PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11889249-B2
Application Number: US-202117445931-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Internal venting mechanisms for audio system with non-porous membrane

Abstract:
An electronic device can include a housing, an audio component, and a gasket. The housing can define a first internal volume and the audio component can define a second internal volume. The audio component can include membrane and a venting element having a fluid impermeable layer. The venting element can define a fluid path placing the first internal volume and the second internal volume in fluid communication. At least a portion of the fluid path can extend parallel to the fluid impermeable layer. The gasket can define a seal between the first internal volume and an ambient environment adjacent the housing.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing at least partially defining a first internal volume; and 
 an audio component defining a second internal volume, the audio component comprising:
 a membrane; and 
 a venting element defining a fluid path, the fluid path extends from the first internal volume to the second internal volume, the venting element comprising:
 a first layer at least partially defining a first channel; 
 a second layer at least partially defining a second channel; and 
 a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first channel extends from a central portion of the venting element; and 
 the second channel extends from a periphery of the venting element. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 a length of the first channel is greater than half of a distance between the central portion and the periphery; and 
 a length of the second channel is greater than half of the distance. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid permeable intermediate layer comprises a region disposed between the first and second channels, the region placing the first and second channels in fluid communication. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the audio component comprises a microphone. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 a width of the first channel narrows as the first channel extends from the central portion; and 
 a width of the second channel narrows as the second channel extends from the periphery. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid permeable intermediate layer further comprises a porous metal. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising an enclosure disposed within the housing and at least partially surrounding the audio component, the enclosure defining a third internal volume, the fluid path placing the first internal volume, the second internal volume, and the third internal volume in fluid communication. 
     
     
       9. An audio component, comprising:
 a case at least partially defining an internal volume; 
 a membrane at least partially defining the internal volume; and 
 a venting element in fluid communication with the internal volume, the venting element defining a fluid path extending from the internal volume to an environment external to the case, the venting element comprising:
 a first fluid impermeable layer; 
 a second fluid impermeable layer; and 
 a porous layer disposed between the first fluid impermeable layer and the second fluid impermeable layer, the porous layer defining at least a portion of the fluid path. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The audio component of  claim 9 , wherein the fluid path extends from a central portion of the venting element to a periphery of the venting element. 
     
     
       11. The audio component of  claim 9 , wherein the venting element comprises:
 a first layer at least partially defining a first channel; 
 a second layer at least partially defining a second channel; and 
 a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. 
 
     
     
       12. The audio component of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the first channel and the second channel extend parallel to the fluid permeable intermediate layer; 
 a width of the first channel varies along a length of the first channel; 
 a width of the second channel varies along a length of the second channel; and 
 a region of the fluid permeable intermediate layer is disposed between the first channel and the second channel. 
 
     
     
       13. The audio component of  claim 9 , wherein the porous layer comprises a metal foam. 
     
     
       14. The audio component of  claim 9 , wherein the venting element further comprises
 a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer, at least a portion of the fluid path being defined by the fluid impermeable layer and the coiled member. 
 
     
     
       15. The audio component of  claim 9 , wherein the venting element further comprises:
 a fluid impermeable layer; and 
 a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer, the coiled member defining a conduit, and at least a portion of the fluid path being formed by the conduit. 
 
     
     
       16. The audio component of  claim 9 , wherein the audio component comprises at least one of a speaker or a microphone. 
     
     
       17. A venting element for a portable electronic device, comprising:
 a first fluid impermeable layer defining a first surface of the venting element; 
 a second fluid impermeable layer defining a second surface of the venting element; and 
 a coiled member disposed between the first fluid impermeable layer and the second fluid impermeable layer, the coiled member defining a conduit defining a fluid path extending to an external environment. 
 
     
     
       18. The venting element of  claim 17 , wherein the conduit extends from a central portion of the venting element toward a periphery of the venting element. 
     
     
       19. The venting element of  claim 17 , wherein the fluid impermeable layer comprises a polymer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/179,934, filed 26 Apr. 2021, and entitled “INTERNAL VENTING MECHANISMS FOR AUDIO SYSTEM WITH NON-POROUS MEMBRANE,” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/083,045, filed 24 Sep. 2020, and entitled “INTERNAL VENTING MECHANISMS FOR AUDIO SYSTEM WITH NON-POROUS MEMBRANE,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described examples relate generally to electronic devices. More particularly, the present examples relate to venting electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in electronics have driven electronic devices to encompass smaller form factors while providing increased battery life, performance, and durability. These attributes have contributed to electronic devices, such as smartwatches, which are portable and used in a variety of activities, such as, swimming, travel, exercise, scuba-diving, mountain climbing, backpacking, snorkeling, camping, fishing, biking, and other activities. Indeed, portable electronic devices provide instantaneous resources related to indoor and outdoor activities, such as, monitoring or measuring heartrate, location information, atmospheric pressure, and the like. While portable electronic devices are desirable in a broad range of activities, attributes of the environment in which the portable electronic device is used like temperature, humidity, and pressure can significantly impact the performance and functionality of electronic components within the portable electronic device. Thus, improvements and advances to portable electronic devices can be desirable to withstand environmental attributes without inhibiting the functionality of the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic device can include a housing at least partially defining a first internal volume, and an audio component defining a second internal volume. The audio component can include a membrane and a venting element. The venting element can define a fluid path extending from the first internal volume to the second internal volume and place the first internal volume in fluid communication with the second internal volume. 
     In some examples, the audio component includes a microphone. The electronic device can be a smartwatch or a smartphone in some examples. The venting element can include a fluid impermeable layer and at least a portion of the fluid path can extend parallel to the fluid impermeable layer. The fluid impermeable layer can define a channel extending from a central portion of the venting element to a periphery of the venting element. The channel can form at least a portion of the fluid path. The venting element can include a porous material disposed adjacent the fluid impermeable layer. The porous material can define the fluid path. The porous material can include metal. The venting element can include a coil coupled to the fluid impermeable layer in some examples. The coil can at least partially define the fluid path. 
     In some examples, the venting element can include a first layer at least partially defining a first channel extending into the first layer from a central portion of the venting element. The venting element can include a second layer at least partially defining a second channel extending into the second layer from a periphery of the venting element. The venting element can include a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid permeable intermediate layer can place the first and second channels in fluid communication. 
     According to some examples, an audio component can include a case at least partially defining an internal volume, a membrane at least partially defining the internal volume, and a venting element in fluid communication with the internal volume. The venting element can define a fluid path extending the internal volume an ambient environment external to the case. 
     In some examples, the fluid path can extend from a central portion of the venting element to a periphery of the venting element. In some examples, the venting element can include a first layer at least partially defining a first channel extending into the first layer from a central portion of the venting element. The venting element can include a second layer at least partially defining a second channel extending into the second layer from a periphery of the venting element. The venting element can include a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid permeable intermediate layer can place the first and second channels in fluid communication. The first and second channels can extend parallel to the fluid permeable intermediate layer. A width of the first channel can vary along a length of the first channel. A width of the second channel can vary along a length of the second channel. A region of the fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the first and second channels can place the first and second channels in fluid communication. 
     The venting element can include a series of protrusions disposed along a length of the fluid path. In some examples, the venting element can include a first fluid impermeable layer, a second fluid impermeable layer, and a porous layer disposed between the first fluid impermeable layer and the second fluid impermeable layer. The porous layer can define the fluid path. The porous layer can include a metal foam. In some examples, the venting element can include a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer. At least a portion of the fluid path can be formed by the fluid impermeable layer and the coiled member. In some examples, the venting element can include a coiled member coupled to the fluid impermeable layer. The coiled member can define a conduit extending through the coiled member and at least a portion of the fluid path can be formed by the conduit. The audio component can be a speaker or a microphone. 
     According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a venting element for a portable electronic device can include a fluid impermeable layer defining a surface of the venting element. The venting element can include a fluid permeable layer disposed adjacent the fluid impermeable layer. The fluid permeable layer can define a fluid path extending from a central portion of the venting element to a periphery of the venting element. 
     In some examples, the fluid permeable layer can define a channel extending from a central portion of the venting element toward a periphery of the venting element. The channel can form at least a portion of the fluid path. The fluid permeable layer can include a foam in some examples. The fluid permeable layer can include a coiled tubular member in some examples. 
    
