PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10599192-B2
Application Number: US-201815976768-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Internal architecture of a portable electronic device having ports that are offset from electronic modules

Abstract:
This application relates to a portable electronic device including a first sensing module and a second sensing module that are both in communication with a processor. The portable electronic device can include access ports that are formed in the housing, where the first and second sensing modules are capable of receiving an external stimulus by way of the access ports. A plate is positioned in the housing between a wall of the housing and the sensing modules. The plate and the wall define non-linear flow paths between the access ports to the first and second sensing modules. The non-linear flow paths can transmit the external stimulus to cause at least one of the first or second sensing modules to provide a detection signal to the processor that causes a display unit to present a notification that corresponds to the external stimulus.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing that defines an internal volume, the housing comprising a wall that includes a first access port and a second access port, wherein the first access port and the second access port open to the internal volume; 
 a plate located in the internal volume; 
 a first sensing module located in the internal volume, the first sensing module comprising a first detection region in communication with an environment that is external to the housing; and 
 a second sensing module located in the internal volume, the second sensing module comprising a second detection region in communication with the external environment, 
 wherein the first sensing module and the second sensing module are mounted to the plate such that i) the first detection region is offset with respect to the first access port and ii) the second detection region is offset with respect to the second access port. 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover layer formed from a transparent material, wherein the wall comprises an edge region and wherein the first access port and the second access port are positioned closer to the cover layer than the edge region. 
     
     
       3. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises:
 a first opening that receives the first sensing module, and 
 a second opening that receives the second sensing module. 
 
     
     
       4. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises:
 a first diagonal section; 
 a second diagonal section connected to the first diagonal section, and 
 a third diagonal section connected to the second diagonal section. 
 
     
     
       5. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate comprises a recess that at least partially receives the first sensing module and the second sensing module. 
     
     
       6. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the plate internally covers the first access port and the second access port without sealing off the first access port and the second access port. 
     
     
       7. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first sensing module comprises an ambient pressure sensor, and wherein the second sensing module comprises a microphone. 
     
     
       8. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a cover layer coupled with the housing; 
 a display unit covered by the cover layer; 
 a first user-attachment feature coupled to the housing; and 
 a second user-attachment feature coupled to the housing, the second user-attachment feature capable of coupling with the first user-attachment feature to couple the housing with a user. 
 
     
     
       9. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing that defines an internal volume, wherein the housing comprises a wall that includes a first access port and a second access port, the first access port and the second access port open to the internal volume; a first sensing module located in the internal volume, the first sensing module comprising a first detection region in a first offset position, in at least two dimensions, with respect to the first access port; 
 a second sensing module located in the internal volume, the second sensing module comprising a second detection region in a second offset position, in at least two dimensions, with respect to the second access port; and 
 a plate positioned in the internal volume between the wall and the first and second sensing modules, the plate comprising:
 a first opening aligned with the first detection region, and 
 a second opening aligned with the second detection region, wherein the plate comprises at least two diagonal sections. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The wearable electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a display unit; and 
 a processor located in the internal volume and in communication with the first sensing module and the display unit, wherein when a stimulus is received by the first detection region, the stimulus causes the sensing module to provide a detection signal to the processor that causes the display unit to present a notification that corresponds to the stimulus. 
 
     
     
       11. The wearable electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the two dimensions comprise:
 a first dimension; and 
 a second direction perpendicular to the first dimension. 
 
     
     
       12. The wearable electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the plate covers the first access port and the second access port. 
 
     
     
       13. The wearable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the wall and plate define i) a first pathway to the first sensing module, and ii) a second pathway to the second sensing module. 
     
     
       14. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing that includes walls that defines an internal volume, the walls comprising a wall that includes a first access port and a second access port, wherein the first access port and the second access port open to the internal volume; 
 an ambient pressure sensor located in the internal volume, the ambient pressure sensor comprising a first detection region that is capable of measuring ambient pressure of an environment external to the housing, 
 a microphone located in the internal volume, the microphone comprising a second detection region that is capable of detecting acoustical energy received from the external environment, and 
 a plate positioned in the internal volume, the plate comprising:
 a first opening aligned with the first detection region, and 
 a second opening aligned with the second detection region, wherein the wall and the plate define a pathway for a stimulus from the environment external to the first detection region and the second detection region, 
 wherein the ambient pressure sensor and the microphone are directly coupled to the plate. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The wearable electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the first detection region lacks a concentric configuration with respect to the first access port, and wherein the second detection region lacks a concentric configuration with respect to the second access port. 
     
     
       16. The wearable electronic device of  claim 14 , further comprising a cover layer coupled with the housing, wherein the wall defines an edge region, and wherein the first access port and the second access port are closer to the cover layer than the edge region. 
     
     
       17. The wearable electronic device of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a display unit that is capable of present visual information, the display unit covered the cover layer; 
 a processor located in the internal volume, the processor in communication with the ambient pressure sensor, the display unit, and the microphone, wherein the processor is capable of providing sensory feedback to alter the display unit in response to receiving a detection signal from the ambient pressure sensor or the microphone. 
 
     
     
       18. The wearable electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the plate comprises at least two diagonal sections. 
     
     
       19. The wearable electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the plate is positioned between the wall and at least one of the ambient pressure sensor or the microphone. 
     
