PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12133038-B2
Application Number: US-202217901751-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Acoustic vent and protective membrane

Abstract:
An in-ear electronic device comprising: an enclosure that defines an enclosed space surrounding a driver and an acoustic vent to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; and an acoustic frame having an outer surface coupled to the enclosure and defining an acoustic channel between a back volume chamber of the driver to the acoustic vent.

Claims:
The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An in-ear electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure that defines an enclosed space surrounding a driver and an acoustic vent to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; and 
 an acoustic frame having an outer surface comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall coupled to the enclosure and defining an acoustic channel between a back volume chamber of the driver to the acoustic vent. 
 
     
     
       2. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall define a first side and a second side, respectively, of the acoustic channel. 
     
     
       3. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 2  wherein the enclosure comprises an inner surface that is coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the acoustic frame to enclose the acoustic channel. 
     
     
       4. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the acoustic channel comprises a length dimension greater than a width dimension of the acoustic channel. 
     
     
       5. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the acoustic channel comprises a width dimension greater than a height dimension of the acoustic channel. 
     
     
       6. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the acoustic channel comprises at least one curved sidewall. 
     
     
       7. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the acoustic channel is tuned to attenuate frequencies greater than 4 kHz. 
     
     
       8. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 1  further comprising an acoustic mesh coupled to the acoustic vent. 
     
     
       9. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the enclosure comprises a cap portion coupled to a body portion. 
     
     
       10. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the cap portion comprises the acoustic vent and further comprises an acoustic opening coupling a front volume chamber of the driver to the ambient environment. 
     
     
       11. An in-ear electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure having a cap portion defining an acoustic port and an acoustic vent open to an ambient environment, and a body portion coupled to the cap portion; 
 
       a driver positioned within the cap portion and dividing the cap portion into a front volume chamber coupling a sound output face of the driver to the acoustic port and a back volume chamber; and 
       an acoustic frame coupled to the driver and having an outer surface defining an acoustic channel between the outer surface and an inner surface of the enclosure that couples the back volume chamber of the driver to the acoustic vent for passive attenuation of a desired frequency range. 
     
     
       12. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 11  wherein the acoustic frame is positioned within the cap portion. 
     
     
       13. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 11  wherein the outer surface comprises a recessed portion formed within the outer surface and a first sidewall and a second sidewall positioned on opposite sides of the recessed portion to define the acoustic channel. 
     
     
       14. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 13  wherein the cap portion comprises the inner surface and has a first mating member and a second mating member, and wherein the first mating member and the second mating member mate with the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively, to enclose the acoustic channel. 
     
     
       15. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 11  wherein the acoustic channel comprises a length dimension that is at least 1.5 times a width dimension of the acoustic channel. 
     
     
       16. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 11  wherein the acoustic channel comprises a width dimension that is at least 2.5 times a height dimension of the acoustic channel. 
     
     
       17. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 11  wherein the acoustic channel comprises at least one curved sidewall. 
     
     
       18. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 11  wherein the acoustic channel is tuned to attenuate frequencies in an ultrasonic range. 
     
     
       19. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 11  further comprising an acoustic mesh coupled to the acoustic vent. 
     
