PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9680187-B2
Application Number: US-201313903867-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Battery removal apparatus

Abstract:
This application relates generally to battery removal apparatuses. For example, one battery removal apparatus disclosed herein comprises a pull tab configured to be disposed between a battery and a casing of a portable computing device. The pull tab is shaped such that at least one area of the battery and the casing are exposed to one another when the battery, the pull tab and the casing are compressed together. An adhesive layer is shaped to cover the at least one exposed area such that the battery adheres to the casing, and the pull tab is reinforced so as to prevent the pull tab from tearing when used to remove the battery from the portable computing device. Other battery removal apparatuses include a pull string battery removal apparatus as well as a battery removal apparatus that incorporates both a pull tab and one or more pull strings.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A battery removal apparatus for removing a battery from a portable computing device, the battery removal apparatus comprising:
 an adhesive layer that includes a seam defined by a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is configured to adhere to a battery and the second layer is configured to adhere to a casing of the portable computing device; and 
 a pull string that is routed through the seam according to a particular path such that when a first end of the pull string that protrudes out from the adhesive layer is pulled on, the pull string cuts through the adhesive layer and causes the first layer and the second layer to fully or partially separate from one another so that the battery can be removed from the casing. 
 
     
     
       2. The battery removal apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a second end of the pull string is anchored such that the pull string, when pulled on, does not slip out and fail to separate the first layer from the second layer. 
     
     
       3. The battery removal apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the second end of the pull string is anchored at an end of the adhesive layer opposite from where the first end protrudes out from the adhesive layer, and the path of the pull string traverses through the adhesive layer in a switchback pattern. 
     
     
       4. The battery removal apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the second end of the pull string is anchored at a same side of the adhesive layer where the first end protrudes out from the adhesive layer, and the path of the pull string traverses three out of four sides of the adhesive layer. 
     
     
       5. The battery removal apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a second end of the pull string also protrudes out from the adhesive layer, and is simultaneously pulled on along with the first end to further contribute to the full or partial separation of the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
       6. The battery removal apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pull string is composed of metal, carbon fiber, Kevlar, or strong filaments. 
     
     
       7. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a casing; 
 a battery; and 
 a battery removal apparatus for removing the battery from the portable computing device, the battery removal apparatus comprising:
 an adhesive layer configured to be disposed between the battery and the casing, wherein the adhesive layer includes a first layer and a second layer that form a seam throughout the adhesive layer; and 
 a pull string that is routed through the seam according to a particular path, wherein, when a first end of the pull string that protrudes out from the adhesive layer is pulled on, the pull string cuts through the adhesive layer and causes the first layer and the second layer to fully or partially separate from one another so that the battery can be removed from the casing. 
 
 
     
     
       8. The portable computing device of  claim 7 , wherein a second end of the pull string is anchored such that the pull string, when pulled on, does not slip out and fail to separate the first layer from the second layer.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The described embodiments relate generally to battery removal apparatuses. More specifically, disclosed herein are battery removal apparatuses that sufficiently secure a battery within a portable computing device yet provide ease of removal for servicing. 
     Related Art 
     Manufacturers continually strive to enhance the physical qualities of portable computing devices so as to provide an excellent user experience and keep an edge on their competitors. Notably, the widths and lengths of most portable computing devices—such as smart phones and laptops—have recently remained somewhat constant, since users require a threshold amount of surface area to comfortably interact with (e.g., user interfaces displayed on smart phones or physical keyboards of laptops). Other physical qualities of portable computing devices, however—including thickness (i.e., height) and weight—can continue to be reduced to provide an increase in overall user satisfaction. As a result, manufacturers are focused on developing new materials and designs that reduce the overall height and/or weight of portable computing devices. 
     Presently, there are several factors that limit the potential reduction of height that can be applied to a portable computing device, e.g., a smart phone. In many cases, the most limiting factor is the battery included in the smart phone, which remains somewhat large with respect to the overall volume of the smart phone. Notably, the battery must be secured within the smart phone such that the battery remains in place in the event of a fall and does not damage other electronics included within the smart phone. One popular battery-securing technique involves applying a relatively thick adhesive layer to the battery, but this limits potential for reductions in height and can make it difficult to remove the battery for replacement or servicing. Moreover, while measures to simply thin the adhesive layer would result in increased potential for height reduction, such measures would also compromise the stability of the battery within the portable computing device, which is unacceptable. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to battery removal apparatuses to be used within portable computing devices. In particular, the battery removal apparatuses described herein enable a battery to be securely installed into a portable computing device while also enabling the battery to be easily removed from the portable computing device when servicing or replacement is required. Notably, the battery removal apparatuses described herein also provide increased potential for height reduction compared to conventional approaches without compromising the overall secureness of the battery within the portable computing device. 
