Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090267677 | COMPACT EJECTABLE COMPONENT ASSEMBLIES IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray that can be loaded with one or more removable modules, wafers coupled to circuit boards, cages and retaining plates to assist in retaining the tray within the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include springs operative to engage detents in the tray to retain the tray in the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray ejector mechanism for ejecting the tray from the assembly. | 10-29-2009 |
20090273912 | INTERLOCKING EMI SHIELD - An electromagnetic interference shield system is provided. Each EMI shield may include a frame providing the structure around the electronic device components to be shielded, and a cover operative to be placed over the frame to prevent electromagnetic radiation from passing over the frame. Each frame may be coupled to a circuit board, and enclose electronic components in need of shielding. Each cover may be coupled to its corresponding frame using at least one snap that extends from the periphery of the cover towards the frame and circuit board. To minimize the space taken by the EMI shields, the snaps of adjacent covers may be offset or staggered so that opposing snaps engage voids left between snaps of the opposing cover, thus reducing the space needed between adjacent EMI shields by up to the width of a snap. | 11-05-2009 |
20090274953 | BATTERY ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A battery assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The battery assembly may include a battery cell (e.g., a rechargeable battery cell), a battery connector for providing power from the battery cell to the electronic device, and a flex circuit electrically coupling the battery cell to the electronic device. The battery connector may be located adjacent the battery cell, and may include one or more alignment mechanisms for ensuring that conductive pads of the battery connector align properly with corresponding conductive elements of the electronic device. The battery cell may be fixed to the electronic device using an adhesive layer (e.g., double sided tape) placed between the cell and the electronic device. A tab may extend beyond the periphery of the battery cell to allow a user to pull or peal the battery cell from the electronic device for replacement or repair. In some embodiments, a tool may be used to grasp the tab. | 11-05-2009 |
20090275243 | MECHANISM FOR CONSTRAINING THE MOVEMENT OF AN AUDIO JACK - A constraint mechanism for receiving an audio plug in an electronic device is provided. The constraint mechanism may include a conductive tube operative to receive the audio plug. In addition, the constraint mechanism may include several features operative to engage corresponding features of the electronic device to prevent the constraint mechanism from moving in any direction (e.g., which could cause damage in the electronic device if the audio jack was forced to move by an impact on the audio plug). For example, the constraint mechanism may include a center wall to prevent yawing, and rear tabs to prevent pitching. As another example, the constraint mechanism may include a side plate operative to be coupled to the electronic device to prevent rolling. In some embodiments, the constraint mechanism may include an asymmetrical tube entrance for ensuring the proper alignment of the constraint mechanism with an electronic device opening. The tube may include a conductive dimple extending through an aperture of the tube, where the aperture is substantially the same size and shape as the conductive dimple. | 11-05-2009 |
20100167595 | SYSTEM FOR CONSTRAINING AN AUDIO PLUG WITHIN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A constraint mechanism for receiving an audio plug in an electronic device is provided. The constraint mechanism may include a conductive tube operative to receive the audio plug. In addition, the constraint mechanism may include several features operative to engage corresponding features of the electronic device to prevent the constraint mechanism from moving in any direction (e.g., which could cause damage in the electronic device if the audio jack was forced to move by an impact on the audio plug). For example, the constraint mechanism may include a center wall to prevent yawing, and rear tabs to prevent pitching. As another example, the constraint mechanism may include a side plate operative to be coupled to the electronic device to prevent rolling. In some embodiments, the constraint mechanism may include an asymmetrical tube entrance for ensuring the proper alignment of the constraint mechanism with an electronic device opening. The tube may include a conductive dimple extending through an aperture of the tube, where the aperture is substantially the same size and shape as the conductive dimple. | 07-01-2010 |
20100246143 | Electromagnetic Interference Shielding for Compact Electronic Devices - Improved approaches for providing electromagnetic interference shielding to one or more electrical components within a housing of a portable electronic device are disclosed. According to one aspect of certain embodiments, an electromagnetic shield can be attached to one or more edges of a substrate (e.g., printed circuit board) provided within a housing of a portable electronic device. Advantageously, this allows the substrate space to be efficiently utilized such that relatively wide electrical components can be provided on the substrate without having to further increase the width of the substrate to provide space for an EMI shielding structure and its attachment to the substrate. The housing of the portable electronic device can be compact, such as a low profile housing. | 09-30-2010 |
