PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9844157-B1
Application Number: US-201615182205-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Gasket for an electronic device

Abstract:
An electronic device having an enclosure and a cover is disclosed. The cover may be secured with the enclosure by a sealing element, or gasket. In response to using the sealing element to secure the cover with the enclosure, the sealing element may elastically deform. The elastic deformation may cause portions of the sealing element to extend into undercut regions of the cover and of the enclosure to form a first locking feature and a second locking feature, respectively. The first locking feature and the second locking feature may combine to provide a retaining force that retains the cover with the enclosure. Also, the first locking feature and the second locking feature may also provide a counterforce to a force applied to the electronic device (for example, dropping the electronic device) that prevents the cover from becoming unsecured from the enclosure.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A watch, comprising:
 an enclosure having an opening and an enclosure undercut surrounding the opening; 
 a cover carried by the enclosure at the opening, the cover comprising a cover undercut; and 
 a sealing element securing the cover with the enclosure, wherein an engagement by the cover and the enclosure to the sealing element causes the sealing element to expand and engage: 1) the enclosure undercut to define a first locking feature and 2) the cover undercut to define a second locking feature, wherein the first locking feature and the second locking feature combine to retain the cover with the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       2. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing element, in response to a force provided by at least one of the enclosure and the cover, elastically deforms to engage the enclosure undercut and the cover undercut. 
     
     
       3. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure comprises a support member that receives the cover, and wherein the cover extends beyond the sealing element to engage the support member such the sealing element is enclosed between the cover and the enclosure. 
     
     
       4. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure comprises a threaded region that combines with the enclosure under to define an interface region that at least partially engages the sealing element. 
     
     
       5. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing element is secured with the enclosure by an adhesive. 
     
     
       6. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure comprises a flange region that compresses the sealing element, and wherein the enclosure undercut is located at the opening in regions other than the flange region. 
     
     
       7. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the cover extends radially outward beyond the sealing element to engage the enclosure such that the sealing element is hidden from view. 
     
     
       8. The watch of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing element comprises a first chamfered region that deforms to define the second locking feature that engages the enclosure undercut. 
     
     
       9. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a first part; 
 a second part; and 
 a sealing element comprising a first surface that engages the first part and a second surface that engages the second part such that the sealing element is positioned between the first part and the second part, the sealing element elastically deforming in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction when the first part is coupled with the second part. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first part comprises an undercut, and wherein the sealing element at least partially extends into the undercut. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the second part comprises a second undercut, and wherein the sealing element at least partially extends into the second undercut. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the second part comprises a support member that receives the first part, and wherein the first part extends radially outward beyond the sealing element to engage the support member such the sealing element is enclosed between the first part and the second part. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first part comprises ceramic, and wherein the second part comprises sapphire that includes an undercut that at least partially receives the sealing element. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the
 a second surface is parallel with respect to the first surface, and 
 wherein the sealing element further comprises a chamfered region angled with the respect to the first surface and the second surface. 
 
     
     
       15. A method for assembling a watch having an enclosure that includes an opening and an enclosure undercut surrounding the opening, the method comprising:
 coupling a sealing element with a cover that comprises a cover undercut; and 
 coupling the sealing element and the cover with the enclosure at the opening, wherein coupling the cover with the enclosure causes the sealing element to extend and engage: 1) the cover undercut to define a first locking feature and 2) the enclosure undercut to define a second locking feature, wherein the first locking feature and the second locking feature combine to retain the cover with the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 forming a threaded region on the enclosure along the opening; and 
 engaging the sealing element with the enclosure at the threaded region. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 forming a flange region on the enclosure along the opening; and 
 engaging a recessed region of the sealing element with the enclosure at the flange region. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein coupling the cover with the enclosure at the opening comprises coupling the cover with a support member of the enclosure, wherein the cover extends radially outward beyond the sealing element to engage the support member such the sealing element is enclosed between the cover and the enclosure. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising heating the sealing element to melt the sealing element into the enclosure undercut. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising polishing the enclosure to define a polished region having a first roughness, wherein a remaining region of the enclosure comprises a second roughness greater than the first roughness, and wherein the sealing element passes along the enclosure at the polished region.

Description:
FIELD 
     The following description relates to electronic devices. In particular, the following description relates to coupling together parts of an electronic device together by a gasket, or seal, that also provides a locking feature that retains the parts in a coupled manner. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An electronic device may include an enclosure and a cover secured to the enclosure. The cover allows for added features of the electronic device. For example, the cover may protect internal components of the electronic device. An adhesive may be used to a primary bond to secure the cover to the housing. 
