PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11606450-B2
Application Number: US-201916271665-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Structural support member for a data port of a device housing

Abstract:
This disclosure describes features and methods of formation of a data port for a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a device housing having a wall defining a data port opening. An anchoring feature is formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. A structural support member is positioned within the data port opening and reinforces the data port opening. A polymer material fills a gap between the structural support member and a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. The polymer material engages the anchoring feature to retain the structural support member within the data port opening.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a device housing including a wall defining a data port opening extending therethrough; 
 an electrical receptacle connector positioned within the device housing, the electrical receptacle connector defining a cavity and a receiving opening for the cavity, wherein the electrical receptacle connector further includes a plurality of electrical contacts positioned within the cavity; 
 a structural support member positioned within the device housing and extending from the data port opening to a distal end at the receiving opening, the structural support member defining a channel such that a corresponding plug connector can be inserted through the data port opening, through the channel, through the receiving opening and into the cavity of the receptacle connector; 
 a polymer material disposed between an outside surface of the structural support member and an interior surface of the device housing, the polymer material engaging a recessed groove formed on the interior surface of the device housing and engaging a ridge formed on the outside surface of the structural support member wherein the groove and the ridge engage with the polymer material to retain and seal the structural support member within the device housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the polymer material is in direct contact with both the device housing and the structural support member. 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the structural support member is recessed back from an exterior surface of the device housing. 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the polymer material fills the recessed groove. 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the ridge protrudes from the structural support member and into the polymer material to oppose movement of the structural support member relative to the polymer material. 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a display assembly configured to provide a user interface to a user of the portable electronic device, the display assembly being supported at least in part by a portion of the polymer material. 
 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a display assembly having an active display area, a distance between an edge of the active display area and a portion of the wall defining the data port being less than 5 mm. 
     
     
       8. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle connector is in abutting contact with the polymer material. 
     
     
       9. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the polymer material comprises a first material positioned at an exterior surface of the device housing and a second material abutting the first material and separating the first material from an interior of the device housing. 
     
     
       10. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing including a receiving aperture; 
 a structural support member positioned within the housing and extending from the receiving aperture to a distal end, the structural support member defining a channel extending there through, the channel aligned with the receiving aperture; 
 an electrical receptacle connector positioned adjacent the distal end of the structural support member and including a receiving opening aligned with the channel such that a plug connector can pass through the receiving aperture, through the channel, through the receiving opening and into the receptacle connector, wherein the electrical receptacle connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts; 
 a polymer material filling a gap between an exterior surface of the structural support member and an interior portion of the electronic device, the polymer material engaging a recessed groove formed on the interior portion of the housing and engaging a ridge formed on the outside surface of the structural support member, wherein the groove and the ridge engage with the polymer material to retain and seal the structural support member within the housing. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the polymer material extends into the groove. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the polymer material electrically insulates the structural support member from the housing. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the gap is a uniform distance. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the structural support member is formed from stainless steel and the housing is formed from an aluminum alloy. 
     
     
       15. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a device housing defining a receiving aperture sized to receive a mating connector; 
 a structural support member positioned within the device housing and extending from the receiving aperture to a distal end; 
 an electrical receptacle connector positioned within the device housing and located adjacent the distal end of the structural support member, wherein the electrical receptacle connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts; and 
 a polymer material disposed between an outside surface of the structural support member and an interior surface of the device housing, the polymer material engaging a recessed groove formed on the interior surface of the device housing and engaging a ridge formed on the outside surface of the structural support member, wherein the groove and the ridge engage with the polymer material to retain and seal the structural support member within the device housing. 
 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 15 , wherein a curvature of a portion of the polymer material at an exterior surface of the device housing matches a curvature of an exterior portion of the device housing adjacent to the receiving aperture. 
     
     
       17. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the polymer material prevents passage of water from the receptacle connector into other portions of the device housing. 