     In a first embodiment, a component extractor used for extracting a component secured to an interior surface of an enclosure by an adhesive layer is disclosed. The component extractor includes a body, where at least a portion of the body is disposed within the adhesive layer. The component extractor also includes a flexible member coupled to the body at a reinforced first end and having a second end opposite the first end, where the second end is configured to receive an externally applied extraction force. In particular, during a component extraction operation, the externally applied extraction force is received at the second end at an angle with respect to the component. At least some of the extraction force is transferred from the second end through the reinforced first end to the body such that the extraction force at least partially reduces an adhesive bond formed between the component and the interior surface by the adhesive layer. 
     In another embodiment, a pull tab battery removal apparatus for removing a battery from a portable computing device is disclosed. The pull tab battery removal apparatus comprises a pull tab configured to be disposed between a battery and a casing of the portable computing device, where the pull tab is reinforced at least at a graspable portion of the pull tab that protrudes out from between the battery and the casing. The pull tab is shaped such that at least one area of the battery and the casing are exposed to one another when the battery, the pull tab and the casing are compressed together. The at least one exposed area between the battery an the casing is occupied by an adhesive layer that adheres the battery to the casing when the battery, the pull tab, and the casing are compressed together. 
     In yet another embodiment, a pull string battery removal apparatus for removing a battery from a portable computing device is disclosed. The pull string battery removal apparatus comprises an adhesive layer that includes a seam defined by first layer and a second layer, where the first layer is configured to adhere to a battery and the second layer is configured to adhere to a casing of the portable computing device. The pull string battery removal apparatus further comprises a pull string that is routed through the seam according to a particular path such that, when a first end of the pull string that protrudes out from the adhesive layer is pulled on, the pull string cuts through the adhesive layer and causes the seam to fully or partially separate from one another so that the battery can be removed from the casing. 
     Other embodiments include portable computing devices configured to include the pull tab battery removal apparatus, the pull string battery removal apparatus, or a combined approach that utilizes components from each of the pull tab battery removal apparatus and the pull string battery removal apparatus. 
     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. These drawings do not limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the described embodiments. Any such changes do not depart from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate perspective views of a pull tab battery removal apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate cross-sectional perspective views of the pull tab battery removal apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1C , according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate various embodiments for reinforced configurations of the pull tab battery removal apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a method for configuring the pull tab battery removal apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate a perspective view of a pull string battery removal apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate cross-sectional perspective views of the pull string battery removal apparatus of  FIGS. 5A-5B , according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate various embodiments for different configurations of the pull string battery removal apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a method for configuring the pull string battery removal apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus, 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. 
     As set forth above, one common technique for securing a battery within a portable computing device involves using an adhesive layer. When the battery needs to be removed from the portable computing device, service technicians are required to pry the battery away from the casing, which can damage the battery and/or casing. One technique that can be used to help mitigate this problem involves using a pull tab that facilitates a controlled separation of the battery from the adhesive layer. According to one configuration, the pull tab is a sheet of material that is disposed between the battery and the casing and lies on the same plane as one or more adhesive layers, where a graspable portion of the sheet of material extends out from between the battery and the casing. In general, the pull tab is the same thickness as the adhesive layers and is shaped such that one or more areas of the battery are exposed to the casing when the battery, the pull tab, and the casing are compressed together. According to this configuration, the adhesive layers cover the exposed areas, while the pull tab covers the unexposed areas, such that the battery is partially—but securely—adhered to the casing. In this manner, a service technician can pull the graspable tab in an upward direction to remove the battery from the portable computing device. Notably,  FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate perspective views of this configuration and provide a visual representation of the manner in which the pull tab enables the battery to be removed from the adhesive layers. As noted above, however, the adhesive layers and/or pull tab consume precious space within the portable computing device. 
