Patent Application
20240236553
This specification relates generally to actuators, and in particular to actuators for audio and/or haptic applications.
This specification relates to audio and haptic actuators. Many electronic devices are capable of presenting multimedia content by including speakers which provide tonal, voice-generated, and/or recorded output. Dynamic speakers typically require a substantial back volume to achieve the optimum frequency response. Some audio speakers are designed to have a smaller physical size for integration into electronic devices having a range of different sizes (e.g., mobile phones, smart home devices). Due to their small size, these speakers tend to have limited space available for a back volume. The back volume is an open volume of air behind the diaphragm of the speaker. Given that acoustic performance in the low frequency audio range usually correlates directly with the back volume size, small speakers tend to have limited performance in the bass range.
Haptic feedback mechanisms can be used to provide tactile feedback to a user of a device to enhance user experience. Vibration is an example of a haptic feedback mechanism. Vibration can be produced by an acceleration or deceleration of a moving mass, such as through an eccentric rotating mass that is attached to a motor. Vibration can also be produced using piezoelectric materials by applying a time varying voltage to a piezoelectric material. Devices capable of generating haptic responses are referred to as haptic feedback modules. Various consumer electronic devices such as smartphones or gaming controllers contain haptic feedback modules to provide tactile feedback in response to a user input. A haptic feedback module is typically attached to a housing of the device and transfers the generated vibration through the housing to the user.
Disclosed are actuator assemblies with combined volumes for both audio and haptic actuators. Portable consumer electronics devices, such as mobile phones, have continued to become more and more compact. As the form factor of such devices shrinks, system enclosures become smaller and the space available for speaker integration is reduced. More particularly, the space available for a speaker back volume decreases, and along with it, low frequency acoustic performance diminishes. The effective back volume can be increased by combining a back volume for a haptic actuator with a back volume for an audio actuator, so that both actuators share the same back volume. The disclosed techniques can be implemented to increase the effective back volume of the audio actuator, thereby improving volume efficiency.
In certain embodiments, the disclosed actuator assemblies permit air to flow between an audio speaker and a haptic actuator. The haptic actuator can be, for example, a linear resonant actuator (LRA). In some examples, open air access holes can be added to a housing of a haptic actuator. The open air access holes can align with a customized air box for an adjacent audio speaker. Internal components of the haptic actuator therefore share a common air volume with the back cavity of the audio speaker. Among other advantages, embodiments feature improved audio speaker performance due to the larger effective air volume, and increased battery life due to improved efficiency.
In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in an actuator assembly including: a first housing enclosing an audio actuator and a first open volume: and a second housing enclosing a haptic actuator and a second open volume. The first open volume is fluidly connected with the second open volume by an aperture between the first housing and the second housing. The aperture may be between the first and second housings in that it is formed in one or more surfaces or walls of the housings to fluidly connect the first and second open volumes. Additionally, the aperture between housings may refer to an opening which allows fluid communication between the first and second open volumes.
The first open volume may be defined as the volume of space inside the first housing not occupied by the audio actuator. The first open volume may be a spatial volume defined between the audio actuator and an inner surface of the first housing.
The second open volume may be defined as the volume of space inside the second housing not occupied by the haptic actuator. The second open volume may be defined as the volume of space inside the second housing not occupied by a moving mass of the haptic actuator. The second open volume may be a spatial volume defined between the haptic actuator, e.g., a moving mass of the haptic actuator, and an inner surface of the second housing.
In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in an electronic device including the actuator assembly.
In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a wearable device including the actuator assembly.
The foregoing and other embodiments can each optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. In some implementations, a first wall of the first housing abuts a second wall of the second housing.
In some implementations, the aperture includes: a first opening in a first wall of the first housing: and a second opening in a second wall of the second housing.
In some implementations, the first housing includes a linking component configured to mechanically connect to the second housing.
In some implementations, the linking component includes a fluid conduit extending from the first open volume to an opening in a wall of the second housing.
In some implementations, the linking component includes a speaker box including a fluid conduit.
In some implementations, the haptic actuator includes: a moving mass: a plurality of spring structures, including: a first spring structure mechanically coupled to a first side of the moving mass: and a second spring structure mechanically coupled to a second side of the moving mass, the second side being opposite from the first side.
In some implementations, the aperture fluidly connects the first open volume with the second open volume through a portion of the second housing containing one of the plurality of spring structures.