20110072639 | BATTERY ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A battery assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The battery assembly may include a battery cell (e.g., a rechargeable battery cell), a battery connector for providing power from the battery cell to the electronic device, and a flex circuit electrically coupling the battery cell to the electronic device. The battery connector may be located adjacent the battery cell, and may include one or more alignment mechanisms for ensuring that conductive pads of the battery connector align properly with corresponding conductive elements of the electronic device. The battery cell may be fixed to the electronic device using an adhesive layer (e.g., double sided tape) placed between the cell and the electronic device. A tab may extend beyond the periphery of the battery cell to allow a user to pull or peal the battery cell from the electronic device for replacement or repair. In some embodiments, a tool may be used to grasp the tab. | 03-31-2011 |
20110085316 | CONFORMING EMI SHIELDING - This is directed to an EMI shield constructed from a conformal coating. A circuit board can include electronic components for which EMI shielding is required. To provide such shielding in a space-efficient manner, a first non-conductive conformal coating can be placed over the circuit board and the electronic components. A second conductive conformal coating can then be placed over the first such that at least portions of the second coating around the periphery of the electronic components are electrically coupled to the circuit board. | 04-14-2011 |
20110186325 | COSMETIC CO-REMOVAL OF MATERIAL FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE SURFACES - This is directed to providing a cosmetic finish on a component constructed by connecting several elements. A single manufacturing process, such as machining or grinding, can be applied to the connected elements to remove material from some or all of the elements and to form a smooth and continuous surface across interfaces between the individual elements of the component. In some cases, settings of the material removal process can be adjusted based on the material of the component elements. For example, the settings can be adjusted based on the manufacturing or mechanical properties of each element material. | 08-04-2011 |
20110186345 | Offset Control for Assemblying an Electronic Device Housing - Housings for electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, adjoining surfaces of electronic device housings can be mounted or arranged such that adjoining surfaces are flush to a high degree of precision. The electronic devices can be portable and in some cases handheld. | 08-04-2011 |
20110188178 | HIGH TOLERANCE CONNECTION BETWEEN ELEMENTS - This is directed to connecting two or more elements using an intermediate element constructed from a material that changes between states. An electronic device can include one or more components constructed by connecting several elements. To provide a connection having a reduced or small size or cross-section and construct a component having high tolerances, a material can be provided in a first state in which it flows between the elements before changing to a second state in which it adheres to the elements and provides a structurally sound connection. For example, a plastic can be molded between the elements. As another example, a composite material can be brazed between the elements. In some cases, internal surfaces of the elements can include one or more features for enhancing a bond between the elements and the material providing the interface between the elements. | 08-04-2011 |
20110188179 | HANDHELD DEVICE ENCLOSURE - This is directed to an electronic device enclosure. The enclosure includes an outer periphery member forming an outer surface of a device, and to which an internal platform is connected. Electronic device components can be assembled to one or both surfaces of the internal platform. The enclosure can include front and back cover assemblies assembled to the opposite surfaces of the outer periphery member to retain electronic device components. One or both of the cover assemblies can include a window through which display circuitry can provide content to a user of the device. | 08-04-2011 |
20110188180 | Portable Electronic Device Housing with Outer Glass Surfaces - Improved housings for electronic devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electronic device housing can have one or more outer members (e.g., exposed major surfaces), such as front or back surfaces, that are formed of glass. The one or more glass surfaces can be part of outer member assemblies that can be secured to other portions of the electronic device housing. In other embodiments, apparatus, systems and methods for robustly attaching a cover portion of an electronic device to a bottom portion, e.g., a housing portion, of the electronic device are described. The electronic device can be portable and in some cases handheld. | 08-04-2011 |
20110255000 | CAMERA ALIGNMENT AND MOUNTING STRUCTURES - An electronic device may be provided with a housing. A camera module may be mounted within the housing. The housing may have a camera window with which a lens in the camera module is aligned. To rotationally and laterally align the camera module with respect to the camera window and the electronic device housing, an alignment structure may be mounted to the housing in alignment with the camera window and housing. The alignment structure may be formed form a ring-shaped structure with an opening. The alignment structures may have sidewalls that form an alignment groove for the camera module. The camera window may be formed from a circular opening in a layer of opaque material deposited on a transparent housing member such as a planar layer of glass. During the process, a laser tool may be used to trim the opening in the opaque material. | 10-20-2011 |
20110255218 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COVER ASSEMBLY RETENTION OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - This is directed to systems and methods for cover assembly retention of a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a cover assembly and/or housing of an electronic device can include one or more retention features such as detents, hooks, tabs, extensions, screw plates, screw holes, shuttles, latches, or any combination of the above, for retaining the cover assembly to the housing. In some embodiments, one or more retention features can be included on a internal platform of the electronic device to retain the cover assembly. In some embodiments, a hidden screw feature can be included in a SIM tray slot of the electronic device. Once a SIM tray has been inserted into the SIM tray slot, the screw feature can be hidden from sight and may become unapparent to an end user of the electronic device. | 10-20-2011 |
