PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9904333-B2
Application Number: US-201313866922-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: SSD (solid state drive) related features of a portable computer

Abstract:
A removable assembly for quickly inserting and removing a mass storage device from a compartment situated on the case of a portable computing device is described. The removable assembly is made of a mass storage device, a bracket which serves as a carrier for the mass storage device, and a metal plate. In some embodiments, the mass storage device is a solid state drive (SSD) card. The bracket is a single-piece plastic structure that is deflected for snap insertion into the compartment and snap removal from the compartment. The metal plate conducts heat from the solid state drive (SSD) card to prevent the SSD from overheating.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A single piece bracket assembly for carrying a memory storage device of a laptop computer, the laptop computer having a housing that includes a compartment defined by, in part, a first internal sidewall having a first opening and a second internal sidewall having a second opening, the single piece bracket assembly comprising:
 a first section defining a first internal volume enclosed by a first set of walls, the first internal volume having a size and shape to receive the memory storage device, the first section having a first wall that includes a securing structure such that, in a secured configuration, engages the first opening; 
 a second section integrally formed with the first section, the second section defining a second internal volume enclosed by a second set of walls, the second set of walls comprising a second wall having a protrusion that engages the second opening in the secured configuration, the second wall further including a snap beam recessed with respect to the protrusion, the snap beam allowing removal of the first section and the second section from the compartment in an unsecured configuration; and 
 a retaining wall parallel with respect to the first wall and the second wall, wherein movement of the snap beam toward the retaining wall causes the protrusion to disengage from the second opening. 
 
     
     
       2. The single piece bracket assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second internal volume separates the protrusion and the snap beam from the retaining wall. 
     
     
       3. The single piece bracket assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a second protrusion extending from the second wall, wherein the second wall further comprises:
 a first diagonal portion separating the protrusion from the snap beam, 
 a second diagonal portion separating the second protrusion from the snap beam, wherein the snap beam is recessed with respect to the protrusion and the second protrusion based upon the first diagonal portion and the second diagonal portion. 
 
     
     
       4. The single piece bracket assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the securing structure comprises a hook extending outward from an external surface of the first wall, and wherein the hook secures in the opening of the first internal sidewall. 
     
     
       5. The single piece bracket assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first section is fully enclosed by the first set of walls, and wherein the second section is fully enclosed by the second set of walls. 
     
     
       6. The single piece bracket assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining wall limits movement of the snap beam. 
     
     
       7. The single piece bracket assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first section and the second section define a single integrated component having multiple walls. 
     
     
       8. A bracket assembly for an electronic device, the bracket assembly comprising:
 a first section defining an internal volume fully enclosed by walls, the internal volume capable of receiving a mass storage device, the first section further comprising a first wall and a hook extending from the first wall and away from the internal volume, the hook releasably securing with the electronic device; 
 a second section; and 
 a second wall parallel with respect to the first wall and separating the first section from the second section, wherein the second section includes a second internal volume at least partially defined by:
 a first portion having a first protruding feature that releasably secures with the electronic device, 
 a second portion having a second protruding feature that releasably secures with the electronic device, and 
 a third portion between the first portion and the second portion, the third portion carrying a snap feature that releasably secures with the electronic device, wherein the snap feature is recessed with respect to the first portion and the second portion. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The bracket assembly of  8 , wherein the first section combines with the second section to define a single integrated component that is removably coupled with the electronic device. 
     
     
       10. The bracket assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the first portion is continuously formed with the second portion, and wherein the second portion is continuously formed with the third portion. 
     
     
       11. The bracket assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the internal volume is defined by a four-sided structure, and wherein the second internal volume is defined by an eight-sided structure. 
     
     
       12. The bracket assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the first section comprises a first locating feature and a second locating feature, and wherein the first protruding feature, the second protruding feature, the first locating feature, and the second locating feature extend outward with respect to the internal volume. 
     
     
       13. The bracket assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion define a single wall of the second section, the single wall flexing in response to a force provided to the snap feature. 
     
     
       14. The bracket assembly of  claim 13 , wherein in response to the force, the single wall and the snap feature moves in a direction toward the second wall. 
     
     
       15. A bracket assembly for carrying a mass storage device in an electronic device, the bracket assembly comprising:
 a single integrated component that forms an enclosed internal volume having a size and shape to carry the mass storage device, the single integrated component comprising:
 a first wall having a first snap lock structure that extends from the first wall to secure with the electronic device; 
 a second wall parallel with respect to the first wall, the second wall having a second snap lock structure that extends from the second wall to secure with the electronic device; 
 
 a beam perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, the beam comprising:
 a snap tab extending away from the enclosed internal volume, 
 a first thinned region between the first snap lock structure and the snap tab, and 
 a second thinned region between the second snap lock structure and the snap tab, wherein in response to a force to the beam, the beam hinges at the first thinned region and the second thinned region, thereby causing the first snap lock structure and the second snap lock structure to move in a direction toward the snap tab and away from the electronic device; and 
 
 a third wall parallel respect to the beam, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the beam, and the third wall are integrally formed together to define the enclosed internal volume. 
 
     
     
       16. The bracket assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the beam further comprises third thinned region and a fourth thinned region, wherein in response to the force, the beam hinges at the third thinned region and the fourth thinned region. 
     
     
       17. The bracket assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the snap tab is positioned between the third thinned region and the fourth thinned region. 
     
     
       18. The bracket assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the fourth thinned region is positioned perpendicular with respect to the first wall and the second wall. 
     
