PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9179055-B2
Application Number: US-201414255893-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Camera related features of a mobile phone or computing device

Abstract:
This application relates primarily to various apparatus and method for securing and protecting a camera module within a device housing. The securing and protecting elements are configured to take up minimal space within the device housing so that available space for the camera module is maximized. In some embodiments the securing elements can also include grounding features.

Claims:
The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A camera module securing assembly for securing a camera module within a device housing, the camera module securing assembly comprising:
 a camera retention strap having a first end and a second end, the second end opposite the first end that attaches to the device housing; 
 wherein the camera retention strap limits movement of the camera module and provides a cushioning against an external force; and 
 a cowling comprising:
 a fastener that secures the cowling to an internal surface of the device housing; and 
 a retention arm that receives the second end of the camera retention strap and secures the camera module. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a shock mount configured to be coupled with a front surface of the camera module, the shock mount having a first aperture and a second aperture. 
 
     
     
       3. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the camera retention strap and the shock mount are made of an elastomeric material, and wherein the fastener of the cowling electrically grounds the cowling. 
     
     
       4. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 2 , the shock mount further comprising a metal plate on a top surface of the shock mount, wherein the metal plate provides reinforcement to the first aperture and the second aperture. 
     
     
       5. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the cowling is a multi-purpose light emitting diode (LED) cowling. 
     
     
       6. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising:
 a metal trim component positioned over the shock mount, the metal trim component having a first pin and a second pin; and 
 wherein the first pin engages the first aperture of the shock mount and the second pin engages the second aperture of the shock mount. 
 
     
     
       7. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the first pin of the metal trim component engages a first cavity of the camera module, and wherein the second pin of the metal trim component engages a second cavity of the camera module. 
     
     
       8. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 1 , the camera retentions strap further comprising a of rip-stop coupled to a central portion of the camera retention strap. 
     
     
       9. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the rip-stop further comprises a conductive layer having conductive fibers, the conductive fibers operable to provide an electrically conductive grounding path. 
     
     
       10. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a grounding spring, wherein the grounding spring engages the camera module, and wherein the grounding springs provides an electrical ground for camera module. 
     
     
       11. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the camera retention strap exerts a retaining force on a back surface of the camera module. 
     
     
       12. The camera module securing assembly as recited in  claim 1 , the cowling comprising a light shield reflector, the light shield reflector operable to prevent light from escaping the cowling. 
     
     
       13. A protective assembly providing protection against external forces to a front surface of a camera module in a portable electronic device, comprising:
 an elastomeric shock mount mechanically coupled to the front surface of the camera module, the front surface including a lens portion; 
 an elastomeric camera retention strap extending along a back surface of the camera module; 
 a metal trim ring having a plurality of alignment pins configured to pass through a plurality of openings in the elastomeric shock mount and into openings disposed along the front surface of the camera module; and 
 wherein the elastomeric camera retention strap and elastomeric shock mount cooperate to dissipate the external forces applied to the camera module. 
 
     
     
       14. The protective assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the metal trim ring includes an angled surface, the angled surface of the metal trim ring corresponding to an angled surface of a protruding lens portion positioned between the camera module and the metal trim ring. 
     
     
       15. The protective assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the elastomeric shock mount provides protection from a drop event in a first dimension, a second dimension, and a third dimension. 
     
     
       16. The protective assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the elastomeric shock mount includes a metal plate disposed on a top surface of the elastomeric shock mount, the metal plate configured to provide reinforcement to an opening of the elastomeric shock mount. 
     
     
       17. A method for securing a camera module in an electronic device housing, comprising:
 fastening a cowling within the electronic device housing, the cowling having a first retention arm; 
 providing a camera retention strap having a first end and a second end; 
 inserting the first end of the camera retention strap into a recess within the electronic device housing; 
 installing the camera module in the electronic device housing between the cowling and the first end of the camera retention strap, the camera module continuously engaging a portion of the cowling; and 
 engaging the second end of the camera retention strap with the first retention arm. 
 
