PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9608685-B2
Application Number: US-201514842728-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Deformable seal for an electronic device

Abstract:
An electronic device that includes a deformable feature designed to seal two or more parts of the electronic device is disclosed. The deformable feature may be designed to deform, in response to a force applied to the deformable feature, with little or no compression. The deformable feature may include a cavity or relief volume extending along the deformable feature to define a space or void in the deformable feature. In response to a force, the deformable feature may deform such that a material (or materials) defining the deformable feature occupies or extends into the space or void, or in a location previously occupied by the space or void. The deformable feature may provide a protective seal between two or more parts that prevents ingress of contaminants, such as a liquid.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A deformable feature suitable for preventing ingress through a gap between a first part and a second part in an electronic device, the deformable feature comprising:
 a body positioned in the gap between the first part and the second part, the body having a cavity having a first volume, 
 wherein in response to a force applied to the body from the first part securing with the second part, the body forms an ingress barrier at the gap and a portion of the body deforms defining a displaced portion and the cavity reduces to a second volume less than the first volume to accommodate the displaced portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The deformable feature of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a cross sectional area having a first shape, and wherein in response to the force applied to the body, the body deforms to a second shape that maintains the cross sectional area. 
     
     
       3. The deformable feature of  claim 1 , wherein the body defines a seal between the first part and the second part. 
     
     
       4. The deformable feature of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a liquid silicone rubber applied to the first part and cured to the first part. 
     
     
       5. The deformable feature of  claim 1 , wherein in response to the force applied to the body, the cavity accommodates a portion of the body deformed by the force applied. 
     
     
       6. The deformable feature of  claim 1 , wherein the force applied includes the first part secured with the second part, and wherein the body allows the first part to be positioned co-planar with the respect to the second part. 
     
     
       7. The deformable feature of  claim 1 , wherein the body, in response to the force applied to the body, deforms but does not compress. 
     
     
       8. An electronic device, comprising:
 a first part having a first interface surface; 
 a second part having a second interface surface having a shape corresponding to the first interface surface, the first interface surface and the second interface surface defining a gap extending between the first part and the second part; and 
 a plug feature configured to prevent ingress through the gap, the plug feature comprising:
 a body portion in contact with the first interface surface and the second interface surface, the body portion having an interference region corresponding to an amount of the body portion displaced in response the first part being secured with the second part, and 
 a relief portion having a volume that accommodates the amount of the body portion corresponding to the interference region. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the body portion comprises a protruding feature that extends from the body portion to define the interference region. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the first part comprises a support feature configured to carry a protective layer, and wherein the plug feature is disposed on and cured to the support feature. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the plug feature comprises a liquid silicone rubber. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the plug feature changes from a first shape to a second shape in response to the relief portion accommodating the interference region, and wherein the plug feature maintains a cross sectional area that is constant when the plug feature changes from the first shape to the second shape. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the first part is co-planar with respect to the second along a curved plane. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the body portion is configured to extend laterally in a single direction in response to the first part being secured with the second part. 
     
     
       15. A method for sealing a first part of an electronic device with a second part of the electronic device, the method comprising:
 receiving a deformable feature that engages the first part and the second part, the deformable feature having a relief portion; and 
 securing the first part with the second part, thereby displacing an amount of the deformable feature, the amount accommodated by the relief portion. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising curing the deformable feature with the first part. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising causing the deformable feature to extend into the relief portion comprises deforming the deformable feature from a first shape having a cross sectional area to a second shape having the cross sectional area. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16 , wherein curing the deformable feature with the first part comprises:
 receiving a liquid silicone rubber to the first part that carries a protective layer and a display of the electronic device; and 
 heating the liquid silicone rubber. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , securing the first part with the second part comprises securing a support feature with an enclosure of the electronic device. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , wherein securing the first part with the second part causes the relief portion to reduce in size.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to an electronic device having a feature designed to prevent ingress of contaminants. In particular, the present embodiments relate to an electronic device having a deformable feature having a relief volume that allows the deformable gasket, in response to a load force, to extend into the relief volume, or in a location previously occupied by the relief volume. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An electronic device generally includes two exterior features that join together to enclose several components. Due in part to the electronic device including two exterior features joined together at a joint, the electronic device may include an exposed region located at the joint. Despite one or more forces securing the two exterior features together, the exposed region may be vulnerable to ingress from contaminants such as liquids. Further, ingress of liquid contaminants in certain location may cause damage to critical components of the electronic device. 
