PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11665869-B2
Application Number: US-202117398941-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Internal component architecture for a display

Abstract:
This application relates to display devices and the layout/architecture of various internal components to enhance thermal energy management. A display device described herein may include one or more fan assemblies that drive ambient air into the display device to cool heat-generating components of the display device, and also to drive the ambient air, once heated through convectively cooling the heat-generating components, out of the display device. Further, the location of the heat-generating components is such that the heat-generating components upstream relative to the one or more fan assemblies. In this manner, the ambient air can pass over or through the heat-generating components prior to reaching the one or more fan assemblies. Additionally, heat-generating components, such as a backlit device and a power supply unit, are positioned relatively close to vent inlets in the display device. As a result, these heat-generating devices are immediately cooled with the ambient air.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A display device, comprising:
 a housing that defines an internal volume, the housing comprising:
 a first sidewall comprising a vent inlet, and 
 a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; 
 
 a display module coupled with the housing at the first sidewall and at the second sidewall; 
 a heat-generating component located in the internal volume; 
 a fan assembly located in the internal volume, the fan assembly comprising a fan outlet facing the second sidewall, wherein the heat-generating component is positioned between the vent inlet and the fan assembly, and during operation the fan assembly drives air into the housing through the vent inlet and causes the air to flow along the heat-generating component; 
 a first audio speaker; 
 a second audio speaker; and 
 a second fan assembly, wherein the fan assembly and the second fan assembly are located between the first audio speaker and the second audio speaker. 
 
     
     
       2. The display device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the housing further comprises a vent outlet, and 
 the air is driven by the fan assembly through the vent outlet. 
 
     
     
       3. The display device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the vent inlet comprises a first plurality of openings formed into the first sidewall, and 
 the vent outlet comprises a second plurality of openings formed into the second sidewall. 
 
     
     
       4. The display device of  claim 1 , wherein the heat-generating component comprises i) a power supply unit configured to provide power to devices external to the housing or ii) a backlit device. 
     
     
       5. The display device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the first audio speaker or the second audio speaker directs the air toward the fan assembly. 
 
     
     
       6. The display device of  claim 1 , further comprising a stand rotationally connected to the housing. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the heat-generating component is located upstream with respect to the fan assembly. 
     
     
       8. A display device, comprising:
 a housing that defines an internal volume, the housing comprising:
 a first sidewall that defines a vent inlet, 
 a second sidewall that defines a vent outlet; 
 
 a display module coupled with the housing, the display module configured to present visual information; 
 a fan assembly located in the internal volume between the first sidewall and the second sidewall; 
 heat-generating components located in the internal volume and upstream with respect to the fan assembly, the heat-generating components positioned between the first sidewall and the fan assembly, wherein:
 the fan assembly is configured to i) drive air into the vent inlet causing the air flows over the heat-generating components and ii) drive the air out of the vent outlet; and 
 
 an audio speaker positioned in the internal volume to direct the air toward the fan assembly. 
 
     
     
       9. The display device of  claim 8 , wherein the fan assembly convectively cools the heat-generating components. 
     
     
       10. The display device of  claim 8 , wherein the heat-generating components comprise:
 a backlit device; and 
 a power supply unit configured to provide power to devices external to the housing. 
 
     
     
       11. The display device of  claim 10 , wherein the power supply unit is configured to power:
 an electronic device that drives the display module; and 
 an accessory device, wherein the electronic device and the accessory device are external relative to the housing. 
 
     
     
       12. The display device of  claim 8 , wherein the fan assembly:
 comprises a fan inlet, and 
 causes the air to pass over the heat-generating components prior to the air passing through the fan inlet. 
 
     
     
       13. The display device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a second audio speaker positioned in the internal volume to direct the air toward the fan assembly. 
 
     
     
       14. The display device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the fan assembly comprises a fan outlet, and 
 the air exiting the fan assembly via the fan outlet is directed toward the vent outlet. 
 
