PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8897007-B2
Application Number: US-201313865880-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Grounding features of a portable computing device

Abstract:
A portable computing device can include one or more clutch assemblies that can include a conductive elastomer configured to contact at least a portion of the clutch assembly of the portable computing device. The conductive elastomer can be configured to also contact at least one region of the base portion of the portable computing device and can include highly conductive regions. A USB grounding plate can be attached to a portion of a case for the portable computing device and can be configured to provide a ground pathway between the case and a ground sheath of a USB connector inserted into an opening in a side wall of the case.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A clutch assembly system suitable for pivotally connecting a lid to a base portion of a portable computing device, comprising:
 a cylindrical portion comprising:
 an annular outer region, and 
 a central bore region configured to provide support for electrical conductors between the base portion and the lid; 
 
 at least one fastening region configured to couple the clutch assembly to the base portion; and 
 an elastomer disposed on the clutch assembly configured to contact the clutch assembly and at least one region of the base portion through conductive pathways formed within the elastomer, wherein the conductive pathways form an electrical path between the clutch assembly and the at least one region of the base portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The clutch assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive pathways include at least one ferromagnetic electrical conductor. 
     
     
       3. The clutch assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer is formed with a two-step molding process. 
     
     
       4. The clutch assembly system of  claim 2 , wherein the elastomer is formed with a magnetic field configured to position the ferromagnetic material during a molding process. 
     
     
       5. The clutch assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer is formed, at least in part, with a silver loaded silicone. 
     
     
       6. The clutch assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer is configured to attach to the clutch assembly with a conductive adhesive. 
     
     
       7. The clutch assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer is configured to be deformed within the base portion. 
     
     
       8. The clutch assembly system of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer further comprises a first lobe configured to include the conductive pathways. 
     
     
       9. The clutch assembly system of  1 , wherein the elastomer defines a cavity configured to receive the at least one fastening region. 
     
     
       10. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a lid portion including a display; and 
 a base portion pivotally coupled to the lid portion, the base portion comprising:
 a first case and 
 a second case coupled to the first case, the second case including at least one boss configured to receive a fastener for securing the first case to the second case, the at least one boss comprising:
 a first conductive surface and 
 a conductive elastomer coupled directly to the first conductive surface, wherein when the second case is coupled to the first case, the conductive elastomer is compressed between the first conductive surface and a second conductive surface of the first case such that an electrically conductive pathway is established between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface. 
 
 
 
     
     
       11. The portable computing device of  claim 10 , wherein one of the first case and second case is formed, at least in part, from aluminum and includes a protective anodization layer wherein the protective anodization layer is removed from the first or second conductive surface. 
     
     
       12. The portable computing device of  claim 11 , wherein the anodization layer is removed by laser ablation. 
     
     
       13. The portable computing device of  claim 10 , wherein the conductive elastomer is affixed to a surface adjacent to a hole configured to receive the fastener. 
     
     
       14. The portable computing device of  claim 10 , wherein the conductive elastomer is configured to surround a hole configured to receive the fastener. 
     
     
       15. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a lid portion; 
 a base portion having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion detachably coupled to the bottom portion; 
 a clutch assembly configured to pivotally couple the lid portion to the top portion, the clutch assembly comprising:
 a cylindrical portion, and 
 a fastening portion configured to couple the clutch assembly to the top portion; and 
 
 an elastomer configured to contact the clutch assembly and the bottom portion through conductive pathways formed within the elastomer, wherein the conductive pathways form an electrical path between the clutch assembly and the bottom portion. 
 
     
     
       16. The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the clutch assembly and top portion are conductively coupled and wherein the conductive pathways provide, at least in part, an electrical path between the top portion and the bottom portion. 
     
     
       17. The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the conductive pathways include a ferromagnetic electrical conductor. 
     
     
       18. The portable computing device of  claim 17 , wherein the elastomer further comprises a lobe, wherein the ferromagnetic electrical conductor is disposed within the lobe. 
     
     
       19. The portable computing device of  claim 17 , wherein the ferromagnetic electrical conductor is formed with a magnetic field configured to position the ferromagnetic material during a molding process. 
     