     However, using an adhesive to provide the primary bond between the transparent piece of material and the housing has several drawbacks. For example, adhesives tend to break down when exposed to heat. Further, when the electronic device is a wearable electronic device, the adhesive may be exposed to skin oils as well as topical formulas placed on the skin, either of which may break down the adhesive bond formed by the adhesive. Further, when the electronic device is dropped, a load or force applied to the electronic device (from the drop) may cause the transparent piece of material to disengage from the housing. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include an enclosure having an opening and an enclosure undercut surrounding the opening. The electronic device may further include a cover carried by the enclosure at the opening. The cover may include a cover undercut. The electronic device may further include a sealing element securing the cover with the enclosure by extending to engage: 1) the enclosure undercut to define a first locking feature and 2) the cover undercut to define a second locking feature. In some embodiments, the first locking feature and the second locking feature combine to retain the cover with the enclosure. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a first part. The electronic device may further include a second part. The electronic device may further include a sealing element disposed between the first part and the second part. The sealing element may elastically deform in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction when the first part is coupled with the second part. 
     In another aspect, a method for assembling an electronic device having an enclosure that includes an opening and an enclosure undercut surrounding the opening is described. The method may include coupling a sealing element with a cover. The method may further include coupling the sealing element and the cover with the enclosure at the opening. The cover may include a cover undercut. In some embodiments, coupling the cover with the enclosure causes the sealing element to extend and engage: 1) the cover undercut to define a first locking feature and 2) the enclosure undercut to define a second locking feature. 
     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 an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a cover of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a rear exploded view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a sealing element designed to secure the cover with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 4 , showing the sealing element secured with the cover; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 5 , showing the cover prior to securing with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the cover secured with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device having an enclosure with several flange regions, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of an electronic device that includes an enclosure having a chamfered region after undergoing a polishing operation, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 10 , showing a cover prior to securing with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 11 , showing the cover secured with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a partial cross sectional view an alternate embodiment of an electronic device having an enclosure with a threaded region, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 13 , showing a cover prior to securing with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 14 , showing the cover secured with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device having a sealing element with a protruding feature corresponding to an indented region of an enclosure of the electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 16 , showing the cover secured with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device having a sealing element with a rectilinear configuration, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 18 , showing the cover secured with the enclosure  602 ; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device having a sealing element with a protruding feature at an alternate location, with the protruding feature having a shape corresponding to a shape of an indented region of an enclosure of the electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 20 , showing the cover engaging the protruding feature to secure the cover with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device having a sealing element secured with a cover, showing the cover prior to securing with an enclosure of the electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 22 , showing the cover secured with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 23 , showing a heating element engaging the sealing element to at least partially melt the sealing element; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 24 , with the heating element removed subsequent to melting the sealing element; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device having a sealing element used with an outer protective cover and a display assembly of the electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 26 , showing the outer protective layer secured with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for forming an electronic device having an enclosure that includes an opening and an enclosure undercut surrounding the opening, in accordance with some described embodiments; and 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for assembling 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 a sealing element, or gasket, designed to secure together structural components of an electronic device. For example, the sealing element may couple together a cover with an enclosure of the electronic device. The sealing element may not only provide securing means between the components, but also prevent ingress of contaminants (such as liquids) from entering the electronic device at an interface region between the sealing element and the enclosure, and at an interface region between the sealing element and the cover. In some instances, the sealing element is initially installed on the cover by, for example, press fitting the sealing element onto the cover. The press fitting may stretch the sealing element and cause the sealing element to secure with the cover by frictional forces. Then, the combination of the cover and the sealing element may be inserted into an opening of the enclosure designed to receive the cover and the sealing element. 
     The sealing element may provide an enhanced alternative to adhesive bonds used to secure components of traditional electronic devices. For example, the sealing element may include a material (or materials) having an elasticity that causes the sealing element, in response to an applied force caused by the cover and/or the enclosure, to elastically deform to regions of the cover and/or enclosure that are engaged with the sealing element. The sealing element may also provide a counterforce against both the cover and the enclosure, thereby retaining the cover with the enclosure while the sealing element is under compression. However, in some cases, the cover and enclosure may include an undercut region that allows the sealing element to extend into and engage the respective undercut regions. “Undercut” or “undercut region” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a space formed by the removal or absence of material from a structural component, thereby defining a recessed portion in the structural component. For example, the enclosure may include an undercut region formed by removing material from the enclosure. As non-limiting examples, material removal means may include cutting operations performed by computer number controller (“CNC”) tools and laser cutting tools. 
