Patent Description:
The components of an electronic device, for example, a housing of an electronic device and associated components, can include structures having features tailored to the specific purposes for which they are employed. The components can be configured to provide physical support or protection to other components of the electronic device, provide for thermal transmission, provide for airflow through or around the electronic device, or provide for any number of additional purposes. The components of the electronic device can be designed to provide a unique and pleasing look and feel for a user. Additionally, the components can be designed to optimize one or more dimensions of the device, such as an amount of an active area of the device.

Recent advances in electronic devices have enabled high levels of performance. Existing components, structures, and methods of assembly for electronic devices, however, can limit the levels of performance of such devices. For example, traditional housings can limit the amount or relative percentage of active area of a display. Similarly, traditional methods of device assembly can include features or components that inhibit device performance, even when non-traditional housing structures are used. Further, traditional structures and methods used to assemble an electronic device can undesirably limit one or more dimensions of the device relative to the individual dimensions of each component. In this regard, further tailoring of components for electronic devices can provide additional or enhanced functionality, desired dimensions, and pleasing aesthetic features.

<CIT> is directed to computing devices including LCDs and methods for attaching a backlight assembly to a cover glass layer while minimizing an amount of stress transferred through the cover glass layer to the LCD module.

<CIT> is directed to a display device having a first panel, second panel, a backlight module, connecting blocks and a flexible circuit board.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a housing that at least partially defines an exterior surface and an internal volume of the electronic device, and a display assembly is at least partially disposed in the internal volume. The display assembly includes a transparent cover that at least partially defines the exterior surface of the electronic device, a backlight unit disposed between the cover and the housing, a frame coupling the cover to the backlight unit, a portion of the frame at least partially defining an aperture, and an electronic component disposed in the internal volume and extending through the aperture. At least a portion of the frame is in direct contact with the transparent cover.

In some examples, the backlight unit further includes a mounting component coupled to the frame. The frame and the mounting component can define the aperture. The frame can define retention features to receive attachment components passing through apertures defined by the mounting component, the attachment components coupling the mounting component to the frame. The electronic component can include a flexible electrical connector.

In some examples, a surface of the frame that at least partially defines the aperture is angled relative to a portion of the exterior surface defined by the transparent cover. In some examples, the frame can define a notch, with the transparent cover being secured to the frame with an adhesive positioned in the notch. The adhesive can include a reworkable pressure sensitive adhesive.

In some examples, the frame includes a glass-filled polymer. A perimeter shape of the frame can correspond to a perimeter shape of the transparent cover. The frame can include a continuous ring. The frame can at least partially define a seal between the cover and the backlight unit.

According to some examples, an electronic device can include an enclosure at least partially defining an exterior surface and an internal volume of the electronic device, a display assembly at least partially disposed in the internal volume, a support component attached to a surface of the enclosure defining the internal volume, and a retention component attached to the display assembly. The retention component can include a protruding portion that at least partially defines a retention volume and an aperture in communication with the retention volume. The support component can at least partially be disposed in the aperture and can fix the display assembly relative to the enclosure along an axis, or in other words, the support can fix a directional movement of the display assembly relative to the enclosure along an axis or one or more degrees of freedom.

In some examples, the support component can be a first support component and the retention component can be a first retention component. The electronic device can further include a second support component attached to the surface and a second retention component attached to the display assembly, the second support component can be at least partially disposed in an aperture defined by the second retention component. The retention component can be attached to a backlight unit of the display assembly.

According to some examples, an illumination component can include an LED package and a light pipe. The light pipe can define a light receiving surface positioned opposite the LED package and spaced apart therefrom, a light emitting surface can be positioned perpendicular to the light receiving surface, and a reflection surface can be positioned at an acute angle relative to the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface. A multi-layer reflective coating can be deposited on the reflection surface.

In some examples, the multi-layer reflective coating can be formed by a vapor deposition process. The multi-layer reflective coating can include alternating titanium dioxide layers and silicon dioxide layers. The reflective coating can have a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM>. The LED package can be spaced apart from the light receiving surface by between <NUM> and <NUM>.

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

The architecture and components of electronic devices, including display portions, described herein, can allow for configurations of an electronic device that can maximize the active area of a display or display cell in a display portion, while still achieving desired levels of functionality. In traditional electronic device configurations, such as with traditionally designed desktops, the display device can include relatively large bezels or borders around most or all of the periphery of the active display cell to hide components for mounting the display cell or display assembly in the display portion housing, for example, components that can fix the directional movement and/or position of the display cell in one or more directions relative to the display housing.

