PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10165694-B1
Application Number: US-201715836955-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Concealed barometric vent for an electronic device

Abstract:
Embodiments are directed to a portable electronic device having a substantially concealed barometric vent. The vent may be used to equalize air pressure within the enclosure while forming a barrier between external contaminants, moisture, and so on and various internal component and assemblies of the device. In one embodiment, the vent may include a screen configured to impede ingress of particulates and an air-permeable membrane configured to impede ingress of moisture.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure defining an interior volume, an engagement feature, and a port extending from an inner surface of the interior volume to a surface of the engagement feature; 
 a display at least partially positioned within the enclosure; 
 a watch band that is coupled to the engagement feature of the enclosure; 
 a bracket positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure; and 
 a vent assembly positioned between the bracket and the inner surface of the interior volume and comprising:
 an air-permeable membrane defining a moisture barrier; and 
 a screen positioned along the air-permeable membrane, 
 
 wherein the watch band visually obscures the port when the watch band is coupled to the engagement feature. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement feature is a receiving slot that extends along a side of the enclosure. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the port is positioned offset from a middle of the electronic device. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the watch band includes a strap and a lug coupled to the strap; and 
 the lug and the engagement feature cooperate to releasably couple the watch band and the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein:
 the display includes a touch sensor and is configured to receive a touch input; 
 the electronic device further comprises a crown at least partially extending through an opening in the enclosure; 
 the crown is configured to receive a translational input and a rotational input; and 
 the display is configured to depict a graphical output of the electronic device that is responsive to each of: 
 the touch input of the touch sensor of the display; 
 the translational input of the crown; and 
 the rotational input of the crown. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein
 the vent assembly is configured to equalize an internal pressure of the interior volume with an external pressure of an external environment. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure is impermeable to liquid and the vent assembly is substantially impermeable to liquid. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the watch band comprises a lug; and 
 the lug is positioned at least partially in the engagement feature. 
 
     
     
       9. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure defining:
 an interior volume; 
 a sidewall defining a slot configured to receive a watch band; 
 an outer port extending from an inner surface of the interior volume to a surface of the slot; 
 
 a bracket positioned within the enclosure and defining an inner port; and 
 a vent assembly secured between the bracket and the enclosure, the vent assembly having a duct region that forms at least part of a passage between the outer port and the inner port, the vent assembly comprising, within the duct region:
 an air-permeable membrane defining a moisture barrier; and 
 a screen stacked along the air-permeable membrane. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the vent assembly further comprises a deformable layer forming at least a portion of a sidewall of the duct region; and 
 the bracket is configured to compress the deformable layer. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the bracket is coupled to the enclosure by a fastener; and 
 a cantilevered portion of the bracket extends from the fastener and defines the inner port. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the screen is a first screen adjacent the outer port; and 
 the vent assembly further comprises, within the duct region:
 a second screen stacked along the air-permeable membrane opposite the first screen. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the vent assembly is configured to reduce a pressure differential between an interior volume of the enclosure and an external environment. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first screen or the second screen is configured to limit deflection of the air-permeable membrane within the duct region caused by the pressure differential. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the vent assembly further comprises:
 a film configured to form a temporary seal between an interior volume of the enclosure and both of the air-permeable membrane and the screen and having a punctured section that extends into the duct region. 
 
     
     
       16. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure defining a slot along an exterior side of the enclosure and having a port formed in a surface of the slot; 
 a vent assembly positioned within the enclosure and defining a duct region configured to channel air between the port and an interior volume of the enclosure, the vent assembly comprising:
 an air-permeable membrane extending across the duct region and defining a moisture barrier; and 
 a screen between the air-permeable membrane and the port; and 
 
 a watch band positioned at least partially within the slot and at least partially overlapping the port. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , further comprising a dial configured to receive rotatable and translatable input. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the vent assembly further comprises an overmolded layer defining sidewalls of the duct region and molded over at least a portion of the screen. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the screen comprises a mesh layer having a group of intertwined structures. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the electronic device further comprises:
 a display at least partially positioned within the enclosure; 
 a cover covering the display; and 
 a touch sensor configured to sense a touch input applied to the cover; and 
 
 the display is configured to depict a graphical output that is responsive to the touch input.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/557,131, filed Sep. 11, 2017 and titled “Concealed Barometric Vent for an Electronic Device,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to barometric vents of an electronic device. More particularly, the present embodiments relate moisture and contaminant barriers of a barometric vent and assemblies that may conceal the barometric vent from a user. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In electronic devices, an internal cavity of a device enclosure may have a nominal internal air pressure. If this internal air pressure cannot be equalized with an external environment, then the device or its constituent components may warp, break, or cease functioning in high-pressure environments. Accordingly, electronic devices expected to be subjected to high-pressure environments may incorporate a barometric vent. 
     In some cases, barometric vents may be a path for ingress of foreign contaminants, like dirt, dust, oils, debris, liquids, and other contaminants. Internal components of electronic devices are often susceptible to these contaminants. Further, exposed barometric vents may be plugged by contaminants, reducing their ability to function. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a barometric vent for an electronic device that defines a moisture or contaminant barrier. Structures and assemblies are disclosed herein that may conceal the barometric vent from a user. 
     In a first aspect, the present disclosure includes an electronic device. The electronic device includes an enclosure defining an interior volume, an engagement feature, and an outer port extending from an inner surface of the interior volume to a surface of the engagement feature. The electronic device further includes a display at least partially positioned within the enclosure. The electronic device further includes a watch band that is coupled to the engagement feature of the enclosure. The electronic device further includes a vent assembly positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure and aligned with the outer port. The watch band visually obscures the outer port when positioned within the engagement feature. 
     In a second aspect, the present disclosure includes an electronic device. The electronic device includes an enclosure having a sidewall and an outer port defined within the sidewall. The electronic device further includes a bracket positioned within the enclosure and defining an inner port. The electronic device further includes a vent assembly secured between the bracket and an the enclosure. The vent assembly may include a duct region that forms at least part of a passage between the outer port and the inner port. Within the duct region, the vent assembly further includes an air-permeable membrane defining a moisture barrier and a screen stacked along the air-permeable membrane. 
     In a third embodiment, the present disclosure includes an electronic device. The electronic device includes an enclosure having an outer port. The electronic device further includes a vent assembly positioned within the enclosure and defining a duct region configured to channel air between the outer port and an interior volume of the enclosure. The vent assembly includes an air-permeable membrane extending across the duct region and defining a moisture barrier. The electronic device further includes an input member at least partially overlapping the outer port. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a sample electronic device having a concealed vent assembly; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , showing an outer port of the concealed vent assembly; 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a cross-sectional view of a vent assembly, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a vent assembly, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a vent assembly, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a cover for the vent assembly of  FIG. 2 , shown within an internal volume of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 5A  depicts multiple outer ports for vent assemblies positioned along a receiving slot of an electronic device; 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a vertical channel extending from an outer port defined in a receiving slot of an electronic device; 
         FIG. 5C  depicts a horizontal channel extending from an outer port defined in a receiving slot of an electronic device; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a sample electronic device having a vent assembly positioned along a band release opening; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly of  FIG. 6A , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  depicts the vent assembly of  FIG. 6A  within an internal volume of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a sample electronic device having another embodiment of a vent assembly positioned along a band release opening; 
         FIG. 7B  depicts the vent assembly of  FIG. 7A  within an internal volume of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 8  depicts an outlet along the external surface shared by multiple components of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a sample electronic device having a concealed vent assembly positioned along input structures; 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a cross-sectional view of a button of a sample electronic device having an internal fastener with a through hole; 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a cross-sectional view of a sample electronic device having an external fastener with a through hole; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of a sample electronic device having a conceal vent assembly positioned along an engagement feature; and 
         FIG. 12  depicts a functional block diagram of a sample electronic device. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The present disclosure describes systems, devices, and techniques related to a barometric vent for an electronic device. An electronic device, such as a wearable or portable electronic device, may have an internal cavity that contains various components and assemblies of the device (printed circuit board, sensors, switch, and so on). The cavity may be substantially sealed from an external environment in order to prevent or mitigate the ingress of contaminants such as oils, dust, and/or other debris that may interfere with the device. A nominal air pressure within the cavity may change as a user interacts with the device (providing input to a force-sensitive surface) and/or due to external environment changes, including sudden altitude or weather changes. The electronic device may include a barometric vent, or other vent assembly, configured to equalize the pressure within the cavity to that of the external environment. The vent assembly may equalize the pressure while shielding the components and assemblies of the electronic device from potential contaminants, including by serving as a moisture barrier. 
     The vent assembly may include or be associated with an outer port or opening defined on an exterior surface of the electronic device that allows for the passage of air. The outer port may be positioned on the exterior surface in order to aesthetically, structurally, and/or functionally enhance the electronic device. For example, the outer port may be positioned relative to (or partially within) an external component or assembly of the electronic device, including a button, crown, band, lug/receiving slot, fastener, or the like. The external component or assembly may visually obstruct or camouflage the outer port, thereby allowing the outer port to be substantially concealed from a user. As described herein, the outer port, component, and/or assembly may be configured to maintain adequate airflow through the vent assembly despite being substantially concealed. 
