PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9432492-B2
Application Number: US-201313794393-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Drop countermeasures for electronic device

Abstract:
An electronic device comprises a housing, a motion sensor configured to sense motion of the housing, and a processor configured to determine an impact geometry based on the motion. A countermeasure system comprises an actuator coupled to an actuated member. The actuated member is operable by the actuator to modify the impact geometry, so that impact energy is redirected away from an impact sensitive component of the electronic device to an energy absorbing component of the electronic device.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a motion sensor configured to sense motion of the housing; 
 a processor configured to determine a drop event; and 
 a countermeasure system aligned with an unstable inertial axis of the electronic device, the countermeasure system comprising an actuator coupled to a mass, wherein the mass is operable by the actuator to adjust an attitude of the electronic device to avoid impact with an impact sensitive component of the electronic device in response to determining the drop event. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a proximity detector configured to sense a proximity of a surface external to the electronic device, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a predicted attitude of the electronic device at impact based on the proximity of the surface external to the electronic device. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the proximity detector comprises a camera; and 
 the processor is further configured to determine the proximity of the surface external to the electronic device based on image data from the camera. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer; and 
 the processor is configured to determine the predicted attitude based on acceleration of the housing with respect to the surface external to the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the countermeasure system is configured to adjust the attitude of the electronic device by repeated operation of the actuator to impart angular momentum in different directions about the unstable inertial axis during tumbling motion of the electronic device. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the motion of the housing corresponds to a rotational velocity of the housing. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a rotational actuator configured to rotate the mass. 
     
     
       8. A method comprising:
 sensing motion of a housing of an electronic device indicative of a drop event; and 
 in response to sensing the motion indicative of the drop event, actuating a mass aligned with an unstable inertial axis of the electronic device to modify an attitude of the electronic device to reduce a likelihood of impact with an impact sensitive component of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 sensing a proximity of a surface external to the housing based on the proximity of the surface external to the housing, predicting an impact attitude of the electronic device; and 
 the operation of actuating the mass to modify the attitude of the electronic device includes modifying the attitude to reduce a likelihood that the device will land with the predicted impact attitude. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein sensing the proximity of the surface external to the housing comprises processing image data from a camera to determine the proximity of the surface external to the housing. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 8 , wherein actuating the mass comprises repeatedly actuating the mass to impart angular momentum in different directions about the unstable inertial axis during tumbling motion of the electronic device. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 8 , wherein actuating the mass includes pulsing the mass with an actuator. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein pulsing the mass with the actuator includes pulsing the mass in a first direction and in a second direction that is different from the first direction. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 8 , wherein actuating the mass comprises rotating the mass with a rotational actuator. 
     
     
       15. An electronic device comprising:
 a processor configured to detect a drop event; and 
 a mass configured to be rotated by an actuator about an axis that is aligned with an unstable inertial axis of the electronic device to cause the electronic device to move from a current attitude towards a preferred attitude less likely to result in damage to an impact sensitive component of the electronic device than the current attitude; 
 wherein the processor is configured to cause the mass to be rotated by the actuator in response to the drop event. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising a motion sensor, wherein the processor is further configured to detect the drop event based on information from the motion sensor. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , further comprising a proximity detector, wherein the processor is further configured to detect the drop event based on information from the proximity detector. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the actuator comprises a motor. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the actuator and the mass are components of a vibration system. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 16 , further comprising a display surface having a length axis and a width axis shorter than the length axis, wherein the mass is substantially parallel with the width axis.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This subject matter of this disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and specifically to active protection systems for devices subject to potential hazards including dropping, shock, and impact. In particular, the disclosure relates to active countermeasure and damage mitigation systems suitable for a range of different electronic devices, including, but not limited to, mobile and cellular phones, smartphones, tablet computers, personal computers, personal digital assistants, media players, and other electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In use, modern electronic devices are subject to a wide range of different environmental effects, including temperature extremes, humidity, physical contamination, and potential loss or damage due to physical hazards including dropping, shock, compression and impact. These considerations can be particularly relevant to portable electronic and mobile device applications, where sensitive control and display components may be exposed to the external environment, increasing the risk of damage due to accident or misuse. 