20110255250 | PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Electronic devices may be provided that include mechanical and electronic components. Connectors may be used to interconnect printed circuits and devices mounted to printed circuits. Printed circuits may include rigid printed circuit boards and flexible printed circuit boards. Cosmetic structures such as cowlings may be used to improve device aesthetics. Bumpers may be mounted over rough edges of printed circuit boards to protect flex circuits that are routed over the printed circuit boards. Fasteners may be soldered to solder pad structures on printed circuit boards. | 10-20-2011 |
20110255260 | BUTTON STRUCTURES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - An electronic device may have buttons, a display, and a vibrator unit. Buttons may be included in electronic devices such as glass buttons, metal buttons, buttons that are assembled on printed circuit boards, and buttons that are partly formed from antenna structures. Button coatings may be used to improve the sliding performance of metal-on-metal buttons. A layer of polymer may be interposed between a button plate and a housing structure. A glass button member may have an underside on which a layer of patterned ink is formed. Elastomeric members may be used to reduce button rattle. Portions of a button may be provided with conductive features that form portions of an antenna. | 10-20-2011 |
20110255850 | ELECTRONIC SUBASSEMBLIES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Electronic devices may be provided that include mechanical and electronic components. Connectors may be used to interconnect printed circuits and devices mounted to printed circuits. Printed circuits may include rigid printed circuit boards and flexible printed circuit boards. Heat sinks and other thermally conductive structures may be used to remove excess component heat. Structures may also be provided in an electronic device to detect moisture. Integrated circuits and other circuitry may be mounted on a printed circuit board under a radio-frequency shielding can. | 10-20-2011 |
20110291896 | HOUSING STRUCTURES FOR OPTIMIZING LOCATION OF EMITTED RADIO-FREQUENCY SIGNALS - Electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include radio-frequency transceiver circuitry and antenna structures. A display may be mounted on a front face of an electronic device. A conductive member such as a bezel may surround the display. Internal housing support structures such as a metal midplate member may be used to support the display. The midplate member may be connected between opposing edges of the bezel. The antenna structures may include an antenna formed from part of the midplate member and part of the bezel. Antenna image currents in the midplate member may be blocked by slots in the midplate member. The slots may be located adjacent to the antenna and may ensure that the antenna emits radio-frequency signals in a desired pattern. The slots may be angled and segmented. | 12-01-2011 |
20110300751 | AUDIO CONNECTOR CONTROL SYSTEM - An electronic device such as a portable music player, cellular telephone, or computer may be provided with an audio jack system that allows audio plug position measurements to be made. Sensors such as optical sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, resistive sensors, and capacitive sensors may be used in monitoring the position and movement of the audio plug relative to the audio jack. A user may rotate the audio plug to control operations such as media playback operations, menu selection operations, and other activities in the electronic device. The audio jack may include flexible structures that allow the audio plug to be tilted relative to the audio jack. Capacitive sensors or other sensors may be used to monitor audio plug tilt and axial audio plug movement. This allows the audio plug to serve as a joystick for the electronic device. | 12-08-2011 |
20120175232 | STRUCTURALLY ENHANCED SWITCH ASSEMBLIES - Slide switch assemblies with structural enhancements are provided for use in electronic devices. Slide switch assemblies in accordance with embodiments the invention can include a button, an engagement member, and switch box. The engagement member couples the button to the switch box and translates any movement of the button to the switch box. The switch box is mounted offset with respect to the button because another component such as, for example, a display screen occupies the space that would have been a better mounting position for the switch box. To compensate for the offset, and the added torsion that is applied to the engagement member during button movement events, the engagement member is structurally enhanced. | 07-12-2012 |
20120177358 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COUPLING A COVER TO AN ENCLOSURE - An electronic device can include different components providing different functionality. Some electronic devices can include a proximity sensor for determining when a user's face is near the device. The sensor can include an emitter and a detector that are separated by a foam block to limit cross-talk between the emitter and detector. A sheet can be placed over the foam block to define openings for each of the emitter and detector. Some electronic devices can also include a camera. A glass cover secured to the device enclosure can protect the camera. To improve an adhesive bond between the glass cover and a metal enclosure, an ink layer can be placed between an adhesive and the glass. In addition, the camera or another component may need to be grounded to ensure proper operation. During assembly, however, the position of the camera can shift due to closing an enclosure. A grounding assembly that maintains contact with the camera in its initial and final positions can be provided. | 07-12-2012 |
