Earphone having a controlled acoustic leak port

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the face portion and the front side form a tapered portion of the earphone housing that is dimensioned to be inserted into, and contact, an ear of a wearer, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear, the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, and wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions and are positioned over a sound output face of the driver.

Battery for an electronic device

Earphone having an acoustic tuning mechanism

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear of a user. An acoustic tuning member is positioned within the body portion. The acoustic tuning member defines a back volume chamber of the driver and includes an acoustic output port for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to improve an acoustic performance of the earphone.

Earphone having an acoustic tuning mechanism

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear of a user. An acoustic tuning member is positioned within the body portion. The acoustic tuning member defines a back volume chamber of the driver and includes an acoustic output port for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to improve an acoustic performance of the earphone.

AUDIO SPEAKER WITH BACK VOLUME CONTAINING ADSORPTIVE MATERIAL

An audio speaker having a speaker housing surrounding a back volume that is divided into a rear cavity behind a speaker driver and an adsorption cavity separated from the rear cavity by a permeable partition, is disclosed. More particularly, the adsorption cavity may be defined between the speaker housing and the permeable partition, and may be directly filled with adsorptive particles to adsorb gas during sound generation. The permeable partition may allow the gas to flow between the rear cavity and the adsorption cavity, and may retain the adsorptive particles within the adsorption cavity. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. An audio speaker , comprising:a housing defining a back volume behind a speaker driver, wherein the speaker driver is to convert an electrical audio signal into a sound, the sound to propagate through a gas in the back volume;a permeable partition having a first side, a second side, and a perimeter, wherein the permeable partition is coupled with the housing along the perimeter to divide the back volume into a rear cavity defined between the speaker driver, the housing, and the first side of the permeable partition and an adsorption cavity defined between the housing and the second side of the permeable partition, and wherein the permeable partition includes a plurality of holes between the first side and the second side, each hole placing the rear cavity in fluid communication with the adsorption cavity to allow the gas to flow between the rear cavity and the adsorption cavity; andan adsorptive filler in the adsorption cavity, wherein the adsorptive filler is to adsorb the gas.2. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein the permeable partition is coupled with the housing by a hermetic seal.3. The audio speaker of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of holes are configured to prevent the adsorptive filler from passing between the adsorption cavity and the rear cavity.4. The audio speaker of claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of ...

AUDIO SPEAKER HAVING A RIGID ADSORPTIVE INSERT

An audio speaker having an adsorptive insert in a speaker back volume, is disclosed. More particularly, an embodiment includes an adsorptive insert having a rigid open-pore body formed by bonded adsorptive particles. The rigid open-pore body includes interconnected macropores that transport air from the speaker back volume to adsorptive micropores in the bonded adsorptive particles during sound generation. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. An audio speaker , comprising:a speaker housing having a speaker port and an inner surface;a loudspeaker mounted in the speaker port to define a back volume between the loudspeaker and the inner surface; andan adsorptive insert in the back volume and having a spatial volume being a same order of magnitude as the back volume, wherein the adsorptive insert includes a plurality of adsorptive particles bound together to form a rigid open-pore body having a hierarchical network of macropores between the bonded adsorptive particles, wherein an average macropore diameter of the hierarchical network of macropores is larger between the bonded adsorptive particles at an outer surface of the adsorptive insert than between the bonded adsorptive particles at a center of the adsorptive insert, and wherein the plurality of macropores are interconnected to transport air from the back volume to a plurality of micropores in the bonded adsorptive particles at the center of the adsorptive insert.2. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of interconnected macropores occupy less than 60% of the spatial volume.3. The audio speaker of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of bonded adsorptive particles occupy a majority of the spatial volume.4. The audio speaker of claim 3 , wherein the spatial volume occupies a majority of the back volume.5. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein substantially all of the outer surface is spaced apart from the inner surface.6. The audio speaker of further comprising an open-cell spacer between ...

EARPHONE HAVING A CONTROLLED ACOUSTIC LEAK PORT

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the face portion and the front side form a tapered portion of the earphone housing that is dimensioned to be inserted into, and contact, an ear of a wearer, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear, the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, and wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions and are positioned over a sound output face of the driver. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, andwherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions and are positioned over a sound output face of the driver.2. The earphone of wherein the back side is positioned within a concha of an ear when the end portion is inserted into the ear.3. The earphone of wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into an ear and the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment.4. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening is calibrated to modify a sound pressure level at around 6 kHz.5. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening has a surface area of from 3 mmto 12 mm.6. The earphone of ...

EARPHONE HAVING AN ACOUSTIC TUNING MECHANISM

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear of a user. An acoustic tuning member is positioned within the body portion. The acoustic tuning member defines a back volume chamber of the driver and includes an acoustic output port for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to improve an acoustic performance of the earphone. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear of a user; andan acoustic tuning member positioned within the body portion, the acoustic tuning member having (a) an open front portion that opens toward the driver and a back portion that defines a back volume chamber for the driver and (b) an acoustic pathway acoustically coupled to an acoustic output port formed through the acoustic tuning member, the acoustic pathway being formed along a rear surface of the acoustic tuning member.2. The earphone of wherein the acoustic pathway is an acoustic groove that mates with a housing groove formed along an inner surface of the earphone housing to form an acoustic channel claim 1 , the acoustic groove is dimensioned to alter an acoustic inductance or an acoustic resistance of the acoustic channel.3. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member is a cone shaped structure.4. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member has a different shape than the body portion.5. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member further comprises a volume modifying portion formed within a portion of the acoustic tuning member facing the driver claim 1 , wherein the volume modifying portion occupies a portion of the back volume chamber to change a volume of the back volume chamber without changing a form factor of the acoustic tuning member.6. The earphone of further comprising:a ...

AUDIO SPEAKER HAVING A HIGH-SATURATION MAGNETIC INSERT

An audio speaker having a magnetic system that includes a magnetic insert in a recess of a bottom plate, is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the magnetic system include a magnetic insert having a higher magnetic saturation level than the bottom plate. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. An audio speaker , comprising:a bottom plate having a support face and a recess, wherein the recess includes a recessed face below the support face, and wherein the bottom plate includes a first magnetic material having a first magnetic saturation level;a center magnet on the support face and over the recess;a lateral magnet on the support face and over the recess, the lateral magnet radially separated from the center magnet by a magnet gap;a voicecoil for driving a diaphragm, the voicecoil aligned with the magnet gap; anda magnetic insert in the recess on the recessed face, the magnetic insert below the lateral magnet and the center magnet to form a magnetic flux path from the lateral magnet to the center magnet, wherein the magnetic insert includes a second magnetic material having a second magnetic saturation level greater than the first magnetic saturation level.2. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic insert includes an upper face overlapping respective lower faces of the lateral magnet and the center magnet to form the magnetic flux path from the lateral magnet into a first overlapping portion of the upper face and from a second overlapping portion of the upper face to the center magnet.3. The audio speaker of claim 2 , wherein the first overlapping portion of the magnetic insert is in contact with the lateral magnet.4. The audio speaker of claim 3 , wherein the recess is in the support face such that the support face and the recessed face both face a forward direction.5. The audio speaker of claim 3 , wherein the recess is in a rear face of the bottom plate opposite from the support face such that the support face faces a forward ...

Capacitive position sensing for transducers

A micro speaker having a capacitive sensor to sense a motion of a speaker diaphragm, is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the micro speaker include a conductive surface of a diaphragm facing conductive surfaces of several capacitive plate sections across a gap. The diaphragm may be configured to emit sound forward away from a magnet of the micro speaker, and the capacitive plate sections may be supported on the magnet behind the diaphragm. In an embodiment, the gap provides an available travel for the diaphragm, which may be only a few millimeters. A sensing circuit may sense capacitances of the conductive surfaces to limit displacement of the diaphragm to within the available travel.

Earphone having a controlled acoustic leak port

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the face portion and the front side form a tapered portion of the earphone housing that is dimensioned to be inserted into, and contact, an ear of a wearer, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear, the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, and wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions and are positioned over a sound output face of the driver.

