Dynamic valve for enabling multiple speaker modes

Abstract

A dynamic valve for enabling a multi-speaker mode is provided. A transducer assembly includes: a housing having a housing wall defining a sound output port from an inner chamber of the housing; a sound radiating surface having a voice coil coupled thereto and dividing the inner chamber into a front volumetric chamber coupling a first side of the sound radiating surface to the sound output port and a rear volumetric chamber coupled to a second side of the sound radiating surface; a magnet assembly having a magnet coupled to a yoke, the yoke partially defining the rear volume chamber and an acoustic port from the rear volume chamber; and a valve coupled to the acoustic port to close or open the acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in a distress mode or a non-distress mode.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 637,773, filed April 23, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a dynamic valve assembly for enabling multi-speaker functionality. Other aspects are also described and claimed. BACKGROUND

[0004] Portable communication or listening devices (e.g., smart phones, earphones, etc.) have one or more transducers located within them that convert input electrical audio signals into sound pressure wave outputs that can be heard by a user or convert sound pressure wave inputs into electrical audio signals. The transducers (e.g., speakers) can be used, for example, to output sound pressure waves corresponding to the speech of a far-end user, such as during a phone call, to output sound pressure waves corresponding to sounds associated with a game the user wants to play or music the user wants to play, or in some cases a high-pitched distress to alert people nearby of an emergency. Because the profile of the portable device is relatively thin, the profile of the transducers is also relatively thin, which can make it difficult to maintain optimal sound quality. SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a dynamic valve that can be used to control the opening, closing, or partial opening / closing of a port between a speaker cavity and a housing cavity or environment to allow a transducer assembly (e.g., a speaker) to operate in at least two different modes, and in some cases more than two or multiple modes. Representatively, in some aspects, an electronic device can include a primary speaker and a secondary speaker that can collectively utilize mechanical port and front port resonance to create a dual-tone asset of maximum prominence in a distress mode and / or a non-distress mode. The primary speaker and secondary speaker can also be used together for all media and phone use cases (e.g., non-distress mode), while also utilizing an efficient (low distortion) secondary speaker to improve intelligibility and increase loudness in a distress mode. For example, the secondary speaker can be used in a distress mode to produce a high-pitched sound to alert people nearby. For example, the sound produced in a distress mode can include a sound with one or more frequencies that rise and fall over time, a Morse code distress signal, one or more tones emitted at a frequency corresponding to one or more resonant frequencies of the electronic device (e.g., to enhance loudness and reduce power consumption), and / or one or more chirps (which can also be referred to as a ping, a tick, a beep, a bleep, etc.). Representatively, a chirp can be a burst of sound that is separated in time from one or more adjacent bursts of sound. In various use cases, between chirps, the electronic device can not emit a sound, the electronic device can emit background (e.g., white) noise, or can emit one or more different chirps, pings, ticks, beeps, bleeps, etc.

[0006] The quality and / or loudness of the produced sound can be further improved by using a valve to dynamically open and / or close at least one speaker port based on whether the speaker is in distress mode or non-distress mode. In still further aspects, it is contemplated that the dynamic valve can also be used to allow a single full-range speaker to operate in two different modes, i.e., distress mode (valve closed) and media / phone mode (valve open). In some aspects, the transducer or speaker assembly can have a port from the back volume opened or sealed by a valve, and a smaller controlled equalization port or vent from the back volume covered with a tuned acoustic mesh. This port can be formed through the speaker assembly yoke and connects the back volume of the speaker to the surrounding system volume, or in some cases to the surrounding environment, when the valve is open. The valve can be considered open for all use cases or applications except when the assembly is in distress mode and high SPL resonance is needed. In other words, in certain aspects, the valve can only be closed when the distress mode feature is activated. In some aspects, the size and shape of the port and / or the acoustic impedance of the mesh covering the port can be tuned to increase air flow and / or excursion and the associated output of the speaker assembly. For example, in some aspects, the port diameter can be reduced and / or the acoustic impedance of the mesh can be increased to increase the maximum SPL peak when the valve is closed (e.g., to simulate a truly sealed back volume). In some aspects, this configuration can be coupled with a resonance tracking and synthesizer to maximize the distress loudness when the valve is closed by periodically or in real-time updating the synthesizer frequency. In still further aspects, digital signal processing (DSP) parameters can be updated accordingly depending on whether the valve is open or closed. In other aspects, a single port and valve configuration can be used, and the valve can include a micro-leak to ensure the speaker always has an equalization path even when the valve is closed. The port diameter can be increased and / or the mesh acoustic impedance can be reduced to reduce the flow resistance. In still further aspects, multiple ports can be used for minimal flow resistance and equalization pressure flow.