     The vent assembly may include various combinations and embodiments of films, membranes, substrates, screens, stiffeners, perforated members, and/or other layers that cooperate to allow air to enter and/or exit the cavity slowly while mitigating the ingress of potential contaminants. The layers may form a duct region that defines a fluid path between the outer port and an inner port positioned within the cavity. In a sample embodiment, the vent assembly includes an air-permeable membrane that forms a water-resistant moisture barrier across the duct region. Air may pass through the membrane in a restricted or controlled manner, which may help equalize the pressure within the cavity or otherwise reduce a pressure differential between the cavity and an external environment of the device. One or more screens (including perforated members, mesh layers, stiffeners, and so on) may be positioned on either side of the membrane to prevent mechanical abrasion of the membrane (from particulates or other debris). The screens may also provide a physical support or backing for the membrane as it bows within the duct region due to passage of air. In some embodiments, a film may also extend across the duct region and may be used to test an air seal of the vent assembly; the film may be subsequently punctured to allow air to pass. The layers of the substrate may be bonded to one another using one or more interstitial layers, such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or thermoset adhesive (TSA). 
     It will be appreciated that the various layers of the membrane are presented for purposes of illustration. The vent assembly may include various other layers, as described herein, to facilitate the function of the vent assembly. For example, the vent assembly may also include a deformable foam layer that presses down (compresses) the various layers bonded by the interstitial layers, which may enhance the structural rigidity of the vent assembly. A bracket (or other substrate or rigid component) may be fastened to the device internally and may compress the deformable layer in order to stabilize the vent assembly within the cavity. Other sample layers include a spacer, overmolded mesh layer, and so on. Accordingly, other layers and stackups of the vent assembly are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The electronic device may be a watch or other wearable or portable electronic device having a vent assembly. The watch may have an enclosure that defines the outer port of the vent assembly. By selectively positioning the outer port relative to (or partially within) an external component of the watch, the outer port may be at least partially shielded from contaminants. This may also help maximize a continuous or uninterrupted (by holes) visible surface of the watch body, which may enhance the aesthetic and function of the device. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the outer port may be positioned in a variety of locations so that the vent assembly is substantially concealed from a user, and/or such that the port is shielded from direct entry of contaminants in an external environment. Put another way, a component of the electronic device may act as a barrier to contaminants entering the port along a straight path. 
     In an example embodiment, the vent assembly may be substantially concealed within an engagement feature defined in the watch body. The engagement feature may be one of a pair of receiving slots that operate to temporarily constrain or releasably couple a lug of a watch band. The lug includes a locking mechanism that engages a retention feature (hole defined in an internal contoured surface of the slot) so that the watch band may be used to secure the watch body to a user. When the watch is worn by a user, the watch band thus conceals the outer port of the vent assembly. Sufficient clearance between the lug and an engagement feature surface may allow air to pass through the vent assembly substantially unobstructed. 
     As another example, the vent assembly may be substantially concealed from a user within a retention feature. The retention feature may be an opening or through portion of the watch body that receives the locking mechanism, temporarily constraining the lug within the slot when the watch is worn by a user. The retention feature may also house a button or other release member that may be pressed to disengage the lug. As such, one or more of the locking mechanism, release member, and/or component or structure within the retention feature may operate to conceal the outer port without substantially constricting airflow to the vent assembly. 
     The enclosure may also include various openings for distinct input structures, including a button, crown, and so on that may also be used to conceal the vent assembly. For example, the outer port may be defined in a side wall or a base portion that partially receives the input structure but is spaced or offset so as to provide the needed clearance for the port. In some cases, fasteners with a through hole may be used in conjunction with any of the foregoing to facilitate flow of air through the vent assembly. 
     Camouflaging or concealing the vent assembly may also be accomplished by forming a shared internal volume within the watch body cavity so that multiple components or assemblies of the device are fluidically coupled to the external environment through a single port. For example, the device may include a microphone, a speaker, and/or other acoustic components that require the flow of air from and/or toward the external environment. An internal volume may be defined within the cavity that is shared by all or a subset of such components. The shared internal volume may be coupled with a single outlet defined on an exterior surface of the watch body that allows air to reach the components, thereby reducing externally visible holes of the watch. Additionally or alternatively, when multiple holes are defined on the exterior surface, the holes may appear uniform, even when each corresponds to a distinct component of the device. 
     It will be appreciated that while the foregoing presents sample embodiments of concealing a vent assembly for a watch, other embodiments are possible. For example, the vent assembly may be used with substantially any portable electronic device, including a smart phone that may be vented to an external environment for pressure equalization. Substantially non-portable electronic devices, including desktop computers, may also use the barometric vents described herein, as may be appropriate for a given application. 
     Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating various features of the present disclosure. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an example electronic device  104  having an enclosure  106  and a display  108  (which may be touch-sensitive) incorporated therein. The display  108  may be at least partially positioned within the enclosure  106  and used to receive an input that may facilitate control of the electronic device  104 . When force or touch input is received at the display  108 , an internal pressure within the enclosure  106  may vary. For example, the electronic device  104  may include a touch sensor, proximity sensor, and/or force sensor that detects capacitive, magnetic, optical, strain, or other characteristics to register input. The electronic device  104  may include one or more vent assemblies, such as the vent assembly discussed above and described in greater detail below. As described herein, the vent assembly (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be configured to equalize a nominal air pressure within the enclosure  106  with an external pressure of a surrounding external environment; this may be accomplished in a slow or controlled manner, as may be appropriate for a given application. The vent assembly may be substantially concealed from a user when the electronic device  104  is in an assembled configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . As such, the vent assembly may equalize the nominal air pressure without overtly alerting the user to such functionality of the electronic device  104 . 
     As shown, the electronic device  104  (or “device  104 ”) is a watch, though it can be any suitable electronic device, including, for example, a smart phone, desktop computer, an accessory or gaming device. Other example electronic devices include notebook computers, tablets, portable media players, other patches, pencils, and/or other appropriate electronic devices, including other wearable devices, health monitoring devices, digital cameras, printers, scanners, security systems or devices, and/or electronics for automobiles, among other electronic devices. As such, the discussion of any electronic device, such as electronic device  104 , is meant to be illustrative only. 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the enclosure  106  may define multiple openings that are configured to at least partially receive various components and assemblies of the electronic device  104 . In particular, the enclosure  106  may define a first opening  109   a , a second opening  109   b , and a third opening  109   c ; however, additional or fewer openings are possible and described herein. The display  108  may be at least partially received by the first opening  109   a , which may be formed into a top surface of the enclosure  106 . The display  108  may thus define a watch face of the electronic device  104  configured to receive a touch input. The second opening  109   b  and the third opening  109   c  may be configured to receive various input structures of the electronic device  104 . 
     For example, the electronic device  104  may include a crown  110  at least partially received by the second opening and a button  112  at least partially received by the third opening  109   c . The crown  110  may rotate and/or translate within the second opening  109   b  and the button  112  may translate within the third opening  109   c  in order to receive a rotational input and/or a translational input from a user. This may be used to control a function of the electronic device  104  using rotational or translational input from a user. For example, the display  108  may depict a graphical output of the electronic device  104  (including indicia, symbols, text, icons, notifications, and so on) that is responsive to the movements of the crown  110  and/or the button  112 . Rotation may scroll or move input or vice versa translation may select input. Translation may also be used to transition the electronic device  104  between one or more configurations. For example, the translation may return a group of graphical objects (icons) to the display  108 . 
     The electronic device  104  may also include a watch band  114 . The watch band  114  may be used to secure the watch body (e.g., enclosure  106 ) to a user. The watch band  114  may be releasably coupled with the enclosure  106 . For example, the watch band  114  may include rigid members, such as lug  118 , that are connected to a flexible strap  115 . The lug  118  may be received by an engagement feature  116  or other elongated groove or receiving slot formed into the enclosure  106 . The enclosure  106  may include a pair of slots on opposing sides of the enclosure  106  such that that flexible strap  115  may encircle a user&#39;s wrist or other body portion and couple with each of the slots, thereby securing the device  104  to a user. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an exploded view of the electronic device  104 . In the exploded view of  FIG. 2 , the watch band  114  is shown detached from the enclosure  106 . In one embodiment, the watch band  114  may detach from the enclosure  106  by sliding the lug  118  laterally within the engagement feature  116 . The contoured shape of the engagement feature  116  may establish sufficient clearance for the lug  118  to slide along the lateral, elongated direction, while also restricting movement in a perpendicular direction, away from the enclosure  106 . The engagement feature  116  may define a retention feature  117  or opening that is configured to at least partially receive a locking mechanism  120  of the lug  118  to restrict the lateral, sliding movement and secure the watch band  114  to the enclosure  106 . For example, when the lug  118  is advanced or slid into the engagement feature  116 , the locking mechanism  120  may expand into the retention feature  117 , and lock or temporarily fix a position of the lug  118  within the engagement feature  116 . The retention feature  117  may also house a release member  119 . The release member  119  may be pressed to disengage the locking mechanism  120  from the retention feature  117  and allow the lug  118  to slide through the engagement feature  116 , thereby permitting detachment of the watch band  114  from the enclosure  106 . 
