PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8432679-B2
Application Number: US-89405610-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Silicone barrier for drive window

Abstract:
An optical drive dust guard can include an elongated strip of silicone having a front surface, a back surface and an adhesive along one of the surfaces, an elongated slit formed along and through a center portion of the elongated strip, and one or more elongated notches formed along the elongated strip. The elongated notches result in at least a portion of the elongated strip becoming hinged to another portion of the elongated strip about the notches, so as to allow a hinged frontwards or backwards passage of an optical media therethrough. The elongated slit can be formed after the silicone dust guard is already installed in the host device.

Claims:
What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure adapted to house an optical disk drive, the enclosure having an opening configured to allow an optical disk to pass therethrough; and 
 a flexible dust guard secured to the enclosure proximate to the opening, the flexible dust guard configured to prevent the passage of dust, the flexible dust guard comprising:
 a body portion attached to the enclosure, the body portion having a first thickness, 
 a cleaning portion adapted to contact and clean a surface of the optical disk in response to passage of the optical disk through the opening, and 
 a flexible hinge portion disposed between the body portion and the cleaning portion, the flexible hinge portion having a first curved surface and a second curved surface opposite the first curved surface, the flexible hinge portion having a second thickness that is less than the first thickness, wherein the flexible hinge portion allows the cleaning portion to pivot with respect to the body portion and in accordance with the passage of the optical disk cleans the surface of the optical disk. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first curved surface and second curved surface has a semicircular profile. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the flexible dust guard is formed from silicone. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible dust guard further comprises a slit formed along through the flexible dust guard, the slit arranged to permit passage of the optical disk therethrough. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the flexible dust guard comprises two body portions, cleaning portions and flexible hinge portions, the two flexible hinge portions opposing each other and adjacent to the slit. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device further comprises a pinch plate positioned against the body portion to support the flexible dust guard against the enclosure. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the body portion is attached to the enclosure with an adhesive. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the slit is formed after the body portion is attached to the enclosure. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the reduced thickness of the flexible hinge portion permits the cleaning portion to move relative to the body portion to allow the optical disk to pass through the opening. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the flexible hinge portion is adapted to readily return to its original position after the optical disk is passed through the opening. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible dust guard comprises at least a front upper curved surface, a back upper curved surface, a front lower curved surface and a back lower curved surface. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein each of the first curved surface and the second curved surface has a semicircular profile. 
     
     
       13. A personal computing device, comprising:
 an outer housing defining an interior cavity, the outer housing having an optical disk drive opening therethrough; 
 one or more processors located within the outer housing and adapted to provide processing for a user thereof; 
 an optical disk drive located within the outer housing and proximate to the optical disk drive opening; and 
 an optical drive dust guard having
 an elongated strip of material having a front surface, a back surface and an adhesive along at least one of the front and back surfaces, the adhesive being adapted to fasten the elongated strip proximate to an optical disk drive, wherein the elongated strip restricts the passage of dust and other items from outside a device into an optical drive located therein, 
 an elongated slit formed along and through a center portion of the elongated strip, the elongated slit being arranged to permit the passage of an optical media through the slit in forward and backward directions, and 
 two or more sets of elongated curved notches formed along the elongated strip positioned above and below the elongated slit, each set including opposing curved notches on the front and back surfaces, wherein each set of elongated curved notches forms a hinge to hinge a first portion of the elongated strip to a second portion of the elongated strip. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The personal computing device of  claim 13 , wherein the elongated strip is formed from silicone. 
     
     
       15. The personal computing device of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more elongated notches comprise at least a first upper notch located above said elongated slit and at least a first lower notch located below said elongated slit. 
     
     
       16. The personal computing device of  claim 13 , wherein elongated strip material between the elongated slit and said one or more elongated notches becomes movably hinged material. 
     
     
       17. The personal computing device of  claim 16 , wherein said movably hinged material is adapted to readily move and give way to an optical media being passed through the elongated slit. 
     
     
       18. The personal computing device of  claim 17 , wherein the movably hinged material is adapted to readily return to its original closed position after the optical media is passed through the elongated slit. 
     
     
       19. The personal computing device of  claim 13 , wherein the one or more elongated notches comprise at least a front upper notch, a back upper notch, a front lower notch and a back lower notch. 