The components, features, and configurations described herein can allow for display device designs that maximize the user-facing active area of the display, while minimizing or even eliminating the bezels adjacent to the display cell, while maintaining the same or even improving levels of display performance. For example, the display portions described herein can have relatively small or even no bezel area around the edges or sides of a display cell, with a relatively small bezel or chin disposed along a bottom edge of the display cell. Such a reduced border configuration can utilize additional unique designs to accommodate for the improved display area. In some examples, internal mounting features are provided to fix the position and limit or fix the directional movement of the display assembly relative to the display housing in one or more directions or degrees of freedom. In some examples, the display portion can include one or more user-facing components, such as a camera indicator light or other illumination component, that can be positioned at an edge of the display, but that may not require a bezel or inactive region that extends across an entire dimension of the display.

One aspect of the claimed invention relates to an electronic device including a housing that defines an exterior surface and an internal volume of the electronic device. The electronic device includes display components positioned partially or entirely within the internal volume. The display components include a backlight unit positioned in the internal volume and a cover assembly that includes a cover defining an exterior surface of the device. The device can include one or more sealing/attachment features that couple the cover assembly to the backlight unit. The cover assembly also includes a display unit. The backlight unit can define or include one or more retention features that can engage with one or more corresponding engagement features affixed to the housing in the internal volume. A securing component, such as a shaft and a shim, can be disposed between the installed backlight unit and the housing to prevent the backlight unit from moving relative to the housing.

The cover assembly can overlay or overlap the backlight unit. The cover defining the exterior surface, which is a transparent cover such as glass, sapphire, or plastic, can be attached to the backlight unit, which in turn is fastened or secured to the housing. The cover can further be sealed to the housing along the periphery of the housing by a reworkable pressure sensitive adhesive inserted into a thin gap between the edges of the housing and the cover.

A frame, such as ring including a polymer or polymer-ceramic composite material like glass-filled polycarbonate, is positioned between the cover and the backlight unit. The frame can extend along a periphery of the cover and/or the backlight unit. In some examples, the frame is a single continuous piece. The frame can be secured to the cover using an adhesive, such as a reworkable pressure sensitive adhesive. The frame at least partially defines an aperture sized to allow one or more components to pass there through. In some examples, the frame and a component of the backlight unit are coupled to the frame and define the aperture. In some examples, the aperture can be defined by an angled surface to accommodate an electrical component, such as a flexible electrical connector or flexible printed circuit that extends from the cover assembly to the backlight unit or to other components of the display. The angled surface of the frame can be shaped to conform to a minimum radius that the flexible circuit can bend before becoming damaged. A portion of the frame is in direct contact with the cover. The frame can be secured to the cover with an adhesive, the frame defining a notch to receive the adhesive. In some examples, the notch operates as a datum for adhesive. The adhesive can include a reworkable pressure sensitive adhesive.

In some examples, the frame is also attached to the backlight unit with an adhesive. In some examples, the frame is attached to the backlight unit using attachment features, such as screws, snaps, magnets, or latches. The frame can include retention features, such as threaded metal inserts to receive fasteners to secure the backlight unit to the frame. In some examples, the fasteners are threaded directly into the material of the frame. The frame can help to improve the seal between the cover assembly and the backlight unit, for example by preventing the ingress of dust particles or other material that can adversely affect the quality of an image produced by the display.

In some examples, the components and systems described herein can allow for display devices to include narrow bezels or borders surrounding an active area of a display assembly, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) assembly. These narrow borders do not traditionally provide sufficient material for hardware to engage and retain the components of the device, such as the backlight or cover assembly without the insertion of screws through the rear major surface of the housing or through a sidewall of the housing. The systems and components described herein can facilitate front mounting and secure retention of the display components, while maintaining narrow bezels and borders without the need for additional fasteners.

In some examples, the mounting systems described herein can enable the components of an electronic device, such as display components, circuit boards, fans, and other electronic components, to be disposed adjacent to, or in close proximity to, a major surface of a housing having a structure as described herein. This arrangement of components can aid in maximizing the thermal benefits provided by the housing structure.

Unlike traditional methods of retaining components in an electronic device without passing hardware through major surfaces of the housing, such as gluing components directly to the housing, the present mounting system allows for disassembly of the device without causing undesirable damage to the housing and/or components. Accordingly, electronic devices assembled with the present mounting systems allow for devices to be disassembled, for example, to repair or replace individual components or to recycle or reuse individual components.

A display assembly (including the cover assembly and the backlight unit) is at least partially disposed in the internal volume defined by the housing. The display assembly can, in part, be secured to the enclosure using a reworkable adhesive. Mounting features can be included to ensure proper coupling of the display assembly and the housing. In some examples, one or more support components can be attached to the housing. The support components can engage with one or more retention components that can be attached to a backlight unit of the display. In some examples, the mounting features include support components that are spaced equidistance from a center of the housing and corresponding retention components positioned equidistance from a center of the display unit.

As described, the present systems allow for a display device including narrow bezels surrounding the active area of a display assembly, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) assembly. These narrow borders do not traditionally provide sufficient space for a notification light or other illumination components, for example, as associated with a camera module. In some examples, the display devices described herein can include a camera and a camera use indicator light. In some examples, to allow for a reduced internal volume of the device, the system includes indicator lights which allow for an LED package to be positioned orthogonal to an output surface of the indicator light.