     A number of alternatives have been advanced to address these concerns, but there remains a need for improved techniques suitable for advanced consumer electronics and other digital device applications, without all the limitations of the prior art. In particular, there is a need for active drop damage mitigation and impact countermeasure systems, suitable for modern electronic devices designed for an ever-wider range of operating environments, and exposed to a correspondingly wider range of environmental risk factors, including dropping, shock, compression, impact, and other potentially adverse operational effects. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates to drop damage mitigation and impact countermeasures for electronic devices. In various examples and embodiments, the electronic device includes a housing, a motion sensor configured to sense motion of the housing, and a processor configured to determine an impact geometry based on the motion. 
     The countermeasure system may include an actuator coupled to an actuated member, where the actuated member is operable by the actuator to modify the impact geometry. As a result, impact energy can be redirected from an impact sensitive component of the electronic device to an energy absorbing component of the electronic device. 
     Depending on application, a proximity detector may be configured to sense proximity of a potential impact surface external to the device, and the processor may be configured to determine the impact geometry based on the proximity of the external surface. For example, the proximity detector may include a camera, and the processor may be configured to determine the proximity of the external surface based on image data from the camera. The motion sensor may also include an accelerometer, and the processor may be configured to determine the impact geometry based on acceleration of the housing, with respect to the external surface. 
     In some examples, the actuated member may include a mass operable to adjust the impact geometry by changing an attitude of the housing, with respect to the external surface. The mass may be coupled to an unstable rotational axis, and the processor may be configured to adjust the attitude of the housing by repeated operation of the actuator in different directions, imparting angular momentum to the device in different directions about the unstable axis during tumbling motion. 
     The actuated member may also be operable to change the impact geometry by extending in a proud relationship from the housing of the electronic device, so that the impact energy is redirected from the housing to the actuated member. For example, the actuated member may include a logo configured to identify the electronic device, or a control member configured to control operation of the electronic device, and operable by the actuator to extend in a proud relationship from a cover glass so that the impact energy is redirected from the cover glass to the logo or control member. 
     The actuated member can also include the cover glass, operable by the actuator to depress into a recessed relationship with respect to the housing of the electronic device, so that the impact energy is redirected from the cover glass to the housing. Alternatively, the actuated member may include a connector coupling operable to retain or release a connector, based on the motion of the housing, or a cover panel operable to cover the cover glass so that the impact energy is redirected from the cover glass to the cover panel. 
     Exemplary methods of operation include sensing motion of a housing for an electronic device, determining an impact geometry based on the motion, and operating an actuator to modify the impact geometry. For example, an actuated member may be actuated to redirect impact energy from an impact sensitive component of the electronic device to an energy absorbing component of the electronic device. 
     Depending on application, operation may also include sensing proximity of a potential impact surface external to the housing of the electronic device, where the impact geometry is determined based on the proximity of the external surface. For example, sensing proximity of the external surface may include processing image data from a camera, in order to determine proximity. 
     Where the actuated member comprises a mass coupled to an unstable rotational axis of the device, modifying the impact geometry may include coupling the actuated member or mass to the unstable rotational axis, in order to change an attitude of the housing with respect to the external surface. For example, changing the attitude of the housing may include repeated actuation of the mass to impart angular momentum in different directions about the unstable axis, during tumbling motion of the electronic device. 
     Operating the actuator may also include extending the actuated member in a proud relationship from the housing of the electronic device, in order to redirect the impact energy from the housing to the actuated member. For example, the actuated member may be extended in a proud relationship from a cover glass of the electronic device, in order to redirect the impact energy from the cover glass to the actuated member. Alternatively, the cover glass may be depressed into a recessed relationship with respect to the housing of the electronic device, in order to redirect the impact energy from the cover glass to the housing. 
     In additional examples, operating the actuator may include retaining or releasing an external connector, based on the motion of the housing. Alternatively, a cover panel may be deployed over the cover glass of the electronic device, in order to redirect the impact energy from the cover glass to the cover panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a digital electronic device with active drop damage mitigation and impact countermeasures. 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of the device. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating internal and external features of the device. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view illustrating a momentum-coupled drop damage mitigation or countermeasure system for the device, with a proximity sensor. 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic view illustrating a second example of the countermeasure system, with a rotary angular momentum-coupled actuator. 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic illustration of a drop damage mitigation system for the device, with an actuated control device. 
         FIG. 4B  is a schematic illustration showing a second example of the drop damage mitigation system, with an actuated logo member. 