     
     
       20. The personal computing device of  claim 19 , wherein each of the curved notches has a semicircular profile to allow ease of movement of the first portion of the elongated strip relative to the second portion of the elongated strip.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/355,138, filed Jun. 15, 2010, entitled “Small Form Factor Desktop Computer;” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/355,144, filed Jun. 16, 2010, entitled “Electronic Components In A Small Form Factor Desktop Computer;” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/355,145, filed Jun. 16, 2010, entitled “Cooling Arrangement For Small Form Factor Desktop Computer;” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/355,150, filed Jun. 16, 2010, entitled “Manufacturing Fixtures For Small Form Factor Desktop Computer,” each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to small form factor desktop computing devices, and more particularly to dust guard arrangements for such small form factor desktop computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, small form factor desktop computers such as the Mac Mini™ manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino Calif. have been developed. These small form factor desktop computers provide basic computing services such as those provided by a central processing unit, or CPU, without the traditional I/O devices such as a keyboard and monitor usually associated with a standard desktop computer. By providing basic computer services, the small form factor desktop computer is affordable and can be easily customized for applications that would be unsuitable or at best difficult for the standard desktop computer. For example, the small form factor desktop computer can be easily placed on a shelf or in a cabinet and configured to operate as a media control center. In contrast to the small form factor desktop computer, in order to use the standard desktop computer as the media control center, a sturdy shelf or large cabinet must be used. Moreover, most people would not appreciate a standard desktop computer in plain view and would most likely opt to hide the unit. In this way, the small form factor desktop computer lends itself to applications that would otherwise be unsuitable for a standard desktop computer. 
     The reduction in size compared to standard desktop computers and the ease of use provide two reasons for the growing popularity of small form factor desktop computers. Factors that contribute to the reduction in size and ease of use can be attributed to the manufacturer&#39;s ability to fabricate various operational components in smaller and smaller sizes while increasing their power and/or operating speed. However, this trend of smaller, lighter and more powerful computers presents a continuing design challenge. One design challenge associated with the small form factor desktop computer is the design of the enclosure used to house the various internal components. This design challenge arises from a number conflicting design goals that includes the desirability of making the enclosure lighter and yet rugged and strong in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Conventional approaches to making computer enclosures lighter rely upon the extensive use of plastic. Although the conventional plastic design is generally lighter, enclosures formed entirely of plastic tend to be more flexible and therefore less rugged. Therefore, in order to strengthen the housing and form a more rigid and rugged structure, thicker plastics are generally used. However, even though the increase in thickness is consistent with a stronger and more rugged enclosure, the thicker plastic adds weight and bulkiness that can lead to user dissatisfaction. 
     Computer enclosures are generally mechanical assemblies having multiple parts that are screwed, bolted, riveted, or otherwise fastened together at discrete points that can result in cracks, seams, gaps or breaks at the mating surfaces and fasteners located along the surfaces of the housing. For example, a mating line surrounding the entire enclosure is produced when using an upper and lower casing. Moreover, the various components and complicated processes used to manufacture the computer can make assembly a time consuming and cumbersome process requiring, for example, a highly trained assembly operator working with special tools. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved component density and associated assembly techniques that reduce cost and improve outgoing quality. In addition, there is a need for improvements in the manner in which small form factor desktop computers are assembled such as improvements that enable various structures and items to be quickly and easily installed within the enclosure. In particular, where fewer components are used to complete the housing and structure of a limited size computing device, traditional techniques and manufacturing fixtures that are used for assembling and applying tapes, films, dust guards and other internal device components may not be ideal. 
     While many designs and techniques used to provide manufacturing fixtures for small form factor desktop computing devices have generally worked well in the past, there is always a desire to provide further manufacturing fixtures and techniques for applying dust guards in a compact device. 
     SUMMARY 
     A small form factor desktop computer is disclosed. The small form factor desktop computer is formed of at least a single piece (uni-body) housing. The single piece housing includes a bottom opening arranged to provide access to internal operational components, a front opening arranged to accommodate a plurality of I/O interfaces, and a slot opening suitable for receiving an optical disk such as a DVD. The single piece housing can, in turn, include an integral top portion, side walls and a bottom portion that cooperate to form a cavity in cooperation with the front opening, the bottom opening, and slot opening. The integral top portion has a substantially flat surface and curved edges to meet the side walls having rectilinear edges arranged such that they form a flat side surface. An interior surface of the top portion includes a plurality of etched ground points suitable for connecting electrical components to a chassis ground. The small form factor desktop computer also includes a foot disposed within the bottom opening that can be removed by a user to provide access to at least some operational components enclosed within the single piece housing. 