     
       20. The portable computing device of  claim 15 , wherein the elastomer further comprises a main body defining a cavity configured to receive the fastening portion when the elastomer is in contact with the clutch assembly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. Patent Application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/715,797 filed Oct. 18, 2012 entitled “Grounding Features of a Portable Computing Device” by Smith et al. which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to portable computing devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to features of portable computing devices configured to allow increased electrical shielding by providing or improving electrical pathways. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A portable computing device can include an enclosure configured to contain the various components that make up the device. A typical computing device can include a central processing unit, a mass storage device, a display and still other electrical devices. Each electrical device can also generate electrical noise. The emission and conduction of electrical noise (often referred to as electromagnetic radiation, or EMI) is commonly monitored and regulated by regional agencies. 
     The enclosure of the portable computing device can be a first line of defense in the battle of EMI reduction. If there are any poor electrical couplings between two or more parts that make up the enclosure of the portable computing device, then EMI noise can sometimes more readily escape, especially in those regions. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a way to reduce unwanted electrical noise from components within a portable computing device, particularly in targeted regions of the enclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for reducing EMI interference and/or emissions by enhancing an electrical coupling of two or more portions of a base portion of a portable computing device in a region near a clutch assembly. In one embodiment, a clutch assembly can include a cylindrical portion including an annular outer region and a central bore region, a fastening region and an elastomer including a conductive pathway that can be disposed on the clutch assembly and configured to enhance an electrical contact between the clutch assembly and at least one portion of the base portion. 
     A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can include a display portion and a base portion pivotally attached to the display portion, where the base portion can include an opening in a side wall configured for a USB connector, a USB receptacle aligned with the opening in the side wall and a USB ground plate mechanically and electrically attached to the base portion configured to contact an electrical sheath of the USB connector. 
     In another embodiment, a portable computing device can include a rear cover configured to enclose a display, a bottom case and a top case, pivotally coupled to the rear cover and configured to receive the bottom case where the top case can further include at least one boss configured to receive a fastener to secure the bottom case to the top case, the boss including a conductive elastomer configured to form an electrical pathway between the top case and the bottom case. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for providing portable computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device in an open (lid) state. 
         FIG. 2  shows portable computing device in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover and logo. 
         FIG. 3  shows an external view of a bottom case. 
         FIG. 4  shows an internal view of a top case with internal components removed to simplify the figure. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a clutch bolt zone in accordance with one embodiment described in the specification. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  are views of an elastomer configured to enhance the electrical coupling between the two piece case of portable computing. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a conductive rear gasket configured to enhance electrical conductivity between top case and bottom case in a rear vent region. 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate different views and embodiments of a USB ground plate. 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified view of one embodiment of a USB connector interacting with a USB ground patch. 
         FIG. 10  shows one embodiment of a conductive elastomer configured provide an electrical pathway between top case and bottom case through a speaker mounting screw. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  show conductive elastomers configured to integrate with bosses and provide an electrical pathway between top case and bottom case in a region near bosses. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to the presently described embodiments are provided in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the presently described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presently described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     The following relates to a portable computing device such as a laptop computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, etc. The portable computing device can include a multi-part housing having a top case and a bottom case joining at a reveal to form a base portion. The portable computing device can have an upper portion (or lid) that can house a display screen and other related components whereas the base portion can house various processors, drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touchpad and the like. The base portion can be formed of a multipart housing that can include top and bottom outer housing components each of which can be formed in a particular manner at an interface region such that the gap and offset between these outer housing components are not only reduced, but are also more consistent from device to device during the mass production of devices. These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below. 