Capacitive displacement sensing circuit with a guard voltage source

A common plate is formed in a moveable element of a device, the device having an actuator coupled to drive the moveable element. A first plate and the common plate together form a first capacitance, while a second plate and the common plate together form a second capacitance, both of which varies as a function of displacement of the moveable element. A measurement circuit has an input coupled to the first plate, while an excitation voltage source has an output coupled to the second plate. A guard voltage source has an output coupled to a conductive portion of the device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Audio speaker having a high-saturation magnetic insert

An audio speaker having a magnetic system that includes a magnetic insert in a recess of a bottom plate, is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the magnetic system include a magnetic insert having a higher magnetic saturation level than the bottom plate. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Capacitive Displacement Sensing Circuit With A Guard Voltage Source

A common plate is formed in a moveable element of a device, the device having an actuator coupled to drive the moveable element. A first plate and the common plate together form a first capacitance, while a second plate and the common plate together form a second capacitance, both of which varies as a function of displacement of the moveable element. A measurement circuit has an input coupled to the first plate, while an excitation voltage source has an output coupled to the second plate. A guard voltage source has an output coupled to a conductive portion of the device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Moving coil motor arrangement with a sound outlet for reducing magnetic particle ingress in transducers

An electromechanical transducer including a magnetic circuit having a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetic gap into which a voice coil associated with a diaphragm is at least partially inserted, the magnetic field having a primary flux component and a secondary flux component. The transducer further including a housing positioned around the magnetic circuit, the housing having an acoustic spout whose sound outlet opening is positioned outside of a portion of the magnetic field that is dominated by the primary flux component. A transducer including an enclosure having a top wall, a bottom wall, at least one side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall and an acoustic spout extending from the top wall or the bottom wall, a diaphragm, a voice coil and a magnet assembly having a ring magnet and a gap within which the voice coil is positioned.

EARPHONE HAVING AN ACOUSTIC TUNING MECHANISM

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a body portion acoustically coupled to a tube portion extending from the body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear canal of a wearer. An acoustic tuning member is positioned within the body portion for acoustically coupling the driver to the tube portion. The acoustic tuning member defines a back volume chamber of the driver and includes an acoustic output port for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to the tube portion to improve an acoustic performance of the earphone. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a body portion acoustically coupled to a tube portion extending from the body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear canal of a wearer; andan acoustic tuning member positioned within the body portion for acoustically coupling the driver to the tube portion, the acoustic tuning member defining a back volume chamber for the driver and forming an acoustic pathway for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to the tube portion.2. The earphone of wherein the acoustic pathway comprises an acoustic output port formed through the acoustic tuning member and an acoustic groove formed along an outer surface of the acoustic tuning member.3. The earphone of wherein the acoustic groove mates with a housing groove formed along an inner surface of the earphone housing to form an acoustic channel between the acoustic output port and the tube portion claim 2 , the acoustic groove is dimensioned to alter an acoustic inductance or an acoustic resistance of the acoustic channel.4. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member is a cone shaped structure having an open face that faces a back face of the driver.5. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member has different dimensions than the body portion. ...

EARPHONE HAVING A CONTROLLED ACOUSTIC LEAK PORT

An earphone having an earphone housing including a tip portion dimensioned to be inserted into an ear canal of a wearer, a body portion extending outward from the tip portion, and a tube portion extending from the body portion. The body portion has a face portion that faces a pinna region of the ear when the tip portion is inserted into the ear canal. A primary output opening, that outputs sound from a driver in the housing to the ear canal, is formed in the tip portion. A secondary output opening, that outputs air from the ear canal to the surrounding environment, is formed in the face portion. The primary output opening and the secondary output opening are horizontally aligned when the tube portion is positioned vertically downward and an angle formed between the primary output opening, the tube portion and the secondary output opening is less than 90 degrees. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a tip portion dimensioned to be inserted into an ear canal of a wearer, a body portion extending outward from the tip portion, and a tube portion extending from the body portion, wherein the body portion has a face portion that faces a pinna region of the ear when the tip portion is inserted into the ear canal;a primary output opening formed in the tip portion, the primary output opening to output sound generated by a diaphragm of a driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear canal; anda secondary output opening formed in the face portion, the secondary output opening to vent the ear canal to a surrounding environment,wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening are horizontally aligned when the tube portion is positioned vertically downward and an angle formed between the primary output opening, a longitudinal axis of the tube portion and the secondary output opening is less than 90 degrees.2. The earphone of wherein the body portion rests within a concha of the ear when the tip portion is inserted into the ear canal.3 ...

MICROPHONE WITH ACOUSTIC MESH TO PROTECT AGAINST SUDDEN ACOUSTIC SHOCK

A portable electronic device having an outer case having a substantially planar face in which a microphone associated acoustic port is formed. The device also has a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone positioned within the outer case, the MEMS microphone having a diaphragm facing the microphone associated acoustic port. An acoustic mesh is positioned between the front face of the outer case and the diaphragm, the acoustic mesh having a non-linear acoustic resistance so as to minimize an effect of an incoming air burst on the diaphragm. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. A portable electronic device comprising:an outer case having a substantially planar face in which a microphone associated acoustic port is formed;a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone positioned within the outer case, the MEMS microphone having a diaphragm facing the microphone associated acoustic port; anda closed mesh positioned between the substantially planar face of the outer case and the diaphragm, the closed mesh having a non-linear acoustic resistance that is to reduce an effect of an incoming air burst on the diaphragm.2. (canceled)3. The portable electronic device of wherein the acoustic resistance of the closed mesh is at least 1000 MKS rayls.4. The portable electronic device of wherein the microphone associated acoustic port is dimensioned to tune an absolute acoustic resistance of the closed mesh.5. The portable electronic device of wherein the closed mesh is a first acoustic mesh claim 1 , the device further comprising:a second acoustic mesh positioned over the microphone associated acoustic port.6. The portable electronic device of wherein the absolute acoustic resistance is from 600 MKS rayls to 2000 MKS rayls.7. The portable electronic device of wherein the device is a mobile telephone.8. A portable electronic device comprising:an outer case having a substantially planar face in which an acoustic port is formed;a transducer positioned ...

Handling power dissipation in a multi microspeaker module

Embodiments of the invention include a micro speaker assembly that has two drivers, each having a separate yoke, set of magnets, voice coil, and acoustic diaphragms. One driver may produce high frequency (HF) sound while the other produces low frequency (LF) sound. The two drivers may be packaged, side-by-side, within the same micro speaker acoustic enclosure. The drivers may have their respective magnet systems physically connected to each other, in order to enhance heat transfer from one to the other. In particular, a thermally conductive portion or bridge may be used to directly join or thermally connect adjacent edges of the yoke portions of the two magnet systems, in order to enhance heat transfer between the first and second micro speaker drivers. Thus, the assembly can handle more power without overheating. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

High performance low profile top speaker

This disclosure describes a speaker assembly suitable for use in a portable electronic device utilizing water resistant ports. The speaker assembly can have an open back that subjects a back volume of the speaker to pressure differentials within a device housing of the portable electronic device. The speaker assembly can utilize a speaker surround having a varying thickness. The varying thickness speaker surround allows the speaker to maintain an acceptable frequency response profile while limiting the travel of the diaphragm it is coupled with. The disclosure also describes how electrically conductive pathways can be integrated within a housing of the speaker assembly.

SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR MICRO-SPEAKERS

A speaker driver including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. A sound radiating surface may be suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface may include a top face and a bottom face, and the bottom face may face the magnet assembly. A suspension member may suspend the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly. The suspension member may include a top side connected to the bottom face of the sound radiating surface and a bottom side connected to the magnet assembly. A voice coil extends from the bottom face of the sound radiating surface. 1. A speaker driver comprising:a frame;a magnet assembly positioned within the frame;a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly, the sound radiating surface having a top face and a bottom face, and wherein the bottom face faces the magnet assembly;a suspension member for suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly, the suspension member having a top side connected to the bottom face of the sound radiating surface and a bottom side connected to the magnet assembly; anda voice coil extending from the bottom face of the sound radiating surface.2. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member comprises a resilient material configured to compress and expand in a z-height direction in response to a movement of the sound radiating surface.3. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member comprises a resilient tube.4. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member is configured to acoustically seal the sound radiating surface to the magnet assembly.5. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member is a first suspension member claim 1 , and the speaker driver further comprises a second suspension member connected to a top face of the sound radiating surface and the frame.6. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member is confined to an area within a footprint of the sound radiating surface.7. The speaker driver of wherein the ...

Moving coil motor arrangement with a sound outlet for reducing magnetic particle ingress in transducers

An electromechanical transducer including a magnetic circuit having a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field and a magnetic gap into which a voice coil associated with a diaphragm is at least partially inserted, the magnetic field having a primary flux component and a secondary flux component. The transducer further including a housing positioned around the magnetic circuit, the housing having an acoustic spout whose sound outlet opening is positioned outside of a portion of the magnetic field that is dominated by the primary flux component. A transducer including an enclosure having a top wall, a bottom wall, at least one side wall connecting the top wall to the bottom wall and an acoustic spout extending from the top wall or the bottom wall, a diaphragm, a voice coil and a magnet assembly having a ring magnet and a gap within which the voice coil is positioned.

HIGH ASPECT RATIO MICROSPEAKER HAVING A TWO-PLANE SUSPENSION

A microspeaker includes a frame and a diaphragm having length sides that are longer than its width sides. A magnet is positioned below the diaphragm. A yoke includes a base portion positioned below the magnet and sidewalls which extend from the base portion, the yoke sidewalls positioned only along a length dimension of the magnet. A voice coil includes an upper end attached to a bottom face of the diaphragm and a lower end positioned within a gap formed between the length dimension of the magnet and the yoke sidewalls. A first suspension member is attached to the length sides and the width sides of the diaphragm and the frame. The first suspension member is within a first plane. A second suspension member is attached to the lower end of the voice coil and the frame. The second suspension member is in a second plane different from the first plane. 1. A microspeaker comprising:a frame;a diaphragm positioned within the frame, the diaphragm having length sides and width sides, wherein the length sides are longer than the width sides;a magnet positioned below the diaphragm;a yoke having a base portion positioned below the magnet and yoke sidewalls which extend from the base portion, the yoke sidewalls positioned only along a length dimension of the magnet;a voice coil having an upper end attached to a bottom face of the diaphragm and a lower end positioned within a gap formed between the length dimension of the magnet and the yoke sidewalls;a first suspension member having an inner edge attached to the length sides and the width sides of the diaphragm and an outer edge extending to the frame, wherein the first suspension member is within a first plane; anda second suspension member having an inner edge attached to the lower end of the voice coil and an outer edge attached to the frame, wherein the second suspension member is in a second plane different from the first plane.2. The microspeaker of wherein the second suspension member has a greater stiffness in an x- ...

VENTED ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCERS AND RELATED METHODS AND SYSTEMS

An acoustic transducer can have an acoustic diaphragm defining a barometric vent configured to equalize a barometric pressure-gradient across the acoustic diaphragm. Such a barometric vent can be formed by an aperture through the acoustic diaphragm. A gas-permeable vent membrane can be coupled with the acoustic diaphragm and extend across the aperture. The vent membrane can inhibit movement of liquid across the vent membrane. An acoustic-transducer module can include a chassis a chassis configured to mount the acoustic-transducer module to another module, and a suspension system can movably couple the acoustic diaphragm with the chassis. Such an acoustic-transducer module can sealably couple with a housing of a water-resistant electronic device to inhibit a flow of liquid into the housing while providing a water-resistant barometric vent to the housing, as well as an acoustic diaphragm having a sufficient size to meet or exceed selected acoustic-performance targets. 1. An acoustic transducer , comprising an acoustic diaphragm having opposed first and second major surfaces and defining a barometric vent configured to equalize a barometric pressure gradient as between the first and second major surfaces.2. The acoustic transducer according to claim 1 , wherein the barometric vent comprises an aperture defined by the acoustic diaphragm claim 1 , wherein the acoustic transducer further comprises a gas-permeable vent membrane coupled with the acoustic diaphragm and extending across the aperture.3. The acoustic transducer according to claim 2 , wherein the vent membrane inhibits movement of liquid across the membrane.4. The acoustic transducer according to claim 3 , wherein the vent membrane prevents movement of water across the vent membrane for hydrostatic pressure gradients across the vent membrane below a selected threshold hydrostatic pressure gradient across the vent membrane.5. The acoustic transducer according to claim 4 , wherein the vent membrane comprises a ...

EARPIECE INTEGRATED MAGNETIC SHIELDING FOR MITIGATING INGRESS OF MAGNETIC PARTICLES

This document describes methods and apparatus for reducing a magnetic field emitted by an earpiece assembly from extending substantially outside a device associated with the earpiece assembly. Where the earpiece assembly is susceptible to ingress of magnetically attractable particles into the earpiece assembly such a reduction can prolong an operational life of the earpiece assembly. By insert molding magnetically permeable materials throughout an enclosure that surrounds and supports a permanent magnet of the earpiece assembly, a portion of a magnetic field emanating from the permanent magnet that extends outside the device can be substantially reduced or redirected so that the magnetic field ceases to draw the magnetically attractable particles into the earpiece assembly. 120-. (canceled)21. A speaker assembly for an electronic device , the speaker assembly comprising:a speaker, comprising a magnetic element that emits a magnetic field used to actuate an acoustic membrane that generates audio signals during operation of the speaker assembly; anda speaker enclosure substantially surrounding the speaker assembly and defining an opening that provides an outlet for the audio signals generated by the acoustic membrane, the speaker enclosure comprising magnetically permeable material distributed around the opening in a manner that redirects the magnetic field so that magnetically attractable particles from an external environment are inhibited from being magnetically drawn through the opening.22. The speaker assembly as recited in claim 21 , wherein the redirection of the magnetic field by the magnetically permeable material reorients a plurality of magnetic field lines of the magnetic field away from a direction normal to an entrance into the opening defined by the speaker enclosure.23. The speaker assembly as recited in claim 22 , wherein magnetic forces generated by the magnetic field and exerted upon the magnetically attractable particles are directed away from the ...

MOLDED ACOUSTIC MESH FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

An electronic device has a speaker housing secured within the device housing. The speaker housing has a cavity with a speaker at one end and a port at the other configured to communicate through an aperture in the housing of the electronic device. A panel of acoustic mesh is integrally formed within the cavity of the housing and is disposed between the port and the speaker. In other embodiments flexible structures are integrally molded onto a plate or the acoustic device and used to secure and acoustically seal the acoustic device within the device housing. 1. A speaker housing comprising:one or more walls forming a cavity having a first end in communication with a speaker and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the second end having a port opening to an exterior environment;a panel of acoustic mesh disposed within the cavity between the first end and the port and having a portion integrally molded with at least one of the one or more walls.2. The speaker housing of further comprising a speaker secured to the one or more walls and configured to be in acoustic communication with the first end of the cavity.3. The speaker housing of wherein the panel of acoustic mesh has a perimeter that is integrally formed with the one or more walls.4. The speaker housing of wherein the panel of acoustic mesh is configured to span across the entire cavity.5. The speaker housing of wherein the panel of acoustic mesh is insert molded into the one or more walls.6. The speaker housing of wherein the one or more walls are made from a plastic material.7. The speaker housing of wherein the speaker housing is integrally formed into a housing of an electronic device.8. The speaker housing of wherein a panel of cosmetic mesh is disposed between the panel of acoustic mesh and the exterior environment.9. The speaker housing of wherein the one or more walls are configured to mate to a housing of an electronic device such that acoustic energy may pass from a speaker disposed at the ...