[0007] Representatively, in some aspects, a transducer assembly can include a housing having a housing wall defining a sound output port from an inner chamber of the housing; a sound radiating surface having a voice coil coupled thereto and dividing the inner chamber into a front volume chamber and a back volume chamber, the front volume chamber coupling a first side of the sound radiating surface to the sound output port, the back volume chamber coupled to a second side of the sound radiating surface; a magnet assembly having a magnet coupled to a yoke, the yoke partially defining the back volume chamber and an acoustic port from the back volume chamber; and a valve coupled to the acoustic port to close or open the acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in a distress mode or a non-distress mode. In some aspects, the acoustic port is from the back volume chamber to an outer chamber surrounding the housing. In other aspects, the valve closes the acoustic port in the distress mode. In still further aspects, in the distress mode, the sound radiating surface outputs sound in a frequency range of about 2.5 kilohertz to about 5 kilohertz. In other aspects, the valve opens the acoustic port in the non-distress mode. In some aspects, in the non-distress mode, the sound radiating surface outputs sound in a broadband frequency range of about 100 hertz to about 10 kilohertz. In some aspects, the yoke further defines a passive pressure equalization port from the back volume chamber. In some aspects, the acoustic port is a first acoustic port and the valve is a first valve, and the transducer assembly further includes a second acoustic port and a second valve coupled to the second acoustic port to close or open the second acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in the distress mode or the non-distress mode. In other aspects, the valve includes a micro- leak that opens the back volume chamber to an outer chamber surrounding the housing when the valve closes the acoustic port. In some aspects, the sound radiating surface, the voice coil, and the magnet include a first sound radiating surface, a first voice coil, and a first magnet, and the transducer assembly further includes a second sound radiating surface, a second voice coil, and a second magnet, and the first sound radiating surface produces sound in the non-distress mode and the second sound radiating surface produces sound in the distress mode. In some aspects, the transducer assembly is a loudspeaker.

[0008] In another aspect, a portable electronic device includes: a housing having a housing wall forming an internal cavity and a sound output port to a surrounding environment; a transducer assembly positioned within the internal cavity and dividing the internal cavity into a front volume cavity and a back volume cavity, the front volume cavity coupling a sound output side of the transducer assembly to the sound output port, the back volume cavity coupling another side of the transducer to an acoustic port from the back volume cavity; and a valve coupled to the acoustic port to close or open the acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in a distress mode or a non-distress mode. In some aspects, the acoustic port is from a portion of the back volume cavity to the internal cavity surrounding the transducer assembly. In still further aspects, the valve closes the acoustic port in the distress mode. In some aspects, in the distress mode, the transducer assembly outputs sound in a broadband frequency range of about 2.5 kilohertz to about 3.5 kilohertz. In other aspects, the valve opens the acoustic port in the non-distress mode. In some aspects, in the non-distress mode, the transducer assembly outputs sound in a frequency range of about 100 hertz to about 10 kilohertz. The yoke can also define a passive pressure equalization port from the back volume cavity. In some aspects, the acoustic port is a first acoustic port and the valve is a first valve, and the transducer assembly further includes a second acoustic port and a second valve coupled to the second acoustic port to close or open the second acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in the distress mode or the non-distress mode. The valve can include a micro- leak that opens the back volume cavity to a portion of the internal cavity surrounding the transducer assembly when the valve closes the acoustic port. In some aspects, the transducer assembly can include: a sound radiating surface having a voice coil coupled thereto, and a sound output side of the sound radiating surface is coupled to the sound output port and another side of the sound radiating surface is coupled to the back volume cavity; and a magnet assembly having a magnet coupled to a yoke, the yoke partially defining the back volume cavity and the acoustic port from the back volume cavity. The transducer assembly can be a first transducer assembly, and the electronic device further includes a second transducer assembly, and the first transducer assembly produces sound in the non-distress mode and the second transducer assembly produces sound in the distress mode.

[0009] The foregoing overview is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that the disclosure includes all suitable processes and compositions that can be practiced with the systems and methods disclosed and claimed in the present patent application as well as all suitable combinations of the various aspects disclosed and claimed in the present patent application. Such combinations have particular applicability in various environments and with various hardware and software configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Aspects are illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that "an" or "one" aspect in the present disclosure could be

[0011] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly having a valve is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of another aspect of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly having a valve is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 3 A top plan view of some aspects of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly having a valve is illustrated. Figure 1

[0014] Figure 4 A top plan view of some aspects of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly having a valve is illustrated. Figure 1

[0015] Figure 5 A block diagram of one representative process for operating a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly having a valve is illustrated. Figure 1 Figure 2 A block diagram of one aspect of an electronic device within which a transducer assembly including a valve can be implemented is illustrated.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 6 Figures 1 to 5 In this section, we will explain several preferred aspects of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever a shaped, relative position, and other aspects of the described parts are not clearly defined, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited only to the shown parts, which are used for illustrative purposes only. In addition, although many details are set forth, it is understood that some aspects of the present disclosure can be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0017] In this section, we will explain several preferred aspects of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Whenever a shaped, relative position, and other aspects of the described parts are not clearly defined, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited only to the shown parts, which are used for illustrative purposes only. In addition, although many details are set forth, it is understood that some aspects of the present disclosure can be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0018] ​​​​The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "on", "above", "upper", and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device is inverted or rotated by 90 degrees, elements described as "below" or "under" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., at 90 degrees relative to the orientation shown in the figures) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of 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 groups thereof.

