Device having a microphone and a condensation collecting device for preventing condensation from migrating to the microphone

Abstract

A device having a microphone and a condensation collection device that prevents condensation from migrating to the microphone is provided. The device includes: a microphone; a plate having an acoustic port therethrough, the microphone positioned to receive sound through the acoustic port; a moisture-resistant acoustically permeable membrane overlying the acoustic port; an outer membrane that receives sound for the microphone, the outer membrane being impermeable to at least moisture; and a condensation collection device between the outer membrane and the acoustically permeable membrane. The condensation collection device includes: an aperture through which sound from the outer membrane passes; and one or more condensation collection features on an outer membrane-facing side of the condensation collection device, the one or more condensation collection features being configured to collect condensation that migrates from the inner side of the outer membrane and prevent migration of condensation collected through the aperture.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Portable electronic devices and / or communication devices that include microphones may be exposed to rapid temperature changes, which can cause condensation on the inner surface of the outer acoustic membrane. When the condensation migrates to the microphone (to which sound is transmitted from the outer acoustic membrane), the microphone may be damaged and / or the sound detected by the microphone may be degraded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] In the accompanying drawings, similar or identical reference numerals may be repeated to indicate corresponding or similar elements. These drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of the specification and are used to further illustrate various embodiments including the concepts of the claimed invention and to explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a communication device including a device having a microphone and a condensation collection device that prevents condensation from migrating to the microphone, according to some examples.

[0004] Figure 2 Based on some examples Figure 1 A perspective view of a communication device with the housing and other components removed.

[0005] Figure 3 Depicted is a perspective view of an exploded view of a device having a microphone and a condensation collection device, according to some examples.

[0006] Figure 4 Depicts the passage according to some examples Figure 2 A perspective view of a cross section of line AA of an exploded view of the device with a microphone and a condensation collecting device.

[0007] Figure 5 Depicted are perspective views of condensation collection devices according to some examples.

[0008] Figure 6 Depicted is a front view of an alternative condensation collection device according to some examples.

[0009] Figure 7 Depicted is a front view of a portion of a flexible PCB including two devices having respective microphones and respective condensation collection arrangements, according to some examples.

[0010] Figure 8 Depicted is a rear view of a portion of a flexible PCB including two devices with respective microphones and respective condensation collection arrangements, according to some examples.

[0011] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that for simplicity and clarity, the elements in the drawings are illustrated and not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be magnified relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] System, device, and method components have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Portable electronic devices and / or communication devices that include a microphone may often be exposed to rapid changes in temperature, which may cause moisture to condense on the inner surface of the outer acoustic membrane. When condensation migrates to the microphone (from which sound is transmitted), the microphone may be damaged and / or the sound detected by the microphone may be degraded. This situation is particularly problematic when the portable electronic device and / or communication device is operated by first responders (such as firefighters), as first responders are often in mission-critical situations that require accurate and / or reliable communication. This situation may also be particularly problematic when the microphone is a microelectromechanical system (MEMs) microphone, as such MEMs microphones may be particularly susceptible to water damage. Therefore, there is a need for an improved device and / or portable electronic device and / or communication device having a microphone and a condensation collection device that prevents condensation from migrating to the microphone.

[0014] Thus, a device is provided herein that includes a microphone, an outer membrane that receives sound from the microphone, the outer membrane being at least moisture-impermeable, and a condensation collection device between the outer membrane and the microphone. Specifically, the device further includes an acoustically permeable membrane above an acoustic port, behind which the microphone can be mounted, the acoustically permeable membrane being moisture-impermeable, and a condensation collection device between the outer membrane and the acoustically permeable membrane. The condensation collection device includes an aperture through which sound received at the outer membrane passes, and one or more condensation collection features on the outer membrane-facing side of the condensation collection device. The one or more condensation collection features are generally configured to collect condensation that migrates from the inner side of the outer membrane and to prevent migration of condensation collected through the aperture.