     As described herein, the electronic device  104  may include one or more barometric vents or similar assemblies that allow ingress and/or egress of air between an internal volume of the enclosure  106  and an external environment. To facilitate the foregoing, a hole, opening, port, or the like is defined on an external surface of the enclosure  106  that allows air to pass. The vent assembly may be an internal assembly that controls ingress and egress of air therethrough and also provides a barrier against potential contaminants, such as moisture, oils, dust, debris, and so on that may otherwise attempt to enter the internal volume through the opening defined on the external surface of the enclosure. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the vent assembly (and associated opening, port, or the like) may be substantially concealed from a user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the electronic device includes a vent assembly  124  (shown in phantom). The vent assembly  124  may be an internal assembly of the electronic device  104  that is not readily visible by viewing an exterior surface of the enclosure  106 . As described in greater detail below with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the vent assembly  124  may include various films, membranes, layers, substrates, and so on that cooperate to form a moisture barrier that allows air to enter and/or exit the enclosure  106  slowly, while mitigating the ingress of potential contaminants. Visible on the exterior of the enclosure  106  is an outer port  126 . The outer port  126  may be a hole or opening defined in the enclosure  106  that defines a fluid path into (and out of) the vent assembly  124 . For example, the outer port  126  may extend from an inner surface of an interior volume of the enclosure  106  to the engagement feature  126 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the outer port  126  may be defined within the engagement feature  116 . For example, the outer port  126  may be an opening or through portion extending into an internal volume or cavity of the enclosure  106  from a contoured interior surface of the engagement feature  116 . The vent assembly  124  may thus be positioned within the internal volume relative to the engagement feature  116  in order to receive and expel air via the outer port  126 . As shown in the sample embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the outer port  126  may be position offset from a middle of the electronic device  104 . 
     The contoured interior surface of the engagement feature  116  may not be visible to a user when the watch band  114  is coupled with the enclosure  106 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , when the lug  118  is advanced into the engagement feature  116 , the lug  118  visually obscures the contoured interior surface. As such, the lug  118  may conceal the outer port  126  and the vent assembly  124  from view. Accordingly, the watch band  114  may visually obscure the outer port  126  when positioned within the engagement feature  116 . Despite being covered or partially covered by the lug  118 , air may still flow substantially unobstructed into (and out of) the outer port  126 , although the lug  118  may inhibit direct entry of contaminates. For example, the lug  118  and the contoured interior surface of the engagement feature  116  may be offset or separated slightly, thereby providing clearance between the lug  118  and the engagement feature  116  for the passage of air while impeding contaminant entry into the outer port  126 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  depict embodiments of vent assemblies of the present disclosure. Broadly, the vent assemblies may include a duct region that defines a fluid path between an outer port (on a surface of a device enclosure) and an inner port positioned within an internal volume of the enclosure. The duct region may extend through a stack up of the various films, membranes, screens, adhesives, and/or other layers described herein below. Some of the layers may extend at least partially over (across) the duct region so as to be substantially positioned along the fluid path. Such layers may control, mitigate, and/or prevent (as may be appropriate) the flow of air, moisture, oil, particulates, and/or other contaminants through the duct region. The vent assembly may be positioned at substantially any location within the enclosure  106  corresponding to a position of the outer port on the exterior surface. As described herein, the outer port may be positioned in various configurations along the exterior surface in order to conceal the vent assembly from a user. As such, it will be appreciated that the vent assemblies described with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3C  (or any other embodiments or variations of the vent assembly) may be used or coupled with any of the outer ports described herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3A , a cross-sectional view of a vent assembly  124   a  is shown, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . In this regard, the vent assembly  124   a  may be a sample embodiment of the vent assembly  124  described with respect to  FIG. 2 ; however, other embodiments are possible and described in greater detail below, for example, with respect to  FIGS. 3B and 3C . The vent assembly  124   a  may include a stackup of layers that cooperate to define a duct region  128  between the outer port  126  and an inner port  129  positioned within an interior volume of the enclosure  106 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the vent assembly  124  may include a bracket  130 , a deformable layer  132 , a film  134 , a first screen  138   a , a membrane  140 , a second screen  138   b , and one or more interstitial layers  142 . The first screen  138   a  and the second screen  138   b  may positioned along or otherwise be stacked relative to one another. The interstitial layers  142  may be adhesive or bonding layers (including pressure sensitive adhesive and/or thermoset adhesive layers) that couple the other layers and films of the vent assembly  124  to one another to collectively form the duct region  128 . While  FIG. 3A  depicts the foregoing layers of the vent assembly  124 , and are described in detail below, other layers and configurations are possible, including embodiments in which the vent assembly has more or fewer layers than that depicted with respect to  FIG. 3A . 
     The first screen  138   a  may extend across the duct region  128 . The first screen  138   a  may be a perforated layer configured to provide a physical and/or chemical resistant barrier that prevents or mitigates the ingress of contaminants into the vent assembly  124 . Such contaminants may include particulates and/or other debris that may damage or impair the membrane  140  or other components of the vent assembly  124 . Contaminants may also include oils, liquids, and/or other chemically corrosive elements that may adversely affect components of the electronic device  104 . The first screen  138   a  may be formed from a chemically resistive material, such as stainless steel. Contaminants laced with, or carrying, corrosive elements may thus be blocked by the physical barrier formed by the first screen  138   a  and the stainless steel construction may prevent deterioration of the first screen  138   a  upon contact with the intruding materials. 
     To facilitate the foregoing, the first screen  138   a  may be coupled or stacked along an interior surface of the enclosure  106  at the outer port  126 , for example, using one or more of the interstitial layers  142 . Air may pass through the first screen  138   a . The perforations may, however, have a size and a shape that prevents or impedes the passage of liquids and/or other contaminants. The first screen  138   a  may also provide a physical support or backing for the membrane  140  as it bows within the duct region  128  in response to, for example, air exiting the enclosure  106 , thereby limiting deformation of the membrane  140  under pressure or preventing it from rupturing. 
     The membrane  140  may be an air-permeable membrane that is coupled to the first screen  138   a  and that extends across the duct region  128 . For example, one or more of the interstitial layers  142  may be used to bond the membrane  140  to the first screen  138   a , opposite the outer port  126 . The membrane  140  may be relatively thin, for example, such as being approximately 0.05-0.15 mm; however, other dimensions are possible, including being greater than 0.15 mm or less than 0.15 mm. As such, as air travels through the membrane  140  (or pressure is otherwise exerted on the membrane  140  within the duct region  128 ), the membrane  140  may bow or otherwise deflect. The first screen  138   a  may prevent bowing of the membrane  140  beyond a specified point. The second screen  138   b  may perform a similar function, as described below. 
     The membrane  140  may be a composite structure formed from an array of interlocking fibers. The interlocking fibers may define a porosity of the membrane  140 , for example based on a density or compactness of the fibers across the membrane  140 . The porosity may be such that air is allowed to travel through the membrane  140  in a restricted or controlled manner. This may help equalize the pressure within the enclosure  106  slowly. In other cases, air may pass through the membrane  140  substantially unobstructed, thereby allowing relatively rapid or near-instantaneous pressure equalization. 
     The membrane  140  may form a water-resistant seal or moisture barrier across the duct region  128 . For example, membrane  140  may impede, mitigate, or substantially prevent the flow of water, moisture, and oils, into the vent assembly  124 . Specifically, the porosity of the membrane  140  may be sufficiently low, such that at a nominal pressure, water and other contaminants may not readily traverse the membrane  140 . This may help provide waterproofing for the electronic device  104 . It will be appreciated that the density or compactness of the interlocking fibers may be specified in any appropriate manner, as may be appropriate to control a porosity of the membrane  140 . This may be beneficial to control the flow of air through the membrane  140  (calibrating the resistance of the membrane  140  to air traveling through the vent assembly  124 ) and/or the extent of waterproofing desired for the electronic device  104 . 
     The second screen  138   b  may be a perforated layer that extends across the duct region  128 . The second screen  138   b  may provide a physical support or backing for the membrane  140  as it bows within the duct region  128  in response to, for example, air entering the enclosure  106 . To facilitate the foregoing, the second screen  138   b  may be coupled to the membrane  140 , opposite the first screen  138   a , using one or more of the interstitial layers  142 . The second screen  138   b  may thus prevent bowing of the membrane  140  beyond a specified point, thereby limiting deformation of the membrane  140  under pressure or preventing it from rupturing. 
     The first screen  138   a  and the second screen  138   b  may thus cooperate to enhance the longevity of the membrane  140 . For example, the membrane  140  may repeatedly cycle between bowing along a direction into and out of the duct region  128  as the vent assembly  124  operates to control the ingress and egress of air. Limiting the bowing to certain specified amounts (due to the physical position of the first screen  138   a  and the second screen  138   b ) may reduce stress and strain on the membrane  140  over time. Thus, the first screen  138   a  and the second screen  138   b  may reduce degradation of the membrane  140 , thereby enhancing the longevity of the membrane  140  subjected to repeated, prolonged, and/or excess applications of pressure (fluid flow). 