In some implementations, the actuator including a second aperture fluidly connecting the first open volume and the second open volume.
In some implementations, the aperture fluidly connects the first open volume with the second open volume through a portion of the second housing containing the first spring structure: and the second aperture fluidly connects the first open volume with the second open volume through a portion of the second housing containing the second spring structure.
In some implementations, the haptic actuator includes: a coil positioned adjacent to a third side of the moving mass, the third side connecting the first side to the second side.
In some implementations, the aperture fluidly connects the first open volume with the second open volume through a portion of the second housing containing the first spring structure: and the second aperture fluidly connects the first open volume with the second open volume through a portion of the second housing containing the coil.
In some implementations, including a third aperture fluidly connecting the first open volume and the second open volume.
In some implementations, the third aperture fluidly connects the first open volume with the second open volume through a portion of the second housing containing the second spring structure.
In some implementations, the haptic actuator includes: a moving mass; a spring structure mechanically coupling the moving mass to the second housing; and a coil configured to drive oscillation of the moving mass during operation of the haptic actuator. The aperture fluidly connects the first open volume with the second open volume through a portion of the second housing containing at least one of the spring structure or the coil.
In some implementations, the haptic actuator includes: a moving mass; and a spring structure mechanically coupling the moving mass to the second housing at a connection region. The second opening in the second wall of the second housing does not overlap with the connection region.
In some implementations, the aperture has a cross-sectional area of six square millimeters or less.
In some implementations, the haptic actuator includes a linear resonant actuator.
In some implementations, the audio actuator includes a diaphragm, the first housing enclosing: a front volume abutting a first side of the diaphragm: and the first open volume abutting a second side of the diaphragm. The first side of the diaphragm is opposite from the second side of the diaphragm.
In some implementations, the first housing encloses a front volume that abuts a first side of the audio actuator and is vented to the environment; and the first open volume abuts a second side of the audio actuator. The first side of the audio actuator is opposite from the second side of the audio actuator.
In some implementations, the first open volume is fluidly isolated from the front volume.
In some implementations, the first open volume includes a back volume for the audio actuator. A resonance peak of the audio actuator depends at least in part on a size of the back volume.
In some implementations, the fluid connection between the first open volume and the second open volume increases an effective size of the back volume for the audio actuator.
In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method for assembling an actuator assembly, including: providing a speaker box including a fluid conduit: joining the speaker box to an audio actuator to fluidly connect a first open volume of the audio actuator with the fluid conduit; and joining the speaker box with a housing enclosing a haptic actuator to fluidly connect a second open volume of the housing with the fluid conduit.
In some implementations, the second open volume of the housing is fluidly connected to the fluid conduit through one or more apertures in a wall of the housing.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
In general, the disclosed actuator assemblies can be used in a variety of applications. For example, in some embodiments, actuator assembly 100 is integrated into a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a handheld game console. Referring to
Mobile device 150 produces audio and haptic output. During operation, the mobile device 150 uses a speaker, such as an audio actuator of actuator assembly 100, to generate audible sound for a user. Such sound can include sound from voice telephone calls, may include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files) and can also include sound generated by applications operating on mobile device 150. Audio output from the actuator assembly can exit the chassis 102 through an aperture 106. The aperture 106 can be an opening in the chassis 102 or display 104.
In some embodiments, the disclosed actuator assemblies can be integrated into wearable devices, such as watches. Referring to
Referring to
In general, the disclosed speakers are controlled by an electronic control module (e.g., electronic control module 220). In general, electronic control modules are composed of one or more electronic components that receive input from one or more sensors and/or signal receivers of the mobile phone, process the input, and generate and deliver signal waveforms that cause actuator assembly 100 to provide audio output.
Referring to
In some examples, the audio actuator 310 includes an electroacoustic transducer, which converts an electrical audio signal into a corresponding sound. Audio output is generated by a vibrating diaphragm 314 of the audio actuator 310. The actuator assembly is operable to generate human-audible sound waves, in the range of 20 Hz to 20 KHz. During operation, the diaphragm 314 of the audio actuator 310 oscillates up and down, along the z-axis.
The first housing 301 encloses the audio actuator 310 and a first open volume 311. The first open volume 311 is a volume of space inside the first housing 301 that is not occupied by the audio actuator 310. Movement of diaphragm to radiate sound forward (downward along the z-axis) toward the surrounding environment also causes sound to be pushed in a rearward direction (upward along the z-axis). For example, sound may propagate through a gas filling the first open volume 311 enclosed by the first housing 301. More particularly, the first open volume 311 can function as a back volume for the audio actuator 310, such that sound travels through air in the first open volume 311.