[0015] For example, the one or more condensation-collecting features may include ridges and / or valleys that collect condensation and / or move condensation in a direction away from the aperture, etc. In particular, the one or more condensation-collecting features provide the condensation-collecting device with an increased surface area on the outer side and / or outer membrane-facing side compared to a flat surface.

[0016] The device comprising the condensation collecting device may be incorporated into a portable electronic device and / or a communication device comprising a microphone and / or any other suitable electronic device, etc. Hereinafter, reference will be made to a communication device which is understood to comprise the device comprising the condensation collecting device, and such a communication device may comprise any suitable portable electronic device and / or communication device and / or any other suitable electronic device, etc.

[0017] Such communication devices and the like are typically sealed against water and / or other liquids, such as rainwater and / or water from a firefighter's hose. Such communication devices can therefore be said to have an internal "dry side" and an external "wet side." On the internal dry side, the internal components are typically protected from the external water. On the external wet side, the external components are typically waterproof to minimize the risk of damage if they are exposed to external water.

[0018] In some examples, such a communication device may include a port or the like to equalize the pressure within the portable electronic device to atmospheric pressure. However, such a port may be air-permeable but at least water-resistant; similarly, such a port may be air-permeable but not water-permeable. Nevertheless, water vapor (e.g., in air) may enter the portable electronic device through such a port. Alternatively, when the communication device is sealed and / or airtight, water vapor may still be present within the communication device and / or on other dry sides of the communication device.

[0019] When the outside of the outer membrane is exposed to temperature changes, such as a sudden drop in temperature that may occur during a public safety incident (such as a fire incident), such water vapor can condense on the inside of the outer membrane. Condensation collected on the inside of the outer membrane can fall from the outer membrane and / or oscillate from the outer membrane and / or migrate into the device toward the microphone in any suitable manner. The condensation collection device helps collect this migrating condensation and / or helps prevent this migrating condensation from migrating to the microphone.

[0020] One aspect of the present specification provides an apparatus comprising: a microphone; a plate having an acoustic port therethrough, the microphone being positioned to receive sound through the acoustic port; an acoustically permeable membrane over the acoustic port, the membrane being moisture-proof; an outer membrane receiving sound from the microphone, the outer membrane being impermeable to at least moisture; and a condensation-collecting device between the outer membrane and the acoustically permeable membrane, the condensation-collecting device comprising: an aperture through which sound from the outer membrane passes; and one or more condensation-collecting features at an outer-membrane-facing side of the condensation-collecting device, the one or more condensation-collecting features being configured to: collect condensation that migrates from an inner side of the outer membrane; and prevent migration of condensation collected through the aperture.

[0021] The microphone, panel, acoustically transparent membrane, outer membrane, condensation collection device, etc. of the device can be incorporated into one or more of a portable public safety radio device, a body-worn communication device, a remote speaker microphone (RSM), etc., so that the device can further include one or more of the following: a portable public safety radio device, a body-worn communication device, an RSM, etc.

[0022] Each of the above-described embodiments will be discussed in more detail below, beginning with example system and device architectures in which systems of the embodiments may be practiced.

[0023] Other advantages and features consistent with the present disclosure will be set forth in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] In this document, the terms water and moisture are generally used interchangeably, such that "moisture" can refer to "water," and vice versa. Thus, the properties of various materials and / or components described herein as moisture-resistant and / or hydrophobic are understood to mean water-resistant and / or water-repellent, respectively. Similarly, the properties of various materials and / or components described herein as hydrophilic are understood to mean water-attracting.

[0025] Additionally, the terms "outside" and "inside" are generally used herein to refer to the direction that a side of a component faces. For example, the outside of a component is understood to face the wet side and / or exterior side of a device, while the inside of a component is understood to face inward and / or toward the device in a direction opposite to the wet side and / or exterior side of the device.

[0026] Similarly, the terms "wet side" and "dry side" are generally used herein to refer to the exterior side of a device that is exposed to external moisture and the interior of a device that is generally protected from external moisture, respectively.