         FIG. 4C  is a schematic illustration showing a third example of the drop damage mitigation system, with an actuated impact absorbing member. 
         FIG. 4D  is a schematic illustration showing a fourth example of the drop damage mitigation system, with an actuated cover glass. 
         FIG. 5A  is a schematic illustration of a mechanically coupled drop damage countermeasure system for the device, with an audio jack or connector coupling. 
         FIG. 5B  is a schematic illustration showing a second example of the mechanically coupled countermeasure system, with an audio jack or connector decoupling. 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view illustrating a mechanically coupled drop damage mitigation system for the device, with an actuated cover. 
         FIG. 7  is an alternate perspective view of the device, with a different cover configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device, with the cover in an ejected position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of digital electronic device  10 , in a communications embodiment.  FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . In these particular configurations, device  10  includes front cover glass  12  with display window  14  defined between borders  15 , and housing assembly  16  is configured for use as a mobile phone or smartphone application. Alternatively, device  10  may be configured as a media player, digital assistant, tablet computer, personal computer, computer display, or other electronic device, in either portable or stationary form. 
     Cover glass  12  is typically formed of a glass or transparent ceramic material, for example silica glass or an aluminum oxide or sapphire material, or a clear plastic polymer such as acrylic or polycarbonate. Housing  16  and frame  18  may be formed of metals such as aluminum and steel, or from plastic, glass, ceramic, or composite materials, and combinations thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , front cover glass  12  may be coupled to top, bottom, and middle sections  16 A,  16 B, and  16 C of housing assembly  16 , for example utilizing a bezel or frame assembly  18 . Middle housing section  16 C extends across the back surface of device  10 , forming back plate (or middle plate)  16 D, between back cover glass insets  12 B, as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     Additional cover glass components such as lens cover  12 C may also be provided. Alternatively, a single back cover glass section  12  (or  12 B) may be used. Middle plate  16 D may also be extended to cover substantially the entire back surface of device  10 , providing a substantially unitary configuration for the back cover of housing  16 . 
     Display window  14  is typically configured for a touch screen or other display component, as defined between border region(s)  15  of cover glass  12 . Depending on configuration, cover glass  12  and housing  16  may also accommodate additional control and accessory features, including, but not limited to, home, menu and hold buttons, volume controls, and other control devices  20 , audio (e.g., speaker or microphone) features  22 , sensor and camera features  24 , lighting and indicator (e.g., light emitting diode or flash) features  26 , mechanical fasteners  28 , connector ports  30 , and access ports  32 , e.g., for a subscriber identity module or SIM card, a flash memory device, or other internal component of electronic device  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , device  10  also includes countermeasure system  40 , as configured to mitigate damage from dropping, impact, and other accident or misuse. In this particular configuration, for example, countermeasure system  40  includes a gyro, accelerometer, magnetic sensor, or other motion sensor (g)  42  for sensing motion of housing  16 , and processor (μp)  44  for determining or predicting impact geometry, based on the motion. Countermeasure system  40  may also include one or more cameras or other proximity sensors  24 . 
     In operation of system  40 , actuator or actuated mass (a/m)  45  is operable to reduce or mitigate impact damage to device  10 , or the potential therefor. In particular, actuator  45  may be operated to change the impact geometry by repositioning the actuated mass to alter the attitude of housing,  16 , or by reconfiguring or actuating a component of housing  16 . As a result, impact forces and impact energy may be redirected from sensitive components of device  10  to energy absorbing components, as described below. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating various internal and external components of electronic device  10 , including drop damage mitigation and impact countermeasure system  40 . In this particular example, system  40  includes an accelerometer or other motion sensor  42 , display  43 , processor or controller  44 , and actuator  45 . 
     In addition, electronic device  10  and system  40  may also include various control mechanisms  20  and audio devices  22 , cameras and other proximity sensors  24 , and additional lighting, indicator, connector, and access features  26 ,  30 , and  32 , as variously disposed and provided within cover glass  12  and housing  16 . Device  10  thus encompasses a range of different electronics applications, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , as well as additional hybrid devices including smartphones with media player capabilities, game players, remote global positioning and telecommunications devices, and laptop, desktop, notebook, handheld and ultraportable computer devices and displays. 
