Patent ID: 12235683

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information handling system and peripherals, such a keyboard, mouse and display, are manufactured for ease of disassembly by limiting or eliminating the use of screws and adhesives while using materials adapted for recycling, such as aluminum and plastics. For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components.

Referring now toFIG.1, a front perspective view depicts a portable information handling system10manufactured to enhance recyclability. Generally, when information handling systems are assembled with screws and adhesives, the components of the information handling system do not readily break down into recyclable elements, such as single materials like plastic or aluminum, so that recycling is cost effective. To enhance recycling, portable information handling system10uses a combination of extruded, plastic and metallic parts assembled in some instances by magnets so that the system breaks down with minimal effort and into components that are cost effective for recycling. In the example embodiment, information handling system10has a clamshell configuration that opens to provide an end user with access to a keyboard20and touchpad22while viewing visual images at a display18. A housing12is built from a main housing portion14that rotationally couples to a lid housing portion16with hinges, as described below in greater detail. As an example of some features that improve recyclability, information handling system10has an extruded aluminum housing that assembles with plastic components without using screws and adhesives. The various components can either be reused or recycled with a disassembly process that breaks down the system in a rapid manner into reusable or recyclable components, such as based upon material type, typical system wear and proclivity for reuse. As an example, main housing portion14and lid housing portion16may be broken down, cleaned and reused, or alternatively, melted for material value. While the aluminum housing typically does not physically wear in a way that prevents reuse, the keyboard keys tend to break down over time. Thus, a reused aluminum housing might have the same keyboard subcomponents, like the same keyboard membrane, with a new set of keyboard keys.

Referring now toFIG.2, an exploded perspective view depicts an example embodiment of an information handling system10having a modular assembly that enhances efficient disassembly and recycling. In the example embodiment, main housing portion14and lid housing portion16are assembled with internal modular components and then rotationally coupled by hinges26. Lid housing portion16is extruded aluminum formed to have an open face through with a display panel18is visible and a solid rear face that protects display panel18. Extrusion of aluminum through a mold leaves a top opening through which display panel18slides into place and a bottom opening adjacent main housing portion14through which a communication cable can be routed. A top opening cover24is extruded plastic or aluminum sized to fit into the top opening after display panel18slides into place, such as with plastic snaps that couple the top opening cover into the top opening. A display hinge cover30provides a bottom opening cover of extruded plastic or aluminum sized to fit into the bottom opening in cooperation with hinges26. When the top and bottom covers are coupled to the lid housing portion openings, the interior of the lid housing portion and display panel are protected from contaminates. Lid housing portion16assembles into a module that is then coupled by hinges26to the assembled main housing portion14.

Main housing portion14assembles as a module in a similar manner as lid housing portion16with components sized to slide into either a front or rear opening of an extruded aluminum body. In the example embodiment, the aluminum extrusion mold essentially forms an elongated tube with a front opening and a rear opening. Once the tube is extruded, key openings are cut in the housing upper surface through which keyboard keys of a keyboard module20can extend. In addition, a touchpad opening is cut in the upper surface through which a touchpad22is exposed to accept touch inputs. Keyboard module20slides into main housing portion14and is supported in part from below by an upper surface of a main housing tray44having a battery tray46. Main housing tray44and battery tray46are, for example, steel panels that provide rigid support under keyboard module20by engaging with the interior or main housing portion14. Main housing tray44accepts on its bottom surface a motherboard36, a thermal module34having cooling fans and a battery48. Motherboard36supports communication between processing components that cooperate to process information. For instance, a central processing unit (CPU)38executes instructions to process information in cooperation with a random access memory (RAM)40that stores the instructions and information. A solid state drive (SSD)42provides persistent storage of the instructions and information, such as an operating system and applications that are retrieved to RAM at system power up. When keyboard module20, main housing tray44and touchpad22slide into the interior of main housing portion14a front cover50fits into the front opening to protect against entry of contaminants and a rear cover28fits into the rear opening with a body hinge cover32providing an aesthetic assembly around the hinge coupling with the lid housing portion16. As is described in greater detail below, the assembly of the modules shown inFIG.2is completed without any screws or adhesives applied to couple the components into the completed information handling system10.

Referring now toFIGS.3A-3I, assembly of information handling system10and main housing portion14components are depicted without the use of any screws or adhesives.FIG.3Adepicts main housing portion14in an upright orientation having a keyboard module20inserted through a rear opening and a touchpad module22inserted through a front opening, as indicated by arrows54and52ofFIG.3B.FIG.3Cillustrates assembly of keyboard module20to extend keys through key openings in main housing portion14with an upward bias as indicated by arrow58provided from magnetic attraction, as detailed inFIGS.3D,3H and3I. Similarly, touchpad22is biased upward with magnetic attraction into the touchpad opening as indicated by arrow56.FIG.3Ddepicts one example embodiment of an arrangement of magnets60to bias keyboard module20and touchpad22into place. A pair of central magnets60are placed towards the front of main housing portion14where touchpad22aligns, and a second pair of outer magnets60are placed towards the rear of main housing portion14where keyboard module20aligns. Keyboard module20and touchpad22each include some ferromagnetic material, such as steel, that attracts to magnets60so that keyboard module20and touchpad22are held in position for subsequent assembly steps that secure the keyboard module and touchpad with sufficient robustness to accept end user presses.