     
       20. The in-ear electronic device of  claim 11  wherein the cap portion is snap fit to the body portion.

Description:
FIELD 
     An aspect of the disclosure is directed to an acoustic vent and channel connecting to a driver back volume chamber of an in-ear device for passive attenuation. In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a protective or reactive membrane for a microphone of an in-ear device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable listening devices can be used with a wide variety of electronic devices such as portable media players, smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, stereo systems, and other types of devices. Portable listening devices have historically included one or more small speakers configured to be placed on, in, or near a user&#39;s ear, and include structural components that hold the speakers in place, and a cable that electrically connects the portable listening device to an audio source. Other portable listening devices can be wireless devices that do not include a cable and instead, wirelessly receive a stream of audio data from a wireless audio source. Such portable listening devices can include, for instance, wireless earbud devices or in-ear hearing devices that operate in pairs (one for each ear) or individually for outputting sound to, and receiving sound from, the user. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a rear vent and channel that improves passive attenuation in a portable listening device such as an earbud by acting as a low pass filter making it more difficult for high frequency sounds (e.g., sounds greater than 4 kHz) to enter. Representatively, the channel may be constructed from sidewalls of an acoustic frame and connect a rear vent in the earbud housing to a back volume chamber within the housing. In some aspects, an aspect ratio of the channel may be a slit (in cross-section) and be tuned to attenuate an undesirable range of high frequencies (e.g., frequencies greater than 4 kHz). 
     In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a protective or reactive membrane that protects a microphone within a portable listening device (e.g., an earbud) from ultrasound and other contaminants. Representatively, portable listening devices such as earbuds may include a microphone, for example, an external microphone that picks up sounds from the ambient environment surrounding the device. For example, the microphone may pick up the user&#39;s voice, pick up ambient noise (e.g., for noise cancellation), or be used for other purposes. A microphone picking up sounds from the ambient environment may, however, be sensitive to undesirable ultrasonic frequencies and/or contamination from the ambient environment. For example, if left unprotected, the microphone may be subject to contamination by water and/or a detergent entering a pathway to the microphone from the ambient environment. To protect the microphone against these types of contaminants and potential acoustic negative impacts, a protective or reactive membrane may be coupled to an acoustic pathway coupling the microphone to the ambient environment. The protective or reactive membrane may be made of any material that has particular dimensions that have been found to protect the microphone without impacting a frequency response of the microphone. In some aspects, the protective or reactive membrane may be as close as possible to the microphone membrane to optimize mitigation of potential negative acoustic impacts. Protecting the microphone as disclosed herein may impact acoustic performance, for example, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and insertion loss. For example, the protective or reactive membrane may, in some aspects, protect the microphone from ultrasound by damping the resonances inside a channel connected to the microphone. 
     Representatively, in one aspect, the disclosure is directed to an in-ear electronic device including an enclosure that defines an enclosed space surrounding a driver and an acoustic vent to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; and an acoustic frame having an outer surface coupled to the enclosure and defining an acoustic channel between a back volume chamber of the driver to the acoustic vent. In one aspect, the outer surface of the acoustic frame includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall that define a first side and a second side, respectively, of the acoustic channel. In another aspect, the enclosure includes an inner surface that is coupled to the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the acoustic frame to enclose the acoustic channel. In another aspect, the acoustic channel includes a length dimension greater than a width dimension of the acoustic channel. In another aspect, the acoustic channel includes a width dimension greater than a height dimension of the acoustic channel. In another aspect, the acoustic channel includes at least one curved sidewall. In another aspect, the acoustic channel is tuned to attenuate frequencies greater than 4 kHz. In another aspect, the device further includes an acoustic mesh coupled to the acoustic vent. In some aspects, the enclosure includes a cap portion coupled to a body portion. In some aspects, the cap portion includes the acoustic vent and further comprises an acoustic opening coupling a front volume chamber of the driver to the ambient environment. 