     Processor/controller  44  includes microprocessor (μp) and memory components configured to execute a combination of operating system and application firmware and software, in order to control device  10  with countermeasure system  40 , and to provide various additional functionality including, but not limited to, voice communications, voice control, media playback and development, internet browsing, email, messaging, gaming, security, transactions, navigation, and personal assistant functions. As shown in  FIG. 2 , processor/controller  44  is electronically coupled in signal and data communication with motion sensor  42 , display  43 , actuator  45 , control and audio devices  20  and  22 , and cameras and proximity sensors  24 . Processor/controller  44  may also include communications interface and other input-output (IO) devices configured to support connections  30  and  46 , with various hard-wired, wireless, audio, visual, infrared (IR), and radio frequency (RF) connections to one or more external accessories  47 , host devices  48  and networks  49 . 
     When electronic device  10  is subject to dropping, impact, or other potential hazard, motion and proximity data are acquired from one or more sensor systems including, but not limited to, cameras and other proximity sensors  24 , and accelerometers, gyros, and other motion sensors  42 . The data are analyzed by processor components such as processor/controller  44 , in order to apply suitable countermeasures to lessen the potential for damage to device  10 , for example via operation of actuator  45 . Alternatively, system  40  may also deploy or operate one or more auxiliary devices  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  26 , or connector ports  30 , either independently or in combination with actuator  45 . 
     Suitable countermeasures can include moving one or more devices  20 ,  22 ,  24  or  26 , to a more favorable impact position, for example through shifting or rotating elements of the various control, audio, camera, lighting, and sensor systems. Alternatively, actuator  45  may be employed to shift or rotate a particular mass, in order to change the orientation of device  10  via momentum coupling to housing  16 . Additional options include protective countermeasures to change the impact severity, for example by actuating or pulling cover glass  12  sub flush or below the perimeter of housing  16 , closing a cover system, deploying an airbag system or other energy absorbing device, or changing the shape or material properties of one or both of cover glass  12  and housing  16 , in order to provide shock and energy absorbing properties, based the various embodiments and examples described below. 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view illustrating a momentum-coupled drop damage mitigation or countermeasure system  40  for device  10 , with proximity sensor  24 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , device  10  may experience a dropped or falling condition in direction D, with arbitrary three-dimensional rotational attitude A. The direction of motion (D) and attitude (A) may be determined with respect to local gravitational field vector g or potential impact surface S, or based on another arbitrary reference system. 
     In this particular example, countermeasure system  40  includes a gyro, accelerometer, or other motion sensor (g)  42 , processor (μp)  44 , actuator/actuated mass  45 , and proximity sensor  24 . Processor  44  determines attitude A, and motion D, including velocity and angular rotation data, based on signals from one or both of proximity sensor  24  and motion sensor  42 . 
     For example, motion sensor  42  may provide angular rotation and acceleration data with respect to local gravitational field g, and proximity sensor  24  may provide position, velocity, and attitude information with respect to potential impact surface S, or other external reference. Suitable technologies for proximity sensor  24  include general-purpose cameras and other dedicated-use proximity detectors  24 , for example and infrared, optical, and ultrasonic systems. 
     Alternatively, one or more audio components  22  may be utilized for proximity detection, for example by emitting a chirp or ultrasonic pulse, and determining height, speed, and orientation based on the reflected signal or “bounce” from nearby surfaces. Potential ultrasonic or audio sensing techniques could utilized data not only from the ground or other impact surface, but also signals from walls, ceilings, furniture, and even the user or other nearby objects. 
     In camera-based embodiments of proximity sensor  24 , processor  44  may utilize motion capture software or firmware in order to convert image data from sensor  24  to velocity, attitude, and positional data. Alternatively, other software and firmware systems may be utilized to determine motion D, attitude A, and the proximity of external surface S, based on data from one or both of proximity sensor  24  and motion sensor  42 . 
     In operation of countermeasure system  40 , processor  44  determines a potential hazard damaging event for device  10  based on data from one or both sensors  24  and  42 , for example by predicting an impact geometry for housing  16  on surface S, based on motion data from motion sensor  42  and proximity data from proximity sensor  24 . In addition, processor  44  may also predict attitude A of housing  16  on impact, based on rotational velocity and other data from one or both sensors  24  and  42 . 