[0020] The terms "or" and "and / or" as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "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." An exception to this definition will occur only when two elements are directly exclusive with each other according to their definitions. That is, the definition

[0021] Figure 1A cross-sectional side view of one aspect of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly having a valve is illustrated. The device or assembly 100 can include a housing, shell, or enclosure 102 that defines or encloses an internal volume or chamber in which constituent electronic components of the device or assembly 100 are contained and / or enclosed from a surrounding environment 124. In some aspects, the surrounding environment 124 can be an external, outside, or ambient environment. In some aspects, it is contemplated that the device or assembly 100 can be a portable timer, a portable or mobile communication device, an in-ear device, or any other device in which a transducer or sensor having a valve can be implemented. In other aspects, the device or assembly 100 can be a module or unit that includes transducer assembly components that can be integrated within an electronic device. The enclosure 102 can include an enclosure wall 104 that separates the surrounding environment 124 from an enclosed space or internal chamber 106 formed within the enclosure 102. In some cases, the enclosure wall 104 completely isolates or seals the entire internal chamber 106 or a portion thereof from the surrounding environment 124. For example, the enclosure wall 104 can form a water and / or air impermeable, waterproof, or acoustically isolating portion of the internal chamber 106. The internal chamber 106 can have sufficient volume and / or dimensions to accommodate the constituent components of the device or assembly 100. The enclosure wall 104 can also include one or more acoustic ports 108. The acoustic ports 108 can be, for example, sound output ports through which sound generated by a sound radiating surface (e.g., a speaker assembly) positioned within the internal chamber 106 can be output. In other aspects, these enclosure acoustic ports can be sound input ports to allow sound to be input to a microphone where a microphone is positioned proximate to the enclosure acoustic ports 108.

[0022] Representatively, in Figure 1In one aspect, the housing acoustic port 108 is acoustically open to the transducers 110A and 110B positioned within the inner chamber 106. In some aspects, the transducers 110A-B can be any type of electroacoustic transducer capable of converting an electrical audio signal into sound or converting sound into an electrical audio signal. Representatively, each of the transducers 110A-B can be a speaker or micro-speaker, e.g., a miniaturized version of a loudspeaker using a moving-coil motor to drive sound output. Thus, in some aspects, the transducers 110A-B can be referred to herein as micro-speakers. In other aspects, where the transducers convert sound into an electrical audio signal, the transducers can be further referred to herein as microphones. In aspects where the transducers 110A-B are speakers, they can be the same or different speakers that generate or output different types of sound. Representatively, in some aspects, the transducer 110B can be a primary speaker that generates and / or outputs sound in a wideband frequency range (e.g., in the range of about 100 Hz to about 10 kHz), e.g., a phone, ring tone, music playback, Siri, etc., during normal use or non-distress mode of the device. In another aspect, the transducer 110A can be a secondary speaker (e.g., a tweeter) that generates and / or outputs a high-pitched sound (e.g., in the range of about 2.5 kHz to about 5 kHz) that is audible several feet away (e.g., > 300 feet) during a distress or emergency use mode of the device. In this aspect, the assembly or device 100 can be considered to have dual or multi-speaker functionality in that it can output sound in both the normal or non-distress mode and the distress mode of the device.

[0023] Referring now in more detail to the transducers 110A-B, each of the transducers 110A-B can include a sound radiating surface or diaphragm 126A-B and a voice coil 128A-B that vibrates the respective diaphragm 126A-B to output sound (S), as exemplified by the arrows. The top side or surface of the diaphragm 126A-B shares a chamber or acoustic volume 106A with the acoustic port 108, such that sound (S) can be output through the acoustic port 108. In this regard, the chamber or acoustic volume 106A can be considered a front volume chamber. Each of the sound radiating surface or diaphragm 126A-B and the voice coil 128A-B are suspended above a magnet assembly 130A-B coupled to the yoke 112. The magnet assembly 130A-B can include a permanent magnet that, together with the yoke 112, defines a magnetic gap within which the voice coil 128A-B can be positioned. When an electric current passes through the voice coil 128A-B, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the field of the magnet, causing the voice coil 128A-B to in turn vibrate the diaphragm 126A-B and produce sound (S). As previously discussed, the sound (S) can be output through the acoustic port 108. It can be further understood that the sound output sides of both diaphragms 126A-B are connected to the front volume 106A and thus share the acoustic port 108. It should be further understood that, in some aspects, one acoustic port 108 (e.g., the port above the speaker 110B) can have multiple openings, such that a majority of the pressure output can pass through the port having multiple openings. Additionally, mechanical resonance and front port resonance can be used to increase loudness of one or more of the transducers 110A-B in the distress mode.

