PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11516929-B2
Application Number: US-202016996795-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Power adapter housing with snaps capable of bidirectional deflection

Abstract:
A power adapter is disclosed. The power adapter includes housing parts that carries electronic components. To secure the housing parts together, one housing part includes snaps and another housing part includes protrusions and rails. During assembly, the protrusions slide under the snap, causing the snap to deflect in one direction, while the rails slide over the snap, which keeps the snap partially flat but also causes the snap to deflect in another direction. The engagement (during assembly) of the rails and the protrusions to opposing surfaces of the snap cause bi-directional deflection/bending of the snap. When each protrusion is positioned into an opening of the snap, the snap returns to a flat, non-deflected state, and the housing parts are secured together by the snap, protrusions, and rails. The rails support the snaps by limiting or preventing additional deflection of the snap, which subsequently promotes the housing remaining together.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A power adapter for providing electrical energy to electronic devices, the power adapter comprising:
 a first housing part comprising:
 a protrusion, and 
 a rail; and 
 
 a second housing part comprising a snap, the snap comprising:
 an opening, and 
 a column, 
 
 wherein an assembled state defined by the first housing part secured with the second housing part comprises the protrusion positioned in the opening and the rail covering the column. 
 
     
     
       2. The power adapter of  claim 1 , further comprising a second protrusion, wherein:
 the protrusion defines a first protrusion that includes a first inclined surface, 
 the second protrusion that includes a second inclined surface, and 
 the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface define an arc. 
 
     
     
       3. The power adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the first housing part further comprises a second rail, wherein
 the rail defines a first rail, 
 the column defines a first column, and 
 the second rail covers a second column of the snap in the assembled state, the second column opposite the first column. 
 
     
     
       4. The power adapter of  claim 3 , wherein during a transition to the assembled state, the protrusion causes the snap to deflect except for the first column and the second column. 
     
     
       5. The power adapter of  claim 1 , wherein the snap comprises:
 a first column defined by the column, 
 a second column, and 
 a third column positioned between the first column and the second column, wherein only the third column deflects during a transition to the assembled state. 
 
     
     
       6. The power adapter of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a port configured to couple with a cable, and 
 a plug configured to electrically couple with a power source. 
 
     
     
       7. The power adapter of  claim 1 , the snap comprises a cantilevered snap. 
     
     
       8. A power adapter for providing electrical energy to electronic devices, the power adapter comprising:
 a first housing part comprising:
 a first rail 
 a second rail, 
 a first protrusion that defines a first inclined surface, and 
 a second protrusion that defines a second inclined surface; and 
 
 a second housing part comprising a snap, the snap comprising:
 a first opening configured to receive the first protrusion, 
 a second opening configured to receive the second protrusion, 
 a first column, and 
 a second column, 
 
 wherein during an assembly of the first housing part with the second housing part, the first protrusion and the second protrusion deflect the snap in accordance with the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, and the first rail and the second rail secure the first column and the second column, respectively, such that the snap lacks deflection at the first column and the second column. 
 
     
     
       9. The power adapter of  claim 8 , wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion deflect the snap to define a deflected region of the snap, and the deflected region follows an arc defined by the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface. 
     
     
       10. The power adapter of  claim 9 , wherein the snap, in the deflected region, is bent along a first dimension and a second dimension different from the first dimension. 
     
     
       11. The power adapter of  claim 10 , wherein the first dimension is perpendicular to the second dimension. 
     
     
       12. The power adapter of  claim 8 , wherein the snap further comprises a third column separated from i) the first column by the first opening, and ii) the second column by the second opening. 
     
     
       13. The power adapter of  claim 8 , wherein during the assembly, the first protrusion and the second protrusion engage a first surface of the snap, and the first rail and the second rail engage a second surface of the snap, the second surface opposite the first surface. 
     
     
       14. The power adapter of  claim 13 , wherein the snap comprises:
 an attached region that extends from the second housing part; and 
 an unattached region movable with respect to the attached region. 
 