[0027] In addition, various components are described below as being mounted and / or otherwise attached to each other. It is understood that such mounting, etc. can occur using any suitable combination of glue, epoxy and / or other mounting materials, solder, etc., and can depend on the materials of the components.

[0028] Turn your attention to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A perspective view of a communication device 100 is depicted that includes a port located on the rear of the device 102 that, as will be explained below, includes a microphone and a condensation collection device to prevent condensation from migrating to the microphone.

[0029] As shown, the communication device 100 comprises a portable electronic device, such as a radio and / or a portable public safety radio, for use by first responders, such as firefighters, etc. However, the communication device 100 may comprise any suitable communication device that can be incorporated into the device 102, including but not limited to a remote speaker and microphone, a body-worn communication device, a cellular telephone, etc. For example, the communication device 100 may comprise a remote speaker and microphone, and / or the communication device 100 may comprise a body-worn communication device, and / or the communication device 100 may comprise a cellular telephone and housing adapted accordingly for the communication device 100, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, while as depicted, device 102 is at a particular location on communication device 100, device 102 may be located in any suitable location on communication device 100, and / or more than one device 102 may be incorporated into communication device 100 (e.g., see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0031] As depicted, the communication device 100 includes other components for communication, and specifically wireless communication, including, but not limited to, an antenna 104, a speaker 106 (e.g., behind a corresponding port), an optional additional device 108 (which may include a microphone and be similar to the device 102), one or more knobs 110 and / or input devices for communication channel selection, volume, etc., a push-to-talk (PTT) button 112, etc., and other buttons 114 for implementing other functionality of the communication device 100. In addition, the communication device 100 may include any other suitable components for wireless and / or wired communication, including, but not limited to, any suitable combination of transceivers, controllers, etc., and other microphones, speakers, etc. However, the components of the communication device 100 may be adapted according to any suitable functionality and / or configuration thereof.

[0032] As shown, the communication device 100 includes a housing 116 in which ports associated with the device 102, speaker 106, optional additional device 108, etc. are located, as well as external components such as buttons 112, 114, etc.

[0033] Next, turn your attention to Figure 2 , Figure 2 A perspective view of the communication device 100 is depicted with the housing 116 removed to better illustrate the device 102. For visual clarity, Figure 2 Other components of the communication device 100 are also removed, such as the antenna 104, the speaker 106, etc. Figure 2As further shown, in the depicted example, the device 102 can be mounted to and / or incorporated with a printed circuit board (PCB), and in particular, a flexible PCB 200. Other components of the communication device 100 can be mounted to and / or incorporated with the flexible PCB 200, such as internal components of the buttons 112, 114, etc.

[0034] Next, turn your attention to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The exploded view and the through-view diagram of the device 102 are respectively depicted. Figure 2 A cross section of the device 102 along line AA.

[0035] The device 102 includes: a microphone 302; a plate 304 having an acoustic port 306 therethrough, the microphone 302 being positioned to receive sound through the acoustic port 306; an acoustically transparent membrane 308 over the acoustic port 306, the acoustically transparent membrane 308 being moisture-proof; an outer membrane 310 (at Figure 2 310 ), which receives sound for microphone 302, the outer membrane being impermeable to at least moisture; and a condensation collection device 312 between outer membrane 310 and acoustically permeable membrane 308, the condensation collection device 312 comprising: an aperture 314 through which sound from outer membrane 310 passes; and one or more condensation collection features 316 at an outer membrane-facing side 318 of condensation collection device 312, the one or more condensation collection features 316 being configured to: collect sound from an inner side 320 (at the outer membrane facing side) of outer membrane 310. Figure 4 and prevents migration of condensation which is collected through apertures 98A.

[0036] As depicted, condensation collection device 312 also includes a frame 321 that supports one or more condensation collection features 316 , among other things.

[0037] The components of device 102 are described in more detail below.

[0038] The microphone 302 is generally mounted on a side 322 of the plate 304 opposite the acoustically transparent membrane 308. In some examples, as depicted, the microphone 302 can include a microelectromechanical system (MEMs) microphone and / or a bottom-ported MEMs microphone. However, the microphone 302 can include any suitable microphone. In some examples, the microphone 302 can be provided in a package (e.g., Figure 8 depicted).