     In still further aspects, the disclosure is directed to an in-ear electronic device including an enclosure having a cap portion defining an acoustic port and an acoustic vent open to an ambient environment, and a body portion coupled to the cap portion; a driver positioned within the cap portion and dividing the cap portion into a front volume chamber coupling a sound output face of the driver to the acoustic port and a back volume chamber; and an acoustic frame coupled to the driver and defining an acoustic channel coupling the back volume chamber of the driver to the acoustic vent for passive attenuation of a desired frequency range. In some aspects, the acoustic frame is positioned within the cap portion. In another aspect, the acoustic frame includes an outer surface having a recessed portion formed within the outer surface and a first sidewall and a second sidewall positioned on opposite sides of the recessed portion to define the acoustic channel. In another aspect, the cap portion includes an inner surface having a first mating member and a second mating member, and wherein the first mating member and the second mating member mate with the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively, to enclose the acoustic channel. In one aspect, the acoustic channel includes a length dimension that is at least 1.5 times a width dimension of the acoustic channel. In some aspects, the acoustic channel comprises a width dimension that is at least 2.5 times a height dimension of the acoustic channel. In some aspects, the acoustic channel includes at least one curved sidewall. In some aspects, the acoustic channel is tuned to attenuate frequencies in an ultrasonic range. In some aspects, the device further includes an acoustic mesh coupled to the acoustic vent. In some aspects, the cap portion is snap fit to the body portion. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to an in-ear electronic device including an enclosure that defines an enclosed space surrounding a microphone and an acoustic opening to an ambient environment surrounding the enclosure; an acoustic pathway having a first end that opens to the acoustic opening and a second end that opens to the microphone; and a protective membrane positioned between the second end of the acoustic channel and the microphone. In some aspects, the protective membrane is positioned closer to the microphone module than the acoustic opening. In another aspect, the protective membrane is configured to protect the microphone from ultrasound by damping resonances inside the acoustic channel. In still further aspets, the protective membrane is configured to protect the microphone from ingress of a contaminant. In still further aspects, the protective membrane comprises a porous polymer material. In some aspects, the protective membrane is the only protective membrane positioned between the acoustic opening and the microphone module. The protective membrane may be coupled to a microphone port of the microphone. In some aspects, the microphone may be operable to collect ambient sound from the ambient environment for an active noise cancellation application. In some aspects, the enclosure includes a cap portion that interlocks with a body portion to define the enclosed space, and wherein the acoustic opening is through the body portion. In some aspects, the cap portion is dimensioned for insertion within a user&#39;s ear. 
     In another aspect, an in-ear electronic device includes an enclosure having an enclosure wall that defines an interior chamber and an acoustic opening between the interior chamber and a surrounding ambient environment; a microphone positioned within the interior chamber and having a microphone port acoustically coupled to the acoustic opening; and a protective membrane coupled to the microphone port to protect the microphone. In another aspect, the protective membrane is positioned closer to the microphone than the acoustic opening. In another aspect, an acoustic channel acoustically couples the microphone port to the acoustic opening. In another aspect, the protective membrane is configured to dampen resonances inside the acoustic channel. In still further aspects, the protective membrane is configured to protect the microphone from ingress of a fluid. In another aspect, the protective membrane includes a porous polymer material. In some aspects, the protective membrane includes a surface area substantially similar to a surface area of the microphone port. In some aspects, the microphone includes a microphone operable to collect ambient sound from the ambient environment for an active noise cancellation application. In some aspects, the enclosure wall forms a cap portion dimensioned for insertion with a user&#39;s ear and a body portion coupled to the cap portion, and wherein the acoustic opening is within a portion of the enclosure wall forming the body portion. In some aspects, the body portion is an elongated portion that extends in a perpendicular direction from the cap portion. 