     In a particular embodiment, the lid and base portion can be pivotally connected with each other by way of what can be referred to as a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly can be arranged to pivotally couple the base portion to the lid. The clutch assembly can include at least a cylindrical portion that in turn includes an annular outer region, and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region, the central bore suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base portion and electrical components in the lid. The clutch assembly can also include a plurality of fastening regions that couple the clutch to the base portion and the lid of the portable computing device with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized. 
     The multipart housing can be formed of a strong and durable yet lightweight material. Such materials can include composite materials and or metals such as aluminum. Aluminum has a number of characteristics that make it a good choice for the multipart housing. For example, aluminum is a good electrical conductor that can provide good electrical ground and it can be easily machined and has well known metallurgical characteristics. The superior conductivity of aluminum provides a good chassis ground for internal electrical components arranged to fit and operate within the housing. The aluminum housing also provides a good electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield protecting sensitive electronic components from external electromagnetic radiation as well as reducing electromagnetic radiation emanating from the portable computing device. In one aspect of the provided embodiments, the computing device takes the form of a laptop computer. 
     The base portion can include a top case and a bottom case formed of conductive material. In one embodiment, the base portion can include a conductive elastomer configured to improve electrical coupling between the top case and the bottom case in at least one region. Improving electrical coupling between the top case and the bottom case can improve EMI shield performance. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIGS. 1-11  show various views of the portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device  100  in an open (lid) state. Portable computing device  100  can include base portion  102  formed of bottom case  104  fastened to top case  106 . Base portion  102  can be pivotally connected to lid portion  108  by way of clutch assembly  110  hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Base portion  102  can have an overall uniform shape sized to accommodate clutch assembly  110  and inset portion  112  suitable for assisting a user in lifting lid portion  108  by, for example, a finger. Top case  106  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as keyboard  114  and touchpad  116 . Keyboard  114  can include a plurality of low profile keycap assemblies each having an associated key pad  118 . In one embodiment, an audio transducer (not shown) can use selected portions of keyboard  114  to output audio signals such as music. In the described embodiment, a microphone can be located at a side portion of top case  106  that can be spaced apart to improve frequency response of an associated audio circuit. 
     Each of the plurality of key pads  118  can have a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying the key input associated with the particular key pad. Keyboard  114  can be arranged to receive a discrete input at each keypad using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key pad can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of portable computing device  100 . In order to reduce component count, a keycap assembly can be re-provisioned as a power button. For example, key pad  118 - 1  can be used as power button  118 - 1 . In this way, the overall number of components in portable computing device  100  can be commensurably reduced. 
     Touch pad  116  can be configured to receive finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such as a swipe or a tap. The gesture can be sensed by a sensing circuit in touch pad  116  and converted to electrical signals that are passed to a processing unit for evaluation. In this way, portable computing device  100  can be at least partially controlled by touch. 
     Lid portion  108  can be moved with the aid of clutch assembly  110  from the closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Lid portion  108  can include display  120  and rear cover  122  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 ) that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion  108  and also provide structural support to at least display  120 . In the described embodiment, lid portion  108  can include mask (also referred to as display trim)  124  that surrounds display  120 . Display trim  124  can be formed of an opaque material such as ink deposited on top of or within a protective layer of display  120 . Display trim  124  can enhance the overall appearance of display  120  by hiding operational and structural components as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display  120 . 
     Display  120  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. Display  120  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portable computing device  100  can also include image capture device  126  located on a transparent portion of display trim  124 . Image capture device  126  can be configured to capture both still and video images. Lid portion  108  can be formed to have uni-body construction that can provide additional strength and resiliency to lid portion  108  which is particularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, the uni-body construction of lid portion  108  can reduce overall part count by eliminating separate support features. 