Audio Speaker Surround Geometry For Improved Pistonic Motion

An audio speaker having a suspension system including a surround to support a diaphragm within a frame and to reduce non-pistonic motion of the diaphragm at several resonant frequencies is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the surround include a film that undulates in a peripheral direction around the diaphragm and includes several undulations above and below a radial gap between the diaphragm and the frame. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

EARPHONE HAVING AN ACOUSTIC TUNING MECHANISM

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear of a user. An acoustic tuning member is positioned within the body portion. The acoustic tuning member defines a back volume chamber of the driver and includes an acoustic output port for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to improve an acoustic performance of the earphone. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear of a user; andan acoustic tuning member positioned within the body portion, the acoustic tuning member having (a) an open front portion that opens toward the driver and a back portion that defines a back volume chamber for the driver and (b) an acoustic pathway acoustically coupled to an acoustic output slot formed in the acoustic tuning member.2. The earphone of wherein the acoustic pathway is an acoustic groove formed within a rear surface of the acoustic tuning member claim 1 , the acoustic groove mates with a housing groove formed along an inner surface of the earphone housing to form an acoustic channel claim 1 , and the acoustic groove is dimensioned to alter an acoustic inductance or an acoustic resistance of the acoustic channel.3. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member is a cone shaped structure.4. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member has a different shape than the body portion.5. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member further comprises a volume modifying portion formed within a portion of the acoustic tuning member facing the driver claim 1 , wherein the volume modifying portion occupies a portion of the back volume chamber to change a volume of the back volume chamber without changing a form factor of the acoustic tuning member.6. The earphone of further comprising:a vent ...

Audio Speaker Surround Geometry For Improved Pistonic Motion

An audio speaker having a suspension system including a surround to support a diaphragm within a frame and to reduce non-pistonic motion of the diaphragm at several resonant frequencies is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the surround include a film that undulates in a peripheral direction around the diaphragm and includes several undulations above and below a radial gap between the diaphragm and the frame. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. A speaker surround , comprising:a film having an inner edge separated from an outer edge along a radial plane, the film including a film surface undulating in a peripheral direction between the inner edge and the outer edge, wherein the film surface includes a plurality of upper undulations above the radial plane and a plurality of lower undulations below the radial plane, wherein the undulations include respective surface boundaries defined by the inner edge, the outer edge, and respective pairs of radial line segments extending along the radial plane from the inner edge to the outer edge, and wherein the undulations include respective smooth surface curvatures extending across the respective surface boundaries.2. The speaker surround of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of upper undulations comprise an upper undulation having an upper surface curvature defined by an upper peripheral chord intersecting an upper radial chord at an upper apex above the radial plane claim 1 , and wherein the plurality of lower undulations comprise a lower undulation having a lower surface curvature defined by a lower peripheral chord intersecting a lower radial chord at a lower apex below the radial plane.3. The speaker surround of claim 2 , wherein the upper peripheral chord is contiguous with the lower peripheral chord such that the upper undulation and the lower undulation are arranged sequentially in the peripheral direction.4. The speaker surround of claim 3 , wherein the respective surface boundaries of the ...

ULTRASOUND RANGING FOR MOBILE DEVICES

Ultrasonic ranging for mobile devices is disclosed. A mobile device using ultrasonic ranging can include an ultrasound transmitter capable of emitting an ultrasound signal for detection by a proximate device and an ultrasound receiver capable of receiving an ultrasound signal from the proximate device. The mobile device can then use a time lapse associated with one or both of these ultrasound signals to find a range to the proximate device. 1. A mobile device comprising:an ultrasound transmitter capable of emitting a first signal to another device; andan ultrasound receiver capable of receiving a second signal from the other device,wherein the mobile device is capable of determining a range of the other device based on a time lapse associated with the second signal and independent of the first signal.2. The mobile device of claim 1 , further comprising:an RF transmitter capable of transmitting an RF signal to the other device.3. The mobile device of claim 1 , further comprising:an optical transmitter capable of transmitting an optical signal to the other device.4. The mobile device of claim 1 , further comprising:an audio receiver capable of detecting a third signal from an external audio source.5. The mobile device of claim 1 , further comprising:a processor capable of finding the range based on a time lapse between time of transmission of the second signal and time of receipt of the second signal.6. The mobile device of claim 1 , further comprising:a processor capable of finding the range based on a time lapse between time of receipt of the second signal and time of receipt of an RF signal received from the other device.7. The mobile device of claim 1 , further comprising:an electromagnetic transmitter capable of transmitting an electromagnetic wave to the other device to synchronize a clock of the mobile device with a clock of the other device so as to accurately calculate the time lapse.8. The mobile device of claim 1 , further comprising:a processor capable of ...

CAPACITIVE POSITION SENSING FOR TRANSDUCERS

A micro speaker having a capacitive sensor to sense a motion of a speaker diaphragm, is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the micro speaker include a conductive surface of a diaphragm facing conductive surfaces of several capacitive plate sections across a gap. The diaphragm may be configured to emit sound forward away from a magnet of the micro speaker, and the capacitive plate sections may be supported on the magnet behind the diaphragm. In an embodiment, the gap provides an available travel for the diaphragm, which may be only a few millimeters. A sensing circuit may sense capacitances of the conductive surfaces to limit displacement of the diaphragm to within the available travel. 1. A micro speaker , comprising:a diaphragm coupled with a motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly includes a voicecoil and a magnet configured to move the diaphragm to emit sound forward away from the magnet, and wherein the diaphragm includes a conductive surface facing the magnet;a plurality of capacitive plate sections supported on the magnet behind the diaphragm, wherein the capacitive plate sections are electrically insulated from each other, and wherein each capacitive plate section includes a respective conductive surface facing the conductive surface of the diaphragm across a gap distance; anda sensing circuit electrically connected with the capacitive plate sections.2. The micro speaker of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of capacitive plate sections includes at least three capacitive plate sections electrically insulated from each other across one or more slot.3. The micro speaker of claim 2 , wherein the at least three capacitive plate sections includes capacitive plate quadrants separated by a pair of intersecting slots.4. The micro speaker of further comprising an insulating layer between the capacitive plate sections and the magnet.5. The micro speaker of claim 4 , wherein the slots extend through the capacitive plate sections claim 4 , the insulating layer ...

VALVE FOR ACOUSTIC PORT

A portable electronic device including an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber. A speaker module is positioned within the interior chamber and includes a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker. The back volume chamber includes an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The device further including an electromechanical valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber. The electromechanical valve is operable to transition between an open configuration in which the acoustic vent port is open to the interior chamber and a closed configuration in which the acoustic vent port is closed off from the interior chamber. 1. A portable electronic device comprising:an enclosure having an enclosure wall that forms an interior chamber;a speaker module positioned within the interior chamber, the speaker module having a speaker and a module wall forming a back volume chamber of the speaker, wherein the back volume chamber comprises an acoustic vent port formed through the module wall to acoustically couple the back volume chamber to the interior chamber; andan electromechanical valve for regulating the acoustic coupling of the back volume chamber to the interior chamber, the electromechanical valve is operable to transition between an open configuration in which the acoustic vent port is open to the interior chamber and a closed configuration in which the acoustic vent port is closed off from the interior chamber.2. The portable electronic device of wherein the speaker comprises a receiver mode and a speaker mode claim 1 , and the electromechanical valve transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on whether the speaker is in the receiver mode or the speaker mode.3. The portable electronic device of wherein the electromechanical valve is in the open configuration ...

EARPHONE HAVING A CONTROLLED ACOUSTIC LEAK PORT

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear and the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, and wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear and the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, andwherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions.2. The earphone of wherein the back side is positioned within a concha of the ear when the tapered portion is inserted into the ear.3. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening is calibrated to tune an acoustic response of the earphone.4. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening is calibrated to modify a sound pressure level at around 6 kHz.5. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening has a surface area of from 3 mmto 12 mm.6. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening has an elongated shape that extends outward from the ear when the end portion is positioned in the ear.7. The earphone of wherein the ...