     A method is carried out by receiving a uni-body housing, the uni-body housing formed of metal to provide a chassis ground, inserting a first operational component into an opening in the uni-body housing, attaching the first component directly to an interior surface of the housing an attachment feature directly formed in the housing, wherein the attaching also provides an electrically conductive path to the chassis ground, inserting a second component into the housing through the opening, attaching the second component to an attachment fixture coupled to the housing, wherein the second component is not directly attached to the first component, inserting a third component into the opening, attaching the third component to the attachment feature, and securing the third component to the housing by way of the attachment feature by way of the first component, wherein the first, second, and third components are sized and shaped to form a compact integrated component assembly within the housing. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatus and method for providing improved optical drive dust guards in the making of small form factor desktop computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates in front facing perspective view an exemplary small form factor desktop computing device in an open state according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates in bottom plan view the exemplary small form factor desktop computing device of  FIG. 1  with a removable foot installed therein according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates in bottom perspective view the exemplary small form factor desktop computing device of  FIG. 1  with its removable foot removed therefrom according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates in obverse perspective view a removable foot according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates in side elevation view an exemplary input and output (I/O) wall inserted into the rear sidewall of an exemplary small form factor desktop computing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates in top perspective view the inner cavity of an exemplary single piece seamless housing used to enclose various internal components of a small form factor desktop computing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates in side cross-section view the single piece seamless housing of  FIG. 6  with further components installed therein according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates in side cross-section view a tape fixture assembly preparing to apply a thin layer tape to an internal surface of the housing of  FIG. 7  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates in side cross-section view the tape fixture assembly of  FIG. 8B  having applied the thin layer tape to the housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate in side cross-section view an installation of an ODD guard and an exemplary fixture therefor according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates in side cross-section view the formation of an internal elongated notch in a housing and an exemplary cutter therefor according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates in front elevation view an exemplary pinwheel cutting blade according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10C  illustrates in front elevation view the exemplary cutting blade of  FIG. 10A  being inserted into the internal cavity of the housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10D  illustrates in front elevation view the exemplary cutting blade of  FIG. 10A  as inserted into the internal cavity of the housing and cutting the internal elongated notch according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates in side cross-section view an installation of an alternative silicone ODD guard according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates in close-up side cross-section view the silicone ODD guard of  FIG. 11A  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  provides a flowchart of an exemplary automated method for evenly applying a thin layer to a surface according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of installing an optical drive dust guard according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary applications of apparatuses and methods according to the present invention are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the invention. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the present invention. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, 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 invention. 
     The invention relates in various embodiments to a small form factor desktop computing device, such as the Mac Mini™ manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The small form factor desktop computing device can have an outer housing formed from a single piece of material, such as an aluminum housing formed from a single billet of aluminum, such that it comprises a uni-body housing. In addition, suitable manufacturing fixtures can allow for a readily automated installation or application of various internal components, such as tapes, films and felt guards, without significantly sacrificing the overall aesthetic appearance of the device. These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below. 
     Outer Housing 
     The single piece seamless housing includes an aesthetically pleasing foot support having at least a portion formed of RF transparent material that provides easy user access to selected internal components as well as offers electromagnetic (EM) shielding. This simplicity of design can accrue many advantages to the small form factor desktop computer besides those related to aesthetic look and feel. For example, fewer components and less time and effort can be required for assembly of the small form factor desktop computer and the absence of seams in the single piece housing can provide good protection against environmental contamination of internal components as well as EM shielding. 
     In the described embodiments, the single piece seamless housing can be formed from metal. In the case where the single piece seamless housing is formed of metal, the metal can take the form of a single billet of aluminum. The single billet of metal can be formed into a shape appropriate for housing various internal components as well as providing various openings into which switches, connectors and so on can be accommodated. The single piece seamless housing can be machined into a desired shape. The shape of the housing can have spline contours in that an upper portion of the housing can have a spline contour. One of the advantages to using metal for the housing is ability of metal to provide good electrical grounding for any internal components requiring a good ground plane. For example, performance of a built in RF antenna can be substantially improved when a good ground plane is provided. Moreover, a good ground plane can be used to help mitigate the deleterious effects caused by, for example, of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/or electrostatic discharge (ESD). 
     Turning first to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary small form factor desktop computing device in an open state is shown in front facing perspective view. Small form factor desktop computer  100  can process data and more particularly media data such as audio, video, images, etc. By way of example, small form factor desktop computer  100  can generally correspond to a device that can perform as a music player, game player, video player, media center and/or the like. Small form factor desktop computer  100  can be easily placed in a convenient location such as a desktop, shelf or small cabinet due to both the small footprint and lightweight of small form factor desktop computer  100 . Small form factor desktop computer  100  can include single piece seamless housing  102  formed of metal such as aluminum which can be processed into a desired shape. In those cases where small form factor desktop computer  100  has a metal housing and incorporates RF based functionality, it may be advantageous to provide at least a portion of housing  102  in the form of radio (or RF) transparent materials. The radio transparent material can include, for example, plastic, ceramic, and so on. The wireless communications can be based on many different wireless protocols including for example Bluetooth, RF, 802.11, FM, AM, and so on. Any number of antennas may be used, which can use a single window or multiple windows depending on the needs of the system. Portions of housing  102  can be removed by machining and replaced with radio-transparent materials. 