     The undercut regions being free of material minimize or prevent compression forces to the sealing element, thereby allowing some portions of the sealing element to extend outward respect to the sealing element, into the undercut regions. The outward extension may include a radially outward extension. This may enhance the ability of the sealing element to retain the cover with the enclosure. For example, when sealing element elastically deforms to extend into (or at least partially extend into) an undercut region of the cover, the extended portion of the sealing element may provide a lock, or locking feature, between the sealing element and the cover. Further, the sealing element can also elastically deform to extend into (or at least partially extend into) an undercut region of the enclosure can provide a second lock, or second locking feature, between the sealing element and the enclosure. In this manner, in addition to provide a retaining force under compression, the sealing element further provides locking features by extending outward into undercut regions of the cover and the enclosure. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-29 . 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 an electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a tablet computer device. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is a mobile wireless communication device, such as a smartphone. As shown, the electronic device  100  may include an enclosure  102 . The enclosure  102  may be formed from a metal, such as steel (including stainless steel), steel alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the enclosure  102  may be formed from non-metal materials, such as ceramic or rigid plastic, as non-limiting examples. The electronic device  100  may further include a display assembly  104  designed to present visual information in the form of illuminated images, text, or the like. The display assembly  104  may be covered by an outer protective layer  106  that may be formed from a transparent material, such as glass, sapphire, crystal, or the like. The display assembly  104  may respond to a depression or force at the outer protective layer  106  by generating an input to a processor circuit (not shown) disposed in an internal cavity defined by the enclosure  102 . In this regard, the display assembly  104  may operate in conjunction with a sensor system (not shown). The input caused by the depression or force to the outer protective layer  106  may cause the processor circuit to execute a program stored on a memory circuit (not shown) and alter the visual information presented on the display assembly  104 . Also, the electronic device  100  may include an internal power supply (not shown), such as a battery, that provides electrical current to the processor circuit and the memory circuit. In addition, the electronic device  100  may include an input feature  108  designed for actuation by a user to generate a command to the processor circuit. In some embodiments, the input feature  108  is a moving or sliding switch. In other embodiments, the input feature  108  is a dial or rotary mechanism. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the input feature  108  is a button that is actuated by a depression or force. 
     Further, an electronic device described in this detailed description may take other forms. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  180 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the electronic device  180  may include an enclosure  182 , a display assembly  184 , and an outer protective layer  186 . The enclosure  182 , display assembly  184 , and outer protective layer  186  may include any material or feature previously described for an enclosure, display assembly, and outer protective layer, respectively. Also, the electronic device  180  may include a first input feature  188  and a second input feature  190 , both of which may be designed to provide a command to a processor circuit (not shown) in response to actuation by a user. The first input feature  188  and/or the second input feature  190  may include any feature or features previously described for an input feature of an electronic device. 
     Also, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the electronic device  180  is a wearable electronic device. In this regard, the electronic device  180  may include a feature designed to secure the electronic device  180  around an appendage (such as a wrist) of a user. For example, the electronic device  180  may include a first band  164  and a second band  166 . The first band  164  and the second band  166  may combine to wrap around the appendage and interlock together. Also, although not shown, the enclosure  182  may include a first cavity and a second cavity to receive the first band  164  and the second band  166 , respectively. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a cover  112  of the electronic device  100 . The cover  112  may be disposed in an opening  114  of the enclosure  102  and secured with the enclosure  102  by a sealing element, or gasket (not shown). This will be shown and described in detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the cover  112  is formed from an opaque material and prevents or obscures light passage. However, the cover  112  may include one or more openings. In this regard, a transparent material  122  may be positioned behind the cover  112  and at a location corresponding to the openings. The transparent material  122  allows light transmission through the openings of the cover  112 . The transparent material  122  may include sapphire, glass, crystal, or the like. In this regard, the cover  112  may be used by the electronic device  100  as a protective cover for internal components while allowing a detection mechanism disposed inside the electronic device  100  to transmit light through the cover  112  (by way of the transparent material  122 ) and receive at least some of the light, reflected back by an object, in order to collect data. For example, in some embodiments, the detection mechanism includes a light transmitter  124  and a light receiver  126 . The openings of the cover  112 , along with the transparent material  122 , permit light transmission by the light transmitter  124  through the cover  112  and may also permit light provided from the light transmitter  124  to reflect and return through the cover  112  to the light receiver  126 . A processor circuit (not shown) may be designed to execute a program on a memory circuit (not shown) that uses the light received by the light receiver  126  to determine various characters. For example, when the electronic device  100  is used as a wearable electronic device (such as the electronic device  180  shown in  FIG. 2 ), the electronic device  100  may be positioned such that the light transmitter  124  and the light receiver  126  are facing an appendage of a user, allowing the electronic device  100  to collect data about the user by light transmitted by the light transmitter  124  and received by the light receiver  126 . Also, a battery (not shown) may be used to supply electrical current to the light transmitter  124 , the light receiver  126 , the processor circuit, and the memory circuit. Also, it should be noted that the electronic device  180  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) may include several features—including the cover  112 , the light transmitter  124 , and the light receiver  126 —shown and described for the electronic device  100 . While a specific transmitter/receiver pair are shown and described, other various detection mechanisms are possible. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a rear exploded view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing a sealing element  130  designed to secure the cover  112  with the enclosure  102 . For purposes of simplicity, several internal components (such as a processor circuit and a memory circuit) of the electronic device  100  are removed. The sealing element  130  may include a body designed to compress in response to a force provided by the cover  112  and/or the enclosure  102  when the cover  112  is coupled with the enclosure  102  (shown later). However, when compressed, the sealing element  130  may provide a counterforce to retain the cover  112  with the enclosure  102 . This not only provides a retaining force for the cover  112  to maintain coupling with the enclosure  102 , but also provides ingress protection against contaminants at the interface between the sealing element  130  and the cover  112 , as well as the interface between the sealing element  130  and the enclosure  102 . 
