Bifunctional transducer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a dual-functional transducer. The present invention discloses a dual-functional transducer assembly, the dual-functional transducer assembly comprising: a magnet motor assembly including a first magnet plate and a second magnet plate arranged parallel to each other along a first axis; a sound output assembly coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the sound output assembly including a piston and a voice coil, and wherein the voice coil is arranged to cause the piston to vibrate in a direction parallel to the first axis; and a shaker assembly coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the shaker assembly including a first shaker coil and a second shaker coil, the first shaker coil and the second shaker coil being arranged to cause the magnet assembly to vibrate in a direction parallel to a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of August 24, 2020, the priority date of September 27, 2019, the application number of 202010858968.3, and the title of "Bifunctional Transducer". Technical Field

[0002] One aspect of the present invention relates to a bifunctional transducer, and more particularly, to a bifunctional transducer including a single magnet motor assembly for speaker and shaker functions. Other aspects are also described and protection is claimed for other aspects. Background Art

[0003] In modern consumer electronic products, with the continuous improvement of digital audio signal processing and audio content transmission, audio functions are playing an increasingly important role. In this regard, a wide range of consumer electronic devices can benefit from the improvement of audio performance. For example, a smart phone includes, for example, an electroacoustic transducer (such as a speaker), which can benefit from the improvement of audio performance. However, a smart phone does not have enough space to accommodate multiple transducers and / or actuators that are typically used to implement various functions that may be desired (e.g., sound output, tactile output, etc.). This is also the case for some portable personal computers such as laptops, notebooks, and tablet computers, and to a lesser extent, for desktop personal computers with built-in transducers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bifunctional transducer that can be used as both an electroacoustic transducer (e.g., a speaker) and a tactile transducer (e.g., a shaker). The speaker function can be used to output sound from the device, while the shaker can be used to generate a tactile output, for example, by vibrating the surface to which it is connected. The transducer can include a single magnet motor assembly that houses both a speaker component (e.g., a piston and a voice coil) and a shaker component (e.g., a shaker coil), such that two functions can be achieved using a single transducer. Representatively, the single magnet motor assembly can be used to generate one or more magnetic fields, which are used by sub-components of the bifunctional transducer to generate the desired output. For example, one of the sub-components can provide a shaking (e.g., vibrating) function, and another of the sub-components can provide a speaker function. Actuation of these two functions may require electromechanical actuation of a part of the components. Actuation of the two functions in the bifunctional transducer can be in the same chassis. Therefore, the magnetic system design can achieve the utilization of the two functions by guiding the magnetic field to two or more sets of high magnetic field densities. One or more sets will be utilized by the vibration function, and another set will be utilized by the speaker function.

[0005] Representatively, in one aspect, the vibration function can use an electrostatic coil placed in one of a plurality of sets of high magnetic field density such that the vibration function can generate an electromagnetic force when an electric current is applied to the coil. The magnetic system can be assembled to a flexible suspension system. When the coil generates a force, the magnetic system can move (actuate) to transmit physical movement / force outside the system. The speaker function can have a coil attached to a lightweight piston (e.g., a diaphragm), which is connected to the suspension system. This is assembled such that the coil is suspended in another region of high magnetic field density from the magnetic system. In a speaker application, the magnetic system does not move substantially, but the generated electromagnetic force moves the coil / piston assembly. This provides a mechanism for generating audible frequencies such as 100 Hz to 20 kHz. The vibration function may require relatively low frequencies that are typically inaudible, while the speaker function uses a portion of the audible frequency band. Depending on the application requirements, different coils for the vibration and speaker functions can have the ability to be driven independently by different channels on an amplifier or together by the same channel. The dual-function transducer provides the additional advantage of being able to save sufficient space (volume) in the system and can be made more compact than two separate modules for implementing the vibration and speaker functions.

[0006] More specifically, aspects of the present disclosure include a transducer assembly having a magnet motor assembly and a piston and a voice coil coupled to the magnet motor assembly. The magnet motor assembly may include a first magnet plate and a second magnet plate arranged along an axis, a first support plate positioned between the inward-facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, and a second support plate positioned along the outward-facing surface of the first magnet plate to form a magnetic gap between the first support plate and the second support plate. The voice coil may be positioned around the first support plate and within the magnetic gap, and the piston vibrates in a direction parallel to the axis. In some aspects, the first support plate and the second support plate extend beyond the ends of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate such that the magnetic gap is formed by the surfaces of the first support plate and the second support plate and the ends of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate. The inward-facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate may have the same magnetic poles, and the magnetic flux lines across the magnetic gap may be perpendicular to the winding height of the voice coil. In some aspects, the length or width of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate may be parallel to the axis. The magnet motor assembly may be a first magnet motor assembly, the piston is a first piston and the voice coil is a first voice coil, and the assembly may further include a second magnet motor assembly that shares a third support plate positioned along the outward-facing surface of the second magnet plate with the first magnet motor assembly. The second magnet motor assembly may include a third magnet plate, a fourth magnet plate, and a fourth support plate, the third magnet plate being positioned between the third support plate and the fourth support plate, and the fourth magnet plate being positioned along a side of the fourth support plate opposite the third magnet plate; and a second piston and a second voice coil arranged along the ends of the third magnet plate and the fourth magnet plate. In some aspects, the axis is a first axis, and the second piston vibrates along a second axis at an angle to the first axis. The piston and the voice coil may include a first piston and a first voice coil, and the transducer assembly may further include a second piston and a second voice coil positioned at the ends of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, and the second piston vibrates along the axis.

[0007] In another aspect, a dual-functional transducer assembly is provided, the dual-functional transducer assembly comprising: a magnet motor assembly including a first magnet plate and a second magnet plate arranged parallel to each other along a first axis; a sound output assembly coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the sound output assembly including a piston and a voice coil, and wherein the piston vibrates in a direction parallel to the first axis; and a shaker assembly coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the shaker assembly including a first shaker coil and a second shaker coil, the first shaker coil and the second shaker coil being arranged to cause the magnet assembly to vibrate in a direction parallel to a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis. In some aspects, the magnet motor assembly is movably coupled to a transducer frame by a leaf spring. Further, the voice coil is rotatable ninety degrees relative to the first shaker coil and the second shaker coil. In some aspects, the inward-facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate are attached to a center plate, and a pair of outer plates are attached to the outward-facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate. The center plate and the pair of outer plates can form at least three different magnetic gaps around the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate for accommodating the voice coil, the first shaker coil, and the second shaker coil. In some aspects, the piston and the voice coil are a first piston and a first voice coil, and the sound output assembly further includes a second piston and a second voice coil, the second piston and the second voice coil being arranged along another end of the magnet motor assembly and operable to vibrate in a direction parallel to the first axis.

