PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9112316-B2
Application Number: US-201414262352-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Multi-connector assembly

Abstract:
The present invention can relate to multiple-connector assemblies for use in, for example, electronic devices. Each of the connectors are constrained to another connector by aligning one or more complementary sets of reference features. A locating bracket may be used to couple multiple connectors together. Alternatively, the connectors may be coupled to each other directly. The electronic device also may include a retainer coupled to the connectors (either directly or indirectly through the locating bracket). The retainer and a surface of one of the connectors may form a single plane to which an end cap of the housing may be coupled, thereby accurately locating the end cap with respect to the connectors. The present invention also can relate to methods of manufacturing such an electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device comprising:
 a housing having first and second openings disposed at different sides of the housing; 
 a first assembly comprising at least one circuit board coupled to a first connector, the first connector having a first reference feature, wherein the first opening has dimensions that permit the first assembly to be inserted therethrough, wherein the first reference feature includes a shaft and a compressible head that extends from the shaft; and 
 a second connector directly coupled to the first connector, the second connector having a second reference feature aligned to the first reference feature, wherein the second opening has dimensions that permit the second connector to be inserted therethrough, wherein the second reference feature includes a third opening having dimensions that permit the compressible head to be inserted therethrough. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the second connector comprises a first surface and the first connector comprises a second surface, the first and second surfaces forming a single plane when the second connector is coupled to the first assembly. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the housing further comprises an end cap, wherein the end cap is coupled to the single plane formed by the first and second surfaces, the end cap having fourth and fifth openings, the fourth opening providing external access to the first connector, the fifth opening providing external access to the second connector. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first connector is a multiple-pin connector. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the second connector is an audio connector. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is a hand-held electronic device. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is a miniature electronic device. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first connector further includes a third reference feature, and wherein the second connector further includes a fourth reference feature. 
     
     
       9. A portable electronic device comprising:
 a housing having first and second openings disposed at different sides of the housing; 
 a first assembly comprising at least one circuit board coupled to a first connector, the first connector having first and second reference features, wherein the first opening has dimensions that permit the first assembly to be inserted therethrough; and 
 a second connector directly coupled to the first connector, the second connector having third and fourth reference features, wherein the third reference feature is configured to receive the first reference feature such that the first and second connectors are constrained in a first degree of freedom, wherein the fourth reference feature is configured to receive the second reference features such that the first and second connectors are constrained in a second degree of freedom. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first reference feature includes a shaft. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first connector is a multiple-pin connector. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the second connector is an audio connector. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the second connector comprises a first surface, the electronic device further comprising a retainer having a second surface, the first and second surfaces forming a single plane when the retainer is coupled to the first assembly. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the retainer further comprises a retainer opening and the retainer opening is disposed over the first connector to provide external access to the first connector. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the housing further comprises an end cap, wherein the end cap is coupled to the single plane formed by the first and second surfaces, the end cap having third and fourth openings, the third opening providing external access to the first connector, the fourth opening providing external access to the second connector. 
     
     
       16. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing including an end cap having a first opening; 
 a first assembly within the housing, the first assembly comprising at least one circuit board coupled to a first connector, the first connector having a second opening at an exterior surface of the housing; 
 a second connector; 
 a bracket, the bracket coupled to the first connector and to the second connector, the bracket constraining the first connector to the second connector in at least one degree of freedom, the bracket having a third opening; and 
 wherein the first, second and third openings are concentric. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the bracket is coupled to the second connector by one of solder, a screw, and an adhesive. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the second connector includes a fourth opening at an exterior surface of the housing. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the first connector is a multiple-pin connector. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the second connector is an audio connector.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/795,473, filed Jun. 7, 2010, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/519,308, filed Sep. 11, 2006, and are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention can relate to methods and apparatus for constraining multiple connectors in an electronic device in one or more degrees of freedom. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In a consumer electronic device, the distance between an input/output (I/O) connector and the housing of the electronic device and the distance between multiple I/O connectors can be very important. For example, these distances can determine whether and which devices are compatible with accessories. Accessories can include docks, printers, external storage devices, external displays, speakers, lanyards having headphones coupled thereto, and other audio and/or visual output devices. If one or more of the connectors are misaligned with any other connector, an accessory may not be able to properly couple with the device, and may accelerate the amount of wear and tear experienced by one or both sides of the connection. 