     Based on the impact geometry, as determined by processor  44 , actuator  45  is operable to provide a particular momentum coupling or modification to housing  16 , for example by linear actuation of a mass m, in order to change the rotational velocity and angular momentum of housing  16  prior to impact. For example, processor  44  may operate actuator  45  to change attitude A of housing  16  with respect to surface S, in order to redirect impact energy from cover glass  12  (e.g., at a corner or other impact-sensitive area), to a less sensitive surface or component of housing  16 , such as the back of device  10 , or another energy absorbing surface. 
       FIG. 3B  is a perspective view illustrating a second example of countermeasure system  40 , with a rotary angular momentum coupled actuator (a/R)  45 . In this example, actuator  45  spins up (or down) a disk or other rotational component R, in order to change the angular momentum of housing  16 , as a fraction of the total angular momentum of device  10 . 
     Depending on embodiment, actuator  45  may operate a dedicated (linearly actuated) mass m or (rotationally actuated) component R, or another component of device  10 , for example a camera lens, speaker element, vibration motor, disk drive, or other component of a control device or control mechanism  20 , audio device  22 , camera or sensor  24 , or lighting/indicator feature  26 . As a result, attitude A is modified at the predicted point of impact with surface S, or other external surface or object, and impact energy can redirected from one component to another, based on the modified attitude A of housing  16  at impact. 
     In general, the actuated mass may be relatively small, as compared to the mass of device  10  and housing  16 . Nonetheless, even relatively small angular and linear momentum couplings may have a substantial effect on attitude A at impact. This is particularly true for tumbling motions characteristic of a drop or falling event, because the intermediate axis of rotation (that is, the middle moment of I x , I y , and I z ) is inherently unstable. Thus, even relatively small changes in the corresponding angular momentum (L x , L y , L z ) may have a substantial effect on attitude A, at the predicted time of impact. 
     Where tumbling motion occurs about an unstable axis, moreover, angular momentum is typically transferred from one axis x, y, z, to another. Thus, actuation of a linear mass m or rotational body R may ultimately result in substantially different angular momentum components L x , L y , L z , depending upon timing, particularly when the mass m or rotational body R is coupled with the unstable (intermediate) inertial axis or moment I x , I y , I z . As a result, relatively large effects in ultimate attitude A (e.g., at impact) can be achieved, for example by repeated or pulsed operation of actuator  45 , either in the same or different directions, depending upon attitude A and motion D, as determined by controller/processor  44 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a schematic illustration showing drop damage mitigation system  40  for electronic device  10 , with an actuated control mechanism (or member)  20 . In this example, mitigation system  40  includes a camera or other proximal sensor  24 , with actuator  45  coupled to control member  20 , for example a menu button, home button, or other control mechanism configured to control operation of device  10 , as disposed in front (or back) glass  12 . 
     In operation of the exemplary system in  FIG. 4A , proximal sensor  24  is utilized to detect an imminent impact, for example a front or back drop event onto a hard surface. System  40  controls actuator  45  based on the predicted impact, as determined by processing data from sensor  24 , with or without additional data from a gyro or other motion sensor  42 . Actuator  45  is configured to actuate control device  20 , for example by positioning the home button or other control surface into a proud relationship with respect to cover glass  12 . 
     As a result, impact energy is redirected from cover glass  12  (or other sensitive components of device  10 ) to control device or control member  20 , which is configured to absorb the impact energy will less likelihood of damage. For example, control device  20  may include a spring-bias control button or other control surface, which prevents face-on impact onto cover glass  12 , reducing the risk of damage to cover glass  12 . In this configuration, countermeasure system  40  also reduces the likelihood of an air burst or other potentially damaging event for sensitive audio components  22 , for example a microphone or speaker cone. 
       FIG. 4B  is a schematic illustration showing a second example of drop damage mitigation system  40 , with an actuated logo structure or member  50 . In this example, mitigation system  40  includes proximity sensor  24 , with actuator  45  coupled to logo member  50  or other actuated member in the back glass or back cover of device  10 . 
     In operation of the exemplary system in  FIG. 4B , system  40  determines an impact based on data from one or both of a camera or proximal sensor  24  and motion sensor  42 , for example a back drop event. Based on the predicted impact or other potential hazard, processor  44  directs actuator  45  to position logo member  50  in a proud or extended position with respect to cover glass  12  (or other back surface) of device  10 , redirecting impact energy to a spring bias element or other energy-absorbing structure in logo member  50 , as described above for actuated control member  20  as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
       FIG. 4C  is a schematic illustration showing a third example of drop damage mitigation system  40 , with an actuated impact absorbing member  52 . In this example, mitigation system  40  includes a “stilt” or other (e.g., spring-biased) member  52 , which is configured to project from housing  16  when operated by actuator  45 . 
