and/or right with respect to  FIG.  4   , as denoted by the line M). The local magnetic flux (e.g., the portion of the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnet  448  that interacts with the magnetic component  452 ) may be directed predominantly left and/or right with respect to  FIG.  4   , as denoted by the line B. This magnetic flux may either attract the magnetic component  452  toward the electromagnet  448  or repel the magnetic component  452  from the electromagnet  448 . This attraction and/or repulsion causes the actuation member  450 , and therefore the input member  412  to move laterally to provide a haptic output. 
     The electromagnet  448  may be coupled to the enclosure  402  via a bracket  460  and fasteners  462   a ,  462   b . The haptic button assembly  410  may include one or more input sensors  416  configured to detect an input I on the input surface  413  of the input member  412 . The input sensor  416  may detect inputs by detecting displacement of the actuation member  450  up and down with respect to  FIG.  4   . The input sensor  416  may be coupled to the bracket  460 , and may be coupled to the actuation member  450  by a compliant member  458 . The compliant member  458  may allow the actuation member  450  to move laterally, while providing an upward biasing force on the input member  412 . The input I on the input surface  413  may cause the compliant member  458  to compress, thereby moving the actuation member  450  closer to the input sensor  416 . The input sensor  416  may register this change in the position of the actuation member  450  as an input. Upon removal of the input I, the biasing force exerted by the compliant member  458  may cause the actuation member  450  to move to its original position. The input sensor  416  may be any suitable type of sensor, including capacitive sensors, optical sensors, electromagnetic sensors, piezoelectric sensors, and the like. 
     Similar to the haptic button assembly  310 , the support members  432   a ,  432   b  may extend through holes in the enclosure  402  of the electronic device  400 . The haptic button assembly  410  may include one or more sealing members  438   a ,  438   b  for preventing the ingress of contaminants into the electronic device  400 . The sealing members  438   a ,  438   b  may extend around the support members  432   a ,  432   b  and form a seal between the support members and the enclosure  402  when the support members are positioned in the holes. The sealing members  438   a ,  438   b  may be formed of a compliant material that allows the input member  412  to translate relative to the enclosure  402  to provide haptic outputs. 
     The haptic button assemblies  310 ,  410  provide haptic outputs by causing lateral translation of the input members  312 ,  412  in one or more translation directions that are substantially parallel to the input surfaces  313 ,  413 , respectively. Additionally or alternatively, the haptic button assemblies described herein may provide haptic outputs by moving the input member inward and/or outward, or substantially perpendicular to the input surface.  FIG.  5 A  illustrates a partial exploded view of an electronic device  500  that includes a haptic button assembly  510  for providing haptic outputs by moving an input member  512  substantially perpendicularly to an input surface  513 .  FIG.  5 B  is an example cross-section view of the haptic button assembly  510  installed in the electronic device  500 .  FIG.  5 B  may represent a similar view as a cross-section taken through section line A-A of  FIG.  2   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 A , the haptic button assembly  510  includes an input member  512  and a haptic engine  514 . The input member  512  may be positioned in an opening  505  in a sidewall of an enclosure  502 . The input member  512  may include or be coupled to support members  532   a ,  532   b  that extend through holes  503   a ,  503   b  defined in an enclosure  502  of the electronic device  500 . As shown in  FIG.  5 A , the sidewall may define a recessed surface inward of the opening  505 , and the holes  503   a ,  503   b  may extend through the recessed surface. 
     The input member  512  may include or be coupled to a contact member  570  positioned inward of the input surface  513  and/or within the enclosure  502 . The contact member  570  may couple the input member to the enclosure  502 . The support members  532   a ,  532   b  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the contact member  570 , for example by fasteners  572   a ,  572   b . At least a portion of the contact member  570  may extend between the support member  532   a ,  532   b , and the contact member may limit an outward translation of the input member  512  by contacting the enclosure  502  or another component of the electronic device  500 . The haptic button assembly  510  may include one or more input sensors  516   a ,  516   b  for detecting the inputs (e.g., an input I) applied to the input surface  513 . As noted herein, the haptic outputs produced by the haptic engine  514  may be produced in response to detecting inputs on the input surface  513 . 