In some examples, an LED package of the indicator light is positioned above a light pipe or a light guide. The LED package can be oriented such that light is initially emitted parallel to a major surface of the cover, such as a right angle. The light can then enter a light pipe including a reflective angled surface that can reflect the light, such that the light is ultimately emitted in a direction perpendicular to the major surface of the cover glass (i.e., toward the user). A reflective coating can be applied to the angled surface of the light pipe to provide efficient transmission of the light with as little diffusion or loss as possible. In some examples, the LED package emits green light, and the reflective coating includes a plurality of ceramic layers such as titanium dioxide layers and silicon dioxide layers. In some examples, the reflective coating can include between <NUM> and <NUM> alternating titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide layers, for example, about <NUM> alternating titanium dioxide layers and silicon dioxide layers. The reflective coating can have a thickness of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, for example, about <NUM> or about <NUM>.

Generally, the devices described herein are used in an upright position. As used herein, an "upright" configuration or position is a configuration in which an elongated height dimension of the device is more parallel than perpendicular relative to the gravitational direction. For example, an electronic device is upright when it is in a vertical orientation similar to a picture frame hanging on a wall or supported by a kickstand. With this understanding, the terms "top," "bottom," "side," "front," "back," "rear," "above," "below," "under" and other such positional terms are to be understood in relation to an upright electronic device, but are used for reference purposed only. For example, a top portion of a device can be located above a bottom portion in some orientations of the device, but can also be located in line with, below, or in other spatial relationships with the bottom portion depending on the orientation of the device. These reference terms are not intended to limit the device to any one orientation and it should be understood that the devices described herein can be used or operated in orientations other than upright. Additionally, the term "length" or "height" refers to a top-to-bottom measurement, the term "width" refers to a side-to-side measurement, and the term "thickness" refers to a front to back measurement.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a display or a monitor, for example, as can be used with a personal or desktop computer. This is, however, merely one representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the ideas disclosed herein. The electronic device <NUM> can, for example, correspond to a portable media player, a media storage device, a portable digital assistant ("PDA"), a tablet computer, a computer, a mobile communication device, a GPS unit, a remote-control device, or other electronic devices. The electronic device <NUM> can be referred to as an electronic device, a device, or a consumer device. As shown, the electronic device <NUM> can include any number of input devices such as a mouse <NUM>, a keyboard <NUM>, a track pad, a stylus, a microphone, or any combination of input devices. The electronic device <NUM> can include a display <NUM>, a housing <NUM>, a chin <NUM>, and a stand <NUM>. The display <NUM> can include a computer display such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or any desired display component. The display <NUM> can be referred to as a monitor, a display screen, or a display assembly of the electronic device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can be a shell to protect and cover parts of the display <NUM>. In some examples, the housing <NUM> can include any desired materials, such as rigid and durable materials. For example, the housing <NUM> can include plastic, metal, ceramic, glass materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the housing <NUM> can include aluminum. In some examples, the housing <NUM> can define a bezel (i.e., a front-facing surface of the housing) extending around a perimeter of the display <NUM>. In some examples, the housing <NUM> defines no bezel or chin <NUM> (i.e., the electronic device includes a full glass front). Further details of the electronic device <NUM> are provided below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the electronic device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the display <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> can extend to the outer edge perimeter of the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can define an aperture, or can be an open-ended enclosure wherein the display <NUM> is positioned within the aperture to define an internal volume within the housing <NUM>. The chin <NUM>, can also be affixed to the housing <NUM> to define, at least in part, the internal volume. In some examples, the chin <NUM> can be integrally formed with the housing <NUM>. The chin <NUM> can be adjacent to, and can be flush with, an exterior surface defined by the display <NUM>. The chin <NUM> can contain internal electrical components. In some examples, the display <NUM> may not extend beyond or overlap with the chin <NUM>, which can provide additional space in the internal volume of the device <NUM> when the chin <NUM> is thinner than the display <NUM>. Thus, the internal volume defined between the chin <NUM> and the housing <NUM> can be used for larger internal components that may not otherwise fit between a rear surface of the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the thickness of the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM> can be approximately equal to the thickness of the chin <NUM> and the housing <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is assembled. Accordingly, in some examples, the device <NUM> can have a substantially constant thickness along one or both of its width and height. In some examples, the display <NUM> is at least partially supported by the chin <NUM>. In some examples, the display <NUM> extends fully to the bottom edge of the housing <NUM> (i.e., there is no chin <NUM>). Further details of the electronic device <NUM> are provided below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective exploded view of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> at least partially defining an exterior surface and an internal volume of the device. In some examples, the housing can include a portion or region that can define a first surface and a second surface. The display assembly <NUM> includes a cover assembly <NUM> and a backlight unit <NUM>. The backlight unit <NUM> is positioned between a major surface of the housing <NUM> and the cover assembly <NUM>.