FIG.3Edepicts a bottom exploded view with the alignment of main housing components for assembly into main housing14after the keyboard module and touchpad are in position. A thermal module34having one or more cooling fans and motherboard36couple to a bottom side of main housing tray44so that the thermal module aligns to remove excess thermal energy from motherboard processing components, such as the CPU. A battery48couples to a battery tray46portion of main housing tray44. A display cable62extends from mother board36to communicate visual image information from motherboard36to the display panel as described below.FIG.3Fdepicts assembly of thermal module34and motherboard36along the axis of arrow66into rails defined by main housing tray44, such as by engaging a snap feature that holds the thermal module and motherboard in place. Battery48presses downward as indicated by arrow64to engage with the battery tray46of main housing tray44. The assembly of these components outside of main housing portion14provides adequate room for rapid assembly and is preformed without any screws or adhesives. At recycling, disassembly is performed with opposite steps and without having to free the components from coupling by screws or adhesives.FIG.3Gdepicts insertion of the main housing tray subassembly along an axis indicated by arrow68from the rear of main housing portion14. Main housing tray44is sized to fit into the interior of main housing portion14with alignment and placement aided by magnets60and, in some instances, structures defined within the interior of main housing portion14. The surface of main housing tray44opposite motherboard36provides support for the keyboard module and touchpad to accept end user press inputs.FIG.3Hdepicts a sectional view of main housing portion14with main housing tray44inserted and having features at the location of magnets60that define alignment within the housing interior.FIG.3Idepicts a sectional view of main housing portion14with main housing tray44having features that define a fully inserted position relative to magnets66. The example feature ofFIG.3Haligns magnet60with a recess in touchpad22and the battery tray46of main housing tray44so that the touchpad has adequate underlying support. The example feature ofFIG.3Ialigns the outer magnets60with a beveled end feature of main housing tray44so that the main housing tray is leveraged into place and also supportive under keyboard module20. Disassembly is performed by pulling out main housing tray44over the magnetic attraction and then removing the components as described above. No screws or adhesives are used to assemble the main housing portion, which improves the efficiency of breaking down and recycling the system and its components.

Referring now toFIGS.4and4A-4I, assembly of the information handling system lid housing portion components without the use of any screws or adhesives is depicted.FIG.4depicts an upper perspective view of main housing portion14with the internal components assembled and having two hinges26inserted into the rear side as indicated by arrows70to align with an opening formed in main housing portion14and through the main housing tray. Display cable62extends out of main housing14aligned to couple with a display of lid housing portion16.FIG.4Adepicts a detail view of hinge26having first and second brackets74rotating about an axle72. Each bracket74has an opening that accepts a coupling device, which serves to both couple the hinge to the housing and also to secure the main housing tray in position within the main housing interior.FIG.4Bdepicts a perspective detail view of a coupling device76aligned to insert into an opening84of main housing portion14that couples hinge26in place and also couples through the main housing tray to lock it in place. The coupling device of the example embodiment has three magnetic elements having an I-shape along an insertion axis. Outer coupling device elements78and82have an arc outer surface to fit within the circular opening84and a lip at an upper and lower side that fits in a recess formed in opening84. Opening84has an I-shape or keyhole portion with a greater circumference so that central element80fits into opening84after elements78and82are inserted.FIG.4Cdepicts a cross-sectional view of coupling device76inserted into opening84of main housing portion14and through hinge26and main housing tray44to hold the information handling system assembly together. In the example embodiment, magnetic attraction is applied to assemble the coupling device: outer elements82and78have north poles at an upper side and south poles at a lower side, while middle element80has a south pole at an upper side and a north pole at a lower side. This magnet pole arrangement holds the coupling device together and also aids in assembly, as is detailed below. In alternative embodiments, one or two of the elements may be steel or other ferromagnetic material instead of using magnets for all three elements.

FIGS.4D through4Gillustrate assembly of the coupling device76that leverages magnetic pole orientation of the coupling device elements. InFIG.4D, the first coupling device element78is inserted as indicated by arrow86at the keyhole of increased diameter of opening84and slid to the side so that the upper I-shape lip of element78fits into the recess of main housing14. In the example embodiment, element78is held in place in part by magnetic attraction to the steel of the main housing tray. In alternative embodiments element78may be a non-magnet ferromagnetic material or a magnet with a smaller level of magnetic attraction than the central element80.FIG.4Edepicts insertion of element78along the axis indicated by arrow88so that the lip of the I-shape fits in the recess defined in the main housing portion that prevents vertical movement of element78.FIG.4Fdepicts insertion of the opposing outer element82in opening84along the increased circumference of the keyhole as indicated by arrow90. Once the second element82inserts fully into the opening so that the I-shape lip and fit into the recess of main housing portion14, the opposing magnetic force caused by alignment of like poles slides element82as indicated by arrow92under the lip of the main housing portion. The opposing magnetic force spaces elements78and82apart from each other to provide for insertion of the middle element80as indicated by arrow94ofFIG.4G. The I-shape portion of middle element80fits into the larger circumference of the keyhole of opening84and magnetically couples with outer elements78and82. In the upper view of the assembled coupling device depicted byFIG.4G, alignment forms are depicted having a bulge on each side of middle element80and a recess in each of outer elements78and82to guide the insertion of the middle element. As the middle element inserts all three poles of the three magnets are alike so that repelling magnetic forces will aid with the insertion of the middle element. Once the middle element80fully inserts, the opposite magnetic pole alignments will work to hold the coupling device in place. Disassembly is accomplished by applying a sufficient force to press out the middle element so that the outside elements can be removed.