     One simple approach to decrease the amount of space consumed by the adhesive layers and the pull tab involves simply decreasing their thicknesses, but this can create a new set of problems. For example, decreasing the thickness of the adhesive layers can correspondingly reduce the secureness of the battery and make other components within the portable computing device vulnerable to damage when it is dropped. One way to mitigate this problem involves using a stronger adhesive such that, despite the layers of adhesive being thinner, the battery can be amply secured within the portable computing device. However, for the increased space benefit of the thinner adhesive layers to be fully realized, the pull tab must also be decreased in thickness since it lies on the same plane as the adhesive layers, which reduces the rigidity and strength of the pull tab. Consequently, the thinner pull tab is vulnerable to tearing when a service technician lifts the graspable portion of the pull tab upward to remove the battery from the portable computing device. If or when the pull tab tears, the service technician is required to manually pry the battery away from the casing—which, as described above, can easily damage the portable computing device. 
     Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention sets forth a “component extractor” used for extracting a component secured to an interior surface of an enclosure by an adhesive layer. The component extractor includes a body, where at least a portion of the body is disposed within the adhesive layer. The component extractor also includes a flexible member coupled to the body at a reinforced first end and having a second end opposite the first end, where the second end is configured to receive an externally applied extraction force. In particular, during a component extraction operation, the externally applied extraction force is received at the second end at an angle with respect to the component. At least some of the extraction force is transferred from the second end through the reinforced first end to the body such that the extraction force at least partially reduces an adhesive bond formed between the component and the interior surface by the adhesive layer. 
     Another embodiment of the invention sets forth a more specific battery removal apparatus that incorporates a thinned pull tab that is reinforced to reduce the likelihood of tearing when used to remove a battery from a portable computing device. Such reinforcement can be provided according to a variety of techniques, which are described in detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A-3B and 4 . One advantage provided by the thinner, reinforced pull tab is that a thinner layer of stronger adhesive can be used while amply securing the battery within the portable computing device. As a result, the overall thickness of both the adhesive layer and the pull tab can be reduced, and additional room is established that can be exploited to enhance the portable computing device. For example, the height of the portable computing device can be reduced to produce a thinner portable computing device that includes the same battery and possesses the same battery life performance. Alternatively, the thickness of the battery can be increased in order to extend the battery life performance of the portable computing device without needing to correspondingly increase the height of the portable computing device. 
     In some cases, it may be desirable to provide a battery removal apparatus that does not rely on the thinner, reinforced pull tab. Accordingly, another embodiment of the invention sets forth yet another more specific battery removal apparatus that comprises an adhesive layer throughout which one or more pull strings are routed. In particular, the pull strings are routed such that, when ends of the pull strings are pulled on by a service technician, the pull strings cut apart the adhesive layer and partially or completely eliminate the adhesion between the battery and the casing. The pull strings can be routed through the adhesive layer in a variety of ways, which are described in detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B and 8 . One advantage provided by the pull string approach is that a strong, thin layer of adhesive can be used while maintaining a way for a service technician to easily remove the battery from the portable computing device. As a result, additional room is established and can be exploited to enhance the portable computing device in the manners described above. 
