Patent Description:
In parallel with the development of thinner and smaller components for electronic devices, such as processors, memories and displays, efforts have also been made to make the devices themselves less bulky.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose reinforcement of apertures in the side panels of electronic devices.

<CIT> discloses constructional details of a flat display monitor.

<CIT> discloses details regarding placement of a button in an aperture at the front of a portable electronic device.

<CIT> discloses a <NUM> degree foldable electronic device with an antenna in its display section.

In a first aspect, an electronic device includes: an enclosure having a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface disposed between the first and second surfaces; an edge-to-edge component mounted in an edge-to-edge opening that extends across substantially an entire height of the side surface between the first surface and the second surface; and a brace disposed in the enclosure, the brace extending along the edge-to-edge opening.

Implementations can include any or all of the following features. The edge-to-edge component may include a fingerprint sensor device for the electronic device. The fingerprint sensor device may be configured to operate without a grounding ring being part of the edge-to-edge component. A fingerprint sensor of the fingerprint sensor device may be covered by a coating, and wherein the enclosure includes metal. The edge-to-edge component may include a power button for the electronic device, the power button having a direction of travel directed through the edge-to-edge opening. The brace may serve as a bottoming-out structure for the power button. The electronic device may further include at least one biasing element mounted between the brace and the power button. The brace may comprise a longitudinal member having a length, wherein in at least part of the length the longitudinal member has an L-shaped profile.

The electronic device may further include a flex conductor connected to the edge-to-edge component, the flex conductor extending along the brace. The flex conductor extending along the brace may include a first fold of the flex conductor at an angle of about <NUM> degrees. The flex conductor may further include a second fold of the flex conductor at an angle of about <NUM> degrees. The flex conductor may extend toward the edge-to-edge component through an opening or recess in the brace. The electronic device may include a cosmetic component supported by the brace.

Implementations can include any or all of the following features. The electronic device may include an enclosure portion extending along the first surface of the enclosure, wherein the cosmetic component is positioned on the enclosure portion, wherein the enclosure portion terminates before the side surface adjacent the edge-to-edge opening, and wherein the brace supports the cosmetic component between an edge of the enclosure portion and the side surface. The enclosure may include at least a first enclosure having the first surface thereon, and a second enclosure having the second surface thereon, the first enclosure having a curved undercut forming the side surface, the electronic device further comprising a support component configured to bridge between the second enclosure and the side surface, the support component having a curved hook configured to extend into the curved undercut so as to secure the support component in position. The support component may comprise a stamped piece and wherein the curved hook is a section of the stamped piece folded so as to be essentially perpendicular to a remainder of the stamped piece. The enclosure may comprise a base and a lid hinged to each other, the lid having a display and the base having a keyboard, wherein the electronic device can be moved to at least a first folded configuration in which the display is adjacent the keyboard, and a second folded configuration in which a back of the lid is adjacent a back of the base. The electronic device may include an antenna for the electronic device, the antenna mounted inside the lid. The electronic device may further include an antenna window formed in the base, the antenna window essentially free from metal and configured to allow passage of signals to and from the antenna at least when the electronic device is in the second folded configuration. The antenna window may comprise an opening in a surface of the enclosure in the base, and wherein the brace is positioned adjacent the opening. The edge-to-edge opening may extend into at least one of the first and second surfaces.

In a second aspect, an electronic device includes: an enclosure having a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface disposed between the first and second surfaces; an edge-to-edge component mounted in an edge-to-edge opening that extends across substantially an entire height of the side surface between the first surface and the second surface; and means inside the enclosure, for extending along the edge-to-edge opening and strengthening and stiffening the enclosure at the edge-to-edge opening.

This document describes examples of increasing the strength and/or stiffness of an electronic device. In some implementations, a hinged electronic device such as a laptop can have an edge-to-edge component mounted in an opening in a side surface of the device. The device can have a brace inside its enclosure to strengthen and stiffen the enclosure in the area of the opening. Strength and/or stiffness can be increased by providing a support component that is hooked onto a curved undercut of the enclosure. Wireless communication can be increased by providing a pathway for signals through a body of an electronic device.

An electronic device that is thinner can be considered commercially advantageous over other devices if it is lighter, looks more appealing, and/or is easier to hold and manipulate in one's hands. With a device such as a laptop computer, however, the process of designing a thinner device can present certain challenges. Generally, a device can include a relatively strong and stiff enclosure that protects the interior electronic components (e.g., the processor(s) and display) in case of the device being dropped. However, when certain components of the device should be mounted so that they face outward this requires the enclosure to have at least one opening therein, which can reduce the stiffness and strength of the enclosure. Other design aspects of a thinner electronic device can also affect strength and stiffness.