     Data ports  128 - 132  can be used to transfer data and/or power between an external circuit(s) and portable computing device  100 . Data ports  128 - 132  can include, for example, input slot  128  that can be used to accept a memory card (such as a FLASH memory card), data ports  130  and  132  can take be used to accommodate data connections such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and so on. In some embodiments, speaker grid  134  can be used to port audio from an associated audio component enclosed within base portion  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows portable computing device  100  in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover  122  and logo  202 . In one embodiment, logo  202  can be illuminated by light from display  120 . It should be noted that in the closed configuration, lid portion  108  and base portion  102  form what appears to be a uniform structure having a continuously varying and coherent shape that enhances both the look and feel of portable computing device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an external view of bottom case  104  showing relative positioning of support feet  302 , insert  112 , cosmetic wall  304  that can be used to conceal clutch assembly  110  and fasteners  306  used to secure bottom case  104  and top case  106  together. Support feet  302  can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as plastic. Also in view are multi-purpose front side sequentially placed vents  308  and  310  that can be used to provide a flow of outside air that can be used to cool internal components. In the described embodiment, vents  308  and  310  can be placed on an underside of top case  106  in order to hide the vents from view as well as obscure the view of an interior of portable computing device  100  from the outside. Vents  308  and  310  can act as a secondary air intake subordinate to primary air intake vents located at a rear portion of portable computing device  100  (described below). In this way, vents  308  and  310  can help to maintain an adequate supply of cool air in those situations where portions of the rear vents are blocked or otherwise have their air intake restricted. 
     Vents  308  and  310  can also be used to output audio signals in the form of sound generated by an audio module (not shown). Vents  308  and  310  can be part of an integrated support system in that vents  308  and  310  can be machined from the outside and cut from the inside during fabrication of top case  106 . As part of the machining of vents  308  and  310 , stiffener ribs can be placed within vent openings  308  and  310  to provide additional structural support for portable computing device  100 . 
     Moreover, trusses  318  can be formed between vents  308  and  310  in combination with ribs  316  can add both structural support as well as assist in defining both the cadence and size of vents  308  and  310 . The cadence and size of vents  308  and  310  can be used to control air flow into portable computing device  100  as well as emission of RF energy in the form of EMI from portable computing device  100 . Accordingly, stiffener ribs can separate an area within vents  308  and  310  to produce an aperture sized to prevent passage of RF energy. As well known in the art, the size of an aperture can restrict the emission of RF energy having a wavelength that can be “trapped” by the aperture. In this case, the size of vents  308  and  310  is such that a substantial portion of RF energy emitted by internal components can be trapped within portable computing device  100 . Furthermore, by placing vents  308  and  310  at a downward facing surface of top case  106 , the aesthetics of portable computing device  100  can be enhanced since views of internal components from an external observer are eliminated. 
       FIG. 4  shows an internal view  400  of top case  106  with internal components removed to simplify the figure. Top case  106  can include bosses  480  that can be configured to receive fasteners  306  that, in turn, can attach bottom case  104  to top case  106 . Top case  106  can include clutch bolt zone  410 . The clutch bolt zone  410  can be configured to receive clutch mounting bolts that enable the display  120  to be pivotably attached to top case  106 . In one embodiment, the clutch bolt zone  410  can be configured to provide improved grounding between the top case  106  and the bottom case  104 . This is described in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 B. Top case  106  can also include rear vent region  420 . In one embodiment, rear vent region  420  can receive a conductive gasket that can improve grounding between top case  106  and bottom case  104 . This is described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIG. 7 . Top case  106  can also include support for a universal serial bus (USB) connector and a USB ground plate  430 . This is described in greater detail in  FIGS. 8A-8C  and  9 . Top case  106  can include speakers located in speaker area  440  for providing audio signals to the user. Elements of the speaker and top case  106  can be configured to provide an improved grounding path between top case  106  and bottom case  104  and are described in greater detail in conjunction with  FIGS. 10-11 . 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of clutch bolt zone  410  accordance with one embodiment described in the specification. Clutch bolt zone  410  shows an exemplary clutch assembly  530  affixed to top case  106  with screws  520 . In other embodiments, clutch assembly  530  can be attached with rivets, other fasteners, adhesives or clutch assembly  530  can be welded to top case  106 . In some embodiments, electrical noise can be present in top case  106  near clutch assembly  530 . Electrical noise can be attenuated, at least to some degree, by forming a shield (such as a Faraday cage) in an area near clutch assembly  530 . In one embodiment, clutch assembly  530  can include an annular outer region  531  and a central bore region  535 . In one embodiment, wires can be routed through central bore region  535  from components in the top case to the display  120 . Top case  106  and bottom case  104  can form a shield when the top case  106  and bottom case  104  are made from conductive material or the case material made conductive through conductive paints or liners. Additionally, top case  106  and bottom case  104  can be coupled to ground (signal or chassis) to enhance the performance of the EMI shield. 