     
       20. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first sensing module and the second sensing module are directly coupled to the plate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/556,777, entitled “INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING PORTS THAT ARE OFFSET FROM ELECTRONIC MODULES,” filed Sep. 11, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a portable electronic device having a sensing module (or sensing modules) that is/are capable of detecting a stimulus from an environment external to the portable electronic device by way of an access port (or access ports) that is/are disposed along an enclosure of the portable electronic device. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to an internal architecture of the portable electronic device where the sensing module(s) is/are arranged, within the portable electronic device, in an offset configuration with respect to the location of the access port(s). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Due to recent technological advances, a single electronic device can provide a number of different sensing functions that are capable of being executed by a single electronic device. In this regard, a single electronic device can carry a number of different sensors within in an enclosure. However, these different sensors can be highly sensitive to external contaminants (e.g., debris, excess moisture, etc.). The presence of such external contaminants can impair the ability of these different sensors to provide accurate measurements that can be trusted by a user of the electronic device. 
     As an example, the enclosure can include access ports that lead into a cavity (defined by the enclosure) that enables these sensing modules to receive external stimuli. However, the number of access ports that lead to the sensing modules are dedicated (or exclusive) to each sensing module. Consequently, when an external contaminant (e.g., dust, debris, excess moisture, etc.) becomes ensnared within the access port and/or cavity leading to the sensing modules, these sensing modules are unable to provide accurate measurements of the external environmental activity. 
     Due in part to design constraints, a manufacturer of these portable electronic devices is generally forced to provide an internal design layout in which the location of the sensing modules in the cavity is aligned with the access ports, thereby forming a straight or linear pathway between the access ports and the sensing modules. In other words, each access ports is aligned and concentric with respect to a detection region of a sensing module. Changes to the internal design layout to, for example, rearrange a position of the sensing module can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. 
     SUMMARY 
     To cure the foregoing deficiencies, the representative embodiments set forth herein disclose an internal architecture of a portable electronic device having at least one sensing module that is arranged offset from at least one access port that is provided along an enclosure of the portable electronic device. 
     In one aspect, a wearable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a housing that includes walls that defines an internal volume. The walls may include a wall that includes a first access port and a second access port. The first access port and the second access port may open to the internal volume. The portable electronic device may further include a first sensing module located in the internal volume. The first sensing module may include a first detection region in communication with an environment that is external to the housing. The portable electronic device may further include a second sensing module located in the internal volume. The second sensing module may include a second detection region in communication with the external environment external. In some embodiments, i) the first detection region is offset with respect to the first access port and ii) the second detection region is offset with respect to the second access port, thereby forming a tortuous pathway from the first access port and the second access port to the first detection region and the second detection region, respectively. 
     In another aspect, a wearable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a housing that includes walls that defines an internal volume. The walls may include a wall that includes an access port that opens to the internal volume. The portable electronic device may further include a sensing module located in the internal volume. The sensing module may include a detection region that is in an offset position, in at least two dimensions, with respect to the access port. The detection region can be in communication with an environment that is external to the housing. The portable electronic device may further include a plate positioned in the internal volume between the wall and the sensing module. The plate may include an opening aligned with the access port and the detection region. In some embodiments, the wall and the plate define a pathway, based on the offset position, from the access port to the detection region. 
     In another aspect, a wearable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a housing that includes walls that defines an internal volume. The walls may include a wall that includes a first access port and a second access port. The first access port and the second access port may open to the internal volume. The portable electronic device may further include an ambient pressure sensor located in the internal volume. The ambient pressure sensor may include a first detection region that is capable of measuring ambient pressure of an environment external to the housing. The portable electronic device may further include a microphone located in the internal volume. The microphone may include a second detection region that is capable of detecting acoustical energy received from the external environment. The portable electronic device may further include a plate positioned in the internal volume and coupled to the ambient pressure sensor and the microphone. The plate may include a first opening aligned with the first access port and the first detection region. The plate may further include a second opening aligned with the second access port and the second detection region. In some embodiments, the wall and the plate define a tortuous pathway for a stimulus from the environment external to the first detection region and the second detection region. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
     This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an assembly that includes a plate used in conjunction with sensing modules that are used in a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a partial side view of the portable electronic device of  FIG. 1 , showing the relationship of the plate, the access ports, and the sensing modules (in  FIG. 2 ), according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an assembly that includes a plate used in conjunction with sensing modules that are used in a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a partial side view of an embodiment of a portable electronic device, showing the relationship of the plate and the sensing modules (in  FIG. 5 ), according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device of  FIG. 6 , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a partial side view of an alternate embodiment of a portable electronic device that include access ports positioned towards an upper edge of a housing of the portable electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a partial side view of an alternate embodiment of a portable electronic device, showing a wall with a single access port, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a partial side view of an alternate embodiment of a portable electronic device, showing a plate that covers additional sensing modules, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a block diagram of a portable electronic device that can implement different aspects of the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The embodiments described herein set forth techniques related to portable electronic devices designed to minimize or prevent exposure of sensing modules (located in the portable electronic devices) to external contaminants that would otherwise interfere with the capacity of the sensing modules to provide accurate measurements of an external environment surrounding, or in proximity to, the portable electronic devices. In this regard, the portable electronic device may provide sensory feedback based on the measured external environment surrounding. The portable electronic device can include a housing (or enclosure) having walls that define an internal volume (or cavity). At least one of the walls may include access ports (or through hole) that extends from an exterior surface of the wall and opens to the internal volume. The housing is capable of carrying a processor and several sensing modules within the cavity. Each sensing module is capable of providing a detection signal to the processor in response to receiving an external environmental stimulus via the access ports. The processor is capable of providing the sensory feedback in response to receiving the detection signal from the sensing module. The portable electronic device may further include a plate that is coupled to the sensing modules. 
     The plate may position the sensing modules within the internal volume such that the sensing modules are offset, or misaligned, with the access ports. As a result, the external environmental stimulus (e.g., ambient pressure, acoustical energy) and any contaminants (e.g., dust, debris, liquid, humidity, etc.) entering the housing via the access ports must take a tortuous (i.e., indirect or non-linear) pathway to reach the sensing modules. The tortuous pathway may be defined in part by the wall (including the access ports and an internal surface of the wall) and the plate. While the environmental stimulus can reach the sensing module with little or no obstruction, the contaminants may not reach the sensing modules and may be expelled from the housing via the access ports. As a result of the contaminants not reaching the sensing modules, the sensing modules are not impaired and continue to provide an accurate measurement of the external environmental stimulus. 