20120275100 | Portable Electronic Device Housing with Outer Glass Surfaces - Improved housings for electronic devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electronic device housing can have one or more outer members (e.g., exposed major surfaces), such as front or back surfaces, that are formed of glass. The one or more glass surfaces can be part of outer member assemblies that can be secured to other portions of the electronic device housing. In other embodiments, apparatus, systems and methods for robustly attaching a cover portion of an electronic device to a bottom portion, e.g., a housing portion, of the electronic device are described. The electronic device can be portable and in some cases handheld. | 11-01-2012 |
20120307451 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EJECTING REMOVABLE MODULES FROM ELECTRONIC DEVICES - An electronic device may be provided with an ejectable component assembly having a connector that can receive and retain a removable module within a housing of the electronic device. The ejectable component assembly may also be provided with an ejector mechanism for at least partially ejecting the removable module from the connector. The ejector mechanism may receive a user input force at an ejector user interface, translate that user input force into an ejection force, and apply that ejection force onto the removable module for ejecting the module. The ejector user interface may be provided at any suitable position of the housing that may not interfere with other functions of the device. The path along which the ejector mechanism translates the user input force into the ejection force between the ejector user interface and the removable module may be provided in any suitable way throughout the device. | 12-06-2012 |
20130063876 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COVER ASSEMBLY RETENTION OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - This is directed to systems and methods for cover assembly retention of a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a cover assembly and/or housing of an electronic device can include one or more retention features such as detents, hooks, tabs, extensions, screw plates, screw holes, shuttles, latches, or any combination of the above, for retaining the cover assembly to the housing. In some embodiments, one or more retention features can be included on an internal platform of the electronic device to retain the cover assembly. In some embodiments, a hidden screw feature can be included in a SIM tray slot of the electronic device. Once a SIM tray has been inserted into the SIM tray slot, the screw feature can be hidden from sight and may become unapparent to an end user of the electronic device. | 03-14-2013 |
20130149584 | BATTERY ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A battery assembly for use in an electronic device. The battery assembly may include a battery cell, a battery connector for providing power from the battery cell to the electronic device, and a flex circuit electrically coupling the battery cell to the electronic device. The battery connector may be located adjacent the battery cell, and may include one or more alignment mechanisms so that conductive pads connector align properly with corresponding conductive elements of the electronic device. The battery cell may be fixed to the electronic device using an adhesive layer placed between the cell and the electronic device. A tab may extend beyond the periphery of the battery cell to allow a user to pull or peal the battery cell from the electronic device for replacement or repair. | 06-13-2013 |
20130233691 | STRUCTURALLY ENHANCED SWITCH ASSEMBLIES - Slide switch assemblies with structural enhancements are provided for use in electronic devices. Slide switch assemblies in accordance with embodiments the invention can include a button, an engagement member, and switch box. The engagement member couples the button to the switch box and translates any movement of the button to the switch box. The switch box is mounted offset with respect to the button because another component such as, for example, a display screen occupies the space that would have been a better mounting position for the switch box. To compensate for the offset, and the added torsion that is applied to the engagement member during button movement events, the engagement member is structurally enhanced. | 09-12-2013 |
20130240112 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COUPLING A COVER TO AN ENCLOSURE - An electronic device may include a proximity sensor for determining when a user's face is near the device. The sensor can include an emitter and a detector that are separated by a foam block to limit cross-talk between the emitter and detector. A sheet can be placed over the foam block to define openings for each of the emitter and detector. Some electronic devices can also include a camera. A glass cover secured to the device enclosure can protect the camera. To improve an adhesive bond between the glass cover and a metal enclosure, an ink layer can be placed between an adhesive and the glass. During assembly, the position of the camera can shift due to closing an enclosure. A grounding assembly that maintains contact with the camera in its initial and final positions may be provided. | 09-19-2013 |
20130328462 | Offset Control for Assemblying an Electronic Device Housing - Improved housings for electronic devices are disclosed. An electronic device housing can make use of at least one outer member (e.g., cover) that can be aligned, protected and/or secured with respect to other portions of the housing for the electronic device. In one embodiment, an electronic device housing can have one or more outer members (e.g., exposed major surfaces), such as front or back surfaces, that are formed of glass. Protective sides can be provided in some embodiments to protect the edges of the one or more glass surfaces so as to dissipate impact forces and thus reduce damage to the electronic device housing. The one or more glass surfaces can be part of outer member assemblies that can be secured to other portions of the electronic device housing. According to one aspect, adjoining surfaces of electronic device housings can be mounted or arranged such that adjoining surfaces are flush to a high degree of precision. The electronic device can be portable and in some cases handheld. | 12-12-2013 |