     
     
       15. An electronic device, comprising:
 a first housing part comprising:
 a first rail 
 a second rail, 
 a first protrusion, and 
 a second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are positioned between the first rail and the second rail; and 
 
 a second housing part comprising a snap, wherein during an assembly of the first housing part with the second housing part, the snap is configured to bend in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction based upon engagement with the first rail, the second rail, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the snap comprises:
 an attached region secured with the second housing part; and 
 an unattached region opposite the attached region, the unattached region configured to bend in the first direction and the second direction. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the first direction is perpendicular with respect to the second direction. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the snap comprises:
 a first rail; 
 a second rail; and 
 a third rail positioned between the first rail and the second rail. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein during the assembly, the snap is deflected at the third rail, and the snap lacks a deflection at the first rail and the second rail. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the snap comprises a first opening and a second opening, and in an assembled state, the first protrusion is located in the first opening and the second protrusion is located in the second opening.

Description:
FIELD 
     The following description relates to power adapters. In particular, the following description relates to power adapters with housing parts that integrate modified snaps designed to secure with protrusions/detents. At least one of the housing parts may include rails that fit over the snaps. The snaps are designed for significant flexibility, as they are designed to deflect/bend in multiple, different directions. In this regard, during an assembly of two housing parts of a power adapter, the protrusions cause the snaps to deflect in one direction, while the rails engage the ends of the snaps, causing the snaps to bend in another, different direction. Subsequent to assembly, the rails and protrusion further limit or prevent movement of the snaps, thereby maintaining the housing parts together. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Power adapters can include multiple housing parts used to store components for a power adapter. At least one method for combining the housing parts is to weld, including ultrasonic weld, the housing parts together. However, ultrasonic welding may provide some drawbacks. For instance, ultrasonic welding uses a horn that provides a high-frequency oscillation to the housing parts to weld them together. The housing parts can be exposed to thermal energy generated during an ultrasonic welding operation, which can warp the housing parts and reduce their aesthetic appearance. Regarding the appearance of the housing parts, the ultrasonic welding operation may result in marks, including scuff marks or other residual marking, on at least one of the housing parts. This may be significantly noticeable when the housing parts are white, for example. In order to overcome this issue, a sacrificial film (e.g., soft polyethylene) can cover the housing parts during the ultrasonic welding operation to minimize damage. However, these films and thin covers are not reusable, and generally wasteful. Moreover, power adapters can include several internal electronic components on a circuit board, any of which may be sensitive to high frequency and/or thermal energy. Accordingly, the ultrasonic welding operation may cause damage the circuit board and/or the electronic components, and the associated issues to the internal components of the power adapter may be unknown until the power adapter is tested or is in use. Additionally, welds created through the ultrasonic welding operation may often be weaker than the material of the housing parts. Also, the welds may include geometric stress concentrations, leading to a stress gradient(s) along the weld region. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a power adapter for providing electrical energy to electronic devices is described. The power adapter may include a first housing part. The first housing part may include a protrusion and a rail. The power adapter may further include a second housing part that includes a snap. The snap may include an opening and a column. In some embodiments, an assembled state defined by the first housing part secured with the second housing part comprises the protrusion positioned in the opening and the rail covering the column. 
     In another aspect, a power adapter for providing electrical energy to electronic devices is described. The power adapter may include a first housing part. The first housing part may include a first rail and a second rail. The first housing part may further include a first protrusion that defines a first inclined surface, as well as a second protrusion that defines a second inclined surface. The power adapter may further include a second housing part includes a snap. The snap may include a first opening configured to receive the first protrusion, as well as a second opening configured to receive the second protrusion. The snap may further include a first column and a second column. In some embodiments, during an assembly of the first housing part with the second housing part, the first protrusion and the second protrusion deflect the snap in accordance with the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, and the first rail and the second rail secure the first column and the second column, respectively, such that the snap lacks deflection at the first column and the second column. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device for providing electrical energy to electronic devices is described. The electronic device may include a first housing part. The first housing part may include a first rail and a second rail. The first housing part may further include a first protrusion and a second protrusion. In some embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are positioned between the first rail and the second rail. The electronic device may further include a second housing part includes a snap. In some embodiments, during an assembly of the first housing part with the second housing part, the snap is configured to bend in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction based upon engagement with the first rail, the second rail, the first protrusion, and the second protrusion. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary 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 and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure 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  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a power adapter; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an alternate isometric view of the power adapter shown in  FIG. 1 , showing additional features; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the power adapter, showing several features used to connect the housing parts; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the housing part, showing features of the snap; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the power adapter, showing the housings parts connected together by the snaps and the protrusions; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the power adapter shown in  FIG. 5 , taken along line  6 - 6 , showing the housing parts adhesively secured together; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of the power adapter shown in  FIG. 5 , taken along line  7 - 7 , showing additional features of the protrusions, the rails, and the snap, as well as their associated relationships; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of the power adapter during an assembly operation; 
         FIG. 9A-9C  illustrate the snap shown in  FIG. 8 , showing the snap in a deflected state, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the power adapter, showing the housing parts connected together in an assembled state; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a power adapter, showing a different number of protrusions; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a power adapter, showing a different configuration of protrusions; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a power adapter, showing yet a different configuration of protrusions; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an alternate embodiment of electronic devices using snaps and protrusions to secure housing parts together; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a method for assembling a power adapter, in accordance with some described embodiments; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to modifications and enhancements to housings for devices, such as power adapters. Specifically, this disclosure relates to connection/latching features that hold two housing parts together. For instance, for a power adapter with two housing parts, one housing part includes multiple protrusions, or detents, as well as multiple rails. The remaining housing part may include a snap, defined by a structure extending from the housing part with an opening for each protrusion. Prior to and subsequent to an assembly operation between two housing parts, the snap may define a planar, or flat, structure. However, during the assembly operation, the snap is designed to deflect/bend. In particular, the snap can deflect in multiple, different directions based upon the engagement with the protrusions and rails. As a result, the snap facilitates assembly of the power adapter. 
     In order to secure the housing parts together, the protrusions are brought into contact with the snap. The contact force provided by the protrusions causes the snap to deflect, or bend, out of its planar configuration. In this regard, the snap deflects in at least one direction consistent with a cantilevered configuration. Additionally, while the protrusions engage the snap, the rails slide over the ends of the snap, causing the snap to bend in another, different direction. In this regard, the snap can deflect along two different axes, e.g., X- and Y-axes (in Cartesian coordinates), in order to accommodate the assembly operation between the two housing parts of the power adapter. Moreover, while the snap is deflected in different directions, the ends of the snap, i.e., regions over which the snap is covered by the rails, remain generally planar/flat. 
     Additionally, the protrusions may include modifications to facilitate the assembly process. For example, each of the protrusions can be modified to include a tapered surface (or surfaces). The tapered surfaces provide an incline to allow the snap to more easily pass over the protrusions. 
     When each protrusion is located in a respective opening of the snap, the housing parts are coupled together and the snap returns to its original planar configuration, i.e., the snap is no longer deflected. Based on the rails covering the ends of the snap, a force is provided to the snap (by the rails) that may prevent the snap from sliding away from the protrusions. As a result, the housing parts remain together despite external forces acting on the housing parts. Accordingly, the design configuration of the snaps, protrusions, and rails may provide a power adapter with housing parts that require a disassembly force (or force required to disassemble the housing parts) that is significantly greater than that of the assembly force (or force required to assemble the housing parts). Thus, the power adapter is less likely to become disassembled. 
     The aforementioned modifications and enhancements to the housing parts provide advantages over other assembly techniques. For example, the snaps, protrusion, and rails can preclude the need for external tools, such as ultrasonic welding tools. In this manner, the snaps, protrusion, and rails obviate the need for high-frequency or high-heat application, such as ultrasonic welding, to the power adapter during assembly. Accordingly, the likelihood of damage to the housing parts or electronic components held by the housing parts is reduced. 