     Although, these sensing modules are highly sensitive and are generally unable to perform sensory functions at an optimal level (e.g., accurately detect environmental conditions, etc.) when the portable electronic device is exposed to contaminants, conventional portable electronic devices with sensing modules include a straight or linear access port design. In other words, the access port is aligned and concentric with respect to a detection region of the sensing module). As a result, contaminants entering the housing via the access ports have an unencumbered pathway to the sensing modules. However, by impeding the contaminants with a tortuous flow pathway that forms an indirect and non-linear pathway from the access port to a detection region (of the sensing modules), portable electronic devices described herein significantly reduce the likelihood of degradation of the sensing modules due to the contaminants. Also, due to the location the wall and the plate within the internal volume, the tortuous pathway may include several turns, some of which form 90-degree, or perpendicular, turns. For example, the plate may be parallel to the wall, and perpendicular to the access ports formed in the wall. Also, the plate may include openings such that the external environmental stimulus can reach the sensing module. This may form yet another perpendicular turn in the tortuous flow pathway. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a portable electronic device  100 . According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  can refer to a media player, a camera, a mobile communication device (e.g., smartphone), a computer tablet, a portable computer (e.g., laptop computer), or the like. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the portable electronic device  100  is a wearable electronic device (e.g., smartwatch, fitness tracking device). The portable electronic device  100  can be configured to detect an external environmental stimulus (e.g., sound waves, pressure changes, etc.) and generate feedback based on the detected external environmental stimulus (or a detected change in the external environmental stimulus). This will be shown and described below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the portable electronic device  100  can include a housing  102  (or enclosure) formed from a rigid material, such as a metal, ceramic, or hardened plastic. According to some embodiments, the housing  102  may define a body that includes several walls. The walls of the body may include a bottom wall and multiple sidewalls that combine with the bottom wall to define an internal volume, or cavity, that provides space used to store and protect several internal components (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), such as a battery, processor circuit, memory circuit, speakers, switches, flexible circuits, and sensing modules, as non-limiting examples. The portable electronic device  100  may further include a cover layer  104  coupled to the housing  102 . The cover layer  104  may include a transparent material (e.g., glass, sapphire, plastic, etc.). The portable electronic device  100  may also include display unit  106  (shown as a dotted line) composed of several layers. For example, the display unit  106  may include a touch-sensitive layer designed to detect a touch input applied to the cover layer  104  by a user. The display unit  106  may further include a display layer designed to present visual information in the form of motion images (e.g., video), still images, and/or textual information. The display unit  106  may further include a force detection layer designed to detect an amount of force applied input applied to the cover layer  104  by the user. The touch-sensitive and force detection layers may be used to control the visual information presented on the display layer. Also, the cover layer  104  may overlay, or cover, the display unit  106 . According to some examples, the housing  102  can include a combination of seals and/or gaskets (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) positioned between, and/or coupled to, the housing  102  and the cover layer  104 . The seals/gaskets are designed to prevent or minimize moisture intrusion into the internal volume, thereby limiting or preventing moisture ingress exposure to the components. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  can include sensing module (not illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) located in the internal volume of the housing  102 . These sensing modules may be capable of detecting environmental conditions (including an external environmental stimulus) that surround and/or in proximity to the portable electronic device  100 . In some examples, the sensing module(s) can include at least one of a microphone, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, a liquid sensor, an ambient pressure sensor, a barometric sensor, a thermometer, or the like. In response to detecting the environmental conditions, the sensing module(s) can provide a detection signal to a processor (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) located in the internal volume, and in turn, the processor can cause the display unit  106  to present a notification to the user. For instance, the microphone may receive an environmental stimulus in the form of acoustical energy (e.g., a user&#39;s spoken words) that can be converted, once received, to electrical energy. This electrical energy can be used by a speech-to-text software program loaded on a memory circuit of the portable electronic device  100 , which can then be used to display textual imagery (e.g., words) of the user&#39;s spoken words. In another example, the ambient pressure sensor may determine a pressure change corresponding to a user&#39;s elevation change. The pressure change information may be conveyed to the user by indicating, on the display unit  106 , that the user&#39;s elevation has increased or decreased. 
     At least one of the aforementioned walls of the housing  102  may include a wall  108  having access ports. For example, the wall  108  can include a first access port  114   a  and a second access port  114   b , both of which extend from an external surface of the wall  108  to an internal surface (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the wall  108 . Each of the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  may define a through hole or void in the wall  108 . Also, the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  may open to the internal volume of the housing  102 . It should be noted that any number of access ports can be formed one or more walls of the housing  102 , and in various locations. Also, the shape of the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  is generally circular, other shapes (e.g., polygonal shape, elliptical shape, or the like) are possible. As will be described in greater detail, the access ports can provide a flow pathway that enables the external conditions, or external stimulus, to be transmitted from the external environment to the sensing module(s). 
     In some examples, the number of access ports is equivalent to the number of sensing modules (in the portable electronic device  100 ) that detect the external stimulus. For instance, the portable electronic device  100  may include two sensing modules, with one sensing module capable of receiving an external stimulus from the first access port  114   a , and another sensing module capable of receiving an external stimulus from the second access port  114   b . Moreover, the access ports may be arranged in an offset, or misaligned, manner from their respective sensing modules, as will be described in greater detail herein. The offset arrangement may create a non-linear flow path from the access ports to the sensing modules, which can minimize or prevent exposure of the sensing modules to an external contaminant that enters the portable electronic device  100  via the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b.    
     The first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b  can be strategically positioned along the housing  102  in a manner that renders contaminants less likely to enter into the housing  102  via the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b . For example, the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b  can be positioned closer to the cover layer  104  as compared to an edge region  122  that may be in contact with, or in proximity to, a user&#39;s wrist (when the portable electronic device  100  is worn by the user). In other words, the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b  may not be centrally located along the wall  108 . This may limit or prevent contaminants (such as sweat from a user) from entering the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b , particularly when the user is wearing the portable electronic device  100  and places the portable electronic device  100  in proximity with particles (e.g., oils, food, dust, etc.). As an added advantage, the biased position of the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  allows the position of the sensing module(s) in the housing  102  to remain the same, and the only design change may include a location of the access ports. This may avoid the need for a modification or re-design of the internal architecture, or internal design layout, of the components located in the internal volume of the portable electronic device  100 . While a particular position of the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  is shown in  FIG. 1 , the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b  can be positioned in several different configurations. Although not shown, it should be noted that the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b  may be centered along the wall  108 . Also, in some embodiments (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  are positioned closer to the edge region  122  as compared to the cover layer  104 . 
     Also, the portable electronic device  100  can include a first hinge  112  and a second hinge  113 , each of which extending from an edge of the housing  102 . The first hinge  112  may couple to a first user-attachment feature  116  (or first band), and the second hinge  113  may couple to a second user-attachment feature  118  (or second band). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an assembly that includes a plate  230  and sensing modules that are used in a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. As an example, the portable electronic device may include the portable electronic device  100 , shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown, the plate  230  (also referred to as a feature plate) includes a series of contiguous diagonal regions, which may form a “zig zag” configuration. For example, the plate  230  may include a first section  231  (or first diagonal section), a second section  233  (or second diagonal section) connected to the first section  231 , and a third section  235  (or third diagonal section) connected to the second section  233 . Each section may be perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to an adjacent section. This configuration may increase the surface area of the plate  230 , thereby increasing available surface area for an adhesive (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). In this regard, the bonding forces between the plate  230  and a housing (such as the housing  102  is enhanced. 
     The plate  230  is designed to receive and carry a first sensing module  240  and a second sensing module  250 . The first sensing module  240  may include an atmospheric pressure sensor designed to measure ambient pressure. In this regard, the first sensing module  240  may receive and monitor/detect an external environmental stimulus in the form of pressure. As a result, the first sensing module  240  may modify pressure changes. The first sensing module  240  may include detection region  242  that measures the ambient pressure, with a change in ambient pressure (as determined at the detection region  242 ) signal a change in elevation of a portable electronic device. The second sensing module  250  may include a sound detection unit (e.g., microphone) designed to receive acoustic energy (e.g., audible sound). Accordingly, the second sensing module  250  may receive and monitor/detect an external environmental stimulus in the form of pressure pulses generated from acoustical energy. The second sensing module  250  may include detection region  252  that receives the acoustical energy and converts the acoustical energy into electrical energy in the form of audio signals that are processed by a processor (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) of a portable electronic device. 