    
     
       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 A  shows a perspective view of a portable electronic device. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a perspective view of a housing of the portable electronic device of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 C  shows a top cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  1 D  shows a block diagram of a portable electronic device. 
         FIG.  2    shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly. 
         FIG.  3 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a top perspective view of a venting element. 
         FIG.  3 C  shows a top perspective view of a venting element. 
         FIG.  4 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly. 
         FIG.  4 B  shows a top perspective view of a venting element. 
         FIG.  4 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of the venting element of  FIG.  4 B . 
         FIG.  5 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly. 
         FIG.  5 B  shows a top perspective view of a venting element. 
         FIG.  5 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of the venting element of  FIG.  5 B . 
         FIG.  6 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly. 
         FIG.  6 B  shows a top perspective view of a venting element. 
         FIG.  6 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of the venting element of  FIG.  6 B . 
         FIG.  7 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of an audio component assembly. 
         FIG.  7 B  shows an exploded view of a venting element. 
         FIG.  7 C  shows a top perspective view of the venting element of  FIG.  7 B . 
         FIG.  7 D  shows a top view of an example of a venting element. 
         FIG.  7 E  shows a top view of another example of a venting element. 
         FIG.  7 F  shows a cross-sectional side view of the venting element of  FIG.  7 B . 
         FIG.  8    shows a cross-sectional side view of a portable electronic device. 
         FIG.  9    shows a cross-sectional side view of a portable electronic device. 
         FIG.  10    shows a cross-sectional side view of a portable electronic device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present description provides examples, and is not limiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Thus, it will be understood that changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussed, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and various examples can omit, substitute, or add other procedures or components, as appropriate. Also, features described with respect to some examples can be combined in other examples. 
     Portable electronic devices can utilize electronic components having one or more membranes, such as, audio components like speakers or microphones, barometric vents, etc. For example, a microphone can include a membrane which moves relative to acoustic waves exerted on the membrane. Electronic and/or electrical components within the microphone can convert the movement of the membrane into electrical signals which can be communicated to other components of the portable electronic device. The membrane and microphone housing can define a volume which experiences a variance in relative pressure (e.g., a pressure within the volume relative to a pressure of an ambient environment outside of the volume). For example, temperature and/or atmospheric pressure resultant of submersion within a liquid can vary the relative pressure within the volume. Fluctuations in relative pressure can degrade operation of the membrane or otherwise cause the microphone to perform poorly. Accordingly, venting the volume defined by the membrane and microphone housing can be beneficial to regulate the relative pressure within the volume. One option for venting the membrane utilizes a porous membrane which can vent fluid through the membrane itself. However, porous membranes can expose the portable electronic device to ingress of contaminants, such as, dust, sand, debris, fluid, corrosive materials, and other types of organic and inorganic materials. 
     The present disclosure relates to venting elements having features which define a fluid path placing a first internal volume of the portable electronic device in fluid communication with a second internal volume of the portable electronic device. For example, a portable electronic device can include a housing which defines a first internal volume and the portable electronic device can include an audio component, such as, a microphone assembly, speaker assembly, or other audio component which forms a second internal volume. The audio component can include a venting element at least partially disposed within the second internal volume. The venting element can include one or more fluid impermeable layers. The venting element can define a fluid path having portions which extend parallel to the one or more fluid impermeable layers and placing the first internal volume and the second internal volume in fluid communication. Thus, the venting element can provide a vent or fluid path between the audio component and the housing to regulate a relative pressure within the first volume. In some examples the first internal volume can be in fluid communication with the ambient environment outside of the housing by a barometric vent disposed within a sidewall of the housing. 
     Portable electronic devices are trending toward smaller form factors or are otherwise trending toward electronic components which take up less space within the housing of the portable electronic device. This trend can cause multiple electronic components to be packaged tightly within the housing, disposed within a common internal volume. However, packaging components within a relatively small and confined space can present challenges, for example, the operation of one electronic component can diminish or degrade the efficient operation of another electronic component. A microphone, for example, can be disposed within a housing and can be required to vent through the same portion of the housing that forms the back-volume for a speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the microphone to vent relative pressure can also enable acoustic waves from the speaker to travel to the microphone (e.g., through the fluid path) and thereby decrease or diminish the functionality of the microphone. 
     Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to venting elements which define fluid paths while also attenuating or reducing acoustic waves having wavelengths between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. In other words, the fluid path defined by the venting element can act as a low-pass filter which permits airflow through the fluid path while also attenuating acoustic waves above 20 Hz. For example, layers of a venting element can define one or more channels which form at least part of a fluid path. The one or more channels can extend from a central portion of the venting element toward a periphery of the venting element. In some examples, two channels can be placed in fluid communication by a fluid permeable intermediate layer disposed between the two channels. In some examples, the fluid permeable intermediate layer can enable fluid flow between the two channels but prevent or inhibit acoustic waves from entering the second internal volume (e.g., the volume defined by the audio component). 
     As another example, a venting element can include a porous layer disposed between first and second fluid impermeable layers. The porous layer can include a metal foam. As another example, a venting element can include a coiled member coupled to a fluid impermeable layer and a fluid path can be defined between the coiled member and the fluid impermeable layer. In some examples, the coiled member can form a hollow passage or conduit (e.g., a hollow coiled tube) and at least a portion of the fluid path can be defined by the passage conduit. 
     While membrane supports and venting elements are described herein as distinct and individual components of the audio component assembly in some examples, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the venting element can act as a membrane support in some examples (see  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C ) and can therefore define a fluid path which places two or more volumes in fluid communication. Any of the following examples depicted in  FIGS.  1 A- 7 F  can be implemented with a venting element that functions as a membrane support or can be otherwise implemented with a membrane support and a distinct venting element. Thus, any functionality or features described herein relating to venting elements can be equally applicable to membrane supports and vice versa. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, an enclosure or cap can be positioned over at least a portion of the audio component to prevent or inhibit ancillary acoustic waves from negatively impacting the performance of the audio component. For example, while a microphone and a speaker are each in fluid communication with a common volume (e.g., a volume formed by the housing of a portable electronic device), acoustic waves generated by the speaker can propagate into a volume of the microphone and degrade or otherwise interfere with the performance of the microphone. The enclosure or cap can enable fluid communication between the microphone and the volume while simultaneously preventing or inhibiting the acoustic waves generated by the speaker from degrading performance of the audio component. 
     In examples, the enclosure or cap can be fluid impermeable except at a vent. The vent can enable fluid communication between the microphone and the volume such that a pressure differential between the microphone and an ambient environment can be equalized. The enclosure or cap can be directly coupled to the audio component, the housing of the portable electronic device, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the enclosure or cap can be formed from a material that enables fluid communication but otherwise at least partially attenuates acoustic waves. For example, the enclosure or cap can include a porous material, such as, a metallic or elastomeric open-cell foam. These and other examples are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  8 - 10   . 
     The detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature comprising at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option). 