Once the main housing is assembled with hinge26extending out the rear side, the lid housing portion16and display panel18are assembled as depicted byFIG.4H. Display panel18inserts into the bottom opening of lid housing portion16and is guided to position by the sides of the extruded housing. After insertion of display panel18, a coupling device is inserted through lid housing portion16as described above to couple with the hinge26and hold display panel18in position. Once the lid housing portion couples to the hinges, the information handling system assembly is completed as shown byFIG.4Iby closing the ends of the main and lid housing portions. A lid housing portion top cover24inserts into the top opening of lid housing portion16, a rear cover28inserts into a rear opening of main housing portion14, and a front cover50inserts into the front opening of main housing portion14. The top, rear and front covers may snap into position and couple to internal structures, such as the main housing tray and the display panel, such as to provide additional support to the main housing tray position. Once the top, rear and front covers couple into position, hinge covers30and32close the bottom side of lid housing portion16and provide room for rotation of the lid and main housing portions relative to each other about hinges26. Disassembly of the information handling system is performed by removing the covers and reversing the assembly process. Since no screws or adhesives are used for the assembly of the components, disassembly can be performed in a rapid manner to yield components for reuse and recycling in a logical and preplanned manner. In the example embodiments, the top and bottom of the I-shape of the assembled coupling device substantially align with the housing upper and lower surface to provide a planar appearance. In alternative embodiments, protrusions other than the I-shape may be used to hold the coupling device in place, such a single protrusion that fits into a single recess of the opening, rather than the upper and lower recess shown in the example embodiment that accept the I-shaped form of the assembled coupling device.

Referring now toFIGS.5,5A and5B, an exploded view of a peripheral display illustrates an example arrangement of display components that provide more efficient assembly for manufacture and disassembly for recycling. To achieve simplified assembly and disassembly, a display panel102couples to a peripheral display frame with magnetic attachment and communicates with a scalar board to present visual images through a wireless contactless connector. The modular design assembles the components without adhesives and screws so that disassembly, repair and recycling is simpler and more cost effective. In the example embodiment ofFIG.5, peripheral display100holds a display panel102in a viewing position with a stand104and a frame106. Display panel102aligns with frame106and couples into place over a scalar board108that receives and processes visual information from an information handling system to scan as pixel values to display panel102.FIG.5Adepicts a detail view of scalar board108, which has a set of pogo pins110with spring-loaded contact points that bias out from scalar board108and a contactless connector112that provides communication from scalar board108to display panel102. For example, contactless connectors112are 60 GHz wireless radio transceivers, such as the MOLEX KSS104M and MSX60.FIG.5Bdepicts a rear exploded view of peripheral display100having a metal backplate118and a control board114that supports power and information communication with scalar board108.FIG.5Cdepicts a detailed view of control board114having contact pads116that interface with the pogo pins to exchange power and ground and a contactless connector112to communicate with the scalar board contactless connector. The pogo pins, contact pads and contactless connectors align to communicate power and visual image information when magnets disposed in frame106couple to metal backplate118to hold display panel102in position on display stand104, as described in greater detail below.

Referring now toFIGS.6, an exploded view of peripheral display100illustrates an example with a cable visual image interface and magnets arranged at inner and outer circumferences to couple display panel102to stand104. In the example embodiment, display panel102perimeter aligns with display frame106and a cable126provides a communication interface between scalar board108and display panel102. A back cover120couples to the rear side of frame106, such as with magnet force or other attachment techniques. When peripheral display100fails, the failure is typically with one of the display panel or the scalar board/power system. Thus, to improve serviceability and recyclability, display panel102and display stand104are coupled by magnets128,130and132disposed in display stand104. A first set of magnets128are disposed on metal cage122that is around the perimeter of scalar board108. A second set of magnets130are disposed along the bottom perimeter of frame106. A third set of magnets132are disposed along the sides and top perimeter of frame106. The arrangements of magnets provide a strong magnetic attraction force to the display panel steel rear side to hold display panel102in place, but allows disassembly of display panel102by prying the display panel away from the frame124.