     Positioned along the second screen  138   b , opposite the membrane  140 , is the stiffener  136 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . The stiffener  136  is an optional component of the vent assembly  124  that defines sidewalls of the duct region  128  and is configured to provide a specified height to the vent assembly  124  and the duct region  128 . For example, the duct region  128  may extend into an internal cavity of the enclosure  106  by a specified amount (for example, due to the internal structure of the enclosure  106 ). This may be at least partially influenced by the position of the outer port along the exterior surface of the enclosure  106 , as the dimensions, tolerances, or the like of the vent assembly  124  may change based on the position of the vent assembly  124  within the enclosure  106 . The stiffener  136  may also be used to separate the membrane  140  from the film  134  by a required amount to facilitate use of the film  134  for an air seal test, as described below. The stiffener  136  also prevents shear and/or lateral movements as it abuts the enclosure  106 , although this is optional. 
     In particular, the film  134  may be a perforated film (e.g., having a punctured section) that extends across the duct region  128 . The film  134  may be used as a temporary seal to test an air seal of the vent assembly  124 . For example, it may be desirable to determine that the various layers of the vent assembly  124  do not permit the flow of air or other fluids outside of the duct region  128 . Stated differently, the vent assembly  124  is configured to permit the flow of air within the duct region  128  between the outer port  126  and the inner port  129 ; air that enters or exits the duct region  128  at other locations (such as between or through the interstitial layers) may impair the function of the vent assembly  124 . As such, the film  134  may initially be an air impermeable film capped on, formed over, and/or adhered to (using interstitial layers  142 ) the stiffener  136 . Air may be introduced into the duct region  128  (above or below the film  134 ) in order to determine if such air escapes from an inappropriate location within the vent assembly  124 . For example, when the film  134  is air impermeable, air introduced into the outer port  126  should not leak into the internal volume of the enclosure  106 . Thus, an absence of the introduced air may indicate that vent assembly  124  is suitable for in-field use of the electronic device  104 . 
     Upon completion of the air seal test, the film  134  may be punctured to allow air to travel through the duct region  128 . In one embodiment, a needle or other sharp or puncture-based instrument may be used to create one or more apertures or puncture sections in the film  134 . These apertures may allow air to pass through the duct region  128  substantially unobstructed. In other cases, the apertures may be configured to control the passage of air through the duct region  128  in a controlled or restricted manner, as may be appropriate for a given application. 
     The deformable layer  132  may be coupled to the film  134  opposite the stiffener  136 , for example, using one or more of the interstitial layers  142 . The deformable layer  132  may form side walls of the duct region  128  and be used to provide an interface between the various membranes, films, layers, and so on of the vent assembly  124  and a rigid bracket (bracket  130 ) that connects the vent assembly  124  to an internal surface of the enclosure  106 . The deformable layer  132  may be a foam layer, or other elastically deformable material that is compressed in response to a force, and substantially returns to an uncompressed or undeformed shaped when the force ceases. 
     The bracket  130  may be at least partially positioned along the deformable layer  132  and used in conjunction with the deformable layer  132  to enhance the structural rigidity and stabilize the vent assembly  124  within the enclosure  106 . For example, the bracket  130  may be a substantially rigid substrate or member that is fixed to an internal surface of the enclosure  106 , for example, using fasteners (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). The bracket  130  may be fastened or fixed to the internal surface such that the bracket  130  compresses the deformable layer  132 . This may deform the deformable layer  132  and cause the deformable layer to press down on the various other layers, films, membranes, and so on of the vent assembly  124 . The other layers of the vent assembly  124  may therefore also be compressed, which may restrict undesirable movements, thereby helping to stabilize the vent assembly  124  within the enclosure  106 . This may be beneficial for the interstitial layers  142 , which may be formed from a pressure sensitive adhesive; the compression from the bracket  130  may increase the adhesive properties of the interstitial layers  142  and therefore reduce possible failure mechanisms of the vent assembly  124 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3B , a cross-sectional view of a vent assembly  124   b  is shown, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . In this regard, the vent assembly  124   b  may be a sample embodiment of the vent assembly  124  described with respect to  FIG. 2 ; however, other embodiments are possible and described in greater detail herein, for example, with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3C . The vent assembly  124   b  may be substantially analogous to the vent assembly  124   a  described above with respect to  FIG. 3A . For example, the vent assembly  124   b  may be configured to facilitate equalization of pressure within a device enclosure. The vent assembly  124   b  may thus provide a fluid path for the ingress and egress of air between an internal volume of the enclosure and an external environment. The vent assembly  124   b  may also form a physical moisture barrier that prevents or impedes the ingress of contaminants, such as various liquids (including water), oils, dust, debris, and so on into the enclosure. In this regard substantially analogous to the components described above in relation to the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , the vent assembly  124   b  may include the outer port  126 , the duct region  128 , the inner port  129 , the bracket  130 , the deformable layer, the second screen  138   b , the membrane  140 , and the interstitial layers  142 . 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing similarities, the membrane  140  may be coupled along the interior of the enclosure  106  adjacent the outer port  126 , for example, using one or more of the interstitial layers  142 . A perforated member may not necessarily be interposed between the membrane  140  and the outer port  126 . This may help optimize the size of the vent assembly  124   b  within the electronic device  104 . For example, without an additional perforated member between the membrane  140  and the outer port  126 , the distance between the membrane  140  and an external surface of the enclosure  106  may be reduced, in addition to altering other parameters of the vent assembly  124 , such as modular volume, z-height, and other considerations, as may be appropriate for a given application. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3C , a cross-sectional view of a vent assembly  124   c  is shown, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . In this regard the vent assembly  124   c  may be a sample embodiment of the vent assembly  124  described with respect to  FIG. 2 ; however, other embodiments are possible and described in greater detail herein, for example, with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The vent assembly  124   c  may be substantially analogous to the vent assembly  124  described above with respect to  FIG. 3A . For example, the vent assembly  124   c  may be configured to facilitate equalization of pressure within a device enclosure. The vent assembly  124   c  may thus provide a fluid path for the ingress and egress of air between an internal volume of the enclosure and an external environment. The vent assembly  124   c  may also form a physical moisture barrier that prevents or impedes the ingress of contaminants, such as various liquids (including water), oils, dust, debris, and so on into the enclosure. In this regard, substantially analogous to the components described above in relation to the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , the vent assembly  124   c  may include the outer port  126 , the duct region  128 , the inner port  129 , the bracket  130 , the deformable layer  132 , the second screen  138   b , the membrane  140 , and the interstitial layers  142 . 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing similarities, the vent assembly  124   c  may include a screen  152  that extends across the duct region  128 . The screen  152  may be a mesh layer composite structure formed from an array or group of intertwined structures or interlocking members. The intertwined members may thus be attached to one another and cooperate to define various through holes, openings, pockets, and so on in the screen  152 . Air or other fluids (moisture) may pass through the holes or openings defined in the screen  152 . The holes may be small enough, however, such that the mesh layer forms a physical barrier that prevents the ingress of potential contaminants into the enclosure  106 , such as particulates, dust, and/or other debris. Contaminants may also include oils or other chemically corrosive elements that may deteriorate components of the electronic device  104 . The intertwined members of the screen  152  may thus be formed from a chemical resistive material, such as stainless steel; certain fibers or synthetic materials may also be suitable choices for the screen  152 , among other possible materials. 
     The screen  152  may be at least partially encapsulated or molded within an overmold layer  150 . The overmolded layer  150  may form a compliant ring around the screen  152  to facilitate sealing or compression of the vent assembly  124 . The overmold layer  150  may be coupled along an interior surface of the enclosure  106  opposite the outer port  126 , for example, using one or more of the interstitial layers  142 . The overmold layer  150  may define side walls of the duct region  128  that extend substantially from the outer port  126 . The overmold layer  150  may be formed from a variety of moldable materials, including silicone, various plastics, ceramics, or the like. As shown in  FIG. 3B , a portion of the screen  152  may extend into the overmold layer  150 . For example, a peripheral edge or perimeter of the screen  152  may extend into the overmold layer  150  in order to secure the screen  152  within the duct region  128 . The overmold layer  150  may allow the screen  152  to be recessed into the interior of the enclosure  106 , which may enhance the aesthetics of the outer port  126 . The overmold layer  150  may also prevent shear and/or lateral movement of the vent assembly  124 . 
     In certain embodiments, the vent assembly  124   c  may optionally include a gasket  154 . The gasket  154  may be a chemical resistant gasket that is configured to provide a physical barrier between one or more of the interstitial layers  142  and the duct region  128 . For example, as shown in the detail of  FIG. 3B , the gasket  154  may be an O-ring or other structure that at least partially defines a sidewall of the duct region. In the instant embodiment, the gasket  154  is shown defining a sidewall of the duct region  128  between the screen  152  and the outer port  126 . This may be a sidewall of the duct region  128  that experiences corrosive chemicals or other elements from an external environment, which may act to degrade the interstitial layers  142 . Accordingly, the gasket  154  may help increase the longevity of the bonded components of the vent assembly  124   c  by substantially sealing the adhesive materials from a corrosive external environment. 