       FIG.  1 A  shows an example of a portable electronic device  100 . The portable electronic device  100  shown in  FIG.  1 A  is a watch, such as a smartwatch. The smartwatch of  FIG.  1 A  is merely one representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. The portable electronic device  100  can correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, a portable media player, a media storage device, a portable digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a computer, a mobile communication device, a GPS unit, a remote control device, or other electronic device. The portable electronic device  100  can also be referred to as an electronic device, or a consumer device. In some examples, the portable electronic device  100  can include a housing  102  that can carry operational components, for example, in an internal volume at least partially defined by the housing  102 . The electronic device  100  can also include a strap  104 , or other retaining component that can secured the device  100  to a body of a user, as desired. Further details of the portable electronic device  100  are provided below with reference to  FIG.  1 B . 
       FIG.  1 B  shows the housing  102  depicted in  FIG.  1 A . The housing  102  can be a substantially continuous or unitary component, and can define one or more openings  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  to receive components of the portable electronic device  100  and/or to provide access to an internal portion of the electronic device  100 . For example, one or more of the openings  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  can provide fluid communication between an ambient environment outside of the housing  102  and one or more internal volumes within the housing  102  and/or electronic components disposed within the housing  102 . The electronic components can be disposed within the internal volume defined at least partially by the housing  102 , and can be affixed to the housing  102  via adhesives, internal surfaces, attachment features, threaded connectors, studs, posts, or other features, that are formed into, defined by, or otherwise part of the housing  102  and/or a cover and/or back cover of the portable electronic device  100 . 
       FIG.  1 C  shows a top cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device  100  depicted in  FIG.  1 A . In some examples, the device  100  can include input components such as one or more buttons  114  and/or a crown  116  that can be disposed in the openings  110 ,  112 . An audio component assembly  118  can be disposed in the internal volume in communication with the external or ambient environment through the opening  108 . In some examples, the audio component assembly  118  can include a microphone or speaker. Other electronic components can be disposed within the internal volume of the housing  102 , for example, a haptic feedback module  120 , a battery  122 , and a speaker  124 . While this disclosure only references a few specific electronic components of the portable electronic device  100 , it will be appreciated that the portable electronic device can include any number or variety of electronic components can be included in the portable electronic device  100 . For example, the portable electronic device  100  can include a display, a main logic board having a system in package (SiP), one or more antennas, wireless communication circuits, a camera, a second logic board, one or more sensors, and/or any other electronic component. 
     One or more of the electronic components disposed within the portable electronic device  100  can include a membrane (see  FIGS.  2 - 6 C ) which requires venting to regulate relative pressure within a volume and thereby avoid damaging the membrane (e.g., inelastic deformation caused by the relative pressure on the membrane) and/or enabling satisfactory operation of the electronic component. For example, the audio component assembly  118  can include a membrane which at least partially defines a volume within the audio component assembly  118 . This volume can require venting to regulate relative pressure within the volume and prevent damage to the membrane and enable efficient functionality of the audio component assembly  118 . In some examples, a venting element, such as, a membrane support or other component can define a fluid path between the volume of the audio component assembly  118  and the internal volume of the housing  102  (as illustrated by arrows  126  in  FIG.  1 C ). Thus, in some examples, the audio component assembly  118  can include a venting element which defines a fluid path (illustrated by arrows  126 ) to the internal volume of the housing  102  and the various components disposed within the internal volume of the housing  102 . 
       FIG.  1 D  shows a block diagram of the portable electronic device  100  disposed in an ambient environment  128 . The block diagram of the portable electronic device  100  includes the housing  102 , the audio component assembly  118  having a membrane  130  and a venting element  132 , and a housing vent  134 . The membrane  130  can be non-porous or fluid impermeable and can include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane  130  can have a thickness of about 10 microns, between about 3 microns and about 7 microns, between about 7 microns and about 12 microns, or less than about 30 microns. The membrane  130  and the audio component assembly  118  can define or otherwise form an audio component volume  136 . 
     The audio component volume  136  can experience a variance in relative pressure (e.g., a pressure within the audio component volume  136  relative to a pressure of an ambient environment  128  outside of the audio component volume  136 ). For example, a variance in temperature and/or atmospheric pressure can vary the relative pressure within the audio component volume  136 . Fluctuations in relative pressure can degrade the membrane  130  or otherwise cause the audio component assembly  118  to perform poorly. In some examples, the audio component assembly  118  can include a membrane support (not shown). While the membrane support can be disposed adjacent the membrane  130  to limit inelastic deformation of the membrane  130 , the membrane support cannot entirely prevent degradation and damage to the membrane  130 . Accordingly, venting the audio component volume  136  can be beneficial to regulate the relative pressure within the audio component volume  136  and thereby prevent damage to the membrane  130 . In some examples, the venting element  132  can provide a fluid path (illustrated by arrow  126 ) which places the audio component volume  136  in fluid communication with a volume defined by the housing (e.g., housing volume  138 ). The housing volume  138  can be in fluid communication with the housing vent  134  to provide pressure regulation between the housing volume  138  and the ambient environment  128 . In other words, an absolute pressure within the housing volume  138  can be equalized or substantially equalized to an absolute pressure of the ambient environment  128 . Due to the venting element  132  providing fluid communication between the audio component volume  136  and the housing volume  138 , an absolute pressure within the audio component volume  136  can also be equalized or substantially equalized to the absolute pressure of the ambient environment  128  through the fluid path (illustrated as arrow  126 ) which places the audio component volume  136  in fluid communication with the ambient environment  128  (i.e., through the housing volume  138  and the housing vent  134 ). 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in the portable electronic device. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a portable electronic device having a housing with structures described herein, and defining an internal volume, as well as the concepts regarding membranes and fluid paths, can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. An example of an audio component assembly of a portable electronic device including components having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to  FIG.  2   . 
       FIG.  2    shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly  200 . The audio component assembly  200  can include a case  202 , a grill  204 , a membrane  206 , a venting element  208 , a gasket or seal  210 , and electronic components  212 . The case  202  can include any desired material, such as polymeric materials or plastics. The case  202  can retain the other components of the audio component assembly  200  which can be affixed thereto. In some examples, the seal  210  can be affixed, bonded, or otherwise secured to the case  202 . The seal  210  can include a compliant material, such as a polymeric material like rubber or plastic. In some examples, the seal  210  can include silicone rubber. In some examples, the seal  210  can be overmolded onto the case  202  and can directly contact the case  202  and a housing of the portable electronic device (not shown) to provide a seal or barrier between the ambient environment (e.g., ambient environment  128 ) and the internal volume of the device (e.g., housing volume  138 ). 
     The grill  204  can be secured to the case  202  and can act as a physical barrier to prevent objects, such as dust or rocks, from damaging the audio component assembly  200 . The grill  204  can be permeable to air or liquid, and acoustic signals can pass therethrough to the membrane  206 . The membrane  206  can move relative to acoustic waves exerted on the membrane  206 . The electrical components  212  within the audio component assembly  200  can convert the movement of the membrane  206  into electrical signals which can be communicated to other components of a portable electronic device (e.g., portable electronic device  100 ). For example, the electrical components  212  can include one or more magnets, coils, wires, plates, capacitors, batteries, resistors, transistors, inductors, a combination thereof, or any other electrical component which can be utilized to manufacture an audio component. 