     While the sealing element  130  may include the aforementioned compressible properties, the sealing element  103  may also return to its original size and shape when the compression forces are removed. Also, in some embodiments, the sealing element  130  is formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”). In other embodiments, the sealing element  130  is formed from ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (“ETFE”). Still, in other embodiments, the sealing element  130  is formed from a viscoelastic material such that the sealing element  130  both viscous to resist at least some shear stresses and elastic to at least partially deform. Other elastically deformable materials may be used to form the sealing element  130 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 4 , showing the sealing element  130  secured with the cover  112 . Several components are removed for purpose of simplicity. As shown, the sealing element  130  may be fit onto the cover  112  prior to securing the cover  112  with the enclosure  102 . The elastic properties of the sealing element  130  allow the sealing element to be press fit onto the cover  112 , and the sealing element  130  may be frictionally coupled with the cover  112 . However, in addition to press fitting the sealing element  130  onto the cover  112 , the sealing element  130  may also be adhesively secured with the cover  112  by an adhesive (not shown). Also, although not shown, the sealing element  130  may be secured with the enclosure  102  prior to securing with the cover  112 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 5 , showing the cover  112  prior to securing with the enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, the sealing element  130  includes a generally rounded cross section. However, as shown in the enlarged view, the sealing element  130  may include a multi-sided cross section. This may facilitate installation of cover  112  with the enclosure  102 . For example, the sealing element  130  may include a chamfered region  132  that facilities sliding the sealing element  130  along the enclosure  102 . Further, the enclosure  102  may include a chamfered region  142  that further facilitates movement of the sealing element  130  along the enclosure  102 . The described chamfered regions may define regions free of material that limit forces acting on the structural components. For example, the chamfered region  132  of the sealing element  130  and the chamfered region  142  of the enclosure  102  may limit or prevent axial forces (in either direction denoted by a two-sided arrow  170 ) from damaging the sealing element  130  during installation. 
     Additional structural modifications may be used to facilitate installation and retain the cover  112  with the enclosure  102 . For example, the cover  112  may include an undercut region  134 , or cover undercut, formed by removing material from the cover  112 . Also, the enclosure  102  may also include an undercut region  144 , or enclosure undercut, formed by removing material from the enclosure  102 . The aforementioned undercut regions may allow the sealing element  130  to extend, or at least partially extend, into the cover  112  and the enclosure  102  in locations corresponding to their respective undercut regions. This will be shown and described below. Further, the enclosure  102  may include a support member  146 , or support, designed to receive and engage the cover  112 . Also, although a cross section is shown, the remaining regions of the cover  112  and the enclosure  102  may generally be consistent with the cross section. While the aforementioned undercut regions are described as being formed by removing material, in some embodiments (not shown), the undercut regions are formed by a molding operation used to form the structural components having the undercut regions. For example, in some embodiments, the undercut region  144  of the enclosure  102  is formed based on a mold cavity (not shown) use to form the enclosure  102  such that the undercut region  144  is formed with the enclosure  102 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the cover  112  secured with the enclosure  102 . When the cover  112  is installed in the enclosure  102  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), the enclosure  102  and the cover  112  may provide radial compressions forces to the sealing element  130 . For example, the enclosure  102  may provide a radial compression force to the sealing element  130  in a direction (denoted by an arrow  192 ) toward the cover  112 . Conversely, the cover  112  may provide a radial compression force to the sealing element  130  in a direction (denoted by an arrow  194 ) toward the enclosure  102 . 