     
     
       18. The portable electronic device as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the polymer material and the structural support member cooperatively define a chamfered opening leading into a central opening defined by the structural support member.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/729,822, filed on Sep. 11, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to data ports for electronic devices. In particular, methods and apparatus for supporting a structural support member within a data port with insert molded polymer material are described. 
     BACKGROUND 
     User demand for higher performance and functionality for their portable electronic devices have driven device makers to continually look for additional ways to squeeze extra performance into a device that remains portable. One way in which performance is being enhanced is increasing the area across which an active display area of a display assembly extends. Unfortunately, various components arranged around the edge of the device can interfere with extending the display assembly to the edge of the device. Consequently, ways of securing these components in place without blocking the placement of the display assembly is desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure describes various methods by which polymer material can be used to support a structural support member within an I/O port opening. 
     A portable electronic device is described and includes the following: a device housing including a wall defining a data port opening extending therethrough; a first anchoring feature formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening; a structural support member positioned within the data port opening and spaced apart from the portion of the wall defining the data port opening by a gap, the structural support member including a second anchoring feature; a polymer material filling the gap and engaging the first and second anchoring features to retain the structural support member within the data port opening; and a data port receptacle disposed within the device housing and aligned with the data port opening, the data port receptacle including electrical contacts. 
     A data port is described and includes the following: a wall defining a data port opening extending therethrough; a first anchoring feature formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening; a structural support member positioned within the data port opening, the structural support member including a second anchoring feature; and a polymer material filling a gap between the structural support member and the portion of the wall defining the data port, the polymer material engaging the first and second anchoring features to retain the structural support member within the data port opening and to form a water-resistant seal between the portion of the wall defining the data port opening and the structural support member. 
     A portable electronic device is described and includes the following: a device housing comprising a wall defining a data port opening; a first anchoring feature extending a portion of the wall defining the data port opening; a structural support member supported and fixed in place within the data port opening by the polymer material; a polymer material engaging the first anchoring feature; and a data port receptacle comprising electrical contacts, the data port receptacle being aligned with the data port opening and in abutting contact with the polymer material. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       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: 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  show exemplary electronic devices suitable for use with the described embodiments; 
         FIG.  2 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of a data port in accordance with section line A-A, as shown in  FIG.  1 B ; 
         FIG.  2 B  shows a top view of the data port shown in  FIGS.  1 B and  2 A ; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 H  show a process for manufacturing a data port; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 F  show another process by which a structural support member can be installed within a data port opening; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  show yet another process by which a structural support member can be installed within a data port opening; and 
         FIG.  6    shows a block diagram illustrating a method for installing a structural support member within a data port. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described 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 described embodiments may 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 described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     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. 
     Portable electronic devices can be formed from relatively soft materials such as polymers and aluminum that can be subject to becoming easily scratched or dented when used to line the interior of a data port receptacle. For this reason, a material with more robust material attributes can be used to line an interior of the data port receptacle. For example, a stainless steel structural support member could be used to line the interior of the data port receptacle. Positioning the structural support member within an opening of a device housing of the portable electronic device can require mounting hardware that takes up valuable space within the device housing. 
     One solution to this problem is to secure the structural support member within the data port receptacle with insert-molded material. A fixturing device can be used to precisely position the structural support member within a data port opening defined by a device housing. Once positioned within the opening by the fixturing device molten polymer material can be injected between the structural support member and portions of the device housing defining the data port opening. Once the polymer material solidifies, the fixturing device can be removed and the structural support member effectively floats within the data port opening supported only by the solidified polymer material. 