     In some examples, the venting element  208  can include one or more fluid impermeable layers. In some examples, the fluid impermeable layer or layers can define a surface of the venting element. The membrane  206  and other elements of the audio component assembly  200  can define an audio component volume  214 . In some examples, where the audio component assembly  200  is included in the internal volume of an electronic device, the audio component volume  214  can be referred to as the second internal volume. For example, the membrane  206  and one or more of the case  202 , the seal  210 , and the electrical components  212  can form or define the audio component volume  214 . The venting element  208  can define a fluid path  216  which extends substantially parallel to the one or more fluid impermeable layers, and or one or more surfaces defined by the fluid impermeable layers, and places the audio component volume  214  in fluid communication with an internal volume of the device  238  (e.g., the housing volume  138  shown in  FIG.  1 D ). In some examples, the venting element  208  can be disposed adjacent the membrane  206  and can function as a membrane support element. That is, the venting element  208  can provide a backstop or a stiffener than interfaces with the membrane  206  when the membrane  206  is deformed into the venting element  208 . Additionally, or alternatively, the audio component assembly  200  can include a distinct and separate membrane support element disposed adjacent the venting element  208  (see  FIGS.  4 A- 6 C ). 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in the portable electronic device. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a portable electronic device having a housing with structures described herein, and defining an internal volume, as well as the concepts regarding membranes and fluid paths, can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. Examples of audio component assemblies of a portable electronic device including components having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . 
       FIG.  3 A  shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly  300  disposed within a housing  301  of a portable electronic device. The audio component assembly  300  can include a case  302 , a grill  304 , a membrane  306 , a venting element  308 , a gasket or seal  310 , and electrical components  312 . The case  302  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other cases described herein, for example, the case  202 . The grill  304  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other grills described herein, for example, the grill  204 . The membrane  306  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membranes described herein, for example, the membrane  206 . The seal  310  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other seals described herein, for example, the seal  210 . The electrical components  312  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other electrical components described herein, for example, the electrical components  212 . 
     In some examples, the venting element  308  can include a fluid impermeable layer  314  and one or more apertures  316  extending through the venting element  308 . In some examples, the fluid impermeable layer  314  can define a surface of the venting element  308 . The fluid impermeable layer  314  can include a heat-activated film (HAF), a pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a combination thereof, or any another polymer-based material. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the venting element  308  can be planar and form a circular profile. While the venting element  308  depicted in  FIG.  3 B  has a circular profile, the venting element  308  can have a profile resembling any geometric shape, such as, circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The one or more apertures  316  can enable fluid communication between the membrane  306  and the electrical components  312 . For example, movement of the membrane  306  can cause air to travel through an internal volume  318  formed within the audio component assembly  300 . In the present example, the venting element  308  can function as a membrane support, as described herein. 
     The venting element  308  can function as a venting element which defines or forms a fluid path (depicted as arrow  317  in  FIG.  3 A ) that extends parallel or substantially parallel to the fluid impermeable layer  314 . The fluid path can place the internal volume  318  of the audio component assembly  300  in fluid communication with a volume outside of the audio component assembly  300 . For example, the fluid impermeable layer  314  can form or define a channel  320  which acts as the fluid path for placing the internal volume  318  in fluid communication with another volume outside of the audio component assembly  300 . The channel  320  can spiral from a central portion  322  of the venting element  308  to a periphery  324  of the venting element  308 . While the channel  320  is depicted as a spiral in  FIG.  3 B , those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the fluid path can be defined by one or more channels having any one of a multitude of shapes, lengths, and positions about the fluid impermeable layer  314 . In some examples, the venting element  308  can include one or more linear and/or curved channels each extending radially from the central portion  322  of the venting element  308  to the periphery  324  of the venting element  308 . 
     In some examples, the channel  320  can enable air to flow through the channel  320  to regulate a relative pressure within the internal volume  318  of the audio component assembly  300 . Additionally, or alternatively, the channel  320  can attenuate acoustic waves traveling within the channel  320  to reduce or prevent a loss in the functionality of the audio component assembly  300 . For example, the audio component assembly  300  can be disposed within a housing  301  of a portable electronic device and required to vent through the same portion of the housing  301  that forms the back-volume for a speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the channel  320  to vent relative pressure can also enable acoustic waves from the speaker to travel to the audio component assembly  300  (e.g., through the fluid path) and thereby decrease or diminish the functionality of the audio component assembly  300 . Thus, the channel  320  can be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate acoustic waves travelling through the channel  320 . For example, attributes of the channel  320  can be varied such that the channel  320  acts as a low pass filter which attenuates or reduces acoustic waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz. 
     Attributes of the channel  320  can include a width, a length, a depth, a cross-sectional geometry, or a combination thereof. Any of the width, the depth, and/or the cross-sectional geometry of the channel  320  can vary along the length of the channel  320 , for example, the width of the channel  320  can be narrower near the periphery  324  of the venting element  308  and broader near the central portion  322  of the venting element  308 . Similarly, the depth of the channel can be shallower near the periphery  324  of the venting element  308  and deeper near the central portion  322  of the venting element  308 . The cross-sectional shape (e.g., a shape of the channel  320  taken through the channel&#39;s length) can be rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, ellipsoidal, triangular, or any other geometric shape. Moreover, in some examples, the cross-sectional shape of the channel  320  can vary along the length of the channel  320 . 
     In some examples, the venting element  308  can include one or more protrusions positioned along a length of the channel  320 . As shown in  FIG.  3 C , the venting element  308  can include multiple protrusions  326  disposed on a floor or base  328  of the channel  320 . The protrusions  326  can be disposed within the channel  320  to attenuate or further attenuate acoustic waves traveling through the channel  320 . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the protrusions  326  can be disposed on a sidewall  330  of the channel  320  to attenuate or further attenuate acoustic waves traveling through the channel  320 . Each of the protrusions  326  can extend from the base  328  and/or sidewall  330  of the channel  320 . The protrusions  326  can be deposited, printed, machined, adhered, affixed, etched, molded, or otherwise disposed on the base  328  and/or the sidewall  330  of the channel  320 . 
     While the channel  320  is described as being formed on the fluid impermeable layer  314  of the venting element  308 , in other examples, the channel  320  can also or alternatively be formed on a fluid impermeable layer of a separate and distinct venting element disposed adjacent the venting element  308 . 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in the portable electronic device. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a portable electronic device having a housing with structures described herein, and defining an internal volume, as well as the concepts regarding membranes and fluid paths, can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. Examples of audio component assemblies of a portable electronic device including a venting element are described below, with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 7 F . 
       FIG.  4 A  shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly  400  disposed within a housing  401  of a portable electronic device. The audio component assembly  400  can include a case  402 , a grill  404 , a membrane  406 , a membrane support  408 , a gasket or seal  410 , electrical components  412 , and a venting element  414 . The case  402  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other cases described herein, for example, the case  202 ,  302 . The grill  404  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other grills described herein, for example, the grill  204 ,  304 . The membrane  406  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membranes described herein, for example, the membrane  206 ,  306 . The membrane support  408  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membrane supports described herein, for example, the grill  208 ,  308 . Alternatively, the membrane support  408  can be devoid of any channels (e.g., channel  320 ) and simply provide support to the membrane as a stiffener (e.g., limiting inelastic deformation of the membrane  406 ). The seal  410  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other seals described herein, for example, the seal  210 ,  310 . The electrical components  412  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other electrical components described herein, for example, the electrical components  212 ,  312 . 