EARPHONE HAVING AN ACOUSTIC TUNING MECHANISM

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear of a user. An acoustic tuning member is positioned within the body portion. The acoustic tuning member defines a back volume chamber of the driver and includes an acoustic output port for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to improve an acoustic performance of the earphone. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear of a user; andan acoustic tuning member positioned within the body portion, the acoustic tuning member having (a) an open front portion that opens toward the driver and a back portion that defines a back volume chamber for the driver and (b) an acoustic pathway acoustically coupled to an acoustic output port formed through the acoustic tuning member, the acoustic pathway being formed along a rear surface of the acoustic tuning member.2. The earphone of wherein the acoustic pathway is an acoustic groove that mates with a housing groove formed along an inner surface of the earphone housing to form an acoustic channel claim 1 , the acoustic groove is dimensioned to alter an acoustic inductance or an acoustic resistance of the acoustic channel.3. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member is a cone shaped structure.4. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member has a different shape than the body portion.5. The earphone of wherein the acoustic tuning member further comprises a volume modifying portion formed within a portion of the acoustic tuning member facing the driver claim 1 , wherein the volume modifying portion occupies a portion of the back volume chamber to change a volume of the back volume chamber without changing a form factor of the acoustic tuning member.6. The earphone of further comprising:a ...

SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR MICRO-SPEAKERS

A speaker driver including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. A sound radiating surface may be suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface may include a top face and a bottom face, and the bottom face may face the magnet assembly. A suspension member may suspend the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly. The suspension member may include a top side connected to the bottom face of the sound radiating surface and a bottom side connected to assembly support member that is separate from the magnet assembly. A voice coil extends from the bottom face of the sound radiating surface. 1. A speaker driver comprising:a frame;a magnet assembly positioned within the frame;a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly, the sound radiating surface having a top face and a bottom face, and wherein the bottom face faces the magnet assembly;a suspension member for suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly, the suspension member having a top side connected to the bottom face of the sound radiating surface and a bottom side connected to a support member; anda voice coil extending from the bottom face of the sound radiating surface.2. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member comprises a resilient material configured to compress and expand in a z-height direction in response to a movement of the sound radiating surface.3. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member comprises a resilient tube.4. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member is configured to acoustically seal the sound radiating surface to the magnet assembly.5. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member is a first suspension member claim 1 , and the speaker driver further comprises a second suspension member connected to a top face of the sound radiating surface and the frame.6. The speaker driver of wherein the suspension member is a) confined to an area within a footprint of the sound radiating ...

LONG-THROW ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER

An acoustic transducer includes a housing, which may be a circular cylinder or may have a rectangular cross-section. Two permanent magnets that closely fit the inside of the housing are joined by a linkage having a high magnetic permeability to form a piston that is inserted into the housing. Two pole coils surround the housing with each coil adjacent one of the permanent magnets. The coils are arranged to cause the piston to oscillate within the housing and emit sound waves when coupled to an electrical signal. One end of the housing may be closed except for a barometric leak. A third permanent magnet or a spring may provide a restoring force that centers the piston between the coils when the piston is not subjected to other forces. One of the permanent magnets on the piston may include a vent passage. 1. An acoustic transducer comprising:a housing; a linkage having a high magnetic permeability,', 'a first permanent magnet closely fit to the inside of the housing and coupled to a first end of the linkage to provide a first magnetic pole, and', 'a second permanent magnet closely fit to the inside of the housing and coupled to a second end of the linkage opposite the first end to provide a second magnetic pole;, 'a piston including'}a first pole coil surrounding the housing adjacent the first permanent magnet; anda second pole coil surrounding the housing adjacent the second permanent magnet;wherein the first pole coil and the second pole coil are arranged to cause the piston to oscillate within the housing when coupled to an electrical signal.2. The acoustic transducer of wherein one end of the housing is closed except for a small hole that provides a barometric leak.3. The acoustic transducer of further comprising at least one pole piece having a high magnetic permeability placed adjacent the first pole coil and the second pole coil.4. The acoustic transducer of wherein at least one of the first and second permanent magnets includes a vent passage that couples a ...

EARPHONE HAVING A CONTROLLED ACOUSTIC LEAK PORT

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the face portion and the front side form a tapered portion of the earphone housing that is dimensioned to be inserted into, and contact, an ear of a wearer, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear, the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, and wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions and are positioned over a sound output face of the driver. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear and the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, andwherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions.2. The earphone of wherein the back side is positioned within a concha of the ear when the tapered portion is inserted into the ear.3. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening is calibrated to tune an acoustic response of the earphone.4. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening is calibrated to modify a sound pressure level at around 6 kHz.5. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening has a surface ...

SPEAKER WITH FLEX CIRCUIT ACOUSTIC RADIATOR

A speaker assembly including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. The magnet assembly may include a magnet and a top plate. The assembly further including a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface includes a flexible circuit. A suspension suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly is further provided. The suspension may be over molded to the sound radiating surface and the frame. A voice coil extends from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface and electrically connects to the flexible circuit. 1. A speaker assembly diaphragm comprising:a first material layer comprising a polymer material;a second material layer comprising a conductive material; anda third material layer comprising a polymer material, and wherein the second material layer is between the first material layer and the third material layer.2. The speaker assembly diaphragm of wherein the first material layer and the third material layer comprise a polyimide or a polyester.3. The speaker assembly diaphragm of wherein both the first material layer and the third material layer comprise a polyimide.4. The speaker assembly diaphragm of wherein one of the first material layer or the third material layer comprises polyethylene naphthalate.5. The speaker assembly diaphragm of further comprising:a fourth material layer comprising a polyester, wherein the second material layer is laminated with the fourth material layer.6. The speaker assembly diaphragm of wherein the conductive material of the second material layer comprises a metal.7. The speaker assembly diaphragm of wherein the conductive material of the second material layer comprises copper or aluminum.8. A speaker assembly diaphragm comprising:a cover layer comprising a polymer material;a conductive layer coupled to the cover layer, the conductive layer comprising a conductive material and a polymer material; anda stiffener layer coupled to a side of the ...

EARPHONE HAVING A CONTROLLED ACOUSTIC LEAK PORT

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the face portion and the front side form a tapered portion of the earphone housing that is dimensioned to be inserted into, and contact, an ear of a wearer, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear, the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, and wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions and are positioned over a sound output face of the driver. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the face portion and the front side form a tapered portion of the earphone housing that is dimensioned to be inserted into, and contact, an ear of a wearer, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear and the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, andwherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions and are positioned over a sound output face of the driver.2. The earphone of wherein the back side is positioned within a concha of the ear when the tapered portion is inserted into the ear.3. The earphone of wherein the secondary output opening is calibrated to tune an ...

EARBUD WITH MEMBRANE BASED ACOUSTIC MASS LOADING

An in-ear earphone housing has a speaker driver installed therein. The driver has a diaphragm with a front face and a rear face, and a motor to vibrate the diaphragm in accordance with an audio signal. A back volume chamber is positioned behind the driver within the earphone housing. The diaphragm is part of a wall of the back volume chamber. An acoustic mass loading membrane that is part of a wall of the back volume chamber, and that is to vibrate in response to acoustic waves produced by vibration of the diaphragm impinging on a front face of the membrane, is provided. Other embodiments are also described and claimed, including a polymer production process for an elastic material. 1. An earphone comprising:an in-ear earphone housing;a speaker driver installed in the housing, the driver having a diaphragm with a front face and a rear face, and a motor to vibrate the diaphragm in accordance with an audio signal;a back volume chamber within the earphone housing, wherein the diaphragm is part of a wall of the back volume chamber; andan acoustic mass loading membrane that is part of a wall of the back volume chamber and that is to vibrate in response to acoustic waves, produced by vibration of the rear face of the diaphragm, impinging on a front face of the membrane.2. The earphone of wherein the membrane provides acoustic mass loading in that low frequency response of the driver is extended as compared to when the membrane is absent.3. The earphone of wherein the membrane exhibits a lowest normal vibration mode between 20 Hz-100 Hz.4. The earphone of wherein the membrane comprises a stiff central section and a flexible annular section claim 1 , wherein the flexible annular section is fixed claim 1 , along its entire periphery claim 1 , to a wall of the back volume chamber claim 1 , and allows the central section to vibrate.5. The earphone of wherein the membrane exhibits a lowest normal vibration mode between 20 Hz-100 Hz.6. The earphone of wherein the membrane is ...