     
     
       18. The method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the camera module is electrically coupled to grounding springs of the cowling. 
     
     
       19. The method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the camera retention strap includes a conductive layer rip-stop for electrically grounding the cowling. 
     
     
       20. The method as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the camera retention strap is made of an elastomeric material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/873,745, filed on Sep. 4, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to methods and apparatuses for mounting a camera module within an electronic device. In particular various grounding and shock mounting apparatuses are described. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As electronic devices continue to include increasingly greater numbers of features, integration of those features into a single device becomes increasingly complex. One particular feature that has become ubiquitous in popular portable electronic devices is imaging operations enabled by camera modules. Because camera modules include fragile elements such as lens elements and electronics, proper mounting of these modules is important to protect them from damage. Furthermore, improper alignment of the camera module within an electronic device can result in unexpected or even degraded imaging performance. Unfortunately, achieving robust shock mounting and reliable camera alignment can be problematic, especially in situations where those shock mounting and alignment features need to fit in highly constrained spaces. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to securing and protecting a camera module within a device housing. 
     In one aspect, a camera module securing assembly for securing a camera module within a device housing is described. The camera module securing assembly includes a camera retention strap and a cowling. The camera retention strap has a first end and a second end; the first end and the second end are disposed on opposite sides of the camera retention strap. The first end attaches to the device housing. The camera retention strap is designed to secure the camera module within the device housing and limit the camera module from movement. The cowling includes a fastener and a retention arm. The fastener secures the cowling to an internal surface of the device housing. Once the second end of the camera retention strap engages the retention arm, the camera retention strap secures the camera module within the device housing. 
     In another aspect, a protective assembly providing protection against an external force to a front surface of a camera module in a portable electronic device is described. The protective assembly includes an elastomeric shock mount, an elastomeric camera retention strap, and a metal trim ring. The elastomeric shock mount is coupled to the front surface of the camera module. The elastomeric retention strap extends across a back surface of the camera module. The metal trim ring includes several alignment pins. Each alignment pin passes through one of several openings in the elastomeric shock mount. Each alignment pin engages an opening on the front surface of the camera module. To prevent the camera from breaking and/or misalignment, the elastomeric camera retention strap and elastomeric shock mount dissipate external forces acting on the camera module. 
     In another aspect, a method for securing a camera module in an electronic device housing is described. A cowling is fastened within the electronic device housing. The cowling has a first retention arm. A camera retention strap is provided; the camera retention strap has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are disposed on opposite sides of the camera retention strap. The first end of the camera retention strap is inserted into a recess within the electronic device housing. The camera module is installed in the electronic device housing between the cowling and the first end of the camera retention strap. Once installed, the camera module continuously engaged with a portion of the cowling. Finally, the second end of the camera retention strap engages the first retention arm, and the camera module is secured. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Additionally, advantages of the described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of a multi-purpose light emitting diode (LED) cowling; 
         FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of a camera retention strap; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a top portion of a housing having a multi-purpose LED cowling; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of the housing of  FIG. 2A  further including a camera retention strap having a first end engaged with the housing; 
         FIG. 2C  shows a perspective view of the housing of  FIG. 2B  further including an installed camera module disposed between the multi-purpose LED cowling and the camera retention strap; 
         FIG. 2D  shows a perspective view of the housing of  FIG. 2C  further illustrating how a second end of the camera strap can be coupled with the multi-purpose LED cowling; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  show perspective views of a camera retention strap including a layer of conductive rip-stop; 