     Although top case  106  and bottom case  104  are formed of conductive material, increasing electrical coupling between top and bottom cases  106 ,  104  can further enhance shielding properties. In one embodiment, a conductive elastomer can be used to enhance the electrical coupling between top case  106  and bottom case  104  by providing an electrical path through clutch assembly  530 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  are views of an elastomer configured to enhance the electrical coupling between the two piece case of portable computing device  100 . In one embodiment, the elastomer can be formed from conductive material. The elastomer can be affixed to one of the case pieces, or to an assembly that is in turn affixed to one of the case pieces. In one embodiment, a conductive elastomer can be formed from a silver loaded silicone. In another embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be formed from styrene, nitrile, neoprene or other compliant material that can be made conductive with an addition silver, copper, aluminum or any other technically feasible material. The selected materials forming the conductive elastomer provide a solid yet compliant elastomer that can deform at least partially when compressed. In one embodiment, the deformation can allow the elastomer to better conform to parts such as the clutch assembly  530  and bottom case  104 . 
       FIG. 6A  is a bottom view of one embodiment of a conductive elastomer  630 . Conductive elastomer  630  can include a first lobe  601 . This embodiment can provide enhanced electrical coupling between top case  106  and bottom case  104 . Bottom contact surface  605  is shown on underside of first lobe  601 . In one embodiment, the bottom contact surface  605  can be configured to make electrical contract with clutch assembly  530 . Conductive elastomer  630  can also include cavity  610  to accommodate mounting screws or other mechanical features near clutch assembly  530 . In one embodiment, cavity  610  can include an adhesive to mount and stabilize conductive elastomer  630  with respect to the clutch assembly  530 . In one embodiment, conductive elastomer  630  can include one or more highly conductive regions  640  that can form highly conductive pathways from the underside of the first lobe  601  to the top side of first lobe  601 . In one embodiment, the highly conductive regions  640  can be formed with ferromagnetic material that can be guided into position with a magnetic field while the conductive elastomer  630  is formed. In another embodiment, a two step molding process can be used to form conductive elastomer  630  including conductive regions  640 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the conductive elastomer  630  can be formed from an elastomer that can be relatively less conductive particularly when conductive elements  640  are disposed on the first lobe  601 .  FIG. 6B  is a top view of conductive elastomer  630 . First lobe  601  can include top contact surface  620 . Top contact surface  620  can be configured to contact the bottom case  104  when attached to the top case  106 . Highly conductive regions  640  are shown disposed on top contact surface  620 . In one embodiment, top contact surface  620  can be shaped to closely align with portions of the bottom case  106  that can contact conductive elastomer  630 . as described above. 
     In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer  630  can be affixed to and contact clutch assembly  530 . When bottom case  104  is attached to the top case  106 , the conductive elastomer can contact bottom case  104 , particularly through highly conductive regions  640  enhancing an electrical connection between top case  104  and bottom case  106  in an area near the conductive elastomer. In embodiments where at least one of top case  106  and bottom case  104  are coupled to ground, the conductive elastomer can improve the electrical coupling between top case  106  and bottom case  104  to ground thereby improving EMI shielding, at least in the area of the conductive elastomer. 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view  700  of a conductive rear gasket  702  configured to enhance electrical conductivity between top case  106  and bottom case  104  in rear vent region  420 . In one embodiment, rear gasket  702  can include highly conductive elements  710  distributed along a length of rear gasket  702 . Highly conductive elements  710  can enhance the electrical conductivity between the top case  106  and the bottom case  104  by providing low resistance electrical pathways. Conductive rear gasket  702  can include an adhesive layer  704  disposed on the underside of the gasket that can be used to affix the gasket  702  to the top case  106 . In one embodiment, the highly conductive elements  710  can be formed from ferromagnetic material as described in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate different views and embodiments of USB ground plate  430 . The USB ground plate  430  can be configured to contact a USB connector inserted through an opening on a side wall of top case  106  and into a USB receptacle. In some embodiments, the USB receptacle may not include ground contacts that can couple to a ground sheath included in the USB connector. USB ground plate  430  can provide that ground contact path.  FIG. 8A  is a top view of the USB ground plate  430 . The USB ground plate  430  can include one or more contact patches  802  that can be configured to contact at least one portion of the USB connector. The USB ground plate  430  can be formed from a metal such as a sheet metal or any other compliant and conductive material as copper, aluminum or the like. In another embodiment, the USB ground plate  430  can be formed from a compliant insulator and coated with a conductive coating. USB ground plate  430  can be attached to top case  106  with a conductive adhesive. In one embodiment, if top case  106  is anodized, the anodization layer in the area configured to receive the USB ground plate  430  can be removed. In one embodiment, the anodization layer can be removed by laser ablation. 