     
     
       15. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing that defines an internal volume, the housing comprising a vent inlet and a vent outlet; 
 a heat-generating component located in the internal volume; 
 a fan assembly located in the internal and configured to drive air into the housing through the vent inlet, wherein the heat-generating component is upstream with respect to the fan assembly and the vent outlet is downstream with respect to the fan assembly; 
 a first audio speaker; and 
 a second audio speaker, wherein the first audio speaker and the second audio speaker direct the air toward the fan assembly. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the housing comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall, 
 the vent inlet comprises a first plurality of openings formed into the first sidewall, and 
 the vent outlet comprises a second plurality of openings formed into the second sidewall. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the heat-generating component comprises a backlit device. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a display module coupled with the housing; and 
 processing circuitry disposed in the internal volume, the processing circuitry configured to electrically couple with a computing device that is external to the housing. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , further comprising a power supply unit configured to power:
 a seperate electronic device that drives the display module; and 
 an accessory device, wherein the seperate electronic device and the accessory device are external relative to the housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/182,722, entitled “INTERNAL COMPONENT ARCHITECTURE FOR A DISPLAY,” filed Apr. 30, 2021, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to display devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to internal layout of various component within the display device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in computing devices, including standalone display devices, promote an enhanced user experience. For example, display resolution, graphics, and brightness continue to improve with newer electronic devices. This is due in part to improved processing speed of the display components, as well as increased processing frequency of the components of the standalone display device that drive the display components. Additionally, due in part to improved manufacturing methods and consumer desire for lightweight products, computing device structures (e.g., display housings) to be made thinner. 
     However, some of these enhancements can lead to issues. Upgraded features and components, while operating, can result in additional thermal energy (i.e., heat) generation within the computing device. Additional thermal energy can cause damage to, or reduce performance, of other components. As an example, the display component may include a backlit device that generates thermal energy that can not only impair the backlit device itself but other display modules (e.g., LCD module), which can lead to color non-uniformity. Other enhancements, such as power driving units, must be limited in terms of the number of ports and associated electrical specifications for the ports. Further, due in part to the relatively thin nature of the display housing of the computing device, the available material (e.g., metal) for thermal energy dissipation is less. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to embodiments of display devices and electronic devices. 
     In one aspect, a display device is described. The display device may include a housing that defines an internal volume. The housing may include a vent inlet. The display device may further include a display module coupled with the housing. The display device may further include a heat-generating component located in the internal volume. The display device may further include a fan assembly located in the internal volume and positioned between the vent inlet and the heat-generating component. In some embodiments, the heat-generating component is positioned between the vent inlet and the fan assembly. Further, in some embodiments, during operation the fan assembly drives air into the housing through the vent inlet and causes the air to flow along the heat-generating component. 
     In another aspect, a display device is described. The display device may include a housing that defines an internal volume. The housing may include a first sidewall that defines a vent inlet. The housing may further include a second sidewall that defines a vent outlet. The display device may further include a display module coupled with the housing. The display module may be configured to present visual information. The display device may further include a fan assembly located in the internal volume. The display device may further include heat-generating components located in the internal volume and positioned between the first sidewall and the fan assembly. In some embodiments, the fan assembly is configured to i) drive air into the vent inlet such that the air flows over the heat-generating components and ii) drive the air out of the vent outlet. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a housing that defines an internal volume. The housing may include a vent inlet and a vent outlet. The electronic device may further include a heat-generating component located in the internal volume. The electronic device may further include a fan assembly located in the internal volume and configured to drive air into the housing through the vent inlet. In some embodiments, the heat-generating component is upstream with respect to the fan assembly and the vent outlet is downstream with respect to the fan assembly. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