AUDIO SPEAKER HAVING A RIGID ADSORPTIVE INSERT

An audio speaker having an adsorptive insert in a speaker back volume, is disclosed. More particularly, an embodiment includes an adsorptive insert having a rigid open-pore body formed by bonded adsorptive particles. The rigid open-pore body includes interconnected macropores that transport air from the speaker back volume to adsorptive micropores in the bonded adsorptive particles during sound generation. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. (canceled)2. An audio speaker , comprising:a speaker housing having a speaker port and an inner surface;a loudspeaker mounted in the speaker port to define a back volume between the loudspeaker and the inner surface; andan adsorptive insert in the back volume, wherein the adsorptive insert includes a plurality of adsorptive particles bound together to form an open-pore body having a hierarchical network of macropores to transport air from the back volume at an outer surface of the adsorptive insert to a center of the adsorptive insert, and wherein the adsorptive insert has a lower density at the outer surface than at the center.3. The audio speaker of claim 2 , wherein the hierarchical network of macropores occupies less than 60% of the spatial volume.4. The audio speaker of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of bonded adsorptive particles occupy a majority of a spatial volume of the open-pore body.5. The audio speaker of claim 4 , wherein the spatial volume occupies a majority of the back volume.6. The audio speaker of claim 2 , wherein substantially all of the outer surface is spaced apart from the inner surface.7. The audio speaker of further comprising an open-cell spacer between the outer surface and the inner surface.8. The audio speaker of claim 7 , wherein the open-cell spacer includes an open-cell foam material.9. The audio speaker of claim 8 , wherein the adsorptive insert includes one or more protrusions extending from a surrounding portion of the outer surface claim 8 , the protrusions having respective ...

AUDIO SPEAKER HAVING A RIGID ADSORPTIVE INSERT

An audio speaker having an adsorptive insert in a speaker back volume, is disclosed. More particularly, an embodiment includes an adsorptive insert having a rigid open-pore body formed by bonded adsorptive particles. The rigid open-pore body includes interconnected macropores that transport air from the speaker back volume to adsorptive micropores in the bonded adsorptive particles during sound generation. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. An audio speaker , comprising:a speaker housing having a speaker port and an inner surface;a loudspeaker mounted in the speaker port to define a back volume between the loudspeaker and the inner surface;an adsorptive insert in the back volume, wherein the adsorptive insert includes a plurality of adsorptive particles bound together to form an open-pore body having a network of macropores interconnected to transport air from the back volume to a plurality of micropores in the bonded adsorptive particles, and wherein the adsorptive insert has an outer surface; anda spacer between the outer surface and the inner surface, wherein the spacer is disposed against the outer surface and the inner surface and has a thickness at least twice a diameter of the macropores to maintain the speaker housing and the adsorptive insert in a spaced apart relationship.2. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein a first average diameter of the macropores at a center of the open-pore body is less than a second average diameter of the macropores at the outer surface.3. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein the spacer includes an open-cell spacer having a first porous surface disposed against the outer surface and a second porous surface exposed to air in the back volume to transport air from the back volume to the macropores at the outer surface.4. The audio speaker of claim 3 , wherein the open-cell spacer includes an open-cell foam material.5. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein the spacer includes an adhesive spacer bonding the ...

CAPACITIVE SENSING OF A MOVING-COIL STRUCTURE WITH AN INSET PLATE

A speaker assembly including a sound radiating surface suspended over a magnet assembly, a suspension member for suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly, a voice coil extending from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface, and a capacitive displacement sensor for sensing a movement of the sound radiating surface. The capacitive displacement sensor including a first conductive plate fixedly positioned over the sound radiating surface and a second conductive plate coupled to the sound radiating surface and vertically aligned with the first conductive plate, and wherein the second conductive plate is confined to an area that is entirely radially inward of the voice coil. 1. A speaker assembly comprising:a sound radiating surface suspended over a magnet assembly;a suspension member for suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly;a voice coil extending from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface; anda capacitive displacement sensor for sensing a movement of the sound radiating surface, the capacitive displacement sensor comprising a first conductive plate fixedly positioned over the sound radiating surface and a second conductive plate embedded within the sound radiating surface and vertically aligned with the first conductive plate, and wherein the second conductive plate is confined to an area of the sound radiating surface that is entirely radially inward of the voice coil and is at a predetermined distance from an inner surface of the voice coil.2. The speaker assembly of wherein the sound radiating surface comprises a flexible printed circuit board and the second conductive plate is embedded within a portion of the flexible printed circuit board entirely radially inward of the voice coil.3. The speaker assembly of wherein the sound radiating surface comprises a plurality of material layers and the second conductive plate is formed by at least one of the plurality of material layers.4. The speaker assembly of ...

EARPHONE HAVING A CONTROLLED ACOUSTIC LEAK PORT

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear and the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, and wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a housing wall that encloses a driver, the driver having a front face that outputs sound waves and a back face opposite the front face, the housing wall defines a first chamber coupled to the front face of the driver and a second chamber coupled to the back face of the driver,a primary opening is formed through a portion of the housing wall forming the first chamber anda first port and a second port are formed through portions of the housing wall coupled to the second chamber, the first port and the second port face different directions and are open to a surrounding environment.2. The earphone of wherein the housing wall comprises (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which the primary output opening is formed claim 1 , which joins (3) a face portion claim 1 , which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side claim 1 , and the first chamber is formed by the face portion and the end portion claim 1 , and the second chamber is formed by the front side and the back side claim 1 , and the back side is positioned within a concha of the ear when the end portion is inserted into the ear.3. The earphone of further comprising:a secondary opening, wherein both the primary opening and the secondary opening are formed through at least a portion of the ...

SPEAKER WITH FLEX CIRCUIT ACOUSTIC RADIATOR

A speaker assembly including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. The magnet assembly may include a magnet and a top plate. The assembly further including a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface includes a flexible circuit. A suspension suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly is further provided. The suspension may be over molded to the sound radiating surface and the frame. A voice coil extends from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface and electrically connects to the flexible circuit. 1. A speaker assembly comprising:a frame;a magnet assembly positioned within the frame, the magnet assembly having a magnet;a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly, the sound radiating surface comprising a flexible circuit;a suspension suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly; anda voice coil extending from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface and electrically connected to the flexible circuit.2. The speaker assembly of wherein the sound radiating surface is formed from the flexible circuit claim 1 , and the flexible circuit is thermoformed to have an out-of-plane region dimensioned to geometrically stiffen the sound radiating surface.3. The speaker assembly of wherein the voice coil comprises a voice coil lead wire electrically connected to the flexible circuit claim 1 , and the flexible circuit electrically connects the voice coil lead wire to an external wire that is external to the flexible circuit claim 1 , wherein the voice coil lead wire and the external wire comprise a different material.4. The speaker assembly of wherein the flexible circuit comprises a metal layer and at least two polymer layers claim 1 , and wherein at least one of the at least two polymer layers comprise a polyester.5. The speaker assembly of wherein the magnet assembly further comprises a top plate having an open center and a cut-out region formed ...