         FIGS. 3C-3D  show perspective views of the camera retention strap of  FIGS. 3A-3B  coupled with a multi-purpose LED cowling; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  show perspective views of various embodiments configured to provide a shock mounting for a front surface of a camera module; 
         FIGS. 4C-4D  show perspective and cross-sectional views of a camera assembly, the shock mount depicted in  FIG. 4A , and a metal trim component; 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  show how a camera can be sculpted to have a size and shape in accordance with other components of a device enclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a low-profile composite patch that can be used to form a window through which a camera module can take images; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show perspective views of an alternative camera grounding and alignment apparatus; and 
         FIG. 8  shows a block diagram illustrating a method by which a camera module can be installed within an enclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatuses according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments 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. 
     Camera modules can be secured within a device housing in a number of ways. In some embodiments the camera module is held between opposing interior surfaces of a device housing. Unfortunately, such a configuration can be problematic as prior to closing the device housing the camera module can move or shift out of alignment within the system. One solution to this problem is to include shock-absorbing elements at front and rear portions of the camera module. Unfortunately, shock mounts tend to take away from space available within the device housing, thereby limiting a size of a camera module that can fit within that constrained space. Since larger camera modules generally yield superior imaging results, this can be highly problematic. One solution is to design the shock absorbing elements to within unused space in the device housing. For example, many camera modules include a protruding front lens element. By placing an elastomeric layer around a peripheral portion of the protruding front lens element, the front portion of the camera module can be cushioned without sacrificing space that could be used to enlarge the camera module. 
     One solution to adding a rear shock mounting to the camera module without adversely affecting available space in the device housing is to add an elastomeric camera retention strap that fits around a rear surface of the camera module. The elastomeric camera retention strap can have a thickness of about 150 microns, and thereby take away minimal space otherwise useful for containing the camera module. In this way, both sides of the camera module can be protected from impact events. 
     In addition to providing robust shock mounting, the shock mounting system can further be utilized to electrically ground the camera module. In one embodiment, the camera retention strap can include a layer having a matrix of conductive fibers that can form an electrically conductive grounding path between the camera module and an attachment point of the camera retention strap. Alternatively, on installation of camera module within the device housing, the camera module can be put into contact with grounding springs that provide the electrically conductive pathway. In some embodiments the grounding springs can be an element of a multi-purpose light emitting diode (LED) cowling that is also operative to retain one end of the camera retention strap. Multi-purpose LED cowling can also be operative to provide an electrically conductive grounding path to a main logic board and an antenna component. 
     In another embodiment, space within the device housing can be more fully utilized by sculpting a portion of the camera module. For example, a protruding portion of a camera module often is cylindrical in nature; however, portions of the cylindrical housing are frequently made of a solid material that contains no functional components. When these solid portions reduce clearance space between the camera module and a portion of the device housing, the solid portions can be removed, leaving an outer surface that more precisely matches features of the device housing. In this way, a camera module that would not normally fit in a given space can be utilized. In yet another embodiment, space within the device housing can be created by removing a trim ring commonly associated with the camera module. Instead of using a traditional trim ring that supports a camera lens cover, a composite patch can be utilized that overlays a substantial portion of a back surface of the device housing. In this way an amount of space can be saved that would otherwise be occupied by the trim ring. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 ; 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. 