     The haptic engine  514  may include a conduction loop (e.g., a conductive coil  540 ) and a spring member  550 . Turning to  FIG.  5 B , the spring member  550  may be positioned along a side of the contact member  570 , and may include first and second ends that are fixed with respect to the enclosure  502 . The first and second ends may be fixed with respect to the enclosure  502  by being attached or otherwise coupled to a bracket  560  that is coupled to the enclosure  502 , for example by fasteners  562   a ,  562   b . The conductive coil  540  may be positioned along a side of the spring member  550  opposite the contact member. The conductive coil  540  may be coupled to the bracket  560  and positioned between the first and second ends of the spring member  550 . 
     The spring member  550  may include a mass element  552 , for example in a middle portion of the spring member  550  between the first and second ends. The mass element  552  may be a portion of the spring member  550  itself or a separate component attached to the spring member. The mass element  552  may be or include a permanent magnet (e.g., formed of or including a magnetic material), an electromagnet, or it may be or include a ferromagnetic element (e.g., formed of or including ferromagnetic material) that does not produce a magnetic field absent the influence of another magnetic field. Example magnetic materials include, but are not limited to, magnetized iron, nickel, and/or cobalt alloys (e.g., steel), ferrite, or other suitable materials. Example ferromagnetic materials include, but are not limited to, unmagnetized iron, nickel, and/or cobalt alloys (e.g., steel), ferrite, or other suitable materials. 
     The conductive coil  540  may be capable of attracting a portion of the spring member  550  toward the conductive coil  540  (e.g., away from the input surface, downward with respect to  FIG.  5 B ) in response to an electrical current being applied to the conductive coil, for example by a processing unit of the electronic device  500 . The conductive coil  540  may generate a magnetic field that interacts with the mass element  552  of the spring member  550  to create magnetic attraction that draws the spring member toward the conductive coil. 
     Attracting the spring member  550  toward the conductive coil  540  may load the spring member  550  by moving at least a portion of the spring member  550  towards the conductive coil  540  and away from the contact member  570 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  5 B , the middle portion of the spring member  550  may deflect away from the contact member  570 . Additionally or alternatively, loading the spring member  550  may include compressing or otherwise deforming the spring member  550 . Loading the spring member  550  results in potential energy being stored in the spring member  550 . The conductive coil  540  may maintain the spring member  550  in a loaded configuration once it is loaded. 
     To provide a haptic output using the haptic button assembly  510 , the processing unit of the electronic device  500  may cause the electrical current being applied to the conductive coil  540  to cease or be reduced. When the electrical current being applied to the conductive coil (and therefore the reluctance force) is reduced sufficiently or ceased, the spring member  550  may release from the loaded configuration and at least a portion of the spring member  550  (e.g., the middle portion) may move toward the contact member  570 . Releasing the spring member may cause the potential energy stored by the spring member  550  to be converted to kinetic energy. The spring member  550  may contact the contact member  570  and apply a force to the contact member  570  by transferring at least a portion of the kinetic energy to the contact member  570 . This force may cause an impulse, vibration, or other movement of the contact member  570 , and therefore the input member  512 , to produce a haptic output at the input surface  513 . The force may cause an outward translation of the input member  512  with respect to the enclosure  502  (e.g., upward with respect to  FIG.  5 B ). As noted above the contact member  570  may limit an outward translation of the input member  512 . 
     The input sensors  516   a ,  516   b  may be positioned between the contact member  570  and the bracket  560 , such that the input I on the input surface  513  exerts a compressive force on the input sensors  516   a ,  516   b  that is equal or proportional to a force of the input I applied to the input surface  513 . The input sensors  516   a ,  516   b  may be any suitable type of sensor, including capacitive sensors, contact sensors, strain sensors, optical sensors, electromagnetic sensors, piezoelectric sensors, and the like. 
     The haptic button assembly  510  may include one or more sealing members  538   a ,  538   b  for preventing the ingress of contaminants into the electronic device  500 . The sealing members  538   a ,  538   b  may extend around the support members  532   a ,  532   b  and form a seal between the support members and the enclosure  502  when the support members are positioned in the holes  503   a ,  503   b . The sealing members  538   a ,  538   b  may be formed of a compliant material that allows the input member  512  to move relative to the enclosure  502  to provide haptic outputs. 
     As noted above, the haptic engine of the haptic button assemblies described herein may include a vibration motor, such as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor.  FIG.  6 A  illustrates a partial exploded view of an electronic device  600  that includes a haptic button assembly  610  having an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor.  FIG.  6 B  is an example cross-section view of the haptic button assembly  610  installed in the electronic device  600 .  FIG.  6 B  may represent a similar view as a cross-section taken through section line A-A of  FIG.  2   . 
