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GooglePatent applicationChips & hardwareInterest 6/10

Google patents a single port that acts as both headphones and charger

Patent drawing
Patent drawing from the official filing.

Google has filed a patent for a computing device port that combines two functions into one opening. In one mode, it works as a standard headphone jack for audio output. In a second mode, the same opening accepts a plug to charge the device or transfer data.

Why it mattersThis design could allow thinner laptops or tablets by reducing the number of separate ports needed on the device's edge.

In the filing’s own words

A port is provided in a housing of a computing device. The port uses a common installation volume in the housing to provide the functionality of a first component and a second component in a single, combined port. The port functions as an audio output port in a first mode, and as a charging and/or data communication port in a second mode. A front volume of an audio output device extends between an audio driver and a receptacle of the port for output of audio content via the receptacle in the first mode. An interface device may be provided in a void defined by a wall portion of the receptacle, to facilitate connection with a charging plug selectively insertable into the receptacle for charging of the computing device and/or wired data communication in the second mode.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A computing device, comprising: a housing; a port included in the housing, the port including a receptacle accessible from an outside of the housing, the receptacle including: an audio output portion in communication with an audio driver received in the housing; and an interface portion configured to removably receive a plug of an external cable, the interface portion including at least one interface device, wherein in a first mode, the audio output portion of the port is configured to output audio content generated by the audio driver; and in a second mode, the interface portion of the port is configured to provide for at least one of: charging of a power storage device received in the housing via the plug of the external cable received in the receptacle, or exchange of data with an external device via the plug of the external cable received in the receptacle.

Facts

Company
Google (GOOGLE LLC)
Official title
PORT FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE
Publication number
US20260299870A1
Application number
19481117
Filed
May 31, 2023
Published
Oct 1, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
16

Classified under

G06F 3/162 Physics & computingG06F 13/20 Physics & computingH04R 1/023 Electricity & electronicsH04R 2499/15 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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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.