     Housing  102  can be configured to enclose any suitable number of internal components associated with the small form factor desktop computer  100 . For example, housing  102  can enclose and support internally various structural and electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for small form factor desktop computer  100 . The integrated circuits can take the form of chips, chip sets, modules any of which can be surface mounted to a printed circuit board, or PCB, or other support structure. For example, a main logic board (MLB) can have integrated circuits mounted thereon that can include at least a microprocessor, semi-conductor (such as FLASH) memory, various support circuits and so on. Housing  102  can include various openings some of which can be used to receive disk based media such as DVDs or CDs whereas other openings can be used during assembly for placing internal components. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , ODD slot opening  132  can be user to accept optical disk media such as DVDs and CDs, whereas Small form factor desktop computer  100  can include a mechanism for wireless communications, as either a transceiver type device or receiver only, such as a radio, small form factor desktop computer  100  can include an antenna that can be disposed internal to a radio transparent portion of housing  102 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates in bottom plan view the exemplary small form factor desktop computing device of  FIG. 1  with a removable foot installed therein according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , small form factor desktop computer  100  generally includes a top side  101  and a bottom side  103 , with a removable foot  104  being located on the bottom side. Foot  104  can be easily removed using finger recesses  105  to press and rotate foot  104  without the need for a tool to reveal a bottom opening and various internal components. 
     Moving next to  FIG. 3 , the exemplary small form factor desktop computing device of  FIG. 1  is illustrated in bottom perspective view with its removable foot removed therefrom. The foot has been removed to expose internal components such as RF antenna  108 , antenna plate  110 , cowling  112 , fan assembly  114 , interchangeable memory cards  116 , and power supply  120 , among other items. It should be noted that cowling  112  is preferably inserted after antenna plate and before fan assembly  114 . 
     By way of removing foot  104 , the user is granted easy access to those internal components such as memory cards  116  that the user may want to update. In the described embodiment, foot  104  can be secured to housing  102  and cover opening  106  by spring fasteners  122  that can be disengaged (and therefore release foot  104 ) by pressing foot  104  while concurrently applying a rotational force to foot  104  at finger recesses  105 . In this way, the user can easily access various internal components without the need to use a special tool such as a putty knife, screw driver and so forth. Foot  104  can be formed of slip resistant material and can thus be used to provide slip free support for small form factor desk top computer  100 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates in obverse perspective view a removable foot according to one embodiment of the present invention. Illustrated here are receptors  124  that are used with fasteners  122  to secure foot  104  to housing  102 . As can be seen, receptors  124  are shaped to accommodate the shape of fasteners  122  in such a way that a slight pressing action and rotational movement is all that is required to disengage fasteners  122  and receptors  124 . It should be noted that that portion of foot  104  that does not align with antenna plate  110  (which acts as both EM shield and support structure) includes EM shield  126 . In this way, housing  102  being formed of metal along with EM shield  126  and antenna plate  110 , RF sensitive circuits within small form factor desktop computer  100  or in close proximity to small form factor desktop computer  100  are well shielded from the effects of EMI. It should also be noted that that portion of foot  104  that is part of EM shield  126  is used as an air intake area for fan assembly  114 . 
     It should also be noted that the outer edge of EM shield  126  can help to prevent or severely restrict air intake from ambient air outside the overall device where the EM shield coincides with the outer edge of the removable foot  104 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , this can effectively result in an air intake region  128  at the area of the removable foot where the EM shield  126  is not present. The remaining region is then effectively a “no air intake” region. Where desired, this effect can be accentuated, such as by the use of a raised ridge  127  in the outer housing, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Such a raised ridge  127  can be integrally formed in outer housing  102  when the housing is originally formed and machined, for example. It will be readily appreciated that alternative shapes and formations of the housing, foot, EM shield and the interfaces between these items can result in different operating requirements, features and/or air intake region results. For example, various alternatives to these components can result in an air intake region that is around substantially the entire circumference of the foot. It is specifically contemplated that any and all such arrangements can be used in conjunction with the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates in side elevation view an exemplary input and output (I/O) wall inserted into the rear sidewall of an exemplary small form factor desktop computing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown from the rear, small form factor desktop computer  100  can include an I/O wall insert  134  formed of plastic that includes a plurality of I/O ports  136  (HDMI, FireWire, Ethernet, and so on), an air exhaust vent portion of an air processing manifold  138 , AC power receptacle  140 , power button  142 , and memory card slot  144 , among other possible items. Based on this arrangement, it will be appreciated that a cooling airflow exiting the air exhaust vent portion of air processing manifold  138  will also simultaneously be exhausted from the overall computer  100 . 