     Portions of the solidified polymer material and device housing located along an exterior of the portable electronic device can be co-finished during a machining operation so that the polymer material blends seamlessly in with exterior surfaces of the device housing. The polymer material also provides a seal between the device housing and the structural support member that helps to prevent water from intruding into the device housing from between the structural support member and the device housing. Excess portions of the polymer material positioned within interior areas of the device housing can be shaped to clear space for other components. For example, a portion of the polymer material adjacent to a display assembly of the portable electronic device can be removed to allow an active area of the display assembly to extend as close to an edge of the device housing as possible. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6   ; 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 A  shows a perspective view of an exemplary portable electronic device  100  suitable for use with the described embodiments. In particular, portable electronic device  100  includes device housing  102 , which can be formed of metal or polymer materials. For example, device housing  102  can be formed from an aluminum alloy and/or stainless steel. Display assembly  104  is also depicted and can be configured to display a touch-sensitive user interface configured to receive commands from a user interacting with portable electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, portable electronic device  100  can include push button  106 , which can be configured to help a user navigate the user interface displayed by display assembly  104 . In some embodiments, push button  106  can also include sensors for identifying a user of portable electronic device  100 . Device housing  102  can define an opening to accommodate data port  108  for portable electronic device  100 . Data port  108  can take many forms including various types of USB connectors or a lightning connector. Structures for supporting and positioning data port  108  can be disposed adjacent to and in some cases around a perimeter of the opening defined by device housing  102 . 
       FIG.  1 B  depicts portable electronic device  150  suitable for use with the described embodiments. In particular, display assembly  104  can extend across a larger portion of portable electronic device  100  and come substantially closer to data port  108 . For this reason, support structures associated with data port  108  should be adjusted to accommodate circuitry and components associated with display assembly  104 . For example, components associated with display assembly  104  may protrude toward data port  108 , thereby limiting an amount of space that can be occupied by any support structures associated with data port  108 . In some embodiments, a support structure associated with data port  108  can also be utilized to support one end of display assembly  104 . 
       FIG.  1 C  shows device housing  102  with display assembly  104  removed. As depicted, device housing  102  can include four sidewalls  110  and a back wall  112 . In some embodiments, back wall  112  can be integrally formed with sidewalls  110 . In some embodiments, back wall  112  can be coupled to sidewalls  110  and formed at least in part from a radio transparent material that allows for the passage of wireless signals or inductive charging through back wall  112 . For example, back wall  112  can be formed from both a metal reinforcing layer for structural support and a glass panel. In some embodiments, the metal reinforcing layer can be a steel lattice that includes one or more openings that accommodate the passage of wireless transmissions through back wall  112 . 
       FIG.  2 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of data port  108  in accordance with section line A-A, as shown in  FIG.  1 B . Data port  108  includes a structural support member or structural support member  202  disposed within and following an interior surface of a data port opening defined by sidewall  110 . Structural support member  202  floats within the data port opening and is supported by polymer material  204 . Polymer material  204  includes a portion  206  that helps retain polymer material  204  within the data port opening by interacting with an anchoring feature taking the form of recessed groove  208  defined by sidewall  110 . Polymer material  204  conforms with anchoring features of structural support member  202  taking the form of ridges  209 . In this way, ridges/protrusions  209  can interlock with portions of polymer material  204  to help prevent movement of structural support member  202  relative to polymer material  204 . In some embodiments, structural support member  202  can be entirely supported and retained by polymer material  204 . Structural support member  202  and polymer material  204  also cooperatively define a chamfered opening region for receiving and guiding a data plug into data port  108 . An exterior facing end of polymer material  204  prevents water from intruding between structural support member  202  and sidewall  110  and in this way acts as a water-resistant seal at an exterior surface of the device. 