<FIG> shows an example of an electronic device <NUM>, such as the electronic device in any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>, having multiple configurations. In some implementations, the electronic device <NUM> is a laptop device configured to present a display arranged at an adjustable angle relative to a keyboard on the device. For example, the electronic device <NUM> can include some or all components of the devices described below with reference to <FIG>.

The electronic device can have two or more body portions, including, but not limited to, a lid and/or a base. <FIG> shows that the electronic device <NUM> includes a lid <NUM> having at least a main outer surface <NUM>, and a main inner face that is not visible in this view. The electronic device <NUM> here also includes a base <NUM> having at least main inner and outer surfaces, neither of which is visible in this view.

The electronic device <NUM> can have one or more hinges connecting the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> to each other. Here, two hinges <NUM> are shown as an example. The hinge(s) <NUM> can be separately formed and attached to the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM>, or can be formed as an integral part of either or both of the lid <NUM> and base <NUM>. The hinge(s) <NUM> allows the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> to be rotated relative each other into multiple configurations. Here, the lid <NUM> has been positioned so that a display on the lid (not shown) is covered by the base <NUM>. This folded configuration can be considered a closed laptop mode of the electronic device <NUM>.

One or more edge-to-edge components <NUM> can be provided on the electronic device <NUM>. The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can extend from one edge to another on the lid <NUM> and/or the base <NUM>, to name just two examples. Here, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> covers a portion of a side surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The side surface extends along a perimeter of the electronic device <NUM> and connects its main outer and inner surface to each other.

<FIG> shows that the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> have been rotated relative to each other compared to <FIG>. A main inner surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is currently visible, and here includes a display <NUM> on which an image <NUM> is currently presented. The base <NUM> has a keyboard area <NUM>, for example including one or more of a full QWERTY keyboard, a numerical keypad, control keys, a pointing stick and/or a track pad. The keyboard area <NUM> is here located on a main inner surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The edge-to-edge component <NUM> here extends across the side surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can extend onto one or more other surfaces of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> here also extends onto the main inner surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>. As another example, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can also or instead extend onto a main outer surface (not visible in this view) of the base <NUM>. As another example, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can extend from the main inner surface <NUM> to the main outer surface. Multiple edge-to-edge components (e.g., the edge-to-edge component <NUM>) can be mounted on an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). For example, when the electronic device <NUM> has multiple side surfaces <NUM> (e.g., respective front, side and back surfaces <NUM>) a respective one of the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be placed mounted to each of two or more of such side surfaces <NUM>.

The electronic device <NUM> can include one or more antennas. An antenna can be used for communication of any suitable type of signal, including, but not limited to, a wifi signal. An antenna can be placed in the lid <NUM> and/or in the base <NUM>. In some implementations, an antenna <NUM> can be placed in the lid <NUM>. For example, the antenna <NUM> can be placed entirely or partially behind the display <NUM>.

In this configuration, the user can view the display <NUM> and can use the keyboard area <NUM>. This folded configuration can be considered an open laptop mode of the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> can be moveable between multiple configurations by way of the hinged connection between the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> can be continuously moveable to any of such configurations.

<FIG> shows that the lid <NUM> and the base <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> can be rotated relative to each other so that the main inner surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is facing outward (e.g., upward, in some situations), with the base <NUM> being positioned underneath the lid <NUM> in this configuration. This folded configuration can be considered a tablet mode of the electronic device <NUM>.

The above example illustrates that the electronic device <NUM> can have the lid <NUM> with the main outer face <NUM> and the main inner surface <NUM>, and that the base <NUM> can have its respective main inner and outer surfaces. The base <NUM> and the lid <NUM> can be hinged to each other for the electronic device <NUM> to assume at least the closed laptop mode (<FIG>), where the main inner surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is adjacent the main inner surface of the base <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM> can be adjacent the keyboard area <NUM>), and the tablet mode (<FIG>) where the main outer surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> is adjacent the main outer surface of the base <NUM> (e.g., a back of the lid <NUM> can be adjacent a back of the base <NUM>).

<FIG> shows an example of an electronic device <NUM>, such as the electronic device in any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>, having an edge-to-edge component <NUM>. For clarity, only a portion of the electronic device <NUM> is shown. The electronic device <NUM> can be a hinged laptop device having a lid <NUM> and a base <NUM> hinged to each other. In this illustration, the electronic device <NUM> has been folded so that the base <NUM> is currently facing upward, for illustrative purposes, and the lid <NUM> is positioned under the base <NUM>.