     Moving next to  FIG. 6 , the inner cavity of an exemplary single piece seamless housing used to enclose various internal components of a small form factor desktop computing device is illustrated in top perspective view.  FIG. 6  depicts a representative interior view of cavity (also referred to as lumen)  150  of single piece seamless housing  102  used to enclose various internal components of the small form factor desktop computer  100  described above. In the described embodiment, single piece seamless housing  102  can be formed from a single piece of metal (such as aluminum) and formed into an appropriate shape using, for example, using various ingenious machining techniques. Metal logo film or shield  200  can be used to provide EM shielding from an opening (not shown) in the housing  102  that is used to accommodate a logo on the upper surface of housing. Logo shield  200  can be glued or otherwise attached in an inside surface of the upper part of housing  102 . Housing  102  can include a number of features used to facilitate the installation of internal components used in the assembly of small form factor desktop computer  100 . For example, internal components can be inserted using either opening  106  or opening  107  sized to accommodate I/O wall  134 . 
     A number of alignment and locking features machined into or attached to the structure of housing  102  can be used to align and fasten various internal components during assembly. For example, bezel  160  can be used to mount and align internal components such as a hard disk drive and/or optical disk drive as well as a power supply. The various internal components are formed in such a way to include various interlocking features that can be user to greatly simplify the assembly process, which can be analogized to assembling a ship in a bottle in that assembly is carried out by inserting each component in a particular order. Once inserted, the internal component is aligned with and at least partially secured by previously inserted components. For example, each internal component fits and aligns with other internal components. The interlocking features can also greatly reduce the number of fasteners that must be used to secure the internal components to housing  102 . In addition, various alignment features machined into the structure of housing  102  can provide both alignment reference points. In this way, one component, such as the optical disk drive and power supply, can be aligned and mounted to housing  102  directly whereas other components such as main logic board and fan assembly can be aligned with attachment features associated with the optical disk drive. In this way, the various components are assembled in such as way as to reduce the overall tolerance stack. In this way small form factor desktop computer  100  can be fabricated using an assembly process can be carried out by inserting and aligning specific components in a particular order. 
     In order to discuss better various internal features and manufacturing fixtures for the creation and/or installation thereof, it can be useful to depict single piece seamless housing  102  from another point of view. Continuing on to  FIG. 7 , the single piece seamless housing of  FIG. 6  and various internal features thereof are shown in side cross-sectional view. As depicted and noted above, housing  102  can include various openings therethrough, such as bottom opening  106  for a removable foot, a rear wall opening  107  for an I/O wall, and a front wall ODD slot opening  132 . Various internal features can include a logo shield or tape  200 , a dust guard  300  for the ODD slot opening, and an elongated trough or notch  400  in the housing proximate to the felt guard. The installation or formation of each of these features  200 ,  300 ,  400  can be relatively interesting in light of the nature of housing  102  being formed from a single seamless piece of material. Accordingly, the installation and formation of these particular features is set forth in greater detail below. 
     Tape Fixture Assembly 
     Logo film or shield  200  can generally be a thin layer metal tape or film that is used to provide a continuous EM shield across portions of the housing  102  that have openings or are otherwise discontinuous with respect to EMI. Such a tape application can involve the application of a thin aluminum foil or film having an adhesive on one side thereof, which can be placed over an inserted component  170 / 172 . Such an inserted component can take the shape of a logo, for example, such that the logo is presented on an exterior surface of the device. One example of such a housing insert is the Apple logo. Such cosmetic inserts can present issues where the outer housing is being used in a functional manner, such as for an EM shield or grounding structure, for example. In such instances, the application of a conductive tape over an internal surface of the cosmetic insert can correct any hole in the EM shield, for example. Other purposes and applications of thin films within and about the overall device  100  are also possible, and it is specifically contemplated that the tape fixture assembly fixture provided below can also be used for the application of such alternative tapes and films. 
