Apple has been on a patent roll recently with the company clearing its special construction process for sapphire glass and liquidmetal. Another reported patent according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office suggests that Apple will be including a new technology protecting sensitive components of its iOS devices. The new active covering system will protect sensitive acoustic parts such as microphones and speakers upon impact.
Apple still has a few months before the release of the iPhone 6 and other iOS devices like the iPad. Analysts believe that the company may find time to incorporate the new patent into its upcoming releases. Often, when tech companies release refreshed versions of their products, they also update internal components.
To keep up with the developing technology for smartphones and tablets, Apple has been working on upgrading the smaller components of its devices as well. These include acoustic sensors and emitters. Whereas the company has been using mesh grilles and foam to protect the components, changing smartphone and tablet technology may need more than just the usual approaches.
The patent granted to Apple goes by the title "Active protection for acoustic device" according to Apple Insider. The patent describes a mechanical system that can determine motion sensors input and feedback from internal measurement devices to control the shutter or valve to block contaminants from reaching the acoustic parts. The acoustic components of the device remains protected if the passage is closed. The device can block shock treats, air bursts and pressure changes.
The patent also describes potentially improving the audio quality of the device by amplifying the incoming and outgoing waves. Apple's invention uses onboard sensors similar to an accelerator or gyroscope to recognize if the device will hit something or the ground. The patent supports previous patent cleared for Apple featuring sapphire and liquidmetal for more flexible displays.
Apple has not released official details about the iPhone 6 and other upcoming iOS devices.
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