PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9972934-B1
Application Number: US-201715612975-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Electronic device with an irregular port to expel liquid

Abstract:
An electronic device with a port is disclosed. To expel liquid in the port, the port includes modifications to form a capillary pressure gradient with the liquid, causing uneven capillary forces to act on the liquid in the port. For example, the port may include an asymmetric profile with one section having a curved profile and another section having one or more linear profiles that join at an edge. The edge may form a relative higher curved surface as compared to the curved profile. As a result, the capillary pressure gradient may exert a higher capillary pressure in a location associated with the edge, as compared to a capillary pressure along the curved profile. The capillary pressure gradient causes ambient air into the port along the edge, and separates the liquid from the edge, allowing gravity to overcome atmospheric pressure and causing removal of the liquid from the port.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure defining an internal volume, the enclosure having a through hole; and 
 a port at least partially aligned with the through hole and extending at least to the internal volume, the port comprising an internal surface, the internal surface comprising:
 a first portion having a first curvature that creates a first capillary pressure that is exerted by a liquid in contact with the first portion, and 
 a second portion having a second curvature that is different than the first curvature, the second curvature creating a second capillary pressure that is exerted by the liquid in contact with the second portion, the second capillary pressure different from the first capillary pressure. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein a difference in capillary pressure between the first capillary pressure and the second capillary pressure defines a capillary pressure gradient that causes the liquid contained within the port to exit from the port. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the capillary pressure gradient is at least partially defined by an asymmetric cross section that includes the first portion and the second portion. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the first curvature includes a rounded wall, and 
 the second curvature includes a first linear wall and a second linear wall joined with the first linear wall to define an edge. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the second curvature is greater than the first curvature. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first section defined by the first portion; and 
 a second section defined by the second portion, wherein the first section and the second section define a through hole that includes an asymmetric cross section. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein at least the second portion includes a hydrophobic coating. 
     
     
       8. A port suitable for use in an electronic device, the port comprising:
 a channel that defines an internal surface, the channel comprising:
 a first section having a first curvature that creates a first capillary pressure when a liquid is disposed along the internal surface in a location corresponding to the first section, and 
 a second section joined with the first section, the second section having a second curvature that creates a second capillary pressure when the liquid is disposed along a location of the internal surface corresponding to the second section, wherein the second curvature is different from the first curvature, and 
 an asymmetric opening defined by the first curvature and the second curvature, wherein the first capillary pressure is different from the second capillary pressure based upon the asymmetric opening. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The port of  claim 8 , the second curvature is greater than the first curvature, and wherein when the liquid is positioned within the channel, the second capillary pressure causes ambient air to enter the asymmetric opening and force the liquid away from the second section and toward the first section, thereby causing the liquid to exit the asymmetric opening. 
     
     
       10. The port of  claim 8 , wherein the channel comprises a through hole having a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening, the first opening and the second opening defined by the asymmetric opening. 
     
     
       11. The port of  claim 8 , wherein the channel includes an asymmetric cross section defined by the asymmetric opening. 
     
     
       12. The port of  claim 8 , further comprising a coating applied to the internal surface, wherein the internal surface comprises a first surface energy, and wherein the coating that defines a second surface energy that is less than the first surface energy. 
     
     
       13. The port of  claim 8 , wherein the first section comprises a rounded wall, and wherein the second section comprises a first linear wall and a second linear wall that is joined with the first linear wall at an edge. 
     
     
       14. The port of  claim 13 , wherein the rounded wall defines the first curvature, and wherein the edge at least partially defines the second curvature. 
     
     
       15. A method for forming a port suitable for use in an electronic device, the port having an internal surface, the method comprising:
 forming a first section of a channel, the first section having a first curvature that creates a first capillary pressure when a liquid disposed along the internal surface in a location corresponding to the first section; 
 forming a second section of the channel that is joined with the first section, the second section having a second curvature that creates a second capillary pressure when the liquid disposed along a location of the internal surface corresponding to the second section, wherein the second curvature is different from the first curvature; and 
 forming an asymmetric opening that is defined by the first curvature and the second curvature, wherein the first capillary pressure is different from the second capillary pressure based upon the asymmetric opening. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein when the liquid is positioned between the first section and the second section, the second capillary pressure causes ambient air to enter the asymmetric opening and force the liquid away from the second section and toward the first section, thereby causing the liquid to exit the asymmetric opening. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 forming the first section comprises forming a rounded wall, 
 forming the second section comprises forming a first linear wall and forming a second linear wall joined with the first linear wall to form an edge, 
 the rounded wall, the first linear wall, and the second linear wall define the asymmetrical opening, and 
 the edge creates the second capillary pressure with the liquid. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein forming the first section and the second section of the channel comprises molding the first section and the second section using a moldable material. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein molding the second section comprises forming a textured pattern that includes either protrusions or indentations in the second section, wherein the textured pattern defines a surface energy different from a surface energy of the first section. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising applying a coating to the second section, the coating defining a surface energy less than a surface energy of the first section.

Description:
FIELD 
     The following description relates to a port in an electronic device. In particular, the following description relates to a port designed to cause a capillary pressure gradient. When a liquid becomes lodged in the port (and in contact with an internal surface of the port), the capillary pressure gradient may serve to drive the liquid out of the port. The port may include an asymmetric profile, or design, that is used to create the capillary pressure gradient. Further, at least some of the internal surface may be coated with a hydrophobic coating to lower the surface energy of the internal surface. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An electronic device can include a port that leads to an interior volume of the electronic device. The interior volume provides a housing for several internal components, such as an audio speaker. The port may allow acoustical energy (audio transmission) generated from the audio speaker to exit the electronic device. Alternatively, the electronic device may use the port as a vent. 
     However, due to the configuration of the port, the electronic device is vulnerable to water entering the port. Moreover, once the water enters the port, the water may become lodged in the port by attraction forces between the internal surface of the port and water molecules, and/or by ambient air providing a buoyancy force to the water. This can lead to one or more issues. For example, when the port is used as an opening for the audio speaker, the water may distort the audio transmission. When the port is used as a vent, the water may act as a barrier to air entering or exiting the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include an enclosure defining an internal volume. The enclosure may include a through hole. The electronic device may further include a port at least partially aligned with the through hole and extending at least to the internal volume. The port may include an internal surface. The internal surface may include a first portion having a first curvature that creates a first capillary pressure that is exerted by a liquid in contact with the first portion. The internal surface may further include a second portion having a second curvature that is different than the first curvature. The second curvature may create a second capillary pressure that is exerted by the liquid in contact with the second portion. The second capillary pressure may be different from the first capillary pressure. 
     In another aspect, a port suitable for use in an electronic device is described. The port may include a channel that defines an internal surface. The channel may include a first section that includes a first curvature that creates a first capillary pressure when a liquid is disposed along the internal surface in a location corresponding to the first section. The channel may further include a second section joined with the first section. The second section may include a second curvature that creates a second capillary pressure when the liquid is disposed along a location of the internal surface corresponding to the second section. The second curvature may be different from the first curvature. The channel may further include an asymmetric opening defined by the first curvature and the second curvature. In some embodiments, the first capillary pressure is different from the second capillary pressure based upon the asymmetric opening. 
