PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12010472-B2
Application Number: US-202217661492-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Acoustic mesh for electronic devices

Abstract:
An electronic device can include a housing that defines an internal volume, an aperture defined by the housing, an electronic component disposed within the internal volume and occluding the aperture, and a mesh component disposed against the electronic component. One example of an electronic device can include a housing that defines an internal volume, a port defined by the housing, a speaker module disposed within the internal volume and oriented to move air through the port, and an acoustically transparent mesh covering the port. The mesh can include a raised portion extending at least partially through the port and a flange extending from the raised portion, the flange secured against an internal surface of the housing.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing defining an external surface, an internal volume, and an aperture; 
 an electronic component disposed within the internal volume and occluding the aperture; and 
 a mesh component comprising:
 a flange disposed in the internal volume against the electronic component; and 
 a raised portion disposed in the aperture and defining the external surface. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive disposed between the electronic component and the mesh component. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic component comprises a speaker module. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising an elastic barrier disposed between the mesh component and an internal surface of the housing. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the elastic barrier is disposed against the internal surface of the housing around a perimeter of the aperture. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the elastic barrier comprises a foam material. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the foam material is elastically compressed between the mesh component and the housing. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 4 , further comprising an adhesive disposed between the elastic barrier and the mesh component. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing defining an internal volume and a port; 
 a speaker module disposed within the internal volume and oriented to move air through the port; and 
 an acoustically transparent mesh covering the port, the mesh comprising:
 a raised portion extending at least partially through the port; and 
 a flange extending along the raised portion, the flange secured against an internal surface of the housing; and 
 
 a support bracket disposed against the flange such that the flange is disposed between the support bracket and the internal surface. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the support bracket comprises:
 a support flange disposed against the flange; and 
 a compliant mechanism that biases the mesh against the internal surface. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the compliant mechanism includes an elastic protrusion pressing against the speaker module. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic protrusion extends outward and away from the support flange. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the flange and the internal surface of the housing, the adhesive layer securing the flange to the internal surface of the housing. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the raised portion defines an external surface disposed flush with an external surface of the housing. 
     
     
       15. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing defining an aperture; 
 a mesh component occluding the aperture and comprising
 a flange; 
 a raised portion; and 
 a sidewall extending between the flange and the raised portion, the sidewall extending into the aperture; and 
 
 an elastic member disposed against the mesh component and biased toward an internal surface of the housing. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the mesh component is disposed between the elastic member and the housing. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the elastic member is disposed between the mesh component and the housing. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 17 , further comprising an internal electronic component, wherein the mesh component is disposed between the internal electronic component and the elastic member. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the mesh component is disposed directly against the internal electronic component and the elastic member is elastically compressed between the housing and the mesh component.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/261,147, filed 13 Sep. 2021, entitled “ACOUSTIC MESH FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices and component thereof. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to mesh components and assemblies of electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many electronic devices include internal components that communicate, interface, or interact with the environment external to the device in some way. Often, these internal components can do so through one or more apertures or ports formed in a housing of the electronic device. In order to protect the internal components from debris such as dust and water entering these apertures or ports, one or more mesh components and assemblies can be provided that occlude the apertures or ports to protect the internal components but still allow the internal components to interact with the external environment as need through the mesh component. 
     However, mesh components of the prior art are often not designed adequately to withstand external forces to protect the mesh or internal components from damage. In addition, current mesh designs make it difficult to eject water or other debris from the internal volume of the electronic device, which may enter from the external environment through the mesh. Also, current mesh designs tend to lack aesthetically and tactilely pleasing design features. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a particular example of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a housing that defines an internal volume, an aperture defined by the housing, an electronic component disposed within the internal volume and occluding the aperture, and a mesh component disposed against the electronic component. 
     In one example, the electronic device can further include an adhesive disposed between the electronic component and the mesh component. In one example, the electronic component includes a speaker module. In one example, the electronic device further includes an elastic barrier disposed between the mesh component and an inside surface of the housing. In one example, the elastic barrier is disposed against an internal surface of the housing around a perimeter of the aperture. In one example, the elastic barrier includes a foam material. In one example, the foam material is elastically compressed between the mesh component and the housing. In one example, the electronic device also includes an adhesive disposed between the elastic barrier and the mesh component. 
     In another particular example, an electronic device includes a housing that defines an internal volume, a port defined by the housing, a speaker module disposed within the internal volume and oriented to move air through the port, and an acoustically transparent mesh covering the port. The mesh can include a raised portion extending at least partially through the port and a flange extending from or along the raised portion, the flange secured against an internal surface of the housing. 
     In one example, the electronic device can further include a support bracket disposed against the flange such that the flange is disposed between the support bracket and the internal surface. In one example, the support bracket includes a support flange disposed against the flange of the mesh and a compliant mechanism that urges the mesh against the internal surface. In one example, the compliant mechanism includes an elastic protrusion pressing against the speaker module. In one example, the elastic protrusion extends outward and away from the support flange. In one example, the electronic device further includes an adhesive layer disposed between the flange and the internal surface of the housing. The adhesive layer can secure the flange to the internal surface of the housing. In one example, the raised portion defines an external surface disposed flush with an external surface of the housing. 
     In another example of the present disclosure, an electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture, a mesh component occluding the aperture, and an elastic member disposed against the mesh component and biased toward an internal surface of the housing. 
     In one example, the mesh component is disposed between the elastic member and the housing. In one example, the elastic member is disposed between the mesh component and the housing. In one example, the electronic device can further include an internal electronic component. In such an example, the mesh component can be disposed between the internal electronic component and the elastic member. In one example, the mesh component can be disposed directly against the internal electronic component and the elastic member can be elastically compressed between the housing and the mesh component. 