     Some solutions may prevent or limit ingress at the exposed region. For example, a rubber gasket may be positioned between the two exterior features at the exposed region. However, in some cases, it is desirable for the electronic device to maintain a consistent positioning of the two exterior features with respect to each other. As such, the gasket requires a consistent pressure all around the perimeter; otherwise, at least one of the exterior features may bulge or form an inconsistent or dissimilar positioning with respect to other locations. Another solution may include an O-ring. An O-ring is generally known in the art to include a circular or elliptical. However, when the exterior features a polygonal shape, such as a rectangle, the shape of the O-ring may differ enough and create an undesirable fit with one of the exterior features. For example, in some cases, the O-ring is too tight in some regions and/or too loose in other regions. 
     Both the O-ring and the gasket may include other drawbacks. For example, although the two exterior features may be molded and/or machined in order to mate, in some cases, one or both exterior feature may includes some variations in their final design that may nonetheless be within a specified tolerance. However, using a prefabricated O-ring or gasket may not be able to accommodate these variations and accordingly, may not prevent ingress. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a deformable feature suitable for preventing ingress through a gap between a first part and a second part in an electronic device is described. The deformable feature may include a body extending around a perimeter of the first part and positioned in the gap between the first part and the second part. The deformable feature may further include a relief volume in the body. In some embodiments, in response to a force applied to the body from the first part securing with the second part, a portion of the body deforms and occupies a portion of the relief volume. 
     In another aspect, In another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a first part having a first interface surface. The electronic device may further include a second part having a second interface surface having a shape corresponding to the first interface surface. The first interface and the second interface surface may define a gap extending between the first part and the second part. The electronic device may further include a plug feature configured to prevent ingress through the gap. The plug feature may include a body portion in contact with the first interface surface and the second interface surface. The body portion may include an interference region corresponding to an amount of the body portion displaced in response the first part being secured with the second part. The plug feature may further include a relief portion having a volume that accommodates the amount of the body portion corresponding to the interference region. 
     In another aspect, a method for sealing a first part with a second part, both of which are disposed in an electronic device, is described. The method may include receiving, at the first part, a deformable feature around a perimeter of the first part. The deformable feature may include a relief volume. The method may further include securing the first part with the second part. In some embodiments, securing the first part with the second part may cause a portion of the deformable feature to extend into the relief volume. 
     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 the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing several internal features of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 2 , prior to securing the upper assembly with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device in  FIG. 3 , with the upper assembly secured with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of an enlarged view of an embodiment of a deformable feature having a first shape prior to securing an upper assembly with an enclosure, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the deformable feature shown in  FIG. 5 , with the deformable feature deforming to a second shape in response to securing the upper assembly with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an enlarged view of an alternate embodiment of a deformable feature having a first shape prior to securing an upper assembly with an enclosure, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the deformable feature shown in  FIG. 7 , with the deformable feature deforming to a second shape in response to securing the upper assembly with the enclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of an enlarged view of an alternate embodiment of a deformable feature having a first shape prior to securing an upper assembly with an enclosure, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of the deformable feature shown in  FIG. 9 , with the deformable feature deforming to a second shape in response to securing the upper assembly with the enclosure; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for sealing a first part with a second part, both of which are disposed in an electronic device, in accordance with the 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 an electronic device having a design feature that limits or prevents ingress of contaminants, such as liquids. The design feature may be a deformable feature positioned between two parts and designed to form a seal between the two parts. The deformable feature may change its shape in response to a force applied to the deformable feature. For example, when the two parts are brought together, the deformable feature may deform to a second shape different from its initial (first) shape. Also, the deformable feature may include a material (or materials) that may withstand compression in response to the force applied by securing the two parts together. In this manner, the deformable feature, when changing from the initial shape to the second shape, may maintain the same, or substantially similar, volume. Accordingly, a cross section of the deformable feature may change its shape but may still maintain the same, or substantially similar, cross sectional area. 