     In another aspect, a method for forming a port suitable for use in an electronic device is described. The port may include an internal surface. The method may include forming a first section of a channel. The first section may include a first curvature that creates a first capillary pressure when a liquid disposed along the internal surface in a location corresponding to the first section. The method may further include forming a second section that is joined with the first section. The second section may include a second curvature that creates a second capillary pressure when the liquid is disposed along a location of the internal surface corresponding to the second section. The second curvature may be different from the first curvature. The method may include forming an asymmetric opening that is defined by the first curvature and the second curvature. In some embodiments, the first capillary pressure is different from the second capillary pressure based upon the asymmetric opening. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following 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, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the port shown in  FIG. 3 , showing an asymmetric configuration of the port; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of the port shown in  FIG. 3 , showing curvatures of the sections of the port; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 3 , taken along a longitudinal axis of the port, showing liquid inside the port; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the ambient air further entering the port causing the liquid to move away from the edge; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 9 , showing the ambient air continuing to enter the port; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 8 , further showing the liquid exiting the port; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 9 , showing the liquid fully exiting the port; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of a port positioned in an enclosure of an electronic device, showing the port positioned against the enclosure, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of a port positioned in an enclosure of an electronic device, showing the port partially positioned in an opening of the enclosure, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross sectional view of a port positioned in an enclosure of an electronic device, showing the port extending through an opening of the enclosure to an exterior surface of the enclosure, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a port that is integrally formed with the enclosure, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of a port, showing the port having a coating applied to an internal surface of the port, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of a port, showing the port having a coating partially applied to an internal surface of the port, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of a port, showing the port having curved edges; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of a port, showing the port having multiple notches; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, with the port having an internal surface that is partially coated, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 19 , taken along a longitudinal axis of the port, showing liquid inside the port; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, showing an internal surface of the port having several indentations, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, showing an internal surface of the port having several protrusions, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, with an internal surface of the port having both a coating and a textured surface, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, with an internal surface of the port covered by a first coating and a second coating; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 24  taken along line A-A, showing the first coating and the second coating fully covering the internal surface of the port; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, showing a first coating and a second coating covering an internal surface of the port along a spiral pattern, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, with the port formed from different materials, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a port suitable for use in an electronic device, with the port formed from different materials that form an asymmetric opening, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device having an enclosure with an opening, further showing a port aligned with the opening, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a side view of the electronic device, showing the opening covering the port; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 29 , taken along line B-B, further showing a liquid lodged in the port; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port shown in  FIG. 31 , further showing the liquid beginning to exit the port and the opening; and 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for forming a port suitable for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described 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 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     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 following disclosure relates to an electronic device that includes a port (or ports) that extends from an opening of an enclosure, or housing, of the electronic device to an internal volume of the electronic device defined by the enclosure. In some instances, when the electronic is exposed to liquid (such as water or some other aqueous-based solution), the liquid becomes lodged in the port. However, the port can include several modifications designed to expel or eject the liquid from the port, thereby removing the liquid from the electronic device. 
     In some instances, the port forms a channel that includes an irregular shape. The term “irregular” as used in this detailed description and in the claims refers to a profile (of the port) that includes an asymmetric profile, or asymmetric geometry. In other words, the port may include a cross sectional profile such that a line is drawn through the center of the cross sectional profile splits the port into two sections that are not exactly similar. As a result of the asymmetric profile, the port may include a radius, as measured from a center point of an opening formed by the asymmetric profile to an internal surface defined by a wall of the port, that varies based on the angle (relative to a reference angle) in which the radius drawn to the internal surface. In some embodiments, when the port includes an asymmetric profile, the port may include a first section that includes a rounded, or curved, wall, and a second section that includes two linear walls that connect with the rounded wall. The two linear walls also connect with each other to form an edge. 
     In the described embodiments herein, a port that includes an asymmetric profile is designed to expel or eject a liquid in contact with an internal surface of the port. In this regard, when the liquid is in the port, different capillary pressures are formed. This difference in capillary pressure may be referred to the Laplace pressure gradient. The capillary pressure (or capillary pressure difference across an interface between two static fluids), p c , in a relatively narrow port (or tube) is governed by the Young-Laplace equation for capillary pressure in a tube, given by 
               p   c     =       2   ⁢           ⁢   γ   ⁢           ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢   θ     r           
where γ is the surface tension of the wall (internal surface of the port), θ is the contact angle between the liquid-air interface and the internal surface of the port, and r is the radius of the port. It can be deduced from the Young-Laplace equation that the capillary pressure, p c , around the circumference of a port with an asymmetric profile will vary in accordance with the variance of the radius, r (assuming the contact angle, θ, and the surface tension, γ, remain constant). Further, the capillary pressure, p c , is inversely proportional to the radius, r, such that a reduced radius corresponds to an increase capillary pressure. When the liquid is in the port, a location (or locations) of relatively high capillary pressure, corresponding to a location in the port of relatively short radius, can have a greater impact on overcoming adhesion forces between the liquid and the internal surface (of the port), as compared to a location (or locations) of relatively low capillary pressure, which corresponds to a location in the port of relatively long radius. Accordingly, the location(s) of relatively high capillary pressure may initiate movement of the liquid in a direction away from the internal surface where the radius is relatively short, and ultimately expel the liquid from the port.
 
     As a result of the capillary pressure gradient, a meniscus formed by the liquid in the port may form an asymmetric, or uneven, meniscus. Accordingly, the height of the liquid column (corresponding to a meniscus height), measured from the liquid-wall boundary to the “peak” of the liquid, also varies. The column height, h, at which the liquid rises (or falls, depending on the direction) in a relatively narrow port (or tube) is governed by the Young-Laplace equation for column height in a tube, given by 
             h   =       2   ⁢           ⁢   γ   ⁢           ⁢   cos   ⁢           ⁢   θ       ρ   ⁢           ⁢   g   ⁢           ⁢   r             
where γ is the surface tension of the wall (internal surface of the port), θ is the contact angle between the liquid-air interface and the internal surface of the port, ρ is the fluid density of the liquid, g is the gravitational acceleration, and r is the radius of the port. Similar to the capillary pressure, the column height, h, of the meniscus will vary around the circumference of a port in accordance with a variation of the radius, r. Such a port with a varying radius may include a port with an asymmetric profile.
 
     In the above-mentioned embodiment of a port having a rounded wall and two linear walls that meet at an edge, suppose the rounded wall forms a first curvature. The two linear walls may form a second, relatively higher curvature, as compared to the first curvature of the rounded wall, particularly in a location associated with the edge. As a result of the higher curvature along the edge, the radius of curvature defined by the location associated with the edge is less than that of the rounded wall, as the radius of curvature is inversely proportional to the curvature. Further, as the radius of curvature is proportional to the radius, it can be deduced from the Young-Laplace equation for capillary pressure that, when liquid is in the port, the capillary pressure along the edge is greater than the capillary pressure along the rounded wall. As a result, a capillary pressure gradient is formed within the port, which draws ambient air (external to the port) into the port, particularly in a location(s) associated with the edge. The ambient air entering the port may further separate the liquid from the internal surface along the edge of the port and initiate removal of the liquid from the port. 
     Also, it can further be deduced from the Young-Laplace equation for column height of a liquid in the port that the column height of the liquid along the edge is of a greater magnitude (i.e., taller) than that along the rounded wall. This suggests the liquid is further drawn away from the port along the edge as compared to the rounded wall. As ambient air continues to enter the port, the force provided by the ambient air continues to force the liquid away from the edge and (generally) toward the rounded wall, and also forces the liquid out of the port. In this regard, the port may be referred to as a “self-expelling port,” as the port does not require external forces, such as load forces caused by, for example, human movement of the port or compressed air, to remove the liquid from the port. 