     For example, in some of these electronic devices, the player may have two I/O connectors—a multiple-pin connector and a separate audio connector. If the multiple-pin connector or audio connector, for example, resides too deep within the housing of the device, accessories may not be able to electrically connect to the device properly. As a result, the electronic device may not be able to transmit data to or receive data from an accessory, the user may not be able to hear sound played by the electronic device, or the sound quality may be degraded. If the multiple-pin connector and the audio connector are misaligned with respect to each other, it may be difficult or impossible to couple accessories to the electronic device when the accessories are configured to couple to both connectors simultaneously. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention can include an electronic device having multiple connectors aligned to each other using one or more complementary sets of reference features. One embodiment of the present invention can include a locating bracket configured to constrain the connectors in one or more degrees of freedom. The locating bracket may be coupled to a first connector, creating a solid reference feature or structure that accurately defines the distance to the first connector. The locating bracket then can be used to couple the first connector with another connector or with other parts of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the connectors can be coupled directly to each other through alignment of complementary reference features disposed on the connectors themselves. As a result, the connectors can be constrained in one or more degrees of freedom without the use of a locating bracket. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device can include a retainer that can be coupled to one or more reference features on the locating bracket, one or more of the connectors, and/or other components of the electronic device. When coupled to the reference feature(s), the distance from an end cap of the housing to at least one of the connectors can be precisely defined. The end cap of the housing can include one or more openings that permit accessories to access the connectors, e.g., to couple the electronic device to a dock or audio output device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary electronic device that can incorporate the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates the assembly of some components of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of some components of the electronic device of the  FIG. 1A , including a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an assembly of a circuit board and multiple-pin connector of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a locating bracket of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an assembly of the circuit board and multiple-pin connector of  FIG. 3  with the locating bracket of  FIG. 4  in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an audio connector of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a retainer in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8A  provides an exemplary flowchart of steps for assembling one embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates an assembly of the circuit board and multiple-pin connector of  FIG. 3 , the locating bracket of  FIG. 4 , the audio connector of  FIG. 6 , and the retainer of  FIG. 7  in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates the electronic device of  FIGS. 2-8B  with a composite connector from an accessory device in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary electronic device that can incorporate the present invention. Electronic device  10  can be any electronic device having multiple connectors or connector parts, e.g., multiple-pin connector  12  and audio connector  14 . The distance from end face  16  of housing  17  to connectors  12  and  14  can affect the quality of the electrical connection between the electronic device and an accessory configured to be coupled to the device, such as a computer, a printer, a display, speakers, audio system, headphones, a dock, a lanyard, or a combination thereof. The distance between connectors  12  and  14  also can affect how well an accessory mechanically and electrically couples to electronic device  10 . If one or more of the connectors are misaligned, accessories may not be able to couple to the device properly, or, more importantly, may not be able to access one or more of the connectors at all. 
     In some electronic devices, connectors may be precisely positioned relative to each other and to the housing of the device by mechanically and electrically coupling the connectors directly to a circuit board before the circuit board is placed in the housing. This assembly then may be coupled directly to the housing and the end face. 
     However, it may not be desirable or possible in some designs of housings to couple end face  16  directly to the connector/circuit board assembly and/or to mechanically couple audio connector  14  directly to the circuit board before the circuit board is disposed within the housing. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1B , housing  18  of electronic device  10  may be designed so that it may be more desirable to insert internal components of the device into one or more openings  20   a,b  disposed at different sides (e.g., opposing ends) of housing  18  (as opposed to, e.g., clamshell housing). It may be more desirable to couple multiple-pin connector  12  to circuit board  22  first (forming circuit board assembly  19 ) and then separately couple audio connector  14  to circuit board  22  after circuit board assembly  19  is inserted into housing  18  via opening  20   a.    