     Yet another embodiment of the invention sets forth a battery removal apparatus that utilizes both the pull tab and the pull string techniques described above. In particular, both the adhesive layer and the pull tab are thinned to establish additional room within the portable computing device. However, instead of reinforcing the thinned pull tab, one or more pull strings are incorporated into the adhesive layers near the graspable portion of the pull tab, which, as described in greater detail below in conjunction with  FIG. 1C , is the portion of the pull tab that is most vulnerable to being torn during the battery removal process. According to this embodiment, to remove the battery from the portable computing device, the service technician first severs the adhesive layers near the graspable portion of the pull tab using the one or more pull strings. Subsequently, the service technician uses the pull tab to overcome the adhesion that remains between the battery and the casing. One advantage provided by this combined approach is that both the pull tab and the adhesive layer can simply be reduced in thickness without requiring reinforcement of the pull tab. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, and 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. It is noted that the elements illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, 4, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, and 8  are not drawn to scale, nor do they represent dimensions that are relative to one another. In contrast, the elements can be of any dimension without departing from the scope of the invention. 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate perspective views of a pull tab battery removal apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view  100  of a casing  101 , a battery  102 , and a pull tab  104 , where the casing  101  represents a surface within a portable computing device, e.g., a smart phone or a laptop. As shown in  FIG. 1A , and as described above, the pull tab  104  is disposed between the casing  101  and the battery  102  such that the pull tab  104  can be used by a service technician to remove the battery  102  from the portable computing device. In particular, the service technician lifts the pull tab  104  at a ninety degree angle to the casing  101  such that the battery is slowly peeled away from adhesive layers that are disposed between the casing  101  and the battery  102 , which is described in further detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 1B-1C . Those having skill in the art will understand that the graspable portion of the pull tab  104  is not limited to a single side of the casing  101  and can be oriented such that the battery  102  can be removed from the portable computing device in any direction that is most convenient with respect to how other components are configured within the portable computing device. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view  125  where the top layer of the battery  102  is transparent such that the underlying configuration of the pull tab  104  and adhesive layers  106  is visible. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the pull tab  104  is routed underneath the battery  102  and is shaped in a manner that enables various areas of the battery  102  to be exposed to the casing  101  when the battery  102 , the pull tab  104 , and the casing  101  are compressed together. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the shape of the pull tab  104  is not limited to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 1B  and that any shape can be used such that at least a portion of the battery  102  is exposed to the casing  101  when the battery  102 , the pull tab  104 , and the casing  101  are compressed together. According to the illustration in  FIG. 1B , the adhesive layers  106  are shaped and applied such that, in general, they only adhere to the battery  102  and the casing  101  and do not interact with the main portion of the pull tab  104 . In one embodiment, the adhesive layers  106  are first applied to the battery  102  and then the casing  101 , whereupon the battery  102 , pull tab  104  and the casing  101  are appropriately oriented and compressed together so as to establish sufficient adhesion between the battery  102  and the casing  101 . Alternatively, the adhesive layers  106  can first be applied to the casing  101  and then the battery  102 , whereupon the battery  102 , the pull tab  104  and the casing  101  are appropriately oriented and compressed together so as to establish sufficient adhesion between the battery  102  and casing  101 . In general, sufficient adhesion represents a particular level of secureness that prevents the battery  102  from moving or shifting within the portable computing device in the event of a drop. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a perspective view  150  that displays in isolation the adhesive layers  106  and the pull tab  104 .  FIG. 1C  also highlights rear portions  105  of the pull tab  104  that are adhered to adhesive layers  106  (or another adhesive layer) such that the rear portions  105  are anchored to the casing  101 . In this way, the pull tab  104  remains attached to the casing  101  before, during and after the battery  102  is removed from the portable computing device. This configuration beneficially prevents the pull tab  104  from, for example, ripping away from the casing  101  before the battery  102  is completely removed from the portable computing device, which can result in the battery  102  landing back on the adhesive layers  106  without the pull tab  104  being disposed between the battery  102  and the adhesive layers  106 . In this scenario, a service technician would be required to pry the battery  102  from the casing  101 , which, as described above, can easily damage the battery  102  and/or the casing  101 . 
       FIG. 1C  also highlights a critical area  130  that represents at least one area of the pull tab  104  that is vulnerable to tearing when the pull tab  104  is thinned and used by a service technician to remove the battery  102  from the portable computing device. Consider, for example, the adhesive layers  106 - 2  and  106 - 3 , which are located along the battery  102  and the casing  101  and are shaped in a manner that causes considerable strain to be placed on the critical area  130  when the pull tab  104  is used to remove the battery  102  from the portable computing device. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention set forth various techniques—which are described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 3A-3B and 4 —that can be used to reinforce the thinned pull tab  104  so that tearing of the pull tab  104  can be avoided. 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate cross-sectional perspective views  200  of the pull tab battery removal apparatus of  FIGS. 1A-1C , according to one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, a cross section  202 , a cross section  204 , and a cross section  206  are specified against a flattened perspective view of the pull tab battery removal apparatus, and a detailed view is provided in  FIG. 2B  for each of the cross section  202 , the cross section  204 , and the cross section  206 . 