Referring now toFIGS.7and7A through7I, detailed views of magnet installation in peripheral display100are depicted. A first set of magnets128couple to a metal frame surrounding the scalar board and power board within the display stand.FIG.7Dillustrates that magnet128inserts into a slot opening formed in the metal frame within a recess so that magnet128will couple in place in the same plane as the metal frame.FIG.7Edepicts a rear rectangular member extending from the back side of magnet128through the slot of the metal frame.FIG.7Fdepicts a 90 degree rotation and downward sliding movement of magnet128to couple in place at the lower side of the frame. Magnets130disposed along the bottom side of the perimeter of the display frame have a circular shaped central opening and rest on an extension outward from the display frame.FIG.7Gdepicts insertion of a member at the back side of magnet130into a slot of the display frame.FIG.7Hshows magnet130from behind the display frame with the member inserted in the slot.FIG.7Ishows magnet130from behind with a rotation of 90 degrees to hold the member in place. Magnets132disposed along the sides and top of the frame have a circular shape and fit within a circular recess formed in the frame.FIG.7Adepicts insertion of magnet132into a slot formed in the recess.FIG.7Bdepicts insertion of the member into the slot andFIG.7Cdepicts rotation of the magnet and member to couple magnet132to the frame. In some instances, when the display panel couples tightly to the display frame, rotation of the member and magnet to rotate the member in alignment with the slot can reduce the magnetic attraction to help remove the display panel by releasing the magnet to pull off from the display panel.

Referring now toFIG.8, a front perspective view depicts a wireless keyboard140having components assembled without screws and adhesive to simplify manufacture and enhance recyclability. Wireless keyboard140is constructed in an aluminum extruded housing142that is extruded through a mold defining an elongated tube having a front and rear opening. Keys146of an underlying keyboard module extend out from housing142to accept end user inputs that are wirelessly communicated to an information handling system. A cover148couples to the front opening to protect the interior of housing142. A bottom cover144provides access to electronic components within housing142. The openings for bottom cover144and keys146may be die cut, laser cut, or otherwise cut out of the extrude housing.

Referring now toFIG.9, an exploded front upper perspective view depicts the wireless keyboard140having components assembled without screws or adhesives. Keyboard module140extends keys146upward that are part of a conventional keyboard module having, for example, keys biased away from a membrane by a rubber dome. The keyboard module is supported by a plastic tray156that slides in extruded aluminum housing142and couples against front cover148to have a rigid support surface that accepts typed inputs. A sliding power button154accepts power switch inputs to turn the keyboard electronics on and off by translating sliding motion to a circuit board on the bottom of plastic tray156. A plastic LED light guide152directs LED illumination from the circuit board to the upper side of the keyboard. Plastic tray156has a cover on a rear side that couples into the rear opening of housing142when the tray slides into the housing from the rear side. Bottom cover144is a plastic material that covers electronic components coupled to the bottom side of plastic tray156. Rubberized feet164and166fit through openings in the bottom of housing142by snapping in place or, as is described below, coupled in place with C-clips that slide on and off.

Referring now toFIG.10, an exploded front bottom perspective view depicts the wireless keyboard140having components assembled without screws or adhesives. A printed circuit board having components that support wireless communication couples to the bottom side of plastic tray156and is held in place by C-clips160in a location to engage with sliding power button154and light guide152. C-clips160and162are plastic to allow recycling of the assembled plastic parts and remove with a sliding motion so that removal of the components has minimal effort. A battery158clips on the bottom side of plastic tray156with C-clips. The keyboard module bottom side has extensions into plastic tray156that are coupled in place by C-clips. Plastic feet166and rubber covers164are formed as elongated C-clips that couple to opening cut in housing142and engage with front cover148to hold it in place. Rubber covers164may be double shot injected to form a single piece or separately coupled in place by a C-clip form. Front cover148has a ledge that inserts inwards and under plastic tray156to support plastic tray156from below against keyboard press inputs.

Referring now toFIGS.11A through11E, an example of assembly of the wireless keyboard140is depicted.FIG.11Adepicts coupling a battery158to a bottom side of plastic tray156, such as with C-clips or plastic snaps integrated in the tray bottom side. Printed circuit board150couples to plastic tray156, such as with C-clips, and engages with power switch154.FIG.11Bdepicts a detailed view of plastic C-clips that couple printed circuit board150to a lowered ledge of plastic tray156. The C-clips have a lip on each of the opposing inner walls to engage with a recess feature of the circuit board or lowered ledge.FIG.11Cdepicts the plastic tray156turned right side up so that the upper surface provides support to keyboard module146with an opening of plastic tray156arranged to pass through a cable of keyboard module146.FIG.11Ddepicts a bottom perspective view of plastic tray156with keyboard cable170coupled to the printed circuit board and plastic C-clips that pass into slots of keyboard module146to hold the keyboard module on the plastic tray upper surface. Once keyboard module146is coupled to plastic tray156, the assembled subunit is slid into the rear opening of housing142until the rear cover couples into and closes the rear opening, as depicted byFIG.11E. The keyboard assembly completes by coupling the front cover to the keyboard housing as shown inFIG.8.

