Google patents earbud part that combines sound and vibration
Google has secured a patent for a compact component that merges a speaker and a vibration motor into a single unit. The design connects the internal air spaces of both parts so they work together within a small electronic device.
In the filing’s own words
Actuator assemblies, and electronic devices and wearable devices including actuator assemblies, are disclosed. An actuator assembly includes: a first housing enclosing an audio actuator and a first open volume; and a second housing enclosing a haptic actuator and a second open volume. The first open volume is fluidly connected with the second open volume by an aperture between the first housing and the second housing. A first wall of the first housing abuts a second wall of the second housing. The aperture includes a first opening in the first wall of the first housing and a second opening in the second wall of the second housing. The first housing includes a linking component configured to mechanically connect to the second housing. The linking component includes a fluid conduit extending from the first open volume to an opening in the second wall of the second housing.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An actuator assembly comprising: a first housing enclosing an audio actuator and a first open volume; and a second housing enclosing a haptic actuator and a second open volume, wherein: a first wall of the first housing abuts a second wall of the second housing, and the first open volume is fluidly connected with the second open volume by an aperture between the first housing and the second housing.
Facts
- Company
- Google (Google LLC)
- Official title
- Combined audio and haptic actuator assembly
- Patent number
- US12732743B2
- Application number
- 18562425
- Filed
- Feb 23, 2023
- Granted
- Sep 8, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 18
Classified under
H04R 1/28 Electricity & electronicsH04R 1/24 Electricity & electronicsMore from Google in Audio & voice
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.