Although illustrated as a backlight unit <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> can include substantially any desired display or device component. The backlight unit <NUM> can include a backplate <NUM> that can be disposed adjacent to a major surface of the housing <NUM> at least partially defining the internal volume. In some examples, the backplate <NUM> can assist in conducting heat generated by components of the device <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, where the housing structure can further aid in removing the heat from the device <NUM>, for example, via convection. Thus, the backplate <NUM> can include a relatively thermally conductive material, such as a metal, for example, alloys of steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals. In some other examples, however, the backplate <NUM> can include metal, ceramic, polymer, or combinations thereof. In some examples, engagement features (not shown) can secure the backplate <NUM> to the housing <NUM> and can further seal the backplate <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, for example, through apertures in the backplate <NUM>. Although referred to separately as a housing <NUM> and a backplate <NUM>, in some examples, the housing <NUM> and the backplate <NUM> are referred to together as a housing.

In some examples, the backlight unit <NUM> can include internal components, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), cavity reflectors associated with the LEDs, internal posts that can define a thickness of the backlight unit <NUM>, and printed circuit boards, as described herein. A portion of the backlight unit <NUM>, such as a rear major surface thereof, can define one or more retention features that correspond to and can engage with the engagement features protruding from the backplate <NUM>.

The backlight unit <NUM> can be relatively heavy compared to other components of the device <NUM>, so multiple securing and retention features can be used to secure the backlight unit <NUM> to both the cover assembly <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to evenly support the weight of the cover assembly <NUM> and/or the backlight unit <NUM> over a large area of the housing <NUM>. Further, the design of the housing <NUM>, the backplate <NUM>, and the retention features can allow for intimate thermal contact between components of the backlight unit <NUM> and the backplate <NUM>, thereby providing for increased thermal conduction and improved device cooling. During assembly, the backlight unit <NUM> can be inserted into the internal volume so that support components or features attached to the housing <NUM> can pass into the retention features to provide mechanical support to the backlight unit <NUM> and to fix the backlight unit <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> along one or more axes. As the backlight unit <NUM> can be securely connected to the housing <NUM> via the retention features, the number of additional features or securing components disposed around a periphery of the backlight unit <NUM> can be reduced, thereby allowing the backlight unit <NUM> to extend substantially an entire height and/or width of the internal volume, and providing a desired level of lighting to any display unit positioned thereover.

The cover assembly <NUM> can include a transparent cover <NUM>, which can at least partially define an exterior surface of the device <NUM>. Together, the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> can substantially define the exterior surface and/or the internal volume of the device <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can include any desired transparent material, for example, glass, plastic, sapphire, other transparent materials, or combinations thereof. In some examples, a display unit <NUM> can be adhered to the cover <NUM>, for example, to a surface of the cover <NUM> opposite the portion defining the exterior surface of the device <NUM>. In some examples, the display unit <NUM> can be an LCD unit, although in other examples any form of display unit <NUM> can be used as desired, such as an LED display unit, OLED display unit, plasma display unit, quantum dot display unit, other display units, or combinations thereof. The display unit <NUM> can be affixed to the cover by gluing, adhering, or any other desired securing technique. Further, in some examples, the cover <NUM> can cover additional components such as a camera, or a touch sensitive surface such as a touchscreen. In some examples, the display unit <NUM> can include one or more electronic components, such as printed circuit boards including processors, memory, and other electrical components.