     One problem that can be encountered by the application of such a thin film by using an adhesive is that one or more air pockets or other imperfections can arise during the application process. Although avoidance of such imperfections can sometimes be avoided by way of a careful hand application, such efforts are costly and unreliable. Furthermore, manual application of tapes, thin films and other similar items can inherently result in discrepancies and differences from one application or device to another. Accordingly, a reliable automated process for applying a thin layer or film by way of adhesive in a restricted space without creating any air pockets or blemishes is desired. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a tape fixture assembly adapted for the application of a thin layer tape to an internal surface of the housing of  FIG. 7  is shown in side cross-sectional view. Tape fixture assembly  205  includes a center applicator  210  that can be made from low durometer rubber or another suitable compressible material. One or more side walls  212  can be comprised of a hard plastic or other suitably stiff material. In the event of a round or curved applicator, a single continuous curved sidewall or “sleeve body”  212  may be used. Applicator  210  can have a slightly three-dimensionally curved surface  214  at its application end, such that pressure is first applied only at the center of the applied thin film, with pressure then being gradually increased in a radial manner outward as the material of the applicator is compressed and more of the curved surface contacts and presses against the film. One or more vacuum holes  216  in applicator  210  can be used to hold the applicable thin film  200  being applied against the applicator just prior to application, although other suitable holding techniques can be used. At this point, any adhesive cover or shield (not shown) can be removed to expose the underlying adhesive for attachments to housing  102  and insert  170 / 172 . 
     As will be readily appreciated, the cosmetic insert can have a smaller diameter portion  172  toward the outer surface of the device, with a larger diameter portion  170  that is covered by the conductive film  200 . In addition, insert  170 / 172  can be partially recessed within the opening created for it in housing  102 , such that there is a small offset or step (not shown) between portion  170  of the logo and the housing  102 . Such an imperfect non-flush alignment between the surfaces of housing  102  and insert portion  170  can be due to different materials, part tolerances and/or other manufacturing considerations, as will be readily appreciated. Accordingly, it is preferable that the side wall(s)  212  on tape fixture assembly  205  contact the housing  102  and not the insert portion  170 , while compressible center applicator  210  with its curved surface  214  contacts the insert portion  170  and not the housing  102 . In this manner, side wall(s)  212  and center applicator  210  can readily apply a thin film  200  that spans across the insert  170  and housing  102  at different offsets and/or elevations. 
       FIG. 8B  shows the thin film  200  after it has been applied by tape fixture assembly or system  205 . The applicator  210  compresses at its curved surface  214  from the center outward during application and eventually becomes flattened thereby, such that any trapped air bubbles or pockets in film  200  are pushed to the outer edges of the film or guard  200  and escape at its edges. The lower distal edges of the harder one or more side walls  212  then firmly press against the outer edges at or near the circumference of the applied film  200  to effect a final press seal of the film against the outer housing  102 . In various embodiments, pressure from the one or more side walls is not effected until there is at least some compression of the center applicator, particularly at the curved surface thereof. 
     Felt Guard Assembly 
     Moving next to  FIGS. 9A-9D , an exemplary installation of an ODD dust guard within the housing is illustrated in side cross-section view. Such an ODD dust guard can be, for example, a felt ODD guard having an elongated slit or opening therethrough, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.  FIG. 9A  shows a dust guard assembly  305   a  adapted for the application of a felt dust guard or inhibitor  300  to an ODD slot. Although discussed in terms of a felt dust guard, it will be readily appreciated that a dust guard or inhibitor formed from any suitable material can be used in conjunction with the installation procedure disclosed herein. 
     System or assembly  305   a  includes a felt guard application fixture  310  having a bottom surface  312  that is adapted to contact flush the upper surface of housing  102  within the cavity of the housing. Fixture  310  can be adapted to control a felt guard application unit or combo  301 , and can be inserted into the cavity of the housing through opening  106 , for example. As noted above, it may be desirable to install the ODD dust guard at or about ODD slot or opening  132 , and preferably on the inside of the overall device  100  for aesthetic purposes. ODD slot or opening  132  can be proximate to elongated notch or trough  400 , such that a bezel (not shown here) can be readily installed along the front wall having the slot  132 , as noted above. The felt dust guard can be installed onto the internal housing wall directly, or onto the surface of the bezel, as may be desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9A , the felt guard application fixture  310  can be inserted downward from opening  106  into the housing. Continuing with  FIG. 9B , it can be seen that fixture  310  is inserted until its surface  312  is flush against the housing  102 . Felt guard application unit  301  includes one or more internal felt portions  300  and front and back linings  302  that are adapted to be removed during installation. Felt application unit  301  is held against a front surface of felt application fixture  310  during the application process, such as by a vacuum hold. One feature of the applied vacuum hold is that the felt application unit  301  is adapted to slide against its holding surface on the application fixture  310 . This hold feature allows the bottom surface of the felt application unit  301  to become flush against the top surface of housing  102  at the same time that the bottom surface  312  of the application fixture  310  contacts the housing surface. The result is higher certainty in the alignment of the felt application unit  301  for the subsequent application process against the inside of the front face of the device or the bezel installed thereto. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 9C , the front lining of the felt application unit  301  can be removed and the fixture  310  can be moved laterally until the surface of the underlying felt contacts the housing wall or bezel. After installation at  FIG. 9D , the fixture is removed, the back lining is removed, and the felt portion or portions  300  are adhered to the inner surface of the housing or bezel in a reliably aligned fashion, due to the self-adjusting alignment of the felt application unit  301  and fixture  310  prior to application at the surface. Alternatively, one or both of the linings  302  can be removed prior to inserting the fixture  310  and unit  301  into the housing, as may be suitable for a given application. 