     In response to the aforementioned radial compression forces, the sealing element  130  may provide a counterforce against the radial compression forces. For example, the sealing element  130  may provide counterforces opposite the direction of the arrow  192  and also opposite the direction of the arrow  194 . Further, the sealing element  130  may expand along areas that do not undergo compression forces. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the sealing element  130  may extend into the undercut region  134  of the cover  112 , thereby forming a first locking feature  152 . The first locking feature  152  may include a portion of the sealing element  130  positioned in the undercut region  134  of the cover  112 . The first locking feature  152  may also provide a mechanical coupling between the sealing element  130  and the cover  112 . Further, the sealing element  130  may extend into the undercut region  144  of the enclosure  102 , thereby forming a second locking feature  154 . The second locking feature  154  may include a portion of the sealing element  130  positioned in the undercut region  144  of the enclosure  102 . The second locking feature  154  may also provide a mechanical coupling between the sealing element  130  and the enclosure  102 . Together, the first locking feature  152  and the second locking feature  154  may provide a mechanical force that retains the cover  112  with the enclosure  102 , and may counter forces acting in a direction denoted by an arrow  196 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the sealing element  130  may include an interface region  160  defined as region of the sealing element  130  engages both the enclosure  102  and the cover  112 . In order to maximize ingress protection for a device, traditional devices (such as watches) may include an increased interface region (as compared to the interface region  160 ). Accordingly, traditional devices may not include undercuts and/or chamfers. However, the first locking feature  152  and the second locking feature  154  may provide additional protection, in terms of sealing and securing, for the electronic device  100 , and the interface region  160  may provide the same or similar ingress protection as traditional devices having no undercuts or chamfered regions. Also, the interface region  160  may expand to include a region or regions associated with an interface between the first locking feature  152  and the cover  112 , and also an interface region between the second locking feature  154  and the enclosure  102 . Optionally, the electronic device  100  may further include an adhesive layer  158  to secure the sealing element  130  (including the second locking feature  154 ) with the enclosure  102 . This may further improve protection against ingress. 
     Also, traditional devices may position a sealing element between a cover and an enclosure such that the sealing element is exposed to the ambient environment. However, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the cover  112  may extend radially outward beyond the sealing element  130  to engage the enclosure  102  at the support member  146  such that the cover  112  and the enclosure  102  combine to shield the sealing element  130  from the ambient environment. In this manner, the cover  112  and the enclosure  102  may limit or prevent the sealing element  130  from exposure to factors that may cause the sealing element  130  to break down, such as sunlight, chemicals, oils, or the like. Accordingly, the cover  112  may combine with the enclosure  102  to hide the sealing element  130 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  200  having an enclosure with several flange regions, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the electronic device  200  may include an enclosure  202  having multiple flange regions, such as a first flange region  212 , a second flange region  214 , a third flange region  216 , and fourth flange region  218 . Also, the aforementioned flange regions may be located at an opening  204  of the enclosure  202 , with the opening  204  designed to receive a cover (not shown). While a discrete number of flange regions are shown, the number of flange regions may differ in other embodiments. 
     The flange regions may provide increased surface area of the enclosure  202 , which may in turn increase an interface region between the enclosure  202  and a sealing element. For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the electronic device  200  shown in  FIG. 8 . Several components of the electronic device  200  removed for purpose of simplicity. However, the electronic device  200  may include any component previously described for an electronic device. Also, the electronic device  200  may include a sealing element  230  designed to engage the enclosure  202  and seal a cover (not shown) with the enclosure  202 . Accordingly, the aforementioned flange region of enclosure  202  may cause additional compression to the sealing element  230 . Also, as shown in the enlarged view, the enclosure  202  may include an undercut  244  extending along the opening  204  in locations other than the flange regions. In this regard, the flange regions, having no undercut region, provide additional material to facilitate compression of the sealing element  230  in order to enhance the sealing effect thereby improving ingress protection. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  300  that includes an enclosure  302  having a chamfered region  342  after undergoing a polishing operation, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the chamfered region  342  may include a polished surface such that the chamfered region  342  includes a smoother surface as compared to remaining surfaces of the enclosure. Conversely, the chamfered region  342  may include a polished surface such that the chamfered region  342  includes a roughness less than the remaining surfaces of the enclosure  302 . 