The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be any suitable component for the electronic device. In some implementations, the edge-to-edge component includes an output device. For example, audio and/or video output can be generated. In some implementations, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> includes an input component. For example, input can be generated into the electronic device <NUM> based on user action and/or the ambient surrounding of the electronic device <NUM>. Here, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> includes a fingerprint sensor device for the electronic device <NUM>. For example, a user whose fingerprint has previously been registered can use the fingerprint sensing device to issue one or more commands to the electronic device <NUM>.

The edge-to-edge component <NUM> in this example looks like a button on a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be mounted in a corresponding edge-to-edge opening in the base <NUM>. Here, the base <NUM> has a side surface 206A disposed between a surface 206B (e.g., a bottom surface) and a corresponding top surface (not shown) thereof. The edge-to-edge opening can extend across substantially entire height of the side surface 206A between the surface 206B and the corresponding top surface. The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can extend across the side surface 206A. The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can also extend onto one or more other surfaces of the base <NUM>. For example, here the edge-to-edge component <NUM> extends onto the surface 206B of the base <NUM>. As such, the user can see the edge-to-edge component <NUM> also when viewing the electronic device <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the surface 206B (e.g., when viewing the electronic device <NUM> from the bottom). This can be advantageous, for example with a device having different folded configurations where the device is sometimes used with the keyboard facing away from the user (e.g., facing down, as the case may be in a tablet mode), or facing toward the user (e.g., facing upward, as the case may be in a laptop open mode). In some implementations, the electronic device <NUM> is a laptop device that is designed to have a very thin profile. For example, the enclosure of the electronic device <NUM> may then be about <NUM> thick. If the edge-to-edge component <NUM> should fit on the electronic device <NUM> without increasing an overall size defined by, say, the base <NUM>, then the edge-to-edge component <NUM> must also be relatively small and have a slim profile.

The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can provide an exterior surface 202A for use in operation of the edge-to-edge component <NUM>. When the edge-to-edge component <NUM> includes a fingerprint sensor device, the exterior surface 202A can be provided on a fingerprint sensor of such a device. For example, the user can place their finger on, or swipe the finger along, the exterior surface 202A in order to have the edge-to-edge component <NUM> make a reading of the user's fingerprint.

Here, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> has exposed edges 202A and 202B. For example, the exposed edge 202A of the edge-to-edge component <NUM> at the surface 206B of the base <NUM> is visible. Similarly, the other exposed edge 202B of the edge-to-edge component <NUM> (e.g., an opposite edge) is currently not visible due to the position of the lid <NUM>, but can be visible from another direction. Traditionally, some components such as fingerprint sensor devices are provided with a grounding ring that is electrically connected to ground and configured to provide a ground potential for the operation of the component. The term "ring" can signify that such an element surrounds (e.g., frames) an active area of the component (e.g., the sensing area of a fingerprint sensor device) but does not necessarily mean that the element is circular. Rather, a grounding ring can have another shape, such as rectangular. However, no grounding ring or other specific grounding structure is part of the edge-to-edge component <NUM>. For example, if the surface 206A had a relatively thick coating (e.g., orders of magnitude thicker than a few microns) then a grounding ring may have been preferable. In some implementations, however, the exterior surface 202A has a coating 202A' (e.g., a film) that is very thin. For example, the coating 202A' can be on the order of a few microns thick. In such implementations, the active area of the edge-to-edge component <NUM> (e.g., the active area of a fingerprint sensor) can be closer to the user's finger touching the surface 202A. As such, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be configured to operate without a grounding ring being part of the edge-to-edge component <NUM>. For example, the enclosure of the base <NUM> and/or the lid <NUM> can be made of metal (including, but not limited to, an aluminum alloy).

<FIG> show examples of an electronic device, such as the electronic device in any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>, having an edge-to-edge opening in an enclosure. <FIG> shows an example of an electronic device <NUM>, such as the electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM> discussed above, having an edge-to-edge opening <NUM> in an enclosure <NUM>. For clarity, only a portion of the enclosure <NUM> is shown, and interior circuitry and components of the electronic device have been omitted. The enclosure <NUM> can provide the enclosing structure for a portion of a laptop device, such as a base thereof. The enclosure <NUM> can define the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> by way of one or more features. For example, here an edge 304A and respective opposing edges 304B are part of defining the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. For example, the edge 304A is formed at the end of a planar bottom surface <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. The edge 304A is set back some distance from an outer periphery of the enclosure <NUM>. This can allow an edge-to-edge component (not shown) mounted in the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> to have one or more of its edges exposed. The edge-to-edge opening <NUM> creates a gap in the enclosure <NUM>, the gap here indicated by arrows 302A and 302B as shown in <FIG>. The height of the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>, here indicated by the arrow 302B, here extends across substantially an entire height of the surface in which it is formed. For example, the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> can extend into at least one adjacent surface (e.g., in <FIG>, the edge-to-edge opening of the edge-to-edge component <NUM> extends onto the main inner surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>). The gap indicated by the arrows 302A-B is formed in the enclosure <NUM> which can be the largest part of the electronic device <NUM> and can serve to provide strength and stiffness to reduce the risk of damage to the circuitry and other sensitive components.