     In some instances, the port may include a symmetric profile and may include a coating applied to some locations of an internal surface of the port. For example, the port may include a cylindrical port (having a circular cross section) having with a coating partially applied to the internal surface. The coating is designed to alter the adhesion forces between liquid in the port and the internal surface of the port. The Young equation for surface tension between three phases—solid, liquid, and gas—is given by
 
γ SG =γ SL +γ LG  cos θ
 
where γ SG  is the surface tension between the solid (internal surface of the port) and the liquid (in gas/vapor form), γ SL  is the surface tension between the solid (internal surface of the port) and the liquid (in liquid form), γ LG  is the surface tension between the liquid (in liquid form) and the liquid (in gas/vapor form), and θ is the contact angle between the liquid-air interface and the internal surface of the port. Based on Young&#39;s equation, it can be deduced that the contact angle, θ, is dependent upon the surface tension between the solid and the solid (internal surface of the port) and the liquid (in gas/vapor form), γ SG , as well as the surface tension between the solid and the liquid (in liquid form), γ SL . It should be apparent that as the internal surface (associated with the solid, S) changes, the surface tension between the solid, S, and the gas, G, changes, and the surface tension between the solid, S, and the liquid, L, changes. Accordingly, the contact angle, θ, can vary in accordance with a variance in the internal surface.
 
     In some instances, the coating may include a hydrophobic coating designed to reduce the adhesion forces between the liquid (in the port) and the internal surface in locations of the hydrophobic coating, thereby increasing the surface tension between liquid molecules such that the liquid molecules are more attracted to each other, as compared to molecules of the port at the internal surface. As a result, the liquid may include a higher propensity to separate from the internal surface along the hydrophobic coating, as compared to the internal surface in which no coating is present. Further, in accordance with Young&#39;s equation, the contact angle, θ, may increase in locations corresponding to the hydrophobic coating, as compared to the contact angle, θ, along the internal surface without any coating. This may cause a capillary pressure gradient (described above) within the port, which draws ambient air into the port along locations associated with the hydrophobic coating. The ambient air entering the port may further separate the liquid from the internal surface along the edge of the port and initiate removal of the liquid from the port. 
     It should be noted that the coating may include a hydrophilic coating. The hydrophilic coating is designed to increase the adhesion forces between the liquid (in the port) and the internal surface in locations of the hydrophilic coating, thereby decreasing the surface tension between liquid molecules such that the liquid molecules are more attracted to molecules of the port at the internal surface, as compared to other liquid molecules. This, too, may cause a variance in the contact angle, θ, resulting in a capillary pressure gradient within the port. 
     In some instances, the port may include both an asymmetric profile and a coating applied to the internal surface of the port. The coating may be applied to certain locations of the port, such the two linear walls associated with the edge (in the above example). In some instances, when the coating is applied to two or more locations, the port creates modulated adhesion forces with a liquid, when the liquid is present in the port, and combines with the modulated capillary pressures to expel the liquid. Alternatively, the coating may be applied to the internal surface of the port in its entirety and provide reduced adhesion forces with the liquid throughout the internal surface. 
     Also, other means for altering the surface tension may include texturing the internal surface of the port. For example, when the port is formed from a polymeric material, such as plastic, a molding operation may be used to form the port. The molding operation may use a mold cavity having a preformed pattern that creates several indentations or protrusions such that the internal surface forms a textured pattern corresponding to the indentations or protrusions, respectively. Also, in order to develop a surface tension gradient with a liquid along the internal surface, some, but not all, locations of the internal surface may be textured. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-33 . 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 an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  includes a tablet computer device. In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  includes a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone. 
     As shown, the electronic device  100  may include an enclosure  102 , or housing. The enclosure  102  may be formed from a metal, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or ceramic, as non-limiting examples. The enclosure  102  may include a back wall and several sidewalls that combine to form an internal volume that houses several internal components (not shown), such as processor circuits, memory circuits, speaker modules, microphone, antennae, sensors (including a pressure sensor), etc. 
     Also, the electronic device  100  may further include a display assembly  104  designed to present visual information in the form of textual images and/or video images, as non-limiting examples. The display assembly  104  may include a touch sensor (not shown) designed to receive a touch input (from a user) in order to alter the visual information presented on the display assembly  104 . Also, the electronic device  100  may further include a cover layer  106  that overlays the display assembly  104 . The cover layer  106  may include a transparent material, such as glass, plastic, or sapphire. 
     Also, the electronic device  100  may further include a port  108  that extends from an opening  110 , or through hole, of the enclosure  102  and into the internal volume (not shown) of the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may also include an internal component  112 , which may include an audio module or a microphone, as non-limiting examples. The port  108  may serve one or more functions for the electronic device  100 . For example, when the internal component  112  includes an audio module, the port  108  may allow acoustical energy (audible sound) generated from the internal component  112  to exit the electronic device  100 . When the internal component  112  includes a microphone, the port  108  may allow the electronic device  100  to receive acoustical energy at the internal component  112 . Still, in other embodiments, the electronic device  100  uses the port  108  as a vent to allow air to enter or exit the electronic device  100 . This may allow the electronic device  100  to equilibrate its internal air pressure (located in the internal volume) with ambient air pressure. Also, it should be noted that the electronic device  100  may include multiple ports and openings similar to the port  108  and the opening  110 , respectively, so that the electronic device  100  may include an audio module, a microphone, and a vent. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  200 , in accordance with some described embodiments. In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  includes a wearable electronic device. In this regard, the electronic device  200  may include one or more bands (not shown) designed to secure the electronic device  200  with an appendage (such as a wrist) of a user. The electronic device  200  may include several features similar to that of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the electronic device  200  may include an enclosure  202 , or housing, formed from any material previously described for the enclosure  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The electronic device  200  may further include a display assembly  204  covered by a cover layer  206 . The display assembly  204  and the cover layer  206  may include any feature or material previously described for a display assembly and a cover layer, respectively. Also, the electronic device  200  may further include a port  208  that extends from an opening  210  of the enclosure  202  to the internal volume (not shown) of the electronic device  200 . The electronic device  200  may further include an internal component  212  that uses the port  208 . The internal component  212  may include any internal component previously described in  FIG. 1 , and the port  208  may serve any function previously described for the port  108  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     In some embodiments, the port  108  (in  FIG. 1 ) and the port  208  (in  FIG. 2 ) include a generally circular shape having two sections symmetrical with one another. However, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the aforementioned ports include two sections that form an asymmetric profile. This will be further discussed below. In addition, the aforementioned ports in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may be enlarged and exaggerated in size for purposes of illustrations. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a port  308  suitable for use in an electronic device (previously shown), in accordance with some described embodiments. The port  308  may include an internal surface  310 . When the port  308  is positioned in an electronic device, liquid (not shown) from the external environment may contact the port  308  along one or more portions of the internal surface  310 . However, the internal surface  310  may create different curvatures that can be used by the port  308  in order to eject or expel the liquid (not shown) in contact with the internal surface  310 . This will be further discussed below. 