     Having a relatively smooth surface, the chamfered region  342  may facilitate installation of a sealing element-cover combination to an enclosure. For example,  FIG. 11  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  30  shown in  FIG. 10 , showing a cover  312  prior to securing with the enclosure  302 . As shown, during installation of the cover  312 , the enclosure  302  may be designed such that the sealing element  330  initially engages the chamfered region  342 . In this regard, the chamfered region  342  may be referred to as a “leading edge.” Due in part to the smooth, polished finish of the chamfered region  342 , the chamfered region  342  allows the sealing element  330  to slide along the enclosure  302 , as the frictional forces of the chamfered region  342  are reduced based on the aforementioned polishing operation. Also, in some embodiments, the sealing element  330  includes a chamfered region. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the sealing element  330  does not include a chamfered region, as the chamfered region  342 , having a smooth finish, provides sufficient enablement of the sealing element  330  to slide along the enclosure  302 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  300  shown in  FIG. 11 , showing the cover  312  secured with the enclosure  302 . The enclosure  302  and the cover  312  may provide radial compression forces to the sealing element  330 . The enclosure  302  and the cover  312  may also include undercut regions. In this regard, similar to a manner previously described, the radial compression forces provided by the enclosure  302  and the cover  312  may cause the sealing element  330  to extend into an undercut region  334  of the cover  312  to form a first locking feature  352 , and an undercut region  344  of the enclosure  302  to form a second locking feature  354 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a partial cross sectional view an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  400  having an enclosure  402  with a threaded region  410 , in accordance with some described embodiments. Several components of the electronic device  400  are removed for purposes of simplicity. However, the electronic device  400  may include several features and components previously described for an electronic device. The threaded region  410  may provide a non-planar surface that provides an enhanced attachment with a sealing element (not shown). As shown in the enlarged view, the threaded region  410  may include several threads, similar to those of a threaded fastener. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  400  shown in  FIG. 13 , showing a cover  412  prior to securing with the enclosure  402 . As shown in the enlarged view, a sealing element  430  may include elastic properties that cause the sealing element  430  to deform when the cover  412  is secured with the enclosure  402 , and in particular, with the threaded region  410 . The sealing element  430  may include any material or property previously described for a sealing element. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  400  shown in  FIG. 14 , showing the cover  412  secured with the enclosure  402 . The enclosure  402  and the cover  412  may provide radial compression forces to the sealing element  430 . The enclosure  402  and the cover  412  may also include undercut regions. In this regard, similar to a manner previously described, the radial compression forces provided by the enclosure  402  and the cover  412  may cause the sealing element  430  to extend into an undercut region  434  of the cover  412  to form a first locking feature  452 , and an undercut region  444  of the enclosure  402  to form a second locking feature  454 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the radial compression forces may cause the sealing element  430  to extend into the threaded region  410  of the enclosure  402 , thereby by forming a mechanical attachment between the sealing element  430  and the enclosure  402 . This may provide additional resistance against a force to the electronic device  400  that would otherwise cause the cover  412  to decouple from the enclosure  402 . Also, in some embodiments (not shown), the enclosure  402  includes a roughened region that replaces the threaded region  410 . The roughened region may provide additional frictional forces between the enclosure  402  and the sealing element  430 . The roughened region of the enclosure  402  may be formed by, for example, sandblasting the enclosure  402 . 
     Rather than several threads, an enclosure may include a single indented feature. For example,  FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  500  having a sealing element  530  with a protruding feature  532  and an enclosure  502  with an indented region  506 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown in the enlarged view, the indented region  506  may include a size and shape generally corresponding to that of the protruding feature  532 . Several components of the electronic device  500  are removed for purposes of simplicity. However, the electronic device  500  may include several features and components previously described for an electronic device. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  500  shown in  FIG. 16 , showing the cover  512  secured with the enclosure  502 . As shown, the enclosure  502  and the cover  512  may provide radial compression forces to the sealing element  530 . The enclosure  502  and the cover  512  may also include undercut regions. In this regard, similar to a manner previously described, the radial compression forces provided by the enclosure  502  and the cover  512  may cause the sealing element  530  to extend into an undercut region  534  of the cover  512  to form a first locking feature  552 , and an undercut region  544  of the enclosure  502  to form a second locking feature  554 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the radial compression forces may cause the sealing element  530 , and particular, the protruding feature  532 , to extend into the indented region  506  of the enclosure  502 , thereby by forming a mechanical attachment between the sealing element  530  and the enclosure  502 . Further, the indented region  506  and the protruding feature  532  are shaped to counter forces to the electronic device  500  that would otherwise cause the cover  512  to decouple from the enclosure  502 . It should be noted that the sealing element  530  may be compressed at the protruding feature  532  in order for the cover  512  to couple with the enclosure  502 . 
     In another embodiment, the enclosure, rather than the sealing element, may include a protruding feature. For example,  FIG. 18  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  600  having a sealing element  630  with a rectilinear configuration, in accordance with some described embodiments. Several components of the electronic device  600  are removed for purposes of simplicity. However, the electronic device  600  may include several features and components previously described for an electronic device. As shown in the enlarged view, the enclosure  602  may include a protruding feature  632  designed to engage the sealing element  630  when the cover  612  is secured with the enclosure  602 . Also, the cover  612  may include an undercut region  634 . Generally, the protruding feature  632  and the undercut region  634  are centrally located at a surface of their respective components. However, the protruding feature  632  and the undercut region  634  may be positioned in other locations. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  600  shown in  FIG. 18 , showing the cover  612  secured with the enclosure  602 . As shown, when the cover  612  is secured with the enclosure  602 , the enclosure  602  and the cover  612  may provide compression forces to the sealing element  630  to alter its appearance. For example, the enclosure  602 , and in particular, the protruding feature  632 , may provide a force that elastically deforms the sealing element  630  around the protruding feature  632 . This may provide a locking means that prevents or limits movement of the sealing element  630  relative to the enclosure  602 . Also, the cover  612  may provide a force that deforms the sealing element  630 , causing the sealing element  630  to at least partially extend into the undercut region  634  and define a locking feature  652 , thereby preventing or limiting movement of the cover  612  with respect to the sealing element  630 . 