The gap created by the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>, and indicated by arrows 302A-B, can make it preferable to add some additional structure (e.g., brace, etc.) in the electronic device so as to compensate. However, increasing the structure can be challenging to do, especially if the electronic device <NUM> has a narrow profile (e.g., is very thin). However, examples of approaches that can be used are described herein. One or more biasing elements <NUM> (e.g., a spring or other flexible element) can be provided adjacent the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> to facilitate the placement and/or operation of an edge-to-edge component in the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. Here, the biasing elements <NUM> are placed on both sides of the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. One or more fastening devices <NUM> (e.g., vertically inserted press nuts) can be provided adjacent the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> to facilitate the placement and/or operation of an edge-to-edge component in the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. Here, at least one fastening device <NUM> is provided on each side of the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of a brace <NUM> extending along an edge-to-edge opening <NUM> such as found in the electronic device in any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>. Here, the brace <NUM> covers the width of the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> and also extends beyond the edge-to-edge opening on each side thereof. The edge-to-edge opening <NUM> is provided in an enclosure <NUM>, such as in a base of a laptop device. The brace <NUM> serves to add structure to the enclosure <NUM> at the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. The brace <NUM> can have at least a face 400A directed away from a bottom of the enclosure <NUM>, and a face 400B directed away from the edge-to-edge opening of the enclosure <NUM>. The brace <NUM> can have a cross section that is essentially L-shaped over all or at least part of its length (e.g., L-shaped cross-sectional profile if cut along a plane perpendicular to an axis aligned along the longitudinal member). Such an L-shaped profile can be defined within the brace, for example, between two of the bolts illustrated in <FIG>. In some implementations, such an L-shaped profile may not be defined within, for example, a middle portion of the brace adjacent the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. For example, the face 400A can be formed on structure that corresponds to one axis of the L-shape, and the face 400B can be formed on structure that corresponds to another axis of the L-shape. For example, the L-shape can allow the brace to be fit against an edge <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. The brace <NUM> can facilitate the installation and/or operation of at least one edge-to-edge component (not shown) mounted in the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. The brace <NUM> can serve as a support structure for one or more components (not shown) in the enclosure <NUM>. The brace <NUM> can be attached to the enclosure <NUM> by way of either or both of the faces 400A-B, or in another way. One or more fastening devices <NUM> (e.g., bolts) can be used for attaching the brace <NUM>. Here, the brace <NUM> is attached to the enclosure <NUM> by four fastening devices <NUM> (e.g., bolts). The brace can include any suitable material that allows it to extend along the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> and strengthen and stiffen the enclosure <NUM> at the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>, including, but not limited to, a metal, for example aluminum.

An electronic device of which the enclosure <NUM> (which can be a base enclosure) is part can have one or more antennas (not shown). The antenna(s) can be mounted on the enclosure <NUM> and/or on another portion of the electronic device (e.g., on a lid thereof). The operation of the antenna can be improved by providing one or more windows in the enclosure <NUM>. Here, an antenna window <NUM> is provided in the enclosure <NUM>. Specifically, providing the antenna window <NUM> in the enclosure <NUM> can allow passage of signals to or from such antenna through the body of the enclosure <NUM>. For example, the antenna window <NUM> can be formed by an opening <NUM> in the material of a surface of the enclosure <NUM>, the antenna window <NUM> being free of metal and/or other material that interferes with the signal(s). The brace <NUM> can serve to strengthen and/or stiffen the enclosure <NUM> with regard to the presence of the antenna window <NUM>. For example, the antenna window <NUM> can be placed adjacent the brace <NUM>.