     The port  308  may further include a channel that includes a first opening  312  at a first end of the port  308 , and a second opening  314  at a second end of the port  308  that is opposite the first end. Further, the port  308  may define a through hole that extends through the port  308  from the first opening  312  to the second opening  314 . When positioned in an electronic device (not shown), the port  308  may align with an opening in an enclosure of an electronic device (such as the opening  110  shown in  FIG. 1  or the opening  210  shown in  FIG. 2 ). The port  308  may further extend to an internal volume and align with an internal component, thereby placing the internal component in communication with the ambient environment (external to the electronic device). In some embodiments, the port  308  is formed from a metal. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the port  308  is formed from a molding operation. In this regard, injecting or extruding a moldable polymer into a mold cavity (not shown) can form the port  308 , allowing the port  308  to embody a size and shape in accordance with the mold cavity. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 3 , showing an asymmetric profile of the port  308 . The port  308  may include a first section  322  and a second section  324  connected with the first section  322 . As shown, an imaginary centerline  350  drawn through a center point  352  of the port  308  separates the first section  322  from the second section  324 . The first section  322  may be different from the second section  324 . For example, the first section  322  may include a first wall  326  having a rounded or curved design, representative of a semicircle, a portion of an oblong shape, or the like. However, the second section  324  may include a second wall  328  and a third wall  330 , both connected to the first wall  326 , with the second wall  328  meeting the third wall  330  at an edge  332 . The second wall  328  and the third wall  330  may be relatively straight (as compared to the first wall  326 ), and the second wall  328  and the third wall  330  may each be referred to as a linear wall. Accordingly, the port  308  may include a tubular port with an asymmetrical cross section, and the first opening  312  and the second opening  314  (both shown in  FIG. 3 ) may both include an asymmetric opening. The edge  332  may form an angle  334  between the second wall  328  and the third wall  330 . While the angle  334  is represented as a specific angle in  FIG. 4 , the angle  334  may vary in other embodiments. Generally, the angle  334  may be approximately in the range of 40 to 150 degrees. Also, the port  308  may include a dimension  360 , measured at an outermost perimeter from the first wall  326  to the edge  332 , representing a diameter of the port  308 . The dimension  360  may be approximately in the range of 2 to 3 millimeters. 
     In traditional ports, liquid may become lodged or trapped inside the port, even when the liquid is aided by a gravitational force that would otherwise cause the liquid to exit, as the gravitational force may be offset by forces from ambient air and attractive forces between the liquid and the port. 
     However, the port  308  is designed to overcome forces that resist movement of the liquid. Based upon the different curvatures formed by the first wall  326 , the second wall  328 , and the third wall  330 , the port  308  is designed to create different capillary pressures when a liquid (not shown) is in the port  308  to form a capillary pressure gradient. For example, the internal surface  310  along the first wall  326  may form a curvature that is different from a curvature formed by the internal surface  310  along the second wall  328  and the third wall  330  in location proximate to the edge  332 . In this regard, the port  308  can use capillary pressure gradient to expel or eject the liquid that becomes lodged in the port  308  along the internal surface  310 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 3 , showing the curvatures of the sections of the port  308 . As shown, the curvatures of the port  308  may vary. For example, the first section  322  (defined by the first wall  326 ) may define a first curvature  362  associated with a first radius of curvature, R 1 . Accordingly, the first curvature  362  is associated with the internal surface  310  along the first wall  326 . When the first section  322  defines a semicircle, the first curvature  362 , and in turn the first radius of curvature, R 1 , remains constant. However, when the first section  322  defines a dome or semi-ellipse, the curvature and the radius of curvature may vary. 
     The second section  324  (defined by the second wall  328  and the third wall  330 ) may define multiple differing curvatures. For example, along one location, the second section  324  defines a second curvature  364  (denoted by a dotted line) associated with a second radius of curvature, R 2 . The amount of curvature of the second curvature  364  may be higher as compared to that of the first curvature  362 . In other words, the second curvature  364  is “more curved” than the first curvature  362 . As a result, the second radius of curvature, R 2 , is less than (or smaller than) the first radius of curvature, R 1 . Furthermore, as the curvature of the second section  324  approaches the edge  332 , the curvature increases. For example, the second section  324  may further define a third curvature  366  (denoted by a dotted line), associated with a third radius of curvature, R 3 . As shown, the third curvature  366  is closer to the edge  332  as compared to the second curvature  364 . The amount of curvature of the third curvature  366  may be higher as compared to that of the second curvature  364 . In other words, the third curvature  366  is “more curved” than the second curvature  364 . As a result, the third radius of curvature, R 3 , is less than (or smaller than) the second radius of curvature, R 2 , and accordingly, the third radius of curvature, R 3 , is less than the first radius of curvature, R 1 . The variation in curvature along the port  308  may result in a capillary pressure gradient inside the port  308 , which may assist in removing the liquid from the port  308 . This will be shown and described below. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 3 , taken along a longitudinal axis of the port  308 , showing liquid  340  inside the port  308 . The “longitudinal axis” of the port  308  refers to an axis parallel to a major length (that is, the greatest dimension) of the port  308  spanning end-to-end. When the port  308  is positioned in an electronic device (not shown), the first opening  312  may be aligned with an opening of an enclosure of the electronic device (such as the opening  110  shown in  FIG. 1 ), while the second opening  314  may open to an internal volume of the electronic device, and may be in alignment with an internal component (such as the internal component  112  shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device. 
       FIG. 6  further shows several forces acting on the liquid  340 . For example, based on the orientation of the port  308 , a gravitational force, mg, (where “m” is the mass of the liquid  340 , and “g” is acceleration due to gravity) apply a force to the liquid  340  in a direction toward the first opening  312 . However, the force provided by ambient air, F air , may counter, or at least partially counter, the gravitational force, causing the liquid  340  to remain within the port  308 . Also, attraction forces between the liquid  340  and the port  308  combine with the (buoyant) force of ambient air, F air , to counter the gravitational force. Further, attraction forces between the internal surface  310  and molecules of the liquid  340  may also cause the liquid  340  to remain in the port  308 . In this regard, the force of ambient air, F air , and the attraction forces of the internal surface  310  and the liquid  340  may offset and counter the gravitational force, mg. 
     However, due in part to the aforementioned variations in curvature of the port  308 , a capillary pressure gradient may form in the port  308 , and may be used to overcome the retaining forces (described above) to expel or eject the liquid  340 . As described above, within the port  308 , a relatively low curvature (of the port  308 ) is formed along the first wall  326  may occur, while a relatively high curvature (as compared to the curvature along the first wall  326 ) is formed along the second wall  328  and the third wall  330  at or near the edge  332 . This design of the port  308  creates different radii of curvature (as shown and described in  FIG. 5 ), resulting in unbalanced capillary pressures. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a first capillary pressure, P C1 , may form along the first wall  326 . A second capillary pressure, P C2 , may form in a location generally opposite the first wall  326  along the edge  332  (and some surrounding areas of the internal surface located near the edge  332 ). As illustrated by the magnitude of the arrows, the second capillary pressure, P C2 , may be greater than the first capillary pressure, p C1 . This relationship may be derived by the Young-Laplace equation (shown above) for capillary pressure in a tube, as the radius of curvature (proportional to the radius) associated with the edge  332  is smaller than that of the first wall  326 . As a result, ambient air  370  (or air external with respect to the port  308  and an electronic device that includes the port  308 ) may be drawn into the port  308  at the first opening  312 , due to the second capillary pressure, P C2 , along a location associated with the edge  332 . As the ambient air  370  extends through the port  308 , the ambient air  370  may drive the liquid  340  away from the edge  332  and in a direction toward the first wall  326 , as well as in a direction at least partially toward the first opening  312  such that the liquid  340  is expelled or ejected from the first opening  312 . 