     The plate  230  may include a first opening  232 , or first through hole, and a second opening  234 , or second through hole. When assembled, the detection region  242  of the first sensing module  240  is aligned with the first opening  232  and the detection region  252  of the second sensing module  250  is aligned with the second opening  234 . The alignment between the openings and the detection regions may include a concentric alignment or may include a portion of the detection region at least partially aligned with one of the openings. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a partial side view of the portable electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1 , showing the relationship of the plate  230 , the access ports, and the sensing modules (in  FIG. 2 ), according to some embodiments. The plate  230  may be referred to as an internal plate when installed in the internal volume of the housing  102 . As shown, the plate  230  is positioned in the housing  102  along the wall  108  in a location corresponding to the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b . Also, the plate  230  may be coupled to the housing  102  (in particular, the wall  108 ) by additional plates and fastening elements (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). The first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  may couple to the plate  230  such that the plate  230  carries the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . Accordingly, the housing  102  may carry the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  within the internal volume (defined in part by the wall  108  of the housing  102 ). It should be noted that in  FIG. 3 , the wall  108  covers the plate  230 , the first sensing module  240 , and the second sensing module  250 . The plate  230  covers (or at least partially covers) the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 , with the exception of the detection region  242  (of the first sensing module  240 ) and the detection region  252  (of the second sensing module  250 ). 
     The first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b , along with the plate  230 , can define, in part, a flow pathway into the housing  102  and/or out of the housing  102 . The flow pathway may lead to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . For example, the first access port  114   a  can provide an inlet to the first sensing module  240  and second sensing module  250 . The inlet can permit for an external stimulus (e.g., sound waves, fluids, gases, etc.) to travel to the first sensing module  240  and second sensing module  250 . The second access port  114   b  can define an outlet that can permit for external contaminants to be expelled from the cavity of the housing  102 . It should be noted that each of the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  may function as an inlet and an outlet. Accordingly, by using a multi-port system, one port can receive air flow that provides a force used to expel contaminants out of the remaining port. Also, a multi-port system allows for a pressure balance within the portable electronic device  100  (particularly within the shared internal volume  270 ). For instance, air flow into the first access port  114   a  may provide pressure that causes the contaminant to remain in the portable electronic device  100 . However, the contaminant (along with at least some of the air flow into the first access port  114   a ) may flow out of the second access port  114   b , as well as excess air. Further, a multi-port system allows for additional air flow (as compared to a single access port) into the housing  102 , which corresponds to decreased drying times (when the contaminant is a liquid). 
     The plate  230  may cover (internally) the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  but may not seal off the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  from an external environment, so to allow entry of an external environmental stimulus. However, the plate  230  may act as a guard against foreign objects (e.g., needles or other sharp objects) from further entering the housing  102 . Also, the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  are generally viewable by a user. However, when the user views the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b , the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  can appear to include a specific color, which may be attributed to the color of plate  230 . In this regard, through one or more processes (e.g., dye particles, anodization, physical vapor deposition, etc.), the plate  230  can be colored with a specific color. The manufacturer (of the portable electronic device  100 ) may select the color of the plate  230  to provide a relatively dark appearance (representing an absence of material), or to provide an appearance of a color (e.g., black, white, silver, gray, gold, rose gold) that matches that of the housing  102  to impart a generally uniform colorized appearance of the housing  102 . The specific color options indicated should be construed as non-limiting examples. Further, the plate  230  may obstruct or obscure the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  such that the user cannot view the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  when looking through the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b . Also, the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  can have similar or different diameters. It should be noted that the diameters of the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  can be of any size that is sufficient to enable a desirable amount of an external stimulus to reach the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 , while also preventing or limiting undesirable external contaminants from reaching the first sensing module  240  and second sensing module  250 . 
     Also, the first opening  232  (of the plate  230 ) is aligned with the detection region  242  of the first sensing module  240 , and the second opening  234  (of the plate  230 ) is aligned with the detection region  252  of the second sensing module  250 . The first opening  232  may be concentric with respect to the detection region  242  (of the first sensing module  240 ), and the second opening  234  may be concentric with respect to the detection region  252  (of the second sensing module  250 ). Also, the plate  230  is shown in a fixed position relative to the wall  108  and is coupled to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . The design (i.e., size and shape) of the plate  230  positions the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  in an offset manner with respect to the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b . In other words, the plate  230  positions the first sensing module  240  in a non-concentric manner with respect to the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  (or vice versa), and also positions the second sensing module  250  in a non-concentric manner with respect to the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  (or vice versa). Further, both the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  are offset, in the same plane of view, with respect to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  in at least two dimensions (such as the X- and Z-dimensions). However, in some embodiments (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  are offset in a single dimension (the X- or Z-dimension) with respect to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . Furthermore, the plate  230  may position the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  such that an outer perimeter of the detection region  242  (of the first sensing module  240 ) and an outer perimeter of the detection region  252  (of the second sensing module  250 ) does not overlap with an outer perimeter of the first access port  114   a  and an outer perimeter of the second access port  114   b . Thus, the plate  230  imparts an offset positioning of the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  with respect to the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  such that an external stimulus must flow along a tortuous pathway from the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b  to the detection region  242  (of the first sensing module  240 ) and the detection region  252  (of the second sensing module  250 ). A “tortuous pathway” may refer to a non-linear pathway created in part by the offset position/configuration between the access ports and the detection regions (of the sensing modules). As an example, the tortuous pathway may include a path beginning at the first access port  114   a , continuing along the plate  230  in a direction perpendicular (and diagonal) with respect to the first access port  114   a , and then through the first opening  232  in a direction perpendicular with respect to the plate  230 . 
     The tortuous pathway may permit an environmental external stimulus to reach the sensing modules (and in particular, the detection regions of the sensing modules), while also impeding or preventing contaminants entering the access ports from reaching the sensing modules. Regarding the latter, when a contaminant (e.g., liquid, debris, surfactant) enters an access port and is positioned in the tortuous pathway, accurate detection of the external environmental stimulus by at least one of the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  can be negatively affected. For example, when the first sensing module  240  is a pressure sensor designed to detect (using the detection region  242 ) an amount of ambient pressure, a contaminant present within the portable electronic device  100  can cause a pressure signal error due to capillary pressure formed in the housing  102 . Additionally, when the second sensing module  250  is a microphone, the presence of a contaminant can affect the accuracy of sound detection at the detection region  252  of the second sensing module  250 . However, the tortuous pathway may impede the path of foreign objects from reaching detection regions of the aforementioned sensing modules, which may limit or prevent performance degradation of the sensing modules. Further, the design of the plate  230 , and the position of the plate  230  within the housing  102 , may limit or block movement of the contaminant once inside the housing  102 . Additionally, due to the impeded, limited, or blocked movement of the contaminant, the contaminant may travel only a short distance away from the access port (in which the contaminant entered). As a result, movement of the portable electronic device  100  (e.g., user-initiated movement) may provide a force that expels the contaminant from the housing  102  via the access port (in which the contaminant entered). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a center point of the detection region  242  (of first sensing module  240 ) is separated from a center point of the first access port  114   a  by a separation distance Da 1 , and a center point of the second sensing module  250  is separated from a center point of the second access port  114   b  by a separation distance Db 1 . In some embodiments, the separation distance Da 1  is different from the separation distance Db 1 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the separation distance Da 1  is the same (or at least substantially similar) to the separation distance Db 1 . As will be described in greater detail herein, the separation distance between the access ports and the sensing modules can correspond to a distance of a flow pathway. Also, as shown in FIG.  3 , the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  are biased toward the cover layer  104 . That is, the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  are closer to the cover layer  104  than the edge region  122  that may be in contact with the user&#39;s wrist, which may prevent contaminants originating from the user&#39;s wrist from entering the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b.    