1A  shows a perspective view of a multi-purpose light emitting diode (LED) cowling  100  primarily configured to secure an LED (not depicted) and a microphone module (not depicted) within an electronic device housing. Multi-purpose LED cowling  100  includes two structural members  102  and  104  that can be welded together at weld points  106 . In some embodiments structural members  102  and  104  can be formed from stainless steel. Fiducials  108  can assist in alignment of structural members  102  and  104  prior to welding the two members together at weld points  106 . Structural member  102  as depicted includes retention arms  110  designed to secure one end of a camera retention strap (see  FIG. 1B ). Structural member  102  can also include grounding springs  112 . Grounding springs  112  can be operative to contact a portion of the camera module such that multi-purpose LED cowling  100  can be operative as a grounding pathway for the camera module. An electrically conductive pathway can begin at grounding springs  112 , run through structural member  102 , pass into structural member  104  and finally continue to chassis ground through a fastener (not depicted) that secures multi-purpose LED cowling  100  to an internal surface of the electronic device housing through fastener opening  114 . In this way, a camera module (shown later) grounded through grounding springs  112  can be electrically isolated from a proximate antenna component. The proximate antenna component can also be grounded through multi-purpose LED cowling  100  by way of fastener opening  115 . 
     Structural member  102  can also include main logic board (MLB) grounding spring  116 . MLB grounding spring  116  can be configured to deform and be electrically coupled to edge plating on an MLB of the electronic device once the MLB is installed. In this way multi-purpose LED cowling  100  can be operative as a ground for the camera module, an antenna component and the MLB. Structural member  102  can further include light shielding reflectors  118 . Light shielding reflectors  118  can be operative to prevent light from an LED disposed within multi-purpose LED cowling  100  from escaping into the device. In this way, additional light that would otherwise be wasted can be redirected out an opening associated with the LED thereby increasing light output and efficiency of the LED. 
     Multi-purpose LED cowling  100  may further include rib  117 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , rib  117  engages structural member  102  and vertical member  119  to ensure a perpendicular relationship between structural member and vertical member  119 . 
       FIG. 1B  shows camera retention strap  120 . In some embodiments, camera retention strap  120  can be made from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material can provide cushioning that can help protect a rear portion of a camera module to which it is secured in the event an electronic device within which the camera module is disposed is dropped. Camera retention strap  120  includes retention features  122  and  124  that have geometry allowing them to be coupled to various mating features included in an electronic device. In particular, retention feature  122  is configured to mate with retention arms  110  of multi-purpose LED cowling  100 , while retention feature  124  can have a dovetailed geometry configured to match a mating feature disposed within the electronic device housing. In some embodiments, retention features  122  and  124  do not need to be adhesively coupled to secure a camera module, thereby simplifying removal of camera retention strap  120 . Camera retention strap  120  can further include central region  126  having a shape and size in accordance with a back surface of a camera module. In this way, any retaining force applied by camera retention strap  120  can be evenly spread across the back surface of the camera module. In some embodiments, central region  126  can be contoured to avoid putting pressure on particularly sensitive or fragile regions of the camera module. Still, in still other embodiments, an opening can be placed in central region  126  to relieve pressure on a targeted area. In yet other embodiments, central region  126  can include a grid region or waffle pattern to reduce an amount of material of camera retention strap  120 . In one specific embodiment, central region  126  of camera retention strap  120  can have a thickness of about 150 microns. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  show a number of views representative of a process for installing camera retention strap  120  around a camera module.  FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of an interior portion of an electronic device housing  200 . As depicted, multi-purpose LED cowling  100  can be preinstalled within housing  200 . Multi-purpose LED cowling  100  can be attached to housing  200  at fastener openings  114  and  115 . Although not depicted, an LED module can be disposed within multi-purpose LED cowling  100  such that it can emit light through opening  206 . Housing  200  can also include a mating feature  208  configured to retain a retaining feature of camera retention strap  120 . 