     As illustrated by the view  225  of  FIG. 2B , the cross section  202  of the pull tab battery removal apparatus includes the battery  102 , adhesive layers  106 , the graspable portion of the pull tab  104 , and the casing  101 , where the adhesive layers  106  and the pull tab  104  are disposed between the battery  102  and the casing  101 . In this manner, the battery  102  is adhered to the casing  101  yet can be removed via the pull tab  104  by lifting the pull tab  104  at a ninety degree angle to the casing  101 . As also illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the cross section  204  of the pull tab battery removal apparatus includes the battery  102 , adhesive layers  106 , the rear portions  105  of the pull tab  104 , and the casing  101 . Further illustrated in  FIG. 2C  is the cross section  206  of the pull tab battery removal apparatus, which includes the battery  102 , adhesive layers  106 , portions of the pull tab  104 , and the casing  101 . As with the cross section  202  described above, the adhesive layers  106  and the pull tab  104  are disposed between the battery  102  and the casing  101 , where the graspable portion of the pull tab  104  protrudes out from between the battery  102  and casing  101 . As previously described above, this graspable portion enables a service technician to grip the pull tab  104  and lift the pull tab  104  at a ninety degree angle against the casing  101  so that the battery  102  can be removed from the portable computing device. 
     As described above, the critical area  130  represents an area of the pull tab  104  that becomes increasingly vulnerable to tearing as the overall thickness of the pull tab  104  and/or adhesive layers  106  is reduced in attempt to free up space within the portable computing device. Accordingly,  FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate configurations  300  that set forth techniques that enable all or a portion of the pull tab  104  to be reinforced. In particular, a configuration  302  involves utilizing a thinned pull tab  104  that is wholly reinforced according to a variety of techniques that can include, but are not limited to, inner fiber reinforcement using a cross-hatch pattern, inner fiber reinforcement using a weave, or the like. The inner reinforcement can be provided by utilizing a variety of materials that can include, but are not limited to, metal, carbon fiber, Kevlar, strong filaments, and the like. Such inner fiber reinforcement in the configuration  302  is represented by the fill pattern within the pull tab  104 . In this manner, a thinner pull tab  104  can be utilized within the portable computing device without compromising the overall strength of the pull tab  104 , which helps reduce the likelihood that the pull tab  104  will tear when used to remove the battery  102  from the portable computing device. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 3A  is a configuration  304  that involves utilizing a thinned pull tab  104  that is partially reinforced according to the techniques described above. Notably, the inner reinforcement of the pull tab  104  is reduced or eliminated toward the rear portions  105  of the pull tab  104  since, as the pull tab  104  lifts upward and progressively removes the battery  102  from the portable computing device, the overall force being exerted on the pull tab  104  diminishes. Thus, the configuration  304  can provide ample reinforcement to the pull tab  104  and potentially reduce overall cost and complexity of producing the pull tab  104  depending on the tools and materials that are available. 
     Further illustrated in  FIG. 3A  is a configuration  306  that specifically targets the critical area  130  illustrated in  FIG. 1C . In particular, in configuration  306 , the pull tab  104  is reinforced only near the graspable portion of the pull tab  104 —which, as set forth above, endures the most force during battery  102  removal as a consequence of the orientation of the adhesive layers  106  that lie perpendicular to the graspable portion of the pull tab  104 . As with the configuration  304 , the configuration  306  can also provide ample reinforcement to the pull tab  104  and, in some cases, potentially reduce overall cost and complexity of producing the pull tab  104 . 
     Additional configurations  325  are illustrated in  FIG. 3B  and include a configuration  308 , a configuration  310 , and a configuration  312 . In particular, configuration  308  involves utilizing a thinned pull tab  104  that is wholly reinforced according to a variety of techniques that can include, but are not limited to, outer fiber reinforcement using a variety of materials such as metal, carbon fiber, Kevlar, strong filaments, and the like. Such outer fiber reinforcement in the configuration  308  is represented by the thickened perimeter of the pull tab  104 . In this manner, a thinner pull tab  104  can be utilized within the portable computing device without compromising the overall strength of the pull tab  104 , which helps reduce the likelihood that the pull tab  104  will tear when the battery  102  is being removed from the portable computing device. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 3B  is a configuration  310  that involves utilizing a thinned pull tab  104  that is partially reinforced according to the techniques provided above. Notably, the outer reinforcement of the pull tab  104  is reduced or eliminated toward the rear portions  105  of the pull tab  104  since, as the pull tab  104  lifts upward and progressively removes the battery  102  from the portable computing device, the overall force being exerted on the pull tab  104  diminishes. Thus, the configuration  308  can provide ample reinforcement to the pull tab  104  and potentially reduce overall cost and complexity of producing the pull tab  104  depending on the tools and materials that are available. 