In some examples, the first housing encloses a front volume 313 and the first open volume 311. The first open volume 311 can be fluidly isolated from the front volume 313. In some examples, the audio actuator fluidly isolates the first open volume 311 from the front volume 313. The front volume 313 can be fluidly connected to the environment. For example, the front volume 313 can vent to the environment through one or more vents in the first housing 301.
The audio actuator 310 includes a yoke, or back plate 316. The diaphragm 314 forms part of a first side of the audio actuator 310 and the back plate 316 forms part of a second side of the audio actuator 310, with the first side being opposite from the second side. The audio actuator 310 is oriented with the back plate 316 facing the first open volume 311 (e.g., facing upward along the z-axis) and the diaphragm 314 facing the front volume 313 (e.g., facing downward along the z-axis). The audio actuator 310 includes venting holes 318. In some examples, the venting holes 318 can be covered by a dush-proof mesh. The venting holes 318 can fluidly connect the portion of the audio actuator 310 that is behind the diaphragm (e.g., above the diaphragm in the z-direction) to the first open volume 311. Thus, fluid (e.g., gas or liquid), such as air, inside the audio actuator 310 behind the diaphragm 314 can vent to the first open volume 311 through the venting holes 318. Though the audio actuator 310 includes four venting holes 318, with one venting hole located at each corner of the audio actuator 310 in the x-y plane, other configurations are possible. For example, the audio actuator can include more or fewer venting holes that vent fluid from inside the audio actuator 310 to the first open volume 311.
In some examples, the first open volume 311 is a volume of space behind the audio actuator 310 (e.g., above the audio actuator in the z-direction) and behind the diaphragm 314. The first open volume 311 can influence acoustic performance of the audio actuator 310. In particular, the size of the first open volume 311 influences the natural resonance peak of audio actuator 310. Generally speaking, increasing the size of the first open volume 311 and thereby increasing the spatial volume occupied by fluid, such as air, in the back volume, can result in the generation of louder bass sounds by the audio actuator 310.
The first open volume 311 can be a spatial volume defined between the audio actuator 310 and an inner surface of the first housing 301. For example, when the audio actuator 310 is mounted in the first housing 301, the first open volume 311 can include the volume of air behind diaphragm 314 and within a rear cavity defined by the inner surface of the first housing 301, including the volume of the rear cavity that is not occupied by components of the audio actuator 310. Sound generated by the movement of diaphragm 314 propagates through first open volume 311, and thus, the size of first open volume 311 influences acoustic performance of the audio actuator 310.
The second housing 302 encloses the haptic actuator 320 and a second open volume 312. In some examples, the haptic actuator 320 is a linear resonant actuator. During operation, a moving mass of the haptic actuator 320 oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the oscillation of the audio actuator. For example, the moving mass of the haptic actuator 320 can oscillate side-to-side along the y-axis. Operations of the haptic actuator 320 are discussed in greater detail with reference to
The first open volume 311 is fluidly connected to the second open volume 312, such that fluid (e.g., air) can flow between the first open volume 311 and the second open volume 312.
In some examples, the first open volume 311 and the second open volume 312 are fluidly connected by an aperture between the first housing 301 and the second housing 302. An aperture can include an opening in a side wall of the second housing 302, where the side wall abuts the first housing 301. In some examples, the first open volume 311 and the second open volume 312 can be fluidly connected by one or more large apertures. A large aperture can be, for example, an aperture with a cross-sectional area that is one-half or more of the area of a side wall 420 of the second housing 302. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the aperture to the cross-sectional area of the side wall can be, e.g., two thirds or greater, three quarters or greater, three fifths or greater, etc. In some examples, no wall separates the first open volume 311 from the second open volume 312. In some examples, the first housing 301 and the second housing 302 can form a single housing. For example, the first housing 301 can be conjoined to the second housing 302, such that one or more outer walls of the first housing 301 are continuous with one or more outer walls of the second housing 302. In some examples, the first housing 301 and the second housing 302 form first and second separate and distinct housings. The first and second housing 301, 302 may have one or more abutting contiguous walls.