An implementation of the antenna window <NUM> is described here with reference again to <FIG>. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the tablet mode (<FIG>), the antenna <NUM> disposed within the enclosure of the lid <NUM> can be positioned adjacent the base <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> is then positioned between the display <NUM> and the base <NUM>. Providing an antenna window in the enclosure of the base <NUM> (e.g., antenna window <NUM> in the enclosure <NUM>) can allow passage of signals to or from such antenna in the lid <NUM> through the body of the base <NUM>, such as when the electronic device is in a tablet mode. In such a configuration, signals from the antenna may not be inhibited when the electronic device is in the laptop mode.

As such, the above examples in <FIG> illustrate that the electronic device (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can have an enclosure (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM>) with respective first and second surfaces (e.g., 206B), and with a side surface (e.g., <NUM>) that connects these surfaces (e.g., 206B) with each other. The electronic device (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can have an edge-to-edge component (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) mounted in an edge-to-edge opening (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) of the side surface (e.g., <NUM>). The electronic device (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can have a brace (e.g., <NUM>) inside the enclosure (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM>), the brace extending along the edge-to-edge opening (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>). As such the examples illustrate that the brace (e.g., <NUM>) can serve for extending along the edge-to-edge opening (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) and for strengthening and stiffening the enclosure (e.g., <NUM> or <NUM>) at the edge-to-edge opening (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>).

An edge-to-edge component for an electronic device as discussed above can provide one or more functions to an electronic device. <FIG> shows an example of an edge-to-edge component <NUM>, such as found in the electronic device in any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>, including a fingerprint sensor device <NUM> and a power button <NUM>. The edge-to-edge component <NUM> is here mounted in an enclosure <NUM> (e.g., a base) of an electronic device. The remainder of the electronic device, and some portions of the enclosure <NUM>, are not shown for clarity. For example, the enclosure <NUM> can include structure that defines an edge-to-edge opening in which the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be mounted. The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can span substantially the same opening distance as the edge-to-edge opening. In some implementations, the thickness of the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be slightly taller (e.g., about <NUM>% taller) than the height of the edge-to-edge opening. In some implementations, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be slightly shorter (e.g., about <NUM>% shorter) than the height of the edge-to-edge opening. A brace <NUM> can be mounted so that it extends along such an edge-to-edge opening, and the brace can strengthen and stiffen the enclosure <NUM>.

The fingerprint sensor device <NUM> can include a fingerprint sensor 502A, such as an imaging component configured to detect a pattern of a user's finger placed on the fingerprint sensor device. The power button <NUM> can be configured for turning on and off power of the electronic device. In some implementations, the power button <NUM> has a direction of travel when pressed by the user. The direction of travel can be directed through the edge-to-edge opening in which the edge-to-edge component <NUM> is mounted. For example, the user presses inward on the fingerprint sensor device <NUM> to activate the power button <NUM>. Any type of power button can be used. For example, the power button <NUM> can include a dome switch. The brace <NUM> can serve as a bottoming-out structure for the power button <NUM>. For example, when the edge-to-edge component <NUM> moves in its direction of travel as a result of a user pressing on the edge-to-edge component <NUM>, the brace <NUM> can provide a stop for the movement.

The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can have a certain amount of wobble when mounted to the enclosure <NUM>. The enclosure <NUM> can be provided with one or more biasing elements <NUM>. For example, here one of the biasing elements <NUM> is provided on each side of the edge-to-edge component <NUM>. The biasing elements <NUM> can be provided between the edge-to-edge component <NUM> and the brace <NUM>, or between the edge-to-edge component <NUM> and another structure, such as the enclosure <NUM>. For example, the biasing elements <NUM> can be provided between the power button <NUM> and the brace <NUM>. The biasing elements <NUM> can add preload to the edge-to-edge component <NUM> as indicated by arrows <NUM>. The preload is here perpendicular to the edge-to-edge opening and directed outward from the enclosure <NUM>. For example, such preload can be in addition to any preload provided by the power button <NUM> (e.g., by a dome switch). This can stabilize the edge-to-edge component <NUM> and/or improve the overall feel thereof.

The above examples illustrate that the brace <NUM> can serve for extending along the edge-to-edge opening in which the edge-to-edge component <NUM> is mounted, and for strengthening and stiffening the enclosure <NUM> at the edge-to-edge opening.

