PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10285643-B2
Application Number: US-201715700808-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Retention system for electronic devices

Abstract:
An assembly for a consumer product, such as a wristwatch or other wearable electronic device, can securely retain a cover member against a housing of the product. A retaining member from within the housing can engage and secure the cover member to provide a fluid barrier. The cover member can include a window or other components of a sensor device. The parts can be easily disassembled without causing permanent damage.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wearable electronic device comprising:
 a housing comprising an opening, an inner surface, and an outer surface; 
 a cover member positioned over the opening; and 
 a retention member positioned within the housing and against the inner surface, the retention member being rotatable relative to the cover member and the housing to secure the cover member against the outer surface of the housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the retention member comprises:
 a support section; 
 a flange extending radially outwardly from the support section to the inner surface of the housing; and 
 an engagement element extending radially outwardly from the support section to the cover member. 
 
     
     
       3. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the retention member is circumferentially discontinuous. 
     
     
       4. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the cover member is threaded to rotatably receive the retention member. 
     
     
       5. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein rotation of the retention member relative to the cover member adjusts a distance between the cover member and the housing. 
     
     
       6. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal member between the housing and the cover member that foul&#39;s a fluid barrier. 
     
     
       7. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a biosensor module comprising a light source and a light detector; 
 a display configured to output information and receive input; and 
 a button for receiving input. 
 
     
     
       8. A wearable electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a cover member engaging an outer surface of the housing such that the cover member is moveable toward the housing while being maintained in a fixed rotational orientation relative to the housing; and 
 a retention member positioned at least partially within the housing and against an inner surface of the housing opposite the cover member, the retention member being rotatable relative to the cover member to secure the cover member against the housing. 
 
     
     
       9. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein rotation of the retention member relative to the cover member adjusts a distance between the cover member and the housing. 
     
     
       10. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the cover member comprises engagement channels that each have a tapered height on an inner radial surface of the cover member, and the retention member comprises engagement elements extending radially outwardly to engage the engagement channels. 
     
     
       11. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing comprises a depression, and a portion of the retention member is deformed into the depression. 
     
     
       12. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the retention member comprises a flange with a hole for engagement while applying a torque to the retention member. 
     
     
       13. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the cover member is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing when the cover member is secured against the housing. 
     
     
       14. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing comprises an alignment channel on an outer surface of the housing, and the cover member comprises an alignment element within the alignment channel of the housing, wherein the alignment channel extends only partially circumferentially. 
     
     
       15. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a biosensor module comprising a light source and a light detector; 
 a display configured to output information and receive input; and 
 a button for receiving input. 
 
     
     
       16. A device comprising:
 a housing comprising an alignment channel on an outer surface of the housing; 
 a cover member comprising:
 a window; 
 an alignment element within the alignment channel of the housing; and 
 an engagement channel on a surface of the cover member; 
 
 a seal member between the housing and the cover member; and 
 a retention member comprising an engagement element engaging the engagement channel of the cover member, and securing the cover member against the outer surface of the housing, wherein the housing comprises a depression on an inner surface of the housing and a portion of the retention member is deformed into the depression. 
 
     
     
       17. The device of  claim 16 , wherein the retention member further comprises:
 a support section; and 
 a flange extending radially outwardly from the support section to an inner surface of the housing; 
 wherein the engagement element extends radially outwardly from the support section to the cover member. 
 
     
     
       18. The device of  claim 17 , wherein the flange is deformed into the depression. 
     
     
       19. The device of  claim 16 , wherein the window is a Fresnel lens that extends from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. 
     