     Finally, a pinch plate  320  can be installed against an inner surface of the housing and adjacent to the backside of the felt dust guard  300 . Such an installation can be by way of an adhesive, fastener or other suitable means. Pinch plate  320  provides additional support behind the felt dust guard  300  so as to prevent delamination of the dust guard from the housing under repeated insertions and ejections of disc media, as will be readily appreciated. 
     Housing Machining Fixture 
     Turning next to  FIG. 10A , the formation of an internal elongated notch or trough in the housing and an exemplary cutter therefor are shown in side cross-sectional view. As shown, elongated notch  400  can be formed by way of manufacturing fixture or system  405 , which can include a cutter having a blade  420  on a shaft  410  that is inserted into the interior cavity of housing  102  by way of rear opening  107 . In the event that opening  107  is unduly small, that notch  400  is relatively deep, and/or various other constraints that aggravate a ready notch formation in light of housing  102  being formed from a single piece of material, a special type of blade for such machining can be implemented. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10B , an exemplary pinwheel cutting blade according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in front elevation view. Pinwheel blade  420  can be affixed or otherwise coupled to an end of cutting shaft  410 . As shown, pinwheel blade can be designed such that the blade has a relatively square footprint having a side length, while the actual cutting circumference of the blade is larger than this side length. That is, where the height and width of the blade is X, the cutting circumference of the blade as it rotates is 1.41X (i.e., X times the square root of two). This is due to the particular shape of the pinwheel blade. 
     The effect of this shape and its rotation can be seen with respect to  FIGS. 10C and 10D . While  FIG. 10C  illustrates the pinwheel blade and its position while being inserted into the internal cavity of the housing,  FIG. 10D  illustrates the pinwheel blade as inserted into the internal cavity of the housing and its position while cutting the internal elongated notch. Such cutting is particularly effective or maximized when the pinwheel blade is rotated at 45 degrees with respect to its position upon insertion. In effect, the tips of the pinwheel blades are able reach distances having a greater width than that which may be restricted by a small opening, in the event that opening  107  is designed to be narrow. 
     Drive Slot Silicone Barrier 
     Moving now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , an alternative ODD dust guard to the earlier disclosed felt dust guard is provided.  FIG. 11A  illustrates in side cross-section view an installation of an alternative silicone ODD guard, while  FIG. 11B  illustrates in close-up side cross-section view the silicone ODD guard of  FIG. 11A . Similar to the foregoing felt embodiment, silicone dust guard or inhibitor  500  can be installed proximate to an ODD slot, such as on the housing internal surface or on a bezel. 
     Silicone can be a more reliable material for forming such a dust guard. In one embodiment, a slit in the silicone dust guard can be formed prior to installation, as in the case of felt guards. In another embodiment, the silicone strip can be applied to the ODD slot without a slit formed, and the slit can then be cut into the strip after installation, such as by using a laser. This can result in a more accurate centered placement of the strip based on the actual housing dimensions and alignment from device to device. Use of silicone as a guard material is preferable for at least this particular reason. In addition, the use of silicone can be more aesthetically pleasing and can result in a greater inhabitance of dust intrusion depending upon the particular design and application used. 
     Upon installation by system  505 , the application fixture  510  having a bottom surface  512 , housing  102 , ODD slot  132  and the like can all be substantially similar to the foregoing felt embodiment. However, the actual dust guard or inhibitor itself can be different, as can be its installation process and implementation in some regards. Silicon guard application unit  501  can have a lower surface  532 , include a silicon guard as well as front and/or back backings, similar to the felt application unit. Although the slit is depicted as being precut, it will again be understood that forming the slit in the silicone guard can be left until after its installation for this type of material. The resulting silicone guard  500  is then adhered to an inner surface of the housing proximate to and effectively surrounding the ODD slot  132 . A suitable pinch plate  520  can also be utilized to provide additional structural support to the silicone dust guard or inhibitor  500 . 