    
    
     
       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 A  shows a perspective view of an example of an electronic device; 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a top perspective view of a portion thereof; 
         FIG.  1 C  shows a bottom perspective view of a portion thereof; 
         FIG.  1 D  shows an exploded view thereof; 
         FIG.  2 A  shows a perspective view of a housing of an electronic device; 
         FIG.  2 B  shows a cross-sectional view thereof; 
         FIG.  2 C  shows a partial exploded view thereof; 
         FIG.  2 D  shows another partial exploded view thereof; 
         FIG.  2 E  shows a partial cross-sectional view thereof; 
         FIG.  3    shows a top plan view of an example of a mesh component; 
         FIG.  4 A  shows a perspective view of a housing of an electronic device; 
         FIG.  4 B  shows a cross-sectional view thereof; 
         FIG.  4 C  shows a perspective view of a portion thereof; 
         FIG.  5    shows an example of a support bracket for a mesh component; 
         FIG.  6    shows an example of a support bracket for a mesh component; 
         FIG.  7    shows an example of a support bracket for a mesh component; 
         FIG.  8    shows an example of a support bracket for a mesh component; 
         FIG.  9 A  shows a perspective view of a housing of an electronic component; 
         FIG.  9 B  shows a cross-sectional view thereof; 
         FIG.  10 A  shows a perspective view of a housing of an electronic component; and 
         FIG.  10 B  shows a cross-sectional view thereof. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     The following disclosure relates to mesh components and assemblies for electronic devices. In a particular example, an electronic device includes a housing that defines an internal volume, an aperture defined by the housing, an electronic component disposed within the internal volume and occluding the aperture, and a mesh component disposed against the electronic component. 
     In another particular example, an electronic device includes a housing that defines an internal volume, a port defined by the housing, a speaker module disposed within the internal volume and oriented to move air through the port, and an acoustically transparent mesh covering the port. The mesh can include a raised portion extending at least partially through the port and a flange extending from or along the raised portion, the flange secured against an internal surface of the housing. 
     Mesh components and assemblies described herein provide improved water and debris ejection features over meshes of the prior art. Mesh components described herein are also strong, durable, and resistant to damage. In addition, the mesh components and assemblies described herein can be uniquely designed, colored, and arranged to form an aesthetically pleasing mesh over a speaker or other internal component of an electronic device. 
     For example, mesh components described herein can include one or more stiff metal materials, including stainless steel and/or titanium, which minimize or substantially eliminate deflections in the mesh caused by water or debris moving through one or more perforation holes of the mesh. Also, for example, when disposed over an internal speaker of an electronic device, the meshes described herein can be constructed of stiff metal to reduce or substantially eliminate vibrations or deflections that may be caused by air and sound waves produced by the speaker and travelling through the mesh component. Thus, the stiff construction of the mesh components described herein improve sound quality and water ejection when subject to high pressures under water or other debris entering through the mesh form an external environment. 
     In addition, one or more biasing members or supporting brackets can be disposed against the mesh component described herein to support the mesh components and maintain the proper position of the mesh component within or across a port of the electronic device. For example, a support bracket including a compliant mechanism can create a counterforce that acts against the mesh components described herein to bias the mesh component toward and against an internal surface of a housing of the electronic device. The counterforce of the compliant mechanism of the support bracket can resist forces that may act on the mesh component during use, which would otherwise cause the mesh component to fall into or towards the internal volume of the device or otherwise fall out of place. 
     In addition, mesh components of the present disclosure can be formed with raised features or external surfaces that are disposed flush with an external surface of a housing of an electronic device. This flush surface is aesthetically and tactilely pleasing. In addition, the metal materials of the mesh components described herein can be anodized or have added layers formed by physical vapor deposition methods in order to customize and tune the color of the mesh to be aesthetically pleasing. 
     In addition to the advantages described above, the mesh components of the present disclosure ensure that internal components can sufficiently interact with an environment external to the electronic device as needed without the risk of damage to the internal component. Such internal components that interact with the external environment can include, but are not limited to, speakers, microphones, pressure sensors and other sensors, and the like. These and other internal components can be disposed adjacent to or aligned below one or more apertures/ports of the electronic device, with a mesh component occluding the apertures/ports and disposed between the aperture/port and the internal electronic component. In this way, the mesh components described herein can act as a barrier between the internal component and the external environment while also enabling the proper functioning of the internal component. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 10 B . 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. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature comprising at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option). 
     In the present disclosure, a wearable electronic watch is used as an example of an electronic device that incorporates the meshes, mesh components, and mesh configurations described herein. This smart watch is used for illustrative purposes only to show an example implementation of the meshes and mesh configurations of the present disclosure but the meshes, mesh components, and mesh configurations can implemented in any number of electronic devices other than a wearable electronic watch, which includes an internal component interacting with the environment external to the device, for example speakers and sensors. Examples of meshes, mesh components, and mesh configurations disclosed herein can be included in any number of electronic devices, including but not limited to desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, smart speakers, wearable electronic devices such as fitness trackers, smart watches, head-mountable-display devices or other alternate/virtual reality devices, and so forth. 
     Along these lines,  FIG.  1 A  shows an example of an electronic device  100 . The electronic device shown in  FIG.  1 A  is a watch, such as a smartwatch. The smartwatch of  FIG.  1 A  is merely one representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. Electronic device  100  can correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, a portable media player, a media storage device, a portable digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a computer, a mobile communication device, a GPS unit, a remote control device, or other electronic device. The electronic device  100  can be referred to as an electronic device, or a consumer device. In some examples, the electronic device  100  can include a housing  102  that can carry operational components, for example, in an internal volume at least partially defined by the housing. The electronic device  100  can also include a strap  103 , or other retaining component that can secured the device  100  to a body of a user as desired. Further details of the electronic device are provided below with reference to  FIG.  1 B . 