     This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a front isometric view of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device, showing additional features of the electronic device; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing an internal layout of various components of the electronic device; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate a plan view of the electronic device, showing vents at different locations of the electronic device; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a cross sectional view of the housing shown in  FIG.  4 B  taken along line  5 - 5 , showing the openings of the housing; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device, showing an exemplary air flow movement through the electronic device; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing air flow through the inlet and outlet vents of the housing; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing a single fan assembly used to drive air flow through the electronic device; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing a different location for a timing controller and associated modifications for the timing controller; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing additional vent inlets; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing a different internal layout of components; and 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     This application is directed to electronic devices (e.g., display devices, desktop devices with display, and the like), and the layout/architecture/arrangement of various internal components in the electronic devices. In particular, this application is directed to a layout that optimizes thermal performance and cools heat-generating components of the electronic device. Electronic devices described herein may include one or more fan assemblies, each of which is designed to drive ambient air into the electronic device to cool the heat-generating components (e.g., by convective cooling), and then drive the ambient air (once heated) out of the electronic device. 
     The fan assemblies, heat-generating components, and vents are strategically positioned to more efficiently cool the heat-generating components. For example, the vents can be arranged such that vent inlets are formed into one sidewall of a display housing of the electronic device, and the vent outlets are formed into another (opposing) sidewall of the display housing. Heat-generating components (e.g., backlit device such as a LED bar, power supply unit or PSU, integrated circuits on a main logic board) are positioned relatively closer to the vent inlet, which is used to receive the ambient air driven into the display housing. By positioning these heat-generating components closer to the vent inlet, the ambient air is typically at its lowest relative temperature, i.e., the ambient air will begin to increase in temperature while in the internal volume of the display housing. Additionally, some heat-generating components such as the backlit device are relatively long and span a substantial length within the internal volume. However, the vent inlet (which defines several through holes in the sidewall) can also be dispersed throughout the sidewall and collectively extend to the same or similar length as that of the backlit device. Additionally, the power supply unit is responsible for powering i) external electronic devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers) used to drive a display module of the electronic device or ii) other devices including, but not limited to, mobile wireless communication devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computing devices), headphones, and or another accessory device(s). The amount of power required by the power supply unit can be substantial, and thus, placing the power supply unit near the vent inlet can provide the benefit of receiving ambient air quickly and while it is relatively cool. 
     Additionally, the heat-generating components can be positioned between the fan assemblies and the vent inlet. In this manner, the heat-generating components are upstream relative to the fan assemblies. As a result, the fan assemblies, during operation, pull ambient air into the electronic device through the vent inlet such that the ambient air passes over or through the heat-generating components, thereby convectively cooling the heat-generating components prior to the ambient air (now heated) reaching a respective fan inlet of the fan assemblies. This may provide a better alternative as compared to cooling heated components (e.g., fin stacks) placed downstream relative to the fan assemblies. 
     The modification to the internal layout provides several benefits. For example, the electronic device can be made from materials having a thinner cross section, which may decrease the overall weight of the electronic device. Further, the overall form factor or footprint can be made smaller, as the heat-generating components can be cooled more efficiently. As a result, the display module can be positioned closer to the heat-generating components without affecting the performance of the display module. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 12   . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, electronic device  100  is a desktop computing device. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , electronic device  100  is a standalone display. As shown, electronic device  100  includes a housing  102 , or enclosure or display housing, that provides an internal volume or space in which multiple components are disposed, such as processing circuits (integrated circuits, central processing units, graphics processing units), memory circuits, audio speakers, microphones, batteries, fan assemblies, and flexible circuitry to couple the components together. Additionally, as a standalone display, electronic device  100  can couple (e.g., communicatively, operatively, mechanically, and/or electrically) to another computing device, such as a desktop computing device, a laptop computing device, or a mobile wireless communication device (e.g., tablet computing device or smartphone). 