     Also, due in part to the capillary pressure gradient, a meniscus formed by the liquid  340  may include an asymmetric meniscus, as shown in  FIG. 6 . For example, the meniscus may form a first column height, h 1 , along a location near the first wall  326 , as well as a second, taller column height, h 2 , along the edge  332 . This relationship may be derived by the Young-Laplace equation (shown above) for column height in a tube, as the radius of curvature (proportional to the radius) of the edge  332  is smaller than that of the first wall  326 . Further, the contact angles, θ 1  and θ 2 , of the first column height, h 1  and the second column height, h 2 , respectively, are each greater than 90 degrees, and accordingly, the column heights, h 1  and h 2 , are “negative” and the meniscus of the liquid  340  is a convex meniscus. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the ambient air  370  further entering the port  308  causing the liquid  340  to move further away from the edge  332 . As the ambient air  370  continues to enter the port  308 , the liquid  340  is further moving away from the second section  324  and toward the first section  322 , and begins to exit the port  308  at the first opening  312 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 7 , showing the ambient air  370  continuing to enter the port  308 . As shown, the ambient air  370  forces the liquid  340  completely away from the edge  332  of the port  308 . Also, as the liquid  340  is disengaged, or at least substantially disengaged, from the second section  324  of the port  308 , the ambient air  370  is able extend to the second opening  314  (or near the second opening  314 ) and the gravitational force, mg, begins to overcome the force of air, F air , that originally retained the liquid  340  in the port  308 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 8 , further showing the liquid  340  exiting the port  308 . Due in part to additional ambient air entering the port  308 , additional pressure is exerted on the liquid  340 , providing an additional force that causes the liquid  340  to continue exiting the port  308 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 9 , showing the liquid  340  fully exiting the port  308 . As shown, the liquid  340  is no longer in contact with the internal surface  310  of the port  308 . As a result of the capillary pressure gradient that occurs when the liquid  340  is in contact with various locations of the internal surface  310 , the liquid  340  is forced out of the port  308 . Accordingly, an electronic device (such as the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , or the electronic device  200  shown in  FIG. 2 ) that includes and uses the port  308  (or multiple ports similar to the port  308 ) in conjunction with an internal component (such as the internal component  112  shown in  FIG. 1 , or the internal component  212  shown in  FIG. 2 ) can use the internal component(s) without interference from, or distortion caused by, the liquid  340 . 
     Also, in addition to the force from air entering the port and overcoming adhesion forces between the liquid and the internal surface, other forces can combine with the force from air to eject the liquid. For example, when a user interacts with an electronic device (such as the electronic device  100  and the electronic device  200 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively), the user can agitate or otherwise move, purposely or incidentally, the electronic device in a direction toward the gravitational force, mg, (shown in  FIG. 6 ), thereby exerting an additional force to the liquid and further facilitating liquid ejection from the port. 
       FIGS. 11-13  show various ways in which a port can be mounted with respect to an enclosure of an electronic device. The ports, enclosure, and electronic device may include any material(s) and/or feature(s) previously described for a port, an enclosure, and an electronic device, respectively. The methods illustrated for mounting the port can be used with several ports described herein. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of a port  408  positioned in an enclosure  402  of an electronic device  400 , showing the port  408  positioned against the enclosure  402 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the port  408  may be positioned in the electronic device  400  and abut an interior surface  410  of the enclosure  402 . Moreover, the port  408  may be aligned with an opening  412 , or through hole, of the enclosure  402 . Although not shown, a liquid-resistant adhesive can be used to secure the port  408  to the enclosure  402 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of a port  508  positioned in an enclosure  502  of an electronic device  500 , showing the port  508  partially positioned in an opening  512  of the enclosure  502 , in accordance with some described embodiments. In order to partially position the port  508  within the opening  512 , or through hole, a notch (not labeled) can be formed in the enclosure  502  in a location that surrounds the opening  512 . In order to receive the port  508 , the notch may include a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the port  508 . The notch may provide assistance in assembling the port  508  with the enclosure  502 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a cross sectional view of a port  608  positioned in an enclosure  602  of an electronic device  600 , showing the port  608  extending through an opening  612  of the enclosure  602  to an exterior surface  614  of the enclosure  602 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the opening  612 , or through hole, may include a size and shape corresponding to a size and shape of the port  608 . The port  608  may be co-planar, or flush, with respect to the exterior surface  614 . This may ensure a more rigid fit between the port  608  and the enclosure  602 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of an electronic device  700  that includes an enclosure  702  having a port  708  that is integrally formed with the enclosure  702 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The enclosure  702  may include a size and shape similar to an enclosure previously described, such as the enclosure  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or the enclosure  202  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Also, the phrase “integrally formed” refers to two (or more) structural features that are formed from a single, continuous block of material. In this regard, in some embodiments, the enclosure  702  is formed from a block of metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, that undergoes a machining operation(s) that cuts the block of metal to form not only the enclosure  702  but also the port  708  in a manner such that the port  708  extends into an internal volume defined by the enclosure  702 . In other embodiments, the enclosure  702  is formed using a moldable material, such as a plastic or other polymeric material, that undergoes a molding operation, which may include compression molding or injection molding (as non-limiting examples). The molding operation not only forms the enclosure  102  but also the port  708  in a manner such that the port  708  extends into an internal volume defined by the enclosure  702 . As shown, the port  708 , being integrally formed with the enclosure  702 , defines an opening  712 , or through hole, that opens to an internal volume of the enclosure  702 . Also, the port  708  may include a size and shape similar to the port  308  (shown in  FIG. 6 ), and accordingly, may provide the same features and advantages described for the port  308  in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show further modifications that may be applied to a port described herein. For instance, an internal surface may include a coating designed to alter the surface energy of the internal surface. The coating may include a hydrophobic coating design to repel liquid disposed in the port. Accordingly, the hydrophobic properties may lower the surface energy of the port and reduce the adhesion forces between the internal surface and a liquid, thereby facilitating removal of the liquid from the port. Also, the ports shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  may include any feature(s) previously described for a port. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of a port  808 , showing the port  808  having a coating  820  applied to an internal surface  810  of the port  808 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the coating  820  may be substantially applied to the internal surface  810 , which may include its entirety or at least a majority of the internal surface  810 . The coating  820  may reduce the surface energy of the internal surface  810  to assist in removing a liquid (not shown) from the port  808 . Further, the coating  820  may compliment a capillary pressure gradient (previously described) formed when the liquid is in the port  808 , in order to improve the removal of the liquid. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of a port  908 , showing the port  908  having a coating  920  partially applied to an internal surface  910  of the port  908 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the coating  920  is applied to the internal surface  910  in a location associated with an edge  932  of the port  908 . Also, as shown, port  908  includes a first wall  926  connected to a second wall  928  and a third wall  930 . Similar to the embodiment shown and described in  FIG. 4 , the first wall  926  may define a first curvature, and a location along the second wall  928  and the third wall  930  near the edge  932  may form a second curvature having a curvature that is greater than that of the first curvature (i.e., “more curved”). In this regard, liquid (not shown) may undergo a capillary pressure gradient (in a manner previously described) with a relatively high capillary pressure formed along the edge  932 . Moreover, due to the coating  920  along the edge  932 , the surface energy of the internal surface  910  may be reduced at the edge  932 , as compared to a location(s) of the internal surface  910  that does not include the coating  920 . 