<FIG> shows an example of a flex conductor <NUM> for an edge-to-edge component <NUM>, such as found in the electronic device in any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>. The flex conductor contains one or more conductors that connect the edge-to-edge component <NUM> to circuitry or to another component in the electronic device. For example, the flex conductor <NUM> can include a flat band of conductors. The flex conductor <NUM> is here placed aligned along a brace <NUM> that extends along an edge-to-edge opening in which the edge-to-edge component <NUM> is mounted. The flex conductor <NUM> includes a circuit portion 600A that is positioned toward the circuitry or other components inside the electronic device that are in communication with the edge-to-edge component <NUM>. The flex conductor <NUM> includes a portion 600B that here extends along the brace <NUM>. For example, positioning the portion 600B perpendicular to a bottom surface <NUM> of the enclosure can facilitate the placement of an antenna window <NUM> in the enclosure. The flex conductor <NUM> includes a fold 600C where the flex conductor <NUM> changes direction so as to extend toward the edge-to-edge component <NUM>. The flex conductor <NUM> includes a portion 600D that extends toward the edge-to-edge component <NUM>. The portion 600D can extend toward the edge-to-edge component <NUM> through an opening <NUM> (or recess) in the brace <NUM>. In some implementations, a stiffener member <NUM> can be provided for the flex conductor <NUM>. The stiffener member <NUM> can be disposed on at least one side of the flex conductor <NUM>. The stiffener member <NUM> is here disposed between the portion 600B of the flex conductor <NUM> and the brace <NUM>. The stiffener member <NUM> can be made from metal, such as from steel, or from another material having a required stiffness.

For example, it may not be possible or desirable to lay the flex conductor <NUM> flat against the bottom surface <NUM> of the enclosure near the brace <NUM> due to the presence of the antenna window <NUM>. However, if the flex conductor is not laid flat against the bottom surface <NUM>, it may then not be feasible to use an L-shape in the flex conductor <NUM> to make the turn towards the edge-to-edge component <NUM>. Therefore, the portion 600B can be used to allow the flex conductor <NUM> to extend along the brace <NUM>. Rather, the fold 600C can provide the required change in direction of the flex conductor <NUM>. For example, the flex conductor can be folded over on itself at an angle of about, for example, <NUM> degrees at the end of the portion 600B, so as to create the fold 600C. The fold 600C here forms a portion 600C-<NUM> on one side of the fold 600C, and a corresponding portion 600C-<NUM> (adjacent the portion 600C-<NUM>) on the other side of the fold 600C. The portions 600C-<NUM> and 600C-<NUM> are here adjacent each other, with the portion 600C-<NUM> being disposed further from the brace <NUM> than the portion 600C-<NUM> is disposed from the brace <NUM>. The portion 600D of the flex conductor <NUM>, can be folded in a fold 600E of about, for example, <NUM> degrees so as to pass through the opening <NUM> (or recess) in the brace <NUM> and therefore extend toward the edge-to-edge component <NUM>.

The flex conductor <NUM> can also facilitate a visually appealing design of the electronic device. The edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be configured so as to have a certain amount of travel in the direction through an edge-to-edge opening in which the edge-to-edge component <NUM> is mounted. For example, when the edge-to-edge component <NUM> travels inward, a gap <NUM> can appear between an edge 602A of the edge-to-edge component <NUM> and an edge <NUM> of the enclosure. In particular, because of the edge-to-edge design of the edge-to-edge component <NUM>, a user may be able to see partially into the electronic device at the gap <NUM> when the edge-to-edge component <NUM> is pressed inward. The flex conductor <NUM> can therefore be hidden from the user's view by way of the solution where the portion 600D passes through the opening <NUM> in the brace <NUM>, which in turn, can be facilitated by the folds 600C and 600E allowing the flex conductor <NUM> to turn between the portion 600B and the portion 600D.

The above examples illustrate that the brace <NUM> can serve for extending along the edge-to-edge opening in which the edge-to-edge component <NUM> is mounted, and for strengthening and stiffening the enclosure at the edge-to-edge opening.

<FIG> shows an example of a brace <NUM> supporting a cosmetic component <NUM> between an edge 704A of an enclosure portion <NUM> and a side surface <NUM>, such as in the electronic device of any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>. This illustration is a cross section of an electronic device having an enclosure 706A. The cosmetic component <NUM> in some implementations can be considered a foot of the electronic device. For example, the cosmetic component can include one or more layers. The cosmetic component <NUM> here is disposed on top of (or in contact with) the brace <NUM>. For example, the cosmetic component <NUM> and the brace <NUM> can be attached to each other, such as by an adhesive. In other areas, the cosmetic component <NUM> can be disposed atop (or in contact with) the enclosure <NUM> and/or the enclosure 706A. The enclosure <NUM> can be considered part of a so-called D side of the enclosure of the electronic device. For example, a device can have respective sides of the base and lid enclosures identified as A-D as follows: the A side of the lid enclosure can be the outside of the lid enclosure; the B side of the lid enclosure can be an inside bezel of the lid enclosure; the C side of the base enclosure can be a top portion or surface of a base enclosure; and the D side of the base enclosure can be the bottom surface (e.g., metal surface) of the base enclosure.