       FIG.  2 A  also shows how a first portion of the exterior facing end of polymer material  204  is co-finished with sidewall  110  so that its curvature matches and is continuous with an adjacent portion of sidewall  110 . A second portion of the exterior facing end of polymer material  204  has a flat chamfered geometry that helps guide a plug into data port  108  and matches a flat chamfered geometry of a forward portion of structural support member  202 . An interior facing end of polymer material  204  abuts and seals to a portion of data port receptacle  210  to prevent any water intruding into data port  108  from exiting data port  108  and intrude into water sensitive areas within portable electronic device  100  or  150 . Electrical contacts  212  within data port receptacle  210  can be water resistant such that any water disposed within data port  108  does not adversely affect operation of electrical contacts  212 . Display assembly  214  can take the form of an LCD display, an OLED display, a MicroLED display, or other display suitable for use with a portable electronic device. Display assembly  214 , as depicted, is affixed to an interior facing surface of cover glass  216  and is supported at least in part by a surface of polymer material  204 . In this way, polymer material  204  provides structural support for structural support member  202  and display assembly  214 . As a result of structural support member  202  being supported exclusively by polymer material  204 , no flange feature is needed to protrude between sidewall  110  and display assembly  214 , allowing display assembly  214  to extend almost all the way up to sidewall  110 . In this way, an active display area of display assembly  214  can extend almost entirely to an outer edge of the portable electronic device. For example, a distance between the active display area and sidewall  110  could be less than 5 mm. Furthermore, polymer material  204  forms a cosmetic surface that creates an aesthetically pleasing transition between sidewall  110  and structural support member  202 . Polymer material  204  can be formed from material such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) which has robust material properties allowing it to maintain its shape and surface consistency through anodizing or other surface finishing processes. 
       FIG.  2 B  shows a top view of data port  108 . In particular,  FIG.  2 B  shows how lateral portions of structural support member  202  also include a series of ridges that help structural support member  202  stay engaged with and secured by polymer material  204 .  FIG.  2 B  also shows how recessed groove  208  extends along opposing lateral sides of the data port opening  108  defined by sidewall  110 . A regular distribution of electrical contacts  212  is shown; however, it should be noted that other uneven distributions of electrical contacts  212  is possible and could be arranged in this manner for compatibility with particular connector plug types. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 H  show a process for manufacturing data port  108 .  FIG.  3 A  shows a two piece fixturing device  300  that includes bracket  302  and threaded receiver  304 . Bracket  302  defines a fastener opening sized to receive a fastener for coupling bracket  302  to threaded receiver  304 . Bracket  302  includes an elongated protruding end sized to extend through a portion of central opening defined by structural support member  202 . Likewise, threaded receiver  304  also is sized to extend through a portion of the central opening defined by structural support member  202 . 
       FIG.  3 B  shows how structural support member  202  can be secured between bracket  302  and threaded receiver  304 . A fastener  306  is shown being aligned with the fastener opening of bracket  302 . Arrow  308  shows how fastener  306  can be inserted within the fastener opening of bracket  302  to engage threading defined by threaded receiver  304 . 
       FIG.  3 C , shows how fastener  306  fully engaged with the threaded opening of threaded receiver  304  couples bracket  302  and threaded receiver  304  together, thereby preventing any undesired movement of structural support member  202  relative to two piece fixturing device  300 .  FIG.  3 C  also shows arrow  311 , which indicates how fixturing device  300  can be inserted within data port opening  312 .  FIG.  3 D  shows how fixturing device  300  can be positioned within data port opening  312  and how interaction between an outer surface of sidewall  110  and bracket  302  interact to precisely position structural support member  202  relative to data port opening  312 . 
       FIG.  3 E  shows a top down cross-sectional view of a portion of device housing  102  showing how fasteners  314  can engage threaded openings defined by sacrificial portions of sidewall  110  of device housing to prevent movement of two piece fixturing device  300  during an injection molding operation due to forces exerted by pressurized molten polymer material. Fasteners  314  can oppose forces exerted upon bracket  302  by pressurized molten polymer material  204  during an injection molding operation. Polymer material  204  is shown after being injected within a cavity  315  defined by sidewall  110 . Polymer material  204  is shown extending between sidewall  110  and structural support member  202 , thereby fixing a position of structural support member  202  centered horizontally within data port opening  312 . 
       FIG.  3 F  shows a side view of structural support member  202  and how structural support member  202  is centered vertically within data port opening  312 . Portions of polymer material  204  are shown filling a channel or channels defined by sidewall  110  such that once polymer material  204  is solidified, interaction between the portion of polymer material  204  and the channel prevents movement of structural support member  202  relative to sidewall  110 . 