     
       20. The device of  claim 16 , wherein the window is aligned with a light source or a light detector.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to assembly systems for devices, and, more particularly, to retention systems for wearable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices have become increasingly popular, and the features and functionality provided by portable electronic devices continue to expand to meet the needs and expectations of many consumers. As such devices become more useful, users tend to keep the devices with them throughout the day. Some devices, such as wristwatches, are frequently carried or worn by users and exposed to a variety of conditions. For example, users may wear a watch while exercising, swimming, and bathing. As such, many watches are designed with waterproof features to protect the internal components from an external environment. 
     In some devices, an adhesive is utilized to secure the parts and provide a waterproof connection. The adhesive must be strong, reliable, and applied over a relatively wide extent. However, this can be unsightly because the applied adhesive may be externally visible. Furthermore, any adhesive forced out during assembly must be removed. Additionally, when a broken or cracked part is to be replaced, it often must be replaced together with any other part to which it was adhered. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary watch. 
         FIG. 2  shows a rear view of an exemplary watch housing of the watch of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a sectional view of an exemplary watch housing having a lens. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary watch housing. 
         FIG. 5  shows another exploded perspective view of the watch housing of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a sectional view of an exemplary watch housing. 
         FIG. 7  shows a front view of an exemplary watch housing in a first stage of assembly. 
         FIG. 8  shows a front view of the watch housing of  FIG. 7  in a second stage of assembly. 
         FIG. 9  shows a front view of the watch housing of  FIG. 7  in a third stage of assembly. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of an exemplary retention member. 
         FIG. 11  shows a sectional view of an exemplary watch housing. 
         FIG. 12  shows a front view of an exemplary watch housing in a first stage of assembly. 
         FIG. 13  shows a front view of the watch housing of  FIG. 12  in a second stage of assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     Consumer products, such as wearable electronic devices, can include various parts that are assembled together. The assembly can include a housing to contain internal components and a cover member to cover the internal components from an external environment. With some products, such as electronic devices, it can be beneficial to isolate the internal components from fluid or foreign objects. For example, it can be desirable to provide a waterproof enclosure to an electronic device so the device can safely be worn during exposure to water. 
     However, to provide waterproof features to some devices, the assembled parts must be sufficiently rigid where joined together to withstand the forces and strain placed thereon. Such requirements limit the selections of available material and construction and create additional expense. Some devices require adhesives to join the parts together, which can cause the parts to be unable to be separated without causing permanent damage. It can be desirable to provide a waterproof seal that does not place excessive forces on the assembled parts and can be capable of disassembly without permanently damaging the parts. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an assembly for a consumer product that provides a fluid barrier between the internal components and an external environment. Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a fluid barrier even between parts that are not rigid, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mechanism that facilitates alignment of the parts without complex or expensive machinery. Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a mechanism for disassembling the parts without causing permanent damage. 
     In some embodiments, the consumer product is a portable and wearable consumer product. A wearable consumer product is one that can be worn by or otherwise secured to a user. For example, the consumer product can be a wearable electronic device including, but not limited to, a wearable computer, a wearable watch, a wearable communication device, a wearable media player, a wearable health monitoring device, and the like. In some embodiments, the consumer product includes one or more biosensors. The biosensors can include optical and/or electronic biometric sensors that can be used to compute one or more health metrics. Optical components of the biosensor, such as lenses, can be integrated into a cover member that is secured to a housing of a consumer product with a fluid barrier. 
     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. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary consumer product can be a wearable electronic device  10 , such as a wristwatch. While  FIG. 1  illustrates device  10  as a watch, it will be recognized that features described herein with respect to the device  10  can be applied to a variety of other devices, such as portable computing devices, cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, cameras, timekeeping devices, computerized glasses, and other wearable devices navigation devices, displays, sports devices, accessory devices, health-monitoring devices, medical devices, wristbands, bracelets, jewelry, and/or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  includes a device body  12  that can be attached to a user&#39;s wrist using a band  16 . In the present example, the band  16  include a first band strap  21  attached to a first receiving feature  23  and a second band strap  22  attached to a second receiving feature  24 . In some embodiments, the first and second band straps  21 ,  22  include a lug feature that is configured to attach to the first and second receiving features  23 ,  24 , respectively. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the free ends of the band straps  21 ,  22  are connected with a clasp  25 . 