     Substantially analogous to the embodiments described with respect to  FIG. 3A , the membrane  140  may be used in the vent assembly  124   c  to prevent or impede oil, moisture, water or other contaminants from entering the interior of the enclosure  106 , while allowing air to pass through. In this regard, the membrane  140  may be an air-permeable membrane that extends across the duct region  128 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the membrane  140  may be coupled to the overmold layer  150  opposite the outer port  126 . One or more interstitial layers  142  may be used to bond the membrane  140  to the overmold layer  150 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3C , the second perforated member may be coupled to the membrane  140  using one or more of the interstitial layers  142 . As described above, the second screen  138   b  may be a physical support or backing for the membrane  140  as it bows or deforms due to the passage of air. Coupled to the second screen  138   b  in the embodiment of  FIG. 3B  is the deformable layer  132 . The deformable layer  132  may be configured for compression by the bracket  130 , including having a size and/or shape that substantially fills or conforms to pockets or grooves defined along an underside of the bracket  130 . The corresponding geometries of the underside of the bracket  130  and the deformable layer may help restrict movement of the deformable layer  132  relative to the bracket  130 . As such, the deformable layer  132  may be at least partially constrained within the bracket  130  as the bracket  130  exerts a compressive force on the deformable layer  132  and various other layers of the vent assembly  124   c  below (e.g., due in part to fixing or fastening the bracket  130  to a rigid interior surface of the enclosure  106 ). 
       FIG. 4  depicts the bracket  130  coupled along an interior surface of the enclosure  106  of the electronic device  104 . The bracket  130  may be coupled to the interior surface using one or more fasteners  131 ; however, other attachment techniques and structures are possible. In the instant embodiment, the fasteners  131  may extend through holes defined in the bracket  130  and be received by corresponding holes, threaded features, and so forth that may be defined with the interior surface of the enclosure  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the bracket  130  may be or resemble a cantilevered structure. For example, at least one end of the bracket  130  may be a substantially free end that extends beyond a given one of the fasteners  131 . The substantially free end may define a cantilevered portion  141  of the bracket  130 . The cantilevered portion  141  may have a through hole, opening, or the like that defines the inner port  129 . The vent assembly  124  (or any other vent assembly described herein) may be aligned with the inner port  129  between a sidewall of the enclosure  106  and the free end of the bracket  130 . The bracket  130  may thus be used to secure the vent assembly  124  within the enclosure  106 . For example, the free end of the bracket  130  may exert a compressive force on the vent assembly  124  when the bracket  130  is attached to the enclosure  106  by the fasteners  131 , thereby restricting movement of the vent assembly  124  between the sidewall and the free end of the bracket  130 . In some cases, the fasteners  131  may be further tightened or otherwise manipulated to vary a compressive force exerted by the bracket  130  on the vent assembly  124 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  depict alternate embodiments of vent assemblies positioned along the engagement feature  116  of the electronic device  104 . As described above, an outer port of a vent assembly may be defined in an interior contoured surface of the engagement feature  116 . The interior contoured surface may be at least partially concealed by the lug  118  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The outer port (and corresponding vent assembly) may thus be concealed or camouflaged from a user when the lug  118  is engaged within the engagement feature  116 . The interior contoured surface of the engagement feature  116  may be configured to allow air to exit and/or enter the vent assembly. For example, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lug  118  may be offset or separated from the engagement feature  116  when engaged therein. Additionally or alternatively to the described offset,  FIGS. 5A-5B  depict alternate embodiments of the interior contoured surface of the slot that may facilitate the flow of air through the vent assembly. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5A , the engagement feature  116  of the electronic device  104  is shown having multiple outer ports defined within an interior contoured surface. The multiple outer ports may be configured to increase air flow into and out of the enclosure  106  by expanding the area along the engagement feature  116  through which air may traverse in order to reach (or be expelled from) the vent assembly. In particular,  FIG. 5A  depicts outer ports  126  positioned on opposing sides of the engagement feature  116 ; however, other configurations are possible. Each of the outer ports  126  may be associated with a vent assembly, such as vent assemblies  124 . The vent assemblies  124  may thus be a common vent assembly coupled with the outer ports  126 ; however, in other cases, the each of the vent assemblies  126  may be separately coupled to individual vent assemblies having distinct structures and configurations, according to the embodiments described herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5B , the engagement feature  116  of the electronic device  104  is shown having an outer port and a vertical channel  119   a  formed into the interior contoured surface. The vertical channel may be a groove, cut, notch, or the like that extends from the outer port along a circumferential direction of the engagement feature  116 . The vertical channel may provide further clearance or space between the engagement feature  116  and the lug  118 , which may facilitate the flow of air through the vent assembly. In particular,  FIG. 5B  depicts a vertical channel  119   a  formed into the interior contoured surface of the engagement feature  116 . The vertical channel  119   a  may extend from the outer port  126  and define a recessed portion of the engagement feature  116  that is configured to direct or otherwise funnel air into and out of the outer port  126 . The recessed portion defined by the vertical channel  119   a  may increase air flow into and out of the enclosure  106  by expanding the area along the engagement feature  116  through which air may traverse in order to reach (or be expelled from) the vent assembly  124  associated with the outer port  126 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5C , the engagement feature  116  of the electronic device  104  is shown having an outer port and a horizontal or longitudinal channel formed into the interior contoured surface. The horizontal channel may be a groove, cut, notch, or the like that extends from the outer port along a longitudinal direction of the engagement feature  116 . The horizontal channel may provide further clearance or space between the engagement feature  116  and the lug  118 , which may facilitate the flow of air through the vent assembly. In particular,  FIG. 5C  depicts a horizontal channel  119   b  formed into the interior contoured surface of the engagement feature  116 . The horizontal channel  119   b  may extend from the outer port  126  and define a recessed portion of the engagement feature  116  that is configured to direct or otherwise funnel air into and out of the outer port  126 . The recessed portion defined by the horizontal channel  119   b  may increase air flow into and out of the enclosure  106  by expanding the area along the engagement feature  116  through which air may traverse in order to reach (or be expelled from) the vent assembly  124  associated with the outer port  126 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  depict a sample electronic device  604 . For purposes of illustration, the electronic device  604  shown in  FIG. 6A  is a watch. In this regard, substantially analogous to the components described in relation to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5C , the electronic device  604  may include an enclosure  606 , a display  608 , a crown  610 , a slot  616 , a retention feature  617 , a release member  619 , and an outer port  626 . 
     The electronic device  604  may also include a vent assembly  624 , such as the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above. The vent assembly  624  may allow for the controlled ingress and/or egress of air from a device enclosure while providing a physical barrier that prevents the migration of contaminants or debris into the enclosure. In this regard, the vent assembly  624  may be substantially analogous to the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5C . The vent assembly  624  may be aligned with an outer port  626  defined along an exterior surface of the electronic device. 
     As described herein, vent assemblies of the present disclosure may be substantially concealed or camouflaged from a user. For example, the vent assembly may be associated with a through portion or opening defined in an exterior surface of the device enclosure. Various external components of the electronic device (band, lug, crown, button, fasteners, and so on) may visually obscure the external opening (port), based on a position and configuration of the vent assembly. 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  depict embodiments in which the vent assembly  624  and associated outer port  626  may be substantially concealed or camouflaged from a user. In particular, FIGS.  6 A- 6 C depict embodiments in which the outer port  626  is defined on a surface of the retention feature  617 . As described above with respect to  FIG. 2 , the retention feature  617  may receive a release member  619  or other button that is used to disengage the lug  618  from the slot  616 . Accordingly, retention feature  617  and the release member  619  may cooperate to visually obscure the outer port  626  (and associated vent assembly  624 ) from a user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6A , an exploded view of the electronic device  604  is shown in which the outer port  626  is defined on a surface of the retention feature  617 . The retention feature  617  may be an elongated hole extending between a bottom surface of the enclosure  606  and the interior contoured surface of the slot  616 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 6A , the outer port  626  may be positioned at one of the elongated ends of the retention feature  617 . 
     In the exploded view of  FIG. 6A , the release member  619  is shown removed from the retention feature  617 , thereby revealing the outer port  626 . In an assembly configuration, the release member  619  may be at least partially positioned within the retention feature  617  and visually obscure the outer port  626 , although entry of liquids and other contaminants may be constrained. This may allow the vent assembly  624  and associated functionality to be concealed from a user. Despite being visually obscured or partially covered by the release member  619 , air may still flow substantially unobstructed into (and out of) the outer port  626 . For example, the retention feature  617  and the release member  619  may be offset or separated slightly, thereby providing clearance between the retention feature  617  and the release member  619  for the passage of air. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6B , a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly  624  of  FIG. 6A  is shown, taken along line B-B of  FIG. 6A . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the vent assembly  624  may be positioned within the enclosure  606  adjacent the outer port  626  defined in the longitudinal end of the retention feature  617 . The vent assembly  624  may include a duct region  628  that defines a fluid path between the outer port  626  and an interior of the enclosure  606 . As described above, the vent assembly  624  may be configured to equalize air pressure within the enclosure  606  via the outer port  626 . The vent assembly  624  may also prevent contaminants, moisture, debris, and so on from reaching components and assemblies positioned within the enclosure  606 . 