     In addition to the asymmetric design of the port described above, some ports described herein may include different asymmetric designs. For example,  FIG. 17  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of a port  1008 , showing the port  1008  having curved edges. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the port  1008  may include an internal surface  1010  defined by a first wall  1026 , a second wall  1028 , and a third wall  1030 . The first wall  1026  may include a semi-circular, or substantially curved, design that connects to the second wall  1028  and the third wall  1030 , with the second wall  1028  and the third wall  1030  having substantially linear designs. The connection between the first wall  1026  and the second wall  1028 , as well as the connection between the first wall  1026  and the third wall  1030 , may include a curved or rounded edge. Also, an edge  1032  formed by a connection between the second wall  1028  and the third wall  1030  may include a relatively curved or rounded edge, as compared to the edge  1032  of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 3 . When a liquid (not shown) is in the port  1008 , the curved/rounded edges may alter the capillary pressure gradient, as compared to the capillary pressure gradient formed when the liquid  340  is in the port  308  shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of a port  1108 , showing the port  1008  having multiple notches. As shown, the port  1108  may include an internal surface  1110  defined in part by a first notch  1120 , a second notch  1122 , a third notch  1124 , and a forth notch  1126 . The substantial difference in curvature between the aforementioned notches (having a relatively high curvature) and curvature of the remaining portions of the internal surface  1110  (having a relatively low curvature) can lead to substantial differences in capillary pressures between a location associated with the notches and the remaining portions of the internal surface  1110 , thereby providing a modulated capillary pressure in the port  1108 . While a discrete number of notches are shown, the number of notches may vary in order to provide a desired modulated capillary pressure to the liquid in the port  1108 . 
     In some instances, a port described herein may include a surface energy designed to expel water. For example,  FIG. 19  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a port  1208  suitable for use in an electronic device, with the port  1208  having an internal surface  1210  that is partially coated, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the port  1208  includes a channel having an opening  1220  that is circular, or substantially circular, in design. Accordingly, the port  1208  may include a cylindrical port with a circular cross section defined by the opening  1220 . However, in some embodiment (not shown), the port  1208  includes a different rounded or curved designed, such as an ellipse or oblong design. Further, the port  1208  may include a through hole that extends through the port  1208  from the opening  1220  to a second opening (not labeled) that is opposite the opening  1220 . 
     In order to vary the adhesion forces between a liquid (not shown) and the internal surface  1210  of the port  1208 , the internal surface  1210  may include several coatings, such as a first coating  1212  and a second coating  1214 . The first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214  may also be referred to as a first layer and a second layer, respectively. As shown in FIG.  19 , the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214  may be disposed end-to-end along the internal surface  1210  of the port  1208 . As a result of the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214 , the internal surface  1210  may include coated regions (from the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214 ) and uncoated region (regions of the internal surface  1210  with neither the first coating  1212  nor the second coating  1214 ). The first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214  may include a hydrophobic coating that reduces adhesion forces between a liquid and the internal surface  1210  (at a location along the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214 ), as compared to the adhesion forces between the liquid and the uncoated regions. As a result, the internal surface  1210  includes a modulated adhesion force, with at least two coated regions of the internal surface  1210  designed to form relatively low adhesion forces with a liquid and at least two uncoated regions of the internal surface  1210  that form resultant relatively high adhesion forces. When a liquid is in the port  1208  against the internal surface  1210 , the modulated adhesion force causes the liquid to separate from the internal surface  1210  along the coated regions, allowing air to enter into the port  1208  in locations along the coated regions, thereby initiating the liquid exiting the port  1208 . This will be shown below. It should be noted that the adhesion forces formed by the uncoated regions are defined by the material used to form the port  1208 , which may include a polymeric material, as a non-limiting example. In some embodiments (not shown), the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214  include a hydrophilic coating that causes the coated regions to increase adhesion forces, as compared to the adhesion forces of the uncoated regions. Further, the coatings may vary in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the first coating  1212  includes a hydrophobic material and the second coating  1214  includes a hydrophilic material. Also, in addition to having the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214 , in some embodiments (not shown), the port  1208  includes an asymmetric profile, similar to the design shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the port  1208  shown in  FIG. 19 , taken along a longitudinal axis of the port, showing a liquid  1240  inside the port  1208 . As shown, several forces may act on the liquid  1240 . For example, based on the orientation of the port  1208 , a gravitational force, mg, apply a force to the liquid  1240  in a direction toward the opening  1220  (lower opening) of the port  1208 . However, the force provided by ambient air, F air , may counter, or at least partially counter, the gravitational force. Also, attraction forces between the liquid  1240  and along the uncoated regions of the internal surface  1210  combine with the ambient air force, F air , to counter the gravitational force, mg, and retain the liquid  1240  within the port  1208 . 
     However, due in part to the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214  providing modulated adhesion forces, the port  1208  may expel or eject the liquid  1240  by overcoming the retaining forces (described above) such that the liquid  1240  is ejected from the port  1208 . The first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214  create regions of relatively low adhesion forces with the liquid  1240 , resulting in unbalanced capillary pressures to the liquid  1240  in multiple locations along the internal surface  1210 . For example, with the first coating  1212  creating a lower adhesion force with the liquid  1240  (as compared to the uncoated region of the internal surface  1210 ), the surface tension of the molecules of the liquid  1240  is greater near the first coating  1212  as compared to the surface tension of the molecules of the liquid  1240  along the uncoated regions (between the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214 ). As a result, the liquid  1240  has a propensity to separate from the internal surface  1210  in a location corresponding to the first coating  1212 , creating a capillary pressure gradient. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the capillary pressure gradient includes a first capillary pressure, P C1 , along an uncoated region, and a second capillary pressure, P C2 , along the internal surface  1210  at the first coating  1212 , with the second capillary pressure, P C2 , greater than first capillary pressure, P C1 . As a result of the capillary pressure gradient, ambient air  1270  (initially external with respect to the port  1208 ) enters the port  1208  at the opening  1220  along the first coating  1212 , causing further separation between the liquid  1240  and the internal surface  1210  (along the first coating  1212 ). 
     Also, with the second coating  1214  creating a lower adhesion force (as compared to the uncoated region of the internal surface  1210 ), the surface tension of the molecules of the liquid  1240  is greater near the second coating  1214  as compared to the surface tension of the molecules of the liquid  1240  along the uncoated region. This causes a further propensity for the liquid  1240  to separate from the internal surface  1210  in a location corresponding to the second coating  1214 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the capillary pressure gradient may further include a third capillary pressure, P C3 , along the uncoated region, and a fourth capillary pressure, P C4 , along the internal surface  1210  at the second coating  1214 , with the fourth capillary pressure, P C4 , greater than the third capillary pressure, P C3 . Also, the magnitude of the third capillary pressure, P C3 , and the fourth capillary pressure, P C4 , may be similar to that of the first capillary pressure, P C1 , and the second capillary pressure, P C2 , respectively. As a result of the capillary pressure gradient, ambient air  1270  (initially external with respect to the port  1208 ) enters the port  1208  at the opening  1220  along the second coating  1214 , causing further separation between the liquid  1240  and the internal surface  1210  (along the second coating  1214 ). Although not shown, ambient air  1270  may continue to enter the port  1208  until the liquid  1240  is forced away from the first coating  1212  and the second coating  1214 , and the gravitational force, mg, overcomes the force of air, F air , such that the liquid  1240  is ejected from the port  1208  through the opening  1220 . 