     The deformable feature may include a cavity or relief volume (or relief portion) extending along the deformable feature. Accordingly, the cavity may define a space or void along the deformable feature. In response to a force received by the deformable feature, the cavity allows at least some of the material defining the deformable feature to occupy or extend into the cavity, or a location previously occupied by the cavity, due in part to the deformable feature withstanding compression. By deforming to a different shape and minimizing or preventing compression, the deformable feature allows the first part to mate with the second part in a manner such that the first part maintains a co-planarity with respect to the second part. In this manner, the deformable feature may define an ingress-resistant seal that deforms or changes to a shape that allows two parts to mate in a desirable manner. Further, the deformable feature may be used in a mass-production scale of electronic device in a repeatable manner. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . 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 the described embodiments. In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a tablet device. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is a wireless communication device, such as a smartphone. The electronic device  100  may include an enclosure  102  designed to enclose several operational components, including integrated circuits, a speaker, a microphone, etc. In some embodiments, the enclosure  102  is formed from a metal, such as aluminum. The enclosure  102  may include a rear portion and several sidewalls extending from the rear portion. The electronic device  100  may further include a display  104  designed to display visual content. The display  104  may include a touch-sensitive layer (not shown) integrated with the display  104  such that the display  104  may receive and respond to a touch input by a user. Further, the touch-sensitive layer may include a capacitive touch sensitive layer that may receive and respond to a capacitive coupling with the capacitive touch sensitive layer. A protective layer  106  may overlay the display  104 . The protective layer  106  may be formed from a transparent material, such as a glass material that covers the display  104 . Also, the electronic device  100  may further include a button  108  designed to receive an additional input that may allow a user to provide a control to the electronic device  100  used to control, for example, an application or “app” visually presented on the display  104 . The electronic device  100  may include an internal power source (such a battery) used to provide power in the form of electrical current to several internal components of the electronic device  100 . Accordingly, the electronic device  100  may include a charging port  110  designed to receive power in order to provide power to the internal power supply and/or the internal components. Also, although not shown, the electronic device  100  may include one or more control inputs (such as button) disposed in various locations around the enclosure  102 , with the control inputs offering different control features for the electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing several internal features of the electronic device  100 . For example, a support feature  112  may be used with the display  104  and the protective layer  106 . The support feature  112  may be referred to as a frame that provides structural support for the display  104  and/or the protective layer  106 . In some embodiments, the support feature  112  includes a polymeric material, such as plastic. Also, the support feature  112  may include a support surface  114  designed to receive the display  104  and/or the protective layer  106 . In some embodiments, the protective layer  106  is bonded with the support surface by an adhesive (not shown). The display  104 , the protective layer  106 , and the support feature  112  may combine to define an upper assembly  116  (or at least a portion of the upper assembly  116 ) of the electronic device  100 . Also, although not shown, the support feature  112  may include several protruding features (not shown), each of which is designed to mate with one of the bosses of the enclosure  102 . For example, a first boss  126  of the enclosure may receive a first protruding feature of the support feature  112 . Alternatively, the support feature  112  may include several openings (not shown), each of which is designed to receive a fastener that extends into the bosses. Other features, such as clips or snaps, may be used to provide a retaining force between the support feature  112  and the enclosure  102 . 
     Also, the electronic device  100  may include a deformable feature  120 . The deformable feature  120  may be a body used as a protective seal that may prevent ingress between two parts, such as the upper assembly  116  and the enclosure  102 . In this regard, the deformable feature  120  may be a plug feature designed to provide a seal between two or more parts in the electronic device  100 . The deformable feature  120  may be applied in a liquid form to the support feature  112  and then cured with the support feature  112 . In this manner, the deformable feature  120  may include a custom fit that secures to various regions of the support feature  112 . This may be advantageous over using a pre-fabricated O-ring or gasket, as those structures may not provide the same custom form and fit. 
     In some embodiments, the deformable feature  120  includes a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”). Further, in some embodiments, the deformable feature  120  a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The TPE and/or TPU can be molded with the support feature  112  by, for example, a dual shot molding operation. For example, a mold core and first mold cavity (not shown) may be used to receive a polymeric material by means of injection molding or compression molding, as non-limiting examples, in order to form the support feature  112 . Then, a second operation may be performed by replacing the first mold cavity with a second mold cavity, with the second mold cavity defining a region that receive the TPE and/or TPE in order to form the deformable feature  120 . 