     The vent assembly  624  may be secured within the enclosure  606  by a bracket  630 . The bracket  630  may include various holes configured to receive fasteners  631 . The fasteners  631  may pass through the respective holes of the bracket  630  and fix or otherwise constrain the bracket  630  to the enclosure. The duct region  628  provides an air path between the outer port  626  and an internal volume of the enclosure  606 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6C , the bracket  630  is shown coupled along an interior surface of the enclosure  606 . As described above, the bracket  630  may be coupled to the interior surface using one or more fasteners  631 ; however, other attachment techniques and structures are possible. As shown in  FIG. 6C , the bracket  630  may define an inner port  629 . The inner port  629  may be fluidically coupled to the external environment using the vent assembly  624 . Accordingly, the vent assembly  624  may be aligned with the inner port  629  and the outer port  624  in order to facilitate the flow of air between the internal volume of the enclosure  606  and the external environment. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict a sample electronic device  704 . For purposes of illustration, the electronic device  704  shown in  FIG. 7A  is a watch. In this regard, substantially analogous to the components described in relation to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5C , the electronic device  704  may include an enclosure  706 , a display  708 , a crown  710 , a slot  716 , a retention feature  717 , a release member  719 , and an outer port  726 . 
     The electronic device  704  may also include a vent assembly  724 , such as the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c , described above. The vent assembly  724  may allow for the controlled ingress and/or egress of air from a device enclosure while providing a physical barrier that prevents the mitigation of contaminants or debris into the enclosure. In this regard, the vent assembly  724  may be substantially analogous to the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5C . The vent assembly  724  may be aligned with an outer port  726  defined along an exterior surface of the enclosure  706 . 
     As described herein, vent assemblies of the present disclosure may be substantially concealed or camouflaged from a user. For example, the vent assembly may be associated with a through portion or opening defined in an exterior surface of the device enclosure. Various external components of the electronic device (band, lug, crown, button, fasteners, and so on) may visually obscure the external opening (port), based on a position and configuration of the vent assembly. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict embodiments in which the vent assembly  724  and associated outer port  726  may be substantially concealed or camouflaged from a user. In particular,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict embodiments in which the outer port  726  is defined on a surface of the retention feature  717 . As described above with respect to  FIG. 2 , the retention feature  717  may receive a release member  719  or other button that is used to disengage the lug  718  from the slot  716 . Accordingly, retention feature  717  and the release member  719  may cooperate to visually obscure the outer port  726  (and associated vent assembly  724 ) from a user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7A , an exploded view of the electronic device  704  is shown in which the outer port  726  is defined on a surface of the retention feature  717 . As described herein, the retention feature  717  may be an elongated hole extending between a bottom surface of the enclosure  706  and the interior contoured surface of the slot  716 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 7A , the outer port  726  may be positioned at one of the elongated sides of the retention feature  717 . 
     In the exploded view of  FIG. 7A , the release member  719  is shown removed from the retention feature  717 , thereby revealing the outer port  726 . In an assembled configuration, the release member  719  may be at least partially positioned within the retention feature  717  and visually obscure the outer port  726 , although entry of liquids and other contaminants may be constrained. This may allow the vent assembly  724  and associated functionality to be concealed from a user. Despite being visually obscured or partially covered by the release member  719 , air may still flow substantially unobstructed into (and out of) the outer port  726 . For example, the retention feature  717  and the release member  719  may be offset or separated slightly, thereby providing clearance between the retention feature  717  and the release member  719  for the passage of air. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7B , the vent assembly  724  is shown coupled an interior surface of the enclosure  706 . In particular, a bracket  730  may couple the vent assembly  724  to the interior surface of the enclosure using one or more fasteners; however, other attachment techniques are possible. As shown in  FIG. 7B , the bracket  730  may define an inner port  729 . Accordingly, the vent assembly  724  may be aligned with the inner port  729  and the outer port  726  ( FIG. 7A ) in order to facilitate the flow of air between the internal volume of the enclosure  706  and the external environment. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a cross-sectional view of an electronic device  804 . The electronic device  804  may be substantially any electronic device, described herein, having an outer port or outlet along an exterior surface of an enclosure, such as the electronic devices  104 ,  604 ,  704 , described above. Accordingly, the electronic device  804  may be a watch or other portable electronic device having an enclosure, display, crown, button, and/or other appropriate feature. As such, the discussion of the electronic device  804  is meant as illustrative only. 
     As described herein, vent assemblies of the present disclosure may be substantially concealed or camouflaged from a user. For example, the vent assembly may be associated with a through portion or opening defined in an exterior surface of the device enclosure. Various external components of the electronic device (band, lug, crown, button, fasteners, and so on) may visually obscure the external opening (port), based on a positioned and configuration of the vent assembly. 
     Camouflaging or concealing the vent assembly may also be accomplished by forming a shared internal volume with the electronic device so that multiple components or assemblies of the device are fluidically coupled to the external environment through a single port defined in the exterior of the device. For example, the device may include a microphone, a speaker, and/or other components that require flow of air from and/or toward the external environment, such as components that emit or receive acoustic energy. Both the component and the vent assembly may be fluidically coupled with the shared internal volume, thereby reducing externally visible holes of the watch. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the electronic device  804  may include outer port  826  defined along an exterior surface  807 , such as an exterior surface of an enclosure or external housing. An internal volume  860 , shown in  FIG. 8 , may be aligned with the outer port  826  and positioned within an interior of the electronic device  804 . The internal volume  860  may be an internally enclosed portion of the electronic device  804  that is configured to couple multiple components, assemblies, vents, or the like to the outer port  826 . Fluid paths from each of such components may thus extend through the internal volume  860  and the outer port  826 , such that ingress and egress of air between the components and the external environment is at least partially shared using the internal volume  860 . For purposes of illustration, the internal volume  860  is shown as rectangular, however, a variety of other shapes and configurations are possible. For example, the internal volume  860  may be an elongated cylindrical, cone, and/or substantially any other shape that defines a volume extending from the outer port  826 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the electronic device may include a vent assembly  824  and an acoustic component  850 . The vent assembly  824  may be substantially analogous to the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3C . For example, the vent assembly  824  may be configured to facilitate equalization of pressure within a device enclosure. The vent assembly  824  may thus provide a fluid path for the ingress and egress of air between an internal volume of the enclosure and an external environment. The vent assembly  824  may also form a physical barrier that prevents or impedes the ingress of contaminants, such as various liquids (including water), oils, dust, debris, and so on into the enclosure. The acoustic component  850  may be a microphone, a speaker, and/or other components that require flow of air from and/or toward the external environment and/or other components where it may be desirable to vent to the external environment. 
     The vent assembly  824  and the acoustic component  850  are shown in  FIG. 8  coupled to the internal volume  860 . The coupling of the vent assembly  824  and the acoustic component  850  with the internal volume  860  may allow for the substantially unobstructed flow of air therebetween. In this regard, a fluid path may be defined from each of the vent assembly  824  and the internal component  856  through the internal volume  860  and toward the external environment using the outer port  826 . The vent assembly  824  and the acoustic component  850  may thus be fluidically coupled with the external environment. For example, a fluid path FP 1  may be defined from the vent assembly  824  through the internal volume  860  and to the external environment through the outer port  826 . Further, a fluid path FP 2  may be defined from the acoustic component  850  through the internal volume  860  and to the external environment through the outer port  826 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the fluid path FP 1  and the fluid path FP 2  may combine or merge within the internal volume  860  and/or otherwise travel along a common direction. This may allow the vent assembly  824  and the acoustic component  850  to reach the external environment through a common opening in the exterior surface, such as the outer port  826 . 
     It will be appreciated that the vent assembly  824  and the internal component  856  are shown in  FIG. 8  for purposes of illustration. In other cases, additional components or assemblies may be coupled with the internal volume  860 , including additional vent assemblies, or various combinations of speakers, microphones, and/or other components that transmit or receive acoustic energy. In this regard, in some embodiments, a waterproofing or contaminant barrier may be positioned at the outer port  826  to shield the internal component from debris; however, this is not required. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a sample electronic device  904 . For purposes of illustration, the electronic device  904  shown in  FIG. 9  is a watch. In this regard, substantially analogous to the components described in relation to the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5C , the electronic device  904  may include an enclosure  906 , a display  908 , a dial  910 , a button cap  912 , a slot  916 , and an outer port  926 . The dial  910  and the button cap  912  may be input members of the electronic device  904 . For example, the dial  910  may form an exterior input member for a crown and the button cap  912  may form an exterior input member of a button. 
     The electronic device  904  may also include a vent assembly  924 , such as the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c , described above. The vent assembly  924  may allow for the controlled ingress and/or egress of air from a device enclosure while providing a physical barrier that prevents the migration of contaminants or debris into the enclosure. In this regard, the vent assembly  924  may be substantially analogous to the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5C . As described herein, the vent assembly  924  may be aligned with an outer port or opening defined along an exterior surface of the enclosure  906 . 