The cover <NUM> can be fastened to the backlight unit <NUM>, for example, through a frame <NUM> disposed along a periphery of the cover <NUM> and/or backlight unit <NUM>, as described further herein. Any number of additional internal components can be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. For instance, the device <NUM> can also include internal components such as processors, memory, circuit boards, batteries, fans, sensors, and other electronic components. Such components can be disposed within the internal volume defined at least partially by the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM>, and can be affixed to the housing <NUM> via internal surfaces, attachment features, threaded connectors, studs, or posts that are formed into, defined by, or otherwise part of the housing <NUM> and/or the cover assembly <NUM>. Additional features of the electronic device <NUM> are provided below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a front view of the electronic device <NUM> in a partially assembled state with the cover <NUM> removed. As shown, the frame <NUM> can extend around a periphery of the cover assembly <NUM> and/or of the backlight unit <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can have a peripheral shape corresponding to a peripheral shape of the cover assembly <NUM>, the backlight unit <NUM>, and/or the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can extend around substantially an entire periphery of the cover <NUM>, the backlight unit <NUM>, and/or the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can be positioned between an edge or a side of the display unit <NUM> and an edge or side of the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can include multiple members, portions, or pieces that can be joined or formed together to form the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can include a single continuous piece or portion, for example, having a ring shape. In some examples where the frame <NUM> is a single continuous piece, portions or regions of the frame <NUM> can still be referred to as members or sidewalls. In some examples, such as where the frame <NUM> has a ring shape, the frame <NUM> can define a main aperture or opening. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can include a metal, a polymer, a ceramic, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can include a polymer such as polycarbonate. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can include a polymer-ceramic or polymer-metal composite material, such as a glass-filled polymer material. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can include a glass-filled polycarbonate material. Further details and features of the electronic device <NUM> are provided below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the electronic device <NUM> taken along the line <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>. The cover assembly <NUM> and the backlight unit <NUM> are joined, coupled, or otherwise secured together by the frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be a plastic frame with a periphery that extends around the backlight unit <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> includes glass-filled polycarbonate. The frame <NUM> can be a single unitary piece and can improve a dust seal of the device <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be directly or indirectly attach to the cover <NUM> using adhesive <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> can be moldable and can be, for example, a hot melt glue. According to the claimed invention, a portion of the frame <NUM> is in direct contact with the cover <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> defines a notch, step, or cavity <NUM> adjacent the cover <NUM>. The notch <NUM> can receive the adhesive <NUM> to secure the frame <NUM> to the cover <NUM>. The notch <NUM> can also serve as a datum to fix the position of the frame <NUM> relative to the cover <NUM> in one or more dimensions. In some examples, this datum configuration can allow for a desired amount of adhesive <NUM> to be applied between the frame <NUM> and the cover <NUM> (i.e., to ensure enough of the adhesive <NUM> is applied to provide proper coupling and also to prevent too much adhesive <NUM> from being applied that could occupy undesirable locations within the device <NUM>). The notch <NUM> can be between about <NUM> wide and about <NUM> wide, or between about <NUM> wide and about <NUM> wide, for example about <NUM> wide. In some examples, the notch <NUM> can be between about <NUM> thick and about <NUM> thick, or between about <NUM> thick and about <NUM> thick, for example about <NUM> thick. There can be multiple notches <NUM> in the frame <NUM>, for example, corresponding to multiple adhesive locations. In some examples, the notch <NUM> extends an entire periphery of the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the adhesive <NUM> can be in the form of a bead of adhesive material and can be positioned substantially entirely around a perimeter of the frame <NUM> prior to its affixation to the cover <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> can serve to further reinforce or define a seal at those locations to which it is provided, for example, to enable an air or water tight seal, and/or a dust-proof or dust-resistant seal while still allowing for a desired level of ease of removal of components from the device, such as the cover <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> at least partially defines one or more component apertures to allow a component, such as a flexible component, including a flexible printed circuit or flexible electrical connector <NUM> to pass from the cover assembly <NUM> and/or the backlight unit <NUM> through an aperture and to one or more components in the internal volume of the device <NUM>. As described herein, the frame <NUM> can be attached or secured to a mounting component <NUM> of the backlight unit <NUM>. Accordingly, in some examples, the mounting component <NUM> can also at least partially define one or more component apertures to allow a component, such as a flexible component, including a flexible printed circuit or flexible electrical connector <NUM> to pass from the cover assembly <NUM> and/or the backlight unit <NUM> through an aperture and to one or more components in the internal volume of the device <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> and the mounting component <NUM> can define one or more apertures.

In some examples, a portion of the frame <NUM>, such as the portion defining the one or more component apertures, can define an angled or curved surface to allow a component, such as a flexible component, including a flexible printed circuit or flexible electrical connector <NUM> to pass from the cover assembly <NUM> and the backlight unit <NUM> and to further allow for reduced borders of the electronic device <NUM>. The flexible component <NUM> can have a minimum bend radius that it can deform or bend to. Thus, in order to allow for a more gradual bend in the flexible circuit <NUM> while still reducing the borders of the device, the frame <NUM> can define an angled or curved surface to allow the flexible circuit <NUM> to begin bending before clearing the frame <NUM>. Likewise, a portion of the mounting component <NUM> defining one or more component apertures can be shaped to define a surface with a corresponding angle that coincides with the angle of the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the surface defined by the frame <NUM> can be angled at about <NUM> degrees. It will be noted, in other locations, the frame <NUM> can have a substantially flat or planar geometry. That is, the frame <NUM> can be angled at locations where a flexible component <NUM> is passing (i.e., the remainder of the frame <NUM> can be flat on its sides). In some examples, the electronic device <NUM> includes a touch sensitive layer (not shown) which can at least partially pass between the one or more apertures defined by the frame <NUM> and/or the mounting component <NUM> of the backlight assembly <NUM>.