[0008] In another aspect, a dual - function transducer assembly includes: a magnet - motor assembly; a first transducer component coupled to the magnet - motor assembly, the first transducer component being operable to move in a direction parallel to a first axis to produce a first transducer function; and a second transducer component coupled to the magnet - motor assembly, the second transducer component being operable to move in a direction parallel to a second axis to produce a second transducer function, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis, and the first axis and the second axis being in the same plane. In some aspects, the first transducer function is sound output. The first transducer component may be a voice coil coupled to a piston, and actuating the voice coil causes the piston to vibrate in a direction parallel to the first axis. The voice coil may be positioned within a voice - coil gap formed at a length - side of the magnet assembly. In additional aspects, the second transducer function is haptic output. The second transducer component may include a shaker coil, and actuating the shaker coil causes the magnet assembly to vibrate in a direction parallel to the second axis. The shaker coil may be positioned within a shaker - coil gap formed at a width - side of the magnet assembly. The shaker coil may be a first shaker coil, and the system further includes a second shaker coil. The magnet assembly may be configured to direct a magnetic field into a first region of high magnetic - field density and a second region of high magnetic - field density, and the first high - magnetic - field - density region actuates the first transducer component, and the second high - magnetic - field - density region actuates the second transducer component. In some aspects, the first high - magnetic - field - density region is along the length - side of the magnet assembly, and the second high - magnetic - field - density region is along the width - side of the magnet assembly. The first transducer component and the second transducer component may be independently driven when a current is applied. In some aspects, the first transducer component and the second transducer component may be driven together when a current is applied.

[0009] In another aspect, a transducer assembly is provided, the transducer assembly including a magnet motor assembly including a first magnet plate, a second magnet plate, a center plate positioned along the inwardly facing surfaces of the first and second magnet plates, and a pair of outer plates positioned along the outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second magnet plates to form a plurality of channels extending beyond the first and second magnet plates along the ends of the center plate; and a coil positioned around at least one of the ends of the center plate and within at least one of the plurality of channels. In some aspects, the coil is one of a first pair of coils, and the assembly further includes a second pair of coils, the first pair of coils being positioned along a first axis and the second pair of coils being positioned along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. In other aspects, the coil is a shaker coil and the shaker coil is operable to move the magnet motor assembly in at least two different directions. The shaker coil may be fixed to a device to be actuated and the magnet motor assembly is mounted to a flexible base. In other aspects, the coil is a first voice coil and the transducer assembly further includes a second voice coil, a first diaphragm coupled to the first voice coil, and a second diaphragm coupled to the second voice coil. In some instances, the first voice coil and the second voice coil are operable to vibrate in directions parallel to at least two different axes. The magnet motor assembly may include an open center. In some aspects, at least one of the first voice coil and the first diaphragm or the second voice coil and the second diaphragm is positioned within the open center and the first diaphragm. Extension members may extend from opposite surfaces of the center plate and through central openings in the first magnet plate, the second magnet plate, and the pair of outer plates. In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of channels is formed between at least one end of the extension member and at least one of the pair of outer plates, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of channels houses a third voice coil arranged along a third axis different from the at least two axes along which the first and second voice coils are arranged. In another aspect, a third diaphragm is coupled to the third voice coil and is operable to vibrate in a direction parallel to the third axis.

[0010] The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present invention. It is contemplated that the present invention includes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitable combinations of the various aspects outlined above and those disclosed in the detailed description below and particularly pointed out in the claims filed with this patent application. Such combinations have specific advantages not specifically recited in the above summary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the drawings, several aspects are shown by way of example and not limitation, and like reference numerals indicate like elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the mention of "an" or "a" aspect in this disclosure is not necessarily the same aspect, and it means at least one.

[0012] Figure 1 A cross-sectional end view showing one aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0013] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of the transducer assembly.

[0014] Figure 3 A perspective view showing one aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0015] Figure 4 A side view showing one aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0016] Figure 5 A cross-sectional end view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0017] Figure 6 A cross-sectional end view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0018] Figure 7 A cross-sectional top view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0019] Figure 8 A cross-sectional top view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0020] Figure 9 A cross-sectional top view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0021] Figure 10 Shows Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of the transducer assembly.

[0022] Figure 11 A side perspective view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0023] Figure 12 A cross-sectional top view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0024] Figure 13 A cross-sectional side view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented.

[0025] Figure 14 A simplified schematic diagram of an electronic device in which the transducer assembly can be implemented is presented.

[0026] Figure 15A block diagram shows some of the components of an electronic device in which a transducer assembly can be implemented. Detailed Description

[0027] In this section, we will explain several preferred aspects of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever the shape, relative position, and other aspects of the components described in multiple aspects are not clearly defined, the scope of the present invention is not limited solely to the components shown, and the components shown are for illustrative purposes only. Additionally, although many details are set forth, it should be understood that some aspects of the present invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0028] The terms used herein are merely for describing particular aspects and are not intended to limit the present invention. Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used herein for convenience in describing the relationship of one element or feature to another or other elements or features, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "beneath" or "below" other elements or features may then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "beneath" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising" define the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or their groups.

[0030] The term "or" and "and / or" as used herein shall be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Thus, "A, B, or C" or "A, B, and / or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C." This definition has an exception only when the combination of elements, functions, steps, or acts is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0031] Figures 1 to 2A cross-sectional end view of a transducer assembly is shown. The transducer assembly 100 can be, for example, an electro-mechanical transducer or an electro-acoustic transducer that converts an electrical signal into a vibration signal and / or an audible signal that can be output from a device in which the transducer assembly 100 is integrated. For example, the transducer assembly 100 can be a speaker and / or a shaker integrated within a smart phone or other similar compact electronic device. In some cases, the transducer assembly 100 can be attached to the surface of a device to actuate (e.g., vibrate) the surface. The transducer assembly 100 can be encapsulated within a housing or enclosure of the device in which the transducer assembly is integrated.

[0032] The transducer 100 generally can include a magnet motor assembly 102, a piston 104, and a voice coil 106. In some aspects, the magnet motor assembly 102 can be arranged along an axis different from the piston 104 and the voice coil 106. Representatively, the magnet motor assembly 102 can be arranged along a first axis 108, and the piston 104 and the voice coil 106 can be arranged along an end 110 of the magnet motor assembly 102. Referring now more particularly to the magnet motor assembly 102, the magnet motor assembly 102 can include a first magnet 112 and a second magnet 114 arranged along the first axis 108. For example, the first magnet 112 and the second magnet 114 can be magnet plates having a rectangular shape. The rectangular-shaped magnets 112, 114 can be arranged such that the length dimension (L) or the width dimension (W) (shown by line 150) of the rectangular-shaped magnets 112, 114 extends in a direction parallel to the first axis 108, as Figure 1 shown. The thickness dimension (T) can extend perpendicular to the first axis 108. In this regard, the inner surface 112A of the magnet 112 faces the inner surface 114A of the magnet 114. Since the surfaces 112A and 114A face each other, these two surfaces also can be referred to herein as the mating surfaces of the magnet plates 112, 114, respectively. The magnets 112, 114 can be positioned between support plates 116, 118, and 120. Representatively, the inner surfaces 112A, 114A of the magnets 112, 114 can be positioned along opposite sides or surfaces of the inner support plate 118. The outward-facing surfaces 112B, 114B of the magnets 112, 114 can be positioned along the inward-facing surfaces of the support plates 116, 120. In some aspects, the surfaces of the magnets 112, 114 and the support plates 116, 118, and 120 will be in direct contact with each other and / or can be mechanically or chemically attached to each other to complete the magnet assembly structure. For example, the inner surfaces 112A, 114A of the magnets 112, 114 can be in direct contact with the opposite sides or surfaces of the support plate 118, while the outward surfaces 112B, 114B can be in direct contact with the inward-facing sides or surfaces of the support plates 116, 120, respectively.