     If audio connector  14  had been soldered onto the circuit board before inserting the circuit board assembly into housing  18 , it may have been difficult or impossible to insert the assembly fully into the housing, for example, due to obstructions. Such obstructions may include components already disposed within the housing, protrusions or narrowing inside the housing, a small cross-sectional area of opening  20   a , a small z-height in the interior of the housing, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the z-height of a component may be the thickness of the component in the z-direction as indicated in  FIG. 1B . 
     The obstructions may make it impossible or impractical from a manufacturing standpoint to pre-assemble audio connector  14  to the circuit board before the circuit board is inserted into the housing. For example, user input component  116  may be disposed within housing  18  before circuit board assembly  19  is inserted into the housing. If the z-height of user input component  116  reduces the effective z-height of portions of the housing interior to a value that is less than the z-height of audio connector  14  and less than the z-height of portions of circuit board assembly  19 , it may be more desirable and practical to insert circuit board assembly  19  and audio connector  14  from different openings  20   a, b  and thereafter couple the two together. Furthermore, if the z-height of the audio component is only slightly less than that of the housing interior, it may not be practical from a manufacturing standpoint to attempt to slide the audio connector through the interior length of the housing. 
     Accordingly, manufacturing and/or design constraints may deem it more desirable for multiple-pin connecter  12  (coupled to circuit board  22 ) to be inserted into housing  18  via first opening  20   a  (as shown by arrow  24   a ) and audio connector  14  to be inserted into housing  18  via second opening  20   b  (as shown by arrow  24   b ). Thereafter, audio connector  14  can be electrically and mechanically coupled to circuit board  22  either directly or indirectly. 
     This type of manufacturing and design scenario can pose many challenges. When connectors  12  and  14  are separately inserted into housing  18  during manufacturing, it may be difficult to precisely locate the connectors with respect to each other. Furthermore, when end face  16  closes off opening  20   b  of housing  18  after components of the device have been inserted therein, it may be difficult to precisely locate connectors  12  and/or  14  with respect to end face  16  in one or more degrees of freedom. 
     The present invention can constrain multiple connectors or connector parts in one or more degrees of freedom relative to each other and/or to an end cap of a housing for an electronic device. The present invention can accomplish this by providing each connector or part with one or more references features to which other connector(s) and/or a locating bracket can be aligned and coupled. By aligning connector(s) and/or locating brackets with the reference features, the distance between connectors can be constrained. One embodiment of the present invention can also include a retainer that can be coupled to one or more reference features on either the locating bracket, one or more of the connectors, and/or other components of the electronic device. When coupled to the reference feature(s), the distance from an end cap of the housing to at least one of the connectors may be constrained in a predetermined and repeatable way. 
       FIG. 2  shows a first embodiment of the present invention. Device  30  can include housing  32 , circuit board  34 , multiple-pin connector  36 , audio connector  38 , locating bracket  40 , and retainer  42 . Housing  32  can include body portion  46  and openings  48   a  and  48   b  disposed at opposing ends of the housing. Housing  32  also can include end caps  44   a  and  44   b . End cap  44   b  can include multiple-pin connector opening  50   a  and audio connector opening  50   b  disposed through the end cap to permit accessories to access multiple-pin connector  36  and audio connector  38  when device  30  is fully assembled. Locating bracket  40  can create a solid reference feature or structure that accurately defines the distance to multiple-pin connector  36 . This structure then can be used to couple with other parts in the assembly. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, multiple-pin connector  36  may have  30  pins that transmit data to and from the electronic device. Multiple-pin connector  36  may be similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,660 to Kubota et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Multiple-pin connector  36  also may have an interface system similar to that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/833,689 to Novotney et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In alternative embodiments, multiple-pin connector  36  may have any configuration known in the art or otherwise. 
     During manufacturing, multiple-pin connector  36  can be mechanically and electrically coupled to circuit board  34 . Locating bracket  40  then can be coupled to multiple-pin connector  36  in a manner described in more detail hereinbelow. Resulting circuit board assembly  33  can be inserted into housing  32  through first opening  48   a . A cross-sectional area of the circuit board assembly may be equal to or less than that of the opening in order for the circuit board assembly to be inserted therethrough. If additional electrical components are preassembled to the circuit board, e.g., a display or battery, the cross-sectional area of opening  48   a  may be large enough to also accommodate those electrical components. 