     In addition to having an asymmetric design and/or coatings, some ports described herein may include different modifications designed to vary adhesions forces with a liquid in contact with an internal surface of the port. For example,  FIG. 21  illustrates partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a port  1308  suitable for use in an electronic device, showing an internal surface  1310  of the port  1308  having indentations  1320 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The indentations  1320  may be located longitudinally along the port  1308 . As shown in the enlarged view, an indentation  1322 , representative of the indentations  1320 , may be formed into a wall that defines the internal surface  1310 . In order to form a gradient in adhesion force between a liquid (not shown) and the internal surface  1310  of the port  1308 , some locations of the internal surface  1310  include the indentations  1320 , while other locations of the internal surface  1310  remain relatively smooth. The textured surface, formed by the indentations  1320 , causes a difference in adhesion force between a liquid and the internal surface  1310 , as compared to the adhesion force of the relatively smooth locations of the internal surface  1310 . In some instances, the adhesion force between the liquid and the internal surface  1310  along the indentations  1320  may be lower relative to the smooth locations of the internal surface  1310  that do not include the indentations  1320 . However, this may differ based on the liquid and the type of material that forms the port  1308 . Also, a molding operation can be used to form the port  1308 , in which a moldable material is extruded into a mold cavity (not shown), by an injection molding or compression molding operation. The moldable material can cure in the aforementioned mold cavity to form the port  1308 . Also, the mold cavity may include smooth regions and protruding regions, with the protruding regions having a shape corresponding to the indentations  1320 . Although the indentations  1320  are shown in a single location of the internal surface  1310 , the internal surface  1310  may include an additional location (or locations) having an indentation pattern similar to that of the indentations  1320 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a port  1408  suitable for use in an electronic device, showing an internal surface  1410  of the port  1408  having protrusions  1420 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The protrusions  1420  may be located longitudinally along the port  1408 . As shown in the enlarged view, a protrusion  1422 , representative of the protrusions  1420 , may extend from a wall that defines the internal surface  1410 . In order to vary adhesion forces between a liquid (not shown) and the internal surface  1410  in the port  1408 , the internal surface  1410  may include protrusions  1420  in some locations, while other locations remain relatively smooth. In some instances, the adhesion force between the liquid and the internal surface  1410  along the protrusions  1420  is lower relative to the smooth locations of the internal surface  1410  that do not include the protrusions  1420 . However, this may differ based on the liquid and the type of material that forms the port  1408 . Also, a molding operation can be used to form the port  1408 , in a manner similar to that described in  FIG. 21 . However, the mold cavity used to form the port  1408  may include smooth regions and indentations, with the indentations having a shape corresponding to the protrusions  1420 . Although, the protrusions  1420  are shown in a single location of the internal surface  1410 , the internal surface  1410  may include an additional location (or locations) having a protrusions pattern similar to that of the protrusions  1420 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a port  1508  suitable for use in an electronic device, with an internal surface  1510  of the port  1508  having both a coating  1512  and a textured surface  1520 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The coating  1512  may include either a hydrophilic coating or a hydrophobic coating. Also, the textured surface may take the form of indentations (similar to the indentations  1320  shown in  FIG. 21 ) or protrusions (similar to the protrusions  1420  shown in  FIG. 22 ). The various combinations can be selected to provide a desired surface energy gradient with a liquid in the port  1508 , and may create a desired capillary pressure difference when a liquid (not shown) is in the port  1408 . 
     Although not shown, different techniques and processes can be used to vary adhesion forces between a liquid and an internal surface of a port. For example, some locations (but not all) of an internal surface of the port may undergo a chemical etching operation to modify the surface along the chemically etched locations. Alternatively, or in combination, some locations (but not all) of an internal surface of the port may undergo a texturing operation, including sanding, polishing, or machining (as non-limiting examples) to modify the surface along the textured locations. By modifying an internal surface of a port through the aforementioned processes, the ports may vary the adhesion forces along the internal surface. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a port  1608  suitable for use in an electronic device, with an internal surface  1610  of the port covered by a first coating  1612  and a second coating  1614 . As shown, the first coating  1612  can combine with the second coating  1614  to fully cover the internal surface  1610 . In this regard, adhesions forces between a liquid (not shown) and the internal surface  1610  depend upon the first coating  1612  and the second coating  1614 , and not the material of the port  1608 . In some embodiments, the first coating  1612  includes a hydrophobic coating and the second coating  1614  includes a hydrophilic coating. In this manner, adhesion forces between the liquid and the first coating  1612  may be less than the adhesion forces between the liquid and the second coating  1614 . Accordingly, the first coating  1612  may repel the liquid to a greater extent than the material defining the internal surface  1610 , and the second coating  1614  may attract the liquid to a greater extent than the material defining the internal surface  1610 . Moreover, the difference in magnitude of adhesion forces between the liquid and the first coating  1612 , and adhesion forces between the liquid and the second coating  1614  may increase, which may cause greater differences in surface tension and capillary pressure. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port  1608  shown in  FIG. 24  taken along line A-A, showing the first coating  1612  and the second coating  1614  fully covering the internal surface  1610  of the port  1608 . As shown, the first coating  1612  combines with the second coating  1614  to fully cover the internal surface  1610 . In some embodiments, the first coating  1612  covers a majority of the internal surface  1610 . In other embodiments, the second coating  1614  covers a majority of the internal surface  1610 . In the embodiment shown in FIG.  25 , the first coating  1612  and the second coating  1614  each cover half of the surface area of the internal surface  1610 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a port  1708  suitable for use in an electronic device, showing a first coating  1712  and a second coating  1714  covering an internal surface  1710  of the port  1708  along a spiral pattern, in accordance with some described embodiments. Based on the spiral configuration of first coating  1712  and the second coating  1714 , the adhesion forces between a liquid (not shown) and the internal surface  1710  may vary longitudinally along the internal surface  1710 . This may promote a surface tension gradient along various locations of the port  1708 , which, in turn, promote a capillary pressure gradient along various locations of the port  1708 . The first coating  1712  and the second coating  1714  may include a hydrophobic or hydrophilic coating, so as to create differences in adhesion force between the liquid, as compared to adhesion force between the liquid and the uncoated regions of the internal surface  1710 . These differences in adhesion forces may cause a capillary pressure gradient that forces the liquid out of the port  1708 . 
       FIG. 27  illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a port  1808  suitable for use in an electronic device, with the port  1808  formed from different materials, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the port  1808  may include a first part  1812  joined with a second part  1814  to define an opening  1820  of the port  1808 . The first part  1812  can be formed from a first material, while the second part  1814  is formed from a second material. In some embodiments, the first material is different from the second material. For example, the first material may include a metal, such as steel (including stainless steel) or aluminum, as non-limiting examples. Further, the second material may include a polymeric material, such as plastic, as a non-limiting example. In this regard, when a liquid (not shown) is disposed in the port  1808 , the interaction between the liquid and the first part  1812  may differ from the interaction between the liquid and the second part  1814 . For example, the adhesion forces between the liquid and the first part  1812  may be greater than those between the liquid and the second part  1814 . As a result, the liquid may separate from the second part  1814  prior to separation between the liquid and the first part  1812 . This may cause an unbalanced capillary pressure within the port  1808  that allows ambient air to enter the port  1808  and further separate the liquid from the second part  1814 , allowing gravitational forces to overcome other forces acting to retain the liquid. As a result, the port  1808 , formed from different materials, may expel the liquid from the port  1808 . 