       FIG.  1 B  illustrates a smartwatch  200  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the devices described herein, such as electronic device  100 . The device  200  can include a housing  202 , and a display assembly  204  attached to the housing. The housing  202  can substantially define at least a portion of an external surface of the device  200 . 
     The display assembly  204  can include a glass, a plastic, or any other substantially transparent external layer, material, component, or assembly. The display assembly  204  can include multiple layers, with each layer providing a unique function, as described herein. Accordingly, the display assembly  204  can be, or can be a part of, an interface component. The display assembly  204  can define a front external surface of the device  200  and, as described herein, this external surface can be considered an interface surface. In some examples, the interface surface defined by display assembly  204  can receive inputs, such as touch inputs, from a user. 
     In some examples, the housing  202  can be a substantially continuous or unitary component and can define one or more openings to receive components of the electronic device  200 . In some examples, the device  200  can include input components such as one or more buttons  206  and/or a crown  208  that can be disposed in the openings. In some examples, a material can be disposed between the buttons  206  and/or crown  208  and the housing  202  to provide an airtight and/or watertight seal at the locations of the openings. The housing  202  can also define one or more openings or apertures, such as aperture  210  that can allow for sound to pass into or out of the internal volume defined by the housing  202 . For example, the aperture  210  can be in communication with a microphone component disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, the housing  202  can define or include a feature, such as an indentation to removably couple the housing  202  and a strap or retaining component. 
       FIG.  1 C  shows a bottom perspective view of the electronic device  200 . The device  200  can include a back cover  212  that can be attached to the housing  202 , for example, opposite the display assembly  204 . The back cover  212  can include ceramic, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the back cover  212  can include an at least partially electromagnetically transparent component  214 . The electromagnetically transparent component  214  can be transparent to any desired wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, infrared light, radio waves, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the electromagnetically transparent component  214  can allow sensors and/or emitters disposed in the housing  202  to communicate with the external environment. Together, the housing  202 , display assembly  204  and back cover  212  can substantially define an internal volume and an external surface of the device  200 . 
       FIG.  1 D  illustrates an exploded view of a smartwatch  300  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the devices described herein, such as electronic devices  100  and  200 . The device  300  can include a housing  302 , a display assembly  304 , and a back cover  312 . Together, the housing  302 , display assembly  304 , and back cover  312  can define an external surface and an internal volume of the device  300 . 
     The housing  302  can be a substantially continuous or unitary component, and can define one or more apertures  316 ,  338  to receive components of the electronic device  300  and/or to provide access to an internal portion of the electronic device  300 . In some examples, the device  300  can include input components such as one or more buttons  306  and/or a crown  308  that can be disposed in the apertures  318 ,  320 . In addition, at least one example of the housing  302  defines one or more apertures  318 ,  320 ,  338  that provide an internal component access to the environment external to the device  300  and housing  302 . 
     The display assembly  304  can be received by and can be attached to the housing  302 . The display assembly can include a cover including a transparent material, such as plastic, glass, and/or ceramic. The display assembly  304  can also include a display stack or display assembly that can include multiple layers and components, each of which can perform one or more desired functions. For example, the display stack can include a display layer  324  that can include a touch detection layer or component, a force sensitive layer or component, and one or more display layers or components that can include one or more pixels and/or light emitting portions to display visual content and/or information to a user. In some examples, the display layer or component  324  can include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and/or any other form of display. The display layer  324  can also include one or more electrical connectors to provide signals and/or power to the display layer  324  from other components of the device  300 . 
     In some examples, the device  300  can include a gasket or seal  326  that can be disposed between the display assembly  304  and the housing  302  to substantially define a barrier to the ingress of liquids or moisture into the internal volume from the external environment at the location of the seal  326 . As described herein, the seal  326  can include polymer, metal, and/or ceramic materials. The device  300  can also include a seal  334  that can be disposed between the housing  302  and the back cover  312  to substantially define a barrier to the ingress of liquids or moisture into the internal volume from the external environment at the location of the seal  334 . As described herein, the seal  334  can include polymer, metal, and/or ceramic materials. The seal  334  can be substantially similar to and can include some or all of the features of the seal  326 . 
     The device  300  can also include internal components, such as a haptic engine  328 , a battery  330 , an audio module  336 , and a logic board  332 , also referred to as a main logic board  332  that can include a system in package (SiP) disposed thereon, including one or more integrated circuits, such as processors, sensors, and memory. The SiP can also include a package. 
     In some examples, the device  300  can include one or more wireless antennas that can be in electrical communication with one or more other components of the device  300 . In some examples, one or more antennas can receive and/or transmit wireless signals at one or more frequencies and can be, for example, one or more of a cellular antenna such as an LTE antenna, a Wi-Fi antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, a GPS antenna, a multi-frequency antenna, and the like. The antenna or antennas can be communicatively coupled to one or more additional components of the electronic device  300 . In some examples, one or more other components of the device  300  can include a portion or part of an antenna, such as a radiating element thereof. 
     The internal components can be disposed within the internal volume defined at least partially by the housing  302 , and can be affixed to the housing  302  via adhesives, internal surfaces, attachment features, threaded connectors, studs, posts, or other features, that are formed into, defined by, or otherwise part of the housing  302  and/or the cover  322  and/or back cover  312 . 