     One issue with using silicone is that it is a much stiffer material than felt. Accordingly, the thickness of the silicone dust guard or shield should be substantially thinner than a typical felt guard, such that the material is able to give way when a disk medium is inserted into or ejected from the slot  132 . Unfortunately, the effective material properties of silicone make it difficult to form this material to a thinness that is effective in giving way for the passage of disk media without leaving a significant gap between the top and bottom of the cut slit. Accordingly, a plurality of notches  536  can be formed in the silicone dust guard, which notches serve to turn the material into an effective hinge. This effect can be preserved by adhering the portions of the silicone dust guard that are beyond the formed notches, as illustrated by adhesive material  538  being located only above the notch  536  in the top portion of the affixed silicone dust guard  500  and only below the notch  536  in the bottom portion of the silicone dust guard. As will be readily appreciated, the result of the formed notches and self-hinged material is that the central portions of material near the cut slit are able to give more readily to allow passage of disk media. Notches  536  can be formed on both sides of the silicone dust guard, such that hinging action can be realized in both directions, corresponding to insertion and ejection of disks. 
     Methods of Use 
     Continuing next with  FIGS. 12 and 13 , flowcharts are provided with exemplary methods for evenly applying a thin layer to a surface and for installing an optical drive dust guard. It will be understood that the provided steps are shown only for purposes of illustration, and that many other steps may be included in the process, as may be desired. Furthermore, the order of steps may be changed where appropriate and not all steps need be performed in various instances. For example, steps such as steps  706  and  718  may be performed at several other locations in the method shown in  FIG. 13 , while steps such as steps  710 ,  712  and  720  in the method of  FIG. 13  may not be needed in some cases. 
     Starting with  FIG. 12 , a method of applying a thin layer or tape to a surface begins with a start step  600  and then a process step  602  of placing a thin layer against a curved surface of a center applicator. Subsequently, process step  604  involves applying a vacuum hold from the applicator to the thin layer, while process step  606  involves removing an adhesive cover from the thin layer to expose an adhesive. This removal can be performed while the thin layer is held against the curved surface. Next at process step  608 , the thin layer is pressed against the surface to which it is to be applied. At following process step  610 , the pressure is applied at a central location and radially outward, such that the thin surface is applied in an even and consistent manner. At step  612 , distal lower edges of the outer wall or walls of the applicator are pressed against an outer region or circumference of the thin layer. Such an application can involve the center portion of the applicator pressing the thin layer against the surface of a first component, with the outer walls of the applicator pressing the thin layer against the surface of a different component that surrounds the first component, as depicted above. At process step  614 , the applicator is then removed, upon which the method then ends at end step  616 . 
     Finishing with  FIG. 13 , a method of applying or installing an optical drive dust guard is presented. After a start step  700 , a dust guard component or assembly is placed against a dust guard installation fixture at process step  702 . At subsequent process step  704 , a vacuum hold can then be created between the dust guard component and the fixture. An adhesive cover or lining can then be removed from the dust guard assembly at process step  706 , although again this step can be performed at a later time if desired. The dust guard and fixture combination is then inserted into the housing at process step  708 , whereupon the dust guard is aligned with the fixture at process step  710 . Such an alignment can involve allowing the felt guard to slide along the fixture when edges of the felt guard and/or fixture contact an internal surface of the housing. 
     The felt guard and fixture combination can then be moved along an internal surface or otherwise within the housing at process step  712 , so as to arrive at the desired installation point. At step  714 , the dust guard can then be affixed with respect to an ODD slot in the housing. This can involve adhering the dust guard directly to an inner surface of the housing proximate the ODD slot in the housing, or to an intermediary component that is also arranged with respect to the ODD slot. The installation fixture can then be removed from the housing at process step  716 . In the event that the dust guard is formed from silicone or another similarly suitable material, then a slit in the dust guard can subsequently be formed at process step  718 . Again, the slit formation step can occur at an earlier point in the process, particularly if the dust guard is felt. A pinch plate can then be installed at process step  720  so as to provide added support to the back side of the dust guard, whereupon the method ends at end step  722 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100929
Publication Date: 20130430
Grant Date: 20130430
Priority Date: 20100615
Inventors: FARAHANI HOUTAN R.
ROHRBACH MATTHEW D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B23C3/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T83/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T83/9391", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20336", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/187", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B23C5/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/182", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B26D3/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/185", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T83/9391", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T83/869", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B26D3/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B23C2220/36", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/182", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K13/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T83/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T83/869", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 45095267