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device  100  of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments. As shown, the housing  102  may define an internal volume  126  (or internal cavity, or simply cavity) in which the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  are positioned. The first sensing module  240  may couple with the plate  230  by a sealing element  262 , and the second sensing module  250  may couple with the plate  230  by a sealing element  264 . The aforementioned sealing elements may include an O-ring (including a radial O-ring) or gasket formed from a compliant and liquid-resistant material, such as rubber or elastomer. Furthermore, the first sensing module  240  may at least partially extend through the first opening  232  (labeled in  FIG. 3 ) of the plate  230 , while the second sensing module  250  is coupled to a fitting  266  that at least partially extends through the second opening  234  (labeled in  FIG. 3 ) of the plate  230 . 
     The first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  (also shown and described in  FIG. 3 ) are represented as dotted lines in the wall  108 , as the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  are located in a different section of the wall  108  not within the X-Y plane, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  can open to a region of the internal volume  126  in which the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  are located. In particular, the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  can open to a shared internal volume  270  within the housing  102 . The shared internal volume  270  may fluidly connect the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  with the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b . The shared internal volume  270  allows a flow pathway  272  to extend from the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . 
     According to some examples, the shared internal volume  270  can represent a volume that is sealed off from the internal volume  126 . The sealing may prevent particles or fluids from the internal volume  126  from infiltrating into the first flow pathway  272   a  and second flow pathway  272   b . Additionally, the pressure in the shared internal volume  270  may adjust to equilibrium with the external environment by air flow into, or out of, the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b . A multi-port system in which the ports opens to the shared internal volume  270  provides for a redundant system such that if, for example, the first access port  114   a  plugged or clogged, the second access port  114   b  provide an air flow inlet/outlet, and the portable electronic device  100  continues to perform in a desired manner. Also, 
     The flow pathway  272  may define a tortuous flow pathway, as the flow pathway provides an indirect, non-linear pathway from the access ports to the sensing modules. The flow pathway  272  may include a first flow pathway  272   a  that leads to the first sensing module  240  (and in particular, the detection region  242 ). The flow pathway  272  may include a second flow pathway  272   b  that leads to the second sensing module  250  (and in particular, the detection region  252 ). The first flow pathway  272   a  and the second flow pathway  272   b  can define a shared internal volume  270 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the flow pathway  272  may a pathway through the wall  108  (via the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b ) that leads to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . As a result, the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  (in particular, their respective detection regions) may receive an external environmental stimulus originating outside of the portable electronic device  100 . 
     Due in part to the non-linear, tortuous pathway), any foreign objects or contaminants entering the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b  do not have direct access to the first sensing module  240  and second sensing module  250 . For instance, in order to for a foreign object to reach the first sensing module  240 , the foreign object must first enter the first access port  114   a , then travel along the plate  230  along a two-dimensional path (as represented in part by the diagonal structure of the plate  230 , illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) that is perpendicular to the first access port  114   a , and then pass through the first opening  232  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of the plate  230 , which defines a path that is perpendicular to the plate  230 . However, at any point along this non-linear, tortuous pathway, the foreign object may be expelled from the housing  102  via the first access port  114   a  and/or the second access port  114   b , thereby causing the foreign object to be removed from the portable electronic device  100 . By not providing a direct path for the foreign object to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 , the foreign object may be limited or prevented from causing damage to, or degraded performed of, the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 , as the detection region  242  (of the first sensing module  240 ) and the detection region  252  (of the second sensing module  250 ) is not exposed to the foreign object. Also, should a foreign object reach the sensing modules, the sensing modules may be modified to withstand the foreign object. For example, the detection region  242  of the first sensing module  240  and the detection region  252  of the second sensing module  250  may include a material(s) that is/are sensitive to debris. For example, the first sensing module  240  may include a gel that liquid-resistant shield for a movable diaphragm. Also, the gel may include an adhesive that readily attracts debris and other particles. 
     The housing  102  may include a mating surface  278  that extends from an internal surface of the housing  102  and protrudes into the internal volume  126  of the housing  102 . In some examples, the mating surface  278  can include elevated portions that partially define the internal volume  126 . Additionally, the mating surface  278  may receive the plate  230 . In this regard, the plate  230  may couple to the wall  108  by an adhesive  274 . The adhesive  274  may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, epoxy, or the like. The plate  230  may include an additional surface that is generally planar and capable of supporting the first sensing module  240  and second sensing module  250  at different regions. Also, the adhesive  274  and the aforementioned sealing elements may provide a liquid-resistant (and in some instances, an air-resistant) for the shared internal volume  270  such that the shared internal volume  270  is sealed from the internal volume  126 . 
     The portable electronic device  100  may further include a bracket  276  that is positioned over the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . The bracket  276  may be secured to the housing  102  by a first fastening element  282  and a second fastening element  284 . The housing  102  may carry a first fastener receiving structure  286  and a second fastener receiving structure  288  designed to receive the first fastening element  282  and the second fastening element  284 , respectively. The portable electronic device  100  can include foam supports. For example, the portable electronic device  100  may include a first foam support  292  and a second foam support  294  coupled to the bracket  276  and the first sensing module  240 . The portable electronic device  100  may further include a third foam support  296  coupled to the bracket  276  and the second sensing module  250 . These foam supports may alleviate some of the pressure induced by the bracket  276  to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . Further, by absorbing a force or load, the aforementioned foam supports can minimize the risk of damage to the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  during an installation operation. Additionally, the aforementioned foam supports may absorb some force during a pressure change event within the shared internal volume  270 . Also, the aforementioned foam supports may provide a force to the sensing modules to maintain the sensing modules aligned with the plate  230 . For example, if the shared internal volume  270  undergoes a pressure increase, the aforementioned foam supports can alleviate at least some pressure induced on the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250 . This may reduce premature wear to the adhesive  274  by maintaining the first sensing module  240  and the second sensing module  250  in a generally fixed position. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an assembly that includes a plate  330  used in conjunction with sensing modules that are used in a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. The portable electronic device may include a portable electronic device described herein, such as the portable electronic device (shown in  FIG. 1 ). As shown, the plate  330  (also referred to as a manifold) includes a stepped configuration designed to provide a recess (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) that receives sensing modules. This will be shown below. The plate  330  can receive and carry a first sensing module  340  and a second sensing module  350 . The first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  may include at least some features and provide at least some functions for a sensing module described herein. The plate  330  may include a first opening  332 , or first through hole, and a second opening  334 , or second through hole. When assembled, a detection region  342  of the first sensing module  340  is aligned with the first opening  332  and a detection region  352  of the second sensing module  350  is aligned with the second opening  334 . The alignment between the openings and the detection regions may include a concentric alignment or may include a portion of the detection region at least partially aligned with one of the openings. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a partial side view of a portable electronic device  300 , showing the relationship of the plate  330 , the access ports, and the sensing modules (in  FIG. 5 ), according to some embodiments. Similar to a manner previously described, the portable electronic device  300  may include a housing  302  having a wall  308 . The wall  308  may include a first access port  314   a  and a second access port  314   b . As shown, the plate  330  is positioned the housing  302  along the wall  308  in a location corresponding to the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b . Also, the plate  330  may be coupled to the housing  302  (in particular, the wall  308 ) by additional plates and fastening elements (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). The first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  may couple to the plate  330  such that the plate  330  carries the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350 . Accordingly, the housing  302  may carry the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  within the internal volume (defined in part by the wall  308  of the housing  302 ). It should be noted that in  FIG. 6 , the wall  308  covers the plate  330 , the first sensing module  340 , and the second sensing module  350 . Also, the plate  230  covers (or at least partially covers) the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350 , with the exception of the detection region  342  (of the first sensing module  340 ) and the detection region  352  (of the second sensing module  350 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the housing  302  carries the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  within the cavity (defined in part by the wall  308  of the housing  302 ). The first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  defines, in part, a flow pathway (shown and described below) into the housing  302  (and to the cavity) and/or out of the housing  302 . The flow pathway may lead to the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350 , similar to a manner previously described. The plate  230  (also referred to as an internal manifold when installed in the housing  302 ) may further define the flow pathway. 
     The plate  330  covers (internally) the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  but may not seal the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b , so as to allow an external environmental stimulus into the housing  302 . However, the plate  230  may act as a guard against foreign objects from further entering the housing  302 . Also, the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  are generally viewable by a user. However, when the user views the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b , the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  can appear to include a specific color, which may be attributed to the color of plate  330 , similar to a manner previously described. Further, the plate  330  obstructs or obscures the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  such that the user cannot view the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  when looking through the first access port  314   a  and/or and the second access port  314   b . The diameter of first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  may be similar or different, and may embody different shapes, similar to a previously described embodiment. 
     The first opening  332  (of the plate  330 ) is aligned with the detection region  342  of the first sensing module  340 , and the second opening  334  (of the plate  330 ) is aligned with the detection region  352  of the second sensing module  350 . The first opening  332  may be concentric with respect to the detection region  342  (of the first sensing module  340 ), and the second opening  334  may be concentric with respect to the detection region  352  (of the second sensing module  350 ). When fixed to the wall  308  and coupled to the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350 , the plate  330  positions the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  in an offset manner with respect to the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b , including an offset configuration with respect to the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  in at least two dimensions (such as the X- and Z-dimensions). Similar to a prior embodiment, there is no overlap between the outer perimeter of the access ports and the outer perimeter of the detection regions, thereby causing an external stimulus to flow along a non-linear, tortuous pathway from an exterior surface of the wall  308 , through the first access port  314   a  and/or the second access port  314   b , along the plate  330 , and through the first opening  332  and/or the second opening  334 , in order reach the detection region  342  (of the first sensing module  340 ) and/or the detection region  352  (of the second sensing module  350 ), respectively. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device  300  of  FIG. 6 , according to some embodiments. As shown, the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  are partially positioned in a recess (not labeled) defined by the plate  330 . The first sensing module  340  may couple to the plate  330  by an adhesive (not labeled), while the second sensing module  350  may couple to the plate  330  by a sealing element  362 . The plate  330  may couple to the housing  302  by a sealing element  364 . The plate  330 , the first sensing module  340 , and the second sensing module  350  may form a sub-assembly that may be pre-assembled together and then placed in the housing  302 , and in particular, in an internal volume  326  of the housing  302 . The sub-assembly may improve the overall assembly process of the portable electronic device  300  by, for example, decreasing the assembly and manufacturing times. Also, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the location of the sensing modules can be rearranged. For example, the first sensing module  340  may include a microphone, while the second sensing module  350  may include an ambient pressure sensor. 
     The first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  (also shown and described in  FIG. 6 ) are represented as dotted lines in the wall  308 , as the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  are located in a different section of the wall  308  not within the X-Y plane shown in  FIG. 7 . The first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  can open to a region of the internal volume  326  in which the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  are located. Similar to a prior embodiment, the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  may be fluidly connected to the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  by a flow pathway  372 . The flow pathway  372  may include a tortuous flow pathway that defines a non-linear pathway (similar to a previously described embodiment), which may impart a non-linear path for an external environmental stimulus or a contaminant that enters the housing  302 . The flow pathway  372  may include a first flow pathway  372   a  that leads to the first sensing module  340  (and in particular, the detection region  342 ), and a second flow pathway  372   b  that leads to the second sensing module  350  (and in particular, the detection region  352 ). As a result, the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  (in particular, their respective detection regions) may receive an external environmental stimulus originating outside of the portable electronic device  300 . 
     The first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  can extend between the external environment and a shared internal volume  370  of the internal volume  326 . The wall  308  and the plate  330  can define, in part, the shared internal volume  370 . The shared internal volume  370  may fluidly connect the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  with the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b . The shared internal volume  370  allows a flow pathway  372  to extend from the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b  to the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350 . According to some examples, the shared internal volume  370  can represent a sealed environment that prevents particles or fluids (aside from the external environmental stimulus) from infiltrating into the first flow pathway  372   a  and second flow pathway  372   b . Additionally, the pressure in the shared internal volume  370  may adjust to equilibrium with the external environment using the first access port  314   a  and the second access port  314   b.    
     Similar to a prior embodiment, the portable electronic device  300  may further include a bracket  376  that is positioned over the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350 . The bracket  376  may be secured to the housing  302  by a fastening element  382  engaged with a fastener receiving structure  386 , which is coupled to the housing  302 . The portable electronic device  300  can include foam supports (not labeled in  FIG. 7 ) that are capable of alleviating some of the pressure induced by the bracket  376  to the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350 . Further, the aforementioned foam supports can minimize the risk of damage to the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  during an installation operation. Additionally, the aforementioned foam supports may absorb some force forced pressure event within the shared internal volume  370 . For example, if the shared internal volume  370  undergoes a pressure increase, the aforementioned foam supports can alleviate at least some pressure induced on the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350 . This may reduce premature wear to the adhesive that secure components together by maintaining the first sensing module  340  and the second sensing module  350  in a generally fixed position. 
     The aforementioned sub-assembly may also include the bracket  376  integrated with the plate  330 , the first sensing module  340 , and the second sensing module  350 , such that these components are packaged and sealed together outside the portable electronic device  300  prior to installing in the internal volume  326 . As a result, the sub-assembly can be tested outside of the housing  302  prior to installing within the housing  302 . In particular, the testing may check for proper air sealing by the sealing elements and/or adhesives. Further, the sub-assembly (by way of the aforementioned components) may define an internal environment that is sealed from the remainder of the internal volume  326 . Accordingly, in some instances, the installation of the sub-assembly within the internal volume  326  may be distinct from a piecewise installation of components that are sequentially installed and individually tested prior to be installed. Also, the sealing element  364  may provide sealing/isolating capabilities of the sub-assembly. The sealing element  364  can be tested outside of the housing  302  to ensure that the sealing element  364  is within a specified tolerance. 