     In addition to those components and features of device  300 , both internal and external to the housing  302 , shown in  FIG.  1 D , an example of a device can also include one or more electronic components disposed within the internal volume of the device  300  that communicates with an external environment (i.e., an environment outside/external to the housing  302 ) through the one or more apertures  318 ,  320 ,  338  defined by the housing  302 . In one example, such an internal electronic component can include one or more sensors that send and receive light or other electromagnetic signals through the one or more apertures  318 ,  320 ,  338 . In one example, such an internal electronic component can include one or more speakers or speaker modules positioned and oriented to move air through the one or more apertures  318 ,  320 ,  338  defined by the housing  302 . In at least one example, an aperture defined by the housing  302  that allows access for one or more internal electronic components to interact, communication, or otherwise interface with the external environment can be referred to as a port. That is, apertures  318 ,  320 ,  338  defined by housing  302  can be referred to herein as a port. 
       FIG.  2 A  illustrates an example of a housing  402  of an electronic device, with the housing defining a port  318 . In order to prevent dirt, dust, water, or other debris from the external environment from entering into the internal volume defined by the housing  402 , a mesh component  440  can be disposed over or across the port  418 . The term “mesh,” as used herein, can include a barrier or material portion that allows air to pass through but prevents or substantially prevents other debris, such as water, dirt, and dust, from passing through to the internal volume of the device. In one example, the mesh component  440  can include a perforated material. The size, locations, and number of perforations extending through such a mesh can vary from one example to another. Such perforations can include machined, laser cut, or otherwise manufactured openings defined by and extending through the material. Such openings can be sized and arranged to prevent a certain size particle from the external environment from passing through the mesh component  440 . Such openings can also be sized to prevent water from passing through the mesh component  440  at certain pressures. 
     Some examples of materials that can be perforated to form the mesh component  440  and other mesh components described herein include rubbers, plastics, and other polymers. Other examples of meshes  440  can include metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and so forth. Ceramics can also be used to form the mesh component  440  and other meshes described herein. In at least one example, the mesh component  440  can be a porous material allowing air to pass through but preventing or substantially preventing dust and other debris particles from the external environment from passing through the mesh component  440  to an internal volume of the device. Some examples of such materials can include foams, knitted fabrics, other textiles, or other porous materials. In one example, the mesh component  440  can be formed as a square woven mesh or a wire mesh. Other materials can include fibers such as synthetic monofilament fibers and the like. The density of polymer meshes and other types of meshes, including porous and perforated meshes, can be tuned to be able to resist the ingress of water at high pressures. Typically, the higher the density, the higher the resistance. 
     In some examples, the mesh component  440  shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 3    as well as other meshes described herein with reference to other figures can be formed of a metal such as stainless steel. In examples where the mesh component  440  is disposed over a port  418  above or adjacent to a speaker, which moves air through the mesh component  440 , stainless steel and other metals forming the mesh component  440  can increase the stiffness of the mesh component  440 . A stainless steel mesh component  440 , for example, can be less prone to deflections and vibrations caused by the air from the speaker passing through the perforation holes  448  of the mesh component  440  than a polymer mesh or a mesh made of more flexible material. The stiffness of the stainless steel mesh component  440 , i.e. its resistance to flexing and vibrations, prevents the mesh component  440  from acting as an additional diaphragm of the speaker when air is moving there through. 
     The size and spacing of the perforation holes  448  of the mesh component  440  or any other mesh component described herein can be tuned and adjusted to achieve an optimal balance of remaining acoustically transparent and/or permeable to air and acting as a barrier to water and debris from the external environment. In general, it has been found that the larger and more closely arranged the perforation holes are, the better the water ejection performance of the mesh will be. However, removing too much material to form the perforation holes can potentially weaken the mesh component  440  and reduce stiffness. Accordingly, in at least one example, the size of each perforation hole  448  can be at least about 100 microns or between about 100 microns and about 500 microns, for example at least about 140 microns or at least about 280 microns in diameter. 
     It is noted that while at least some of the figures described in the present application include mesh components having perforation holes, such as perforation holes  448 , the same principles discussed with reference to the perforation holes  448 , such as egress and ejection of water and debris through the mesh components, can be applied to porous features of non-perforated meshes. For example, woven wire meshes or porous materials can include features analogous to perforation holes, such as space between woven fibers and wires or pores present in porous materials, which allow water and debris to pass through the mesh component. That is, the examples of meshes having perforation holes are not meant as limiting. Rather, they are meant as exemplary only and the same advantages and principles discussed with reference to the size and spacing of perforation holes can be applied to the size and spacing of pores and other spaces and features of non-perforated meshes. 
     In addition to the material and the size, number, and configurations of the perforation holes described herein, any of the mesh component described herein can include a hydrophobic coating disposed on an external surface thereof to improve water repelling and ejection. 
     In addition, stiff meshes  440 , including meshes  440  made of metals such as stainless steel, can more effectively handle high pressures, including high pressures due to submersion of the device in water. The stiff, metal mesh component  440  can be structurally sound under high pressures without deforming or deflecting under the pressure. Also, a stainless steel mesh component  440 , or other stiff metal mesh component  440 , can improve the ejection of water that may enter through the perforation holes  448 . That is, because a stainless steel mesh component  440  is less prone to flexing and deforming, water passing through the perforation holes  448  are more readily broken up into small droplets, which are more readily ejected back out due to air from the speaker or other movements and forces caused by the movement of the device during use. 
     In any case, the mesh component  440 , including the perforation holes or pores thereof, can allow at least some air to pass there through, for example air moved by an internal speaker, while substantially preventing dust and other debris from the external environment from passing there through. In at least one example, the mesh component  440  is acoustically transparent so that sound waves can propagate from a speaker in the internal volume of the device, through the mesh component  440 , and out to the external environment. 