       FIG. 2B  shows camera retention strap  120  partially coupled with housing  200 . Retention feature  122  is shown inserted within mating feature  208 . The dovetailed geometry of retention feature  122  can allow retention feature  122  to be captured within mating feature  208 .  FIG. 2C  shows camera module  210  installed within housing  200 . In this position, retention feature  122  of camera retention strap  120  can be secured between mating feature  208  and camera module  210 . As camera module  210  is inserted within housing  200 , camera module  210  is also electrically grounded to housing  200  by grounding springs  112  of multi-purpose LED cowling  100 . Grounding springs  112  can be slightly deformed as camera module  210  exerts pressure against them, so that grounding springs  112  are firmly pressed against camera module  210 .  FIG. 2D  shows a final assembly step in which retention feature  124  of camera retention strap  120  secured to retention arms  110  of multi-purpose LED cowling  100 . In this way, central portion  126  of camera retention strap  120  can evenly distribute a force against a back surface of camera module  210 . An amount of force exerted upon camera module  210  can be directly related to a length of camera retention strap  120 . In this way, a precise amount of force can be applied to camera module  210  by properly sizing a length dimension of camera retention strap  120 . It should also be noted that a thickness of central portion  126  of camera retention strap  120  can be varied to provide a degree of shock mounting for camera module  210 . In some embodiments, central portion  126  can be pushed directly against another structural element such as a layer of cover glass. 
       FIG. 3A  shows an alternative camera retention strap embodiment. In this embodiment a layer of rip-stop material can be coupled to camera retention strap  120 . In one particular embodiment, the rip-stop material can be laminated to camera retention strap  120 .  FIG. 3A  shows rip-stop layer  302  positioned above camera retention strap  120 , while  FIG. 3B  shows rip-stop layer  302  subsequent to lamination of rip-stop layer  302  against camera retention strap  120 . In another embodiment, rip-stop layer  302  can also be adhesively coupled to camera retention strap  120  by a layer of adhesive affixed to a bottom surface of rip-stop layer  302 . Rip-stop layer  302  can prevent tears from forming and propagating along an elastomeric camera retention strap  120 . Rip-stop layer  302  includes a number of fibers  304  (see grid depicted in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) that can further halt progression of rips in elastomeric camera retention strap  120 . In certain cases, rip-stop layer  302  can prevent ripping of camera retention strap  120  during installation. In some embodiments, fibers  304  embedded within rip-stop layer  302  can be conductive fibers  304 . Conductive fibers  304  can be used to conduct current to ground across a surface of rip-stop layer  302 . It should be noted that because rip-stop layer  302  is substantially rigid it can prevent uneven stretching of camera retention strap  120 . In this way, camera retention strap  120  can have a consistent thickness that allows it to provide protection for a camera module in vulnerable areas of the camera module. It should also be noted that by shaping rip-stop layer  302  in particular portions, camera retention strap  120  overlaid by rip-stop layer  302  can be prevented from stretching. While a substantially conformal rip-stop layer  302  is depicted in  FIGS. 3A-3B  this shape could be adjusted when testing indicates certain areas need more or less strengthening or support. 
       FIG. 3C  shows a perspective view of camera retention strap  120  coupled with a multi-purpose LED cowling  320 . It should be noted that multi-purpose LED cowling  320  is slightly different than multi-purpose LED cowling  100  (shown in  FIG. 1A ) in that it does not include grounding springs  112 . Instead of using grounding springs, multi-purpose LED cowling  320  utilizes conductive rip-stop layer  302  to electrically couple camera module  306  (see  FIG. 3D ) with multi-purpose LED cowling  320 . When camera retention strap  120  is in direct contact with camera module  306 , conductive fibers  304  can provide an electrically conductive grounding path to mating feature  322  of multi-purpose LED cowling  320 . Such a configuration can be advantageous as a configuration without grounding springs is simpler to manufacture and there is no risk of grounding springs being bent or deformed during a drop event. Furthermore, as discussed above, rip-stop layer  302  provides a more robust camera retention strap  120  that is less likely to tear and/or fail during use. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  shows various embodiments of a shock mount for a front surface of a camera module.  FIG. 4A  shows that shock mount  400  is a primarily elastomeric part having a metal plate  402  disposed across a top surface of the part. Metal plate  402  is integrated along a top surface such that metal plate  402  provides reinforcement for alignment pin openings  404  and  406 . Metal plate  402  is also operable to provide reinforcement for opening  408  through which a front protruding lens portion of a camera module is configured to pass. Elastomeric layer  410  is arranged around openings  404  and  406  and provides an amount of shock protection in case of shearing stresses. This shearing protection can prevent alignment pins (not depicted) from breaking off during a drop event. In the case of opening  408 , the shearing protection can reduce an amount of shock transmitted to front lens elements of an associated camera module. A distance between metal plate  402  and the various openings in shock mount  400  can be adjusted to provide additional cushioning by enlarging the distance, or provide improved alignment by reducing the distance. Furthermore, a thickness of elastomeric layer  410  can dissipate shocks applied along a plane normal to a top surface of the shock mounting. In this way, shock mount  400  can provide shock mounting in all three axes. 