     The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the disclosure includes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitable combinations of the various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the Detailed Description below and particularly pointed out in the claims filed with the application. Such combinations have particular advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a representative portable electronic listening device in which the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a representative aspect of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a top plan view of one aspect of an aspect of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a top perspective view of a representative aspect of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a top perspective view of a representative aspect of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a bottom perspective view of a representative aspect of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a top perspective view of a representative aspect of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  8    illustrates an exploded perspective view of the internal acoustic components that can be contained within one embodiment of a representative portable electronic listening device housing. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In this section we shall explain several preferred aspects of the disclosure with reference to the appended drawings. Whenever the shapes, relative positions and other aspects of the parts described in the aspects are not clearly defined, the scope of the disclosure is not limited only to the parts shown, which are meant merely for the purpose of illustration. Also, while numerous details are set forth, it is understood that some aspects of the disclosure may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element&#39;s or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic device within which any one or more of the aspects disclosed herein, alone or in combination, may be implemented. For example, the portable electronic device may be a portable listening device  100  such as an in-ear listening device or earbud. Device  100  may be formed by a housing or enclosure  102  having a wall that defines an enclosed space or chamber  104  within which various components of the device  100  are contained. Representatively, in one aspect, enclosure  102  may include a cap portion  106  that interlocks with a body portion  108  to form the enclosed space or chamber  104 . Cap portion  106  may be considered a bud portion that is dimensioned to rest within a user&#39;s ear. Cap portion  106  may have one end configured to connect to a tip portion  110  that is dimensioned to be inserted into the user&#39;s ear and/or ear canal. Representatively, cap portion  106  may include an acoustic opening or port  114  that is open to the tip portion  110  and allows for sound output from device  100  to the user&#39;s ear. In some aspects, cap portion  106  may be dimensioned to contain a driver  112 . Driver  112  may have a sound output face  112 A operable to output sound to acoustic opening or port  114 . For example, driver  112  may be, for example, an electroacoustic transducer that converts electrical signals to acoustic signals that are output from the sound output face  112 A. A driver front volume chamber  104 A connects driver sound output face  112 A to port  114 . Driver  112  may further include a back side or face  112 B that is connected to a driver back volume chamber  104 B within enclosure  102 . The other end of the cap portion  106  (not connected to tip portion  110 ) forms part of back volume chamber  104 B and may further include an acoustic vent  116 . Acoustic vent  116  in combination with an acoustic frame  130  may connect back volume chamber  104 B to the surrounding ambient environment  120  and provide passive attenuation of desired frequencies. For example, acoustic frame  130  may be attached to cap portion  106  and define an acoustic channel, as will be described in more detail in reference to  FIGS.  4 - 7   , that connects the back volume chamber  104 B to acoustic vent  116  and provides passive attenuation. An additional membrane or mesh  132  may be connected to acoustic vent  116  to provide protection from contaminants and/or acoustic improvements. For example, mesh  132  may be an acoustic mesh that helps provide passive attenuation to the air passing through acoustic vent  116 . Aspects of acoustic vent  116  and acoustic frame  130  for providing passive attenuation will be described in more detail in reference to  FIGS.  4 - 7   . Cap portion  106  may further be configured to interlock with, or otherwise connect with, body portion  108 . 
     Body portion  108  may be a stem or elongated portion that connects with cap portion  106  at one end (e.g., interlocks) and extends from cap portion  106  to form a tube-like structure at another end. Body portion  108  may be dimensioned to contain additional aspects of the device and/or provide an acoustic pathway that enhances an acoustic performance of device  100 . Representatively, in one aspect, body portion  108  may contain an acoustic opening  118  that connects a microphone  122  within body portion  108  to the ambient environment  120 . Microphone  122  may be, for example, a microphone or microphone module that collects ambient sounds from ambient environment  120  for an acoustic noise control (ANC) application. In some aspects, one or more of a protective or reactive membrane  126  may be positioned at an end of an acoustic pathway  124  connecting microphone  122  to acoustic opening  118  to protect microphone  122  from ultrasonic frequencies and/or contaminants from ambient environment  120 . Additional aspects of the protective membrane  126  will be described in more detail in reference to  FIGS.  2 - 3   . An additional membrane or mesh  128  may be connected to acoustic opening  118  to provide further protection and/or acoustic improvements. In some aspects, the tube like end of body portion  108  may further be dimensioned to contain other aspects including a power source and/or cables and/or wires extending to driver  112 . For example, the wires may carry an audio signal that will be audibilized by the driver  112  and output through port  114 . In some embodiments, the tube-like end of body portion  108  extends in a substantially perpendicular direction to cap portion  106  such that cap portion  106  is in a substantially horizontal orientation, the tube-like end of body portion  108  extends vertically downward from cap portion  106 . In this aspect, when the tip portion  110  and cap portion  106  are resting within the user&#39;s ear, the body portion  108  may extend outside of the ear, for example, toward a user&#39;s face. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   ,  FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional side view illustrating aspects of the protective membrane and microphone assembly of  FIG.  1    in more detail. Representatively, as can be seen from this view, microphone  122  is connected to acoustic opening  118  by a tortuous acoustic pathway  124 . For example, tortuous acoustic pathway  124  may have one end  202  that opens to microphone  122  and another end  204  that opens to acoustic opening  118 . In between the ends  202 ,  204 , tortuous acoustic pathway  124  may have at least one or more bends, curves, turns, or the like such that it is not a straight pathway. In some aspects, the end  202  of acoustic pathway  124  nearest to microphone  122  is connected to the protective and/or reactive membrane  126 . The protective and/or reactive membrane  126  may be designed to both protect and provide an improvement in acoustic performance of microphone  122 . Representatively, membrane  126  may be made of any protective membrane material suitable for blocking the passage of contaminants such as liquids or detergents and preventing them from reaching microphone  122 . In this aspect, if the device  100  were to accidentally be washed, or otherwise exposed to liquids or detergents, these types of contaminants would be prevented from reaching and damaging microphone  122 . In addition, the membrane material may be operable to block or otherwise protect the microphone  122  from undesirable ultrasonic frequencies by damping resonances inside acoustic pathway  124 . The membrane material may further be considered reactive or a material that can vibrate similar to that of a driver so that it does not negatively impact the acoustic pathway. In addition, membrane  126  may be positioned as close as possible to microphone  122  so that membrane  126  does not negatively impact the acoustic performance (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and/or insertion loss) and in some cases improves acoustic performance. Representatively, positioning membrane  126  as close as possible to microphone  122  has been found to provide better acoustic performance, for example, a gain in insertion loss (more transparent for acoustics) and provides less noise. 
     Representatively, in some aspects, membrane  126  may be considered positioned closer to microphone  122  than opening  118 . For example, one side of membrane  126  may be connected to end  202  of acoustic pathway  124 . The other side of membrane  126  (e.g., the side facing away from acoustic pathway  124 ) may be connected to a flexible circuit  206 . Flexible circuit  206  may be attached to the port  208  of microphone  122  and provide electrical connections to/from microphone  122 . In this aspect, the only structures between membrane  126  and microphone  122  may be the flexible circuit  206  and/or microphone port  208 . In addition, in some aspects, membrane  126  may be the only membrane within the acoustic pathway  124  connecting microphone  122  to the acoustic opening  118 . 
     Membrane  126  may further be considered different than mesh  128  formed over acoustic opening  118 . For example, in contrast to the material forming membrane  126 , mesh  128  may be formed of a woven material and may conform to a topography of an external surface of body portion  108 . For example, mesh  128  may be attached to body portion  108 , and dimensioned to completely cover acoustic opening  118 . An external surface of mesh  128  may be exposed (or face) the ambient environment  120 , and in some cases may be planar with the external surface of body portion  108 . An internal surface of mesh  128  may be exposed, share a volume with, or otherwise face, cavity  210  defined by tortuous acoustic pathway  124 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   ,  FIG.  3    illustrates a schematic top plan view of membrane  126  connected to microphone  122  as described in reference to  FIG.  2   . From this view, it can be seen that membrane  126  may have an elongated shape and/or size. In some aspects, membrane  126  may have a size and/or shape that matches the size and/or shape of the end of the tortuous pathway  124  and/or microphone port  208208 . For example, membrane  126  may have an oval or race-track shape in which the length (L) is greater than the width (W). In addition, in some aspects, a surface area of membrane  126  may be as large as possible. For example, membrane  126  may have a surface area greater than one millimeter squared, or greater than two millimeters squared. It is contemplated that the elongated shape and/or size helps to optimize the protection and/or acoustic improvement achieved by membrane  126  as previously discussed. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   ,  FIG.  4    illustrates a cut out perspective view of the previously discussed acoustic vent  116  and acoustic frame  130  for providing passive attenuation, in more detail. Representatively, a portion of cap portion  106  is removed so that the positioning of acoustic frame  130  within cap portion  106  can be more clearly seen. For example, acoustic frame  130  may have an exterior or outer surface that connects, attaches, interlocks or is otherwise secured to an inner surface of cap portion  106 . Acoustic frame  130  may further be connected to driver  112 . For example, acoustic frame  130  may be connected to the back face  112 B of driver  112  and orient driver  112  such that the front face  112 A faces, or otherwise outputs sound in a direction of, the front volume chamber  104 A to acoustic opening or port  114 . The back volume chamber  104 B of driver  112  may be understood as the area between the back face  112 B of driver and surrounding an outer surface of acoustic frame  130 . The outer surface of acoustic frame  130  further defines an acoustic channel  402  that is enclosed by the cap portion  106 . Acoustic channel  402  is open to the acoustic vent  116  in cap portion  106  at one end. The other end of acoustic channel  402  is open to back volume chamber  104 B of driver  112 . In this aspect, acoustic channel  402  defines an acoustic pathway between back volume chamber  104 B and the ambient environment  120  surrounding cap portion  106 . Acoustic channel  402  may be dimensioned, or otherwise tuned, to provide passive attenuation of desired frequencies. For example, acoustic channel  402  may have a particular surface shape, length, width, height, thickness and/or other shape or dimension particularly selected to provide passive attenuation to high frequencies (e.g., frequencies greater than 4 kHz). 
     Representatively,  FIG.  5    illustrates a top perspective view of acoustic frame  130  of  FIG.  4   . The components coupled to frame  130  as previously discussed are omitted from  FIG.  5    so aspects of acoustic channel  402  may be viewed more clearly. From this view, it can be seen that acoustic channel  402  is formed along an outer surface  130 A of acoustic frame  130 . Representatively, acoustic channel  402  may have a relatively smooth bottom surface or side  502  that conforms to a curvature of acoustic frame  130 . In some aspects, the bottom surface or side  502  may be a recessed portion formed within the outer surface  130 A. Sidewalls  504 ,  506  may further be formed by the outer surface  130 A and run along the sides of bottom surface or side  502  to further define the sides of acoustic channel  402 . When the acoustic frame  130  is then positioned within the cap portion  106 , sidewalls  504 ,  506  connect to the inner surface of cap portion  106  to enclose the acoustic channel  402 . Representatively,  FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of an inner or interior surface of cap portion  106 . From this view, it can be seen that the inner or interior surface  106 A of cap portion  106  includes mating members  604 ,  606  that extend to, and around, acoustic vent  116 . Mating members  604 ,  606  are designed to mate with, or otherwise connect to, sidewalls  504 ,  506  of acoustic channel  402  and sidewall  508  of enlarged portion  516 . In this aspect, when acoustic frame  130  is positioned within cap portion  106 , mating members  604 ,  606  mate with the sidewalls  504 ,  506 ,  508  to form an enclosed acoustic channel  402  extending from acoustic vent  116  to an opening at the end of sidewalls  504 ,  506 . For example,  FIG.  1    illustrates the frame  130  coupled to the inner or interior surface of the cap portion  106  to enclose the acoustic channel. 
     Returning now to  FIG.  5   , the portion of acoustic channel  402  formed by surface or side  502  and sidewalls  504 ,  506  may be understood as having a length (L), a width (W) and height (H) (or thickness), as shown. In some aspects, the length (L) being referred to herein may be considered a “functional” length of the channel (e.g., the portion providing the acoustic advantages) as defined by the surface  502  and sidewalls  504 ,  506 . The width (W) may further be defined by sidewalls  504 ,  506  and correspond to the distance between the sidewalls  504 ,  506 . In addition, the height (H) may correspond to the height or distance sidewalls  504 ,  506  extend above surface  502 . The length (L), width (W) and height (H) dimensions may be particularly selected so that they form an air cavity or channel that controls the frequency being attenuated. Representatively, in some aspects, acoustic channel  402  may have a length (L) greater than the width (W). In still further aspects, the length (L) and width (W) may be greater than the height (H). Said another way, in some aspects, the height (H) may be less than the width (W), and the length (H) and the width (W) may be less than the length (L). In some aspects, it is preferred that the height (H) is relatively small compared to the width (W) and length (L) to achieve greater attenuation. For example, the aspect ratio of the acoustic channel may be tuned to act as a low pass filter making it difficult for high frequency sounds to pass and attenuate an undesirable range of high frequencies. Representatively, in some aspects, the aspect ratio may be tuned to attenuate frequencies greater than 4 kHz, or frequencies in an ultrasonic range, for example, frequencies of 20 kHz and higher, or up to about 18 MHz. For example, in one aspect, acoustic channel  402  may maintain a ratio of 0.8 height (H)×2 width (W)×3.5 length (L). In other aspects, the acoustic channel may maintain a ratio of a length (L) at least 1.5 times the width (W), or an aspect ratio of 1.5:1. In still further aspects, the acoustic channel may maintain a ratio of a width (W) at least 2.5 times a height (H), or an aspect ratio of at least 2:0.8. In this aspect, a cross-sectional shape of acoustic channel  402  may resemble that of a slit or relatively thin and elongated opening, as opposed to a round or other type of opening having a larger height. 