     Rather than a protruding feature that is centrally located (shown in  FIGS. 16-19 ), a protruding feature of a sealing element may be in other locations. For example,  FIG. 20  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  700  having a sealing element  730  with a protruding feature  732  at an alternate location, with the protruding feature having a shape corresponding to an indented region  706  of an enclosure  702  of the electronic device  700 , in accordance with some described embodiments. Several components of the electronic device  700  are removed for purposes of simplicity. However, the electronic device  700  may include several features and components previously described for an electronic device. As shown in the enlarged view, the indented region  706  having a size and shape generally corresponding to that of a protruding feature  732  of the sealing element  730 . Also, due in part to the size of the protruding feature  732  and its location on the sealing element  730 , the sealing element  730  may be installed on the enclosure  702  prior to receiving a cover  712 . In this regard, the sealing element  730  may enter through an internal region of the enclosure  702  to engage the indented region  706 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  700  shown in  FIG. 20 , showing the cover  712  engaging the protruding feature  732  to secure the cover  712  with the enclosure  702 . The cover  712  may be secured with the enclosure  702  and sealing element  730  in a process subsequent to the sealing element  730  being secured with the enclosure  702 . As shown, the enclosure  702  and the cover  712  may provide radial compression forces to the sealing element  730 . The enclosure  702  may also include an undercut region. In this regard, similar to a manner previously described, the radial compression forces provided by the enclosure  702  and the cover  712  may cause the sealing element  730  to extend into an undercut region  734  of the cover  712  to form a first locking feature  752 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the radial compression forces may cause the sealing element  730 , and particular, the protruding feature  732 , to extend into the indented region  706  of the enclosure  702 , thereby by forming an additional locking feature by a mechanical attachment between the sealing element  730  and the enclosure  702 . Further, the indented region  706  and the protruding feature  732  are shaped to counter forces to the electronic device  700  that would otherwise cause the cover  712  to decouple from the enclosure  702 . It should be noted that the sealing element  730  may be compressed at the protruding feature  732  in order for the cover  712  to couple with the enclosure  702 . 
     The sealing elements may deform by methods other than just radial compression. For example,  FIGS. 22-25  describe a method for applying heat to deform a sealing element by melting the sealing element. This may be referred to as a heat staking process. The sealing element shown in  FIGS. 22-25  may be oversized, then melted to conform to other features of an electronic device. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  800  having a sealing element  830  secured with a cover  812 , showing the cover  812  prior to securing with an enclosure  802  of the electronic device  800 , in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the sealing element  830  may extend beyond the cover  812 . Also, several components of the electronic device  800  are removed for purposes of simplicity. However, the electronic device  800  may include several features and components previously described for an electronic device. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 22 , showing the cover  812  secured with the enclosure  802 . As shown, the sealing element  830  may engage both the enclosure  802  and the cover  812 . Further, the sealing element  830  may extend beyond the enclosure  802 . While the cover  812  and/or the enclosure  802  may apply radial compression forces, the sealing element  830  may include a size and a shape that provides minimal engagement with the cover  812  and/or the enclosure  802 . Thing may facilitate installing and securing the cover  812  with the enclosure  802 , as the sealing element  830  may readily slide along the enclosure  802 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  800  shown in  FIG. 23 , showing a heating element  860  engaging the sealing element  830  to at least partially melt the sealing element  830 . The heating element  860  may provide sufficient heat to melt the sealing element  830 , causing the sealing element  830  to reduce in size and become co-planar, or flush, with respect to a surface of the enclosure  802  and a surface of the cover  812 , as shown in  FIG. 24 .  FIG. 25  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  800  shown in  FIG. 24 , with the heating element  860  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) removed subsequent to melting the sealing element  830 . As shown, the melting of the sealing element  830  may cause the sealing element  830  to extend into an undercut region  844  of the enclosure  802 . Also, the heating element  860  (shown in  FIG. 24 ) may provide not only heat to the sealing element  830 , but may also provide some axial force such that the sealing element  830 , while heated, extends into an undercut region  834  of the cover  812 . In this regard, the melting of the sealing element  830  may cause the sealing element  830  to form a first locking feature  852  (at the undercut region  834 ) and a second locking feature  854  (at the undercut region  844 ). 
     The prior embodiments show and describe a sealing element that may be used to secure a cover with a rear portion of the enclosure. However, as shown in previous embodiments, electronic devices may include an outer protective cover designed to overlay a display assembly. Some methods described for a sealing element may be used to secure the outer protective layer with the enclosure at a front region of an electronic device. 