     In operation of the exemplary system in  FIG. 4C , processor  44  directs actuator  45  to operate a “stilt” or other projection member  52  in response to a dropping condition or predicted impact, as determined based on data from one or both of proximal sensor  24  and motion sensor  42 . Projection member  52  is configured to absorb impact energy, reducing the risk of damage by redirecting the impact energy away from sensitive components of device  10 , including, but not limited to, cover glass component(s)  12 . 
     Depending upon embodiment, two or more actuated projections or other impact energy absorbing members  52  may be provided, for example one from each side of housing  16 . Projection members  52  may also be combined with other designs for mitigation system  40 , for example the actuated control and logo members of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , above, or any of the other designs herein. In these combined configurations, different actuated members including, but not limited to, components  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  30 ,  50 , and  52 , may be simultaneously deployed, or individually actuated based on a predicted impact on a particular front, back, or side surface of device  10 , as determined by damage mitigation system  40  based on data from one or more proximity and motion sensors  24  and  42 . 
       FIG. 4D  is a schematic illustration showing a fourth example of drop damage mitigation system  40 , with cover glass protection. In this example, one or more actuators  45  are coupled to cover glass  12 , housing  16 , or both. Upon determination of a drop condition, impact, or other hazard, damage mitigation system  40  directs actuator to position housing  16  in a proud relationship with respect to cover glass  12 , as shown in  FIG. 4D , so that impact energy is redirected from cover glass  12  to energy absorbing structures in housing  16 . 
     For example, actuator  45  may be coupled to a piezoelectric or other electro-active material, in order to pull or recess cover glass  12  below the level of housing  16  (see arrow CG). Alternatively, actuator  45  may be coupled to an electro-active polymer or other electro-active material in housing  16 , in order to position housing  16  above (proud of) cover glass  12  (see arrow H). In additional examples, actuator  45  provides a combination of both functions, with either individual or joint actuation of housing  16  and cover glass  12 , in order to position housing  16  for redirecting impact energy away from cover glass  12 , and other sensitive components of device  10 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a schematic illustration of a mechanically coupled drop damage countermeasure system for device  10 , with audio jack or connector coupling actuator  45 . In this example, countermeasure system  40  includes actuator  45  coupled to a headphone jack or other external connector  54 , as configured for coupling to device  10  via connector one or more apertures or ports  30 . 
     In operation of the exemplary system in  FIG. 5A , a drop event or other potential hazard is determined by countermeasure system  40 , for example with substantially free fall or tumbling motion in direction D. In response, actuator  45  may be directed to retain connector  54  within connector port  30 , for example via a spring bias or electromagnetic actuator system configured to generate a coupling tension or retention force along arrow C, sufficient to overcome the combined weight and acceleration forces on housing  16  and device  10 . As a result, device  10  may be suspended from cable  56 , avoiding impact and redirecting the potential impact energy to a combination of connector port  30 , connector  54 , and cable  56 . 
       FIG. 5B  is a schematic illustration showing a second example of mechanically coupled countermeasure system  40 , as shown in  FIG. 5A , with audio jack or connector decoupling. In this example, countermeasure system  40  may indicates little or substantially no motion D, for example with device  10  positioned on (e.g., substantially horizontal) surface S. 
     In operation of the exemplary system in  FIG. 5B , actuator  45  may be configured to release connector  54  from port  30 , for example in response to a decoupling force in the direction of arrow DC. Decoupling device  10  from connector  54  and cable  56 , in turn, reduces the risk of damage by preventing device  10  from being pulled off surface S. 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of electronic device  10  in an alternate embodiment, for example a media player, tablet computer, pad computer, or other computing device, or a computer monitor or display. In this particular configuration, device  10  is provided with a mechanically coupled drop damage mitigation system  40  utilizing actuated cover system  60 , for example with one or more individual cover panels  62 . 
     Cover system  60  is coupled to device housing  16 , for example using a magnetic or mechanical coupling, and configured to protect cover glass  12  and other components of electronic device  10 . Housing  16  may have a substantially single-piece configuration, for example with a unitary housing and frame assembly, formed together with the back cover of device  10 . 