     The first part  1812  may join with the second part  1814  by an adhesive (not shown). Alternatively, the first part  1812  may be placed in a mold cavity (not shown) that receives a moldable material that forms the second part  1814 . In this regard, the second part  1814  can be molded to the first part  1812 . Also, although not shown, the first part  1812  may include a recess (or recesses) that receive a portion of the moldable material that form the second part  1814  such that the first part  1812  is interlocked with the second part  1814 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a port  1908  suitable for use in an electronic device, with the port  1908  formed from different materials that form an asymmetric opening, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the port  1908  may include a first part  1912  joined with a second part  1914  to define an opening  1920  in the port  1908 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , the opening  1920  may include an asymmetric opening. The first part  1812  can be formed from a first material, which may include any material previously described for a “first material” the port  1808  (shown in  FIG. 27 ). Also, the second part  1914  can be formed from a second material, which may include any material previously described for a “second material” the port  1808  (shown in  FIG. 27 ). As a result, the difference in the radius of curvature between the first part  1912  and the second part  1914 , as well as the difference in material makeup between the first part  1912  and the second part, may combine to cause a capillary pressure gradient within the port  1908  that allows ambient air to enter the port  1908  and ultimately separate the liquid from the second part  1914 , allowing gravitational forces to overcome other forces acting to retain the liquid. As a result, the port  1908 , being formed from different materials and having different radii of curvature, may expel the liquid from the port  1908 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  2000  having an enclosure  2002  with an opening  2012 , further showing a port  2008  aligned with the opening  2012 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The port  2008  may include a similar asymmetric profile as that of the port  308  shown in  FIG. 3 . Accordingly, the port  2008  may be designed to expel liquid (not shown) disposed in the port  2008 . Other asymmetric or non-circular designs are possible. However, the opening  2012  may include a symmetrical design, such as a circular design. In this regard, the electronic device  2000  may include a port  2008  having an asymmetric profile in order to remove liquid from the port  2008 , while also having an opening  2012  with an aesthetic, symmetric design that covers, or at least partially covers, the port  2008 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates a side view of the electronic device  2000 , showing the opening  2012  covering the port  2008 . As shown, the port  2008  may include a first wall  2026  having semi-circular, or substantially curved, design that connects to a second wall  2028  and a third wall  2030 , both having substantially linear designs. Also, the second wall  2028  and the third wall  2030  may form an edge  2032  (between the second wall  2028  and the third wall  2030 ), similar to the edge  332  shown in  FIG. 3 . In this regard, the port  2008  may form a capillary pressure gradient with a liquid (not shown) in contact with an internal surface  2010  of the port  2008 , based in part upon the difference in curvature between the first wall  2026  and a location along the edge  2032  (or portions of the second wall  2028  and the third wall  2030  located near the edge  2032 ). This will be further discussed below. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port  2008  shown in  FIG. 29 , taken along line B-B, further showing a liquid  2040  lodged in the port  2008 . With the port  2008  having a design similar to that of the port  308  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), the port  2008  may create a capillary pressure gradient with the liquid  2040  that causes capillary pressure differences within the port  2008 . For example, a first capillary pressure, P C1 , within the port  2008  along the first wall  2026  and a second capillary pressure, P C2 , within the port  2008  along the edge  2032  (and some surrounding areas). As shown, the second capillary pressure, P C2 , is greater than the first capillary pressure, P C1 . As a result of the uneven capillary pressures, ambient air  2070  (or air external with respect to the port  2008 ) enters the opening  2012  and the port  2008  and extends through the port  2008  along a location corresponding to the edge  2032 , thereby forcing the liquid  2040  away from the edge  2032 . As an additional volume of the ambient air  2070  continues to enter the port  2008 , the ambient air  2070  drives the liquid  2040  away from the edge  2032  and in a direction toward the first wall  2026 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates a cross sectional view of the port  2008  shown in  FIG. 31 , further showing the liquid  2040  beginning to exit the port  2008  and the opening  2012 . As the ambient air  2070  continues to exert pressure on the liquid  2040 , the liquid  2040  is forced toward the first wall  2026 , causing the liquid  2040  to exit the port  2008  and the opening  2012 . 
       FIG. 33  illustrates a flowchart  2100  showing a method for forming a port suitable for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. The port may be designed to expel or eject a liquid. In step  2102 , a first section of a channel is formed. The first section may include a first curvature that is designed to create a first capillary pressure that is exerted on a liquid along the internal surface in a location corresponding to the first section. In some instances, the first section includes a rounded wall, including a semi-circular wall. Also, the material that forms the channel (which may include a plastic or a moldable polymer, as non-limiting examples) may at least partially define a first surface energy of the internal surface. Also, a coating formed from a hydrophobic or hydrophilic material may at least partially define a second surface energy. For example, a hydrophobic coating may create a reduced surface energy as compared to an uncoated portion of internal surface. Alternatively, chemical etching or roughening the internal surface, or by providing indentations or protrusions to the internal surface, may at least partially define a surface energy gradient. 
     In step  2104 , a second section is formed. The second section may be joined with the first section. The second section may include a second curvature that is designed to create a second capillary pressure that is exerted on the liquid along a location of the internal surface corresponding to the second section. In some embodiments, the first and second sections of the channel are formed by a molding operation that used a moldable material. The molding operation may include injection molding or compression molding, as non-limiting examples. Further, the curvature of the first and second sections may differ. For example, the first curvature of the first section may be generally round and having a relatively low curvature, while the second curvature of the second section may include an edge defined by a joint between two linear, or at least substantially linear, walls. In this regard, the second curvature, formed in part by the edge, may include a relatively higher curvature, as compared to the first curvature. However, it should be noted that the first section and the second section may take on other shapes. For example, the first section and the second section may include one or more walls that incorporate designs of the ports shown in  FIG. 15-18 . Alternatively, or in combination, the first section and the second section may include different materials, similar to the ports shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . 
     In step  2106 , an asymmetric opening is formed. The first section and the second section may define the opening. When the liquid is positioned in the port between the first section and the second section (and engaged with the internal surface), the asymmetric opening may cause a capillary pressure gradient. For example, the second section (having the higher curvature) may induce a greater capillary pressure as compared to the first capillary pressure along the first section. The uneven capillary pressure may draw ambient air into the port, which forces the liquid away from the edge and out of the asymmetric opening of the port. 
     Also, in some embodiments, the internal surface is coated with a hydrophobic material and/or a hydrophilic material. The coating(s) may partially or fully cover the internal surface. Also, the coatings may be applied linearly along portions of the internal surface, or may be applied according to non-linear designs, such as a spiral design. 
     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 the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170602
Publication Date: 20180515
Grant Date: 20180515
Priority Date: 20170602
Inventors: TAYLOR, WARREN
LIPPERT, Jesse A.
YOUNES, AMIN M.
CHOINIERE, PAUL
KALIYAMOORTHY, SATHYANARAYANAN
SPENCER, MAEGAN K.
YANG, SHANNON X.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K5/069", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3833", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R25/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/5227", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1525", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1516", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1516", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/1525", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0213", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/008", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/5227", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/5227", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R25/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3833", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/069", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0212", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 62090323