In some examples, the cover <NUM> is secured to the housing <NUM> using adhesive <NUM>. In some examples, the adhesive <NUM> and/or any of the other adhesives described herein, such as adhesive <NUM> described above, can include a reworkable adhesive. In some examples, this adhesive <NUM> can be a reworkable pressure sensitive adhesive, such as a reactive hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive. Further, the adhesive <NUM> can be applied as a single component material in a warm or heated state, whereupon it can subsequently cool and/or react with ambient moisture to fix the cover <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the adhesive <NUM> can include a polymer or polymers capable of one or more forms of cross-linking, and in a cooled state can include a cross-linked urethane polymer network. In some examples, the adhesive <NUM> can include polyurethane. The adhesive <NUM> can adhere to the materials of the cover <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, including metals such as aluminum or stainless steel, ceramics such as glass, and plastics. In some examples, the adhesive <NUM> can be in the form of a bead of adhesive material, and can be positioned substantially entirely around a perimeter of the cover <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM>.

In some examples, the adhesive <NUM> can be substantially similar to adhesive <NUM>, for examples, both adhesives <NUM>, <NUM> can be reworkable. In some examples, the reworkable nature of the adhesives <NUM>, <NUM> allows the adhesives <NUM>, <NUM> to be reheated and removed as a substantially unitary component from the device <NUM> if disassembly of the device <NUM> is desired. For example, to facilitate cleaning, repair, or recycling of one or more components of the device <NUM>, one or more of the adhesives <NUM>, <NUM> can be removed to access the internal components of the device <NUM>. Accordingly, in some examples, the temperature range to release the reworkable adhesives <NUM>, <NUM> can be greater than a temperature of the adhesive location during regular operation of the device <NUM>, but less than a temperature that would damage the components adjacent to the adhesives <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the adhesives <NUM>, <NUM> can be substantially chemically or environmentally inert, can be opaque or non-transparent, and can have a color, such as matte black. Further details of the electronic device <NUM> are described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the electronic device <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the view depicted in <FIG> can represent a lower or bottom region of the electronic device <NUM>, although in some examples the components described with respect to <FIG> can be located at any position in the device <NUM>. As discussed above, with reference to <FIG>, the cover assembly <NUM> and the backlight unit <NUM> can be attached by the frame <NUM>. Specifically, the frame <NUM> can be glued to the cover <NUM> with adhesive <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>). Further, the frame <NUM> can be attached to the backlight unit <NUM> using attachment components <NUM>, such as fasteners, magnets, latches, snaps, etc. In some examples, the attachment components <NUM> are threaded screws that are inserted through an aperture in the backplate <NUM> and are then removably threaded into one or more retention features defined by the frame <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> is attached to the backplate <NUM> with a plurality of attachment features or components <NUM>. For example, there can be four attachment components <NUM>, each corresponding to a side or a corner of the device <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> is insert molded around retention components, such as threaded metal inserts configured to receive the fasteners <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> is secured to the backlight unit <NUM> with adhesive, such as the reworkable adhesives discussed herein. It will be understood that with the frame <NUM> glued to the cover <NUM>, and the frame <NUM> further fastened to the backlight unit <NUM>, the cover assembly <NUM> and the backlight unit <NUM> are coupled to each other.

In some examples, the backlight unit <NUM> includes a light bar <NUM>, such as an LED bar, to emit light into a light guide plate <NUM>. In some examples, the light bar <NUM> includes an aluminum printed circuit board. In some examples, the light bar <NUM> can be welded to the backplate <NUM>. For instance, the aluminum of the light bar <NUM> can be laser welded to the aluminum of the backplate <NUM>. By welding the light bar <NUM> to the backplate <NUM>, the light bar <NUM> is able to better dissipate heat because the weld creates an efficient thermal induction pathway into the backplate <NUM>. Thus, in some examples, there is no need for air flow over the light bar <NUM>. Further, in some examples, there can be a plurality of light bars welded to the backplate <NUM>. By welding the light bars to the backplate <NUM> instead of using fasteners or other traditional attachment techniques, the number of light bars can be increased without increasing the need for additional cooling of the backlight unit <NUM>.

By implementing one or more of the above configurations, the border of the device <NUM> can advantageously be reduced. In some examples, the border can be removed entirely and the entire front of the device <NUM> can consist of the cover <NUM>. Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in the electronic device. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of an electronic device having a housing with structures described herein, and defining an internal volume, as well as the concepts regarding engagement and retention features, can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various embodiments of electronic devices including components having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional rear view of select components of an electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the electronic device <NUM> described herein, such as a backplate <NUM>. As discussed above, in some examples, the display <NUM> can be attached to the enclosure or housing <NUM> using reworkable PSA. To reduce a load that must be carried by the adhesive and reliably fix the position of the display <NUM> with respect to the enclosure of the device <NUM> along one or more axes, the electronic device <NUM> can include one or more retention components, such hangers, receivers, or retention components <NUM> that provide a hard stop for the display <NUM>. The retention components <NUM> can be fixed to a rear major surface of the display <NUM>, such as the backplate <NUM>. Such a hard stop can be particularly useful when the electronic device includes a full cover front (i.e., no chin or lower housing portion for the cover to rest on).