     Further illustrated in  FIG. 3B  is a configuration  312  that specifically targets the critical area  130  illustrated in  FIG. 1C . In particular, and as with the configuration  306 , in configuration  312  the pull tab  104  is reinforced only near the graspable portion of the pull tab  104 —which, as set forth above, endures the most force during battery  102  removal as a consequence of the orientation of the adhesive layers  106  that perpendicular to the graspable portion of the pull tab  104 . As illustrated by the configuration  312 , the graspable portion of the pull tab  104  can be hollow such that a service technician can easily pull on the graspable portion of the pull tab  104  without it slipping from between his or her fingers. As with the configuration  310 , the configuration  312  can also provide ample reinforcement to the pull tab  104  and, in some cases, potentially reduce overall cost and complexity of producing the pull tab  104 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a method  400  for configuring the pull tab battery removal apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the method  400  begins at step  402 , which involves manufacturing the pull tab  104 , e.g., manufacturing the pull tab  104  according to the shape illustrated in  FIGS. 1B-1C . At step  404 , adhesive layers  106  are applied to each area that is exposed between the pull tab  104  and the casing  101  when the pull tab  104  is disposed between the battery  102  and the casing  101 , e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 1C . At step  406 , pressure is applied to the battery  102  and/or casing  101  such that the battery  102  and casing  101  are adhered to one another, e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . At optional step  408 , the graspable portion of the pull tab  104  that extends out from between the battery  102  and the casing  101  is folded such the pull tab  104  can be conveniently grasped by a service technician when removing the battery  102 . 
     As noted above, in some cases, it may be desirable to provide a battery removal apparatus that does not rely on the thinner, reinforced pull tab  104  described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, and 4 . Accordingly,  FIGS. 5A-5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B , and  8  illustrate various embodiments of a pull string battery removal apparatus. In particular,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view  500  of a pull string battery removal apparatus, which includes the casing  101 , the battery  102 , and an adhesive layer  502 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the adhesive layer  502  comprises a first layer  502 - 1  and a second layer  502 - 2  that form a seam  503 . Also shown in  FIG. 5  is a graspable portion of a pull string  504  that protrudes out of adhesive layer  502  along the seam  503 . As described in greater detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 5B, 6A-6B, 7A-7B, and 8 , the pull string  504  is routed throughout the adhesive layer  502  such that when a technician pulls the graspable portion of the pull string  504  away from the casing  101  the adhesive layer  502  is fully or partially separated along the seam  503 . Those having skill in the art will understand that the graspable portion of the pull string  504  is not limited to a single side of the casing  101  and can be oriented such that the battery  102  can be removed from the portable computing device in any direction that is most convenient with respect to how other components are configured within the portable computing device. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view  525  that displays in isolation the adhesive layer  502 - 1 , the adhesive layer  502 - 2 , and the pull string  504 , where the adhesive layer  502 - 1  is transparent such that the path of the pull string  504  is shown. As shown in  FIG. 5B , the pull string  504  is anchored at anchor  506  and is routed between the adhesive layer  502 - 1  and the adhesive layer  502 - 2  according to a switchback pattern such that when the graspable portion of the pull string  504  is pulled on by a technician the pull string  504  cuts through the adhesive layer  502  and causes the adhesive layer  502  to fully or partially separate along the seam  503 . The anchor  506  can be established according to a variety of techniques, such as gluing one end of the pull string  504  to the casing  101 . Alternatively, an end of the pull string can be attached to a component that is shaped such that the adhesive layer  502 - 1  and the adhesive layer  502 - 2  prevent the component—and the end of the pull string  504 —from moving when the graspable portion of the pull string  504  is pulled on by a service technician. 
     When the adhesive layer  502  is fully or partially separated the battery  102  can effectively be removed from the portable computing device. According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the adhesive layer  502 - 1  would remain attached to the battery  102  after a technician utilizes the pull string  504  to fully or partially separate the adhesive layer  502 . In this manner, a replacement battery for the portable computing device could be manufactured such that a replacement adhesive  502 - 1  is attached to the replacement battery and, further, a replacement pull string  504  is applied to the replacement adhesive  502 - 1  and routed according to path illustrated in  FIG. 5B . As a result, subsequent removal of the replacement battery, if necessary, would require the service technician to simply pull on the replacement pull string  504  in the manner described above. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the path of the pull string  504  is not limited to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5B  and that any path can be used such that when the pull string  504  is pulled on by a service technician the adhesive layer  502  is fully or partially separated. 