       FIG.  3 G  shows how bracket  302  can be removed from data port opening  312  once fastener  306  is disengaged from bracket  302  and threaded receiver  304 . Dashed line  316  of  FIG.  3 H  shows how bracket  302  helps define a chamfered inlet leading into an interior volume defined by structural support member  202 . A geometry of bracket  302  can be complementary to a chamfered geometry of structural support member  202  thereby minimizing any flash buildup upon structural support member  202 .  FIG.  3 H  shows how portions of sidewall  110  can be machined away to achieve a desired shape of sidewall  110  as shown by dashed lines  316 . In some embodiments, threaded receiver  304  can be pulled out of structural support member  202  once an amount of polymer material  204  is machined away.  FIG.  2 A  shows an exemplary final shape of sidewall  110  after undergoing a machining operation similar to the contour shown by dashed line  316 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  show a manufacturing process using an alternate embodiment.  FIG.  4 A  shows a single piece fixturing device  402 . Single piece fixturing device  402  includes one or more fastener openings  403  for securing fixturing device  402  in place during a manufacturing operation. Single piece fixturing device  402  is used to position a structural support member  404  that includes a sacrificial threaded receiver region  406  in place within a data port opening.  FIG.  4 B  shows fastener  408  extending through fastener opening  403  and engaging threading of sacrificial threaded receiver region  406 , thereby securing fixturing device  402  directly to structural support member  404 . 
       FIG.  4 C  shows how once fastener  408  is fully engaged with the sacrificial threaded receiver region  406  of structural support member  404 , single piece fixturing device  402  and structural support member  404  can be secured together, thereby preventing any undesired movement of structural support member  404  relative to single piece fixturing device  402 .  FIG.  4 C  also includes an arrow showing how fixturing device  402  can be inserted within data port opening  312 .  FIG.  4 D  shows how fixturing device  402  can be positioned within data port opening  312  and how interaction between an outer surface of sidewall  110  and bracket  302  interact to precisely position structural support member  202  relative to data port opening  312 . While not specifically depicted it should be appreciated that single piece fixturing device  402  can include openings that allow additional fasteners  408  to secure single piece fixturing device  402  to sidewall  110  (e.g. see  FIG.  3 E ). 
       FIG.  4 E  shows structural support member  404  and its threaded receiver region  406  secured within polymer material  204 . This embedding can be achieved in the same manner previously shown in  FIGS.  3 C- 3 G . Dashed line  410  identifies portions of sidewall  110 , sacrificial threaded receiver region  406  and polymer material  204  that can be machined away to finalize the data port.  FIG.  4 F  shows how a machining process can be used to remove sacrificial threaded receiver region  406 . In this way, a rear end of structural support member  404  can be opened up to accommodate passage of a plug connector through structural support member  404 . Additional portions of polymer material  204  and sidewall  110  are subsequently machined away to finalize the data port. A connector terminal assembly, such as connector terminal assembly  210  (see  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B ) can also be added to provide an electrical connection for a plug extending through the finalized data port. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  show how a structural support member can be installed within a data port opening. In particular,  FIG.  5 A  shows how cosmetic trim material  502  can be insert molded around one end of a structural support member  504 . Cosmetic trim material  502  can have material properties that make it better suited cosmetically than other polymer materials that could have, for example, better structural properties. Structural support member  504  can include multiple anchoring features  506  protruding from a main portion of structural support member  504 . 
       FIG.  5 B  shows how a plug  508  can be inserted through an opening defined by structural support member  504 . A shape of plug  508  can be complementary to or slightly larger than the opening defined by structural support member  504 . In this way, plug  508  can cover and mask interior walls defining the opening in structural support member  504 . As depicted, a base of plug  508  can also match an outer perimeter of structural support member  504 .  FIG.  5 C  shows how plug  508  can be inserted into a cavity defined by housing material  510 . The cavity can be sized to create an interference fit with plug  508  to prevent inadvertent movement of plug  508 . 