[0039] Board 304 may comprise a portion of flexible PCB 200 , and / or board 304 may comprise any other suitable planar material and / or combination of planar materials that may be attached to flexible PCB 200 .

[0040] The acoustically permeable membrane 308 may include one or more of a hydrophobic material and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based material, and / or any other suitable material that transmits sound therethrough and is also moisture-resistant. The acoustically permeable membrane 308 may have any suitable thickness through which sound is transmitted, and may depend on the type of material of the acoustically permeable membrane 308.

[0041] As depicted, the acoustically permeable membrane 308 and the microphone 302 are mounted on opposite sides of the plate 304, e.g., such that the acoustically permeable membrane 308 covers the acoustic port 306 and the microphone 302 receives sound through the acoustic port 306. For example, the acoustically permeable membrane 308 can be attached to a frame and / or support material that is mounted (e.g., using glue, epoxy, etc.) at the outer side 324 of the plate 304, and the microphone 302 can be mounted (e.g., using glue, epoxy, etc.) to the inner side 322 of the plate 304. Generally, the acoustically permeable membrane 308 helps prevent moisture and / or condensation (which migrates into the device 102) from reaching the microphone 302.

[0042] As depicted, device 102 may also include a pressure equalization port 326 extending through plate 304 and an acoustically resistive membrane 328 positioned above (e.g., covering and / or mounted above) pressure equalization port 326, the acoustically resistive membrane 328 being moisture-resistant. Generally, acoustically resistive membrane 328 blocks the transmission of sound therethrough, but otherwise allows air pressure equalization on either side of plate 304 to aid in the functionality of microphone 302 (e.g., if air pressure on sides 322, 324 of plate 304 differs, microphone 302 may not function properly). The acoustic resistance of acoustically resistive membrane 328 generally serves to prevent sound from passing through pressure equalization port 326 and / or to facilitate transmission of sound to microphone 302 (e.g., and away from pressure equalization port 326). Acoustically resistive membrane 328 may comprise any suitable water-resistant and / or hydrophobic material, including but not limited to expanded PTFE (EPTFE), among other possibilities. The acoustically resistive membrane 328 may have any suitable thickness that allows air pressure to equalize on either side of the plate 304 , and may depend on the type of material of the acoustically resistive membrane 328 .

[0043] Additionally, as depicted, the plate 304 can include a region 329 that is supported by other portions of the plate 304, the region 329 can be thinner than the other portions, and the acoustic port 306 and the pressure equalization port 326 can be located in the region 329. The region 329 can be made of the same and / or different material than the other portions of the plate 304, and the region 329 can have the same and / or (as depicted) different thickness than the other portions of the plate 304.

[0044] As depicted, the outer membrane 310 is mounted on a frame 330 ( Figure 2 Frame 330 also includes an outer acoustic aperture 332 (also visible in FIG), to which outer membrane 310 is attached, to prevent moisture from entering outer acoustic aperture 332. In other words, outer membrane 310 is generally impermeable to at least moisture and, located at outer acoustic aperture 332, vibrates in response to external sound (e.g., pressure waves) reaching the wet side (exterior) of device 102. In other words, external sound reaches outer side 334 (e.g., the wet side) of outer membrane 310 and causes outer membrane 310 to vibrate. Outer membrane 310, in turn, converts the external sound into internal sound at the dry side (interior area) of device 102 via inner side 320 of outer membrane 310. Furthermore, outer membrane 310 generally prevents external moisture from entering device 102.

[0045] exist Figure 4 In FIG, the outer film 310 is depicted as partially transparent, showing only details of the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 of the condensation-collecting device 312 .