     However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the deformable feature  120  includes a liquid silicone rubber (“LSR”). The deformable feature  120  formed from LSR may provide several advantages. For example, LSR may resist breakdown when exposed to certain chemicals. This may allow the deformable feature  120  to continue to prevent ingress even after exposure to chemicals that may break down other less chemical-resistant materials. Also, the LSR material allows the deformable feature  120  to be formed on the relatively thin walls of the support feature  112  in a desired manner and may not “creep” or extend into unwanted locations along the support feature  112 . Further, LSR material allows the deformable feature  120  to include a relatively small thickness that may allow the deformable feature  120  to be more readily positioned between two or more parts. Also, the LSR include a relatively low durometer that may provide the deformable feature  120  with some elasticity thereby increasing the deformability of the deformable feature  120 . 
     Also, the deformable feature  120 , when formed from LSR, may be applied to the support feature  112  then cured in place by a heating element (not shown). By forming a deformable feature  120  using a liquid or non-cured material, such as LSR, to the support feature  112  and subsequently curing, the deformable feature  120  may be able to accommodate variations in the formation of the support feature  112 . For example, several support features undergoing their respective molding operations may include some structural differences within a specified tolerance. However, by applying and curing an LSR material, for example, to the each of the support features, each support feature receives a customized deformable feature designed to fit around the various contours and curvatures of each support feature regardless of the structural differences of each support feature. 
     Also, as shown in the enlarged view, the deformable feature  120  may include a cavity  122 . The cavity  122  may be formed in the deformable feature by, for example, a mold assembly (not shown). The cavity  122  may be referred to as a relief volume that allows the deformable feature  120 , in response to a force, to deform, collapse, or extend into the cavity  122 . In other words, a portion of the material defining the deformable feature  120  may occupy or extend into the cavity  122 , or a location previously inhabited by the cavity  122 . This will be shown and described in detail below. 
     Also, as shown, the deformable feature  120  may extends in a continuous manner. However, in other embodiments, the deformable feature  120  is discontinuous in some locations to allow, for example, securing features (including snaps, clips, fasteners, etc.) to secure the upper assembly  116  with the enclosure  102 . Also, the cavity  122  may be disposed in any location in which the deformable feature  120  is located. When the structural features shown in  FIG. 2  are assembled, the deformable feature  120  is secured with the upper assembly  116  and may be received by a support surface  124  of the enclosure  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 2 , prior to securing the upper assembly  116  with the support surface  124  of the enclosure  102 . For purposes of simplicity, several internal components (such as memory circuits, processor circuits, battery, etc.) are removed from the electronic device  100 . As shown in the enlarged view, the deformable feature  120  is secured with the support feature  112 . In particular, the deformable feature  120  is secured in a notch feature  118  of the support feature  112 . The notch feature  118  may extend around the perimeter of the support feature  112  to receive the deformable feature  120 . However, in other embodiments, the support feature  112  does not include a notch feature  118  and the deformable feature  120  is disposed along an edge of the support feature  112  that may extend around the perimeter of the support feature  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a cross section of the deformable feature  120  shows the deformable feature  120  including a first shape that includes a cross sectional area that may correspond to a volume of the deformable feature  120 . Also, the cavity  122  of the deformable feature  120  includes a first cross sectional area that may correspond to a first volume of the cavity  122 . 
     However, both the deformable feature  120  and the cavity  122  may change when the upper assembly  116  is secured with the enclosure  102 . For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device  100  in  FIG. 3 , with the upper assembly  116  secured with the enclosure  102 . As shown, the deformable feature  120  may deform and extend into a gap  132  between the support feature  112  and the enclosure  102 . In this manner, the deformable feature  120  may define a seal between the support feature  112  and the enclosure  102  and prevent ingress of contaminants via the gap  132 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the deformable feature  120 , in response to a force (or forces) from the support feature  112  and the enclosure  102  acting on the deformable feature  120 , may change from the first shape to second shape different from the first shape. However, the deformable feature  120  may retain, or at least substantially retain, its initial cross sectional area due in part to the material makeup of the deformable feature  120 . In other words, the deformable feature  120  may provide provides resistance to the forces applied by the enclosure  102  and the support feature  112 , and in particular, when the enclosure  102  and the support feature  112  are secured together by snaps, clips, fasteners, etc. 