     Electronic device  100  may further include a display module  104  coupled with housing  102 . Display module  104  may include a liquid crystal display or a light-emitting diode (including an organic light-emitting diode) display, as non-limiting examples. Display module  104  is designed to present visual information in the form of textual information, still images, and/or motion picture (video) images. Display module  104  may include a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) or a light emitting diode (“LED”) display. Electronic device  100  may further include a transparent layer  106  that covers display module  104 . Transparent layer  106  may generally include any rigid transparent substrate, such as glass, plastic, or sapphire, as non-limiting examples. 
     In order to adjust the position of display module  104 , electronic device  100  includes a stand  108  coupled with housing  102 . Housing  102  and stand  108  can be rotationally coupled together, thereby allowing housing  102  (and display module  104 ) to rotate to different positions, based upon user preferences. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a rear isometric view of electronic device  100  shown in  FIG.  1   , showing additional features of electronic device  100 . As shown, electronic device  100  includes a fan assembly  110   a  and a fan assembly  110   b . Fan assembly  110   a  and  110   b  may each include direct current (“DC”) brushless motor fans, as a non-limiting example. Fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  are designed to drive air within the internal volume defined by housing  102 . In this manner, fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  may cool (by convention) components within electronic device  100  that generate thermal energy during use and/or bodies designed to absorb thermal energy. In this regard, fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , during operation, can force ambient air (external to electronic device  100 ) into housing  102 , and subsequently drive the air (once heated) out of housing  102  in a desired manner. This will be shown and described further. 
     Additionally, electronic device  100  may include multiple ports. For example, the electronic device may include a port  112   a , a port  112   b , a port  112   c , and a port  112   d . Ports  112   a - d  are designed to provide a connection/communication point between electronic device  100  and other external devices (not shown in  FIG.  2   ). Accordingly, each of  112   a - d  may include an industry standard connection, such as Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), including USB-C, connection or a THUNDERBOLT® connection, as non-limiting examples. In this regard, some of ports  112   a - d  can be used to connect to an electronic device that drives display module  104 , while some of ports  112   a - d  can be used to connect to electronic devices that receive power from (i.e., charges) the electronic devices. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a plan view of electronic device  100 , showing an internal layout of various components of electronic device  100 . For purposes of illustration, display module  104  and transparent layer  106  are removed. As shown, housing  102  defines an internal volume to hold and carry several components of electronic device  100 . In addition to fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , housing  102  holds a power supply unit  114  designed to distribute power to various internal components as well as the aforementioned external devices that are electrically connected to ports  112   a - d  (shown in  FIG.  2   ). Also, housing  102  holds a backlit device  116 . In some embodiments, backlit device  116  includes an LED bar used to provide additional lighting to display module  104  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). Housing  102  further holds a circuit board  118 . In some embodiments, circuit board  118  is a main logic board (“MLB”) that carries several processing circuits, memory circuits, and other operational components (not labeled) used to operate display module  104 , fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , power supply unit  114 , backlit device  116  and other internal components discussed below. 
     Housing  102  may further hold audio speakers, such as an audio speaker  120   a  and an audio speaker  120   b . Audio speakers  120   a  and  120   b  may include stereo speakers that provide acoustic energy in the form of audible sound. Additionally, housing  102  may hold a spatial audio speaker  122   a  and a spatial audio speaker  122   b . Spatial audio speakers  122   a  and  122   b  are designed to produce audio effects such as a surround sound (as a non-limiting example). Additionally, housing  102  may hold a timing control board  124 , or TCON board. Timing control board  124  is designed to control a logic signal of gate and source for driving thin-film transistors (“TFT”) in display module  104 . Further, electronic device  100  may include a power cord  126  designed to plug into an external source (not shown in  FIG.  3   ) to supply power to electronic device  100  and its components. Power cord  126  may include a semi-tethered alternating current (“AC”) power cord. Accordingly, power cord  126  may be removable and replaceable by a different cord that conforms to a different industry standard. 
     Also, electronic device  100  may further include several vents. Although not shown in  FIG.  3   , the vents can be formed into sidewalls, such as a sidewall  126   a  and a sidewall  126   b , of housing  102 . This will be shown and described below. 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate a plan view of electronic device  100 , showing vents at different locations of electronic device  100 .  FIG.  4 A  illustrates sidewall  126   a  of housing  102 . Based on its relative position (as shown in  FIG.  3   ), sidewall  126   a  may be referred to as a lower sidewall. As shown, sidewall  126   a  includes a vent inlet  128   a  defined by several openings, or through holes, formed in sidewall  126   a . Collectively, vent inlet  128   a  spans substantially across a length of sidewall  126   a , thereby allowing a substantial region for ambient air to enter housing  102  when fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) are operating. Moreover, vent inlet  128   a  may span (collectively by the openings) a length corresponds to, or substantially corresponds to, a length of backlit device  116 . As a result, ambient air entering vent inlet  128   a  can virtually reach most surfaces of backlit device  116  quickly and efficiently when fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  are operating. 