     In some examples, the venting element  414  can be disposed adjacent the membrane support  408  and define a fluid path (depicted as arrow  417  in  FIG.  4 A ) which places an internal volume  416  of the audio component assembly  400  in fluid communication with a volume outside of the audio component assembly  400 . As shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C , the venting element  414  can include a first fluid impermeable layer  418 A, a second fluid impermeable layer  418 B, and a porous material  420  disposed between the first and second fluid impermeable layers  418 A,  418 B. In some examples, the fluid impermeable layers  418 A,  418 B can define surfaces of the venting element  414 . The porous material  420  can include metals, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, or combinations thereof. For example, the porous material  420  can be made of a metal foam. The porous material  420  can be adhered or otherwise affixed to the first and second fluid impermeable layers  418 A,  418 B, for example, with adhesive, molding, welding, printing, or any other mechanism for affixing the first and second fluid impermeable layers  418 A,  418 B to the porous material  420 . The fluid path can extend from a central aperture  422  of the venting element  414  to a periphery  424  of the venting element  414 . One or more of the fluid impermeable layers  418 A,  418 B can include a heat-activated film (HAF), a pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a combination thereof, or any another polymer-based material. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the porous material  420  can attenuate acoustic waves traveling within the venting element  414  to reduce or prevent a loss in the functionality of the audio component assembly  400 . For example, the audio component assembly  400  can be disposed within a housing  401  of a portable electronic device and required to vent through the same portion of the housing  401  that forms the back-volume for a speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the venting element  414  to vent relative pressure can also enable acoustic waves from the speaker to travel to the audio component assembly  400  (e.g., through the fluid path) and thereby decrease or diminish the functionality of the audio component assembly  400 . Thus, the venting element  414  can be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate acoustic waves travelling through the venting element  414 . For example, attributes of the venting element  414  can be varied such that the venting element  414  acts as a low pass filter which attenuates or reduces acoustic waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz. 
     Attributes of the venting element  414  can include a porosity of the porous material  420 , a thickness of the porous material  420 , a diameter of the central aperture  422 , or a combination thereof. For example, relatively more fluid flow can be achieved through the venting element  414  when the porous material  420  has a relatively larger thickness and/or includes a material having a relatively high porosity. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4 B , the venting element can be planar and form a circular profile. While the venting element depicted in  FIG.  4 B  has a circular profile, the venting element  414  can have a profile resembling any geometric shape, such as, circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The central aperture  422  can enable fluid communication between the membrane  406  and the electrical components  412 . For example, movement of the membrane  406  can cause air to travel through the internal volume  416  formed within the audio component assembly  400 . 
     While the fluid path is described as being formed within the venting element  414 , in other examples, the fluid path can also or alternatively be formed within the membrane support  408 . For example, the membrane support  408  can include a porous material disposed between first and second fluid impermeable layers. 
       FIG.  5 A  shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly  500  disposed within a housing  501  of a portable electronic device. The audio component assembly  500  can include a case  502 , a grill  504 , a membrane  506 , a membrane support  508 , a gasket or seal  510 , electrical components  512 , and a venting element  514 . The case  502  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other cases described herein, for example, the case  202 ,  302 ,  402 . The grill  504  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other grills described herein, for example, the grill  204 ,  304 ,  404 . The membrane  506  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membranes described herein, for example, the membrane  206 ,  306 ,  406 . The membrane support  508  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membrane supports described herein, for example, the grill  208 ,  308 . Alternatively, the membrane support  508  can be devoid of any channels (e.g., channel  320 ) and simply provide support to the membrane as a stiffener (e.g., limiting inelastic deformation of the membrane  506 ). The seal  510  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other seals described herein, for example, the seal  210 ,  310 ,  410 . The electrical components  512  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other electrical components described herein, for example, the electrical components  212 ,  312 ,  412 . 
     In some examples, the venting element  514  can be disposed adjacent the membrane support  508  and define a fluid path which places an internal volume  516  of the audio component assembly  500  in fluid communication with a volume outside of the audio component assembly  500 . As shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , the venting element  514  can include a first fluid impermeable layer  518 A, a second fluid impermeable layer  518 B, and a coil  520  disposed between the first and second fluid impermeable layers  518 A,  518 B. In some examples, the fluid impermeable layers  518 A,  518 B can define surfaces of the venting element  514 . The coil  520  can include metals, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, or combinations thereof. For example, the coil  520  can be a coiled copper wire having a diameter of about 50 microns, less than 10 microns, between about 10 microns and about 20 microns, between about 20 microns and about 40 microns, between about 40 microns and about 60 microns, or less than about 200 microns. 
     The coil  520  can be adhered or otherwise affixed to the first and second fluid impermeable layers  518 A,  518 B using adhesive, welding, fasteners, molding, or a combination thereof. The coil  520  and the first and second fluid impermeable layers  518 A,  518 B can form gaps  526  within the venting element  514  which can define one or more fluid paths (depicted as arrow  517  in  FIG.  5 A ) through venting element  514 . The fluid path defined by the venting element  514  can extend from a central aperture  522  of the venting element  514  to a periphery  524  of the venting element  514 . One or more of the fluid impermeable layers  518 A,  518 B can include a heat-activated film (HAF), a pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a combination thereof, or any another polymer-based material. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the venting element  514  can attenuate acoustic waves to reduce or prevent a loss in the functionality of the audio component assembly  500 . For example, the audio component assembly  500  can be disposed within a housing  501  of a portable electronic device and required to vent through the same portion of the housing  501  that forms the back-volume for a speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the venting element  514  to vent relative pressure can also enable acoustic waves from the speaker to travel to the audio component assembly  500  (e.g., through the fluid path) and thereby decrease or diminish the functionality of the audio component assembly  500 . Thus, the venting element  514  can be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate acoustic waves travelling through the venting element  514 . For example, attributes of the venting element  514  can be varied such that the venting element  514  acts as a low pass filter which attenuates or reduces acoustic waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz. 
     Attributes of the venting element  514  can include a diameter of the coil  520 , a cross-sectional shape of the coil  520 , a size or volume of the gaps  526 , a diameter of the central aperture  522 , a number of turns that forms the coil  520 , or a combination thereof. For example, relatively more fluid flow can be achieved through the venting element  514  when the gaps  526  formed between the coil  520  and the first and second fluid impermeable layers  518 A,  518 B define a relatively large volume. Accordingly, the diameter of the coil  520 , the cross-sectional shape of the coil  520 , or a combination thereof can be manipulated to allow greater fluid flow through the gaps  526  within the venting element  514 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 B , the venting element  514  can be planar and form a circular profile. While the venting element depicted in  FIG.  5 B  has a circular profile, the venting element  514  can have a profile resembling any geometric shape, such as, circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The central aperture  522  can enable fluid communication between the membrane  506  and the electrical components  512 . For example, movement of the membrane  506  can cause air to travel through the internal volume  516  formed within the audio component assembly  500 . 
     While the fluid path is described as being formed within the venting element  514 , in other examples, the fluid path can also or alternatively be formed within the membrane support  508 . For example, the membrane support  508  can include a coil disposed between first and second fluid impermeable layers. 