     The plate  330  may include a deformable rib  338  that extends around a perimeter of the plate  330 . The deformable rib  338  can compensate for any deviations in tolerances of the plate  330  and/or the housing  302 . Because the plate  330  may be compressed against the housing  302  (by way of fastening element  382  as an example), the deformable rib  338  may collapse or compress in predetermined locations when some components vary within a predetermined specification, and in some instances, are not within the predetermined specification. In some examples, the deformable rib  338  can extend beyond (in the Y-dimension) regions of the housing  302  such that the deformable rib  338  deforms when the bracket  376  is attached or fastened to the housing  302 . In this manner, the deformable rib  338  can render the sub-assembly compliant such that it does not shift relative to the housing  302  within the internal volume  326 . This may reduce stress and premature wear of adhesives (not labeled) used to secure together components of the sub-assembly. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a portable electronic device  400 , according to some embodiments. The portable electronic device  400  may incorporate several features described herein for a portable electronic device. As shown, the portable electronic device  400  may include a housing  402  that carries a plate  430 , a first sensing module  440 , and a second sensing module  450 . 
     The housing  402  may include a wall  408 . The wall  408  may include a first access port  414   a  and a second access port  414   b . The first access port  414   a  and the second access port  414   b  are represented as dotted lines in the wall  408 , as the first access port  114   a  and the second access port  114   b  are located in a different section of the wall  408  not within the X-Y plane shown in  FIG. 8 . In this regard, the first access port  414   a  and the second access port  414   b  may be offset with respect to the first sensing module  440  and the second sensing module  450  in at least two dimensions, in a manner similar to the offset relationship between the access ports and sensing modules shown in  FIG. 4 . Also, similar to a manner previously described, the first access port  414   a  and the second access port  414   b  are fluidly connected to the first sensing module  440  and the second sensing module  450  by a flow pathway  472 , which may include a first flow pathway  472   a  that leads to the first sensing module  440 , as well as a second flow pathway  472   b  that leads to the second sensing module  450 . The flow pathway  472  defines a pathway through the wall  408  (via the first access port  414   a  and the second access port  414   b ) that leads to the first sensing module  440  and the second sensing module  450 . As a result, the first sensing module  440  and the second sensing module  450  (in particular, their respective detection regions) may receive an external environmental stimulus originating outside of the portable electronic device  400 . 
     In contrast to prior embodiments of a plate having generally planar surfaces, the plate  430  may include an elongated support structure  436  that protrudes from a planar portion of the plate  430  and extends along a perimeter of the plate  430 . As shown, the plate  430  is coupled to and/or in contact with the internal surface of the housing  402  via the elongated support structure  436 . The elongated support structure  436  can be integrally formed with the plate  430  or welded to the plate  430 . According to some examples, the elongated support structure  436  and the plate  430  can define an L-shaped design. However, a variety of other shapes and designs can also be implemented in order to elevate the plate  430  over the housing  402 . 
     The elongated support structure  436  can elevate the plate  430  over the internal surface of the housing  402  to form a shared internal volume  470  without necessitating a modification of the wall  408 . For example, the wall  408  lacks a mating surface (such as the mating surface  278  shown in  FIG. 4  that extends from the internal surface of the housing  402  into the internal volume  126 ). Instead, the wall  408  includes a generally uniform thickness at the regions where the plate  430  would otherwise be mounted to the housing  402 . Beneficially, the elongated support structure  436  allows for a significantly reduced thickness of the wall  408  of the housing  402  relative to prior embodiments, while still providing the advantages of having the shared internal volume  470  with multiple flow pathways. As shown, the elongated support structure  436  is positioned against the internal surface of the housing  402 . Also, the elongated support structure  436  elevates the plate  430 , and in particular, the first sensing module  440  and the second sensing module  450  over the internal surface of the housing  402  such that a flow pathway  472  is defined. Similar to prior embodiments, the flow pathway  472  is located in the shared internal volume  470 . Also, the flow pathway  472  includes a first flow pathway  472   a  and a second flow pathway  472   b.    
       FIGS. 9-11  illustrate partial cross-sectional views of portable electronic devices. In particular,  FIGS. 9-11  illustrate exemplary different arrangements between positions of the sensing modules and positions of the access ports. Although a partial section is shown, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 9-11  may include several feature and components described herein for a portable electronic device. For example, the sensing modules and the plates described in  FIGS. 9-11  may include features and details previously described for a plate and a sensing module, respectively. Also, re-positioning the locations of the access ports may nonetheless maintain a non-linear, tortuous pathway between access ports and the sensing modules. By arranging the access ports and the sensing modules that maintains the tortuous flow pathway, additional usable surface area of a plate (internal plate or manifold) used to carry sensing modules is available. In this regard, the additional usable surface of the plate provides for additional adhesive, thereby providing a stronger adhesive attachment between the plate and the housing. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a partial side view of an alternate embodiment of a portable electronic device  500  that include access ports positioned towards an upper edge of a housing  502  of the portable electronic device  500 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The portable electronic device  500  may include a plate  530  that carries a first sensing module  540  and a second sensing module  550 . The plate  530 , the first sensing module  540 , and the second sensing module  550  are positioned within an internal volume defined by the housing  502 . The plate  530  may include a first opening  532  and a second opening  534 . Also, the first sensing module  540  may include a detection region  542  aligned with the first opening  532 , and the second sensing module  550  may include a detection region  552  aligned with the second opening  534 . 
     As shown, the housing  502  may include a wall  508  that includes a first access port  514   a , a second access port  514   b , and a third access port  514   c , with the plate  530  covering (internally), without sealing off, the first access port  514   a , the second access port  514   b , and the third access port  514   c . These access ports may define through holes in the wall  508 , similar to a manner previously described. Furthermore, at least some of these access ports may be positioned closer to the upper edge of the housing  502 , with the “upper edge” referring to an edge of the housing  502  that is closer to a cover layer  504  than a region  522  that is proximate to (or in contact with) a user&#39;s appendage. For example, the first access port  514   a  and the second access port  514   b  may be positioned closer to, or biased toward, the upper edge of the housing  502 . As a result, a center point of the first access port  514   a  is separated from a center point of the detection region  542  by a separation distance Db 1 , and a center point of the second access port  514   b  is separated from a center point of the detection region  552  by a separation distance Db 2 . As compared to the embodiment of the portable electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 3 , the separation distances may be different in  FIG. 9 . For example, the separation distance Db 1  may be greater than the separation distance Da 1  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), and the separation distance Db 2  may be greater than the separation distance Da 2  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). This suggests that the access ports may be i) relatively closer to the upper edge of the housing  502  (or, an upper edge of the wall  508 ) and ii) further separated from their respective sensing modules. Accordingly, the manufacturer of the portable electronic device  500  can modify external features, such as the access ports, rather than internal components (e.g., the sensing modules, and the internal surfaces of a housing), which may decrease design and engineering changes. 
     Similar to the first access port  514   a  and the second access port  514   b , the third access port  514   c  is disposed along the wall  508  and can be fluidly connected to the first sensing module  540  and the second sensing module  550  in order to facilitate equilibrating the pressure present within different regions of a flow pathway (defined in part by the plate  530 , the first access port  514   a , and the second access port  514   b ) and the ambient pressure. Also, the plate  530  includes an additional diagonal component (as compared to the plate  230  in  FIG. 3 ) that extends to cover (internally), but does not seal off, the third access port  514   c . The plate  530 , the first access port  514   a , the second access port  514   b , and the third access port  514   c  may define, in part, a tortuous flow pathway within the portable electronic device  500 , similar to a manner previously described. However, the third access port  514   c  and the additional diagonal component of the plate  530  may further define the tortuous flow pathway, as well as provide an additional inlet/outlet from the third access port  514   c . Although the first access port  514   a , the second access port  514   b , and the third access port  514   c  are shown in particular locations, these access ports can be formed generally anywhere along the wall  508 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a partial side view of an alternate embodiment of a portable electronic device  600 , showing a wall  608  with a single access port, according to some embodiments. As shown, the portable electronic device  600  may include a housing  602  that includes a wall  608 . The portable electronic device  600  may include a plate  630  that carries a first sensing module  640  and a second sensing module  650 . The plate  630 , the first sensing module  640 , and the second sensing module  650  are positioned within an internal volume defined by the housing  602 . The plate  630  may include a first opening  632  and a second opening  634 . Also, the first sensing module  640  may include a detection region  642  aligned with the first opening  632 , and the second sensing module  650  may include a detection region  652  aligned with the second opening  634 . 