     Further, snaps shown and described herein offer unique advantages over traditional snaps. For instance, the bi-directional deflecting/bending of the snaps described herein facilitate the assembly process but resist additional deflection and provide an enhanced (i.e., relatively higher) retention force once assembled (due in part to the rails), and thus are less likely to allow the housing parts to disassemble, which is critical particularly when the device is in electrical contact with a 120-Volt source or some other high voltage source. The modifications, if any, to traditional snaps do not provide sufficient force against unwanted disassembly, particularly when the housing parts are critical for safety, such as housing parts of a power adapter. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a power adapter  100 . Power adapter  100  may refer to electronic device defined by an alternating current (“AC”) adapter or charger designed to plug into a wall outlet (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), which may include a 110-Volt to 120-Volt (“V”) AC source. In this regard, power adapter  100  is designed to receive AC and convert to direct current (“DC”), and supply DC at a specified level (e.g., 12-Volt DC) to various electronic devices (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), such as mobile wireless communication devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computing devices), desktop computing devices, and laptop computing devices. Power adapter  100  can be designed to provide a specified amount of power. In this regard, power adapter  100  may also be referred to as a 5-Watt (“W”), a 12-W, 18-W, or a 20-W adapter, as non-limiting examples, depending upon the electronic components (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of power adapter  100 . In some embodiments, power adapter  100  is rated for 100-240 V AC. 
     Power adapter  100  may include a housing part  102   a  and a housing part  102   b . Housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  may be referred to as a first housing part and a second housing part, respectively. Housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  may include a non-metal material(s), such as a plastic (as a non-limiting example). During assembly, housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  are joined along a seam  104 . 
     Power adapter  100  may include a plug  106  that includes a prong  108   a  and a prong  108   b , each of which is designed to electrically couple with the aforementioned wall outlet. In some embodiments, plug  106  is integrally formed with, and non-separable from, housing parts  102   a  and  102   b . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , plug  106  is separable from housing parts  102   a  and  102   b . Also, prongs  108   a  and  108   b  are rotatable, and may be positioned in an opening  110   a  and an opening  110   b , respectively. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an alternate isometric view of power adapter  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing additional features. As shown, power adapter  100  includes an opening  112  and a circuit board  114  aligned with opening  112 . Circuit board  114  can be designed in accordance with an industry standard, such as Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), including USB-C (as a non-limiting example). Circuit board  114  is designed to electrically couple with a cord-cable assembly (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), allowing power adapter  100  to supply power to one of the aforementioned electronic devices. Alternatively, in some embodiments (not shown), power adapter  100  includes a cord that replaces circuit board  114 . 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show and describe power adapter  100  in accordance with an industry standard. For instance, prongs  108   a  and  108   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) represent two pins that are generally flat and parallel with respect to each other. However, power adapter  100  can be modified for use in accordance with another industry standard. For instance, in some exemplary embodiments, prongs  108   a  and  108   b  are non-parallel prongs. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, power adapter  100  includes three prongs, at least one of which is cylindrical or tubular. Also, in some exemplary embodiments, power adapter  100  is designed for use (in terms of circuitry and power rating) with a 220- to 240-Volt AC source. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of power adapter  100 , showing several features used to connect housing parts  102   a  and  102   b . For purposes of simplicity, some features of power adapter  100  are removed. Also, a partial cross section of housing part  102   a  is shown, and additional features of housing part  102   a  may be present. Power adapter  100  may include circuit board  116  that holds, in addition to circuit board  114 , several electronic components, such as an electronic component  118   a  and an electronic component  118   b , each of which may be representative of additional electronic components. Electronic components  118   a  and  118   b  may include processing circuitry, capacitors, or an AC-to-DC converter, as non-limiting examples. 
     Housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  may include several features used to secure housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  together. For example, housing part  102   a  includes a protrusion  120   a  and a protrusion  120   b , as well as a rail  122   a  and a rail  122   b . Further, housing part  102   b  includes snap  124   a . The aforementioned features of housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  may be integrally formed (e.g., injection molded) with their respective housing part. In an assembled state between housing parts  102   a  and  102   b , protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  are each positioned in an opening (not labeled) of snap  124   a , and rails  122   a  and  122   b  secure over edge regions of snap  124   a . Accordingly, in the assembled state, the aforementioned features of housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  are integrally formed (with their respective housing part). Further, housing part  102   b  includes a snap  124   b , a snap  124   c , and a snap  124   d . Although not specifically shown and labeled, housing part  102   a  may include a pair of protrusions and rails for each of snaps  124   b ,  124   c , and  124   d.    
       FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged isometric view of housing part  102   b , showing features of snap  124   a . As shown, snap  124   a  includes an opening  126   a  and an opening  126   b , each of which representing a through hole designed to receive a protrusion, such as protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Additionally, snap  124   a  includes an attached region  128 , representing a location in which snap  124   a  is secured with housing part  102   b , and an unattached region  130 , representing a location in which snap  124   a  is not secured to housing part  102   b . Based on attached region  128  and unattached region, snap  124   a  may be referred to as a cantilevered snap designed to deflect, or bend, in response to a force to unattached region  130 . In this manner, unattached region  130  is movable relative to attached region  128 . 
     Additionally, snap  124   a  includes a column  132   a , a column  132   b , and a column  132   c . As shown, snap  124   a  is generally flat and includes major surfaces that are planar. However, during an assembly between housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) engage a surface of snap  124   a  along unattached region  130 , causing snap  124   a  to deflect. While protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  engage the surface of snap  124   a , rails  122   a  and  122   b  engage an opposing surface of snap  124   a , and cover columns  132   a  and  132   b , respectively. As a result, snap  124   a  deflects at certain locations of unattached region  130  and column  132   c , but snap  124   a  remains generally flat along columns  132   a  and  132   b . This will be shown and described below. It should be noted that snaps  124   b ,  124   c , and  124   d  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) may include any features and characteristics shown and described for snap  124   a . Also, housing part  102   b  includes a ledge  134  designed to mate with a corresponding ledge of housing part  102   a  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of power adapter  100 , showing the housings parts  102   a  and  102   b  connected together by the snaps and the protrusions. As shown in the enlarged view, protrusions  120   a  and  120   b , located on housing part  102   a , are positioned in openings  126   a  and  126   b , respectively, of snap  124   a , which is secured with housing part  102   b . Additionally, rails  122   a  and  122   b  cover end regions, or columns  132   a  and  132   b  (labeled in  FIG. 4 ), respectively. Also, protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  may include an inclined surface  140   a  and an inclined surface  140   b , respectively. Inclined surfaces  140   a  and  140   b  can define a tapered region, or ramp, designed to facilitate snap  124   a  passing over protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  during an assembly operation. In particular, the surface elevation of protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  may increase, based on inclined surfaces  140   a  and  140   b , respectively, in a direction of travel by housing part  120   a  toward housing part  102   b  during assembly. This will be further shown and described below. 
     The assembled state between housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  may be defined in part by the relationship between protrusions  120   a  and  120   b , rails  122   a  and  122   b , and snap  124   a  shown in enlarged view. The relationship between snap  124   a  and protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  represent a mechanical interlock, while rails  122   a  and  122   b  engage snap  124   a , thereby preventing or minimizing relative movement of snap  124   a , and thus preventing or minimizing movement of housing part  102   a  relative to housing part  102   b . In other words, the relationship between protrusions  120   a  and  120   b , rails  122   a  and  122   b , and snap  124   a  may prevent disassembly subsequent to an unassembled state. The features shown in enlarged view are representative of the remaining protrusions, rails, and snaps of housing parts  102   a  and  102   b.    
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of power adapter  100  shown in  FIG. 5 , taken along line  6 - 6 , showing housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  adhesively secured together. As shown in the enlarged view, the assembled state may include housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  secured together by an adhesive  142 . In particular, adhesive  142  may applied to housing part  102   a  or snap  124   a  such that the adhesive bond formed by adhesive  142  occurs between housing part  102   a  and snap  124   a , the latter of which is integrally formed with housing part  102   b . Further, adhesive  142  may be applied to an elevated location relative to protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). For instance, the position of application of adhesive  142  to snap  124   a  (or housing part  102   a ) may be higher, along the Z-axis, than the position of protrusion  120   a  and  120   b . In this manner, adhesive  142  may not come into contact with protrusions  120   a  and  120   b.    
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of power adapter  100  shown in  FIG. 5 , taken along line  7 - 7 , showing additional features of protrusions  120   a  and  120   b , rails  122   a  and  122   b , and snap  124   a , as well as their associated relationships. As shown, rails  122   a  and  122   b  cover, or at least substantially cover, columns  132   a  and  132   b , respectively, while column  132   c  is uncovered by any features on housing part  102   a . Also, in some instances, rails  122   a  and  122   b  contact/engage columns  132   a  and  132   b , respectively. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , rails  122   a  and  122   b  are separated from columns  132   a  and  132   b , respectively, by small gaps, but may re-engage should snap  124   a  undergo a pulling force subsequent to assembly. 