     One of the components included in the device body  12  can be one or more I/O systems. For example, the display  19  can be configured to output various information about the device body  12 . The display  19  can also be configured to receive input. The device body  12  can also have other input and output mechanisms. For example, the device body  12  can include or interface with one or more buttons, crowns, keys, dials, trackpads, microphones and the like for receiving input from a user. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device body  12  can include a button  44  and a crown  42 . 
     The device body  12  can include a housing  11  that supports the display  19 . The housing  11  serves to surround a peripheral region of the device body  12  as well as support the internal components of the device body  12  in their assembled position. For example, the housing  11  encloses and supports various internal components (including for example integrated circuit chips, processors, memory devices and other circuitry) to provide computing and functional operations for the device body  12 . Opposite the display  19 , the housing  11  can include an outer surface  18  on a rear-facing side of the housing  11 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a biosensor module  51  of the device body  12  can be positioned in an opening formed in the housing  11  and on the outer surface  18  of the housing  11 . The biosensor module  51  can include a cover member  50  that facilitates attachment of the biosensor module  51  to the housing  11 . The cover member  50  can include features or elements that facilitate a watertight seal between the biosensor module  51  and the housing  11 , as described further herein. 
     The biosensor module  51  can include or support one or more sensor devices  60  configured to detect and measure a physiological condition or property of the user. Various sensor devices  60  for measuring and collecting data that can be used to calculate a health metric or other health-related information. The device body  12  of the device  10  can include one or more of light sources and one or more light detectors that are configured to function as an optical sensor or sensors. The sensor devices  60  can be implemented as a pairing of one or more light sources and detectors. The detector is configured to collect light and convert the collected light into an electrical sensor signal that corresponds to the amount of light incident on a surface of the detector. The detector can be a photodetector, such as a photodiode, phototube, photosensor, or other light-sensitive device. In some cases, the sensor devices  60  can operate as a photoplethysmography (“PPG”) sensor or sensors. In some instances, a PPG sensor is configured to measure light and produce a sensor signal that can be used to estimate changes in the volume of a part of a user&#39;s body. In general, as light from the one or more light sources passes through the user&#39;s skin and into the underlying tissue, some light is reflected, some is scattered, and some light is absorbed, depending on what the light encounters. The light that is received by a sensor device  60  can be used to generate a sensor signal, which can be used to estimate or compute a health metric or other physiological phenomena. While  FIG. 2  depicts one example embodiment, the number of sensor devices  60  (e.g., light sources and/or detectors) can vary in different embodiments. For example, another embodiment can use more than one detector. Another embodiment can also use fewer or more light sources than are depicted in the example of  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the cover member  50  can include a cover body  53  in which the sensor devices  60  are positioned. Each of the sensor devices  60  can include a window  61  that transmits light to or from a sensor element  65  of the sensor device  60 . The sensor element  65  of the sensor device  60  can include a light source and/or a detector. The sensor element  65  can be aligned with and positioned on a side of the window  61  that is facing an interior of the device body  12  when the cover member  50  is connected to the device body  12 . The window  61  can have properties that enhance the function of the sensor device  60  as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The window  61  can be joined with the cover body  53  of the cover member  50 . For example, both the cover body  53  and a window  61  can be molded from plastic material(s). The shape and features of the cover body  53  and the window  61  can be formed by a mold when the material is injected therein. The cover body  53  and the window  61  can be formed in separate stages of a molding process (e.g., by two-shot injection molding). 
     While the biosensor module  51  of  FIG. 2  is illustrated with light-based sensing capabilities, the biosensor module  51  can also include one or more electrodes to measure electrical properties of the user&#39;s body. For example, multiple electrodes can be disposed on cover member  50  and configured to make contact with the skin of the user&#39;s wrist when the device is being worn. Other types of biosensor capabilities are contemplated for implementation into the biosensor module  51 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the window  61  can be formed to include a shape or pattern that defines a lens, such as a Fresnel lens. Features of a Fresnel lens (e.g., concentric ridges) can be formed on an inner and/or outer surface of the window  61 . As a lens, the window  61  can refract light to direct the light to or from the sensor element  65 . A pattern of the window  61  can also be aesthetically pleasing and obscure a view of the sensor element  65 . The window  61  can be a unibody structure, rather than an assembly of parts. As used herein, a unibody structure is one that is integrally formed of a single piece. For example, the window  61  can be a monolithic structure. By providing a unibody window  61 , the window  61  is formed to its preferred size and shape in one step, thereby reducing complexity and cost of construction. The unibody window  61  can extend from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. 