       FIG.  4 B  illustrates sidewall  126   b  of housing  102 . Based on its relative position (as shown in  FIG.  3   ), sidewall  126   b  may be referred to as an upper sidewall. As shown, sidewall  126   b  includes a vent outlet  128   b  defined by several openings, or through holes, formed in sidewall  126   b . Collectively, vent outlet  128   b  spans substantially across a length of sidewall  126   b , thereby allowing a substantial region for ambient air, now heated air, to exit housing  102  when fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) are operating. Moreover, due to the substantial disbursement of its openings, vent outlet  128   b  allowed the heated air to disburse substantially along the length of sidewall  126   b , thereby eliminating or reducing heated air from leaving a concentered (i.e., relatively small) location. As a result, heated air leaving vent outlet  128   b  is less likely to create “hot spots” (i.e., concentrations of thermal energy) and cause injury to a user. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a cross sectional view of housing  102  shown in  FIG.  4 B  taken along line  5 - 5 , showing the openings of housing  102 . As shown, vent outlet  128   b  including openings  130   a - 130   e  (representative of additional openings). Some openings are through holes that pass completely through sidewall  126   b , while others are blind holes that pass only partially through. For example, openings  130   b - d  are through holes, and accordingly, ambient air can leave vent outlet  128   b  via openings  130   b - d , openings  130   a  and  130   e  are blind holes, and accordingly, ambient air does not pass through openings  130   a  and  130   e . Regarding the latter, in order to create an appearance of a through hole, openings  130   a  and  130   e  are filled with a material  132   a  and a material  132   b , respectively. Materials  132   a  and  132   b  may include an ink with a dark (e.g., black) appearance. It should be noted that in some embodiments, openings of vent outlet  128   b  are through holes. Also, vent inlet  128   a  (shown in  FIG.  4 A ) may include any features shown and described for vent outlet  128   b.    
       FIG.  6    illustrates a cross sectional view of electronic device  100 , showing an exemplary air flow movement through electronic device  100 . The air flow passing into, passing through, and passing out of electronic device  100  (including through the internal volume defined by housing  102 ) is represented by dotted lines. As shown, fan assembly  110   a  is operating, and driving into electronic device  100 . The air flows over and past backlit device  116  to convectively cool backlit device  116 . Moreover, based upon the location of backlit device  116  being relatively close to sidewall  126   a , and in turn vent inlet  128   a , the ambient air is at its lowest temperature when entering electronic device  100 , and as a result, the likelihood of efficiently cooling backlit device  116  is increased. Also, the ambient air flows over and past power supply unit  114  to convectively cool power supply unit  114 . It should be noted that fan assembly  110   b  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) operates in a manner similar to that of fan assembly  110   a , and can also cause air to pass over and past backlit device  116 , power supply unit  114 , and circuit board  118  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). 
     Referring again to  FIG.  3    (and in view of  FIG.  6   ), power supply unit  114 , backlit device  116 , and circuit board  118  are also positioned at a lower half (approximately) in housing  102 , and accordingly, are relatively closer to vent inlet  128   a . Also, the air induced into housing  102  by fan assembly  110   a  (and fan assembly  110   b ) reaches power supply unit  114 , backlit device  116 , and circuit board  118  prior to entering a fan inlet  134   a  of fan assembly  110   a  (and a respective fan inlet of fan assembly  110   b ), and accordingly, power supply unit  114 , backlit device  116 , and circuit board  118  are upstream relative to fan assembly  110   a  (and fan assembly  110   b ). Also, as shown, fan assembly  110   a  ejects the air, now heated, out of a fan outlet  134   b  of fan assembly  110   a  and through vent outlet  128   b.    
       FIG.  7    illustrates a plan view of electronic device  100 , showing air flow through the inlet and outlet vents of the housing  102 . The air flow passing into, passing through, and passing out of electronic device  100  (including through the internal volume defined by housing  102 ) is represented by solid and dotted lines. During operation, fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  drive ambient air into housing  102 , causing the ambient air to flow over and past power supply unit  114 , backlit device  116 , and circuit board  118 . Further, based upon the layout of vent inlet  128   a  (also shown in  FIG.  4 A ), the ambient air substantially passes over and past backlit device  116 , thereby allowing backlit device  116  to be efficiently cooled. Similarly, the area covered by the ambient air can efficiently cool power supply unit  114  and circuit board  118 . Also, audio speakers  120   a  and  120   b  may act as a baffle, or guide, to direct the air within housing  102 , which may increase cooling efficiency by directing the air to places of higher temperatures. Further, as air flow is driven out of fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  disburse the heated air throughout vent outlet  128   b  in a relatively even manner so as to limit or prevent hot spots. Based on the layout, the internal components of electronic device  100  as well as display module  104  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), can be operable while remaining at or below their specified temperatures of operation. Regarding display module  104 , it should be apparent that the air flowing through housing  102  can also draw thermal energy from display module  104 , thereby convectively cooling display module  104 . 