     Depending on application, the various components of countermeasure system  40  may be provided within device housing  16 , cover system  60 , or a combination thereof. For example, various sensor and processor components  24 ,  42 , and  44  may be provided within housing  16  of electronic device  10 , as described above, with various energy-absorbing elements  64  and memory metal or spring-operated cover actuator components  65 . 
     Cover actuators  65  may be located between cover panels  62  of cover system  60 , and/or between one or more cover panel(s)  62  and housing  16 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, bimetallic strip or magnetically actuated mechanisms  65  may be provided, utilizing an electric current or voltage signal to generate or reverse a biasing force between adjacent cover panels  62 , or between a cover panel  62  and device housing  16 , in order to open or close one or more cover panels  62 . 
     In operation of system  40 , a drop or other potentially damaging event may be indicated by substantially free fall or tumbling motion D, with arbitrary rotational attitude A. In response, system  40  directs one or more cover actuators  65  to open or close cover panel(s)  62 , for example by actuation of mechanical spring-bias elements  65 , or utilizing electro-active or voltage-activated materials or memory metal actuator components  65 . Additional electro-active polymers and other materials may also be utilized, for example by extending electro-active corner elements  64  outward from cover panel(s)  62  to redirect impact energy away from device  10  and cover glass  12  into energy-absorbing components  64 , or other damping and shock absorbing materials within cover panels  62 . 
     Adjacent cover panels  62  can also be rolled into a partially or fully coiled shock and impact-absorbing configuration, as shown in  FIG. 6  (arrow C). For example, cover panel(s)  62  may be positioned in a closed, partially open, or coiled (curled) configuration, either adjacent cover glass  12  or the side or back surface of device  10 . In addition, device  10  may be oriented so that cover system  60  lands first, and the impact energy is absorbed by shock absorbing (e.g., soft) materials of cover panels  62 , or dedicated impact-absorbing elements  64 . 
     Depending upon impact geometry, for example, cover system  60  can also be positioned in a spring-like energy absorbing or shock-absorber configuration, in order to increase the impulse time of the impact, and reduce the resulting forces and loads on device  10 . Alternatively, one or more cover panels  62  can be flapped (actuated) open or closed (arrow O/C), either in a single motion or by repeated actuation, in order to slow the fall of device  10 . Cover panels  62  may also be actuated or flapped to alter the rotational attitude A, in order to produce a more favorable impact orientation for device  10 , and/or a more favorable energy absorbing configuration for cover panels  62 . 
       FIG. 7  is an alternate perspective view of electronic device  10 . In this example, cover system  60  is configured as a case or enclosure system for a tablet-type computing device  10 , with front cover panels  62  and back and side cover sections  63 . Countermeasure system  40  includes actuated components  65 , and cooperates with sensor and processor components in device  10  and/or cover  60  to open or close cover panels  62  based on a drop event or other potential hazard, as described above. 
     Alternatively, one or more cover panels  62  may be actuated or deployed in order to change the orientation of device  10  prior to impact, for example in order to orient device  10  to absorb impact energy in cover panels  62 . Alternatively, internal or external mechanisms may be actuated to orient device  10  so that impact energy is absorbed by rear or side panels  63  of cover system  60 , for example when cover panels  62  are absent. 
     In some designs, cover system  60  may also include actuated members  66  in one or more back or side panels  63 , for example an expanding or contracting ring mechanism assembly  66  disposed about the periphery of cover  60 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . On or more ring-type actuator elements  66  may be configured to deploy prior to impact, so that impact energy is redirected away from device  10  and cover glass  12 , into energy-absorbing components  64  in ring actuator  66 . Suitable deployment mechanisms for actuator elements  66  include spring bias, electromagnetic, and pneumatic actuators. 
     Additional actuated energy absorption elements  64  may also be provided, for example electro-activated elements  64 , as described above, pneumatically actuated elements  64 , and/or fluid-filled of fluid-actuated elements  64 . In general, energy absorption elements  64  can be positioned or actuated to project in a proud relationship with respect to device  10 , and the adjacent components of cover system  60  (arrows P), in order to absorb impact energy. In some applications, a magnetorheological (MR) fluid may also be utilized, whereby the damping and energy-absorption characteristics of individual members  64  can be selected based on the velocity and orientation (or attitude) of device  10 , and other impact geometry data, for example using a magnetic signal to alter the viscosity of the MR fluid. 