[0024] Representatively, the back side or bottom side or surface of the diaphragm 126A-B can be considered to define yet another acoustic volume or chamber 106B within the housing 102 that is isolated or separated from the acoustic port 108 and the front chamber or volume 106A. In some aspects, the volume or chamber 106B coupled to the back side or bottom side of the diaphragm 126A-B can be considered a back volume chamber. Additionally, the back volume chamber 106B can also be separated from another housing or system volume 106C defined by the housing wall 104 by the yoke 112. For example, the diaphragm 126A-B can be suspended from a support member connected to the yoke 112 to define the back volume 106B. The yoke 112 can also be connected to the housing wall 104 such that the bottom side of the yoke 112 defines the system volume 106C with the housing wall 104. When the back chamber or volume 106B is sealed or isolated from the chambers 106A and 106C, the transducer can utilize mechanical resonance and front port resonance to increase loudness in the distress mode. However, in some aspects, it can be further desirable for the back volume chamber 106B to be open to the housing or system volume 106C (e.g., non-distress mode). Accordingly, in some aspects, a port 120 can also be formed through the yoke 112 between the back volume chamber 106B and the system volume 106C, and a valve 114 can be coupled to the port 120 to open / close the port. In still further aspects, an exhaust 122 can also be formed through the yoke 112 to provide a controlled leak for pressure equalization between the chamber 106B and the system volume 106C. In some aspects, the exhaust 122 can include an acoustic or tuned mesh to control the leak between the chamber 106B and the volume 106C. Additionally, in some aspects, the size of the exhaust 122 can be tuned to achieve a desired acoustic output. For example, the size of the exhaust 122 can be reduced to increase loudness or maximum SPL in the distress mode. In still further aspects, it is contemplated that the exhaust 122 can be optional and in some aspects can be omitted such that the only opening between the chamber 106B and the chamber 106C is the port 120.

[0025] Referring now in more detail to valve operation, as previously discussed, in some aspects, the transducers 110A-B can be used to provide dual or multi-speaker functionality. For example, the assembly or device 100 can operate in a normal or non-distress mode, where the transducer 110B outputs sound in a wideband frequency range for telephony, music playback, Siri, etc. For example, in the non-distress mode, one or more of the transducers 110A-B can output sound in a frequency range of about 100 Hz to about 10 kHz. In other aspects, the device 100 can operate in a distress mode, where the transducer 110A operates like a tweeter and outputs high frequency sound that can be heard several feet away. For example, in the distress mode, one or more of the transducers 110A-B can output sound in a frequency range of about 2.5 kHz to about 3.5 kHz or up to about 5 kHz. In the non-distress mode (e.g., telephony and / or media applications), it is desirable to have reduced flow resistance and for the diaphragm 126B to move more freely, as this improves wideband linearity and reduces non-linear distortion. Thus, in the non-distress mode, the valve 114 can transition to an open configuration, where the valve does not cover the port 120 and the port 120 is open to the system volume 106C. However, in the distress mode, it is desirable for the back volume chamber 106B to be sealed or otherwise closed off from the system volume 106C to achieve high SPL output (e.g., > 80 dB) and maximize distress output. In some aspects, the valve 114 can be an active valve that receives a signal or voltage to open / close the port 120, depending on whether the device 100 is in distress or non-distress mode. For example, in some aspects, when it is determined that the device 100 is in distress mode, a signal or voltage is transmitted to close the valve 114. The valve 114 can remain closed until a different mode is detected. Once a non-distress mode is detected, another signal or voltage can be transmitted to open the valve 114. In other aspects, it is contemplated that the valve 114 can be a passive valve. For example, the valve 114 can be a pressure sensitive valve that opens / closes based on pressure across the valve. Typically, the pressure in the chamber 106B corresponding to the frequency range output in distress and non-distress modes can be known. Thus, the valve 114 can be tuned to open in response to a pressure threshold corresponding to the non-distress mode and to close in response to a pressure threshold corresponding to the distress mode. The valve 114 can be any type of valve suitable for operation as disclosed herein. For example, the valve 114 can include, but is not limited to, a solenoid, shape memory alloy, electrostatic, piezoelectric flap valve, etc.

[0026] Further, it is contemplated that in some aspects, valves 116, 118 can be further provided to open or close a port between enclosed volume 106 and the ambient, outside, or surrounding environment 124. For example, valve 116 can be coupled to port 108 formed in housing wall 104 above transducer 110B. In this aspect, valve 116 can be transitioned to an open configuration and used to open port 108 such that front volume chamber 106A is more open to surrounding or ambient environment 124. In other aspects, valve 116 can be transitioned to a closed configuration and used to close port 108 such that front volume chamber 106A is less open to surrounding or ambient environment 124. In still further aspects, valve 118 can be coupled to port 120 between system volume or chamber 106C and surrounding or ambient environment 124. In this aspect, valve 118 can be used to connect or seal system volume or chamber 106C and surrounding or ambient environment 124 from each other depending on the desired acoustic output. It should be recognized that, for example, the size, volume, pressure, or other aspects of front volume chamber 106A or rear volume chamber 106B can affect the acoustic performance of transducers 110A-B. Thus, modifying the size, volume, and / or pressure of front volume chamber 106A and / or rear volume chamber 106B can be used to further tune the acoustic performance of transducers 110A-B. For example, in some cases, it can be desirable for front volume chamber 106A and / or rear volume chamber 106B to be isolated or sealed (e.g., high impedance) from surrounding environment 124 to achieve the desired acoustic performance. In other cases, it can be desirable for front volume chamber 106A and / or rear volume chamber 106B to have a very open path (e.g., low impedance) and to have some amount of leakage to surrounding environment 124. Thus, one or more of the optional valves 116, 118 coupled to ports 108, 120 are contemplated.