     Once circuit board assembly  33  is disposed within the housing, retainer  42  and audio connector  38  can be inserted into housing  32  through second opening  48   b . One skilled in the art can appreciate that cross-sectional areas of audio connector  38  and retainer  42  each may be equal to or less than that of opening  48   b  in order for those components to be inserted therethrough. 
     Once the retainer and audio connector are disposed within housing, the components may be coupled to multiple-pin connector  36  via locating bracket  40 . This may constrain retainer  42  and audio connector  38  to multiple-pin connector  36  in one or more degrees of freedom. Outer facing surfaces on retainer  42  and audio connector  38  can form a single plane to which end cap  44   b  is coupled. End cap  44   a  also can be coupled to device  30 , closing off opening  48   a  of housing  32 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an enlarged illustration of multiple-pin connector  36 . Multiple-pin connector  36  may be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to circuit board  34  before it is inserted into the housing of the electronic device. Multiple-pin connector  36  can incorporate multiple-pin connector reference feature  52 , which in one embodiment of the present invention, can include a raised extension of the multiple-pin connector&#39;s inner molded plastic. Alternatively, reference feature  52  may be formed as part of the metal casing of the multiple-pin connector or made separately from the connector and then coupled thereto. Reference feature  52  (as with all of the reference features discussed herein) can be any shape. In one embodiment, reference feature  52  can have a shape that permits a complementary reference feature on locating bracket  40  to couple to reference feature  52  in a predetermined (e.g., one) configuration. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, reference feature  52  may have an elongated body portion with side portions that can cause the reference feature to be asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the reference feature. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an enlarged view of locating bracket  40 . Locating bracket can include body portion  54 , lip  56 , and first bracket reference feature  58 . Lip  56  may be disposed at an angle to body portion  54  and rest against an edge of multiple-pin connector  36  when the locating bracket is coupled thereto. In one embodiment of the present invention, first bracket reference feature  58  can incorporate a threaded insert to which audio connector  38  and retainer  42  may be screwed to constrain those components to multiple-pin connector  36  in one or more degrees of freedom. 
     Body portion  54  can include solder holes  60  and second bracket reference feature  62 . Locating bracket  40  may be manufactured by stamping and folding a rigid sheet metal part that can be soldered or welded to multiple-pin connector  36  via solder holes  60 . Alternatively, locating bracket  40  can be manufactured by another method known in the art or otherwise, and welded, adhered, or otherwise coupled to multiple-pin connector  36 . 
     Second bracket reference feature  62  may be a cutout having a shape that complements the shape of multiple-pin connector reference feature  52 . When bracket  40  is coupled to multiple-pin connector  36 , second bracket reference feature  62  may surround raised multiple-pin connector reference feature  52 , thereby constraining the bracket to the multiple-pin connector. Depending on the shapes of features  52  and  62 , the bracket may be constrained in or more directions. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an assembly of circuit board  34 , multiple-pin connector  36 , and locating bracket  40  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In alternative embodiments of the present invention, reference feature  52  may be a depression in connector  36 , rather than a raised protuberance. Correspondingly, reference feature  62  in locating bracket  40  then may include a protuberance having a complementary shape. Also, reference feature  52  may include more than one structure or protuberance, with a like number of complementary reference features on locating bracket  40 . Reference features  52  and  62  may have complementary shapes that couple to each other so that locating bracket  40  can be constrained to multiple-pin connector  36 . 
     Second bracket reference feature  62  also may have additional cutouts having shapes that complement the shape of multiple-pin connector reference feature  52 . This can permit bracket  40  to constrain connector  36  to other components in multiple orientations or positions. Second bracket reference feature  62  also may have additional cutouts having different shapes. This can permit bracket  40  to couple to different types of connectors or connector parts having different multiple-pin connector reference features. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary audio connector of the present invention. Audio connector  38  can include body portion  64  within which audio jack receptacle  66  may be disposed. Audio connector  38  also can incorporate audio connector reference feature  68  for aligning to first bracket reference feature  58 . Audio connector reference feature  68  can include through-hole  70  having an inner surface that may be threaded or smooth. In one embodiment of the present invention, the internal surface of through-hole  70  may have a smooth surface that may be dimensioned to provide a clearance fit to a screw that may be used to align and couple audio connector  38  to locating bracket  40 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an illustrative retainer of the present invention. Retainer  42  can include body portion  72 , first retainer reference feature  74 , appendage  76 , and second retainer reference feature  78 . 