     As shown in the enlarged view, protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  include several extensions that define inclined surfaces  140   a  and  140   b , respectively (shown in  FIG. 5 ). For example, protrusion  120   a  includes an extension  144   a , an extension  144   b , and an extension  144   c . Extensions  144   a ,  144   b , and  144   c  includes varying lengths, as extension  144   c  is longer than extension  144   b , which is longer than extension  144   a . Accordingly, extensions  144   a ,  144   b , and  144   c  define inclined surface  140   a  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). Similarly, protrusion  120   b  includes an extension  144   d , an extension  144   e , and an extension  144   f . Extensions  144   d ,  144   e , and  144   f  includes varying lengths, as extension  144   f  is longer than extension  144   e , which is longer than extension  144   d . Accordingly, extensions  144   d ,  144   e , and  144   f  define inclined surface  140   b  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). Moreover, extensions  144   a ,  144   b , and  144   c  combine with extensions  144   d ,  144   e , and  144   f  to define an arc  146 . Arc  146  may include a curved line that is generally smooth, or continuous, in nature. Arc  146  may define a deflection, or bending, pattern in snap  124   a  during the assembly operation between the housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) of power adapter  100 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of power adapter  100  during an assembly operation. As shown, housing part  102   a  moves toward housing part  102   b , causing protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  to slide under snap  124   a , and rails  122   a  and  122   b  to slide over snap  124   a . Accordingly, protrusion  120   a  and  120   b  engage a surface of snap  124   a , while rails  122   a  and  122   b  engage another (opposing) surface of snap  124   a . As a result, during the assembly operation, snap  124   a  is deflected in multiple directions due to interaction with protrusions  120   a  and  120   b , as well as rails  122   a  and  122   b.    
       FIG. 9A-9C  illustrate snap  124   a  shown in  FIG. 8 , showing snap  124   a  in a deflected state, in accordance with some described embodiments.  FIG. 9A  illustrates an isometric view of snap  124   a  isolated and in the deflected state. As shown, snap  124   a  is deflected along a deflection line  146   a , a deflection line  146   b , and a deflection line  146   c . Based upon snap  124   a  having attached region  128 , where snap  124   a  is attached to housing part  102   b  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ), and unattached region  130 , snap  124   b  can deflect along deflection line  146   a , resulting in at least some deflection at unattached region  130  and column  132   c  in one direction. However, due in part to rails  122   a  and  122   b  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) engaging columns  132   a  and  132   b , respectively, during assembly, snap  124   b  can deflect along deflection lines  146   b  and  146   c , resulting in additional deflection at unattached region  130  and column  132   c  in another, different direction. Further, due to rails  122   a  and  122   b  covering (or at least substantially covering) columns  132   a  and  132   b , columns  132   a  and  132   b  remain generally planar/flat, i.e., un-deflected. The locations at which rails  122   a  and  122   b  cover columns  132   a  and  132   b , respectively, generally define the location of deflection lines  146   b  and  146   c , respectively. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a cross sectional view of snap  124   a  shown in  FIG. 9A , taken along line  9 B- 9 B. Based upon the orientation shown, when snap  124   a  is not in the deflected state (represented by dotted lines), snap  124   a  generally extends along the Z-axis, with the cross-section lying on a Y-Z plane. However, as shown, snap  124   a  is deflected at deflection line  146   a , causing snap  124   a  (and in particular, column  132   c ) to partially deflect along the Y-Z plane, thereby partially deflecting snap  124   a  out of the Z-axis. 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates a cross sectional view of snap  124   a  shown in  FIG. 9A , taken along line  9 C- 9 C. Based upon the orientation shown, when snap  124   a  is not in the deflected state (represented by dotted lines), snap  124   a  generally extends along the X-axis, with the cross-section lying on an X-Y plane. However, as shown, snap  124   a  is deflected at deflection lines  146   b  and  146   c , causing snap  124   a  (and in particular, unattached region  130 ) to partially deflect along the X-Y plane, thereby partially deflecting snap  124   a  out of the X-axis. In other words, snap  124   a  is curved, i.e., non-planar, between deflection lines  146   b  and  146   c . However, snap  124   a  remains generally flat or planar along regions associated with columns  132   a  and  132   b , defined generally by regions that lie outside deflection lines  146   b  and  146   c . Accordingly,  FIGS. 9A-9C  show snap  124   a  bending in two different directions during an assembly operation. In other words, snap  124   a  is capable of bending in two different (perpendicular) directions during the assembly operation. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of power adapter  100 , showing housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  connected together in an assembled state. When housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  are secured together, protrusions  120   a  and  120   b  are positioned in openings  126   a  and  126   b , respectively, of snap  124   a . As a result, snap  124   a  is no longer in the deflected state, i.e., snap  124   a  returns to its (original) planar/flat state. Additionally, rails  122   a  and  122   b  at least partially cover end regions, defined by columns  132   a  and  132   b  (shown in  FIG. 9A ), respectively. As a result of protrusion  120   a  and  120   b  as well as rails  122   a  and  122   b , snap  124   a  can resist at least some forces acting to pull housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  apart. Further, although now shown, housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  include additional protrusions, rails, and snaps that combine to resist forces that may otherwise pull housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  apart. Adhesive  142  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) can also resist some forces acting to pull housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  apart. 