     For example,  FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate a sealing element that may be used to secure the outer protective cover with an enclosure of an electronic device.  FIG. 26  illustrates an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  900  having a sealing element  930  used with an outer protective layer  906  and a display assembly  904  of the electronic device  900  in accordance with some described embodiments. The display assembly  904  and outer protective layer  906  may include any features or properties previously described for a display assembly and an outer protective layer, respectively. Also, the sealing element  930  may include materials and elastic features previously described for a sealing element. However, as shown in the enlarged view, the sealing element  930  may include a sensor system  932  embedded in the sealing element  930 . 
     In some embodiments, the sensor system  932  is a capacitive sensor system. In this regard, the sensor system  932  may include a first plate  934  and a second plate  936 , both of which may be electrically coupled with a circuit  938  and a power source (not shown). At least one of the first plate  934  or the second plate  936  may receive power to store charge, such that at least one of the plates includes a capacitance between the first plate  934  and the second plate  936 . The capacitance may be inversely proportional to a distance between the first plate  934  and the second plate  936 . In this regard, the capacitive may be altered (increased, for example) in response to a force applied to the outer protective layer  906  that causes the first plate  934  to move in a direction toward the second plate  936 , thereby reducing the distance between the first plate  934  and the second plate  936 . 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  900  shown in  FIG. 26 , showing the outer protective layer  906  secured with the enclosure  902 . Several components of the electronic device  900  are removed for purposes of simplicity. However, the electronic device  900  may include several features and components previously described for an electronic device. In some embodiments (not shown), the outer protective layer  906  extends to allow the sealing element  930  to be press fit onto the outer protective layer  906 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 27 , the sealing element  930  is secured with the outer protective layer  906  by an adhesive  940 . In some embodiments, the sealing element  930  is adhesively secured with the enclosure  902  by an adhesive (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , the enclosure  902  may include an undercut region  944 . In this regard, when the outer protective layer  906  is secured with the enclosure  902 , the outer protective layer  906  and/or the enclosure  902  may provide compression forces to the sealing element  930 , causing the sealing element  930  to at least partially extend into the undercut region  944  and form a locking feature  952  between the enclosure  902  and the sealing element  930 . Accordingly, a sealing element may be used to provide mechanical locking features in different locations, and for different structural components, of an electronic device. 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a flowchart  1000  showing a method for forming an electronic device having an enclosure that includes an opening and an enclosure undercut surrounding the opening, in accordance with some described embodiments. In step  1002 , a sealing element is coupled with a cover. The sealing element may include elastically deformable properties and may be formed from materials such as PTFE or ETFE. The cover may be made from a material such as glass, sapphire, or crystal, such that light may pass through the transparent material. Further, the sealing element may be press fit onto the cover, and optionally, may also be adhesively secured with the cover. 
     In step  1004 , the sealing element and the cover are coupled with the enclosure at the opening. The cover may include a cover undercut that includes an undercut region formed by a material removal process to the cover. When the cover is coupled with the enclosure, radial compression forces may cause the sealing element to extend and engage: 1) the cover undercut to define a first locking feature and 2) the enclosure undercut to define a second locking feature. In this regard, the sealing element may be at least partially disposed between the cover and the enclosure. 
     The first locking feature may combine with the second locking feature to provide a retaining force that maintains the cover (along with the sealing element) secured with the enclosure. Also, the enclosure and/or the cover may provide radial compression force in opposing directions (both of which are directed toward the sealing element). In response, the sealing element may provide counterforces in a radially outward direction (with respect to the sealing element), thereby providing an additional retaining force that maintains the cover (along with the sealing element) with the enclosure. Also, the enclosure may be formed from a material such as steel or aluminum, or alloys that include at least one of the aforementioned metals. Also, the enclosure undercut may include an undercut region formed by a material removal process to the enclosure. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a flowchart  1100  showing a method for assembling an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. In step  1102 , a sealing element is secured with an enclosure of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes an indented region and the sealing element includes a protruding feature designed to mate with the recessed region. Further, the protruding feature may be located at a bottommost portion of the sealing element. However, in other embodiments, the protruding feature is centrally located on the sealing element. 
     In step  1104 , a cover is secured with the enclosure subsequent to securing the sealing element with the enclosure. The cover may combine with the enclosure to provide compression forces to the sealing element. In response, the sealing element may extend into an undercut region of the cover, and the sealing element may provide a locking feature. Further, the sealing element, having the protruding feature disposed in the indented region, may provide an additional locking feature to retain the cover with the enclosure and enhance ingress protection. 
     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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160614
Publication Date: 20171212
Grant Date: 20171212
Priority Date: 20160614
Inventors: SPENCER MAEGAN K.
TONG KATHERINE E.
DE JONG ERIK G.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0221", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0221", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 60516467