     The haptic button assembly  610  may include an input member  612  and a haptic engine  614 . The haptic engine  614  may include an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor for providing haptic outputs at an input surface of the input member. The haptic engine  614  may cause the input member  612  to vibrate to provide haptic outputs at the input surface  613 . The haptic engine  614  may be positioned in a recess  615  in the input member  612 . The input member  612  may extend at least partially through an opening  636  in an enclosure  602  of the electronic device  600 . The input member  612  may be retained in the opening  636  by a bracket  660 , for example using fasteners  662   a ,  662   b.    
     The haptic button assembly  610  may include one or more input sensors  616  for detecting the inputs applied to the input surface  613 . The input sensor  616  may detect an input I applied to the input surface  613 . The input sensor  616  may be positioned between the input member  612  and the bracket  660 , such that the input I on the input surface  613  exerts a compressive force on the input sensor  616  that is equal or proportional to a force of the input I applied to the input surface  613 . The input sensor  616  may be any suitable type of sensor, including capacitive sensors, contact sensors, strain sensors, optical sensors, electromagnetic sensors, piezoelectric sensors, and the like. 
     The haptic button assembly  610  may include one or more sealing members  638  for preventing the ingress of contaminants into the electronic device  600 . The sealing member  638  may extend around the input member  612  and form a seal between the input member and the enclosure  602  when the input member is positioned in the opening  636 . The sealing member  638  may be formed of a compliant material that allows the input member  612  to vibrate relative to the enclosure  602  to provide haptic outputs. 
     As noted above, the haptic engine of the haptic button assemblies described herein may include a piezoelectric element for providing haptic outputs.  FIG.  7    is an example cross-section view of a haptic button assembly  710  having a piezoelectric element for providing haptic outputs, installed in an electronic device  700 .  FIG.  7    may represent a similar view as a cross-section taken through section line A-A of  FIG.  2   . The haptic button assembly  710  may include an input member  712  and a haptic engine  314 . The haptic engine  714  may include a piezoelectric element  780  and an actuation member  750 . 
     The actuation member  750  may be coupled to the input member  712  such that when the input member moves with the actuation member and vice versa. The input member  712  may include or be coupled to support members  732   a ,  732   b  that extend through holes defined in an enclosure  702  of the electronic device  700 . The support members  732   a ,  732   b  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the actuation member  750 . The support members  732   a ,  732   b  may extend at least partially through holes defined in the actuation member  750 . 
     The piezoelectric element  780  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the enclosure  702 . The piezoelectric element  780  may be configured to actuate in response to an electrical signal (e.g., a voltage) being applied to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element  780  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the actuation member  750  such that actuation of the piezoelectric element  780  causes the actuation member  750 , and therefore the input member  712  to move, thereby producing a haptic output at the input surface  713 . 
     The piezoelectric element  780  may actuate in a variety of ways to produce haptic outputs at the input surface  713 . The piezoelectric element may define a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the input surface  713  (e.g., left to right with respect to  FIG.  7   ). In response to a voltage applied across the longitudinal axis of the piezoelectric element  780 , the piezoelectric element may deflect in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which may result in movement of the input member  712  that is substantially perpendicular to the input surface  713  (e.g., up and/or down with respect to  FIG.  7    as indicated by arrow M). 
     In other embodiments, the piezoelectric element  780  may elongate and/or contract along the longitudinal axis to provide haptic outputs. In response to a voltage applied along the longitudinal axis of the piezoelectric element  780 , the piezoelectric element may elongate and/or contract along a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, which may result in movement of the input member  712  that is substantially parallel to the input surface  713  (e.g., left and/or right with respect to  FIG.  7   ). 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device  800  that may incorporate a haptic button assembly. The electronic device may in some cases take the form of any of the electronic devices described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , or other portable or wearable electronic devices. The electronic device  800  can include a display  812  (e.g., a light-emitting display), a processing unit  802 , a power source  814 , a memory  804  or storage device, an input device  806  (e.g., a haptic button assembly), and an output device  810 . 
     The processing unit  802  can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device  800 . The processing unit  802  can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of the components of the electronic device  800 . For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism  816  can provide communication between the processing unit  802 , the power source  814 , the memory  804 , the input device(s)  806 , and the output device(s)  810 . 
     The processing unit  802  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit  802  can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processing unit” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. 
     It should be noted that the components of the electronic device  800  can be controlled by multiple processing units. For example, select components of the electronic device  800  (e.g., an input device  806 ) may be controlled by a first processing unit and other components of the electronic device  800  (e.g., the display  812 ) may be controlled by a second processing unit, where the first and second processing units may or may not be in communication with each other. In some cases, the processing unit  802  may determine a biological parameter of a user of the electronic device, such as an ECG for the user. 