       FIGS. 6A - 6B  illustrate cross-sectional perspective views  600  and  625 , respectively, of the pull string battery removal apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, a cross section  602  and a cross section  604  are specified against a flattened perspective view of the pull string battery removal apparatus, and a detailed view is provided in  FIG. 6B  for each of the cross section  602  and the cross section  604 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the cross section  602  of the pull string battery removal apparatus includes the battery  102 , the adhesive layers  502 - 1  and  502 - 1  that form the seam  503 , the graspable portion of the pull string  504 , and the casing  101 . As shown in the cross section  602 , the adhesive layers  502 - 1  and  502 - 2  are disposed between the battery  102  and the casing  101  such that the battery  102  is adhered to the casing  101  yet can be removed via the pull string  504  according to the techniques described below. Also illustrated in  FIG. 2B  is the cross section  204  of the pull string battery removal apparatus, which includes the battery  102 , adhesive layers  502 - 1  and  502 - 2  that form the seam  503 , the graspable portion of the pull string  504 , and the casing  101 . As with the cross section  602 , the cross section  604  illustrates that the adhesive layers  502 - 1  and  502 - 2  are disposed between the battery  102  and the casing  101  such that the battery  102  is adhered to the casing  101  yet can be removed via the pull string  504  according to the techniques described below. 
     As noted above, the pull string  504  can be routed through the adhesive layer  502  according to a variety of techniques to enable a service technician to fully or partially separate the adhesive layer  502  at the seam  503 . For example,  FIG. 7A  illustrates configurations  700  that illustrate different ways of routing the pull string  504  through the adhesive layer  502 . In configurations  700  the pull string  504  can be made from a variety of materials that can include, but are not limited to, metal, carbon fiber, Kevlar, strong filaments, and the like. In this manner, the pull string  504  can possess an amount of strength that prevents it from tearing or snapping when a service technician pulls on the graspable portion of the pull string  504  and exerts force to separate the adhesive layer  502 . 
     The configuration  702  illustrated in  FIG. 7A  reflects the manner in which the pull string  504  is routed according to  FIGS. 5A-5B . In particular, the pull string  504  is anchored at anchor  506  and routed through the adhesive layer  502  in a top to bottom fashion such that the graspable portion of the pull string  504  exits near the bottom right of the adhesive layer  502 . As noted above, however, alternative configurations—such as configurations  704  and  706 —can be used to cause the adhesive layer  502  to fully or partially separate. For example, configuration  704  involves routing the pull string  504  through adhesive layer  502  in a left to right fashion such that the graspable portion of the pull string  504  exits near the top right of the adhesive layer  502 . Also shown in configuration  704  is a new anchor  705  that is positioned to enable the pull string  504  to remain in place when the graspable portion of the pull string  504  is pulled on by a service technician. Notably, and advantageously, the configuration  704  can in some cases allow the pull string  504  to be shorter in length, thereby saving materials and decreasing the overall cost of producing the pull string battery removal apparatus. Those having ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that in configurations  702  and  704  the pull string  504  can be a shorter length such that less turns are made overall. Such shorter lengths, however, increase the amount of adhesive that each section of the pull string  504  must tear through, which adds to the overall force that the pull string  504  must endure. In some cases, the length of the pull string  504  can correlate to the strength that the pull string  504  must possess such that a tradeoff can exist between the type of material used versus the length of material required. An example of this tradeoff is illustrated in configuration  706 , where the pull string  504  is simply routed around three of four segments of the perimeter of the adhesive layer  502 . In particular, the pull string  504  is anchored at an anchor  707  and exits at the bottom right area of the adhesive layer  502  such that when a service technician pulls on the graspable portion of the pull string  504  nearly all of the adhesive layer  502  is separated and the battery  102  can be removed from the portable computing device. 