       FIG. 4B  shows an alternative embodiment of shock mount  420  for the front surface of a camera module. Shock mount  420  includes rigid top plate  422 , rigid bottom plate  424 , and elastomeric layer  426  sandwiched between rigid top plate  422  and rigid bottom plate  424 . In this way, shock mount  420  can provide reduced shock to an axis normal to a top surface of shock mount  420 . Shock mount  420  can be welded to a top surface of a camera module. Openings  428  provide access to bottom plate  424  through elastomeric layer  426 , thereby allowing a welding operation to weld bottom plate  424  to a top surface of a camera module, while openings  430  pass entirely through shock mount  420 . Openings  430  can serve multiple purposes. For example, openings  430  can act as fiducials for aligning shock mount  420  with a camera module prior to a welding operation. Additionally, openings  430  can allow alignment pins to pass through shock mount  420 . Shock mount  420  can also provide precise alignment of alignment pins with a camera module since the alignment pins can be in direct contact with rigid top plate  422 . 
       FIG. 4C  shows how shock mount  400  of  FIG. 4A  can be assembled with camera module  440  having a top protruding portion  444  and metal trim component  450  having an opening  454 . Metal trim component  450  includes metal alignment pins  452  configured to pass through shock mount  400  and extend at least partially into openings  442  of camera module  440 . When shock mount  400  is securely coupled with camera module  440 , metal alignment pins  452  do not have to extend substantially into openings  442  and in the event of substantial compression, alignment pins  452  can be driven into openings  442  without impacting camera module  440 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, alignment pins  452  shorter pins may have a length of approximately 0.7 mm. Such a length may lead to a lower likelihood of shearing off during a drop event. 
     Assembly of the parts can be accomplished by a pick and place, which can result in high precision alignment of each of the parts. High precision alignment of the parts can reduce an amount of tolerance between the parts, thereby reducing an amount of clearance for required for the parts. Furthermore, tight tolerances of the various parts decrease sample variation and can reduce alignment errors in the camera module. Shock mount  400  can be adhesively coupled or welded to a top surface of camera module  440 .  FIG. 4D  shows a cross-sectional side view in which shock mount  400  is assembled together with camera module  440  and metal trim component  450 . This view illustrates how elastomeric portions of shock mount  400  can be utilized to reduce shearing forces on alignment pins  452  and a top protruding portion  444  of camera module  440 . It should be noted that in some embodiments, the opening for the trim component  450  does not come into contact with top protruding portion  444  of camera module  440 . It should also be noted that metal trim component  450  can be secured proximate to an opening in a device housing, so that it can provide support for a lens cover configured to allow light to enter the device housing and camera module  440 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  show a method of sculpting a protruding lens portion of a camera module to create increased vertical space for a camera module. Camera module manufacturers often create a cylindrical protruding lens region  508  larger than needed given positioning of interior elements within camera module  502 . For example,  FIG. 5A  shows how using a relatively taller camera module in place of a shorter camera module can be problematic. Here, camera trim  505  includes an engaging portion  506  configured to engage a (relatively taller) protruding lens region  508  of camera module  502 . The region denoted as  504  is an overlapping region. In order to maintain the existing spatial relationship between camera trim  505  and camera module  502 , engaging portion  506  would need to overlap portions of protruding lens region  508  in the overlapping region  504 . Because these structures—engaging region  506  and protruding lens region  508 —cannot overlap, it is clear that protruding lens region  508  is too tall to fit in this constrained space, and there may be insufficient room for enclosure housing. 