[0046] Although the acoustic port 306, the hole 314, the pressure equalization port 326, and the outer acoustic hole 332 are all depicted as circular, the acoustic port 306, the hole 314, the pressure equalization port 326, and the outer acoustic hole 332 may have any suitable shape. Similarly, the acoustically transparent membrane 308, the outer membrane 310, and the acoustically resistive membrane 328 are also depicted as circular, but the acoustically transparent membrane 308, the outer membrane 310, and the acoustically resistive membrane 328 may have any suitable shape.

[0047] The outer membrane 310 may generally include one or more of a hydrophobic material and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based material, and / or any other suitable material that is at least impermeable to moisture, and that converts and / or transforms sound external to the device 102 into sound internal to the device 102. Furthermore, the outer membrane 310 may have any suitable thickness that converts and / or transforms sound external to the device 102 into sound internal to the device 102, and may depend on the type of material of the acoustically permeable membrane 308.

[0048] refer to Figure 4, depicts a path 402 for sound from the inner side 320 of the outer membrane 310, through the aperture 314 of the condensation-collecting device 312, between the inner side 404 of the condensation-collecting device 312 and the plate 304, to the acoustically transparent membrane 308, and through the acoustic port 306, where the sound is detected by the microphone 302. Path 402 illustrates that the acoustic port 306 and the aperture 314 may be misaligned and / or offset from one another (e.g., their centers are misaligned, and / or the respective normal axes of the acoustic port 306 and aperture 314 do not coincide with one another) and / or spatially non-overlapping, which may further aid in the migration of condensation to the microphone 302. For example, path 402 includes several turns where sound may readily travel but over which condensation may be less likely to migrate.

[0049] However, the acoustic port 306 and the aperture 314 can have any suitable spatial relationship to each other, including but not limited to the acoustic port 306 and the aperture 314 being aligned and / or spatially overlapping (e.g., their centers can be aligned along a common normal axis, and / or the respective normal axes of the acoustic port 306 and the aperture 314 can coincide with each other).

[0050] Further references Figure 4 In response to a temperature change at the outer side 334 of the outer film 310, condensation 406 may collect on the inner side 320 of the outer film 310. The condensation 406 may be formed from water vapor located on the dry side and / or interior of the device 102 (e.g., and / or the communication device 100). The condensation 406 is drawn in dashed lines to indicate that the condensation 406 is located on the inner side 320 of the outer film 310 (e.g., at Figure 4 , condensation 406 is seen through the outer membrane 310).

[0051] As further depicted, condensation 406 may descend and / or migrate onto one or more condensation-collecting features 316 of condensation-collecting device 312, as indicated by arrow 408, where condensation 406 may collect as one or more condensation (e.g., moisture) droplets 410. In contrast, if condensation-collecting device 312 were not present in device 102, condensation 406 may more easily migrate to microphone 302 and / or at least to acoustically transparent membrane 308.

[0052] Thus, the one or more condensation collection features 316 generally collect the condensation droplets 410 and further prevent the condensation droplets 410 from moving toward the aperture 314 .

[0053] Next, turn your attention to Figure 5 , Figure 5Condensation-collecting device 312 and one or more condensation-collecting features 316 are depicted in greater detail. At least one or more condensation-collecting features 316 can comprise any suitable hydrophilic material, including but not limited to polyurethane, among other possibilities. Indeed, condensation-collecting device 312, including one or more condensation-collecting features 316, one side of aperture 314, and frame 321, can comprise a unitary device formed from any suitable hydrophilic material. However, condensation-collecting device 312 can comprise any suitable combination of one or more materials.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be understood that the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 are generally configured to increase the surface area of the outer membrane-facing side 318 relative to a flat surface, e.g., to generally increase the surface area of the outer membrane-facing side 318 that can collect condensation droplets 410. This increased surface area helps collect any form of condensation droplets 410 and / or condensation to prevent condensation from migrating to the microphone 302.

[0055] Specifically, if Figure 5 As depicted, one or more condensation collection features 316 may include one or more raised ridges 316 - 1 extending at least partially across outer membrane-facing side 318 from side to side (eg, to frame 321 ), the one or more raised ridges 316 - 1 and aperture 314 not intersecting.