       FIG.  6 A  shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly  600 . The audio component assembly  600  can include a case  602 , a grill  604 , a membrane  606 , a membrane support  608 , a gasket or seal  610 , electrical components  612 , and a venting element  614 . The case  602  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other cases described herein, for example, the case  202 ,  302 ,  402 ,  502 . The grill  604  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other grills described herein, for example, the grill  204 ,  304 ,  404 ,  504 . The membrane  606  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membranes described herein, for example, the membrane  206 ,  306 ,  406 ,  506 . The membrane support  608  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membrane supports described herein, for example, the grill  208 ,  308 ,  408 ,  508 . Alternatively, the membrane support  608  can be devoid of any channels (e.g., channel  320 ) and simply provide support to the membrane as a stiffener (e.g., limiting inelastic deformation of the membrane  606 ). The seal  610  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other seals described herein, for example, the seal  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 . The electrical components  612  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other electrical components described herein, for example, the electrical components  212 ,  312 ,  412 ,  512 . 
     In some examples, the venting element  614  can be disposed adjacent the membrane support  608  and define a fluid path which places an internal volume  616  of the audio component assembly  600  in fluid communication with a volume outside of the audio component assembly  600 . As shown in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 C , the venting element  614  can include a first fluid impermeable layer  618 A, a second fluid impermeable layer  618 B, and a coiled tube  620  disposed between the first and second fluid impermeable layers  618 A,  618 B. In some examples, the fluid impermeable layers  618 A,  618 B can define surfaces of the venting element  614 . The coiled tube  620  can include metals, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, or combinations thereof. For example, the coiled tube  620  can include a metal alloy tube coiled about a central axis. In some examples, the first and second fluid impermeable layers  618 A,  618 B can include a resin or curable adhesive which is poured over the coiled tube  620  to form the venting element  614 . As shown in  FIG.  6 C , the first and second fluid impermeable layers  618 A,  618 B can be formed from a singular material which envelops the coiled tube  620 . Alternatively, the first and second fluid impermeable layers  618 A,  618 B can be formed from distinct segments of a material, such as, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or some other polymer which is adhered or otherwise affixed to the coiled tubing  620  using adhesive, welding, fasteners, molding, or a combination thereof. The coiled tube  620  can form a conduit  626  (i.e., a fluid path) extending from a central aperture  622  of the venting element  614  to a periphery  624  of the venting element  614 . The conduit  626  can be about 50 microns in diameter, less than 10 microns, between about 10 microns and about 20 microns, between about 20 microns and about 40 microns, between about 40 microns and about 60 microns, or less than about 200 microns in diameter. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the venting element  614  can attenuate acoustic waves to reduce or prevent a loss in the functionality of the audio component assembly  600 . For example, the audio component assembly  600  can be disposed within a housing of a portable electronic device and required to vent through the same portion of the housing that forms the back-volume for a speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the venting element  614  to vent relative pressure can also enable acoustic waves from the speaker to travel to the audio component assembly  600  (e.g., through the fluid path) and thereby decrease or diminish the functionality of the audio component assembly  600 . Thus, the venting element  614  can be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate acoustic waves travelling through the venting element  614 . For example, attributes of the venting element  614  can be varied such that the venting element  514  acts as a low pass filter which attenuates or reduces acoustic waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz. 
     Attributes of the venting element  614  can include an outer diameter of the coiled tube  620 , a cross-sectional shape of the coiled tube  620 , an inner diameter of the coiled tube  620  (e.g., the diameter of the conduit  626 ), a diameter of the central aperture  622 , or a combination thereof. For example, relatively more fluid flow can be achieved through the venting element  614  when the inner diameter of the coiled tube  620  (e.g., the diameter of the conduit  626 ) is relatively large. Accordingly, the diameter of the conduit  626  can be chosen which allows a greater quantity of fluid flow through the venting element  614 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6 B , the venting element  614  can be planar and form a circular profile. While the venting element depicted in  FIG.  6 B  has a circular profile, the venting element  614  can have a profile resembling any geometric shape, such as, circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The central aperture  622  can enable fluid communication between the membrane  606  and the electrical components  612 . For example, movement of the membrane  606  can cause air to travel through the internal volume  616  formed within the audio component assembly  600 . 
     While the fluid path is described as being formed within the venting element  614 , in other examples, the fluid path can also or alternatively be formed within the membrane support  608 . For example, the membrane support  608  can include a coiled tube disposed between first and second fluid impermeable layers. 
       FIG.  7 A  shows a cross-sectional view of an audio component assembly  700  disposed within a housing  701  of a portable electronic device. The audio component assembly  700  can include a case  702 , a grill  704 , a membrane  706 , a membrane support  708 , a gasket or seal  710 , electrical components  712 , and a venting element  714 . The case  702  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other cases described herein, for example, the case  202 ,  302 ,  402 ,  502 . The grill  704  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other grills described herein, for example, the grill  204 ,  304 ,  404 ,  504 . The membrane  706  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membranes described herein, for example, the membrane  206 ,  306 ,  406 ,  506 . The membrane support  708  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other membrane supports described herein, for example, the grill  208 ,  308 ,  408 ,  508 . Alternatively, the membrane support  708  can be devoid of any channels (e.g., channel  320 ) and simply provide support to the membrane as a stiffener (e.g., limiting inelastic deformation of the membrane  706 ). The seal  710  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other seals described herein, for example, the seal  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 . The electrical components  712  can include substantially similar features and functionality as other electrical components described herein, for example, the electrical components  212 ,  312 ,  412 ,  512 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7 B , the venting element  714  can be planar and form a circular profile. While the venting element  714  depicted in  FIG.  7 B  has a circular profile, the venting element  714  can have a profile resembling any geometric shape, such as, circular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. The central aperture  722  can enable fluid communication between the membrane  706  and the electrical components  712 . For example, movement of the membrane  706  can cause air to travel through the internal volume  716  formed within the audio component assembly  700 . 
     While the fluid path is described as being formed within the venting element  714 , in other examples, the fluid path can also or alternatively be formed within the membrane support  708 . For example, the membrane support  708  can include a porous material disposed between first and second fluid impermeable layers. 
     In some examples, the venting element  714  can be disposed adjacent the membrane support  708  and define a fluid path (depicted as arrow  717  in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 F ) which places an internal volume  716  of the audio component assembly  700  in fluid communication with a volume outside of the audio component assembly  700 . As shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 F , the venting element  714  can include a first fluid impermeable layer  718 A, a second fluid impermeable layer  718 B, and a fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  disposed between the first and second fluid impermeable layers  718 A,  718 B. In some examples, the fluid impermeable layers  718 A,  718 B can define surfaces of the venting element  714 . The fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  can include metals, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, or combinations thereof. For example, the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  can be made of a porous metal such as a metal foam, a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), or any other fluid permeable material. The fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  can be adhered or otherwise affixed to the first and second fluid impermeable layers  718 A,  718 B, for example, with adhesive, molding, welding, printing, or any other mechanism for affixing the first and second fluid impermeable layers  718 A,  718 B to the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720 . One or more of the fluid impermeable layers  718 A,  718 B can include a heat-activated film (HAF), a pressure sensitive adhesive tape (PSA), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a combination thereof, or any another polymer-based material. 
     In examples, the fluid path can extend from a central aperture  722  or center portion of the venting element  714  to a periphery  724  of the venting element  714 . For example, the first fluid impermeable layer  718 A can at least partially form a first channel  726 A extending into the first fluid impermeable layer  718 A from the central aperture  722 . In some examples, the first channel  726 A can be formed by the first fluid impermeable layer  718 A and another component of the audio component assembly  700  (e.g., the membrane support  708 , or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) between components of the audio component assembly). The first channel  726 A can have a width W 1  that varies along a length L 1  of the first channel  726 A. For example, the width W 1  of the first channel  726 A can be greater or wider adjacent the central aperture  722  and narrow as the first channel  726 A extends toward the periphery  724 . 