Referring now toFIG.12, an alternative embodiment of a keyboard180has components assembled without the use of screws and adhesives. In the alternative example embodiment, a plastic housing184supports a keyboard module182with extruded aluminum rails186and188that fit into rail guides on all four sides and that are held in place by corner stopper caps190. As with the example embodiment ofFIG.9, keyboard180may be configured to communicate with an information handling system wirelessly or through a cable. The extruded aluminum rail is released by removing the corner stopper caps190so that the keyboard can be disassembled to recycle or reuse. The keyboard components are assembled without the use of screws or adhesives.

Referring now toFIG.13, a front perspective exploded view depicts a keyboard180having components assembled without the use of screws or adhesives. A plastic molded housing184has openings to accept keys of a keyboard module182and has rail guides formed along all four sides that accept aluminum extruded front and rear rails186and side rails188. A plastic bottom cover200aligns with the openings of housing184to provide a support for membrane194that detects key touches and a rubber dome sheet192that provides an upward biasing mechanism for keys of keyboard module182. A printed circuit board196couples to the base of bottom cover200and interfaces with membrane194to receive and communication key inputs to an information handling system, such as with BLUETOOTH wireless signals or a USB wired interface. Feet198couple to the bottom cover to support the bottom cover over a support surface. Corner stopper caps190couple to each corner of keyboard180at the intersection of the rails to hold the rails in place. To break down the keyboard, such as for recycling or reuse, corner stopper caps190are removed to release the front, rear and side rails. Once the rails are removed, the keyboard physical layers pull apart.

Referring now toFIGS.14A through14I, an example of assembly of the alternative keyboard embodiment is depicted.FIG.14Adepicts plastic bottom cover200having a rubber foot198inserted at each corner. Printed circuit board196couples to the bottom cover200, such as with snaps or with C-clips. Alternatively, the printed circuit board is positioned by a structure of the bottom cover and held in place by compression at final assembly of the keyboard. In the example embodiment, printed circuit board196has a contact connector exposed on the upper side that interfaces with the membrane so that a cable is not needed.FIG.14Bdepicts the membrane194placed over the bottom cover200and aligned by structures extending upwards and through openings of membrane194.FIG.14Cdepicts a rubber dome sheet192placed over membrane194and having a rubber dome at the location of each keyboard key to bias the keyboard key away from the underlying membrane194that detects key presses. Once the subassembly for the bottom portion of the keyboard is assembled, an upper subassembly is built that couples over the bottom portion. The keyboard module182, which in this example is a set of plastic keycaps, is snapped in place over the housing184.FIG.14Ddepicts the upper assembly of keyboard membrane182and housing184placed over top of the bottom cover200with the assembled contact membrane and rubber dome membrane.

Once the keyboard upper and lower subassemblies are aligned, aluminum extruded rails186and188are slid into place to compress the layers slightly and hold the assembly together.FIG.14Edepicts front and rear rails186slid as indicated by arrows206into guides at the front and rear sides of the assembly, and side rails188slid as indicated by arrows208into guides at the sides of the assembly.FIG.14Fdepicts a detail view of housing184and bottom cover200having a rail guide202and204respectively that each engage a common rail. Each rail couples over the upper guide202associated with the perimeter of housing184and the lower guide204associated with the perimeter of bottom cover200to hold the vertical assembly together without any adhesives or screws.FIG.14Gdepicts a cross-sectional view of a front rail186coupled to upper rail guide202and lower rail guide204at a corner location having a side rail188coupled to the side of the assembly. In the example embodiment, the rail is extruded to have a member that extends under a lip of each guide and that provides a slight compression of the keyboard assembly. When all four rails couple around the perimeter of the keyboard assembly, each corner has an open spot that could allow the rails to slide if not protected, as is illustrated byFIG.14G.FIG.14Hdepicts a corner stopper cap190aligned to couple to the rail guides at each corner of the keyboard and hold the rails in place.FIG.14Ishows an example of an inner snap feature that couples in place at the keyboard and is removed to provide disassembly of the keyboard.

Referring now toFIG.15, an example embodiment of a mouse210is depicted that assembles from components without the use of screw and adhesives. Mouse210has a bottom housing212that moves over a support surface and a top housing214that couples over the bottom housing and provides the end user access to push buttons at an upper surface on both sides of a scroll wheel216. In the example embodiment, a cable224extends from bottom housing212to communicate mouse movements sensed by a position sensor to an information handling system interfaced with cable224, such as through a USB port. Mouse210includes components assembled within the a plastic housing in a manner that provides rapid disassembly that reduces the cost associated with component reuse and recycling, as is illustrated in greater detail below.