     In order to retain its initial cross sectional area, some of the material defining the deformable feature  120  may occupy or extend into the cavity  122 . In other words, some of the material defining the deformable feature  120  may occupy or extend into a location previously occupied by the cavity  122 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the cavity  122  may reduce from a first cross sectional area (show in  FIG. 3 ) to second, smaller cross sectional area. It should be understood that the volume of the cavity  122  may also decrease in accordance with the decreased cross sectional area of the cavity  122 . 
     The cavity  122  of the deformable feature  120  may be designed to accommodate any size of the gap  132  within a specified tolerance. For example, when the gap  132  is at its smallest distance, at least some of the material defining the deformable feature  120  may completely occupy the cavity  122 , or a location previously occupied by the cavity  122 . In this manner, the material defining the deformable feature  120  does not “bulge,” or extend beyond, the location previously occupied by the cavity  122 . This may prevent the deformable feature  120  from applying a counterforce against the support feature  112 , and may allow the support feature  112  to be co-planar, or at least approximately co-planar, with respect to the enclosure  102  along a curved plane  134  shown as a dotted line. On the other hand, when the gap  132  is at its greatest distance within the specified tolerance, only a relatively small portion of the deformable feature  120  may occupy or extend into the cavity  122 , or a location previous occupied by the cavity  122 . In either event, the cavity  122  is designed for a range of distances of the gap  132  within a specified tolerance. 
     To further illustrate the features of a deformable feature,  FIGS. 5-10  offer various embodiments of a deformable feature and a cavity in the deformable feature. It will be appreciated that any deformable feature described in  FIGS. 5-10  may include any feature (or features), and any material (or materials) previously described for a deformable feature. Also, only the relevant portions of the electronic device may be shown in  FIGS. 5-10 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an enlarged view of an electronic device  200  including a deformable feature  220  having a first shape  226  prior to securing an a first part with a second part, in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, the deformable feature  220  may be formed on an edge  218  of a support feature  212 . The first shape  226  of the deformable feature  220  may include a first cross sectional area, with the deformable feature  220  having a first volume (not shown) in accordance with the first cross sectional area. Also, as shown, the deformable feature  220  may include a cavity  222  that includes a first shape having a first cross sectional area. 
     As the upper assembly  216  is secured with the enclosure  202 , the deformable feature  220  may deform in response to a force (or forces) applied by upper assembly  216  and/or the enclosure  202 . For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of the deformable feature  220  shown in  FIG. 5 , with the deformable feature  220  deforming to a second shape  228  in response to securing the upper assembly  216  with the enclosure  202 . As shown, the second shape  228  is different from the first shape  226  (shown as a dotted line). 
     As shown in the enlarged view, the deformable feature  220  may include an interference region  234  that may be referred to as an amount of displaced material of the deformable feature  220  as a result of securing or mating the support feature  212  with the enclosure  202 . In other words, at least some of the material of the deformable feature  220  subject to deformation and displacement includes the interference region  234 . The cavity  222  may include a volume designed to receive or accommodate the interference region  234  when the support feature  212  secures with the enclosure  202 . Further, the cavity  222  may accommodate the interference region  234  for any size of a gap  232  within a specified tolerance. For example, if the gap  232  between the enclosure  202  and the support feature  212  is reduced, then the interference region  234  may increase and the cavity  222  nonetheless accommodates the interference region  234  despite the increase. 
     However, the deformable feature  220  may maintain the same, or substantially similar, cross-sectional area despite the change from the first shape  226  to the second shape  228 , as the deformable feature  220  may resist the applied forces. Accordingly, the deformable feature  220  may retain its initial, or first, volume despite the change to the second shape  228 . Further, a portion of the deformable feature  220  may occupy or extend into the cavity  222 , or a location previously occupied by the cavity  222 , such that the cavity  222  reduces from a first shape (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to a second shape shown in  FIG. 6 . Accordingly, the cross sectional area of the cavity  222  may be reduced. 