     Body portion  72  can incorporate cutout  80  and third and fourth retainer reference features  82  and  84 . When retainer  42  is assembled to the electronic device, cutout  80  may be disposed over multiple-pin connector  36  to provide accessories with access to the multiple-pin connector. Third and fourth retainer reference features  82  and  84  can include through-holes into which screws can be inserted to align and couple retainer  42  to complementary reference features (not shown) that can be disposed in multiple-pin connector  36 , housing  32 , and/or another structure of electronic device  30 . Alternatively, solder may be disposed within the through-holes of reference features  82  and  84 . 
     First retainer reference feature  74  can include through-hole  86  having an inner surface that may be threaded or smooth. In one embodiment of the present invention, the internal surface of through-hole  86  may have a smooth surface that may be dimensioned to provide a clearance fit to a screw that may be used to align and couple retainer  42  to locating bracket  40 . 
     Appendage  76  can couple first reference feature  74  to second reference feature  78 . Second reference feature  78  can include a hole through which a screw can be inserted to align and couple retainer  42  to a complementary reference feature (not shown) that can be disposed on circuit board  34 , housing  32 , or another structure of electronic device  30 . Alternatively, solder may be disposed within the through-holes of reference feature  78 . Reference feature  78  also may be aligned and coupled to a complementary reference feature disposed on inner facing surface  87  of audio connector  38  to further constrain audio connector  38  to multiple-pin connector  36  (via the intervening components). 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a flowchart of steps for assembling one embodiment of an electronic device of the present invention. In step  81 , locating bracket  40  first may be coupled to multiple-pin connector  36 . This can create a solid reference feature or structure that can accurately define the distance to multiple-pin connector  36 . This structure then can be used to couple with other components in electronic device  30 . In step  83 , multiple-pin connector  36  and locating bracket  40 , along with the circuit board, then may be inserted into housing  32  via first opening  48   a.    
     Thereafter, in step  85 , retainer  42  can be inserted through second opening  48   b  of housing  32 . In step  87 , first retainer reference feature  74  can be aligned to bracket reference feature  58 . Audio connector  38  also can be inserted through second opening  48   b  of housing  32  (step  89 ) and audio connector reference feature  68  also can be aligned to bracket reference feature  58  (step  91 ). In step  93 , retainer  42  and audio connector  38  can be coupled to bracket  40  by, for example, threading a screw through holes  70  and  86  of audio connector  38  and retainer  42  and driving the screw into bracket reference feature  58  of bracket  40 . Once the retainer and audio connector have been coupled to the bracket, they are coupled indirectly to multiple-pin connector  36  (via bracket  40 ) and may be precisely constrained to the multiple-pin connector in one or more degrees of freedom. Retainer  42  and audio connector  38  also may be coupled to other structures in electronic device  30  by aligning their respective remaining reference features with complementary reference features disposed throughout the electronic device. Audio connector  38  may be electrically coupled to circuit board  34  in a manner described in greater detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/519,388 filed on Sep. 11, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,660,127, issued Feb. 9, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety 
     Once audio connector  38  and retainer  42  are coupled to locating bracket  40 , outer facing surface  88  of audio connector  38  and outer facing surface  90  of retainer  42  may form a single plane that may be accurately located to multiple-pin connector  36 . However, any predetermined orientation of these parts is possible. In step  95 , openings  50   a  and  50   b  of end cap  44   b  then can be aligned to cutout  80  of retainer  42  and audio jack receptacle  66  respectively. Thereafter, in step  97 , end cap  44   b  can be coupled to the single plane formed by surfaces  88  and  90  by adhesion or another method known in the art or otherwise. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates an assembly of circuit board  34 , multiple-pin connector  36 , locating bracket  40 , audio connector  38 , retainer  42 , and end cap  44   b  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     While retainer  42  is illustrated as sitting flush against an outer facing surface of multiple-pin connector  36 , retainer  42  may be configured in alternative embodiments to sit at a predetermined distance from the outer facing surface of multiple-pin connector  36 , which can provide a datum from which other components of the electronic device may be located. Support structures may be disposed between multiple-pin connector  36  and retainer  42  to help support retainer  42  in the proper configuration with respect to multiple-pin connector  36 . Likewise, end cap  44   b  also may be configured in alternative embodiments to sit at a predetermined distance from retainer  42 . 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates the electronic device of  FIGS. 2-8B  with composite connector  99  of an accessory. Accessories may include a computer, a printer, a display, an audio system, speakers, headphones, a dock, a lanyard, or a combination thereof. Complementary multiple-pin connector  101  and complementary audio jack  103  may be integrated with composite connector  99 . Complementary multiple-pin connector  101  may be configured to mechanically and electrically couple to multiple-pin connector  36  of electronic device  30 . Complementary audio jack  103  may be configured to electrically and mechanically couple to audio jack receptacle  66  of audio connector  38  of electronic device  30 . 