     In examples, the second fluid impermeable layer  718 B can at least partially form a second channel  726 B extending into the second fluid impermeable layer  718 B from the periphery  724 . In some examples, the second channel  726 B can be formed by the second fluid impermeable layer  718 B and another component of the audio component assembly  700  (e.g., a spacer  728 , or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) between components of the audio component assembly). The second channel  726 B can have a width W 2  that varies along a length L 2  of the second channel  726 B. For example, the width W 2  of the second channel  726 B can be greater or wider adjacent the periphery  724  and narrow as the second channel  726 B extends toward the central aperture  722 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  7 B- 7 E , in some examples, each of the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B can be flared or spread to ease alignment of the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B during manufacturing. In other words, the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B can be slightly misaligned but still form the fluid path because less manufacturing accuracy is required to overlap the flared profile of each of the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B. While the first and second channels are illustrated in  FIGS.  7 B- 7 E  as triangular or flared, the profile or shape of each of the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B can resemble any geometric shape capable of providing the features disclosed herein. For example, one or more of the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B can resemble a triangle, circle, square, rectangle, trapezoid, rhombus, oval, pentagon, another geometric shape, a free-form shape, or a combination thereof. 
       FIG.  7 D  shows top view of the venting element  714  including a region  730  of the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  disposed between the first channel  726 A and the second channel  726 B. In other words, the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B overlap on either side of the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  to form the region  730  which allows fluid (e.g., air) to flow between the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B. For example, the first channel  726 A can extend a distance D 1  into the first fluid impermeable layer  718 A from the central aperture  722  and the second channel  726 B can extend a distance D 2  into the second fluid impermeable layer  718 B from the periphery  724 . The sum of the distances D 1 , D 2  can be greater than a total distance D T  between the periphery  724  and the central aperture  722  such that the region  730  enables fluid (e.g., air) to flow between the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B. The first and second channels  726 A,  726 B and the region  730  can form at least a portion of the fluid path that enables pressure within the volume  716  to vent, for example, when the membrane  706  is biased by atmospheric pressure of an environment external to the portable electronic device. 
     In some examples, the distances D 1 , D 2  can be equivalent or substantially equivalent. When the distance D 1  is equivalent or substantially equivalent to the distance D 2 , the region  730  can be centered about the total distance D T  (e.g., centered about halfway between the periphery  724  and the central aperture  722 ). In some examples, the distance D 1  can be greater or smaller than the distance D 2 . When the distance D 1  is greater or smaller than the distance D 2 , the region  730  can be positioned closer to either the central aperture  722  or the periphery  724 . For example, when the distance D 1  is greater than the distance D 2 , the region  730  can be positioned nearer or closer to the periphery  724  than the central aperture  722 . 
     The respective distances (e.g., distance D 1  and distance D 2 ) to which the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B extend can form or define a size and a shape of the region  730 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  7 E , relatively larger distances (e.g., distance D 3  and distance D 4 ) can form a relatively larger region  730  (i.e., larger than the region  730  formed by the distances D 1 , D 2  shown in  FIG.  7 D ). The size of the region  730  of the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  that enables fluid communication between the first and second channels  726 A,  726 B can be at least 0.005 mm 2 , about 0.005 mm 2  to about 0.01 mm 2 , about 0.01 mm 2  to about 0.03 mm 2 , about 0.03 mm 2  to about 0.05 mm 2 , about 0.05 mm 2  to about 0.07 mm 2 , about 0.07 mm 2  to about 0.1 mm 2 , or greater than 0.1 mm 2 . 
     The size of the region  730 , a thickness of the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720 , and the material or materials of the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  can dictate the quantity of fluid that can pass through the fluid path. In some examples, the thickness of the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  can be at least 5 μm, about 5 μm to about 15 μm, about 15 μm to about 20 μm, about 20 μm to about 25 μm, about 25 μm to about 30 μm, about 30 μm to about 40 μm, about 40 μm to about 60 μm, or greater than 60 μm. In some examples, an airflow rate along the fluid path defined by the venting element  714  can be at least 0.5 SCCM at 0.1 bar, about 1 SCCM at 0.1 bar to about 1.5 SCCM at 0.1 bar, about 1.5 SCCM at 0.1 bar to about 2 SCCM at 0.1 bar, about 2 SCCM at 0.1 bar to about 4 SCCM at 0.1 bar, about 4 SCCM at 0.1 bar to about 8 SCCM at 0.1 bar, or greater than 8 SCCM at 0.1 bar. While this range of airflow rates are described with reference to the examples shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 F , these airflow rates are equally applicable to the examples shown in  FIGS.  2 - 6 C  and the examples shown in  FIGS.  8 - 10   . 
     Additionally, the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  can attenuate acoustic waves traveling within the venting element  714  to reduce or prevent a loss in the functionality of the audio component assembly  700 . For example, the audio component assembly  700  can be disposed within a housing  701  of a portable electronic device and required to vent through the same portion of the housing  701  that forms the back-volume for a speaker of the portable electronic device. In this example, the fluid path defined by the venting element  714  to vent relative pressure can also enable acoustic waves from the speaker to travel to the audio component assembly  700  (e.g., through the fluid path) and thereby decrease or diminish the functionality of the audio component assembly  700 . Thus, the venting element  714  can be designed to reduce or otherwise attenuate acoustic waves travelling through the venting element  714 . For example, attributes of the venting element  714  can be varied such that the venting element  714  acts as a low pass filter which attenuates or reduces acoustic waves having wavelengths above 20 Hz. Attributes of the venting element  714  can include a porosity or permeability of the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720 , the thickness of the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720 , a diameter of the central aperture  722 , the area and size of the region  730 , respective thicknesses of the first and second fluid impermeable layers  718 A,  718 B, or a combination thereof. 
       FIG.  7 F  shows a cross-sectional view of the venting element  714  including the first and second fluid impermeable layers  718 A,  718 B, the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720 , and the fluid path  717  extending through the region  730 . In some examples, the portion of the fluid path  717  that extends through the fluid permeable intermediate layer  720  can be tortuous or nonlinear to attenuate or reflect acoustic waves propagating along the fluid path  717 . 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in the portable electronic device. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a portable electronic device having a housing with structures described herein, and defining an internal volume, as well as the concepts regarding membranes and fluid paths, can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of examples in any combination. Examples of audio component assemblies of a portable electronic device including an enclosure are described below, with reference to  FIGS.  8 - 10   . 
       FIG.  8    shows a cross-sectional view of a portable electronic device  800  including a housing  802  and an audio component assembly  804  disposed within the housing  802 . The audio component assembly  804  can include substantially similar features and components having the functionality as other audio component assemblies described herein, for example, any one or more of audio component assemblies  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 . For example, an audio component volume  806  can experience a variance in relative pressure (e.g., a pressure within the audio component volume  806  relative to a pressure of an ambient environment  808  outside of the audio component volume  806 ). For example, a variance in temperature and/or atmospheric pressure can vary the relative pressure within the audio component volume  806 . Fluctuations in relative pressure can degrade components of the audio component assembly  804  (e.g., a membrane) or otherwise cause the audio component assembly  804  to perform poorly. 
     Accordingly, venting the audio component volume  806  can be beneficial to regulate the relative pressure within the audio component volume  806  and thereby prevent damage to the audio component assembly  804 . In some examples, a venting element (e.g., venting elements  132 ,  208 ,  308 ,  414 ,  514 ,  614 ,  714 ) can provide a fluid path (illustrated by arrow  810 ) which places the audio component volume  806  in fluid communication with an external volume  812  defined by the housing  802 . However, other components within the housing  802  can interfere or negatively impact the performance of the audio component assembly  804 . For example a speaker  814  disposed within the housing  802  can emit one or more acoustic waves  816  that can propagate through the fluid path  810  and negatively impact performance of the audio component assembly  804 . 