[0033] The support plates 116, 118, 120 may be made of a material suitable for guiding magnetic flux through the magnet assembly to create a region of high magnetic field density for actuating transducer functions. For example, the support plates 116, 118, 120 may be steel plates that are in direct contact with the magnets 112, 114 positioned therebetween. The support plates 116, 118, and 120 may have a shape similar to that of the magnets 112, 114, except that these support plates may be taller (e.g., have a longer length or width dimension) than the ends of the magnets 112, 114 or otherwise extend beyond the ends of these two magnets such that an air gap or magnetic gap 122 in which the voice coil 106 resides is formed at the ends of the magnets 112, 114. For example, the support plates 116, 118, 120 may have extensions beyond the ends of the magnets 112, 114 such that the air gap or magnetic gap 122 is a channel defined by the butting sides or surfaces 116B, 118A, 118B, 120B of the plates 116, 118, 120 that extend beyond the magnets 112, 114 and the ends 112C, 114C of the magnets 112, 114. Additionally, the same magnetic poles of each of the magnets 112, 114 may face each other. For example, each of the surfaces 112A, 114A of the magnets 112, 114 may represent a north pole such that the same magnetic poles face or butt against each other. This arrangement guides the magnetic field generated by the magnets 112, 114 and the associated magnetic flux density field lines 124A, 124B through the air gap or magnetic gap 122 and creates one or more regions of high magnetic field density (e.g., the regions containing the lines 124A, 124B), as Figure 2 shown.

[0034] The voice coil 106 may be attached to the bottom side of the piston 104 and positioned around the end of the middle plate 118 and within the air gap or magnetic gap 122. The piston 104, which may include a diaphragm and a surround, may be attached to the fixed portion of the assembly. The surround may be a relatively flexible structure that will allow the voice coil 106 to move relative to the middle plate 118. For example, magnetic flux density field lines 124A, 124B pass through the voice coil 106 positioned in the gap 122 in a direction perpendicular to the winding height of the voice coil 106 to drive the movement (e.g., vibration) of the voice coil 106 in a direction parallel to the first axis 108. The magnetic field may be perpendicular to the current flowing through the voice coil 106 such that the resulting force output is in a direction parallel to the first axis 108. This in turn drives the movement of the piston 104 (which is attached to the voice coil 106) in a direction parallel to the first axis 108. It should be appreciated that having the magnetic flux density field lines 124A, 124B perpendicular to the winding height of the voice coil 106 allows the narrow dimension (e.g., winding width) of the voice coil 106 to be disposed in a relatively narrow air gap or magnetic gap, which in turn results in a more efficient magnet motor assembly. For example, in some aspects, the portion of the air gap or magnetic gap 122 in which the voice coil 106 is positioned may be narrower than the remainder of the gap. For example, the inward-facing surfaces 116B, 120B of the plates 116, 120 (e.g., the surfaces that butt against the magnets) may include protrusions 116A, 120A, respectively. The protrusions 116A, 120A may have any size and dimensions suitable for narrowing the size of the gap around the voice coil 106, as shown. During operation, a current (or signal) is driven through the voice coil 106 to generate a magnetic field and a high magnetic field density within the gap 122. The magnet assembly 102 may be relatively fixed compared to the voice coil 106 such that the movement of the voice coil 106 in response to the magnetic field moves (e.g., vibrates) the piston 104 in a direction 152 parallel to the first axis 108. In some aspects, the movement of the piston 104 is used to generate a sound output. In this regard, the transducer assembly 100 may be a speaker or otherwise have speaker functionality.

[0035] The piston 104 (e.g., diaphragm and surround) and the voice coil 106 can have any size and dimensions that allow the voice coil 106 to be suspended within the gap 122. Representatively, in the case where the gap 122 is formed by the elongated channels on each side of the plate 118, the piston 104 and the voice coil 106 can also have an elongated shape. For example, the piston 104 and the voice coil 1056 can have a racetrack or rectangular shape, and the longest sides can be disposed within or otherwise along the channels between the plates 116, 118, 120 that form the gap 122. In some aspects, the piston 104 and the voice coil 106 can be the only moving structures coupled to the magnet assembly 102, and the other end of the magnet assembly 102 can be mounted to the housing wall in which the transducer 100 is implemented. In other aspects, the piston and the voice coil can be positioned along two ends of the magnet assembly 102 or along other sides of the magnet assembly 102 such that the piston / voice coil vibrates along more than one axis of the transducer 100.

[0036] Figure 3 A perspective view of a transducer assembly is shown. The transducer assembly 300 is similar to the transducer assembly 100, except that it combines both a speaker function (e.g., sound output) and a shaker function (e.g., surface actuation). The speaker function can be achieved by vibrating the piston in a direction parallel to the first axis discussed previously, while the shaker function is achieved by moving the magnet assembly in a different direction (e.g., a direction parallel to a second axis (e.g., an axis perpendicular to the first axis)). Representatively, the transducer assembly 300 can include the same transducer components as discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 2 to achieve the speaker function. For example, the transducer assembly 300 can include a magnet assembly 102, a voice coil 106, and a piston (not shown for ease of illustration), as previously discussed with reference to Figures 1 to 2 As previously discussed, this particular magnet assembly 102 and voice coil 106 configuration can move or vibrate the voice coil 106 in a direction parallel to the first axis 108 to achieve the speaker function.