     In addition, each of the bottom surface or side  502  and sidewalls  504 ,  506  may extend to an enlarged portion  516  that is dimensioned to connect to the acoustic vent  116 . For example, a perimeter of the enlarged portion  516  may be formed by a sidewall  508  that connects to the acoustic vent  116 . Representatively, where the acoustic vent  116  has an elongated or racetrack shape as shown in  FIG.  4   , enlarged portion  516  and sidewalls  508  may form a similar elongated or racetrack shape that matches acoustic vent  116 . In this aspect, sidewalls  508  may connect to acoustic vent  116  to acoustically connect acoustic channel  402  to acoustic vent  116 . In addition, it should be understood that in some aspects, the length (L) of acoustic channel  402  that is tuned for passive attenuation (e.g., the functional length) may be the portion of acoustic channel  402  extending to enlarged portion  516 , but not including the dimensions of enlarged portion  516 . 
     Still further, in some aspects, bottom surface or side  502  and sidewalls  504 ,  506  defining the length (L) of acoustic channel  402  may have a relatively smooth and/or curved surface matching that of bottom surface or side  502 . The curved or smooth surfaces and sides defining acoustic channel  402  may be tuned to improve acoustic airflow and reduce “choking”. Representatively,  FIG.  7    illustrates the smooth and/or curved air channel defined by the smooth and/or curved surfaces defining acoustic channel  402 . From this view, it can be seen that due to the smooth and/or curved surfaces of acoustic channel  402 , the air channel  702  formed by acoustic channel  402  is also relatively smooth and/or curved. For example, this view shows that at least the side  702 A of air channel  702  extending from the opening  402 A at one end of acoustic channel  402  to the opening  402 B at the other end of acoustic channel  402  is smooth and/or curved, or otherwise does not have any abrupt angles or edges. It is contemplated that at least one side  702 A, or the entire air channel  702 , may be smooth and/or curved and/or free of any edges. It should further be understood that the at least one side  702 A, or any other portion of air channel  702 , may be curved due to the smoothness or curvature of the corresponding sidewalls  504 ,  506  and/or bottom surface or side  502  forming the air channel. 
     It can further be understood from this view that opening  402 A of acoustic channel  402  is open to a rear air volume  704  within back volume chamber  104 B surrounding acoustic frame  130 . Rear air volume  704  may be the volume of air within the back volume chamber  104 B formed between the acoustic frame  130  and the cap (e.g., cap portion  106 ) surrounding the acoustic frame  130 . In this aspect, the air channel  702  (and acoustic channel  402 ) connects to the rear air volume  704  through opening  402 A. In addition, opening  402 B at the other end of acoustic channel  402  opens to enlarged portion  516  coupled to vent  116 . In this aspect, air channel  702  (and acoustic channel  402 ) connects to the ambient environment  120  through opening  402 B to acoustic vent  116 . In still further aspects, the additional membrane or mesh  732  may be connected to acoustic vent  116  to provide protection from contaminants and/or acoustic improvements, as previously discussed. For example, mesh  732  may be an acoustic mesh that helps provide passive attenuation to the air passing through acoustic vent  116 . In some aspects, mesh  732  may be coupled to acoustic vent  116  by support member  706  (e.g., a steel support member). 
       FIG.  8    illustrates an exploded perspective view of a representative device housing and the internal acoustic components that can be contained therein. Representatively, the device may be an earphone including an enclosure or housing  102  that encloses the internal acoustic components. The enclosure or housing  102  may be formed by cap portion  106  and body portion  108 . In the illustrated view, cap portion  106  is shown removed from body portion  108 . It should be understood, however, that cap portion  106  and body portion  108  may be attached or otherwise connected to one another (e.g., snap fit) to form the enclosed space within which the internal acoustic components may be contained. Cap portion  106  and body portion  108  may be separate molded structures that are snap fit, or otherwise connected together, during assembly. In some aspects, cap portion  106  and body portion  108  may be made of a same rigid material such as plastic, or may be made of different materials. 
     Cap portion  106  may include acoustic opening or port  114  that is open to the tip portion  110  (when assembled) and allows for sound output from housing  102  to the user&#39;s ear. In some aspects, tip portion  110  may be snap fit or otherwise connected around the opening or port  114  of cap portion  106 . Cap portion  106  may be, for example, a molded structure (e.g., a substantially rigid material such as plastic) and tip portion  110  may be made of a different more compliant material (e.g., a compliant polymeric material) that is more comfortable when inserted within the ear. In other aspects, cap portion  106  and tip portion  110  may be made of a same material. 