Referring now toFIGS.16and16A, upper and lower perspective exploded views depict the mouse to illustrate assembly of the mouse components without screws or adhesives. Bottom housing212is injection molded to include structures that accept a plastic sensor lens226and a printed circuit board222having a position sensor and a processing resource to manage communication of inputs through cable224. A plastic scroll wheel220with a rubberized cover218provide the scroll wheel220that extends out of top housing230and rotates in response to an end user finger motion. The plastic scroll wheel220has an axle216extending from each side that engages with the processing components of printed circuit board222, which includes an optical or other type of sensor to detect scroll wheel rotation. A plastic top cover230couples over bottom housing212to enclose printed circuit board222in place. A central post extends from the plastic top cover230down into a recess and opening of bottom housing212and includes a side cam member extending from the inner circumference that engages with a central lock228to hold the mouse assembly together. For example, a cam member232extending from the outer circumference of central lock228rotationally engages the member extending from the inner circumference of plastic top cover230to compress the bottom and top housing portions together and hold the printed circuit board in place. A plastic key plate214snaps over top of top cover230with structures in a bottom surface and translates button push inputs through top cover230to buttons disposed in printed circuit board222. The components depicted inFIGS.16and16Aassemble and disassemble with engagement and release of central lock228for ease of recycling and reuse without the use of any screws or adhesives.

Referring now toFIGS.17A through17E, assembly of the mouse is depicted without the use of screws or adhesives.FIG.17Adepicts printed circuit board222has scroll wheel216coupled in place and is then placed in bottom housing212over lens226, which is snapped into place in alignment with a position sensor at the bottom side of printed circuit board222. Structures of bottom housing212hold printed circuit board222and scroll wheel216in place.FIG.17Bdepicts top cover230aligned over bottom housing212to place the central post of the top cover into the opening of bottom housing where the central lock is inserted. Internal members extending down from top cover230engage with printed circuit board222to hold it in place when the central lock is rotated to a locked position to compress top cover230into bottom housing212.FIG.17Cdepicts a bottom view of bottom housing212with central lock228aligned to insert in the opening to couple with the top cover230. Marks on the bottom surface of the bottom housing show the rotational positions to which central lock228rotates to lock and release the mouse housing for assembly and disassembly.FIG.17Ddepicts a cross-sectional view of the top cover230where a cam extension234from the inner circumference of the top cover engages with a cam surface232of the outer circumference of central lock228. Once the central lock rotates to lock the cam surfaces relative to each other, the bottom housing and top cover compress towards each other to capture the printed circuit board and other internal components.FIG.17Edepicts coupling of keyplate214over to top cover230to complete the assembly. At end of life, the mouse breaks down by removing the keyplate and central lock, then breaking the components down to like materials for recycling or selecting components for reuse.

Referring now toFIG.18, a cross-sectional view depicts an example of a printed circuit board having a hybrid of conventional and bio-based materials to enhance recycling and reuse of the printed circuit board. In the example embodiment, dual assemblies of copper layers252and a bio-based substrate250are each separately built as printed circuit boards then sandwiched around a conventional prepreg (such a fiberglass laminate composite material) or similar layer254to manufacture a peripheral device printed circuit board that is used in a peripheral, such as the keyboards and mouse described above, the cameras described below and some subsystems of the information handling system described above as well as other types of systems. Generally, bio-based materials lack the stiffness and electrical properties to use in systems and peripherals that perform more complex processing tasks. For instance, poorer dielectric and insulating properties can make bio-based printed circuit boards a less favorable choice for devices that carry dense signal traffic. In many instances, bio-based circuit boards are sufficient to handle the processing and signaling associated with peripheral devices, such as a mouse position sensor or a mouse scroll wheel rotation sensor, or an interface with a keyboard membrane. Similarly, some information handling system functions include small circuit boards that do not have heavy processing and signaling demands that can operate with bio-based materials. Including bio-based materials in the printed circuit boards helps to improve recycling of the device by allow the board to be discarded where it can biodegrade. In addition, bio-based printed circuit boards avoid the use of fossil fuels so that a more sustainable product results. Generally, bioplastics of PLA, PHA, PBS and starch blends are biodegradable and built without fossil fuels; biobased PE, PET, PA and PTT do not biodegrade but offer an alternative to fossil fuel plastics. In one embodiment, at end of life, a hybrid board may be reused by melting the bio-based substrate off of the prepreg substrate so that the prepreg substrate can be reused.

In the example embodiment, printed circuit board222is, for example, a mouse or keyboard printed circuit board that has a central prepreg layer254sandwiched between biobased PLA GO substrates that make up about 20% of the total board thickness. A top layer252is a copper routing layer that has conductive pads to accept electronic components and a bottom layer252is a copper routing layer that also has conductive pads to support electronic components. For instance, these layers have components affixed with a pick and place or similar process and interface through the biobased substrate250to an underlying internal ground plane252on top of the prepreg layer254and an internal power plane layer252below the prepreg layer. The prepreg layer offers improved stiffness relative to the bio-based substrates250but does not biodegrade and is prepared with conventional fossil fuel materials. However, at product end of life when the printed circuit board is removed, the prepreg layer254may be separated from the bio-based layers and reused while the bio-based layers are recycled or discarded in an environmentally friendly manner. As an example, the prepreg layer may have both a ground plane and a power plane coupled to it so that the prepreg layer may be reused by removing the top and bottom routing layers and then attaching new top and bottom routing layers with bio-based substrates. This approach will work well where a peripheral device has a defined footprint, such as a mouse or keyboard printed circuit board. In some instances, the ground and power plane layers may be part of the bio-based substrate so that only the prepreg layer is reused. Alternatively, the printed circuit board may be reused by keeping one of the routing layers coupled to the prepreg layer along with both the ground and power planes; the other bio-based substrate and routing layer are then replaced. In some instances, the prepreg layer, ground plane and power plane may be reused in a context having a separate multi-layer bio-based interface added at one side to interface the top and bottom routing layers or to encapsulate the prepreg layer within bio-based substrate that provides a communication interface.