     The housing  402  includes an external surface  442  and an internal surface  444  with a thickness extending between the external and internal surfaces  442 ,  444 . In at least one example, the mesh component  440  can be sealed, adhered, or pressed against the internal surface  444  of the housing  402  around a perimeter of the port  418 . In one example, as shown in the close-up view of  FIG.  2 B , the mesh component  440  can be positioned to occlude the port  418  with an elastic barrier  446  disposed between the mesh component  440  and the internal surface  444  of the housing  402 . In one example, the elastic barrier  446  is an elastic member disposed around a perimeter of the port  418  and is elastically compressed between the housing  402  and the mesh component  440 . In this way, the elastic barrier  446  can maintain consistent or uninterrupted contact between the mesh component  440  and the housing  402  to effectively seal the space between the mesh component  440  and the internal surface  444  of the housing  402 . 
     In at least one example, the elastic barrier  446  can include an elastic member or material such as a rubber, plastic, or other polymer. In one example, the elastic barrier  446  can include a foam material that can elastically compress and rebound. Other elastic materials can also be used. In at least one example, the elastic barrier  446  is secured in place by the pressing force between the mesh component  440  and the housing  402 . In at least one example, the elastic barrier  446  can be secured to the mesh component  440  via an adhesive. The adhesive can include glues, pressure sensitive adhesives, or other adhesives. In at least one example, the elastic barrier  446  can be molded with or chemically bonded to the mesh component  440 . 
     In at least one example, the elastic barrier  446  can be secured to the housing  402 , specifically the internal surface  444  of the housing  402 , via an adhesive. The adhesive can include glues, pressure sensitive adhesives, or other adhesives. In at least one example, the elastic barrier  446  can be molded with or chemically bonded to the housing  402 . 
       FIG.  2 C  illustrates an exploded view of an example of the housing  402 , elastic barrier  446 , and mesh component  440  shown in  FIG.  2 B . In addition, the exploded view of  FIG.  2 C  illustrates a speaker module  450  that can be disposed below the port  418  defined by the housing  402  and therefore below or adjacent to the mesh component  440 . In at least one example, the mesh component  440  can be disposed directly against or contacting the speaker module  450 . For example, the mesh component  440  can be adhered directly to the speaker module  450  via one or more adhesives, including pressure sensitive adhesives, disposed around a perimeter of the mesh component  440  and between the mesh component  440  and the speaker module  450 . In at least one example, the mesh component  440  can be welded to, molded with, or bonded to the speaker module  450 . 
     In at least one example, the speaker module  450  includes a bracket or bracket assembly  452  that secures the speaker module  450  against an internal component of the electronic device, for example a portion of a housing, bracket, or other component of the device to which the bracket assembly  452  can be secured. In this way, the speaker module  450 , which can include one or more speakers having one or more diaphragms, can be held up against the mesh component  440  and elastic barrier  446 , pressing the elastic barrier against the housing  402  as described above. In addition, in at least one example where the mesh component  440  is adhered to the speaker module  450 , the mesh component  440  can be adhered using an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, around a perimeter of the speaker module  450  and the mesh component  440  so as not to adhere directly to any speaker diaphragms or other speaker components. For example, the mesh component  440  can be adhered around a perimeter of a speaker diaphragm of the speaker module  450 , including being adhered to a housing or other speaker component surrounding the diaphragm. 
     As noted above, examples shown in the figures and described herein can include mesh components, such as mesh component  440 , which include perforation holes  448 , but mesh components of the present disclosure are not limited as such. For example,  FIG.  2 D  shows an exploded view of an example of the housing  402 , elastic barrier  446 , and mesh component  440  shown in  FIG.  2 B , but with the mesh component  440  including a woven wire mesh component. The woven wire mesh component  440  can be disposed directly against the speaker module  450  with air travelling through spaces between individual wires of the woven wire mesh component  440 . 
       FIG.  2 E  illustrates a cutaway, perspective cross-sectional view of the mesh component  440 , housing  402 , and speaker module  450  assembly shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . As shown in  FIG.  2 E , the housing  402 , mesh component  440 , elastic barrier  446 , and speaker module  450  can be stacked and disposed as shown such that the mesh component  440  occludes the port  418 . The perforation holes  448  defined by the mesh component  440 , allow air moved by the speaker module  450  to pass through the mesh component  440  and out the port  418 . Again, as noted above, in examples of non-perforated mesh components, such as woven wire mesh component  440  shown in  FIG.  2 D , or other porous materials and meshes described elsewhere herein, the perforation holes  448  shown in  FIG.  2 D  can represent passageways provided by spaces between woven fibers or wires or pores passing through porous material meshes, such as the woven wire mesh  440  of  FIG.  2 D , that allow the passage of air from the speaker module  450  through the port  418 . 
     Also, as noted above, the speaker module  450  can be secured within the device such that the speaker module  450  presses upward on the elastic barrier  446  to elastically compress the elastic barrier  446  against the housing  402 . In at least one example, the elastic barrier  446  is not adhered, bonded, or otherwise secured to the housing  402 . Rather, the elastic barrier  446  is held against the housing in an elastically compressed configuration due to the force of the speaker module  450  and mesh component  440  pressing upward thereon. 
     In at least one example, the mesh component  440  is disposed within a plane parallel to a plane in which the upper surface of the speaker module  450  is disposed. That is, the mesh component  440  lies parallel to a speaker or speaker diaphragm of the speaker module  450  so that there is not angular mismatch between the mesh component  440  and the speakers of the speaker module. This improves speaker sound transmission of air and sound waves through the mesh  440 . Also, as noted above, the mesh component  440  can be formed of one or more stiff materials such as metals, including stainless steel or titanium, which also improves the quality of sound produced by the speaker module  450  because the stiff mesh material is resistant to deflection from the sound waves and air moving through the perforation holes  442  as opposed to less stiff materials, for example polymer and fiber materials. 
     In addition, using one or more metals to form the mesh component  440 , for example stainless steel or titanium, allows for an addition metal layer to be applied to the mesh component  440 , for example through a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. Such a PVD layer can be used to impart a desired color for aesthetic reasons, for example a color matching the housing or other desirable color. In one example, titanium can be used to form mesh component  440  described herein. Titanium meshes can be anodized to achieve a desired color. 