[0037] The shaker function of the transducer 300 can be achieved by moving or vibrating the magnet assembly 102 in a direction parallel to a second axis 308 that is different from the first axis 108. For example, in the case where the magnet assembly 102 has the rectangular shape shown, the first axis 108 can extend in a direction parallel to the width side or dimension (W) of the magnet assembly 102, and the second axis 308 can extend in a direction parallel to the length side or dimension (L) of the magnet assembly. In this regard, the transducer 300 can be considered a biaxial or multi-axial transducer because it moves in different directions along at least two or more axes. The transducer 300 can also include a pair of shaker coils 302, 304 positioned along opposite sides or ends 310A, 310B of the magnet assembly 102. The shaker coils 302, 304 can be positioned along the width ends or sides of the intermediate support plate 118, as Figure 3 shown. An air gap 322 or magnetic gap 324 (similar to Figures 1 to 2 the air gap 122) can be formed around the ends 310A, 310B of the support plate 118 to accommodate the shaker coils 302, 304, respectively. The plates 116, 118, 120 can guide flux density field lines (e.g., field lines 124A, 124B) in a manner similar to that discussed previously with reference to Figure 2 through the magnetic gaps 322, 324 at the ends 310A, 310B. This in turn causes the shaker coils 302, 304 positioned at the ends 310A, 310B to generate a force parallel to the second axis 308. It should also be understood that although a pair of shaker coils 302, 304 along each end of the magnet assembly is disclosed, it is contemplated that in some aspects, a single coil along only one side of the magnet assembly can be used to drive the shaker function. For example, it is contemplated that in another configuration, only one of the shaker coils 302, 304 can be positioned at one of the ends 310A, 310B of the plate 118 of the magnet assembly, and the other coil can be omitted, and one coil is used to drive the shaker operation.

[0038] The magnet assembly 102 can be mounted in a frame or other housing by a flexible suspension system such that the force generated by the shaker coils 302, 304 can move the magnet assembly 102 in a direction parallel to the axis 308. For example, as Figure 4As shown, the magnet assembly 102 can be mounted to a relatively fixed frame 402 by flexible members 404, 406. The flexible members 404, 406 can be, for example, leaf springs or another flexible structure that will allow the magnet assembly 102 to move in a direction 408 parallel to axis 308. In some aspects, the flexible members 404, 406 can be relatively rigid or non-flexible with respect to movement in a direction 410 parallel to the first axis 108 (or perpendicular to axis 308). In this regard, movement of the magnet assembly 102 along the first axis 108 in response to the force generated by the voice coil 106 is prevented or minimized. Although not shown, it should also be understood that in some aspects, an actuation surface (e.g., a wall of the device housing) or other surface that is desired to move can be attached to the transducer 300 such that the rocking function of the transducer 300 causes the actuation surface to move.

[0039] Now return Figure 3 , to accommodate movement of the magnet assembly 102 in the rocking direction (e.g., a direction parallel to axis 308), a gap 312 can exist between the inner surface of the voice coil 106 and the intermediate plate 118. Specifically, as previously discussed, the voice coil 106 can be attached to a piston (e.g., a diaphragm and suspension), which can be attached to a relatively fixed structure (e.g., frame 402). Since the voice coil 106 is not directly attached to the magnet assembly 102, it does not move with the magnet assembly 102 in the rocking direction. Instead, movement of the piston can be limited to a direction parallel to axis 108. Thus, the ends of the intermediate plate 118 must be able to move within the voice coil 106 without hitting the inner surface at each end of the voice coil 106. Accordingly, the gap 312 can be sized such that the intermediate plate 118 can move in the rocking direction without contacting the surrounding voice coil 106 or otherwise interfering with the voice coil.

[0040] In this regard, the transducer 300 can be a dual-functional transducer as it can generate both physical movement / force (e.g., shaker function) and sound output (e.g., speaker function). Additionally, a single magnet assembly 102 (e.g., a single motor) can be used to achieve the dual functionality as the magnet assembly 102 directs the magnetic field into two (or more) sets or regions of high magnetic field density (e.g., gaps 122, 322, and 324), which can be used to drive components for implementing the vibration (shaker) function and components for implementing the speaker function. Further, although the component movement can be in different directions, the actuation of the components can be in the same plane (e.g., the plane defined by the middle plate 118). For example, the magnet assembly 102 can cause the voice coil 106 (and the associated piston) positioned in the gap 122 to move in a direction parallel to the first axis 108 to achieve the speaker function, and cause the shaker coils 302, 304 positioned in the gaps 322, 324 to move in a direction parallel to the second axis 308 to achieve the shaker function. Additionally, as previously discussed, the vibration function requires relatively low frequencies that are typically inaudible, while the speaker function uses a portion of the audible frequency band. Thus, the voice coil and the shaker coils have the ability to be driven independently by different channels (when inputting current or signals) on an amplifier or together by the same channel, depending on the application requirements. This in turn can reduce amplifier resources.

[0041] Figure 5 A cross-sectional end view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented. The transducer assembly 500 can include any number of the previously discussed transducers in a stacked arrangement to produce a larger radiation surface. Representatively, the transducer assembly 500 can include a stacked arrangement of two or more of the transducers 100. Representatively, the transducer assembly 500 can include transducers 100A, 100B, and 100C stacked together. Although not shown, each of the components of the previously discussed transducer 100 can be included in the transducers 100A to 100C, except that adjacent transducers can share a support plate. Representatively, the transducer 100A can include a magnet assembly 102A, a piston 104A, and a voice coil 106A, as previously referenced Figures 1 to 2As discussed. The magnet assembly 102A may include two magnet plates 112, 114 disposed on opposite sides of an intermediate support plate 118A and between outer support plates 116A, 120A. The support plates 116A, 118A, 120A direct magnetic flux lines through the voice coil 106A, which is suspended within a magnetic gap formed between these plates by the piston 104A, as previously discussed. The transducer 100B is positioned adjacent to the transducer 100A and includes a magnet assembly 102B, a piston 104B, and a voice coil 106B. The magnet assembly 102B includes two magnet plates 112, 114. The magnet plates 112, 114 are positioned on opposite sides of an intermediate support plate 118B and are disposed between the outer support plate 120A of the magnet assembly 102A and the outer support plate 120B of the assembly 102B. In this regard, the magnet assembly 102B shares the outer support plate 120A with the magnet assembly 102A. The piston 104B is attached to the plates 120A and 120B, and the voice coil 106B is attached to the piston 104B such that the voice coil is suspended within a magnetic gap formed between these plates. The transducer 100C is positioned adjacent to the transducer 100B and includes a magnet assembly 102C, a piston 104C, and a voice coil 106C. The magnet assembly 102C includes two magnet plates 112, 114. The magnet plates 112, 114 are positioned on opposite sides of an intermediate support plate 118C and are disposed between the outer support plate 120B of the magnet assembly 120B and the outer support plate 120C of the assembly 102C. The piston 104C is attached to the plates 120B and 120C, and the voice coil 106C is attached to the piston 104C such that the voice coil is suspended within a magnetic gap formed by the magnet assembly 102C. Each of the plates 112, 114, 116A, 118A to 118C, and 120A to 120C may be arranged along the axis 108 (e.g., having a length or width dimension extending parallel to the axis 108), as previously discussed. The magnet assemblies 102A to 102C may be mounted, for example, to a housing frame such that these plates are relatively fixed (particularly in a direction parallel to the axis 108). When current is applied, the pistons 104A to 104C and the voice coils 106A to 106C move (e.g., vibrate) in a direction parallel to the axis 108. Thus, stacking the transducer assemblies in this manner results in a larger radiating surface (e.g., the pistons 104A to 104C). In some aspects, the larger radiating surface (e.g., the pistons 104A to 104C) may be used for enhanced sound output (e.g., in the direction of arrow 502). Additionally, in some cases, each of the pistons 104A to 104C may be independently excited for improved beamforming applications.