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of one of the retention components <NUM>. The retention components <NUM> can aid in securing the backlight unit <NUM> to the housing <NUM> in a desired location. In some examples, the retention components <NUM> can be glued (e.g., by epoxy <NUM> in <FIG>) or otherwise affixed to a rear side of the backplate <NUM> (i.e., opposite the cover assembly <NUM>). In some examples, the retention components <NUM> can include metal, such as stainless steel. In some examples, the retention components <NUM> can include a sheet of material, such as a sheet of metal, plastic, ceramic, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the retention components <NUM> can include a sheet of steel or aluminum.

The retention component <NUM> can define a gap, a slot, or an aperture <NUM>. In some examples, the retention component <NUM> can define holes or apertures <NUM> to receive fasteners to secure the retention components <NUM> to the backplate <NUM>. The retention component <NUM> can include a bulge or a raised or protruding portion <NUM> that forms a space between the backplate <NUM> and the slot <NUM> and can at least partially define a retention volume. The raised portion <NUM> can be sufficiently large to enable a support component <NUM> (discussed in greater detail below) to be inserted through the slot <NUM>. In some examples, the retention components <NUM> can serve as positional datum for the display <NUM>. That is, the retention components <NUM> can serve to fix the position or the directional movement of the display <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> along one or more axes or degrees of freedom, such as a vertical axis. For example, the retention components <NUM> can be useful for field repair because the retention components serve as alignment datum for reassembling the electronic device <NUM>. Further details of the construction and architecture of the electronic device <NUM> are provided below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional front view of select components of the electronic device <NUM>. In some examples, the electronic device <NUM> can include one or more support components <NUM> that can engage with the retention components <NUM> to fix the position or directional movement of the display <NUM> in one or more directions relative to the display housing <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of one of the support components. In some examples, the support components <NUM> can be glued or otherwise affixed to the housing <NUM>, for example, a surface of the housing <NUM> that at least partially defines the internal volume. In some examples, the glue <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that can be used to secure the retention components <NUM> to the backplate <NUM> and the support components <NUM> to the housing <NUM> can be a high strength permanent adhesive, for instance, the glue <NUM> can have an adhesive shear strength that is greater than <NUM> MPa. In some examples, the support components <NUM> can include metal, such as stainless steel. In some examples, the support components <NUM> can include a sheet of material, such as a sheet of metal, plastic, ceramic, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the support components <NUM> can include a sheet of steel or aluminum. As illustrated in <FIG>, the support component <NUM> can define a tab or protruding portion <NUM>. In some examples, the support component <NUM> can define holes or apertures (not shown) to receive fasteners to secure the support component <NUM> to the housing.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled electronic device <NUM>. The display <NUM> (including the cover assembly <NUM> and backlight unit <NUM>) can be secured to the housing <NUM> by inserting the protruding portion <NUM> of the support component <NUM> at least partially into or through the slot <NUM> of the retention component <NUM>. In combination with the retention components <NUM>, the support components <NUM> can serve as positional datum for the display <NUM>. For example, the retention components <NUM> and support components <NUM> can be useful for field repair because the retention components serve as alignment datum for reassembling the electronic device <NUM>. In some examples, the connection between the retention components <NUM> and support components <NUM> can restrict relative motion between the display <NUM> and the housing <NUM> regardless of the orientation of the electronic device <NUM>. For instance, the retention components <NUM> and support components <NUM> can function as intended when the electronic device <NUM> is in a landscape orientation and also when the device <NUM> is in a portrait orientation. It will be understood that the placement of the retention components <NUM> and support components <NUM> can be reversed. That is, in some examples, the retention components <NUM> can be secured to the housing <NUM> and the support components <NUM> secured to the backplate <NUM>.

Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in the electronic device. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of an electronic device having a housing with structures described herein, and defining an internal volume, as well as the concepts regarding engagement and retention features, can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various embodiments of electronic devices including components having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to <FIG>.