     The housing  602  may include an access port  614 , which represents a single access port formed in the wall  608 . As a result, the access port  614 , the plate  630 , and the openings in the plate  630  may define in part a tortuous path way to the first sensing module  640  and the second sensing module  650 . In order to provide for a sufficient flow pathway to and from the first sensing module  640  and the second sensing module  650 , the diameter of the access port  614  can be increased, as compared to diameters of access ports in prior embodiments. In this manner, the manufacture may limit the number of access ports, thereby reducing the number of locations vulnerable to unwanted ingress into a portable electronic device. 
     Furthermore, the access port  614  is separated from the first sensing module  640  by a separation distance Dc 1 , and the access port  614  is separated from the second sensing module  650  by a separation distance Dc 2 . The separation between the access port  614  and the sensing modules may be decreased relative to the separations distances between access ports and sensing modules in the portable electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). However, the location of the first sensing module  640  and the second sensing module  650  may remain fixed. Beneficially, the manufacturer does not have to modify the internal architecture, i.e., re-position the location of the sensing modules, as yet a different modification—a single access port with an increased diameter—may be implemented. It should be noted that a shared volume can be maintained between the first sensing module  640  and the second sensing module  650  and separate flow pathways that connect both of the first sensing module  640  and the second sensing module  650  to the access port  614 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a partial side view of an alternate embodiment of a portable electronic device  700 , showing a plate that covers additional sensing modules, according to some embodiments. As shown, the portable electronic device  700  may include a housing  702  that includes a wall  708 . The portable electronic device  700  may include a plate  730  that carries a first sensing module  740 , a second sensing module  750 , and a third module  760 . The third module  760  may include features of any sensing module described herein. Accordingly, the third module  760  may define a third sensing module in the portable electronic device  700 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the third module  760  may include an acoustical module (e.g., speaker module). The plate  730 , the first sensing module  740 , the second sensing module  750 , and the third module  760  are positioned within an internal volume defined by the housing  702 . The plate  730  may include a first opening  732 , a second opening  734 , and a third opening  736 . Also, the first sensing module  740  may include a detection region  742  aligned with the first opening  732 , the second sensing module  750  may include a detection region  752  aligned with the second opening  734 , and the third module  760  may include a detection region  762  (or alternatively, an operational region that includes a speaker diaphragm) aligned with the third opening  736 . 
     The wall  708  includes a first access port  714   a  and a second access port  714   b , with the plate  730  covering (internally), without sealing off, the first access port  714   a  and the second access port  714   b . These access ports may define through holes in the wall  708 , similar to a manner previously described. As a result, the first access port  714   a  and a second access port  714   b  and the plate  730  may define in part a tortuous path way to the first sensing module  740 , the second sensing module  750 , and the third module  760 . In this regard, the first access port  714   a  and the second access port  714   b  may be fluidly connected to the first sensing module  740 , the second sensing module  750 , and the third module  760 , thereby connecting the first sensing module  740 , the second sensing module  750 , and the third module  760  to the external environment (external to the portable electronic device  700 ). Although an additional, third module is shown in  FIG. 11 , it should be noted that any number of modules can be incorporated into the internal architecture of the portable electronic device  700 . Also, a shared volume can be maintained between the first sensing module  740 , the second sensing module  750 , and the third module  760 , with separate flow pathways that connect the first sensing module  740 , the second sensing module  750 , and the third module  760  to the first access port  714   a  and the second access port  714   b.    
       FIG. 12  illustrates a block diagram of a portable electronic device  800  that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. The portable electronic device  800  may include any features described herein for a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  800  takes the form of the portable electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The portable electronic device  800  can include one or more processors  810  for executing functions of the portable electronic device  800 . The one or more processors  810  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  800  can include a display unit  820 . The display unit  820  is capable of presenting a user interface that includes icons (representing software applications), textual images, and/or motion images. In some examples, each icon can be associated with a respective function that can be executed by the one or more processors  810 . In some cases, the display unit  820  includes a display layer (not illustrated), which can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode display (LED), or the like. According to some embodiments, the display unit  820  includes a touch input detection component and/or a force detection component that can be configured to detect changes in an electrical parameter (e.g., electrical capacitance value) when the user&#39;s appendage (acting as a capacitor) comes into proximity with the display unit  820  (or in contact with a cover layer that covers the display unit  820 ). The display unit  820  is connected to the one or more processors  810  via one or more connection cables  822 . 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  800  can include one or more environmental sensors  830  capable of detecting environmental conditions that are present within, or general proximate to, the portable electronic device  800 . In some examples, the one or more environmental sensors  830  may include a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a liquid sensor, an ambient pressure sensor, underwater depth sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a strain gage, a capacitive sensor, a barometer, a microphone, and/or a thermometer. In some embodiments, the one or more environmental sensors  830  can determine whether the portable electronic device  800  is exposed to a specific environmental stimulus (e.g., moisture). In response, the one or more processors  810  can modify a notification that is presented by the display unit  820  that corresponds to the specific environmental stimulus. The one or more environmental sensors  830  is/are connected to the one or more processors  810  via one or more connection cables  832 . 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  800  can include one or more input/output components  840  (also referred to as “I/O components”) that enable communication between a user and the portable electronic device  800 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  840  can refer to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user. In some cases, the one or more input/output components  840  can refer to a soft key that is flexibly programmable to invoke any number of functions. In some examples, the one or more input/output components  840  can refer to a switch having a mechanical actuator (e.g., spring-based switch, slide-switch, rocker switch, etc.) or other moving parts that enable the switch to be actuated by the user. In some examples, the one or more input/output components  840  can refer to a capacitive switch that is integrated with the display unit  820 . When the one or more input/output components  840  are actuated, the input/output components  840  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to the one or more processors  810  via one or more connection cables  842 . 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  800  can include a power supply  850  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of the portable electronic device  800 . In some examples, the power supply  850  can refer to a rechargeable battery. The power supply  850  can be connected to the one or more processors  810  via one or more connection cables  852 . The power supply  850  can be directly connected to other devices of the portable electronic devices, such as the one or more input/output components  840 . In some examples, the portable electronic device  800  can receive power from another power sources (e.g., another electronic device) not shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  800  can include memory  860 , which can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory  860 . In some cases, the memory  860  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The memory  860  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the portable electronic device  800 . In some embodiments, the memory  860  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium, where an operating system (OS) is established at the memory  860  that can be configured to execute applications or software programs that are stored at the memory  860 . In some embodiments, a data bus  862  can facilitate data transfer between the memory  860  and the one or more processors  810 . 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  800  can include a wireless communications component  870 . A network/bus interface  872  can couple the wireless communications component  870  to the one or more processors  810 . The wireless communications component  870  can communicate with other electronic devices via any number of wireless communication protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), or the like. In some examples, the wireless communications component  870  can transmit data to the other electronic devices over IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a Wi-Fi® networking system), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), ZigBee, Wireless USB, Near-Field Communication (NFC), a cellular network system (e.g., a 3G/4G/5G network such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), or the like. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180510
Publication Date: 20200324
Grant Date: 20200324
Priority Date: 20170911
Inventors: YOUNES, AMIN M.
HORIUCHI, JAMES G.
PERKINS, RYAN C.
BOOZER, BRAD G.
WERNER, CHRISTOPHER M.
SPENCER, MAEGAN K.
TANG, SHERRY
FOX, EUGENE H.
MURPHY, MARK A.
ANDERSON, MOLLY J.
ZORKENDORFER, RICO L.
OZGEN, Baris
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C5/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1694", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1694", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C5/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 65631485