       FIG.  5 D  shows how polymer material  512  can fill the space separating structural support member  504  and housing material  510 . The pressure exerted by molten polymer material  512  exerted upon cosmetic trim material  502  and structural support member  504  can keep structural support member  504  firmly affixed within the cavity defined by housing material  510 . Housing material  510  includes a recessed groove  513  that when filled by solidified polymer material  512  locks polymer material  512  in place relative to housing material  510 . Similarly, anchoring feature  506  helps to prevent movement of structural support member  504  relative to polymer material  512 . After undergoing the insert molding operation,  FIG.  5 E  shows how excess housing material  510 , cosmetic trim material  502  and polymer material  512  can be machined away to achieve a desired shape and size of data port region. In this way, a desired exterior geometry of housing  514  can be achieved and a curvature of housing  514  can match a curvature of cosmetic trim material  502 . Polymer material  512  is also shaped to define a notch region  516  configured to accommodate a periphery of a display assembly. In some embodiments, polymer material  512  is shaped and positioned to support the display assembly.  FIG.  5 F  shows plug  508  removed leaving a receptacle opening  518  free of polymer material and configured to receive a connector plug. In some embodiments, receptacle opening  518  can be sized to receive a plug connector such as a micro-USB connector, a lightning connector or a USB-C connector. 
       FIG.  6    shows a block diagram illustrating a method for installing a structural support member within a data port. At  602  a structural support member is machined from a robust material. In some embodiments, the structural support member can be formed from a stainless steel substrate while in other embodiments the structural support member can be formed from other robust materials such as carbon fiber, ceramic material, aluminum, magnesium, or titanium alloys. In general, the structural support member is designed to be at least as robust as the material being used for the device housing. For example, a stainless steel structural support member installed in an aluminum housing would wear better than a simple opening defined by the aluminum device housing itself. In some embodiments, the structural support member can be formed as part of a stamping operation. At  604  the structural support member can undergo an optional physical vapor deposition (PVD) operation that improves cosmetic and/or structural attributes of the structural support member. At  606 , the structural support member can be assembled with a support structure. The support structure can operate as a fixture to keep the structural support member in place relative to a device housing. 
     At  608 , the structural support member and at least a portion of the support structure is pressed or inserted into a data port opening defined by a sidewall of the device housing. The support structure can be affixed to the device housing in various ways such that movement of the structural support member relative to the housing is prevented. The support structure can also be configured to block the intrusion of polymer material into an opening defined by the structural support member. Alternatively, the structural support member itself can include a sacrificial portion that prevents the intrusion of polymer material into a central opening defined by the structural support member. In some embodiments, the support structure can be fastened to the device housing with screws that engage a sacrificial portion of the device housing (see  FIG.  3 E ). In other embodiments, the support structure can be positioned within a sacrificial cavity defined by the device housing (see  FIGS.  5 C- 5 D ). At  610 , molten polymer material can be injected into a gap between the structural support member and portions of a wall of the device housing defining the data port. At  612 , a machining operation can be applied to the device housing to achieve a final external geometry of the device housing. At  614 , a surface finish can be applied to an exterior of the device housing. In some embodiments, the polymer material can also undergo the surface finishing operation. The surface finishing operation can take the form of a polishing operation or an anodization operation. 
     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 the manufacturing or assembly operations described herein. 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 specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described 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: 20190208
Publication Date: 20230314
Grant Date: 20230314
Priority Date: 20180911
Inventors: AMES, LOGAN M.
BROWNING, LUCY E.
AUCLAIR, MARTIN J.
LEE, RICKY C.
LEUTHEUSER, PAUL U.
ZHANG, Yaocheng
BAKER, JOHN J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/5202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0249", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3437", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3481", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/845", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/185", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/845", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0274", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/74", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3437", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3481", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C70/845", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0249", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69718956