     Cap portion  106  may further include acoustic vent  116  that connects an interior chamber (e.g., back volume chamber  104 B) of the housing  102  to the surrounding ambient environment, as previously discussed. In addition, cap portion  106  may include another acoustic vent  802  connecting an interior chamber or pathway of housing  102  to the surrounding ambient environment. For example, in some aspects, acoustic vent  802  may be acoustically connected to a chamber or pathway coupled to an error microphone within housing  102 . In some aspects, acoustic vent  116  and acoustic vent  802  may be formed in different areas of cap portion  106  such that they face different directions. 
     It can further be seen from this view that acoustic frame  130  and driver  112  are coupled to cap portion  106  when assembled. Representatively, driver  112  is positioned within acoustic frame  130  such that the driver sound output face  112 A is exposed through driver opening  804  of acoustic frame  130 . The back side or face  112 B of driver  112  faces the opposite direction and is connected to the driver back volume chamber (e.g., chamber  104 B) formed between acoustic frame  130  and cap portion  106 , as previously discussed. It can further be understood from this view that when acoustic frame  130  is inserted within cap portion  106 , acoustic channel  402  formed on the outer surface of acoustic frame  130  is enclosed by cap portion  106  and provides an acoustic pathway between the back volume chamber and the acoustic vent  116 . In still further aspects, a battery  806  may be connected to acoustic frame  130 , for example positioned behind the back side or face  112 B of driver  112 . Inserting acoustic frame  130  within cap portion may therefore also connect battery  806  to the cap portion  106 . 
     Referring now to body portion  108 , body portion  108  may include a first portion  808  that connects to cap portion  106  and a second portion  810 . First portion  808  may include acoustic opening  118  that connects a microphone (e.g., microphone  122 ) within body portion  108  to the ambient environment, as previously discussed. In addition, an additional membrane or mesh  128  may be connected to acoustic opening  118  to provide further protection and/or acoustic improvements, as previously discussed. 
     The second portion  810  may be an elongated tube or stem portion that extends from first portion  808 . In some aspects, second portion  810  may be dimensioned to contain cables and/or wires extending from a power source (not shown) to the driver. For example, the wires may carry an audio signal that will be audibilized by the driver. In addition, second portion  810  may be dimensioned to provide an acoustic pathway that enhances an acoustic performance of the device. In some embodiments, second portion  810  may extend from first portion  808  in a substantially perpendicular direction such that when first portion  808  is in a substantially horizontal orientation, second portion  810  extends vertically downward from first portion  808 . 
     It should further be understood that while each of the aspects shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8    are described and/or illustrated in combination herein for achieving various acoustic improvements and/or benefits, any one or more of the aspects shown may be used alone or separately to achieve the descried acoustic improvement and/or benefit disclosed herein. For example, it should be understood that the acoustic improvements and/or benefits achieved by the acoustic opening  118  that connects a microphone  122  within body portion  108  to the ambient environment  120  and the protective or reactive membrane  126  do not require other previously described aspects such as the acoustic frame  130  and channel  402 . In other words, acoustic frame  130  and channel  402  could be omitted and the previously discussed acoustic improvements and/or benefits achieved by the acoustic opening  118  and the protective or reactive mesh or membrane  126  would still be achieved. Similarly, the acoustic improvements and/or benefits achieved by the acoustic frame  130  and channel  402  are achieved regardless of the presence or absence of opening  118  and membrane  126 . Thus, any one or more of the aspects described or shown in the drawings herein may be optional and/or otherwise omitted depending on the acoustic improvement desired. 
     While certain aspects have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad disclosure, and that the disclosure is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting. In addition, to aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220901
Publication Date: 20241029
Grant Date: 20241029
Priority Date: 20220901
Inventors: HUA, Thanh P.
VENKATESH, PRIYANKA
Lagler, Jarrett B.
LEBLANC, JASON J.
CHEN, Hanchi
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/2823", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/222", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2823", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/2823", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/1016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 90060212