COMPACT AUDIO SPEAKER

A audio speaker includes two parallel magnetically permeable plates and a diaphragm movably supported parallel to and approximately equidistant from the plates by a surround. A magnet assembly is coupled to the two magnetically permeable plates and passes through an opening in the diaphragm. The magnet assembly includes two magnets that are coupled with two like poles adjacent the diaphragm. A voice coil is coupled around the opening in the diaphragm to move the diaphragm when an electrical current flows in the voice coil. A suspension ring may surround a portion of the magnet assembly with a first end sealed to the diaphragm and an opposing second end sealed to one of the two plates to separate a back volume from a front volume. Some embodiments include several magnetic assemblies passing through the diaphragm with a voice coil and a suspension ring for each magnet assembly. 1. A audio speaker , comprising:two magnetically permeable plates in a parallel, spaced apart relationship;a diaphragm supported parallel to and approximately equidistant from the two magnetically permeable plates to define a front volume on a first side of the diaphragm and a back volume on a second side of the diaphragm opposite the first side;a first magnet assembly coupled to the two magnetically permeable plates and passing through a first opening in the diaphragm, the first magnet assembly including two magnets that are coupled with two like poles adjacent the diaphragm; anda first voice coil coupled to the diaphragm and surrounding the first opening in the diaphragm through which the first magnet assembly passes.2. The audio speaker of further comprising a first suspension ring that surrounds a portion of the first magnet assembly with a first end sealed to the diaphragm and an opposing second end sealed to one of the two magnetically permeable plates to separate the back volume from the front volume.3. The audio speaker of wherein the first suspension ring is pleated.4. The audio ...

AUDIO SPEAKER WITH BACK VOLUME CONTAINING ADSORPTIVE MATERIAL

An audio speaker having a speaker housing surrounding a back volume that is divided into a rear cavity behind a speaker driver and an adsorption cavity separated from the rear cavity by a permeable partition, is disclosed. More particularly, the adsorption cavity may be defined between the speaker housing and the permeable partition, and may be directly filled with adsorptive particles to adsorb gas during sound generation. The permeable partition may allow the gas to flow between the rear cavity and the adsorption cavity, and may retain the adsorptive particles within the adsorption cavity. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. 1. An audio speaker , comprising:a speaker driver;a housing including a housing wall defining a back volume, wherein the housing wall includes a fill port;a permeable partition coupled to the housing wall within the back volume to divide the back volume into a rear cavity behind the speaker driver, and an adsorption cavity;a plug over the fill port of the housing wall; andadsorptive granules in the adsorption cavity, wherein the adsorptive granules are constrained within the adsorption cavity by the housing wall, the permeable partition, and the plug.2. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein the adsorptive granules are moveable within the adsorption cavity to directly contact one or more of the housing wall claim 1 , the permeable partition claim 1 , or the plug based on movement of the adsorptive granules.3. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein the plug is a stopper that presses against the housing wall to seal the adsorption cavity.4. The audio speaker of further comprising a bond between the plug and the housing wall to permanently seal the adsorption cavity.5. The audio speaker of claim 4 , wherein the bond is one or more of a thermal weld or a chemical weld.6. The audio speaker of claim 4 , wherein the plug is an adhesive bond.7. The audio speaker of claim 1 , wherein an outer edge of the permeable partition is ...

EARPHONE HAVING A CONTROLLED ACOUSTIC LEAK PORT

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a wall comprising (1) a front side that joins (2) an end portion in which a primary sound output opening is formed, which joins (3) a face portion in which a secondary output opening is formed, which joins (4) a back side which joins the front side and encloses a driver, wherein the primary output opening is dimensioned to output sound generated by a diaphragm of the driver contained within the earphone housing into the ear and the secondary output opening is dimensioned to vent the ear to a surrounding environment, and wherein the primary output opening and the secondary output opening face different directions. 1. An earphone comprising:an earphone housing having a cap portion and a body portion that interlock with one another to enclose a driver, the driver having a front face that outputs sound waves and a back face opposite the front face, the cap portion defines a first chamber coupled to the front face of the driver and the body portion defines a second chamber coupled to the back face of the driver,a first opening formed through the cap portion; anda first port and a second port formed through the body portion of the housing wall, the first port and the second port facing different directions and open to a surrounding environment.2. The earphone of wherein the cap portion comprises an end portion in which the first opening is formed and a face portion claim 1 , which join to form the first chamber claim 1 , and the body portion comprises a front side that joins a back side to form the second chamber claim 1 , and the face portion faces a pinna portion of an ear when the end portion is inserted into the ear.3. The earphone of further comprising:a second opening, wherein both the first opening and the second opening are formed through the cap portion and directly over the front face of the driver, and the first opening and the second opening face different directions.4. The earphone of wherein the second ...

Audio speaker with back volume containing adsorptive material

An audio speaker having a speaker housing surrounding a back volume that is divided into a rear cavity behind a speaker driver and an adsorption cavity separated from the rear cavity by a permeable partition, is disclosed. More particularly, the adsorption cavity may be defined between the speaker housing and the permeable partition, and may be directly filled with adsorptive particles to adsorb gas during sound generation. The permeable partition may allow the gas to flow between the rear cavity and the adsorption cavity, and may retain the adsorptive particles within the adsorption cavity. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Ultrasound ranging for mobile devices

Ultrasonic ranging for mobile devices is disclosed. A mobile device using ultrasonic ranging can include an ultrasound transmitter capable of emitting an ultrasound signal for detection by a proximate device and an ultrasound receiver capable of receiving an ultrasound signal from the proximate device. The mobile device can then use a time lapse associated with one or both of these ultrasound signals to find a range to the proximate device.

An earphone having a controlled acoustic leak port

An earphone having an earphone housing including a tip portion dimensioned to be inserted into an ear canal of a wearer, a body portion extending outward from the tip portion, and a tube portion extending from the body portion. The body portion has a face portion that faces a pinna region of the ear when the tip portion is inserted into the ear canal. A primary output opening, that outputs sound from a driver in the housing to the ear canal, is formed in the tip portion. A secondary output opening, that outputs air from the ear canal to the surrounding environment, is formed in the face portion. The primary output opening and the secondary output opening are horizontally aligned when the tube portion is positioned vertically downward and an angle formed between the primary output opening, the tube portion and the secondary output opening is less than 90 degrees.

Earphones with controlled acoustic outlet opening

Ohrhörer (100), umfassend:ein Ohrhörergehäuse (102) mit einem nicht nachgebenden Spitzenabschnitt (106), der bemessen ist, um in ein Ohr eines Trägers eingeführt zu werden, während eine äußere Oberfläche des Spitzenabschnitts (106) in Kontakt steht mit dem Ohr, und einen Gehäuseabschnitt (104), der sich von dem Spitzenabschnitt (106) nach außen erstreckt und sich in Richtung des Spitzenabschnitts (106) verjüngt, wobei der Gehäuseabschnitt (104) durch ein festes einfach gerundetes Gehäuseteil gebildet ist und einen Flächenabschnitt (112) aufweist, der einem Pinnabereich des Ohres zugewandt ist, wenn der Spitzenabschnitt (106) in das Ohr eingeführt ist;eine erste Ausgabeöffnung (108), die in dem Spitzenabschnitt (106) ausgebildet ist, zum Ausgeben von Schall, der von einer Membran eines Treibers, enthalten in dem Ohrhörergehäuse (102), erzeugt wird, in das Ohr; undeine zweite Ausgabeöffnung (110), die durch den dem Pinnabereich des Ohres zugewandten Oberflächenbereich des Flächenabschnitts (112) hindurch ausgebildet ist, zum Entlüften des Ohres in eine umgebende Umgebung,wobei die erste Ausgabeöffnung (108) und die zweite Ausgabeöffnung (110) in unterschiedliche Richtungen blicken, die annähernd orthogonal zueinander sind, und vor einer Schallausgabefläche des Treibers positioniert sind, und wobei eine Ebene, die durch die unterschiedlichen Richtungen der ersten Ausgabeöffnung und der zweiten Ausgabeöffnung gebildet wird, im eingeführten Zustand des Ohrhörers waagerecht liegt. An earphone (100) comprising: an earphone body (102) having a non-compliant tip portion (106) sized to be inserted into a wearer's ear while an outer surface of the tip portion (106) is in contact with the ear , and a body portion (104) extending outwardly from the tip portion (106) and tapering toward the tip portion (106), the body portion (104) being formed by a solid simply rounded body portion and a land portion (112) facing a pinna area of the ear when the tip portion (106) is inserted ...