[0056] As shown, the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 may include one or more recesses 316 - 2 in the outer film-facing side 318 , the one or more recesses 316 - 2 and the aperture 314 not intersecting.

[0057] Specifically, as depicted, ridges 316 - 1 and valleys 316 - 2 (e.g., in the form of grooves) alternate and / or are approximately parallel to one another such that condensation droplets 410 (and / or condensation in any form) may collect at the ridges 316 - 1 and / or valleys 316 - 2 and are generally arranged to prevent condensation droplets 410 and the like from migrating toward and / or entering the apertures 314 .

[0058] In other words, raised ridges 316-1 and valleys 316-2 may generally be configured to direct condensation droplets 410 collected on raised ridges 316-1 and / or valleys 316-2 away from apertures 314 and / or in any suitable direction that does not reach and / or enter the apertures.

[0059] For example, as depicted, condensation droplets 410 may collect in recesses 316-2 and be directed to move and / or flow in a direction that does not intersect aperture 314, as indicated by arrow 502. For example, raised ridges 316-1 and / or recesses 316-2 may direct condensation droplets 410 in a direction that is parallel to a diameter of aperture 314, but does not intersect the perimeter of aperture 314.

[0060] However, because at least one or more of the condensation-collecting features 316 may include a hydrophilic material, the condensation droplets 410 may not move, but may instead "stick" and / or be attracted to the one or more condensation-collecting features 316. Nevertheless, as the size of the condensation droplets 410 increases, e.g., due to smaller condensation droplets 410 collecting into larger condensation droplets 410, the condensation droplets 410 may move along the ridges 316-1 and / or valleys 316-2 and not enter the apertures 314.

[0061] Although not depicted, at the ends of ridges 316 - 1 and / or valleys 316 - 2 , frame 321 may include one or more drainage features (eg, channels) to drain any condensation droplets 410 that reach the end away from aperture 314 and / or exit device 102 .

[0062] Similarly, while the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 are generally formed as a circular shape within the frame 321, the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 can have any suitable shape. In particular, the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 can be formed as a circular shape that is similar in size to the circular shape of the outer membrane 310, and the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 and the circular shape of the outer membrane 310 can be approximately aligned (e.g., such that their centers are on the same and / or similar normal axes). In some examples, the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 can be formed as a circular shape that is larger than the outer membrane 310, for example, 5% larger, 10% larger, or other possibilities.

[0063] Further understanding (e.g. at least from Figure 4 ) The outer membrane-facing side 318 of the condensation collection device 312 is adjacent to the inner side 320 of the outer membrane 310. When the outer membrane 310 is understood to vibrate, in some examples, and as Figure 5 As shown, the condensation collection device 312 may further include an adventitia insitu region 504 at the adventitia-facing side 318 that is recessed relative to adjacent portions of the adventitia-facing side 318 to allow for vibration of the adventitia 310. For example, Figure 5In the embodiment of the present invention, the adventitial insufflation region 504 defines a circular area within one or more ridges 316-1 that is lower relative to the inner side 320 of the outer membrane 310 than adjacent portions of the one or more ridges 316-1 closer to the frame 321 and / or the ends of the one or more ridges 316-1. Specifically, as depicted, the circular area formed by the adventitial insufflation region 504 can be in the form of a concave spherical cap and / or a concave spherical dome, etc. The diameter and / or depth of the adventitial insufflation region 504 can be heuristically determined based on the measured and / or calculated displacement of the outer membrane 310 toward the outer membrane-facing side 318 of the condensation-collecting device 312 when the outer membrane 310 vibrates due to receiving sound. Similarly, the diameter and / or depth of the adventitial insufflation region 504 can be further heuristically determined based on the distance between the outer membrane-facing side 318 of the condensation-collecting device 312 and the inner side 320 of the outer membrane 310.