By B fluidly connecting the first open volume 311 and the second open volume 312, the effective size of the first open volume 311 is increased. In an example, a size of the first open volume 311 can be approximately 0.50 cubic centimeters (cc). Fluidly connecting the first open volume 311 to the second open volume 312 can increase the effective size of the first open volume 311 from 0.5 cc to greater than 0.6 cc (e.g., greater than 0.7 cc, greater than 0.72 cc, greater than 0.75 cc). In the example of
The audio actuator 310 can be relatively compact. For example, the audio actuator 310, which has a substantially rectangular profile in the x-y plane, can have an edge length (i.e., in the x- and/or y-directions) of about 16 millimeters (mm) or less. For example, the edge length can be 15 mm, 12 mm, 10 mm, or 8 mm. The actuator assembly's depth (i.e., its dimension in the z-direction) can be about 5.5 mm or less. For example, the actuator assembly's depth can be about 5.0 mm, 4.0 mm, or 3.0 mm. In some examples, a ratio of the length to the width is 1.5 or more. In some examples, a ratio of the length to the width is 2.0 or less.
The haptic actuator 320, which has a substantially rectangular profile in the x-y plane, can have a length (i.e., in the x-directions) of about 16 mm or less. For example, the edge length in the x-direction can be 15 mm, 14 mm, or 13 mm. The width (i.e., in the y-direction) can be about 9.0 mm or less. For example, width in the y-direction can be 8.0 mm, 7.5 mm, or 7.0 mm. The haptic actuator's depth (i.e., its dimension in the z-direction) can be about 5.5 mm or less. For example, the actuator assembly's depth can be about 5.0 mm, 4.5 mm, or 4.0 mm. In some examples, a ratio of the length to the width is 1.5 or more. In some examples, a ratio of the length to the width is 2.5 or less.
The first flexure 412 and the second flexure 414 are spring structures that suspend the moving mass 410 within the second housing 302. The first flexure 412 is mechanically coupled to a first side 416 of the moving mass 410. The second flexure 414 is mechanically coupled to a second side 418 of the moving mass 410. The second side 418 is opposite from the first side 416. The first flexure 412 and the second flexure 414 mechanically couple the moving mass 410 to the second housing 302.
During operation, the first flexure 412 and the second flexure 414 expand and compress to permit oscillation of the moving mass 410 along the y-axis. The haptic actuator 320 includes a coil 415 positioned adjacent to a third side 419 of the moving mass 410. The third side 419 connects the first side 416 to the second side 418. During operation, the coil 415 is energized to drive oscillation of the moving mass 410.
As described above, the second housing 302 encompasses the haptic actuator 320 and the second open volume 312. The second open volume 312 is the volume inside the second housing 302 that is not occupied by the moving mass 410, the first flexure 412, the second flexure 414, or the coil 415. The second open volume 312 can be approximately 0.3 cc or less. For example, the second open volume 312 can be about 0.25 cc, 0.22 cc, or 0.20 cc. In some examples, the second open volume 312 occupies thirty percent or more of the space enclosed by the second housing 302.
The side wall 420 includes openings 422, 424, 425. The opening 422 is positioned adjacent to a region within the second housing 302 where the first flexure 412 is located. The opening 424 is positioned adjacent to a region within the second housing 302 where the second flexure 414 is located. The opening 425 is positioned adjacent to a region within the second housing 302 where the coil 415 is located.
The openings 422, 424, 425 are holes that extend through the side wall 420. The openings 422, 424, 425 permit air to flow through the side wall 420. Air can flow into the second open volume 312 and out of the second open volume 312 through any of the openings 422, 424, 425.
When the second housing 302 is integrated into an actuator assembly and is positioned adjacent to the first housing 301, the opening 422 connects the first open volume 311 inside the first housing 301 with the second open volume 312 inside the second housing 302 through a portion of the second housing 302 containing the first flexure 412. The opening 424 connects the first open volume 311 inside the first housing 301 with the second open volume 312 inside the second housing 302 through a portion of the second housing 302 containing the second flexure 414. The opening 425 connects the first open volume 311 inside the first housing 301 with the second open volume 312 inside the second housing 302 through a portion of the second housing 302 containing the coil 415.