     While  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrates windows  61  (e.g. lenses) of a device  10  (e.g., a watch), it will be recognized that features described herein with respect to retention of the cover member  50  can be applied to a variety of other components. For example, the retention mechanisms described herein with respect to the cover member  50  can be applied to any part that is desirably retained to a housing. For example, the retention mechanisms described herein can be applied to a lens of a camera, a display of an electronic device, a user input module (e.g., button) of a device, and/or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the cover member  50  can be secured to the housing  11  by a retention member  70 . The housing  11  can include an opening  30  that extends through a side of the housing  11 . For example, the opening  30  can extend from an outer surface  18  to an inner surface  20  of the housing  11 . While the opening  30  and items positioned therein are illustrated as being round, other shapes are contemplated, including oval and polygonal. On the inner surface  20  of the housing  11 , one or more depressions  40  can be provided for engagement by the retention member  70 , as described further herein. On the outer surface  18  of the housing  11 , one or more alignment channels  32  can be provided for engagement by the cover member  50 , as described further herein. 
     The components (e.g., sensor devices  60 ) of a biosensor module can be integrated into the cover member  50 , which is separate from and attached to the housing  11  of the device  10 . For example, the cover member  50  can be positioned at least partially within the opening  30  of the housing  11  and at least partially against the outer surface  18  of the housing  11 . The outer surface  18  of the housing  11  can have a flat, convex, or concave shape, and the cover member  50  can have an engagement surface  52  that complements and engages the outer surface  18 . The cover member  50  can include an extension section  54  that extends at least partially into or through the openings  30  of the housing  11 . While the extension section  54  and other portions of the cover member  50  are illustrated as being round, other shapes are contemplated, including oval and polygonal. The extension section  54  can have a shape and size that is complementary to a shape and size of the opening  30 . 
     Along the engagement surface  52 , the cover member  50  can provide one or more alignment elements  62  for engaging the one or more alignment channels  32  of the housing  11 . The alignment element  62  can have a size and/or shape that is complementary to the size and/or shape of the alignment channels  32 . For example, the alignment channels  32  extend only partially circumferentially. By positioning the alignment elements  62  of the cover member  50  within the alignment channels  32  of the housing  11 , the cover member  50  can be maintained at a particular rotational orientation with respect to the housing  11 . The rotational orientation can be a preferred rotational orientation for assembly and operation of the device body  12 . Accordingly, the device body  12  provides ease of alignment during assembly and maintenance of the alignment thereafter. While the alignment elements  62  are shown on the cover member  50  and the alignment channels  32  are shown on the housing  11 , it will be understood that the components can be arranged such that alignment elements are provided on the housing  11  and alignment channels are provided on the cover member  50 . Additionally or alternatively, the cover member  50  and the housing  11  can each include an alignment element and an alignment channel. 
     A seal member  90  can be provided between the cover member  50  and the housing  11 . The seal member  90  can be a compliant ring that extend circumferentially about and/or against a portion of the cover member  50 , such as the extension section  54 . For example, the seal member  90  can be of an elastic material the serves as a mechanical gasket when placed between the cover member  50  and the housing  11 . For example, the seal member can include nitrile, silicone, another polymer, or combinations thereof. 
     The retention member  70  can be positioned at least partially within a portion of the housing  11 , for example against an inner surface  20  of the housing  11 . The retention member  70  can be positioned at least partially within the opening  30  of the housing  11  and/or a portion of the cover member  50  for engagement therewith. The cover member  50  can include a support section  74  that extends axially through the opening  30 . The cover member  50  can further include a flange  72  that extends radially outwardly from the support section  74  for contacting the inner surface  20  of the housing  11 . The cover member  50  can further include one or more engagement elements  76  that extend radially outwardly from the support section  74  to engage the cover member  50 , as described further herein. The retention member  70  can include, for example along the flange  72 , one or more holes  78  for engagement by user to apply a torque to the retention member  70 . While the support section  74  and other portions of the retention member  70  are illustrated as being round, other shapes are contemplated, including oval and polygonal. The support section  74  can have a shape and size that is complementary to a shape and size of the opening  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the cover member  50  can be secured to the housing  11  by the retention member  70 . The cover member  50  can be positioned over the opening  30 , with the engagement surface  52  of the cover member  50  against the outer surface  18  of the housing  11 . Furthermore, the alignment element  62  of the cover member  50  can be positioned within alignment channel  32  of the housing  11 . The seal member  90  can be positioned between the cover member  50  and housing  11 . While the seal member  90  is illustrated as being positioned radially between a portion of the cover member  50  and a portion of the housing  11 , it will be understood that the seal member  90  can also be positioned elsewhere, such as axially between a portion of the cover member  50  and a portion of the housing  11 . The seal member  90  forms a fluid barrier between the housing  11  and the cover member  50 . For example, the seal member  90  forms a watertight, water-resistant, and/or airtight seal. Accordingly, components within an internal space of the housing  11  can be protected from elements of the external environment. 