[0042] Figure 6A cross-sectional end view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented. The transducer assembly 600 may be similar to the transducer assembly 500 in that it includes any number of the previously discussed transducers in a stacked arrangement. However, the transducers of the assembly 600 are arranged at an angle to each other such that the entire radiating surface is curved. Representative of this, the transducer assembly 600 may include a stacked arrangement of two or more of the transducers 100. Representative of this, the transducer assembly 600 may include transducers 100A and 100B stacked together. The transducers 100A to 100B may share a support plate. Representative of this, the transducer 100A may include a magnet assembly 102A, a piston 104A, and a voice coil 106A, as previously referenced Figure 5 and discussed. The magnet assembly 102A may include two magnet plates 112, 114 disposed on opposite sides of an intermediate support plate 118A and between outer support plates 116A, 120A. The support plates 116A, 118A, 120A direct magnetic flux lines through the voice coil 106A, which is positioned within a magnetic gap formed between these plates, as previously discussed. The transducer 100B is positioned adjacent to the transducer 100A and includes a magnet assembly 102B, a piston 104B, and a voice coil 106B. The magnet assembly 102B includes two magnet plates 112, 114. The magnet plates 112, 114 are positioned on opposite sides of an intermediate support plate 118B and are disposed between the outer support plate 120A of the magnet assembly 102A and the outer support plate 120B of the assembly 102B. In this regard, the magnet assembly 102B shares the outer support plate 120A with the magnet assembly 102A.

[0043] As in Figure 6As can be seen, the transducer 100A can be arranged along an axis 108A, and the transducer 100B can be arranged along another axis 108B that is at an angle to the axis 108A. This arrangement in turn causes the pistons 104A and 104B to face different directions and results in an enlarged radiation surface that is generally curved or otherwise includes surfaces facing different directions. Depending on the number of stacked transducers, the radiation surface can cover the entire 360 degrees. For example, the magnet assembly 102A can be arranged such that the central support plate 118A extends parallel to the axis 108A. Each of the remaining plates 112, 114, 116A, 120A that make up the magnet assembly 102A can be arranged at an angle to the axis 108A and at an angle to each other. The adjacent magnet assembly 102B can be arranged such that the central support plate 118B extends parallel to the axis 108B. Each of the remaining plates 112, 114, 116B, 120B that make up the magnet assembly 102B can be arranged at an angle to the axis 108B and at an angle to each other. In other words, all of the plates 112, 114, 116A to 116B, 118A to 118B, and 120A to 120B are at an angle to each other. The piston 104A of the magnet assembly 102A is attached to the plates 116A, 120A such that the vibration axis of this magnet assembly is parallel to the axis 108A, while the piston 104B of the magnet assembly 102B is attached to the plates 120A, 120B such that the vibration axis of this magnet assembly is parallel to the axis 108B. In this regard, the pistons 104A, 104B are considered to face different directions and / or have vibration axes that are at an angle to each other, and the sound output will then be in different directions (e.g., directions parallel to the axes 108A, 108B). Increasing the number of transducers in the stack will further increase the curved surface to the entire 360-degree range for sound output in any number of directions within that range.

[0044] Figure 7 A cross-sectional top view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented. The transducer assembly 700 can have the primary function of a shaker that is capable of operating to move in different directions along multiple axes. Representatively, the transducer assembly 700 can include a magnet assembly 702 formed by a stack of two magnets (e.g., magnets 112, 114) and three support plates (e.g., support plates 116, 118, 120) as previously discussed, although Figure 7 only the intermediate support plate 118 is shown. For ease of illustration, the remaining plates are removed. The shaker coils 710A, 710B, 710C, and 710D can be positioned around each end of the intermediate support plate 118 within the magnetic gaps formed between the various magnets and support plates, similar to Figure 3 the arrangement shown. Additionally, although not shown, similar to Figure 3The magnet assembly 102 described in , the magnet assembly 702 can be attached to a relatively fixed frame (e.g., frame 402) by one or more flexible members (e.g., members 404, 406) that allow the assembly to move relative to the frame. The flexible member can be, for example, a leaf spring or another flexible structure that will allow the magnet assembly 702 to move relative to the frame. The shaker coils 710A - 710D are arranged in pairs along each of the axes 108, 308. For example, the shaker coils 710B, 710D are arranged along axis 108, and the shaker coils 710A, 710C are arranged along axis 308. Additionally, the shaker coils 710A - 710D can be fixed to an actuating surface or device to be actuated or moved. In this regard, when a current is applied to the magnet assembly 702 and the shaker coils 710A - 710D, the shaker coils 710A - 710D cause the magnet assembly 702 to shift along a desired axis (e.g., axes 108, 308). This in turn causes the associated actuating surface to move (e.g., vibrate) along one or both of the axes 108, 308 to achieve a multi - directional shaker function.

[0045] Figure 8 A cross - sectional top view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented. The transducer assembly 800 can have an arrangement similar to that of the transducer 700, except that it provides a speaker function instead of a shaker function. Representatively, the transducer assembly 800 can include a magnet assembly 802 formed by a stack of two magnets (e.g., magnets 112, 114) and three support plates (e.g., support plates 116, 118, 120) as previously discussed, although Figure 8 only the middle support plate 118 is shown. Each of the pistons 804A, 804B, 804C, and 804D can have a voice coil 806A, 806B, 806C, and 806D attached thereto and can be positioned at each end of the middle support plate 118. For example, the pistons 804A - 804D can each be positioned above an end of the middle support plate and are individually attached to a fixed structure (e.g., a surrounding frame) by suspension members (not shown). The voice coils 806A - 806D can be suspended within the magnetic gap formed between the various magnets and support plates by the pistons 804A - 804D. Additionally, although not shown, similar to Figure 2The magnet assembly 802, as described in , can be fixedly attached to a relatively stationary frame such that it does not move relative to the frame. The pistons 804A through 804D and voice coils 806A through 806D are arranged in pairs along each of the axes 108, 308. For example, pistons 804B, 804D and voice coils 806B, 806D are arranged along axis 108, and pistons 804A, 804C and voice coils 806A, 806C are arranged along axis 308. Axis 108 can be perpendicular to axis 308. Thus, the pistons 804B, 804D and voice coils 806B, 806D arranged along axis 108 can be described as facing a different direction than the pistons 804A, 804C and voice coils 806A, 806C arranged along axis 308. When a current is applied to the exciting magnet assembly 802 and voice coils 806A through 806D, the voice coils 806A through 806D cause their respective pistons 804A through 804D to displace in a direction parallel to the desired axis (e.g., axes 108, 308). This in turn enables a multi-directional or multi-axis speaker function for the sound output in different directions parallel to one or both of the axes 108, 308.