     In some examples, the audio component assembly  804  can include an enclosure  818  having one or more vents  820  that inhibit or prevent the one or more acoustic waves  816  from propagating into the audio component volume  806  but still provide fluid communication between the audio component volume  806  and the external volume  812 . In examples, the enclosure  818  can be fluid impermeable except at the vent  820 . The vent  820  can enable fluid communication between the audio component volume  806  and the external volume  812  such that a pressure differential between the audio component volume  806  and the ambient environment  808  can be at least partially equalized. The vent  820  can be formed from a material that enables fluid communication but otherwise at least partially attenuates acoustic waves  816 . For example, the vent  820  can include a porous material, such as, a metallic or polymer-based open-cell foam that enables fluid through the vent  820 . The vent  820  can be affixed to the enclosure  818  using an adhesive, one or more fasteners, molding, co-molding, welding (e.g., sonic welding), or a combination thereof. While the vent  820  is illustrated on a particular sidewall  824 B of the enclosure  818 , the vent  820  can be positioned on any sidewall (e.g., sidewalls  824 A,  824 B,  824 C) or other surface of the enclosure  818 . 
     The enclosure  818  can be directly coupled to the audio component assembly  804 , the housing  802  of the portable electronic device  800 , or a combination thereof. For example, the enclosure  818  can be press-fit, fastened, adhered, molded, or otherwise affixed to the audio component assembly  804  as shown in  FIG.  8   . The enclosure  818  can at least partially form an intermediate volume  822  in fluid communication with both the audio component volume  806  and the external volume  812 . The enclosure  818  can include metals, ceramics, polymers, or combinations thereof. For example, the enclosure  818  can be formed from a stamped aluminum sheet or machined aluminum billet. The enclosure  818  can be molded, machined, stamped, cast, or manufactured in any other method. 
       FIG.  9    shows a cross-sectional view of a portable electronic device  900  including a housing  902  and an audio component assembly  904  disposed within the housing  902 . The audio component assembly  904  can include substantially similar features and components having the functionality as other audio component assemblies described herein, for example, any one or more of audio component assemblies  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  804 . The audio component assembly  904  can define or form an audio component assembly volume  906 . A pressure within the volume  906  can vary relative to an atmospheric pressure of an ambient environment  908  outside of the housing  902 . 
     In some examples, a venting element (e.g., venting elements  132 ,  208 ,  308 ,  414 ,  514 ,  614 ,  714 ) can provide a fluid path (illustrated by arrow  910 ) which places the audio component volume  906  in fluid communication with an external volume  912  defined by the housing  902 . However, other components within the housing  902  can interfere or negatively impact the performance of the audio component assembly  904 . For example a speaker  914  disposed within the housing  902  can emit one or more acoustic waves  916  that can propagate through the fluid path  910  and negatively impact performance of the audio component assembly  904 . 
     In some examples, the audio component assembly  904  can be substantially surrounded by an enclosure  918  having one or more vents  920  that inhibit or prevent the one or more acoustic waves  916  from propagating into the audio component volume  906  but still provide fluid communication between the audio component volume  906  and the external volume  912 . In examples, the enclosure  818  can be fluid impermeable except at the vent  820 . The vent  920  can enable fluid communication between the audio component volume  906  and the external volume  912  such that a pressure differential between the audio component volume  906  and the ambient environment  908  can be equalized. The vent  920  can be formed from a material that enables fluid communication but otherwise at least partially attenuates acoustic waves  916 . For example, the vent  920  can include a porous material, such as, a metallic or polymer-based open-cell foam that enables fluid through the vent  920 . The vent  920  can be affixed to the enclosure  918  using an adhesive, one or more fasteners, molding, co-molding, welding (e.g., sonic welding), or a combination thereof. While the vent  920  is illustrated on a particular sidewall  924 B of the enclosure  918 , one or more vents  920  can be positioned on one or more sidewalls (e.g., sidewalls  924 A,  924 B,  924 C) or any other surface of the enclosure  918 . 
     The enclosure  918  can be directly coupled to the audio component assembly  904 , the housing  902  of the portable electronic device  900 , or a combination thereof. For example, the enclosure  918  can be fastened, adhered, molded, or otherwise affixed to the housing  902 . The enclosure  918  can at least partially form an intermediate volume  922  in fluid communication with both the audio component volume  906  and the external volume  912 . The enclosure  918  can include metals, ceramics, polymers, or combinations thereof. For example, the enclosure  918  can be formed from a stamped aluminum sheet or machined aluminum billet. The enclosure  918  can be molded, machined, stamped, cast, or manufactured in any other method. 
       FIG.  10    shows a cross-sectional view of a portable electronic device  1000  including a housing  1002  and an audio component assembly  1004  disposed within the housing  1002 . The audio component assembly  1004  can include substantially similar features and components having the functionality as other audio component assemblies described herein, for example, any one or more of audio component assemblies  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  804 ,  904 . The audio component assembly  1004  can define or form an audio component assembly volume  1006 . A pressure within the volume  1006  can vary relative to an atmospheric pressure of an ambient environment  1008  outside of the housing  1002 . 
     In some examples, a venting element (e.g., venting elements  132 ,  208 ,  308 ,  414 ,  514 ,  614 ,  714 ) can provide a fluid path (illustrated by arrow  1010 ) which places the audio component volume  1006  in fluid communication with an external volume  1012  defined by the housing  1002 . However, other components within the housing  1002  can interfere or negatively impact the performance of the audio component assembly  1004 . For example a speaker  1014  disposed within the housing  1002  can emit one or more acoustic waves  1016  that can propagate through the fluid path  1010  and negatively impact performance of the audio component assembly  1004 . 
     In some examples, the audio component assembly  1004  can be substantially surrounded by an enclosure  1018  that inhibits or limits the one or more acoustic waves  1016  from propagating into the audio component volume  1006  but still provide fluid communication between the audio component volume  1006  and the external volume  1012 . In examples, the enclosure  1018  can be fluid permeable to enable fluid communication between the audio component volume  1006  and the external volume  1012  such that a pressure differential between the audio component volume  1006  and the ambient environment  1008  can be equalized. The enclosure  1018  can be formed from one or more materials that enable fluid communication but otherwise at least partially attenuates acoustic waves  1016 . For example, the enclosure  1018  can include a fluid permeable layer  1020 , such as, a metallic or polymer-based open-cell foam that enables fluid flow through the enclosure  1018  while reducing or impeding acoustic waves from propagating into the audio component volume  1006 . The fluid permeable layer  1020  can be affixed to a support structure  1022  positioned around the audio component assembly  1004 . 
     In examples, the support structure  1022  can be a rigid structure that supports the fluid permeable layer  1020  in a fixed position relative to the audio component assembly  1004 . For example, the support structure  1022  can be stamped, machined, cast, or molded from a semi-rigid materials, such as, a polymer, a ceramic, a metal, or a combination thereof. 
     The enclosure  1018  can be directly coupled to the audio component assembly  1004 , the housing  1002  of the portable electronic device  1000 , or a combination thereof. For example, the enclosure  1018  can be fastened, adhered, molded, or otherwise affixed to the housing  1002 . The enclosure  1018  can at least partially form an intermediate volume  1026  in fluid communication with both the audio component volume  1006  and the external volume  1012 . 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure 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. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. 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/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking 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. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates examples in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information 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 advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed examples, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various examples can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various examples of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described examples. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described examples. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210825
Publication Date: 20240130
Grant Date: 20240130
Priority Date: 20200924
Inventors: LIANG, Jiahui
DOYLE, ANDREW L.
VITT, Nikolas T.
WANG, YINGYI
ROBISON, DAVID W.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/061", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/086", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R9/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2400/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2201/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80741820