     However, when a protruding lens region of a camera module is made of plastic or some other malleable material, it can be sculpted, or shaped, to have a similar profile as that of engaging portion of the camera trim, thereby allowing a camera module to conform to restricted dimensions associated with an electronic device.  FIG. 5B  shows protruding lens region  558  being reshaped to create additional space within enclosure housing  200  to eliminate an overlapping region. In this way camera module  552  can have sufficient standoff from camera trim  555  trim ring  556  so that in the event of a drop event, camera module  552  can shift slightly forward without striking camera trim  555 . Further, the restricted dimensions of enclosure housing  200  can accommodate camera module  552  with a relatively taller protruding lens region  558 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a composite antenna patch  600  that eliminates a distinct trim ring as depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . Composite antenna patch  600  can be radio frequency (RF) neutral so that wireless data can pass into and out of a device through composite antenna patch  600 . Radio frequency neutral material can include, for example, plastic and glass material. Composite antenna patch  600  can include a number of layers including interior patch  602 , adhesive layer  604  and outer patch  606 . Adhesive layer  604  can be used to bind inner patch  602  to outer patch  606 . In one particular embodiment, inner patch  602  can be approximately 0.3 mm thick and outer patch  606  can be approximately 0.5 mm thick. In other embodiments, each layer can include both LED opening  608  and microphone opening  610 . LED opening  608  can be useful for aligning an LED with a portion of composite antenna patch  600 . In some embodiments, an LED can be disposed entirely through each of layers  602 ,  604 , and  606  interior patch  602 , adhesive layer  604 , and outer patch  606  so that a light-emitting surface of the LED is flush with an outer surface of outer patch  606 . In other embodiments, the LED can be recessed back from the outer surface of outer patch  606 . Inner patch  602  can also include camera opening  612 . Camera opening  612  can be utilized to provide alignment between a camera module and inner patch  602 . Instead of utilizing a trim ring to support a lens cover, a solid outer patch  606  can be disposed across camera opening  612 . In some embodiments, outer patch  606  can be a glass layer so as not to adversely impact light passing through outer patch  606  and into an underlying camera module. Because a trim ring can take up more than 0.5 mm of space within an enclosure, the omission of a trim ring can increase clearance within an enclosure, thereby allowing for larger camera modules having improved image quality over smaller modules. It should be noted that in some embodiments a separate cosmetic trim ring  614  can be aligned with adhesive layer  604  to provide an outward appearance of a more traditional trim ring. Because cosmetic trim ring  614  is primarily cosmetic in purpose, it can have a thickness that does not exceed a thickness of the adhesive layer. 
       FIG. 7A  shows an alternative camera grounding and alignment bracket. Top cover  704  (for a camera module) can provide a substrate upon which an alignment bracket  702  can be mounted. Alignment bracket  702  can include an opening  706  through which top cover  704  can receive light. Furthermore, alignment bracket  702  can include threaded openings  708 , or in some cases just smooth openings  708 , for aligning and/or securing top cover  704  to alignment bracket  702 . Top cover  704  can be secured to alignment bracket  702  in many ways including, for example, by an adhesive or by welding the two components together. Because alignment bracket  702  is formed from a metal material, it provides rigid X-Y alignment for top cover  704 . Alignment bracket  702  can be mechanically coupled directly to housing  200  by at least fastener  710 , as depicted in  FIG. 7B . In this way, when top cover  704  engages bracket  702 , the camera module is properly aligned with housing  200  and grounded to chassis ground through alignment bracket  702 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a block diagram illustrating a method  800  by which a camera module can be installed within an enclosure. In a first step  802 , a multi-purpose LED cowling is installed within a device housing. At step  804 , a first end of a camera retention strap is engaged with a recess in the device housing proximate to the installed multi-purpose LED. At step  806 , a camera module is placed between the multi-purpose LED cowling and the first end of the camera retention strap. By placing the camera module in this position a first side of the camera module is electrically coupled to grounding pins extending from the multi-purpose LED cowling, while a second side of the camera module opposite the first side pushes against a retention feature of the first end of the camera retention strap such that the first end is secured within the recess in the device housing. At step  808 , the camera retention strap is stretched across a back surface of the camera module, and a second end of the camera retention strap is engaged with a mating feature of the multi-purpose LED cowling. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     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 specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described 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: 20140417
Publication Date: 20151103
Grant Date: 20151103
Priority Date: 20130904
Inventors: HOOTON LEE E.
BRODIE DOUGLAS S.
HILL MATTHEW D.
MERZ NICHOLAS G.
MYERS SCOTT A.
TAM TERENCE N.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/51", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2251", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2257", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2254", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2252", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 52582724