[0046] Figure 9 A cross-sectional top view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly. Figure 10 Shows Figure 9 a cross-sectional side view of the transducer assembly. The transducer assembly 900 can have an arrangement similar to aspects of the transducers 700 and 800 such that it provides both a speaker function and a shaker function. Representatively, the transducer assembly 900 can have four coils, where two coils can be voice coils connected to pistons along one axis for the speaker function, and the other two coils can be shaker coils positioned along another axis for the shaker function. Representatively, the transducer assembly 900 can include a magnet assembly 902 formed by a stack of two magnets (e.g., magnets 112, 114) and three support plates (e.g., support plates 116, 118, 120) as previously discussed. Only the middle support plate 118 is visible in Figure 9 and the remaining plates 112, 114, 116 and 120 are visible in Figure 10In the middle. A pair of pistons 904A, 904B having voice coils 906A, 906B coupled thereto can be positioned at opposite ends of an intermediate support plate (e.g., support plate 118) along axis 108. The voice coils 906A, 906B can be suspended within a magnetic gap formed between various magnets and the support plate by pistons 804A, 804B as previously discussed. Additionally, although not shown, pistons 904A, 904B can be fixedly attached to a relatively fixed frame by a surround or other suspension member. Pistons 904A, 904B and voice coils 906A, 906B are arranged along axis 108 such that the vibration axes of these pistons and voice coils are parallel to axis 108. Specifically, when a current is applied to the excitation magnet assembly 902 and voice coils 906A, 906B, pistons 904A, 904B can be displaced in a direction parallel to axis 108. Pistons 904A, 904B can be displaced simultaneously or independently as needed. It is also contemplated that although a pair of pistons / voice coils are shown, additional pistons / voice coils along different axes (e.g., axis 308) can also be included. The vibration of pistons 904A, 904B generates an audio or sound output for speaker function along at least axis 108.

[0047] Shaker coils 910A, 910B can be arranged along opposite ends or sides of the intermediate support plate of the magnet assembly 902, which are different from the ends or sides around which voice coils 906A, 906B are arranged. For example, shaker coils 910A, 910B can be arranged around sides bisected by an axis 308 perpendicular to axis 108. The magnet assembly 902 can be attached to a fixed structure (e.g., a frame) by a flexible member (e.g., a leaf spring) such that the magnet assembly 902 can move relative to the fixed structure. When a current is applied to the excitation magnet assembly 902 and shaker coils 910A, 910B, shaker coils 910A, 910B cause the magnet assembly 902 to be displaced in a direction parallel to axis 308 (e.g., perpendicular to axis 108) as indicated by the arrow. This in turn results in the movement of an actuator surface attached to the magnet assembly 902 for shaker function. The transducer 900 is capable of operating to switch between shaker function and speaker function as needed.

[0048] Figure 11 A side perspective view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is shown. The transducer assembly 1100 can have an arrangement similar to aspects of the transducer 500, except that the pistons / voice coils are not arranged vertically or radially relative to each other as Figures 5 to 6Rather, they are arranged horizontally along the ends of the same intermediate plate. Representative of this, transducer assembly 1100 may include a magnet assembly 1102 formed by a stack of two magnets (e.g., magnets 112, 114) and three support plates (e.g., support plates 116, 118, 120) as previously discussed. One end or side of the intermediate support plate 118 may include a plurality of horizontally arranged juxtaposed protrusions or receiving members 1118A, 1118B, 1118C. Pistons 104A, 104B, 104C coupled with voice coils 106A, 106B, 106C may be respectively positioned above members 1118A, 1118B, 1118C. For example, opposite ends or sides of each of pistons 104A to 104C may be attached to outer plates 116, 120 as shown. This in turn positions voice coils 106A to 106C around members 1118A to 1118C and within the magnetic gaps formed around each of members 1118A to 1118C. When a current is applied, voice coils 106A to 106C will vibrate in a direction parallel to axis 108. Voice coils 106A to 106C may be excited independently or together. The vibration of voice coils 106A to 106C causes the associated pistons 104A to 104C to vibrate. In some aspects, the line source or array of voice coils 106A to 106C may be excited independently for emission purposes.

[0049] Figure 12 A top plan view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly is presented. Transducer assembly 1200 may have an arrangement similar to that of transducer 800, except that it includes a central opening to accommodate an additional piston / voice coil. Representative of this, transducer assembly 1200 may include a magnet assembly 1202 formed by a stack of two magnets (e.g., magnets 112, 114) and three support plates (e.g., support plates 116, 118, 120) as previously discussed, although Figure 12Only the intermediate support plate 118 is shown. The magnet assembly 1202 may also include a central opening 1212 such that the piston and voice coil may be arranged around both the outer edge or side 1220 and the inner edge or side 1222 of the intermediate support plate 118 as shown. For example, the magnet assembly 1200 may have an annular configuration as shown. Pistons 1204A, 1204B, 1204C, 1204D attached with voice coils 1206A, 1206B, 1206C, 1206D are arranged around the outer side 1220 of the support plate 118. Pistons 1204E, 1204F, 1204G, 1204H with voice coils 1206E, 1206F, 1206G, 1206H are arranged around the inner side 1222 of the support plate 118 (e.g., within the opening 1212). Additionally, pistons 1204A, 1204C, 1204E, 1204G and the associated voice coils 1206A, 1206C, 1206E, 1206G may be considered to be arranged along axis 108 such that all of these pistons and voice coils move (e.g., vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis 108. Pistons 1204B, 1204D, 1204F, 1204H and the associated voice coils 1206B, 1206D, 1206F, 1206H may be considered to be arranged along axis 308 such that all of these pistons and voice coils move (e.g., vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis 308. Axis 108 and axis 308 may be perpendicular to each other such that the pistons / voice coils arranged along different axes 108, 308 face different directions and vibrate in different directions. Similar to the previously discussed configurations, the magnet assembly 1202 may be mounted to a fixed structure (e.g., a frame) such that it is relatively fixed, and the pistons 1204A to 1204H and the voice coils 1206A to 1206H are attached to the fixed structure through flexible members (e.g., wraps) such that these pistons and voice coils are free to move relative to the fixed structure. When current is applied, the voice coils 1206A to 1206H move (e.g., vibrate) and cause the pistons 1204A to 1204H to move (e.g., vibrate), for example to produce a multi-directional or multi-axis sound output. For example, in some cases, pistons 1204A to 1204D may be used to produce a high-frequency sound output, and pistons 1204E to 1204H may be used to produce a low-frequency sound output.