[0064] While approximately parallel ridges 316-1 and valleys 316-2 are one example of one or more condensation collection features 316, the one or more condensation collection features 316 may include any suitable combination of features that collect condensation that migrates from the inside of the outer membrane 310 and prevents migration of condensation that is collected through the apertures 314. For example, Figure 5 It will be appreciated that the two ridges 316-1a and the two valleys 316-2a have different configurations than the other ridges 316-1 and valleys 316-2. For example, the two ridges 316-1a are not parallel to the other ridges 316-1 and valleys 316-2, but instead extend along the aperture 314, but generally do not intersect the aperture 314, and / or have a shape that promotes the flow of condensation away from the aperture 314 (e.g., downward, assuming the communication device 100 is oriented in an up / down position). Similarly, the two valleys 316-2a are not parallel to the ridges 316-1 and the other valleys 316-2, but instead form pits on either side of the ridges 316-1a and / or on either side of the aperture 314 where condensation (e.g., condensation droplets 410) can collect. Thus, the ridges 316-1a and valleys 316-2a illustrate that the one or more condensation-collecting features 316 can have any suitable configuration.

[0065] However, the one or more condensation collection features 316 may have other suitable configurations.

[0066] For example, we next turn our attention to Figure 6 , Figure 6An alternative condensation collection device 612 is depicted that includes an aperture 614 through which sound from the outer membrane 310 passes, and one or more condensation collection features 616 at an outer membrane-facing side 618 of the condensation collection device 612, the one or more condensation collection features 616 being configured to collect condensation that migrates from the inner side 320 of the outer membrane 310 and to prevent migration of condensation collected through the aperture 614.

[0067] Aperture 614 is understood to be similar to aperture 314 .

[0068] It is also understood that condensation collection device 612 also includes a frame 621. Although as depicted, frame 621 is a different shape than frame 321, frame 621 may have the same and / or similar shape as frame 321.

[0069] Generally, condensation collection device 612 can be used in place of condensation collection device 312. However, as depicted, rather than approximately parallel protrusions and recesses, one or more condensation collection features 616 include ridges 616-1 defining hexagonal recesses 616-2, which generally form a honeycomb structure. Additionally, aperture 614 is surrounded by a groove 616-3 formed by a circular outer wall 620 and an opposing circular wall 622 of aperture 614.

[0070] Although condensation-collecting device 612 is depicted without an intermembrane region, condensation-collecting device 612 may include an intermembrane region similar to intermembrane region 504 .

[0071] Condensate collection device 612 functions generally similarly to condensate collection device 312 , however, condensation and / or condensation droplets may collect and / or be captured in hexagonal recesses 616 - 2 and / or grooves 616 - 3 and may not flow within condensation collection device 612 (eg, except around grooves 616 - 3 ).

[0072] Furthermore, while recess 616 - 2 is depicted as being hexagonal, recess 616 - 2 may have any suitable shape and size, including but not limited to square, rectangular, circular, oval, and other possibilities.

[0073] Next, turn your attention to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Front and back views of a portion of flexible PCB 200 including internal components of device 102 and one of buttons 114 are depicted. Figure 7 and Figure 8It is also shown that, in some examples, optional additional devices 108 similar to device 102 can be incorporated into the flexible PCB 200 and / or the communication device 100 .

[0074] In particular, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The components of the device 102 when assembled are depicted. For example, Figure 7 The outer membrane 310 and one side of the condensation collection device 312 (eg, one side of the frame 321 ) are depicted being held by the frame 330 . Figure 8 Depicted are the rear portion (eg, enclosure) of microphone 302, one side of condensation collection device 312 (eg, a side of frame 321), and the rear side of pressure equalization port 326. While not all components of device 102 are depicted, they are understood to be present.

[0075] Similarly, Figure 7 Similar components of the optional additional device 108 are further depicted. For example, Figure 7 Depicted are outer membrane 710 (eg, similar to outer membrane 310 ) held by frame 730 (eg, similar to frame 330 ), and one side (eg, a side of a frame similar to frame 321 ) of condensation collection device 712 (eg, similar to condensation collection device 312 ). Figure 8 Depicted are a rear portion of microphone 703 (e.g., similar to microphone 302), a rear side of plate 704 (e.g., similar to plate 304), one side of condensation collection device 712, and a rear side of pressure equalization port 726 (e.g., similar to pressure equalization port 326). While not all components of optional additional device 108 are depicted, they are nonetheless understood to be present and are further understood to include at least the components of the optional additional device 108. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same and / or similar components of the device 102 depicted in FIG.