     If multiple-pin connector  36  and audio connector  38  are not aligned properly to each other, it may be difficult or impossible for a user to insert the complementary connector and audio jack of the composite connector into electronic device  30 . Similarly, if either multiple-pin connector  36  or audio connector  38 , for example, are disposed too deep with respect to end cap  44   b , multiple-pin connector  101  or audio jack  103  may not be able to electrically connect to electronic device  30  properly. The present invention can reduce the likelihood that these problems will occur. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. One difference between the first and second embodiments is that the locating bracket may be eliminated in the second embodiment. Instead, multiple-pin connector  92  can include reference feature  94  that may serve the same function as bracket reference feature  58  of locating bracket  40  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-8C . Reference feature  94  of multiple-pin connector  92  can incorporate a threaded insert to which audio connector  38  and retainer  42  may be screwed to constrain those components to multiple-pin connector  92 . Advantageously, coupling audio connector  38  and retainer  42  directly to multiple-pin connector  92  may constrain the audio connector and the retainer to the multiple-pin connector with greater precision and fewer parts. 
       FIGS. 10A-B  presents a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment of the present invention may be designed similarly to the previously described embodiments except in two respects. First, the retainer can be integrated with either locating bracket  40  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-8C  or multiple-pin connector  92  of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . Second, the audio connector can be coupled to locating bracket  40  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-8C  or multiple-pin connector  92  of the embodiment of  FIG. 9  with an alternative fastener. 
     Rather than having a retainer that is structurally independent of other components of an electronic device, the function of the retainer can be integrated with either locating bracket  40  of  FIGS. 2-8C  or multiple-pin connector  92  of  FIG. 9 . That is, multiple-pin connector  92  may include retaining portion  96  that can extend the depth of the multiple-pin connector so that outer facing. surface  98  of the connector forms a single plane (or any predetermined surface) with outer facing surface  100  of audio connector  102  when the components are assembled together. End cap  44   b  then can be coupled to that single plane, thereby accurately locating the end cap with respect to the multiple-pin connector. Likewise, locating bracket  40  may integrate body portion  72  of retainer  42  (see  FIG. 7 ), thereby providing outer surface  98  to which end cap  44   b  may be coupled. While  FIGS. 10A and 10B  only show a portion of retaining portion  96 , it should be understood that retaining portion  96  can extend along the longitudinal length of locating bracket  40  or multiple-pin connector  92 . 
     Instead of coupling the audio connector to locating bracket  40  of  FIGS. 2-8C  or multiple-pin connector  92  of  FIG. 9  with a separate fastener, such as a screw, audio connector  102  of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  can be coupled to the locating bracket or multiple-pin connector with a self-locking fastener. Self-locking fastener, which can serve as a reference feature for audio connector  102 , can include shaft  104  and head  106 . Head  106  may have a cross-sectional area that can be larger than the shaft at least at a portion of the head. 