       FIGS.  8 - 11    show and describe alternate embodiments of electronic devices. While some features vary in these embodiments and some features are not described in detail, the electronic device shown and described in  FIGS.  8 - 11    may include several, if not all, features shown and described for electronic device  100 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  200 , showing a single fan assembly used to drive air flow through electronic device  200 . As shown, electronic device  200  includes a fan assembly  210 , representing a single fan in a housing  202  of electronic device  200 . Fan assembly  210  may be used to cool internal components, such as a power supply unit  214 , a backlit device  216 , and a circuit board  218 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  300 , showing a different location for a timing controller  324  and associated modifications for timing controller  324 . As shown, electronic device  300  includes a housing  302  that includes several components, including timing controller  324 . While the timing controller was offset to one location in prior embodiments, timing controller  324  is centered, or at least substantially centered, in housing  302 . Also, housing  302  includes a sidewall  326   a  and a sidewall  326   b . The arrows directed toward sidewall  326   a  represent the direction of ambient air that can flow through a vent inlet (not shown in  FIG.  9   ) of sidewall  326   a , and arrows directed away from sidewall  326   b  represent the direction of heated ambient air can flow through a vent outlet (not shown in  FIG.  9   ) of sidewall  326   b . Further, arrows directed toward sidewall  326   b  represent the direction of ambient air that can flow through a vent inlet (not shown in  FIG.  9   ) of sidewall  326   b . In this manner, sidewall  326   b  may include openings for both a vent inlet and outlet, with the former being used to cool timing controller  324 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  400 , showing additional vent inlets. As shown, electronic device  400  includes a housing  402  and a display module  404  coupled with housing  402 . Also, a fan assembly  410  (representative of one or more fan assemblies) is located in housing  402 . The air flow (driven by fan assembly  410 ) passing into, passing through, and passing out of electronic device  400  (including through the internal volume defined by a housing  402 ) is represented by solid and dotted lines. As shown, housing  402  includes a sidewall  426   a , a sidewall  426   b , and a back wall  426   c  between sidewalls  426   a  and  426   b . Each of sidewalls  426   a  and  426   b , as well as back wall  426   c , include vent openings. For example, sidewalls  426   a  and  426   b  include a vent inlet  428   a  and a vent outlet  428   b , while back wall  426   c  includes a vent inlet  428   c . Using vent inlet  428   c  at back wall  426   c , fan assembly  410  can draw additional ambient air in, and at a different location of electronic device  400 . This may further increase cooling efficiency. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  500 , showing a different internal layout of components. As shown, electronic device  500  includes a housing  502  that carries several components, including a fan assembly  510   a , a fan assembly  510   b , a power supply unit  514 , a backlit device  516 , and a circuit board  518 . Electronic device  500  generally represents an “inverted” version of electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). Accordingly, when fan assemblies  510   a  and  510   b  are operating, ambient air may enter a sidewall  526   b  (through a vent inlet, not shown, of sidewall  526   b ) and exit a sidewall  526   a  (through a vent outlet, not shown, of sidewall  526   a ). Unlike prior embodiments, the ambient air enters through a vent inlet in an upper sidewall (i.e., sidewall  526   b ) and exits through a vent outlet in a lower sidewall (i.e., sidewall  526   a ). However, power supply unit  514 , backlit device  516 , and circuit board  518  still remain upstream relative to fan assemblies  510   a  and  510   b.    
       FIG.  12    illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  600 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The features in electronic device  600  may be present in other electronic devices described herein. Electronic device  600  may include one or more processors  610  for executing functions of the electronic device  600 . One or more processors  610  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. Also, one or more processors  610  can refer to application specific integrated circuits. 