[0050] Figure 13A cross-sectional side view showing another aspect of the transducer assembly. The transducer assembly 1300 may have an arrangement similar to that of the transducer 800, except that it includes a central opening to accommodate an extension of the intermediate plate, which extension allows for an additional piston / voice coil assembly. Representatively, the transducer assembly 1300 may include a magnet assembly 1302 formed by a stack of two magnets 112, 114 and three support plates 116, 118, 120 as previously discussed. The magnet assembly 1302 may also include a central opening 1312. The central opening 1312 extends through each of the magnets 112, 114 and the outer support plates 116, 120. The intermediate support plate 118 includes an extension member 1314 that extends perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the support plate 118. For example, the support plate 118 may have a substantially cross-shaped configuration as shown. The extension member 1314 includes a top end 1314A that extends through an opening in the magnet 112 and the outer plate 116, and a bottom end 1314B that extends through an opening in the magnet 114 and the outer plate 120. Due to this arrangement, at least four different gaps or channels 1322A, 1322B, 1322C, 1322D for accommodating the voice coil are formed between the intermediate support plate 118 and the outer plates 116, 120.

[0051] At least four different pistons 1304A, 1304B, 1304C, 1304D and voice coils 1306A, 1306B, 1306C, 1306D can be arranged around the magnet assembly 1302 and along different axes. For example, pistons 1304A, 1304C to which voice coils 1306A, 1306C are attached are arranged along axis 108, and pistons 1304B, 1304D to which voice coils 1306B, 1306D are attached are arranged along axis 1308. It should be noted that axis 1308 is different from the previously discussed axes (e.g., axes 108, 308) because this axis is the axis passing through the opening 1302 in the magnet assembly 1302 and thus is not in the same plane as the plates forming the magnet assembly 1302. Axis 108 is perpendicular to axis 1308 and extends parallel to the flat surfaces of the various plates 112, 114, 116, 120. Pistons 1304A, 1304C and the associated voice coils 1306A, 1306C are arranged along axis 108 such that these pistons and voice coils all move (e.g., vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis 108. Pistons 1304B, 1304D and the associated voice coils 1306B, 1306D are arranged along axis 1308 such that these pistons and voice coils all move (e.g., vibrate) in a direction parallel to axis 1308. Similar to the previously discussed configurations, the magnet assembly 1302 can be mounted to a fixed structure (e.g., a frame) such that it is relatively fixed, and pistons 1304A to 1304C and voice coils 1306A to 1306C are attached to this fixed structure by flexible members (e.g., wraps) such that these pistons and voice coils are free to move relative to this fixed structure. When current is applied, voice coils 1306A to 1306C move (e.g., vibrate) and cause pistons 1304A to 1304C to move (e.g., vibrate), for example to produce a multi-directional or multi-axis sound output. This in turn enables a multi-directional or multi-axis speaker function for the sound output in different directions parallel to one or both of axes 108, 1308.

[0052] Figure 14 A simplified schematic perspective view of an exemplary electronic device in which the transducer assembly described herein can be implemented is shown. As Figure 14 shown, the transducer assembly can be integrated within a consumer electronic device 1402 such as a smart phone through which a user can call a remote user of a communication device 1404 via a wireless communication network; in another example, the transducer assembly can be integrated within the housing of a tablet computer 1406. These are only two examples in which the transducer assembly described herein can be used; however, it is envisioned that the transducer assembly can be used with any type of electronic device, e.g., a home audio system, any consumer electronic device having audio capabilities, or an audio system in a vehicle (e.g., an automotive infotainment system).

[0053] Figure 15 FIG. shows a block diagram of some of the components of an electronic device in which a transducer assembly as disclosed herein can be implemented. Device 1500 can be any of several different types of consumer electronic devices, such as any of those consumer electronic devices discussed with reference to Figure 14 any of those discussed.

[0054] In this regard, electronic device 1500 includes a processor 1512 that interacts with a camera circuit 1506, a motion sensor 1504, a storage device 1508, a memory 1514, a display 1522, and a user input interface 1524. The main processor 1512 can also interact with a communication circuit 1502, a main power supply 1510, a transducer 1518, and a microphone 1520. Transducer 1518 can be a speaker and / or a transducer assembly as described herein. The various components of electronic device 1500 can be digitally interconnected and used or managed by a software stack being executed by processor 1512. Many of the components shown or described herein can be implemented as one or more dedicated hardware units and / or programmed processors (software being executed by the processor, such as processor 1512).

[0055] Processor 1512 controls the overall operation of device 1500 by executing some or all of the operations of one or more application programs or operating system programs implemented on device 1500, by executing instructions (for software code and data) that can be found on storage device 1508. Processor 1512 can, for example, drive display 1522 and receive user input through user input interface 1524, which can be integrated with display 1522 as part of a single touch-sensitive display panel. In addition, processor 1512 can send current or a signal (e.g., an audio signal) to transducer 918 to facilitate the operation of transducer 1518. Representatively, processor 1512 can send current or a signal to one or more components of the transducer assembly (e.g., voice coil 106, shaker coils 302, 304, etc.) to drive these components independently or together. For example, depending on the application needs, coils 106, 302, 304 can be independently driven by different channels on an amplifier, or driven together by the same channel.

[0056] Storage device 1508 uses non-volatile solid-state memory (e.g., flash memory storage) and / or dynamic non-volatile storage devices (e.g., rotating disk drives) to provide a relatively large amount of "permanent" data storage. Storage device 1508 can include both local storage space and storage space on a remote server. Storage device 1508 can store data as well as software components that control and manage different functions of device 1500 at a higher level.

[0057] In addition to the storage device 1508, there may also be a memory 1514, also known as the main memory or program memory, which provides relatively fast access to the stored code and the data being executed by the processor 1512. The memory 1514 may include solid-state random access memory (RAM), such as static RAM or dynamic RAM. There may be one or more processors, e.g., the processor 1512, which runs or executes various software programs, modules, or instruction sets (e.g., application programs), which have been transferred to the memory 1514 from being permanently stored in the storage device 1508 for execution, so as to perform the various functions described above.

[0058] The device 1500 may include a communication circuit 1502. The communication circuit 902 may include components for wired or wireless communication such as two-way sessions and data transmission. For example, the communication circuit 1502 may include an RF communication circuit coupled to an antenna, such that a user of the device 1500 can make or receive calls through a wireless communication network. The RF communication circuit may include an RF transceiver and a cellular baseband processor to enable calls through a cellular network. For example, the communication circuit 1502 may include a Wi-Fi communication circuit, such that a user of the device 1500 can make or initiate calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) connections and transmit data through a wireless local area network.