       FIG. 8B  is a side view of USB ground plate  430 . A profile of contact patch  802  is shown. In one embodiment, the profile of contact patch  802  can be symmetric. When contact patch  802  includes a symmetric profile, the insertion and removal force attributed to USB ground plate  430  can also be symmetric. In one embodiment, the retention force of the USB connector can be determined by the profile of USB ground patch  430 .  FIG. 8C  is a side view of another embodiment of USB ground patch  430 . In this embodiment, the contact patches can be realized with spring fingers  804 . Spring fingers  804  can be configured to provide an electrical pathway from the top case  106  to the USB connector through a relatively greater distance since the spring fingers  804  are easily configured to compliantly engage over larger distances. 
       FIG. 9  is a simplified view  900  of one embodiment of a USB connector  902  interacting with USB ground patch  430 . A USB receptacle  904  can be configured to receive USB connector  902  within top case  106 . Portions of the USB receptacle  904  can include contacts  906  that can couple with mating contacts (not shown) that are included in USB connector  902 . The USB connector  902  can include a ground sheath  908  that can surround mating contacts in the USB connector  902  and provide an electrical connection to a ground signal and/or shield associated with the USB connector  902 . In some embodiments, USB receptacle  904  can include a spring finger ground contact  910  that can contact a portion of ground sheath  908 . As shown, spring finger ground contact  910  can contact an upper portion of ground sheath  908 . However, in many embodiments, USB receptacle  904  can include no contacts for a lower portion of the ground sheath  908 . 
     USB ground plate  430  can be configured to provide a ground contact path for a lower portion of the ground sheath  908 . In one embodiment, the ground plate  430  can be configured to provide an electrical pathway between the USB connector  902  and top case  106 . 
       FIG. 10  shows one embodiment  1000  of a conductive elastomer configured provide an electrical pathway between top case  106  and bottom case  104  through a speaker mounting screw. Speaker  1002  can be disposed in speaker region  440  of top case  106 . Speaker  1002  can include a mounting screw configured to removably attach speaker  1002  to top case  106 . A conductive elastomer  1004  can be configured to contact the mounting screw. In some embodiments, the mounting screw can be inset in a mounting hole in speaker  1002  and the mounting hole can support, at least in part, the conductive elastomer  1004 . If bottom case  104  includes a protective coating, such as an anodization coating in the region that contacts conductive elastomer  1004  when bottom case  104  is affixed to top case  106 , then the protective coating can be removed in the contact region. In one embodiment, laser ablation can be used to remove the protective coating. Thus, an electrical pathway can be formed from top case  106 , through mounting screw, through conductive elastomer  1004  to bottom case  104 . The conductive elastomer  1004  can be formed as described in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  show conductive elastomers configured to integrate with bosses  480  and provide an electrical pathway between top case  106  and bottom case  104  in a region near bosses  480 .  FIG. 11A  shows one embodiment  1100  of a boss-coupled conductive elastomer  1110 . Boss  480  can include a surface  1105  that can receive conductive elastomer  1110 . In one embodiment, the surface  1105  can be adjacent to an opening in boss  480  configured to receive a fastener. If surface  1105  includes a protective coating, such as an anodization coating, then the protective coating can be removed before the conductive elastomer  1110  is attached. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer  1110  can be attached to surface  1105  with a conductive adhesive. Conductive elastomer  1110  can be configured to contact a portion of bottom case  104 . If bottom case  104  includes a protective coating in the region of contact, the protective coating can be removed to enhance the electrical contact from conductive elastomer  1110 . 
       FIG. 11B  is another embodiment  1150  of a boss-coupled conductive elastomer  1120 . In this embodiment, conductive elastomer  1120  is configured to surround an opening included in boss  480  that is configured to receive a fastener used to affix the bottom case  104  to the top case  106 . In another embodiment, the conductive elastomer  1120  can be affixed to the bottom case  104  and can come into contact with top case  106  when the bottom case  104  is attached to the top case  106 . In one embodiment, protective coating in the region of boss  480  configured to receive the conductive elastomer  1020  and protective coating on the bottom case  104  in the region configured to contact the conductive elastomer can be removed to enhance the electrical contact. Conductive elastomers  1110 ,  1120  can be formed as described above in  FIGS. 6A and 6B   
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the electrical pathway can begin at the top case  106 , through conductive elastomer  1110 ,  1120  to bottom case  104 . Conductive elastomers  1110  and  1120  can enhance electrical conductivity between top case  106  and bottom case  104  in an aesthetically pleasing manner by integrating with top case  106  features such as bosses  480 . In other embodiments, other features within top case  106  can be used to support conductive elastomers. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130418
Publication Date: 20141125
Grant Date: 20141125
Priority Date: 20121018
Inventors: SMITH BRANDON S.
ESPIRITU CHERYL P.
FARAHANI HOUTAN R.
SCHWALBACH CHARLES A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50485123