     While a speaker module  450  is shown and described with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E , one or more other components are also contemplated herein that can be placed below or adjacent to the mesh component  440  and port  418  defined by the housing as shown. For example, one or more microphones can be disposed below the mesh component  440 . In another example, one or more sensors, including pressure sensors configured to detect an external environmental pressure outside the housing  402 , can be disposed below the mesh component  440  in the same way that the speaker module  450  is disposed as shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E . In general, any component of an electronic device, which is disposed internally thereto, but that interacts with the external environment through one or more ports of the device, can be disposed relative to the mesh component  440  and elastic barrier  446  as shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E  with reference to the speaker module  450 . 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E . 
       FIG.  3    shows a plan view of another example of a mesh assembly  500  that includes a mesh component  540  disposed over a speaker module  550  and an elastic barrier  546  disposed over and around at least a portion of the perimeter of the mesh component  540 . The elastic barrier  546  can be pressed or disposed against an internal surface of a housing of an electronic device, as described similarly with reference to the elastic barrier  446  shown in  FIGS.  2 B- 2 E . The various components shown in  FIG.  3   , including the speaker module  550 , bracket assembly  552 , mesh component  540 , and elastic barrier  546  can be secured to one another via one or more adhesive layers similar to those adhesive layers and securement methods, including welding, bonding, and molding, shown and described relative to the various components of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E . 
     In addition,  FIG.  3    illustrates an example where the elastic barrier  546  does not extend completely around an entire perimeter of the mesh component  540 . Rather, the elastic barrier  546  of  FIG.  3    includes a break. In addition,  FIG.  3    illustrates an additional component  554  that can be disposed adjacent to the mesh component  540  and secured against the elastic barrier  546  similar to the mesh  554 . This additional component  554  can include one or more of another mesh, sensor, microphone, or the like. 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  3   . 3 can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  4 A  illustrates an example of a housing  602  of an electronic device, with the housing defining a port  618 . In order to prevent dirt, dust, water, or other debris from the external environment from entering into the internal volume defined by the housing  602 , a mesh component  640  can be disposed over or across the port  618  to cover the port  618 . In at least one example, the mesh component  640  extends upward and at least partially into the port  618  defined by the housing  602  such that at least a portion of the mesh component  640  is flush with an outer surface  642  of the housing  602 . 
     In one example, the mesh component  640  can include a perforated material. The size, locations, and number of perforations extending through such a mesh can vary from one example to another. Such perforations can include machined, laser cut, or otherwise manufactured openings defined by and extending through the material. Such openings can be sized and arranged to prevent a certain size particle from the external environment from passing through the mesh component  640 . Such openings can also be sized to prevent water from passing through the mesh component  640  at certain pressures. 
     Some examples of materials that can be perforated to form the mesh component  640  as described herein include rubbers, plastics, and other polymers. Other examples of meshes  640  can include metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and so forth. Ceramics can also be used to form the mesh component  640  and other meshes described herein. In at least one example, the mesh component  640  can be a porous material allowing air to pass through but preventing or substantially preventing dust and other debris particles from the external environment from passing through the mesh component  640  to an internal volume of the device. Some examples of such materials can include foams, knitted fabrics, other textiles, or other porous materials. Other materials can include fibers such as synthetic monofilament fibers and the like. The density of polymer meshes and other types of meshes, including porous and perforated meshes, can be tuned to be able to resist the ingress of water at high pressures. Typically, the higher the density, the higher the resistance. 
     In addition, using one or more metals to form the mesh component  640 , for example stainless steel or titanium, allows for an addition metal layer to be applied to the mesh component  640 , for example through a PVD method. Such a PVD layer can be used to impart a desired color for aesthetic reasons, for example a color matching the housing or other desirable color. In one example, titanium can be used to form mesh component  640  described herein. Titanium meshes can be anodized to achieve a desired color. 
     In some examples, the mesh component  640  shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  as well as other meshes described herein with reference to other figures can be formed of a metal such as stainless steel. In examples where the mesh component  640  is disposed over a port  618  above or adjacent to a speaker, which moves air through the mesh component  640 , stainless steel and other metals forming the mesh component  640  can increase the stiffness of the mesh component  640 . A stainless steel mesh component  640 , for example, can be less prone to deflections and vibrations caused by the air from the speaker passing through the perforation holes  648  of the mesh component  640  than a polymer mesh or a mesh made of more flexible material. The stiffness of the stainless steel mesh component  640 , i.e. its resistance to flexing and vibrations, prevents the mesh component  440  from acting as an additional diaphragm of the speaker when air is moving there through. 
     In addition, stiff meshes  640 , including meshes  640  made of metals such as stainless steel, can more effectively handle high pressures, including high pressures due to submersion of the device in water. The stiff, metal mesh component  640  can be structurally sound under high pressures without deforming or deflecting under the pressure. Also, a stainless steel mesh component  640 , or other stiff metal mesh component  640 , can improve the ejection of water that may enter through the perforation holes  648 . That is, because a stainless steel mesh component  640  is less prone to flexing and deforming, water passing through the perforation holes  648  are more readily broken up into small droplets, which are more readily ejected back out due to air from the speaker or other movements and forces caused by the movement of the device during use. 
     In any case, the mesh component  640 , including the perforation holes or pores thereof, can allow at least some air to pass there through, for example air moved by an internal speaker, while substantially preventing dust and other debris from the external environment from passing there through. In at least one example, the mesh component  640  is acoustically transparent so that sound waves can propagate from a speaker in the internal volume of the device, through the mesh component  640 , and out to the external environment. 