In some instances, bio-based substrates have a greater sensitivity to heat that can impact the life of a printed circuit board. The copper used in ground and power planes and help to spread thermal energy and transfer thermal energy to external the printed circuit board, however, the thermal energy can also transfer through vias to routing layers. In one embodiment, thermal energy at a hybrid printed circuit is managed by including one or more graphene layers within the printed circuit board, such a 70 micrometer layer or graphene paint having a thermal conductivity of 70 to 200 Wmk. The graphene layer tends to transport thermal energy along its plane without substantial transfer normal the plane of the graphene layer. Similarly, graphene tends to conduct electricity in plane and having a dielectric characteristic normal the plane. In one example embodiment, a first layer of graphene paint is disposed between the ground plane and the bio-based substrate and a second layer of graphene paint is disposed between prepreg substrate and the power plane. The graphene layers each transport thermal energy to the periphery of the printed circuit board where another structure can accept the thermal energy. In alternative embodiments a graphene layer may be disposed between each substrate layer or just between one or more selected of the substrate layers. For example, graphene may be applied between the bio-based substrate and the ground plane; and/or between the ground plane and the prepreg substrate; and/or between the prepreg substrate and the power plane; and/or between the power plane and the bio-based substrate. The selection of graphene layer placement may depend on a number of factors to include the thermal characteristics of the processing components of the board, the expected operating conditions of the printed circuit board and the thermal transfer characteristics of the copper elements of the printed circuit board.

Referring now toFIGS.19and19A, exploded front and rear perspective views of a web camera260are depicted that assembles from components without the use of screw and adhesives. Camera260is assembled in an aluminum extruded housing262having front and rear openings that accept the internal components. An inner frame268is injection molded plastic to fit within extruded aluminum housing262and includes guide members extending out from each corner that engage with guides formed in housing262on the inner surface. Plastic inner frame268slides into the rear opening of housing262to have the guide members engaged with the guides to hold the inner frame laterally in position. A printed circuit board270has an image sensor272mounted at a front central location aligned to have a field of view through inner frame268front opening. A rear cover274includes plural members of different lengths extending inward to housing262to engage with printed circuit board270and inner frame268. A glass front cover266fits in housing262from the rear to abut against a stop formed in the housing front inner circumference. When the components are assembled, a planar spring lock264couples to housing262at an upper and lower side to hold the components in place and seal glass front cover266in place. To disassemble the components for recycling or reuse, the planar spring lock264is released, as is described below in greater detail, and the components slide out of housing262.

Referring now toFIGS.20and20A-C, assembly and disassembly of the web camera by interaction with a planar spring lock is depicted.FIG.20depicts a front perspective view of camera260in an assembled state having the planar spring lock264coupled to housing262and having image sensor272exposed at the inner frame opening. In the assembled state, planar spring lock264biases to a planar configuration over top of a recess formed in housing262. As illustrated by the detail cutaway view ofFIG.20A, a flange formed by a bend at each end of planar spring lock264inserts into a slot opening of housing262to engage against inner frame268at the guide members276so that the flange fixes inner frame268in position relative to housing262.FIG.20Bdepicts a cross-sectional view of interaction between planar spring lock264and inner frame268to hold the components in housing262. Planar spring lock264is folded at the end of the flange to create a catch278that couples under a lip280formed in guide member276of inner frame268. The upward bias of planar spring lock264maintains an elevated position of the planar surface above a recess in housing262and an inward force against inner frame268to keep catch278pressed under lip280.FIG.20Cdepicts that an inward press on planar spring lock264into the recess formed in housing262so that bending of planar spring lock264lifts the flange catch278out from under lip280of guide member276as indicated by arrow284. Once planar spring lock264releases and lifts out of the slot of housing262, inner frame268is free to slide out of housing262to disassemble the camera for reuse or recycling.

Referring now toFIGS.21and21A through21C, an example of a camera is depicted that breaks a housing into separate sections to enhance camera repair, reuse and recycling.FIG.21depicts a front perspective view of camera300having a housing divided between a front housing portion308that contains an image sensor and a rear housing portion306that contains processing, battery and communication resources. In the example embodiment, camera300is supported by a stand302and communicates through a USB cable304that plugs into rear housing portion306. In alternative embodiments, camera300may interface through wireless signal communication, such as WiFi and BLUETOOTH. Dividing camera300into separate front and rear housing portions provides the advantage of having functionally similar resources disposed in each housing portion. For instance, front housing portion308contains image sensor hardware while rear housing portion306contains support functions like power and communications. During repair, a housing portion with malfunctioning components is swapped with a replacement housing portion. Recycling and reuse are also simplified by the division of functions between the housing portions.