In theory, it may be preferable to have every part of the cosmetic component <NUM> to be disposed on the D enclosure, so as to improve on any stepping gap between the D enclosure and other structure, and to provide a continuous surface for the adhesion of the cosmetic component <NUM> to the D enclosure. However, such an approach may not be possible or feasible. For example, it may not be possible to fit each of the D enclosure, a fingerprint sensor device, the foot and the brace <NUM> in the same space. A portion of the D enclosure can therefore be omitted or cut away, for example by way of creating the edge 704A in the enclosure <NUM>, such that the enclosure <NUM> terminates before the side surface <NUM> of the enclosure 706A. That is, the portion of the D enclosure that is omitted or cut away is not visible in <FIG>. The brace <NUM> can instead provide a surface for supporting the cosmetic surface <NUM>.

The brace <NUM> can have any suitable shape. In some implementations, the brace <NUM> includes (or can be) a longitudinal member. For example, the longitudinal member can have a cross section that is L-shaped (as shown in <FIG>). The above examples illustrate that the brace <NUM> can serve for extending along the edge-to-edge opening in which an edge-to-edge component is mounted, and for strengthening and stiffening the enclosure at the edge-to-edge opening.

<FIG> shows an example of an electronic device <NUM>, such as the electronic device in any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>, having an enclosure <NUM> with a curved undercut 802A. The enclosure <NUM> here has a particular architecture driven by the presence of an opening <NUM>. For example, the opening can facilitate placement of a hinge that connects the enclosure <NUM> to another body portion of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, cables may need to enter the enclosure <NUM> at the opening <NUM> and be accommodated by the curved undercut 802A (e.g., cables may be disposed in a cavity defined by the curved undercut 802A) as they extend toward circuitry inside the enclosure <NUM> (e.g., to a motherboard and base assembly). A corner 802B of the enclosure <NUM> to the right of the opening <NUM> in <FIG> may benefit from extra reinforcement. As another example, a corresponding corner (not shown) on the other side of the electronic device <NUM> from the corner 802B (i.e., toward the left side in <FIG>) may benefit from extra reinforcement. As such, a support component <NUM> (only the outline is shown) can be added and disposed in the enclosure <NUM> that can help prevent that a portion <NUM> (e.g., a top portion) of the enclosure <NUM> from lifting away from a base portion of the enclosure <NUM> and/or from a side surface <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>, for example in the event the electronic device is dropped. An arrow <NUM> here schematically indicates a possible lifting of the portion <NUM> that the support component <NUM> can help prevent. The support component <NUM> can have a portion coupled to a bottom of the portion <NUM> (e.g., C side of the base enclosure) and a second portion coupled to the curved undercut 802A. The curved undercut 802A here forms the side surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. The support component <NUM> can provide strength and stiffness between the side surface <NUM> and the rest of the enclosure <NUM>, such as the portion <NUM>, for example by bridging between them. As another example, a support component (not shown) can also or instead be provided at the corresponding corner (not shown) on the other side of the electronic device <NUM> from the corner 802B (i.e., toward the left side in <FIG>).

<FIG> shows an example of a support component <NUM> with a curved hook <NUM>, such as in the electronic device of any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>. The curved hook <NUM> can be configured to be secured under an overhang of a base enclosure (e.g., an overhang 1004A formed by a curved undercut <NUM> in <FIG>), for example to prevent the enclosure from lifting away from the base enclosure. The support component <NUM> can be attached to the enclosure(s) using any suitable technique, including, but not limited to, by adhesive or by welding. In some implementations, the support component <NUM> is stamped from a metal material, as a single piece, and the curved hook <NUM> is a section of the stamped piece that is provided into the curved hook <NUM> by folding of the stamped blank to be perpendicular to (e.g., essentially perpendicular to) a remainder of the support component <NUM>. The curved hook <NUM> is curved so as to fit within a curved undercut (e.g., the curved undercut 802A in <FIG> or the curved undercut <NUM> in <FIG>). One or more features <NUM> (e.g., a bump or a dimple) can be provided in the support component <NUM>. For example, the feature <NUM> can prevent against bending of the curved hook <NUM> relative to the rest of the support component <NUM>. The support component <NUM> can have one or more cutouts <NUM> for component(s) positioned nearby the support component <NUM> in the electronic device.