       FIG.  4 B  shows a cross-sectional view of the mesh component  640  situated within and/or across the port  618  to occlude or cover the port  618 . More specifically, as shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG.  4 B , one example of the mesh component  640  can include a raised portion  656  defining an external surface  658  of the mesh component  640 . The raised portion  656  can also include walls  670  extending to a lower flange  660 . The raised portion  656  can extend at least partially through the port  618  such that the outer surface  642  of the housing  602  is flush with the external surface  658  of the raised portion  656 . In this way, the raised portion  656  forms a continuous surface that extends across the port  618 , including the external surface  658  of the mesh component  640  and the external surface  658  of the raised portion  656  of the mesh component  640 . One or more perforation holes  648  can extend through the raised portion  656  of the mesh component  640  as shown. 
     In at least one example, the mesh component  640  also includes a lower flange  660  extending radially outward from and circumferentially around the raised portion  656 . The flange  660  can be connected to the raised portion  656  via sidewalls  662  of the mesh component  640 . The sidewalls  662  of the mesh component  640  can extend at least partially from an internal volume of the device, where the sidewalls  662  meet the flange  660 , and upward into the port  618  defined by the housing  602  and extending through ha thickness of the housing  602  from an external surface  642  thereof to an internal surface  644  thereof. In this way, in at least one example, the raised portion  656  of the mesh component  640  can be situated at or near the outer surface  642  of the housing  602  such that the external surface  658  of the raised portion  656  of the mesh component  640  is substantially flush with the external surface  642  of the housing  602 . 
     In another example, the external surface  658  of the raised portion  656  of the mesh component  640  can be recessed from the external surface  642  of the housing  602  such that the external surface  658  of the raised portion  656  of the mesh component  640  is disposed lower than the external surface  642  of the housing  602 . In this way, the mesh component  640  is less likely to be contacted or damaged upon contact with external objects, such as during a drop event of the device and so forth. 
     In at least one example, the flange  660  of the mesh component  640  can be secured to the internal surface  644  circumferentially adjacent to and surrounding the port  618 . In at least one example, as shown in  FIG.  4 B , an adhesive material or layer  664  can be disposed between the flange  660  and the housing  602  as shown to secure the mesh component  640  to the housing  602 . The adhesive layer  664  can include one or more of the adhesives described elsewhere herein, including pressure sensitive adhesive material as well as glues or other adhesives. 
     In at least one example, in addition to or instead of the adhesive layer  664  securing the mesh component  640  to the housing  602 , a support bracket  666  can press upward on the mesh component  640  to secure the mesh component  640  against the housing  602 . For example, the adhesive layer  664  can include an adhesive used during manufacturing to aid in assembly of the mesh component  640  and housing  602  but which may be unsuitable to support the mesh component  640  against the internal surface  644  of the housing  602  during use, for example if the device is dropped and/or the mesh component  640  is pressed inwardly during contact and use. Thus, the support bracket  666  can act to stabilize and support the mesh component  640  in place during drops, contacts, or any other forces pressing on the external surface  658  of the mesh component  640  during use. In at least one example, the adhesive layer  664  is not present and the mesh component  640  is fixed in position as shown in  FIG.  4 B  via the support bracket  666  only. 
     In at least one example, the support bracket  666  includes an outwardly extending support flange  668  disposed to press against the flange  660  of the mesh component  640 , as shown in  FIG.  4 B . In at least one example, the support bracket  666  can also include upwardly extending walls  670  that extends parallel or adjacent to the sidewalls  662  of the mesh component  640  to ensure proper placement and support between the support bracket  666  and the mesh component  640 . In at least one example, the support bracket  666  remains fixed to the mesh component  640  via the friction force between the support flange  668  and the flange  660  of the mesh component  640  arising from the normal force produced by an upward force or pressing of the support bracket  666  toward the mesh component  640 . 
     In at least one example, on or more adhesive layers can be disposed between the support flange  668  and the flange  660  of the mesh component  640  to secure the support bracket  666  to the mesh component  640 . In at least one example, the support flange  668  and the flange  660  of the mesh component  640  can be molded together, welded together, or otherwise secured together. 
     In any case, the support bracket  666  can include one or more features or components that press against one or more other components or housings within the internal volume of the device in order to create the counterforce against the mesh component  640 .  FIG.  4 C  is one example of a mesh component  640  disposed on top of a support bracket  666  that includes a support flange  668  and one or more compliant mechanisms  672  that causes the support bracket  666  to press against one or more other components or housings at an internal volume of the device to create the counterforce against the mesh component  640  discussed above. The various examples of compliant mechanisms described herein, including compliant mechanism  672  shown in  FIG.  4 B , can include one or more elastic members or elastic configurations that are able to be elastically compressed and biased toward the internal surface  644  of the housing  602 . In at least one example, the component against which the compliant mechanism  672  presses can include a speaker module such as those speaker modules described herein. In addition, the complaint mechanism can serve as a tolerance gap filling feature that allows for precise positioning and assembly of the mesh  640  and other components associated therewith. 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG.  4 C , the mesh component  640  can be similar to the mesh component  640  shown in  FIG.  4 B , including sidewalls  662  that extend between the flange  660  and the raised portion  656  that defines the external surface  658  of the mesh component  640 . In at least one example, the complaint mechanism  672  can include one or more biasing protrusions that can elastically deform when pressed against another component or surface within the device to bias the support bracket  666  against the mesh component  640  as discussed above. In particular, in the illustrated example of  FIG.  4 C , the compliant mechanism  672  can be attached to the support bracket  666  or the support flange  668  thereof to bias the support flange  668  upward against the flange  660  of the mesh component  640  as shown in  FIG.  4 B  as well. In at least one example, the flange  660  can press against or contact another component such as a speaker module or other internal component of the device described herein. 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C . 