     The self-locking fastener may be configured to be coupled to complementary reference feature  108  disposed in locating bracket  40  of  FIGS. 2-8C  or multiple-pin connector  92  of  FIG. 9 . Reference feature  108  can include through-hole  110  having a cross-sectional shape that can complement that of head  106 . In one embodiment of the present invention, head  106  and through-hole  110  can have shapes that facilitate insertion of head  106  into through-hole  110  but can prevent head  106  from being easily pulled out of through-hole  110  once at least a portion of the head has cleared at least a portion of the through-hole. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 10A-10B , when head  106  is inserted through hole  110 , shaft  104  may be disposed within hole  110  while head  106  rests against an outer surface of reference feature  108 . 
     Audio connector  102  also may have reference feature  112  configured to couple to reference feature  114  of locating bracket  40  of  FIGS. 2-8C  or multiple-pin connector  92  of  FIG. 9 . Reference feature  112  may include a shaft having any cross-sectional shape that may be uniform along the length of the shaft. Reference feature  114  may include a through-hole having a shape that may be complementary to that of reference feature  112 . When reference feature  112  is coupled to reference feature  114 , audio connector  102  may be prevented from rotating with respect to locating bracket  40  or multiple-pin connector  92 . 
     Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, it will be understood that this description is merely for purposes of illustration. Alternative embodiments of those described hereinabove are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, although  FIGS. 2-10B  have presented some methods and devices to couple together multiple components of an electronic device, an electronic device may use other types of coupling methods or devices known in the art or otherwise, e.g., other types of self-locking fasteners, clips, bolts, adhesives, etc. 
     Although the embodiments of the present invention presented hereinabove describe pin and audio connectors, the present invention may be applied to constrain other types of connectors in one or more degrees of freedom without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the connectors can transmit or receive audio, video, other data, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, while the embodiments of the present invention illustrate two connectors being constrained, the teachings of the present invention may be applied to constrain any number of connectors. 
     While the description provided herein describes some components of an electronic device, the device may include additional components, e.g., user input components  116 , display  118 , and/or additional components of the electronic device that have not been shown for simplicity of illustration. 
     User input component  116  can provide an interface for a user to input information into the electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, user input component  116  may be a trackwheel similar to that used by an iPod™ sold by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The trackwheel can include one or more buttons for selecting software entries and a capacitive touchpad. The touchpad may permit a user to scroll through software menus. In alternative embodiments, user input component  116  may include, for example, one or more buttons, a touchpad, a touchscreen display, electronics for accepting voice commands, antennas, infrared ports, or combinations thereof. 
     Combinations of the above-described embodiments of the present invention or portions thereof may be provided in one electronic device unit. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, while the above-described embodiments of the present invention may facilitate certain manufacturing techniques and/or housing designs, those embodiments are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, while the described embodiments of the present invention may facilitate assembly of components into the electronic device housing from openings disposed on opposing ends of the housing, the embodiments also may be incorporated into an electronic device having housings in which the main body of the housing includes multiple parts. An example of such a multi-part housing includes a clamshell housing. The housing of an electronic device of the present invention also may include housings in which the main body includes only one piece. An example of such a housing includes housing  18  and  32  of  FIGS. 1B and 2 . A housing of the present invention may provide only one opening through which components are inserted or multiple openings that can be disposed, for example, on multiple sides of the housing. 
     The present invention can be incorporated in any electronic device, including any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature consumer electronic device that may require multiple connectors or connector parts. Illustrative electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, music players, video players, still image players, game players, other media players, music recorders, video recorders, cameras, other media recorders, radios, medical equipment, calculators, cellular phones, other wireless communication devices, personal digital assistances, programmable remote controls, pagers, laptop computers, printers, or combinations thereof. Miniature electronic devices may have a form factor that is smaller than that of hand-held devices. Illustrative miniature electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or combinations thereof. 
     The above described embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140425
Publication Date: 20150818
Grant Date: 20150818
Priority Date: 20060911
Inventors: WEBER DOUGLAS JOSEPH
MOOLSINTONG PINIDA JAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/518", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1427", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/70", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6315", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1418", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/518", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1427", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6315", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/518", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1418", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6315", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/70", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39169415