       FIGS. 5-10  show and describe mechanical features used to secure housing parts  102   a  and  102   b  together. Further, these features preclude the need for high-frequency and/or high-heat tools that may lead to damage to housing parts  102   a  and  102   b , as well as circuit board  116  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) and/or electrical components located on circuit board  116 . Moreover, the mechanical features not only provide an advantageous method for assembly, but also provide a mechanism for preventing disassembly. As a result, traditional melting/welding methods may no longer be required. 
       FIGS. 11-13  show and describe power adapters with different types of mechanical fasteners, in accordance with some described embodiments. The power adapters shown and described in  FIGS. 11-13  may include several features and components previously described for a power adapter. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a power adapter  200 , showing a different number of protrusions. As shown, power adapter  200  includes a housing part  202   a  and a housing part  202   b . Housing part  202   a  includes a protrusion  220 , a rail  222   a , and a rail  222   b , while housing part  202   b  includes a snap  224 . Protrusion  220  represents a single protrusion used with snap  224 . For instance, snap  224  includes an opening  226 , representing a single opening in snap  224 . Accordingly, in some instances, a latching assembly that includes a protrusion, rails, and a snap may require one protrusion, such as protrusion  220 . Also, protrusion  220  may include an inclined surface  240  to facilitate snap  224  sliding over protrusion  220 . Further, it should be noted that power adapter  200  may include several additional latch assemblies that includes features similar to protrusion  220 , rails  222   a  and  222   b , and snap  224 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a power adapter  300 , showing a different configuration of protrusions. As shown, power adapter  300  includes a housing part  302   a  and a housing part  302   b . Housing part  302   a  includes a protrusion  320   a  and a protrusion  320   b , as well as a rail  322   a  and a rail  322   b , while housing part  302   b  includes a snap  324  that defines an opening  326   a  and an opening  326   b . Similar to prior embodiments, protrusions  320   a  and  320   b  are positioned in openings  326   a  and  326   b , in accordance with an assembled state. 
     Whereas prior embodiments of protrusions included inclined surfaces, protrusions  320   a  and  320   b  include a tab  348   a  and a tab  348   b , respectively. Tabs  348   a  and  348   b  generally represent a triangular cross section with a generally perpendicular surface and an inclined surface. However, the slope of the inclined surfaces of tabs  348   a  and  348   b  may facilitate pulling snap  324  away from protrusions  320   a  and  320   b  to pull housing parts  302   a  and  302   b  apart. Accordingly, in some embodiments, power adapter  300  may include features designed for rework applications, in order to inspect and/or provide repairs. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a power adapter  400 , showing yet a different configuration of protrusions. As shown, power adapter  400  includes a housing part  402   a  and a housing part  402   b . Housing part  402   a  includes a protrusion  420   a  and a protrusion  420   b , as well as a rail  422   a  and a rail  422   b , while housing part  402   b  includes a snap  424  that defines an opening  426   a  and an opening  426   b . Similar to prior embodiments, protrusions  420   a  and  420   b  are positioned in openings  426   a  and  426   b , in accordance with an assembled state. 
     Whereas prior embodiments of protrusion included inclined surface, protrusions  320   a  and  320   b  include inclined surfaces (not labeled), with the slope of the inclined surfaces positioned to facilitate pulling snap  424  away from protrusions  420   a  and  420   b  to pull housing parts  402   a  and  402   b  apart. In particular, the inclined surfaces of protrusions  420   a  and  420   b  are relatively long and gradual, which may facilitate sliding snap  424  over protrusions  420   a  and  420   b . Accordingly, in some embodiments, power adapter  400  may include yet another embodiment in which protrusions  420   a  and  420   b  are modified for rework applications. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an alternate embodiment of electronic devices using snaps and protrusions to secure housing parts together.  FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric view of a network device  560 . Network device  560  may include a network router or modem, as non-limiting examples, used to transmit data via Internet technology. As shown, network device  560  includes a housing part  502   a  and a housing part  502   b  connected with housing part  502   a . Network device  560  further includes a latch assembly  564 , representative of additional latch assemblies (not labeled). Latch assembly  564  may include mechanical features previously described for securing housing parts together. For instance, latch assembly  564  may include one or more protrusions and one or more rails secured with housing part  502   a . Latch assembly  564  further includes a snap secured with housing part  502   b . As a result, latch assembly  564  includes features used to secure housing parts  502   a  and  502   b  together. 