[0027] Reference is now made to Figure 2 , Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of another aspect of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly having a valve is illustrated. Device and / or transducer assembly 200 can be the same as device and / or transducer assembly 100 previously discussed, except that in this configuration transducer 110B is omitted. In this aspect, a single transducer 110A provides dual speaker or multi-speaker functionality in both distress and non-distress modes as previously discussed. Transducer 110A can be a full-range sealed rear volume driver that includes all of the same components as previously discussed with reference to transducer 110B, so a detailed description of each of these components will not be provided with reference to Figure 1 Figure 2 ​Repetition. Additionally, as previously discussed, the device and / or transducer assembly 200 can include a valve 118 and optional vent 122 coupled to a port 120 formed through the yoke 112 to couple the back volume 106B to the system volume 106C. The valve 118 can be used to open or close the port 120 to the ambient system volume 106C depending on whether the device or transducer assembly 200 is in distress mode or non-distress mode as previously discussed. Typically, in some aspects, when the device 100 is determined to be in distress mode (e.g., the transducer 110A is outputting a high frequency distress sound), the system sends a signal or voltage to close the valve 114. The valve 114 can remain closed until a different mode is detected. Once a non-distress mode is detected, another signal or voltage can be transmitted to open the valve 114. In other aspects, it is contemplated that the valve 114 can be a passive valve that is tuned to open in response to a pressure threshold corresponding to a non-distress mode and to close in response to a pressure threshold corresponding to a distress mode. The valve 114 can be any type of valve suitable for operation as disclosed herein. For example, the valve 114 can include, but is not limited to, a solenoid, shape memory alloy, electrostatic, piezoelectric flap valve, etc.

[0028] It can be further appreciated that in some aspects, the distress mode and non-distress mode can be determined by the acoustic architecture. For example, in a single speaker architecture of Figure 2 the valve 114 is open, the transducer assembly 200 is in normal or non-distress mode (e.g., phone, ring tone, Siri, etc.) such that the back volume chamber 106B is open to the system volume 106C and the transducer 110A outputs sound in a wideband frequency range of 100 hertz to 10 kilohertz. On the other hand, when the valve 114 is closed, the transducer assembly 200 is in distress mode such that the back volume chamber 106B is closed to the system volume 106C and the transducer 110A outputs sound in an estimated F0-> 2.5 kilohertz to 3 kilohertz range, for example, up to 5 kilohertz. Optionally, in a dual speaker architecture of Figure 1In the dual-speaker architecture of FIG. 1 , when valve 114 is open, transducer assembly 100 is in normal or non-distress mode, such that rear volume chamber 106B is open to system volume 106C, and one or more of transducers 110A-110B have an extended low-frequency extension with F0 = approximately 2 kHz. On the other hand, when valve 114 is closed, transducer assembly 200 is in distress mode, such that rear volume chamber 106B is closed to system volume 106C, and transducer 110A outputs sound within an estimated F0 = 3.15 kHz. It will be further appreciated that at long distances (>300 feet), the dual-tone sound output is more perceptible than the single-tone output. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the two resonances improve the effectiveness / prominence of the distress signal. However, even a loud resonance in the 2.5 kHz to 5 kHz frequency range may still be audible at approximately 300 to 600 feet. Incorporating valve 114 to close the port and seal the rear chamber in distress mode may help achieve higher perceived loudness, or even a louder distress mode with a single speaker architecture.

[0029] In a further aspect, there can be an "intermediate" mode in which the valve 114 is partially closed or partially covers the port 120. For example, in the case of an alarm, it may not be necessary to hear the sound at 600 feet away (e.g., distress mode), but rather a strong and efficient tone in the intermediate range of about 1 kHz to 2 kHz may be desired. In this aspect, the valve 114 can be partially closed and the F0 increased to the desired frequency range to produce the desired intermediate SPL output (e.g., about 1 kHz to 2 kHz). In a further aspect, if more than one valve is utilized, individually tuned flow resistances for each valve are contemplated. Depending on which valve is closed, different resonant frequencies may exist. On the other hand, when the valve 114 is fully closed and the transducer is in distress mode, the F0 increases dramatically from 800 Hz to 2.6 kHz, producing a high SPL at about 2.6 kHz, as previously discussed.