       FIG.  5    shows another example of a support bracket  766  that includes a support flange  768  extending radially outward from and circumferentially around wall  770 . In at least one example, the support flange  768  can serve to press or bias against another component, such as a speaker module, microphone module, or other housing component or surface within the device to create the upward pressing force against a mesh or flange of a mesh, as described above. In this way, the support flange  768  can in itself be a compliant mechanism biasing and adjacent mesh upward against an internal surface of a housing of a device as discussed above. In addition, the support flange  768  can act as a tolerance gap filling feature during assembly. 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  5    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  5   . 
       FIG.  6    shows another example of a support bracket  866  including wall  870  and support flange  868 , similar to other support brackets described herein. In addition, the example of support bracket  866  shown in  FIG.  6    includes a compliant mechanism  872  for pressing against another component or surface within a device to bias the support flange  868  against a mesh as discussed above. In at least one example, the compliant mechanism  872  can include a base portion  876  connected to the support flange  868  of the support bracket  866  via one or more biasing connectors  874 . The biasing connectors  874  can elastically deform and secure the base portion  876  of the compliant mechanism  872  to the support flange  868  so as to bias the support flange  868  upward or away from the base portion  876 . The base portion  876  can be configured to contact or press against another surface or component within an electronic device, as discussed above. 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  6    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  6   . 
       FIG.  7    shows another example of a support bracket  966  that includes support flange  968  and wall  970 , similar to other support brackets described herein. The illustrated example of the support bracket  966  can have a compliant mechanism that includes one or more biasing protrusions  978  extending at an angle downward from the support flange  968 . In the illustrated example of  FIG.  7   , the biasing protrusions  978  can elastically deform where the biasing protrusions  978  meet or extend from the support flange  968  such that when pressed against another surface or component within an electronic device, the biasing protrusions  978  force or bias the support flange  968  away from that other surface or component and against a mesh or a flange of a mesh, as discussed above with reference to other support brackets and meshes. 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  7    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  7   . 
       FIG.  8    shows another example of a support bracket  1066  that includes support flange  1068  and wall  1070 , similar to other support brackets described herein. The illustrated example of the support bracket  1066  can have a compliant mechanism that includes one or more biasing protrusions  1078  extending downward from the support flange  1068  as shown.  FIG.  8    illustrates biasing protrusions  1078  that can function similar to the biasing protrusions  978  shown in  FIG.  7    but which extend from a different portion of the support flange  1068  and which are shaped and sized differently. Other biasing protrusion shapes, sizes, number, and configurations are also contemplated herein that function to produce a counterforce that biases the support bracket  1066  against a mesh, as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG.  8   , the biasing protrusions  1078  can elastically deform where the biasing protrusions  1078  meet or extend from the support flange  1068  such that when pressed against another surface or component within an electronic device, the biasing protrusions  1078  force or bias the support flange  1068  away from that other surface or component and against a mesh or a flange of a mesh, as discussed above with reference to other support brackets and meshes. 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIG.  8    can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     In the various examples of complaint mechanisms shown in  FIGS.  4 C- 8   , each mechanism can act as a tolerance gap filling feature to precisely secure the mesh and other associated components within the device. In addition, each compliant mechanism described herein includes one or more elastic features, for example complaint mechanisms  672 ,  870 , support flange  768 , and biasing protrusions  978 ,  1078 , extend radially outward and away from the associated support flanges of the support brackets. In this way, the various compliant mechanisms, flanges, and biasing protrusions described herein are less likely to attract water and debris that may pass through the perforation holes of the meshes supported by the support brackets described herein. 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of another example of a mesh  1140  defined by a housing  1102  of an electronic device. In the example illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , perforation holes  1148  extend directly through a thickness of the housing  1102  between the external surface  1142  of the housing  1102  and the internal surface  1144  of the housing  1102 . Thus, in at least one example, the mesh  1140  and perforation holes  1148  thereof, can form the mesh  1140  without a port defined by the housing  1102 . In such an example, the housing  1102  defines each hole of the perforation holes  1148  constituting the mesh  1140  of the housing  1102  under which an internal component, such as the speaker modules or other components described herein, can be disposed. 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 4 B . 
       FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of another example of a mesh  1240  disposed within or across a port  1218  defined by a housing  1202  of an electronic device such that the mesh  1240  occludes or covers the port  1218 . The mesh  1240  can define a number of perforation holes  1248 . In another example, the mesh  1240  does not include perforation holes  1248  but includes porous materials noted elsewhere herein with reference to other mesh materials. In the illustrated example of  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , the port  1218  can include a recessed feature extending into a thickness of the housing  1202  from the external surface of the housing  1202 . The mesh  1240 , which defines the perforation holes  1248  and extends across the port  1218  thus includes an external surface  1258  that is recessed from the external surface  1242  of the housing  1202 . The perforation holes  1248  can extend through the mesh  1240  from the external surface  1258  thereof to the internal surface  1244  of the housing  1202 , which is shard with the mesh  1240 . Because the external surface  1258  is recessed from the external surface  1242  of the housing  1202 , the external surface  1258  of the mesh  1240  is less likely to be contacted and/or damaged during a fall event of the device, such as the device/housing  1202  being dropped on the ground or other surface or object by the user. 
     Any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B  can be included, either alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Likewise, any of the features, components, parts, including the arrangements and configurations thereof shown in the other figures can be included, either alone or in any combination, in the example of the devices, features, components, and parts shown in  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B . 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     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 target 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: 20220429
Publication Date: 20240611
Grant Date: 20240611
Priority Date: 20210913
Inventors: LIANG, Jiahui
DOYLE, ANDREW L.
Hyde, Christopher S.
PELLETIER, David M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/028", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 85479663