     While this detailed description shows and describes power adapters and other devices (e.g., network device  560 ) that advantageously employ modified latch features (e.g., protrusions, rails, and snaps), it should be noted that other devices may include the latch features shown and described herein. For example, video streaming devices, mobile wireless communication devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computing devices), laptop computing devices may also incorporate the latch features described herein. Generally, products in which a housing is defined by at least two distinct housing components may incorporate the latch features described herein to secure together the housing components. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a method  600  for assembling a device, in accordance with some described embodiments. The device may include power adapters or any device described herein. In this regard, the power adapters and devices described herein may incorporate method  600  during an assembly operation. 
     In step  602 , a first housing part and a second housing part of the power adapter are provided. The first housing part may include a protrusion and a rail. Additionally, the first housing part may include a second protrusion and a second rail, and the protrusion and the second protrusion may be positioned between the first rail and the second rail. Also, the second housing part may a snap. 
     In step  604 , a first surface of the snap engages the protrusion and the rail. In order for the snap to engage the protrusion, the first housing part is moved toward (and relative to) the second housing part, or vice versa. 
     In step  606 , a first surface of the snap engages the rail. The first and second surface may define major surfaces. Further, first and second surface are opposing surfaces. 
     In step  608 , while the protrusion and the rail engage the first surface and the second surface, respectively, the snap is deflected in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. The deflection of the snap is defined by a curved, non-planar, surface (or surfaces) of the snap. However, the snap, in locations where the rail(s) cover the snap, can remain planar/flat despite engagement with the protrusion that causes a deflection in the snap in other locations of the snap. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  700 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The features in electronic device  700  may be present in other electronic devices described herein. Electronic device  700  may include one or more processors  710  for executing functions of the electronic device  700 . One or more processors  710  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. Also, one or more processors  710  can refer to application specific integrated circuits. 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  700  can include one or more input/output components  740 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  740  can refer to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user. When one or more input/output components  740  are used, one or more input/output components  740  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to one or more processors  710  via one or more connection cables  742 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  700  can include a power supply  750  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of electronic device  700 . In some examples, power supply  750  can refer to a rechargeable battery. Power supply  750  can be connected to one or more processors  710  via one or more connection cables  752 . The power supply  750  can be directly connected to other devices of electronic device  700 , such as one or more input/output components  740 . In some examples, electronic device  700  can receive power from another power sources (e.g., an external charging device). 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  700  can include memory  760 , which can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within memory  760 . In some cases, memory  760  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. Memory  760  can also include a Random Access Memory (“RAM”) and a Read-Only Memory (“ROM”). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the electronic device  700 . In some embodiments, memory  760  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium. One or more processors  710  can also be used to execute software applications. In some embodiments, a data bus  762  can facilitate data transfer between memory  760  and one or more processors  710 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  700  can include wireless communications components  770 . A network/bus interface  772  can couple wireless communications components  770  to one or more processors  710 . Wireless communications components  770  can communicate with other electronic devices via any number of wireless communication protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), or the like. In some examples, the wireless communications components  770  can communicate using NFC protocol, BLUETOOTH® protocol, or WIFI® protocol. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200818
Publication Date: 20221129
Grant Date: 20221129
Priority Date: 20200818
Inventors: DVORAK, PETER A.
DAHL, JEREMY M.
FOOTE, Michael A.
THORNE, BRIAN K.
LOZANO VILLARREAL, Cesar
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6675", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/506", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/44", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/065", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0247", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0052", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0247", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/065", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0052", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6675", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/44", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/15", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80269072