     Vent assemblies of the present disclosure may be substantially concealed or camouflaged from a user. For example, the vent assembly may be associated with a through portion or opening defined in an exterior surface of the device enclosure. Various external components of the electronic device (band, lug, crown, button, fasteners, and so on) may visually obscure the external opening (port), based on a position and configuration of the vent assembly. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the vent assembly  924  and associated outer port  926  may be visually obscured by one or more input structures of the electronic device  904 , such as the dial  910  and/or the button cap  912 . As described above, the dial  910  may be at least partially received by a second opening  909   b  and the button cap  912  may be at least partially received by a third opening  909   c  defined along a side of the enclosure  906 . The electronic device  904  may include multiple outer ports that are position along a surface that defines one or both of the second and/or third openings  909   b ,  909   c . Accordingly, in the assembled configuration, the dial  910  and/or the button cap  912  may be at least partially overlapping the outer port  926 , or multiple outer ports, as may be appropriate for a given application. This may visually obscure the outer port  926 , thereby concealing the vent assembly  924  and associated functionality from a user. 
     Despite being visually obscured or partially covered by the dial  910  and/or button cap  912 , air may still flow substantially unobstructed into (and out of) the outer port  926 . For example, the dial  910  and/or the button cap  912  may be offset or separated slightly from the respective ones of the second opening  909   b  and the third opening  909   c . This separation may provide clearance along an external surface of the enclosure  906  for the passage of air. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , multiple outer ports  926  may be positioned along a surface that defines the second opening  909   b  or the third opening  909   c . The multiple openings along the surface may increase the throughput of air into (and out of) the associated vent assembly  924 . As such, each of the outer ports  926  along a respective one of the second opening  909   b  or the third opening  909   c  may be fluidically coupled with a common or shared vent assembly  924 . 
     It will be appreciated that while the electronic device  904  is shown in  FIG. 9  as having outer ports positioned along surfaces of each of the second opening  909   b  and the third opening  909   c , other configurations are possible. For example, in one embodiment, the outer port  926  may be positioned along a surface that defines the second opening  909   b  and the surface that defines the third opening  909   c  may be substantially free of any outer port fluidically coupled to a vent assembly. In another embodiment, the outer port  926  may be positioned along a surface that defines the third opening  909   c  and the surface that defines the second opening  909   b  may be substantially free of any outer port fluidically coupled to a vent assembly, among other possibilities. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict cross-sectional views of an electronic device  1004 . The electronic device  1004  may be substantially any electronic device, described herein, having an outer port or outlet along an exterior surface of an enclosure, such as the electronic device  104 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 , or  904 , described above. Accordingly, the electronic device  1004  is meant as illustrative only. 
     As described herein, vent assemblies of the present disclosure may be substantially concealed or camouflaged from a user. For example, the vent assembly may be associated with a through portion or opening defined in an exterior surface of the device enclosure. Various external components of the electronic device (band, lug, crown, button, fasteners, and so on) may visually obscure the external opening (port), based on the position and configuration of the vent assembly. 
     Camouflaging or concealing the vent assembly may also be accomplished by using a fastener having a through hole or hollow portion. For example, a hollow fastener, such as a screw, pin, plug, bolt, or the like may have an internally through portion that allows for the substantially unobstructed flow of air through a body of the fastener. The hollow fastener may thus be configured to extend through an internal or external housing or enclosure of the electronic device  1004  and allow for the passage of air therethrough. A vent assembly or other contaminant barrier may be positioned along the hollow fastener within an interior of the electronic device  1004 . Along an exterior of the electronic device  1004 , the vent assembly and associated functionality may be substantially concealed from a user. Despite being visually obscured or partially covered by the hollow fastener, air may still flow substantially unobstructed into (and out of) the vent assembly via the through hole defined within the body of the hollow fastener. 
     The hollow fasteners shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B  may be used to visually obscure or conceal a vent assembly  1024 , such as the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above. The vent assembly  1024  may allow for the controlled ingress and/or egress of air from a device enclosure while providing a physical barrier that prevents the migration of contaminants or debris into the enclosure. In this regard, the vent assembly  1024  may be substantially analogous to the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5C  and include at least a membrane  1040 . It will be appreciated, however, that the embodiments of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  are shown for purposes of illustration only. In other cases, the vent assembly  1024  may include a variety of other layers, membranes, and/or adhesives, as describe herein, or various perforated layers positioned along either side of the membrane  1040 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10A , the electronic device  1004  may include a button  1070  at least partially positioned within an opening defined along an enclosure  1006 . The button may be configured to receive at least translatable input that is used to control a function of the electronic device  1004 . Various internal components may be positioned below an input surface defined by the button  1070  to facilitate the foregoing, including components used to produce a tactile effect and secure the button  1070  within the opening. Sample components shown in  FIG. 10A  include a shaft  1072 , tactile dome  1073 , bracket  1074 , and substrate; however, more or fewer components may be used in various applications. Depression of the button  1070  may translate the shaft  1072  inward, causing the tactile dome  1073  to collapse. This may trigger a switch event at the substrate  1076  using various electrical traces not shown in  FIG. 10A  in the interest of clarity. 
     In a sample embodiment, the button  1007  (and associated bracket  1074 ) may be coupled to the substrate  1076  or other appropriate internal structure using internal fasteners. At least one of the internal fasteners may be a hollow fastener having a through portion as described herein that may be used to fluidically couple an internal vent assembly to an external environment. For example, a hollow fastener  1080  may be used to define a fluid path FP 3  between an internal volume of the electronic device  1004  and an underside of the button  1070  (which may be open to an external environment). The vent assembly  1024  described herein may be aligned along the hollow fastener  1080 . Accordingly, entry of liquids or other contaminants may be constrained from entering the internal volume of the enclosure  1006 , while still allowing air to pass through substantially unobstructed. The electronic device  1004  may also include one or more monolithic fasteners  1078  (e.g., a substantially solid fastener lacking a hollow portion) that may also couple various internal components of the electronic device  1004  to one another. 
     It will be appreciated that the button  1070  shown in  FIG. 10A  is one example of many possible configurations of the electronic device  1004  and hollow fastener  1080 . Broadly, the hollow fastener  1080  may be used to couple any internal components of the electronic device  1004  and define a fluid path therethrough. The vent assembly  1024  may generally be positioned along the hollow fastener  1080  in any such configuration. This may allow the hollow fastener  1080  to visually obscure the vent assembly  1024  at a variety of positions within the electronic device  1004 . In some cases, multiple hollow fasteners may be used or coupled with the vent assembly  1024 , which may help adequately maintain the flow of air between an internal volume of the electronic device  1004  and an external environment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10B , the electronic device  1004  may also include one or more external fasteners that are used to conceal the vent assembly  1024 . For example, the electronic device  1004  may include a hollow fastener  1082  that extends from an exterior surface  1007   a  of the electronic device  1004  toward an interior surface  1007   b  of the electronic device  1004 . In some cases, the exterior surface  1007   a  and the interior surface  1007   b  may be defined by distinct components or layers of the electronic device  1004  that are coupled to one another using the hollow fastener  1082 ; however, this is not required. In other cases, the exterior surface  1007   a  and the interior surface  1007   b  may be opposing surfaces of the same component, such as a device enclosure. 
     The hollow fastener  1082  may be substantially analogous to the hollow fastener  1080  described above with respect to  FIG. 10A . In this regard, the hollow fastener may define a fluid path FP 3  that extends substantially between the exterior surface  1007   a  and the interior surface  1007   b . The vent assembly  1024  described herein may be aligned along the hollow fastener  1080 . Accordingly, entry of liquids or other contaminants may be constrained from entering an internal volume of the enclosure  1006 , while still allowing air to pass through substantially unobstructed, as described herein. In some cases, multiple hollow fasteners may be used or coupled with the vent assembly  1024 , which may help adequately maintain the flow of air between an internal portion of the enclosure and an external environment of the electronic device  1004 . 
       FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view of an electronic device  1104 . The electronic device  1104  may be substantially any electronic device, described herein, having an outer port or outlet along an exterior surface of an enclosure, such as the electronic device  104 ,  604 ,  704 ,  804 ,  904 , or  1004 , described above. Accordingly, the electronic device  1104  is meant as illustrative only. 
     As described herein, vent assemblies of the present disclosure may be substantially concealed or camouflaged from a user. For example, the vent assembly may be associated with a through portion or opening defined in an exterior surface of the device enclosure. Various external components of the electronic device (band, lug, crown, button, fasteners, and so on) may visually obscure the external opening (port), based on the position and configuration of the vent assembly. 
     Camouflaging or concealing the venting assembly may also be accomplished using a watch band attached with an enclosure of the electronic device  1104 , according to the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . For example,  FIG. 11  shows a watch band  1114  pivotally coupled to an enclosure  1106 . When coupled to one another, or otherwise engaged, the watch band  1114  may be used to visually obscure or conceal a vent assembly  1124 , such as the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above. The vent assembly  1124  may allow for the controlled ingress and/or egress of air from a device enclosure (e.g., through an outer port  1126 ) while providing a physical barrier that prevents the migration of contaminants or debris into the enclosure. In this regard, the vent assembly  1124  may be substantially analogous to the vent assemblies  124   a - 124   c  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5C  and include a membrane, screen, or other feature that facilitates forming the physical barrier across the outer port  1126 . It will be appreciated, however, that the embodiment of  FIG. 11  is shown for purposes of illustration only. In other cases, the vent assembly  1124  may include a variety of other layers, membranes, and/or adhesives, as describe herein. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the electronic device  1104  may include a engagement feature  1116 . The engagement feature  1116  may be a watch lug or other projection or structure coupled with or defined by the enclosure  1106 . The engagement feature  1116  may be used to couple, including pivotally couple, the watch band  1114  to the enclosure  1106 . For example, the engagement feature  1116  may include one or more holes, recesses, or through portions that may receive a pin or other structure. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the engagement feature  1117  may receive a pin  1117 . The watch band  1114  may be pivotally coupled or otherwise attached to the enclosure using the pin  1117 , as described herein. When the watch band  1114  is attached to the pin  1117 , the watch band  1114  may conceal or visually obscure the vent assembly  1124  and associated outer port  1126 . 