Audio speaker surround geometry for improved pistonic motion

An audio speaker having a suspension system including a surround to support a diaphragm within a frame and to reduce non-pistonic motion of the diaphragm at several resonant frequencies is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the surround include a film that undulates in a peripheral direction around the diaphragm and includes several undulations above and below a radial gap between the diaphragm and the frame. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Audio speaker surround geometry for improved pistonic motion

An audio speaker having a suspension system including a surround to support a diaphragm within a frame and to reduce non-pistonic motion of the diaphragm at several resonant frequencies is disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the surround include a film that undulates in a peripheral direction around the diaphragm and includes several undulations above and below a radial gap between the diaphragm and the frame. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Speaker with flex circuit acoustic radiator

A speaker assembly including a frame and a magnet assembly positioned within the frame. The magnet assembly may include a magnet and a top plate. The assembly further including a sound radiating surface suspended over the magnet assembly. The sound radiating surface includes a flexible circuit. A suspension suspending the sound radiating surface over the magnet assembly is further provided. The suspension may be over molded to the sound radiating surface and the frame. A voice coil extends from a bottom side of the sound radiating surface and electrically connects to the flexible circuit.

An earphone having an acoustic tuning mechanism

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a body portion acoustically coupled to a tube portion extending from the body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear canal of a wearer. An acoustic timing member is positioned within the body portion for acoustically coupling the driver to the tube portion. The acoustic tuning member defines a back volume chamber of the driver and includes an acoustic output port for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to the tube portion to improve an acoustic performance of the earphone.

An earphone having an acoustic tuning mechanism

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a body portion acoustically coupled to a tube portion extending from the body portion, the body portion having an acoustic output opening to output sound from a driver positioned therein into an ear canal of a wearer. An acoustic tuning member is positioned within the body portion for acoustically coupling the driver to the tube portion. The acoustic tuning member defines a back volume chamber of the driver and includes an acoustic output port for outputting sound from the back volume chamber of the driver to the tube portion to improve an acoustic performance of the earphone.

An earphone having an acoustic tuning mechanism

An earphone comprising an earphone housing having a housing wall that encloses a driver, the driver having a front face that outputs sound waves and a back face opposite the front face, the housing wall defines a first chamber acoustically coupled to the front face of the driver and a second chamber acoustically coupled to the back face of the driver. A primary output opening is formed through a portion of the housing wall forming the first chamber and that is at an angle with respect to the front face of the driver, the primary output opening is dimensioned to output the sound waves into an ear of a user. A tuning output port and a bass port are formed through portions of the housing wall acoustically coupled to the second chamber. The tuning output port and the bass port face different directions and acoustically couple the second chamber to a surrounding environment.

Audio speaker having a rigid adsorptive insert

An audio speaker having an adsorptive insert in a speaker back volume, is disclosed. More particularly, an embodiment includes an adsorptive insert having a rigid open-pore body formed by bonded adsorptive particles. The rigid open-pore body includes interconnected macropores that transport air from the speaker back volume to adsorptive micropores in the bonded adsorptive particles during sound generation. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

音響ポート用のバルブ

【課題】バルブを有する音響トランスデューサを提供する。 【解決手段】ポータブル電子デバイス１００は、内部チャンバ１０６を形成するエンクロージャ壁１０４を有する、エンクロージャ１０２を含む。スピーカモジュール１１０が、この内部チャンバ１０６の内部に位置決めされ、このスピーカモジュール１１０は、スピーカと、そのスピーカの背面容積チャンバ１１６を形成するモジュール壁１１４とを含む。背面容積チャンバ１１６は、内部チャンバ１０６に背面容積チャンバ１１６を音響結合するように、モジュール壁１１４を貫通して形成された、音響ベントポート１２０を含む。 【選択図】図１

Valve for acoustic port

High aspect ratio microspeaker having a two-plane suspension

A microspeaker includes a frame and a diaphragm having length sides that are longer than its width sides. A magnet is positioned below the diaphragm. A yoke includes a base portion positioned below the magnet and sidewalls which extend from the base portion, the yoke sidewalls positioned only along a length dimension of the magnet. A voice coil includes an upper end attached to a bottom face of the diaphragm and a lower end positioned within a gap formed between the length dimension of the magnet and the yoke sidewalls. A first suspension member is attached to the length sides and the width sides of the diaphragm and the frame. The first suspension member is within a first plane. A second suspension member is attached to the lower end of the voice coil and the frame. The second suspension member is in a second plane different from the first plane.

Microphone with acoustic mesh to protect against sudden acoustic shock

A portable electronic device having an outer case having a substantially planar face in which a microphone associated acoustic port is formed. The device also has a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone positioned within the outer case, the MEMS microphone having a diaphragm facing the microphone associated acoustic port. An acoustic mesh is positioned between the front face of the outer case and the diaphragm, the acoustic mesh having a non-linear acoustic resistance so as to minimize an effect of an incoming air burst on the diaphragm. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Earphone having a controlled acoustic leak port

An earphone comprising: an earphone housing having a cap portion and a body portion that interlock with one another to enclose a driver, the driver having a front face that outputs sound waves and a back face opposite the front face, the cap portion defines a first chamber coupled to the front face of the driver and the body portion defines a second chamber coupled to the back face of the driver, a first opening formed through the cap portion; a first port and a second port formed through the body portion and open to a surrounding environment; and a mesh coupled to the first opening, the first port or the second port.

Sensor assembly for measuring diaphragm displacement and temperature in a micro speaker

A micro speaker assembly including a micro speaker having a top plate, a bottom plate parallel to the top plate, a magnet assembly coupled to one of the top plate or the bottom plate, a compliant member positioned between the magnet assembly and the top plate or the bottom plate, the compliant member operable to be displaced in response to an acoustic input, and a voice coil coupled to the compliant member. The assembly further including an optical sensor coupled to the micro speaker, the optical sensor having a light emitter and a light detector, the light emitter and the light detector being fixedly coupled to the top plate or the bottom plate, and the optical sensor being operable to produce a displacement signal corresponding to a displacement of the compliant member and a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of the magnet assembly.

High aspect ratio microspeaker having a two-plane suspension

A microspeaker includes a frame and a diaphragm having length sides that are longer than its width sides. A magnet is positioned below the diaphragm. A yoke includes a base portion positioned below the magnet and sidewalls which extend from the base portion, the yoke sidewalls positioned only along a length dimension of the magnet. A voice coil includes an upper end attached to a bottom face of the diaphragm and a lower end positioned within a gap formed between the length dimension of the magnet and the yoke sidewalls. A first suspension member is attached to the length sides and the width sides of the diaphragm and the frame. The first suspension member is within a first plane. A second suspension member is attached to the lower end of the voice coil and the frame. The second suspension member is in a second plane different from the first plane.

Earpiece integrated magnetic shielding for mitigating ingress of magnetic particles

This document describes methods and apparatus for reducing a magnetic field emitted by an earpiece assembly from extending substantially outside a device associated with the earpiece assembly. Where the earpiece assembly is susceptible to ingress of magnetically attractable particles into the earpiece assembly such a reduction can prolong an operational life of the earpiece assembly. By insert molding magnetically permeable materials throughout an enclosure that surrounds and supports a permanent magnet of the earpiece assembly, a portion of a magnetic field emanating from the permanent magnet that extends outside the device can be substantially reduced or redirected so that the magnetic field ceases to draw the magnetically attractable particles into the earpiece assembly.

Earbud with membrane based acoustic mass loading

An in-ear earphone housing has a speaker driver installed therein. The driver has a diaphragm with a front face and a rear face, and a motor to vibrate the diaphragm in accordance with an audio signal. A back volume chamber is positioned behind the driver within the earphone housing. The diaphragm is part of a wall of the back volume chamber. An acoustic mass loading membrane that is part of a wall of the back volume chamber, and that is to vibrate in response to acoustic waves produced by vibration of the diaphragm impinging on a front face of the membrane, is provided. Other embodiments are also described and claimed, including a polymer production process for an elastic material.