[0076] In the foregoing description, specific embodiments have been described. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Therefore, the description and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings. Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more apparent should not be construed as key, required or essential features or elements of any or all claims. The present invention is limited solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims issued.

[0077] Furthermore, in this document, relational terms such as first, second, top, and bottom may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "include," "comprising," "having," "including," "containing," "includes," "contains," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, contains, or has a list of elements does not include those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "includes," "having," "including," or "contains" does not, without more constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes, has, contains, or has that element. Unless expressly stated otherwise herein, the terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "about," "approximately," or any other form thereof, are defined as approximate to what is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment, the terms are defined as within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1%, and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term "one of...", without a more restrictive modifier (such as "only one of..."), and when applied herein to two or more subsequently defined options (such as "one of A and B"), should be interpreted to mean only the presence of any one of the listed options (e.g., A alone or B alone) or any combination of two or more of the listed options (e.g., A and B together).

[0078] Similarly, in this document, the language “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “one or more of X, Y, and Z” can be understood to mean only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, XZ, etc.). Similar logic can be applied to any occurrence of the language “at least one of…” and “one or more of…” for two or more items.

[0079] A device or structure that is "configured" in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

[0080] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" can have several different meanings depending on the context in which the terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupled, or connected can have mechanical or electrical meanings. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupled, or connected can indicate that two elements or devices are connected to each other directly or through an intermediate element or device via an electrical element, electrical signal, or mechanical element, depending on the particular context.

[0081] The Abstract of the present disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure. This approach to the present disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the present invention lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim itself as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A device comprising: microphone; a plate having an acoustic port therethrough, the microphone being positioned to receive sound through the acoustic port; an acoustically transparent membrane above the acoustic port, the acoustically transparent membrane being moisture-proof; an outer membrane that receives the sound for the microphone, the outer membrane being impermeable to at least moisture; as well as A condensation collecting device, the condensation collecting device being located between the outer membrane and the acoustically transparent membrane, the condensation collecting device comprising: a hole through which the sound from the outer membrane passes; and One or more condensation-collecting features at the outer membrane-facing side of the condensation-collecting device, the one or more condensation-collecting features configured to: collect condensation that migrates from the inner side of the outer membrane; and prevent the collected condensation from migrating through the aperture.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressure equalization port through the plate; as well as An acoustic resistance membrane is above the pressure equalization port, and the acoustic resistance membrane is moisture-proof.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more condensation-collecting features include one or more raised ridges extending at least partially across the outer membrane-facing side from side to side, the one or more raised ridges and the aperture being disjoint.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The one or more condensation-collecting features include one or more recesses in the outer membrane-facing side, the one or more recesses and the aperture being disjoint.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The one or more condensation-collecting features include features for increasing the surface area of the outer membrane-facing side relative to a flat surface.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The condensation-collecting device further includes an intermembrane space region at the adventitia-facing side, the intermembrane space region being recessed relative to an adjacent portion of the adventitia-facing side to allow vibration of the adventitia.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The one or more condensation-collecting features include a hydrophilic material.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The microphone is mounted on a side of the panel opposite to the acoustically transparent membrane.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The microphone comprises a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMs) microphone.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The microphone comprises a bottom-ported MEMs microphone.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The sound-transmitting membrane includes one or more of a hydrophobic material and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based material.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The outer membrane includes one or more of a hydrophobic material and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based material.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an outer acoustic hole, the outer membrane being attached to the outer acoustic hole to prevent moisture from entering the outer acoustic hole.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a body wearable communication device.

15. The device of claim 1, further comprising a remote speaker microphone.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a portable public safety radio.

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