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  600  can include a display unit  620 . Display unit  620  is capable of presenting a user interface that includes icons (representing software applications), textual images, and/or motion images. In some examples, each icon can be associated with a respective function that can be executed by one or more processors  610 . In some cases, display unit  620  includes a display layer (not illustrated), which can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode display (LED), or the like. According to some embodiments, display unit  620  includes a touch input detection component and/or a force detection component that can be configured to detect changes in an electrical parameter (e.g., electrical capacitance value) when the user&#39;s appendage (acting as a capacitor) comes into proximity with display unit  620  (or in contact with a transparent layer that covers the display unit  620 ). Display, unit  620  is connected to one or more processors  610  via one or more connection cables  622 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  600  can include one or more sensors  630  capable of provide an input to one or more processors  610  of electronic device  600 . One or more sensors  630  may include a temperature sensor, a capacitive sensor, and magnetic field sensors, as a non-limiting example. One or more sensors  630  is/are connected to one or more processors  610  via one or more connection cables  632 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  600  can include one or more input/output components  640 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  640  can refer to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user. When one or more input/output components  640  are used, one or more input/output components  640  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to one or more processors  610  via one or more connection cables  642 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  600  can include a power supply  650  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of electronic device  600 . In some examples, power supply  650  can refer to a rechargeable battery. Power supply  650  can be connected to one or more processors  610  via one or more connection cables  652 . The power supply  650  can be directly connected to other devices of electronic device  600 , such as one or more input/output components  640 . In some examples, electronic device  600  can receive power from another power source (e.g., an external charging device). 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  600  can include memory  660 , which can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within memory  660 . In some cases, memory  660  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. Memory  660  can also include a Random Access Memory (“RAM”) and a Read-Only Memory (“ROM”). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the electronic device  600 . In some embodiments, memory  660  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium. One or more processors  610  can also be used to execute software applications. In some embodiments, a data bus  662  can facilitate data transfer between memory  660  and one or more processors  610 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  600  can include wireless communications components  670 . A network/bus interface  672  can couple wireless communications components  670  to one or more processors  610 . Wireless communications components  670  can communicate with other electronic devices via any number of wireless communication protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), or the like. In some examples, the wireless communications components  670  can communicate using NFC protocol, BLUETOOTH® protocol, or WIFI® protocol. 
     In accordance with various embodiments described herein, the terms “wireless communication device,” “wireless device,” “mobile device,” “mobile station,” and “user equipment” (UE) may be used interchangeably herein to describe one or more common consumer electronic devices that may be capable of performing procedures associated with various embodiments of the disclosure. In accordance with various implementations, any one of these consumer electronic devices may relate to: a cellular phone or a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a personal computer, a netbook computer, a media player device, an electronic book device, a MiFi® device, a wearable computing device, as well as any other type of electronic computing device having wireless communication capability that can include communication via one or more wireless communication protocols such as used for communication on: a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metro area network (WMAN) a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a near field communication (NFC), a cellular wireless network, a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), and/or 5G or other present or future developed advanced cellular wireless networks. 
     The wireless communication device, in some embodiments, can also operate as part of a wireless communication system, which can include a set of client devices, which can also be referred to as stations, client wireless devices, or client wireless communication devices, interconnected to an access point (AP), e.g., as part of a WLAN, and/or to each other, e.g., as part of a WPAN and/or an “ad hoc” wireless network. In some embodiments, the client device can be any wireless communication device that is capable of communicating via a WLAN technology, e.g., in accordance with a wireless local area network communication protocol. In some embodiments, the WLAN technology can include a Wi-Fi (or more generically a WLAN) wireless communication subsystem or radio, the Wi-Fi radio can implement an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 technology, such as one or more of: IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11-2007; IEEE 802.11n; IEEE 802.11-2012; IEEE 802.11ac; or other present or future developed IEEE 802.11 technologies. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The non-transitory computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210810
Publication Date: 20230530
Grant Date: 20230530
Priority Date: 20210430
Inventors: LECLERC, MICHAEL E.
RYAN, KEVIN J.
DEGNER, BRETT W.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20972", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20972", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R5/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/206", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20972", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 83759000