     The cover member  50  and the seal member  90  can be secured to the housing  11  by the retention member  70 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the flange  72  of the retention member  70  extends radially outwardly from the support section  74  to the inner surface  20  of the housing  11 . The support section  74  extends into at least a portion of the cover member  50 . The engagement element  76  extends radially outwardly from the support section  74  to the cover member  50 . While the engagement element  76  is shown extending radially outwardly to an inner surface of the cover member  50 , it will be understood that other arrangements are contemplated, such as an engagement element of the retention member  70  that extends radially inwardly to an outer surface of the cover member  50 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 6 , the cover member  50  can include one or more engagement channels  58 , for example on a radially inner surface of the extension section  54 . The engagement channels  58  can each have a tapered height, and the retention member  70  comprises engagement element  76   s  extending radially outwardly to engage the engagement channels  58 . The engagement elements  76  of the cover member  50  can extend into corresponding engagement channels  58  to allow the cover member  50  to be threaded onto the retention member  70 . As the retention member  70  rotates with respect to the cover member  50 , each engagement element  76  is moved to a different portion of the corresponding engagement channels  58 , for example a portion having a different height. Accordingly, rotation of the retention member  70  relative to the cover member  50  adjusts a distance between the cover member  50  and the housing  11 . When the cover member  50  is brought into contact with the outer surface  18  of the housing  11 , rotation of the retention member  70  can cease. As such, the retention member  70  is rotatable relative to the housing  11  and the cover member  50  to secure the cover member  50  against the housing  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-9 , a retention member can be engaged onto a cover member to secure the cover member against the housing. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the cover member  50  can be positioned at or near the housing  11 . For example, the extension section  54  of the cover member  50  can extend at least partially into or through the opening  30  of the housing  11 . The cover member  50  can be positioned so that the sensor devices  60  have a preferred location and orientation. The extension section  54  can include one or more gaps  56  that provide access to engagement channels of the cover member  50 . The gaps  56  can extend axially along the extension section  54  so that a portion of a retention member can be inserted into the gaps  56  to enter the engagement channels. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the retention member  70  can be positioned at or near the inner surface  20  of the housing  11 . The engagement elements (not shown) can be inserted into the gaps  56  of the extension section  54  (see  FIG. 7 ). As further shown in  FIG. 8 , the retention member  70  can include, for example along the flange  72 , one or more holes  78 . The holes  78  can provide an engagement location for a tool operated by a user or machine. The flange  72  can rotate over the inner surface  20  and depressions  40  of the housing  11 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the retention member  70  can be rotated relative to housing  11  and the cover member  50 . As a user applies a torque to the retention member  70  (e.g., at the holes  78 ), the engagement elements (not shown) can engage a tapered portion of an engagement channel of the cover member  50  (see  FIG. 6 ). The retention member  70  can be rotated until the retention member  70  and/or the cover member  50  reaches a preferred location. For example, the retention member  70  can be rotated at least until the cover member  50  contacts an outer surface of the housing  11 . By further example, the retention member  70  can be rotated until a torque that would be required for further rotation exceeds a threshold. The threshold can be predetermined, and the applied torque can be sensed during rotation, so that rotation can cease when the applied torque reaches or exceeds the threshold. For example, the threshold can be about 1 N·m, 2 N·m, 3 N·m, or greater than 3 N·m. Additionally or alternatively, the threshold can be less than about 1 N·m. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 9 , the retention member  70  can be removably secured to the housing  11  to retain the cover member  50 . For example, when the retention member  70  is installed, at least a portion (e.g., flange  72 ) of the retention member  70  can be aligned with the depression  40  of the housing  11 . Each portion  41  of the flange  72  that overlies a depression  40  can be deformed (e.g., plastically deformed) into the depression  40 . When the portions  41  have been deformed, the torque required to further rotate the retention member  70  can be greater than before the deformation has occurred. For example, further rotation can require that the deformed portions  41  of the flange  72  move out of the depressions  40  to allow rotation. As such, the retention member  70  can be secured to the housing  11  such that removal requires a torque greater than the torque applied for installation (e.g., the threshold torque). For example, the torque required for removal after deformation can be about 4 N·m, 5 N·m, 6 N·m, 7 N·m, 8 N·m, 9 N·m, 10 N·m, or greater than 10 N·m. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the retention member  70  and/or the cover member  50  can be secured with other mechanisms. For example, an adhesive can be applied between the retention member  70  and the housing  11 , between the cover member  50  and the housing  11 , and/or between the retention member  70  and the cover member  50 . However, it will be recognized that adhesives are not required to secure the cover member  50  and the retention member  70 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a retention member can be engaged onto a cover member to secure the cover member against the housing without requiring rotation. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a retention member  170  can have a shape and construction that allows adjustment to engage the cover member. For example, the retention member  170  can be circumferentially discontinuous, so that the retention member  170  can be elastically compressed. Compression of the retention member  170  causes a dimension (e.g., diameter) of the retention member  170  to be decreased temporarily to facilitate insertion of the retention member  170  into the cover member. As further shown in  FIG. 10 , the retention member  170  can include, for example along a flange  172 , one or more holes  178  for engagement by user to apply a force to the retention member  170 . For example, a user can engage the holes  178  and move them closer to each other to decrease a dimension of the retention member  170 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the cover member  150  can include a support section  174  for extending axially through an opening of the cover member. The flange  172  of the retention member  170  extends radially outwardly from the support section  174  for contacting an inner surface of the housing. While support section  174  and other portions of the retention member  170  are illustrated as being round, other shapes are contemplated, including oval and polygonal. The extension section  154  can have a shape and size that is complementary to a shape and size of an opening of the housing. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 11 , the retention member  170  can be positioned at least partially within a portion of the housing  111 , for example against an inner surface  120  of the housing  111 . The retention member  170  can be positioned at least partially within the opening  130  of the housing  111  and/or a portion of the cover member  150  for engagement therewith. When the retention member  170  is expanded (e.g., released) within the cover member  150 , an engagement element  176  of the cover member  170  extends radially outwardly from the support section  174  to the cover member  150 . While the engagement element  176  is shown extending radially outwardly to an inner surface of the cover member  150 , it will be understood that other arrangements are contemplated, such as an engagement element of the retention member  170  that extends radially inwardly to an outer surface of the cover member  150 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 11 , the cover member  150  can be positioned over the opening  130 , with the engagement surface  152  of the cover member  150  against the outer surface  118  of the housing  111 . While not shown in  FIG. 11 , an alignment element of the cover member  150  can be positioned within an alignment channel of the housing  111 . The seal member  190  can be positioned between the cover member  150  and housing  111 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 11 , the cover member  150  can include an engagement channel  158 , for example on a radially inner surface of the extension section  154 . The engagement channel  158  can have a height that accommodates the engagement element  176  of the retention member  170 . For example, the engagement channel  158  can extend partially or fully about a circumference of the extension section  154 . The engagement channel  158  can receive the engagement element  176  when the retention member  170  is radially expanded, so that the retention member  170  secures the cover member  150  against the outer surface  118  of the housing  111 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a retention member can be engaged onto a cover member to secure the cover member against the housing. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the cover member  150  can be positioned at or near the housing  111 . For example, the extension section  154  of the cover member  50  can extend at least partially into or through the opening of the housing  111 . The cover member  150  can be positioned so that the sensor devices  160  have a preferred location and orientation. The retention member  170  can be positioned at or near the inner surface  120  of the housing  111  in a compressed configuration having a compressed outer dimension. For example, the holes  178  can be acted upon to bring portions of the retention member  170  closer together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the retention member  170  can be expanded. For example, when the holes  178  are released, the retention member  170  can expand to increase its outer dimension. The engagement elements (not shown) can engage the engagement channel of the cover member  150  (see  FIG. 11 ), for example, adjacent to the extension section  154 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the retention member  170  and/or the cover member  150  can be secured with other mechanisms. For example an adhesive can be applied between the retention member  170  and the housing  111 , between the cover member  150  and the housing  111 , and/or between the retention member  170  and the cover member  150 . However, it will be recognized that adhesives are not required to secure the cover member  150  and the retention member  170 . 
     Accordingly, the embodiments discussed herein provide mechanisms that facilitate secure engagement of a cover member onto a housing of a device. The mechanism provides a fluid barrier between the internal components and an external environment without requiring that the cover member itself provide the fluid barrier. Accordingly, the cover member can be of a variety of materials that need not provide rigidity for self-securement. Disassembly of the cover member can be easily achieved due to the reversible securement. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170911
Publication Date: 20190514
Grant Date: 20190514
Priority Date: 20170911
Inventors: PERKINS, RYAN C.
NESS, TREVOR J.
HARRISON-NOONAN, TOBIAS J.
GREENBAUM, William H.
BUSHNELL, TYLER S.
SHAO, Guocheng
GAO, Guanyi
WERNER, CHRISTOPHER M.
HOBSON, Phil M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G04B37/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/0059", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/681", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/681", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/0059", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B37/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 63452735