Although illustrated in
Areas of the surface of the second housing 302 where openings can be located are represented in
Areas 426 and 428 of the second housing 302 are areas where the flexures 412, 414 connect to the inside of the second housing 302. The areas 426, 428 of the second housing 202 are represented in
Although illustrated in
The openings 422, 424, 425 can each have a rectangular shape, e.g., with dimensions of 2.0 mm by 3.00 mm. In some examples, the openings have cross-sectional areas of nine square millimeters (sq. mm) or less. For example, the openings can have cross-sectional areas of eight sq. mm or less, seven sq. mm or less, six sq. mm or less. In some examples, the openings 422, 424, 425 can each have the same shape, or can have different shapes from each other. In some examples, an opening can have a square, circular, oval, or elliptical shape.
The side wall 420 can have an area of 70 sq. mm or less (e.g., 68 sq. mm or less, 66 sq. mm or less). For example, the side wall 420 can have a length of 15 mm (i.e., in the y-direction) and a height of 4.5 mm (i.e., in the z-direction).
The speaker box 610 includes a fluid conduit 620. The fluid conduit 620 extends from a back volume (e.g., first open volume 311) of the audio actuator 310 to an opening in the side wall 420 of the second housing 302. This permits air to flow between the second housing 302 and the back volume. In this way, the audio actuator 310 and the haptic actuator 320 share the second open volume 312 within the second housing 302.
In
In
In
Referring to
Processor 710 may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, processor 710 can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices.
Memory 720 has various instructions, computer programs or other data stored thereon. The instructions or computer programs may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the mobile device. For example, the instructions may be configured to control or coordinate the operation of the device's display via display driver 730, signal generator 740, one or more components of I/O module 750, one or more communication channels accessible via network/communications module 760, one or more sensors (e.g., biometric sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, optical sensors, barometric sensors, moisture sensors and so on), and/or actuator assembly 100.
Signal generator 740 is configured to produce AC waveforms of varying amplitudes, frequency, and/or pulse profiles suitable for actuator assembly 100 and producing acoustic and/or haptic responses via the actuator. Although depicted as a separate component, in some embodiments, signal generator 740 can be part of processor 710. In some embodiments, signal generator 740 can include an amplifier, e.g., as an integral or separate component thereof.
The electronic control module 220 is electrically coupled to the actuator assembly 100. The electronic control module 220 is configured to generate a haptic signal for generating haptic response from the haptic actuator 320. The haptic signal is an electrical signal, such as a voltage or current waveform. The electronic control module 220 may be programmed to receive a touch input from the display 104 and generate the haptic signal based on the received touch input to provide the haptic response to the user.
Memory 720 can store electronic data that can be used by the mobile device. For example, memory 720 can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for the various modules, data structures or databases, and so on. Memory 720 may also store instructions for recreating the various types of waveforms that may be used by signal generator 740 to generate signals for actuator assembly 100. Memory 720 may be any type of memory such as, for example, random access memory, read-only memory. Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices.
As briefly discussed above, electronic control module 220 may include various input and output components represented in
Each of the components of I/O module 750 may include specialized circuitry for generating signals or data. In some cases, the components may produce or provide feedback for application-specific input that corresponds to a prompt or user interface object presented on the display.
As noted above, network/communications module 760 includes one or more communication channels. These communication channels can include one or more wireless interfaces that provide communications between processor 710 and an external device or other electronic device. In general, the communication channels may be configured to transmit and receive data and/or signals that may be interpreted by instructions executed on processor 710. In some cases, the external device is part of an external communication network that is configured to exchange data with other devices. Generally, the wireless interface may include, without limitation, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and/or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate over a wireless interface or protocol. Example wireless interfaces include radio frequency cellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, Near Field Communication interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces. Wi-Fi interfaces. TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces.
In some implementations, one or more of the communication channels of network/communications module 760 may include a wireless communication channel between the mobile device and another device, such as another mobile phone, tablet, computer, or the like. In some cases, output, audio output, haptic output or visual display elements may be transmitted directly to the other device for output. For example, an audible alert or visual warning may be transmitted from the mobile device 150 to a mobile phone for output on that device and vice versa. Similarly, the network/communications module 760 may be configured to receive input provided on another device to control the mobile device. For example, an audible alert, visual notification, or haptic alert (or instructions therefor) may be transmitted from the external device to the mobile device for presentation.
The actuator technology disclosed herein can be used in a device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or wearable devices (e.g., smartwatch or head-mounted device, such as smart glasses).
Other embodiments are in the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application No. 63/313,092, filed on Feb. 23, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2023/013684 | 2/23/2023 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63313092 | Feb 2022 | US |