     In some cases, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the watch band  1114  may include a flexible strap  1115  and a mating region  1118 . The mating region  1118  may be connected to the flexible strap  1115  and, in some cases, be constructed form a different material (including a material of different rigidity) than the flexible strap  1115  and facilitate connection of the flexible strap  1115  to the enclosure  1106 . For example, the mating region  1118  may include a holes, recesses, or through portions that may receive the pin  1117 . The watch band  1114  may rotate or pivot about the pin  1117 , thereby allowing the watch band  1114  to rotate or pivot relative to the enclosure  1106 . The mating region  1118  may also be received generally by the engagement feature  1116 . This may allow a side surface of the enclosure  1106  and a edge of the flexible strap  1115  to form a substantially continuous or aligned contour that may enhance aesthetics and functionality of the electronic device  1104 . 
     It will be appreciated, however, that while  FIG. 11  generally shows the watch band  1114  configured to pivot relative to the enclosure  1106 , this is not required. In some cases, the watch band  1114  may be connected to, formed with, or other coupled with the enclosure  1106 , which may facilitate a more permanent connection between the enclosure  1106  and the watch band  1114 . Notwithstanding, the watch band  1114  may be configured to flex relative to the enclosure  1106  and encircle, for example, a user&#39;s wrist or other body portion. The watch band  1114  may also be separated from the outer port  1126  in order to allow air through the vent assembly  1124 . This may be accomplished while concealing or camouflaging the outer port  126  and the functions of the vent assembly  1125 . 
       FIG. 12  presents a functional block diagram  1200  of a sample electronic device, such as the electronic device  104  described with respect to  FIGS. 1-5C . It will be appreciated, however, that the functional block diagram described herein of electronic device  104  may include components substantially analogous to components of other electronic devices or the like described herein. In this regard, the schematic representation in  FIG. 12  may correspond to the electronic device depicted in  FIGS. 1-5C , described above. However, the schematic representation in  FIG. 12  may also correspond to the other electronic devices or the like described herein, for example, such as electronic devices  604 ,  704 ,  804 ,  904 ,  1004 , and  1104  described with respect to  FIGS. 6A-11 . The electronic device  104  may include any appropriate hardware (e.g., computing devices, data centers, switches), software (e.g., applications, system programs, engines), network components (e.g., communication paths, interfaces, routers) and the like (not necessarily shown in the interest of clarity) for use in facilitating any appropriate operations disclosed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the electronic device  104  may include a processing unit  1208  operatively connected to computer memory  1212  and computer-readable media  1216 . The processing unit  1208  may be operatively connected to the computer memory  1212  and computer-readable media  1216  components via an electronic bus or bridge (e.g., such as system bus  1210 ). The processing unit  1208  may include one or more computer processors or microcontrollers that are configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. The processing unit  1208  may be a central processing unit of the electronic device  104 . Additionally or alternatively, the processing unit  1208  may be other processors within the device including application specific integrated chips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. 
     The computer memory  1212  may include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory  1212  is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. Computer-readable media  1216  may also include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media including, for example, a hard-drive storage device, a solid state storage device, a portable magnetic storage device, or other similar device. The computer-readable media  1216  may also be configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. 
     In this example, the processing unit  1208  is operable to read computer-readable instructions stored on the computer memory  1212  and/or computer-readable media  1216 . The computer-readable instructions may adapt the processing unit  1208  to perform the operations or functions described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-11 . The computer-readable instructions may be provided as a computer-program product, software application, or the like. It should be appreciated that, where the electronic device  104  is a stylus, the processing unit  1208  may be located in an electronic device associated with the stylus, rather than the stylus itself. In such embodiments, data may be transmitted from the stylus to and from the electronic device, such that the processing unit in the electronic device may operatively control the stylus. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the electronic device  104  may also include a display  1218 . The display  1218  may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, light emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. If the display  1218  is an LCD, the display may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If the display  1218  is an OLED or LED type display, the brightness of the display  1218  may be controlled by modifying the electrical signals that are provided to display elements. 
     The electronic device  104  may also include a battery  1224  that is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the electronic device  104 . The battery  1224  may include one or more power storage cells that are linked together to provide an internal supply of electrical power. In this regard, the battery  1224  may be a component of a power source  1228  (e.g., including a charging system or other circuitry that supplies electrical power to components of the electronic device  104 ). The battery  1224  may be operatively coupled to power management circuitry that is configured to provide appropriate voltage and power levels for individual components or groups of components within the electronic device  104 . The battery  1224 , via power management circuitry, may be configured to receive power from an external source, such as an AC power outlet or interconnected computing device. The battery  1224  may store received power so that the electronic device  104  may operate without connection to an external power source for an extended period of time, which may range from several hours to several days. 
     The electronic device  104  may also include one or more sensors  1240  that may be used to detect a touch and/or force input, environmental condition, orientation, position, or some other aspect of the electronic device  104 . Example sensors  1240  that may be included in the electronic device  104  may include, without limitation, one or more accelerometers, gyrometers, inclinometers, goniometers, or magnetometers. The sensors  1240  may also include one or more proximity sensors, such as a magnetic hall-effect sensor, inductive sensor, capacitive sensor, continuity sensor, or the like. In some implementations, one or more of the sensors  1240  may include or be configured to operate in conjunction with an electrode of a metal layer of a circuit assembly, as described herein. For example, an electrode of the metal layer may for a sensing element for a touch and/or force sensor that is configured to detect an input along a surface of the device  104 . 
     The sensors  1240  may also be broadly defined to include wireless positioning devices including, without limitation, global positioning system (GPS) circuitry, Wi-Fi circuitry, cellular communication circuitry, and the like. The electronic device  104  may also include one or more optical sensors including, without limitation, photodetectors, photosensors, image sensors, infrared sensors, or the like. In one example, the sensor  1240  may be an image sensor that detects a degree to which an ambient image matches a stored image. As such, the sensor  1240  may be used to identify a user of the electronic device  104 . The sensors  1240  may also include one or more acoustic elements, such as a microphone used alone or in combination with a speaker element. The sensors  1240  may also include a temperature sensor, barometer, pressure sensor, altimeter, moisture sensor or other similar environmental sensor. The sensors  1240  may also include a light sensor that detects an ambient light condition of the electronic device  104 . 
     The sensor  1240 , either alone or in combination, may generally be a motion sensor that is configured to determine an orientation, position, and/or movement of the electronic device  104 . For example, the sensor  1240  may include one or more motion sensors including, for example, one or more accelerometers, gyrometers, magnetometers, optical sensors, or the like to detect motion. The sensors  1240  may also be configured to determine one or more environmental conditions, such as temperature, air pressure, humidity, and so on. The sensors  1240 , either alone or in combination with other input, may be configured to estimate a property of a supporting surface including, without limitation, a material property, surface property, friction property, or the like. 
     The electronic device  104  may also include a camera  1232  that is configured to capture a digital image or other optical data. The camera  1232  may include a charge-coupled device, complementary metal oxide (CMOS) device, or other device configured to convert light into electrical signals. The camera  1232  may also include one or more light sources, such as a strobe, flash, or other light-emitting device. As discussed above, the camera  1232  may be generally categorized as a sensor for detecting optical conditions and/or objects in the proximity of the electronic device  104 . However, the camera  1232  may also be used to create photorealistic images that may be stored in an electronic format, such as JPG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, raw image file, or other similar file types. 
     The electronic device  104  may also include a communication port  1244  that is configured to transmit and/or receive signals or electrical communication from an external or separate device. The communication port  1244  may be configured to couple to an external device via a cable, adaptor, or other type of electrical connector. In some embodiments, the communication port  1244  may be used to couple the electronic device  104  with a computing device and/or other appropriate accessories configured to send and/or receive electrical signals. The communication port  1244  may be configured to receive identifying information from an external accessory, which may be used to determine a mounting or support configuration. For example, the communication port  1244  may be used to determine that the electronic device  104  is coupled to a mounting accessory, such as a particular type of stand or support structure. 
     Other examples and implementations are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and appended claims. For example, features implementing functions may also be physically located at various positions, including being distributed such that portions of functions are implemented at different physical locations. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Further, the term “exemplary” does not mean that the described example is preferred or better than other examples. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20171211
Publication Date: 20181225
Grant Date: 20181225
Priority Date: 20170911
Inventors: WERNER, CHRISTOPHER M.
SPENCER, MAEGAN K.
BARRETT, DANIEL J.
BOOZER, BRAD G.
HIEMSTRA, DANIEL J.
GUICHET, CHRISTOPHER D.
YOUNES, AMIN M.
HORIUCHI, JAMES G.
FOX, EUGENE H.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/086", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A44C5/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0338", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/44", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/086", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/086", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 64692432