<FIG> shows an example of a support component <NUM> with a curved hook <NUM> extending into a curved undercut <NUM>, such as in the electronic device of any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>, for example illustrating the support component of <FIG> implemented in the electronic of <FIG>. The curved undercut <NUM> is formed in an enclosure <NUM> of an electronic device. The curved undercut <NUM> here forms an overhang 1004A. For example, the curved undercut <NUM> can form a side surface of the enclosure <NUM>, between respective top and bottom surfaces thereof. The curved hook <NUM> is configured to extend into the curved undercut <NUM> so as to secure the support component <NUM> in position. For example, during assembly the support component <NUM> can be angled to insert the curved hook <NUM> into the curved undercut <NUM>, as indicated by an arrow <NUM>, and then the support component can be rotated down into place on the enclosure <NUM>, as indicated by an arrow <NUM>. The curved hook <NUM> can get positive engagement with the curved undercut <NUM> after it is toed into, and engages with, the curved undercut <NUM>. As such, the support component <NUM> can be held in place and provide strength and stiffness to the enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of an electronic device <NUM> with an edge-to-edge opening <NUM> in an enclosure <NUM>, such as the electronic device in any of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> or <FIG>. The enclosure <NUM> can be, for example, the base of a laptop that also has a lid (not shown) hinged to the base. Only a portion of the enclosure <NUM> is shown here for clarity. Also, for illustrative purposes, a portion that covers the interior of the enclosure <NUM> (e.g., a C case) has been omitted. A brace <NUM> is disposed inside the enclosure, and one or more edge-to-edge components <NUM> (e.g., a fingerprint sensor device and/or a power button) can be mounted in the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. For example, the brace <NUM> can serve for extending along the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> and for strengthening and stiffening the enclosure <NUM> at the edge-to-edge opening <NUM>. In some implementations, the brace <NUM> can be similar or identical to any other brace described or shown herein. In some implementations, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be similar or identical to any other edge-to-edge component described or shown herein.

In some implementations, the edge-to-edge component <NUM> can be an enclosed device, including, but not limited to, an enclosed fingerprint sensor device. Wall sections 1210A-B above and/or below the edge-to-edge component <NUM> in the enclosure <NUM> can be very thin. For example, this implementation can be used in a laptop having a thin form factor (including, but not limited to, a thickness of about, for example, <NUM> from the bottom to the top of the enclosure <NUM>). In some implementations, the wall sections 1210A-B can represent about, for example, <NUM>-<NUM>% of the overall thickness of the enclosure <NUM>. The wall section 1210A and/or 1210B can be on the order of less than about, for example, <NUM> wide, including but not limited to, about, for example, <NUM> wide in some areas thereof. As such, the edge-to-edge opening <NUM> can constitute a substantial cutout in the enclosure <NUM>, and the brace <NUM> can provide strength and/or stiffness therefor, including, but not limited to, with regard to the wall sections 1210A-B. For example, the brace <NUM> can provide advantageous strengthening/stiffening of a corner <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>, in that the corner <NUM> can be considered a sensitive area in case the electronic device <NUM> is dropped.

<FIG> shows an example of a generic computer device <NUM> and a generic mobile computer device <NUM>, which may be used with the techniques described here, for example in providing the described electronic devices. Computing device <NUM> is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops, tablets, workstations, personal digital assistants, televisions, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other appropriate computing devices. Computing device <NUM> is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smart phones, and other similar computing devices.

The processor <NUM> can be a semiconductor-based processor. The memory <NUM> can be a semiconductor-based memory.

Thus, for example, expansion memory <NUM> may be provided as a security module for device <NUM>, and may be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of device <NUM>.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claim 1:
An electronic device comprising:
an enclosure (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the enclosure (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a base, and wherein the first surface and the second surface correspond to a main inner surface and a main outer surface of the base respectively;
a lid, hingedly attached to the base, wherein the lid having a display and the base having a keyboard, wherein the electronic device can be moved to at least a first folded configuration in which the display is adjacent the keyboard, and a second folded configuration in which a back of the lid is adjacent a back of the base;
an edge-to-edge component mounted in an edge-to-edge opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) that extends across substantially an entire height of the side surface between the first surface and the second surface;
a brace (<NUM>) disposed in the enclosure (<NUM>, <NUM>), the brace extending along the edge-to-edge opening (<NUM>, <NUM>);
an antenna for the electronic device, the antenna mounted inside the lid; and
an antenna window (<NUM>) formed in the base, the antenna window configured to allow passage of signals to and from the antenna at least when the electronic device is in the second folded configuration, wherein the antenna window (<NUM>) comprises an opening in a surface of the enclosure (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the base, and wherein the brace (<NUM>) is positioned adjacent the opening.