     Also, in response to the forces changing the shape of the deformable feature  220 , the deformable feature  220  may be designed to generally extend laterally in single direction, such as an x-axis (denoted by an arrow), or in a plane that lies along the x-axis. In this manner, the deformable feature  220  may provide minimal or no counterforce to the upper assembly  216  (that includes a protective layer  206  secured with the support feature  212  via an adhesive  230 ), and the upper assembly  216  is positioned co-planar with respect to the enclosure  202  along a curved plane in a manner previously described. In other words, the deformable feature  220  may not provide a force to the upper assembly  216  along a z-axis perpendicular to the x-axis. However, the gap  232  may accommodate any additional displaced or deformed material of the deformable feature  220  and the positioning of the upper assembly  216  may not be disturbed. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an of an enlarged view of an alternate embodiment of a deformable feature  320  having a first shape  326  prior to securing a first part  302  with a second part  312 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The first part  302  and the second part  312  may be, for example, part of an enclosure and part of a support feature, respectively, of an electronic device. Also, the first part  302  may include a first interface surface and the second part  312  may include a second interface surface having shape that corresponds to the first interface surface such that the first part may mate with the second part, similar to the support feature  112  mating with the enclosure  102  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In addition to the deformable feature  320  having a cavity  322 , the deformable feature  320  may further include a protruding feature  324  providing the deformable feature  320  with additional material that may increase a seal between the first part  302  and the second part  312 . Accordingly, the protruding feature  324  may increase an amount of material corresponding to an interference region when the first part  302  is mated or secured with the second part  312 . Also, the deformable feature  320  may include a first shape  326  having a first cross sectional area, with the deformable feature  320  having a first volume (not shown) in accordance with the first cross sectional area. Also, as shown, the deformable feature  320  may include a cavity  322  that includes a first shape having a first cross sectional area. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the deformable feature  320  shown in  FIG. 7 , with the deformable feature  320  deforming to a second shape  328  in response to securing the first part  302  with the second part  312 . The first shape  326  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) is shown as a dotted line superimposed over the second shape  328 . In response to a force applied to the protruding feature  324  when the first part  302  and the second part  312  are secured together, the material of the deformable feature  320  may transmit the force (or at least part of the force) to other locations of the deformable feature  320  to deform to the second shape  328 . Due in part to the deformable feature  320  being made from a generally non-compressible material, the material of the deformable feature  320  may apply an opposing force to the transmitted force. However, the cavity  322 , being a space or void in the deformable feature  320 , may not apply an opposing force, and the deformable feature  320  may extend into the cavity  322 , or a location previously occupied by the cavity  322 . Further, a gap  332  between the first part  302  and the second part  312  may allow the protruding feature  324  to extend into the gap  332 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the cavity  322  may be designed to receive or accommodate an interference region  334  even when the interference region  334  may include additional material due in part to the protruding feature  324 . In addition, the cavity  322  may accommodate the interference region  334  even when the gap  332  decreases within a specified tolerance. 
     However, the deformable feature  320  may maintain the same, or substantially similar, cross-sectional area despite the change from the first shape  326  to the second shape  328 , as the deformable feature  320  may resist the applied forces. Accordingly, the deformable feature  320  may retain its initial, or first, volume despite the change to the second shape  328 . Further, a portion of the deformable feature  320  may occupy or extend into the cavity  322 , or a location previously occupied by the cavity  322 , such that the cavity  322  reduces from a first shape (shown in  FIG. 7 ) to the second shape shown in  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, the cross sectional area of the cavity  322  may be reduced. Further, in some cases, the cavity  322  is designed such that the cavity  322  may be completely occupied by some of the material of the deformable feature  320  based upon the size of the gap  332  as well as the amount of material of the interference region  334 . For example, as a result of the gap  332  being reduced, an additional force may be applied to the deformable feature  320  by the first part  302  and/or the second part  312 , and at least some of the material of the deformable feature  320  may completely occupy the cavity  322 , or a location previously occupied by the cavity  322 . 
     Also, the deformable feature  320  may generally extend in single direction, such as an x-axis, or in a plane that lies along the x-axis. In this manner, the deformable feature  320  does not provide a counterforce to the second part  312 , and the second part  312  is positioned co-planar with respect to the first part  302  along a curved plane in a manner previously described. In other words, the deformable feature  320  does not provide a force to the upper assembly  316  along a z-axis perpendicular to the x-axis. 