     The power source  814  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device  800 . For example, the power source  814  may be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source  814  can be a power connector or power cord that connects the electronic device  800  to another power source, such as a wall outlet. 
     The memory  804  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  800 . For example, the memory  804  can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases. The memory  804  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory  804  can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     In various embodiments, the display  812  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  800 . In one embodiment, the display  812  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. For example, the display  812  may be integrated with a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) and/or a force sensor to provide a touch- and/or force-sensitive display. The display  812  is operably coupled to the processing unit  802  of the electronic device  800 . 
     The display  812  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display  812  is positioned beneath and viewable through a cover that forms at least a portion of an enclosure of the electronic device  800 . 
     In various embodiments, the input devices  806  may include any suitable components for detecting inputs. Examples of input devices  806  include audio sensors (e.g., microphones), optical or visual sensors (e.g., cameras, visible light sensors, or invisible light sensors), proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, mechanical devices (e.g., crowns, switches, buttons, or keys), vibration sensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers or velocity sensors), location sensors (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) devices), thermal sensors, communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), resistive sensors, magnetic sensors, electroactive polymers (EAPs), strain gauges, electrodes, and so on, or some combination thereof. Each input device  806  may be configured to detect one or more particular types of input and provide a signal (e.g., an input signal) corresponding to the detected input. The signal may be provided, for example, to the processing unit  802 . 
     As discussed above, in some cases, the input device(s)  806  include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) integrated with the display  812  to provide a touch-sensitive display. Similarly, in some cases, the input device(s)  806  include a force sensor (e.g., a capacitive force sensor) integrated with the display  812  to provide a force-sensitive display. 
     The output devices  810  may include any suitable components for providing outputs. Examples of output devices  810  include audio output devices (e.g., speakers), visual output devices (e.g., lights or displays), haptic output devices (e.g., haptic output devices), communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), and so on, or some combination thereof. Each output device  810  may be configured to receive one or more signals (e.g., an output signal provided by the processing unit  802 ) and provide an output corresponding to the signal. 
     In some cases, input devices  806  and output devices  810  are implemented together as a single device. For example, an input/output device or port can transmit electronic signals via a communications network, such as a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet connections. 
     The processing unit  802  may be operably coupled to the input devices  806  and the output devices  810 . The processing unit  802  may be adapted to exchange signals with the input devices  806  and the output devices  810 . For example, the processing unit  802  may receive an input signal from an input device  806  that corresponds to an input detected by the input device  806 . The processing unit  802  may interpret the received input signal to determine whether to provide and/or change one or more outputs in response to the input signal. The processing unit  802  may then send an output signal to one or more of the output devices  810 , to provide and/or change outputs as appropriate. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses 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. 
     Although the disclosure above is described in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the some embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but is instead defined by the claims herein presented. 
     One may appreciate that although many embodiments are disclosed above, that the operations and steps presented with respect to methods and techniques described herein are meant as exemplary and accordingly are not exhaustive. One may further appreciate that alternate step order or fewer or additional operations may be required or desired for particular embodiments. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at a minimum one of any of the items, and/or at a minimum one of any combination of the items, and/or at a minimum one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it may be appreciated that an order of elements presented for a conjunctive or disjunctive list provided herein should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to only that order provided. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that personal information data, including biometric data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the use of biometric authentication data can be used for convenient access to device features without the use of passwords. In other examples, user biometric data is collected for providing users with feedback about their health or fitness levels. Further, other uses for personal information data, including biometric data, that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure further contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure, including the use of data encryption and security methods that meets or exceeds industry or government standards. For example, personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection should occur only after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities would take any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data, including biometric data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of biometric authentication methods, the present technology can be configured to allow users to optionally bypass biometric authentication steps by providing secure information such as passwords, personal identification numbers (PINS), touch gestures, or other authentication methods, alone or in combination, known to those of skill in the art. In another example, users can select to remove, disable, or restrict access to certain health-related applications collecting users&#39; personal health or fitness data.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210527
Publication Date: 20230912
Grant Date: 20230912
Priority Date: 20200617
Inventors: OSTDIEK, JARED P.
HARRIS, JESSE P.
KOCH, RICHARD H.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G04G21/08", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08B6/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08B6/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/96", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K7/075", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02K11/25", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08B6/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 76094603