[0030] Now refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 Illustrated with Figure 1 A top plan view of some aspects of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly of a valve. Representatively, Figure 3A top plan view of the yoke 112 and the magnet assemblies 130A to 130B is illustrated, with the remaining transducer components omitted so that the arrangement of the port 120 and the valve 118 and the exhaust port 122 can be more clearly understood. Specifically, it can be understood from this view that the port 120 can be formed through a portion of the yoke 112 between the magnet assemblies 130A and 130B. In some aspects, the port 120 can be formed through a portion of the yoke 112 that is closer to the magnet assembly 130A than the magnet assembly 130B. The valve 118 can be positioned at the port 120 so that it can be used to open or close the port 120. Representatively, in some aspects, the valve 118 can include a flap or other moving member attached to the yoke 112 and operable to move between an open and closed position to open and close the port 120. Additionally, in some aspects, it is contemplated that valve 118 may include micropores, holes, or openings 202 so that even when valve 118 is in a closed position and covering port 120, a small amount of leakage through port 120 is possible. The micropores, holes, or openings 202 can ensure that the speaker always has a balanced path. Additionally, as can be seen from this view, vent 122 can be formed through a portion of yoke 112 along the other side of magnet assembly 130A. However, vent 122 may be optional and, in some aspects, may be omitted. For example, in aspects where valve 118 includes micropores, holes, or openings 202, vent 122 may be omitted. Furthermore, in some aspects, the aperture may be increased and / or the acoustic impedance of the mesh associated with one or more ports or openings may be reduced to reduce flow resistance. Additionally, it is contemplated that, although opening 120 and vent 122 are shown along opposite sides of magnet assembly 130A in this configuration, they may be formed within other portions of yoke 112 surrounding magnet assembly 130A. In addition, although the magnet assembly 130B corresponding to the second transducer 110B is also Figure 3 , but as previously discussed, the second transducer 110B may be omitted, and the magnet assembly 130B also removed. Figure 3 Omit.

[0031] Figure 4 Illustrated with Figure 1 A top plan view of some aspects of a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly of a valve. Representatively, Figure 4A top plan view of the yoke 112 and the magnet assembly 130A to 130B is illustrated, with the remaining transducer components omitted. From this view, it can be seen that a plurality of ports 420A, 420B, 420C, 420D with valves 418A, 418B, 418C, 418D can be arranged around the magnet assembly 130A. Specifically, it can be understood from this view that ports 420A to 420D can be formed near each corner of the magnet assembly 130A. Although four ports 420A to 420D are illustrated, it is conceivable that any number of ports suitable for providing minimum flow resistance and balanced pressure flow can be used. Valves 418A to 418D can be positioned at each port in the ports 420A to 420D so that they can be used to open or close the ports 420A to 420D. Representatively, in some aspects, valves 418A to 418D may include flaps or other movable members attached to yoke 112 and operable to move between open and closed positions to open and close ports 420A to 420D. Valves 418A to 418D may be actuated independently of one another by applying a separate voltage or signal to each valve. In this aspect, one or more of valves 418A to 418D may be closed, while one or more of valves 418A to 418D may be opened. In other aspects, valves 418A to 418D may be actuated simultaneously by the same voltage or signal, such that they simultaneously open or close all ports 420A to 420D. Additionally, in some aspects, although not shown, similar to the configurations discussed previously, it is contemplated that valves 418A to 418D may include micropores, holes, or openings so that even when valves 418A to 418D are in the closed position and covering ports 420A to 420D, a small amount of leakage through ports 420A to 420D is possible. Additionally, although not shown, one or more exhaust ports similar to the exhaust ports 122 previously discussed may be formed through a portion of the yoke 112 near the side of the magnet assembly 130A. However, the exhaust ports may be optional. Additionally, it is contemplated that while the ports 420A-420D and valves 418A-418D are shown near the corners of the magnet assembly 130A in this configuration, they may be formed within other portions of the yoke 112 surrounding the magnet assembly 130A. Additionally, although not shown, the exhaust ports 122 may be formed through a portion of the yoke 112 near the side of the magnet assembly 130A. However, the exhaust ports may be optional. Additionally, it is contemplated that while the ports 420A-420D and valves 418A-418D are shown near the corners of the magnet assembly 130A in this configuration, they may be formed within other portions of the yoke 112 surrounding the magnet assembly 130A. Figure 4 Also shown is a magnet assembly 130B corresponding to the second transducer 110B, but as previously discussed, the second transducer 110B may be omitted, and the magnet assembly 130B also removed. Figure 4 Omit.

[0032] Figure 5 Illustrate a method for operating with Figure 1 or Figure 21 is a block diagram of a representative process for a portable electronic device and / or transducer assembly to operate a valve. Typically, process 500 includes an initial operation 502 for determining whether a transducer is in distress mode. If the transducer is determined to be in distress mode, an instruction or signal to close a valve associated with a port of the transducer is transmitted to the assembly, and the valve is closed at operation 504. The valve may remain in the closed position as long as the transducer is determined to be in distress mode. On the other hand, if the transducer is not determined to be in distress mode, the process continues to operation 506, where a determination is made as to whether the transducer is in non-distress mode. If the transducer is in non-distress mode, an instruction or signal to open a valve associated with a port of the transducer is transmitted to the assembly, and the valve is opened at operation 508. Process 500 may continue through operation of the transducer assembly to close / open the valve, depending on whether the transducer assembly is in distress mode or non-distress mode.