     One or more energy absorbing elements  64  may also be formed of a durable energy-absorbing material such as fiberglass, a rubber or silicon based material, or a composite material with suitable damping and shock absorbing properties. In these embodiments, energy-absorbing members  64  may be distributed in various locations within cover panels  62  and side and rear panels  63 , for example in different corner and edge locations of cover system  60 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In additional embodiments, one or more panel sections  62  and/or  63  of cover system  60  may be formed in whole or in part of fiberglass, rubber, silicon, impact foam, or other suitable energy-absorbing composite material, or such materials may be used to line the edges or corners of panels  62  and  63 , proud of device  10 , in order to redirect impact energy away from device  10  into cover system  60 . 
     Auxiliary electromagnets  67  can be utilized to hold cover panels  62  in place, in the event that device  10  is dropped. In these examples, mitigation system  40  may be configured to actuate auxiliary electromagnets  67  when a drop event or other hazard is indicated, providing additional magnetic force to hold cover system  60  closed over cover glass  12 , redirecting impact energy away from device  10  and into energy-absorbing components  64 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of device  10 , with cover system  60  in an ejected position. In this configuration, device  10  is operable to eject one or more cover panels  62  (or  63 ) of cover  60 , for example by reversing the polarity of cover coupling electromagnets  68 A or  68 B, or by repositioning or rotating (flipping) internal magnets  68 A and/or magnets  68 B. Based on the orientation A of device  10  and the proximity of any potential contact surface S, cover system  60  can also be ejected so as to reach surface S before device  10 , redirecting impact energy away from cover glass  12  and other sensitive components by cushioning the (later) impact of device  10  with cover system  60 . 
     In particular applications, magnets  68 A and  68 B may be arranged with alternating (and complementary) polarity, so that a relatively small (e.g., linear) repositioning of internal device magnets  68 A (arrow R) with respect to external (cover) magnets  68 B results in a substantial repulsive force, ejecting cover system  60  (arrow E). Alternatively, electromagnetic devices  68 A or  68 B may be used, in order to change the relative field polarity based on a current signal. 
     Additional drop damage mitigation techniques are also contemplated. For example, audio devices such as speakers  22  can be driven or actuated to generate one or more air pulses prior to impact. In this configuration, audio devices  22  may act as an air brake to reduce impact velocity, for example when utilized just prior to a face-drop type impact. Alternatively, one or more audio devices  22  may be actuated to generate audio pulses for increasing the impulse time, and thus to reduce the impact forces and stress loading on device  10 . 
     An ejected cover system  60  may further be configured to reduce impact velocity via magnetic interactions with device  10 . In these applications, any number of cover magnets  68 A and/or diamagnetic materials may be distributed in cover panels  62  to generate an opposing field with respect that of internal magnets  68 A of device  10 , as distributed about the perimeter or along the front and back surfaces of housing  16  and/or cover glass  12 . Cover panels  62  may also include magnetic, ferrous, or ferromagnetic materials, allowing device  10  to determine the relative position, velocity, and field orientation of cover system  60  via a magnetic field sensor  42 , as described above. 
     Device  10  may also actuate internal magnets (e.g., electromagnet or rotating permanent magnets)  68 A to generate an opposing field, with respect to that of ejected cover system  60 , in to order to reduce impact velocity. Alternatively, cover panels  62  may utilize diamagnetic materials, in order to generate an inherently opposing field configuration, with respect to that of device  10 . Device  10  may also actuate various internal magnets  68 A to generate fields of either polarity, in order generate torque on device  10  by magnetic interaction with ejected cover system  60 . In particular, this allows device  10  to produce a more favorable impact attitude A, via magnetic interaction with the corresponding fields of the magnetic components in cover panels  62 . 
     While this invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt the teachings of the invention to particular situations and materials, without departing from the essential scope thereof. Thus, the invention is not limited to the particular examples that are disclosed herein, but encompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130311
Publication Date: 20160830
Grant Date: 20160830
Priority Date: 20130311
Inventors: PETERSON CARL R.
WODRICH JUSTIN R.
GIBBS KEVIN D.
SMITH SAMUEL G.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G01P3/488", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16F15/067", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/185", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L5/0066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16F2230/0023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01P3/486", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L5/0066", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/185", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01P3/488", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16F2230/0023", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01P3/486", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/185", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16F15/067", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51487152