     Also, in response to the forces changing the shape of the deformable feature  320 , the deformable feature  320  may be designed to generally extend laterally in single direction, such as an x-axis (denoted by an arrow), or in a plane that lies along the x-axis. In this manner, the deformable feature  320  may provide minimal or no counterforce to the second part  312 , and the second part  312  is positioned co-planar with respect to the first part  302 . In other words, the deformable feature  320  may not provide a force to the second part  312  along a z-axis perpendicular to the x-axis. However, the gap  332  may accommodate any additional displaced or deformed material of the deformable feature  320  and the positioning of the second part  312  may not be disturbed. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of an of an enlarged view of an alternate embodiment of a deformable feature  420  having a first shape  426  prior to securing an upper assembly  416  with an enclosure  402 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The deformable feature  420  may include a cavity in other locations. For example, the deformable feature  420  may include a cavity  422  on a side region (rather than a base region, as shown in previous embodiments), with the cavity  422  including a first shape having a first cross sectional area. The deformable feature  420  may include a first shape  426  having a first cross sectional area, with the deformable feature  420  having a first volume (not shown) in accordance with the first cross sectional area. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of the deformable feature  420  shown in  FIG. 9 , with the deformable feature  420  deforming to a second shape  428  in response to securing the upper assembly  416  with the enclosure  402 . As shown, the second shape  428  is different from the first shape  226  (shown as a dotted line). However, the deformable feature  420  may maintain the same, or substantially similar, cross-sectional area despite the change from the first shape  426  to the second shape  428 , as the deformable feature  420  may resist the applied forces. Also, the deformable feature  420  may retain its initial, or first, volume despite the change to the second shape  428 . Further, a portion of the deformable feature  420  may occupy or extend into the cavity  422 , or a location previously occupied by the cavity  422 , such that the cavity  422  reduces from a first shape (shown in  FIG. 9 ) to a second shape shown in  FIG. 10 . Accordingly, the cross sectional area of the cavity  422  may be reduced. Accordingly, the cavity  422  located on a side portion of the deformable feature  420  may nonetheless produce a similar result as previous embodiments, as an interference region  434 , defined a displaced amount of material of the deformable feature  420 , may be accommodated by the cavity  422 . 
     Also, in response to the forces changing the shape of the deformable feature  420 , the deformable feature  420  may be designed to generally extend laterally in single direction, such as an x-axis (denoted by an arrow), or in a plane that lies along the x-axis. In this manner, the deformable feature  420  may provide minimal or no counterforce to the upper assembly  416 , and the upper assembly  416  is positioned co-planar with respect to the enclosure  402  along a curved plane in a manner previously described. In other words, the deformable feature  420  may not provide a force to the upper assembly  416  along a z-axis perpendicular to the x-axis. However, a gap  432  may accommodate any additional displaced or deformed material of the deformable feature  420  and the positioning of the upper assembly  416  may not be disturbed. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart  500  showing a method for sealing a first part with a second part, both of which are disposed in an electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments. In step  502 , a deformable feature is received, at the first part, around a perimeter of the first part. In some embodiments, the first part is a support feature used to carry a protective layer and a display, as non-limiting examples. The deformable feature may include an LSR material that is applied, in liquid form, to the first part and then cured in place by a heating operation. Also, the deformable feature may be applied and cured to include a cavity or relief volume in the deformable feature. 
     In step  504 , the first part is secured with the second part. By securing the first part with the second part, one or more forces may be applied to the deformable feature, causing a portion of the deformable feature to extend into the relief volume. While the deformable feature may change its shape in response to the force (or forces), the cross sectional area may remain the same, or at least substantially the same. Accordingly, the volume of the deformable feature may remain the same, or at least substantially the same. However, the relief volume may reduce in size and shape in order to accommodate the deformation of the deformable feature. 
     While the embodiments of a deformable feature are shown and described as being initially secured with an upper assembly, and in particular a support feature of an upper assembly, the deformable feature may be initially applied to the enclosure using various mold techniques previously described. 
     Although the deformable features are shown and described applications including electronic devices, such as tablets and smartphones, the deformable features may be located in other electronic devices that require a seal for ingress prevention. For example, a wearable electronic device, such as an electronic watch, may include one or more of the described embodiments of a deformable feature. Also, a computing device, such as a laptop computer, may include one or more of the described embodiments of a deformable feature. 
     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: 20150901
Publication Date: 20170328
Grant Date: 20170328
Priority Date: 20150901
Inventors: SHUKLA ASHUTOSH Y.
COHEN SAWYER I.
MYERS SCOTT A.
PAKULA DAVID A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3888", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58096939