[0059] The device may include a transducer 1518. The transducer 1518 may be a speaker and / or a transducer assembly, such as the transducer assembly Figures 1 to 13 described. The transducer 1518 may be an electroacoustic transducer or a sensor that converts an electrical signal input (e.g., an acoustic input) into a sound or vibration output. The circuit of the speaker may be electrically connected to the processor 1512 and the power supply 1510 to facilitate speaker operation (e.g., diaphragm displacement, etc.) as previously discussed.

[0060] The device 1500 may also include a motion sensor 1504, a camera circuit 1506, and a main power supply 1510. The motion sensor, also known as an inertial sensor, may be used to detect the movement of the device 1500. The camera circuit implements the digital camera function of the device 1500. The main power supply is, for example, an internal battery acting as the main power supply.

[0061] Although certain aspects have been described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and not limiting thereof, and the invention is not limited to the specific structures and arrangements shown and described, as various other modifications will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the description is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Additionally, for the purpose of assisting the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the appended claims, the Applicant wishes to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless the terms "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim.

Claims

1. A transducer assembly, comprising: A magnet motor assembly, the magnet motor assembly including a first support plate, a second support plate, a third support plate, and a first magnet plate and a second magnet plate arranged along an axis, the first support plate being positioned between the inward-facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, the second support plate being positioned along the outward-facing surface of the first magnet plate to form a first magnetic gap between the first support plate and the second support plate, and the third support plate being positioned along the outward-facing surface of the second magnet plate to form a second magnetic gap between the first support plate and the third support plate; A voice coil, the voice coil being coupled to the magnet motor assembly, wherein the voice coil surrounds the first support plate and is positioned within the first magnetic gap and the second magnetic gap; And A piston, the piston being coupled to the voice coil, wherein the piston is operable to vibrate in a direction parallel to the axis.

2. The transducer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first support plate, the second support plate, and the third support plate extend beyond the ends of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, such that the first magnetic gap and the second magnetic gap are channels defined by the surfaces of the first support plate and the third support plate that extend beyond the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate and the ends of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate.

3. The transducer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inward-facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate have the same magnetic poles, and the magnetic flux lines across the first magnetic gap and the second magnetic gap are perpendicular to the winding height of the voice coil.

4. The transducer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the length or width of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate is parallel to the axis.

5. The transducer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the magnet motor assembly is a first magnet motor assembly, the piston is a first piston, and the voice coil is a first voice coil, and the transducer assembly further includes: A second magnet motor assembly, the second magnet motor assembly sharing the third support plate positioned along the outward-facing surface of the second magnet plate with the first magnet motor assembly, the second magnet motor assembly including a third magnet plate, a fourth magnet plate, and a fourth support plate, the third magnet plate being positioned between the third support plate and the fourth support plate, and the fourth magnet plate being positioned along the side of the fourth support plate opposite to the third magnet plate; And A second piston and a second voice coil, arranged along the ends of the third magnet plate and the fourth magnet plate.

6. The transducer assembly according to claim 5, wherein the axis is a first axis, and the second piston vibrates along a second axis at an angle to the first axis.

7. The transducer assembly according to claim 1, wherein the piston and the voice coil include a first piston and a first voice coil, and the transducer assembly further includes a second piston and a second voice coil positioned at the ends of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, and the second piston vibrates along the axis.

8. The transducer assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first voice coil and the second voice coil are arranged to surround a juxtaposed protrusion formed along an end of the first support plate.

9. The transducer assembly according to claim 7, wherein both the first piston and the second piston are coupled to the first support plate and the third support plate.

10. A transducer assembly comprising: A magnet motor assembly including a first magnet plate, a second magnet plate, a center plate, and a pair of outer plates, the center plate being positioned along the inward-facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate, and the pair of outer plates being positioned along the outward-facing surfaces of the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate to form a plurality of channels extending beyond the first magnet plate and the second magnet plate along an end of the center plate; And A coil positioned around at least one of the ends of the center plate and within at least one of the plurality of channels.

11. The transducer assembly according to claim 10, wherein the coil is one of a first pair of coils, and the assembly further includes a second pair of coils, the first pair of coils being positioned along a first axis, and the second pair of coils being positioned along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

12. The transducer assembly according to claim 10, wherein the coil is a shaker coil, and the shaker coil is operable to move the magnet motor assembly in at least two different directions.

13. The transducer assembly according to claim 12, wherein the shaker coil is fixed to the device to be actuated, and the magnet motor assembly is mounted to a flexible base.

14. The transducer assembly according to claim 10, wherein the coil is a first voice coil, and the transducer assembly further includes a second voice coil, a first diaphragm coupled to the first voice coil, and a second diaphragm coupled to the second voice coil.

15. The transducer assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first voice coil and the second voice coil are operable to vibrate in directions parallel to at least two different axes.

16. The transducer assembly according to claim 14, wherein the magnet motor assembly may include an open center.

17. The transducer assembly according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the first voice coil and the first diaphragm or the second voice coil and the second diaphragm is positioned within the open center and the first diaphragm.

18. The transducer assembly according to claim 14, wherein an extension member may extend from opposite surfaces of the center plate and pass through a central opening in the first magnet plate, the second magnet plate, and the pair of outer plates.

19. The transducer assembly according to claim 18, wherein at least one of the plurality of channels is formed between at least one end of the extension member and at least one of the pair of outer plates, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of channels houses a third voice coil arranged along a third axis different from the at least two axes along which the first voice coil and the second voice coil are arranged.

20. The transducer assembly according to claim 19, wherein the third diaphragm is coupled to the third voice coil and is operable to vibrate in a direction parallel to the third axis.

21. An electronic device, comprising: a housing having a housing wall that defines an enclosed space; a magnet motor assembly coupled to the housing wall; a first transducer component coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the first transducer component being operable to move in a direction parallel to a first axis to produce a first transducer function; and a second transducer component coupled to the magnet motor assembly, the second transducer component being operable to move in a direction parallel to a second axis to produce a second transducer function, and wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and the first axis and the second axis are in the same plane, wherein the first transducer function is sound output, and the second transducer function is haptic output.

22. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein the first transducer component includes a voice coil coupled to a piston, and actuation of the voice coil causes the piston to vibrate in the direction parallel to the first axis.

23. The electronic device according to claim 22, wherein the voice coil is positioned within a voice coil gap formed at a length side of the magnet assembly.

24. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein the second transducer component includes a shaker coil, and actuation of the shaker coil causes the magnet motor assembly to vibrate in a direction parallel to the second axis to cause vibration of the housing wall.

25. The electronic device according to claim 24, wherein the shaker coil is positioned within a shaker coil gap formed at a width side of the magnet motor assembly.

26. The electronic device according to claim 21, wherein the magnet motor assembly is configured to direct a magnetic field into a first high magnetic field density region and a second high magnetic field density region, and wherein the first high magnetic field density region actuates the first transducer component, and the second high magnetic field density region actuates the second transducer component.

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