     In some cases, an anchor may be undesirable since it can add to the overall complexity of manufacturing the pull string battery removal apparatus. Accordingly, configuration  708  in  FIG. 7B  illustrates an approach that does not involve anchoring the pull string  504  and instead involves having both ends of the pull string  504  protrude out from the adhesive layer  502  such that each end of the pull string  504  can be grasped and pulled on by a service technician to fully or partially separate the adhesive layer  502 . The two ends of the pull string  504  can be used by the service technician according to a variety of approaches. In one approach, for example, the service technician can grasp a first end of the pull string  504  and hold it in place while grasping and pulling on a second end of the pull string  504  such that the first end of the pull string  504  acts as an anchor similar to configuration  706  without requiring that an anchor of some kind is provided within the pull string battery removal apparatus. In another approach, a service technician can hold the portable computing device in place and grasp both ends of the pull string  504  and pull on each end such that the pull string  504  separates the adhesive layer  502  in a top to bottom manner. 
     Additional configurations  710  and  712  are illustrated in  FIG. 7B  and are directed to a combined approach that utilizes both the pull string approach and the pull tab approach. In particular, the configuration  710  includes a pull tab battery removal apparatus similar to those described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, and 4 . In particular, in configuration  710 , a stronger adhesive is used for the adhesive layers  106 , and both the adhesive layers  106  and the pull tab  104  are thinned, but the pull tab  104  is not reinforced according to the techniques illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3B and 4  and described above. Instead, and as shown in configuration  710 , a pull string  504  is secured at an anchor  711  and routed through the adhesive layers  106  to target the adhesive layers  106  near the critical area  130  shown in  FIG. 1  C. According to this configuration, a service technician first pulls on the graspable portion of the pull string  504  to sever portions of the adhesive layers  106  that are near the critical area  130 . Subsequently, the service technician uses the pull tab  104  to remove the battery  102  from the portable computing device. In this manner, the critical area  130  of the pull tab  104 —which would normally tear when thinned and solely used in attempt to remove the battery  102  from the strengthened, thinned adhesive layers  106 —undergoes less stress since a majority of the adhesive layers  106  that are applied near the critical area  130  are initially severed by the pull string  504 . 
     Finally, the configuration  712  illustrates yet an additional configuration that utilizes both the pull string approaches and the pull tab approaches described herein. As with the configuration  710  described above, in the configuration  712 , a stronger adhesive is used for the adhesive layers  106 , and both the adhesive layers  106  and the pull tab  104  are thinned, but the pull tab  104  is not reinforced according to the techniques illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3B and 4  and described above. Instead, and as shown in configuration  712 , a first pull string  504  secured at an anchor  713  is routed through a first portion of the adhesive layers  106  and a second pull string  504  secured at an anchor  714  is routed through a second portion of the adhesive layers  106 . Thus, both areas of the adhesive layers  106  that lie near the critical area  130  are targeted by the first and second pull strings  504 . According to this configuration, a service technician first pulls on the graspable portion of the first pull string  504  to sever the first portion of the adhesive layers  106 , and then pulls on the graspable portion of the second pull string  504  to sever the second portion of the adhesive layers  106 . Subsequently, the service technician uses the pull tab  104  to remove the battery  102  from the portable computing device. In this manner, the critical area  130  of the pull tab  104 —which, again, would normally tear when thinned and solely used in attempt to remove the battery  102  from the strengthened, thinned adhesive layers  106 —undergoes less stress since the portions of the adhesive layers  106  that are applied near the critical area  130  are initially severed by the pull strings  504 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a method  800  for configuring a pull string battery removal apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the method  800  begins at step  802 , and involves establishing a first adhesive layer configured to adhere to a casing of a portable computing device. Step  804  involves routing a pull string across the first adhesive layer, where at least one end of the pull string protrudes out from the adhesive layer such that the at least one end can be grasped and pulled on by a service technician. Step  806 , involves establishing a second adhesive layer over both the pull string and the first adhesive layer, where the second adhesive layer is configured to adhere to a battery configured to be embedded into the portable computing device. Step  808  involves compressing the battery, the second adhesive layer, the pull string, the first adhesive layer, and the casing together such that the end of the pull string can be used to fully or partially separate the first adhesive layer from the second adhesive layer so that the battery can be removed. 
     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: 20130528
Publication Date: 20170613
Grant Date: 20170613
Priority Date: 20130528
Inventors: STEPHENS GREGORY N.
PAKULA DAVID A.
SHUKLA ASHUTOSH Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T156/1994", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/425", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M2/1066", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02E60/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/425", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/425", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T156/1994", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T156/1994", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51984877