[0033] As previously discussed, reference is made herein to Figures 1 to 5 Any one or more of the disclosed valve assemblies can be dynamically controlled by applying a voltage to control the amount of leakage between the chambers or volumes they connect. For example, any one or more of the valve assemblies can be dynamically opened to connect the front volume chamber or the rear volume chamber of the transducer to the surrounding environment surrounding the chamber and / or device housing in which the transducer is implemented. In other aspects, any one or more of the valve assemblies in the valve assembly can be dynamically opened to connect the front volume chamber of the transducer to the rear volume chamber. It should be further understood that although the valve assemblies are described as opening / closing various chambers associated with the transducers, they can be used to open / close or otherwise connect any chamber in which it is desired to dynamically control leakage between chambers or different volumes.

[0034] Now refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 1 illustrates a block diagram of one aspect of the electronics within which the previously discussed transducer and / or valve assembly may be implemented. Figure 6 As shown, device 600 can be any type of portable device in which the transducer and / or valve assembly disclosed herein may be desired, such as, for example, a headset (e.g., in-ear headset, hearing aid, etc.), a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a portable timer, or other portable device. Device 600 can include a storage device 602. Storage device 602 can include one or more different types of storage devices, such as hard drive storage, non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically programmable read-only memory), volatile memory (e.g., battery-based static or dynamic random access memory), etc.

[0035] The processing circuit 604 can be used to control the operation of the device 600. The processing circuit 604 can be based on a processor, such as a microprocessor and other suitable integrated circuits. With a suitable arrangement, the processing circuit 604 and the storage device 602 can be used to run software on the device 600, such as an Internet browsing application, an Internet voice over protocol (VOIP) telephone call application, an email application, a media playback application, operating system functions, and the like. The processing circuit 604 and the storage device 602 can be used to implement suitable communication protocols. Communication protocols that can be implemented using the processing circuit 604 and the storage device 602 include Internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols - sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi® protocols), protocols for other short range wireless communication links such as Bluetooth® protocols, protocols for handling 3G or 4G communication services (e.g., using wideband code division multiple access techniques), 2G cellular telephone communication protocols, and the like.

[0036] To minimize power consumption, the processing circuit 604 can include power management circuitry to implement power management functionality. For example, the processing circuit 604 can be used to adjust gain settings of amplifiers (e.g., radio frequency power amplifier circuitry) on the device 600. The processing circuit 604 can also be used to adjust power supply voltages provided to portions of circuitry on the device 600. For example, higher direct current (DC) power supply voltages can be provided to active circuitry, and lower DC power supply voltages can be provided to circuitry that is less active or in an inactive state. If desired, the processing circuit 604 can be used to implement a control scheme in which power amplifier circuitry is adjusted to accommodate transmission power level requests received from a wireless network.

[0037] The input output devices 606 can be used to allow supply of data to and provision of data from the device 600 to external devices. Display screens, microphone acoustic ports, speaker acoustic ports, and docking ports are examples of input output devices 606. For example, the input output devices 606 can include user input devices 608 such as buttons, touch screens, joysticks, click wheels, scroll wheels, touch pads, keypads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, and the like. A user can provide commands to control the operation of the device 600 through the user input devices 608. The display and audio devices 610 can include liquid crystal display (LCD) screens or other screens, light emitting diode (LED) and other components that present visual information and status data. The display and audio devices 610 can also include audio equipment such as speakers and other devices for creating sound. The display and audio devices 610 can include audio video interface equipment such as jacks and other connectors for external headphones and monitors.

[0038] ​The wireless communication device 612 can include communication circuitry, such as radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry, power amplifier circuitry, passive RF components, antennas, and other circuitry for handling RF wireless signals formed from one or more integrated circuits. Wireless signals can also be sent using light (e.g., using infrared communication). Representatively, in the case of a speaker acoustic port, a speaker can be associated with the port and in communication with the RF antenna for transmitting signals from a far-end user to the speaker.

[0039] Returning to FIG. 6, Figure 6 The device 600 can communicate with external devices such as accessories 614, computing equipment 616, and wireless networks 618, as represented by paths 620 and 622. The path 620 can include wired and wireless paths. The path 622 can be a wireless path. The accessories 614 can include headphones (e.g., wireless cellular headsets or audio headphones) and audio video equipment (e.g., wireless speakers, game controllers, or other equipment that receives and plays audio and video content), peripherals such as wireless printers or cameras, and the like.

[0040] The computing equipment 616 can be any suitable computer. With one suitable arrangement, the computing equipment 616 is a computer with an associated wireless access point (router) or internal or external wireless network card that establishes a wireless connection with the device 600. The computer can be a server (e.g., an Internet server), a local area network computer with or without Internet access, a user's own personal computer, a peer device (e.g., another portable electronic device), or any other suitable computing equipment.

[0041] The wireless networks 618 can include any suitable network equipment, such as cellular telephone base stations, cellular towers, wireless data networks, computers associated with the wireless networks, and the like. For example, the wireless networks 618 can include network management equipment that monitors the wireless signal strength of wireless handsets (cellular telephones, handheld computing devices, etc.) that are in communication with the networks 618.