In the example embodiment, front housing portion308and rear housing portion306are formed by extruded aluminum to have front and rear openings on each side of a tube. In alternative embodiments, other materials may be used, such as plastics. The front and rear housing portions rotationally couple to each other with opposing members disposed on the inner circumference that engage with each other.FIG.21Adepicts an example embodiment having hooks312of front housing portion308that extend outward and under a lip310of rear housing portion306.FIG.21Bdepicts a rotation of front housing portion308relative to rear housing portion306to misalign hooks310from lips308so that the housing portions release from each other.FIG.21Cdepicts the front and rear housing portions separated from each other after rotation to release hooks310from lips308. As is described in greater detail below, no screws, adhesives or wired connectors are used to assemble the front and rear housing portions to each other.

Referring now toFIGS.22and22A through22C, an example camera depicts assembly and disassembly of a rear housing portion having camera processing resource and communications.FIG.22depicts a front perspective view of rear housing portion306to illustrate components exposed to the front housing portion when assembled. Lip310is exposed to accept hooks from the front housing portion with a rotation of the housing portions relative to each other to couple the housing portions together. A flexible cable314interfaces with processing and power resources within rear housing portion306and a front printed circuit board320that supports a contactless connector318and power pogo pins316. When rear housing portion306rotationally couples to a front housing portion, the position of lips310aligns contactless connector318with a contactless connector of the image sensor in the front housing portion, such as to provide a range suitable for 60 GHz communication as described above. Similarly, rotation to the locked position aligns pogo pins316with contact pads of the front housing portion to provide a power and ground interface. Although pogo pins provide a good example of a biasing device to establish a power interface, in alternative embodiments, other types of spring biased contact devices may be used. In the example embodiment, the spring biased power contacts and the contactless connectors simplify the assembly and disassembly process.

FIGS.22A through22Cdepict an example of disassembly of components from within the rear housing portion, such as for performing repair, reuse and recycling.FIG.22Adepicts that a steel plate332couples to the rear side of rear housing306with magnets330and is removed by a prying interaction to expose two screws334.FIG.22Billustrates that, once the screws are removed, a subassembly built with a top frame342and a bottom frame340slides out of rear housing306to expose an upper printed circuit board336held in place by snaps formed in top frame342. Guides338extending from the inner circumference of rear housing306interact with the upper frame to provide the desired insertion orientation.FIG.22Cdepicts a separation to top frame342from bottom frame340that exposes an inner printed circuit board336. Printed circuit boards336supported power, communication and processing resource operations for components in both of the front and rear housing portions and can include the bio-based substrate as described above. The modular construction of the components within rear housing portion306aids in repair, reuse and recycling of individual components through ready access of the components within the housing interior. Flexible cable314, pogo pins316and contactless connectors318enable ready breakdown and reassembly of the camera based upon a functional division between support components in the rear housing portion and visual image components in the front housing portion. In the example embodiment, a pair of screws334are used to hold the subassembly of top frame342and bottom frame340in place within rear housing306; however, in alternative embodiments the subassembly may be coupled in place with alternative devices, such as clips that couple to the subassembly and features of the rear housing portion through the front opening.

Referring now toFIGS.23and23A through23B, an example camera depicts assembly and disassembly of a front housing portion having camera visual image sensor resources.FIG.23depicts a rear perspective view of front housing portion308with hooks312that extend out to couple to lips of the rear housing portion. Three screws340couple a subassembly to an interior of front housing portion308. A printed circuit board322at the rear side of front housing portion308holds a contactless connector324that communicates visual image information to the contactless connector of the rear housing portion and a set of power contact pads326that align with the pogo pins of the rear housing portion. When hooks312couple front housing portion308to the rear housing portion by a rotational coupling, the pogo pins interface with power contact pads326to provide a ground and power interface with the printed circuit board344of the rear housing portion. As with the rear housing portion, front housing portion308may use alternative fastening strategies in the place of screws340, such as clips that couple to features of front housing portion308.

FIG.23Adepicts removal of a subassembly from the interior of front housing portion308that includes support for a visual image sensor that captures visual images for communication through contactless connectors324to the rear housing portion. Once the subassembly is released from front housing portion308by removal of the screws, the subassembly slides out of the rear opening of the front housing portion.FIG.23Bdepicts a separation of the top frame342from the bottom frame to release the visual image sensor346, which in the example embodiment includes an image sensor board and lens assembly. The breakdown of the camera into the front and rear housing portions provides improved repair, reuse and recycling of internal components with less waste at end of life. Further, construction of components in discrete or modular fashion to share recyclable materials, such as extruded aluminum and injection molded plastics, helps to simplify the process of breaking down products at end of life to direct recyclable portions to appropriate locations in a cost effective manner.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.