With the ubiquity of cameras that are integrated into personal electronic devices, there is a need for the user to be notified if and when the camera is actively operating. Thus, many electronic devices currently use indicator lights that illuminate when the camera is activated to notify the user that the camera is on. In some examples, illumination components or indicator lights can be used to provide other information to a user, as desired. Depending on the design constraints of the electronic device, however, it may not always be feasible or practical to position an LED directly behind the cover glass to provide a linear optical path therefrom.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a camera module <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the camera module <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> can be used in any number of electronic devices, such as electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> described above. The camera module <NUM> can include a camera <NUM> and an indicator light or illumination component <NUM>. The indicator light <NUM> can include an LED package <NUM> electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit or electrical connector <NUM>. In some examples, the LED package <NUM> is oriented perpendicular to an outlet <NUM> of the indicator light <NUM>. That is, the LED package <NUM> can emit light in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction the light is ultimately emitted through the outlet <NUM>. The indicator light <NUM> can include a light guide or light pipe <NUM>. The light guide <NUM> can include any transparent material as desired, such as a transparent polymer. In some examples, the light pipe <NUM> can include polycarbonate. In some examples, the light pipe <NUM> defines a light receiving surface positioned opposite the LED package <NUM>, an angled reflection surface <NUM>, and a light emitting surface positioned adjacent to the cover <NUM>. In some examples, the reflection surface <NUM> is positioned at an acute angle relative to one or both of the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface. In some examples, the reflection surface <NUM> is positioned at a <NUM> degree angle relative to one or both of the light receiving surface and the light emitting surface. In some examples a coating <NUM> is applied to, deposited on, or formed on the reflection surface <NUM> of the light pipe <NUM>. The coating <NUM> can have a high reflectance, and specifically, can be configured to be highly reflective of one or more wavelengths of light emitted by the LED package. For example, the LED package can emit green light having wavelengths between <NUM> and <NUM> and the coating <NUM> can have a high reflectance value for those wavelengths of light. In some examples, the coating <NUM> is applied by one or more vapor deposition processes, such as one or more physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes. In some examples, the coating <NUM> can be a mirror coating, that is the reflective coating <NUM> can have a reflectance in a desired range of wavelengths of light of greater than <NUM>%, greater than <NUM>%, greater than <NUM>%, greater than <NUM>%, or about <NUM>%.

In some examples, the reflective coating <NUM> can be a multi-layer coating. That is, in some examples, the reflective coating <NUM> can include multiple layers of the same or different materials. In some examples, the reflective coating <NUM> can be formed from multiple layers, each deposited by a vapor deposition process. In some examples, the reflective coating <NUM> can include layers of ceramic material, such as one or more of silicon dioxide (SiO<NUM>), titanium dioxide (TiO<NUM>), zirconium oxide (ZrO<NUM>), or other ceramic materials. In some examples, the reflective coating <NUM> can include alternating layers of different material. For example, the reflective coating <NUM> can include alternating layers of a first material and a second, different material. In some examples, reflective coating <NUM> can include alternating layers of SiO<NUM> and TiO<NUM>. In some examples, the reflective coating <NUM> can include between <NUM> and <NUM> layers, between <NUM> and <NUM> layers, or between <NUM> and <NUM> layers, for example about <NUM> layers. In some examples, each layer can have a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example about <NUM> and/or about <NUM>. In some examples, the reflective coating <NUM> can have a total thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example about <NUM>. In some examples, the reflective coating <NUM> can have a thickness of <NUM>.

In some examples, the light pipe <NUM> can be overmolded over a reflective film to produce the reflective surface necessary to redirect the light emitted from the LED package <NUM>. The light pipe <NUM> can be installed and secured in place via a compression fit once additional components of the device <NUM> are assembled (e.g., once the backlight unit is installed). In some examples, an air gap <NUM> exists between the LED package <NUM> and the light pipe <NUM>. In some examples, the air gap <NUM> between the LED package <NUM> and the light pipe <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between <NUM> and <NUM>, for example about <NUM>. In some examples, the air gap <NUM> is less than <NUM>. In other examples, there is no air gap and the LED package <NUM> directly abuts or contacts the light pipe <NUM>. In some examples, an optically clear adhesive (not shown) is positioned between the LED package <NUM> and the light pipe <NUM>. The optically clear adhesive can provide additional coupling between the LED package <NUM> and the light pipe <NUM>, while still allowing light to pass through substantially uninterrupted.

In some examples, the light pipe <NUM> is positioned in contact with a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> can be substantially similar to the frame <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can define an opening or aperture to receive the light pipe <NUM>. In some examples, the frame <NUM> can include an opaque polycarbonate. In some examples, the flexible printed circuit <NUM> is attached to the frame <NUM> using an adhesive <NUM>. In some examples, an opaque ink <NUM> can be positioned at an interface between the cover <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. The opaque ink <NUM> can surround the outlet <NUM> such that the redirected light is only emitted through the outlet <NUM>.

Any of the features or aspects of the components discussed herein can be combined or included in any varied combination. For example, the design and shape of the frame or other device components are not limited in any way and can be formed by any number of processes, including those discussed herein. Any components can also be or form any number of additional components of an electronic device, including internal components, external components, cases, surfaces, or partial surfaces.

To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data can include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into a user's general wellness, or can be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.

For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data can be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries can be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to "opt in" or "opt out" of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing "opt in" and "opt out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

De-identification can be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods.

For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) at least partially defining an exterior surface and an internal volume of the electronic device;
a display assembly at least partially disposed in the internal volume, the display assembly comprising:
a transparent cover (<NUM>) at least partially defining the exterior surface of the electronic device;
a display unit (<NUM>);
a backlight unit (<NUM>) disposed between the cover and the housing;
a frame (<NUM>) coupling the cover to the backlight unit, the frame having a member defining an aperture; and
an electronic component (<NUM>) disposed in the internal volume and extending through the aperture;
characterised in that at least a portion of the frame is in direct contact with the transparent cover.