[0042] While certain aspects have been described and shown in the drawings, it is to be understood that these aspects are merely exemplary of the broad disclosure and are not to be limiting and that the scope of the disclosure is not to be determined by the specific teachings contained therein, but only by the plain meaning of the claims. Accordingly, the description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. For example, while a speaker is specifically disclosed herein, the valves disclosed herein can be used with other types of transducers (e.g., microphones). Further, while portable electronic devices such as mobile communication devices are described herein, any of the previously discussed valve and transducer configurations can be implemented within a tablet computer, personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, earpiece, etc. Additionally, to help interpret the appended claims, and any patent issuing thereon, the Applicant wishes to point out that they are not intending to "invade" 35 U.S.C. 112(f) with any of the appended claims or claim elements unless "means for" or "steps for" are explicitly used in the particular claim.

Claims

1. A transducer assembly comprising: a housing having a housing wall that defines a sound output port from an interior chamber of the housing; a sound radiating surface having a voice coil coupled to the sound radiating surface and dividing the interior chamber into a front volume chamber and a back volume chamber, the front volume chamber coupling a first side of the sound radiating surface to the sound output port, the back volume chamber coupled to a second side of the sound radiating surface; a magnet assembly having a magnet coupled to a yoke that partially defines the back volume chamber and an acoustic port from the back volume chamber; and a valve coupled to the acoustic port to close or open the acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in a distress mode or a non-distress mode.

2. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the acoustic port is from the back volume chamber to an outer chamber surrounding the housing.

3. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve closes the acoustic port in the distress mode.

4. The transducer assembly of claim 3, wherein in the distress mode, the sound radiating surface outputs sound in a frequency range of about 2.5 kilohertz to about 5 kilohertz.

5. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve opens the acoustic port in the non-distress mode.

6. The transducer assembly of claim 5, wherein in the non-distress mode, the sound radiating surface outputs sound in a broadband frequency range of about 100 hertz to about 10 kilohertz.

7. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the yoke further defines a passive pressure equalization port from the back volume chamber.

8. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the acoustic port is a first acoustic port and the valve is a first valve, and the transducer assembly further comprises a second acoustic port and a second valve coupled to the second acoustic port to close or open the second acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in the distress mode or the non-distress mode.

9. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve includes a micro- leak that opens the back volume chamber to an outer chamber surrounding the housing when the valve closes the acoustic port.

10. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the sound radiating surface, the voice coil, and the magnet comprise a first sound radiating surface, a first voice coil, and a first magnet, and the transducer assembly further comprises a second sound radiating surface, a second voice coil, and a second magnet, and the first sound radiating surface produces sound in the non-distress mode and the second sound radiating surface produces sound in the distress mode.

11. The transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer assembly is a loudspeaker.

12. A portable electronic device comprising: a housing having a housing wall that forms an interior chamber and a sound output port to an ambient environment; ​ a transducer assembly positioned within the interior chamber and dividing the interior chamber into a front volume chamber coupling an acoustic output side of the transducer assembly to the acoustic output port and a rear volume chamber coupling another side of the transducer assembly to an acoustic port from the rear volume chamber; and A valve is coupled to the acoustic port to close or open the acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in a distress mode or a non-distress mode.

13. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the acoustic port extends from the rear volume chamber to a portion of the interior chamber surrounding the transducer assembly.

14. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the valve closes the acoustic port in the distress mode and opens the acoustic port in the non-distress mode.

15. The portable electronic device of claim 14, wherein in the distress mode, the transducer assembly outputs sound within a broadband frequency range of approximately 2.5 kHz to approximately 3.5 kHz, and in the non-distress mode, the transducer assembly outputs sound within a frequency range of approximately 100 Hz to approximately 10 kHz.

16. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the transducer assembly comprises a diaphragm having a voice coil and a magnet assembly coupled to a yoke, the acoustic port being formed through the yoke, and the yoke further defining a passive pressure equalization port from the rear volume chamber.

17. The portable electronic device of claim 12 , wherein the acoustic port is a first acoustic port and the valve is a first valve, and the transducer assembly further comprises a second acoustic port and a second valve, the second valve coupled to the second acoustic port to close or open the second acoustic port depending on whether the transducer assembly is in the distress mode or the non-distress mode.

18. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the valve includes a micro-leak that opens the back volume chamber to a portion of the inner chamber surrounding the transducer assembly when the valve closes the acoustic port.

19. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the transducer assembly comprises: a sound radiating surface having a voice coil coupled thereto, the sound output side of the sound radiating surface being coupled to the sound output port, and the other side of the sound radiating surface being coupled to the rear volume chamber; and a magnet assembly having a magnet coupled to a yoke, the yoke partially defining the back volume chamber and the acoustic port from the back volume chamber.

20. The portable electronic device of claim 12, wherein the transducer assembly is a first transducer assembly and the portable electronic device further comprises a second transducer assembly, and wherein the first transducer assembly generates sound in the non-distress mode and the second transducer assembly generates sound in the distress mode.

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