     
       19. The bracket assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the beam includes a first thickness, and wherein each of the first thinned region, the second thinned region, the third thinned region, and the fourth thinned region includes a second thickness less than the first thickness. 
     
     
       20. The bracket assembly of  claim 15 , wherein in response to the force, the snap tap moves in a direction toward the enclosed internal volume.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. Patent Application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/715,832 filed Oct. 18, 2012 entitled “SSD (Solid State Drive) Related Features of a Portable Computer” by Knopf et al. which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a mass storage device, and more particularly to a solid state drive affixed to a removable bracket and related portable computing device and method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Mass storage devices are employed in many portable computing devices to store data therein. In the continuing pursuit to improve portable computing devices, manufacturers have attempted to produce portable computing devices having smaller dimensions. In this pursuit, the space allocated for each of the various components therein has been reduced in order to reduce the overall size of the portable computing device. 
     However, reduction of the space allocated to the mass storage device has presented challenges. In this regard, mass storage devices may fail or temporarily operate improperly when subjected to forces during impacts that exceed a certain level. Accordingly, mass storage devices may be mounted in portable computing devices in manners configured to lessen the forces thereon when subjected to impact. For example, isolators (rubber bushings) have been employed to mount mass storage devices in portable computing devices. However, embodiments of isolator mounts may use a relatively large amount of space, which may make it difficult to reduce the size of the portable computing device. 
     Additionally, there is also a desire for a mechanism that would allow for quick and easy replacement of mass storage devices mounted in portable computing devices. Ideally, this mechanism would result in a secure and stable mounting of the mass storage device in the portable computing device, and yet not require the use of tools for its removal from the portable computing device. Such a mechanism might also help to streamline and simplify the manufacturing process. 
     Accordingly, improved apparatuses, portable computing devices, and methods for mounting mass storage devices may be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     A mounting arrangement for a mass storage device such as a hard drive device or a solid state memory device such as flash memory is provided. The mounting arrangement can include a removable assembly for quickly inserting and removing a mass storage device from a compartment situated on the case of a portable computing device. The removable assembly is made of a mass storage device, a bracket which serves as a carrier for the mass storage device, and a metal plate. The mass storage device can be a solid state drive (SSD) card. The bracket is a single-piece plastic structure that can be deflected for snap insertion into the compartment and snap removal from the compartment. The metal plate conducts heat from the solid state drive (SSD) card to prevent it from overheating. 
     An assembly for mounting a mass storage device in a compartment formed in a case of a portable computing device is disclosed. The assembly includes a single-piece bracket comprising of a plurality of edge surfaces defining a first structure for retention within the compartment defined by a major wall and a plurality of side walls of the case of the portable computing device and a second structure for snap insertion into and snap removal from the compartment. The assembly further includes a mass storage device attached to the single-piece bracket. 
     A portable computing device including a case, a mass storage device, a bracket and a metal plate is disclosed. The case includes a major wall and a plurality of side walls that define a compartment. The mass storage device includes a solid state memory device including a supporting substrate. The bracket is configured to hold in place the mass storage device within the compartment located inside the portable computing device. The bracket can be snapped in place for retention within the compartment and removed from the compartment. The bracket structure has an opening to accommodate a connector to the mass storage device. The metal plate is attached to the bracket for supporting the mass storage device and heat sinking the mass storage device. 
     A removable assembly for mounting a mass storage device in a compartment formed in a case of a portable computing device is disclosed. The removable assembly includes a single-piece bracket, a mass storage device, and a metal plate. The single-piece bracket includes a plurality of edge surfaces defining a first structure for retention within the compartment defined by a major wall and a plurality of side walls of the case of the portable computing device and a second structure for snap insertion into and snap removal from the compartment. The mass storage device is attached to the single-piece bracket. The metal plate is attached to the bracket for supporting the mass storage device and heat sinking the mass storage device. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed apparatuses, assemblies, methods, and systems. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device in an open (lid) state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows the portable computing device of  FIG. 1  in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover and logo according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of the portable computing device in an open state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows an external view of the bottom case of the portable computing device of  FIG. 1 or 3  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a mass storage device, and more particularly a hard drive device; 
         FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a mounting arrangement for the hard drive device of  FIG. 5  employing isolators; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a top major surface absorber comprising a first elastomeric material according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a bottom major surface absorber comprising the first elastomeric material according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a corner absorber comprising perpendicular walls according to a first example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a corner absorber comprising a longitudinal wall and end caps according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a top case comprising a major surface and a plurality of side walls that define a compartment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates operations performed in coupling the major surface absorbers and the second embodiment of the corner features to the hard drive device of  FIG. 1  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the hard drive disk and the absorbers of  FIG. 10  after insertion in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 9  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the operations performed in coupling the major surface absorbers to the hard drive device of  FIG. 5  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates the operations performed in coupling the first embodiment of the corner absorbers to the side walls defining the compartment of the tray of  FIG. 9  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates the hard drive disk and the absorbers of  FIGS. 12 and 13  after insertion in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 9  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a mounting arrangement for the hard drive device of  FIG. 5  employing the major surface absorbers of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  and the corner absorbers of  FIG. 8A or 8B  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  schematically illustrates a method for mounting a mass storage device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top case comprising a major surface and a plurality of side walls that define a compartment, wherein holes located on the plurality of side walls enable a removable assembly containing a mass storage device to be mounted in the compartment, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a removable assembly for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 17  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates the removable assembly of  FIG. 18  with all components assembled together, ready for insertion into the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 17 , according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure (note: with the solid state drive card facing upward and the aluminum plate facing downward); 
         FIG. 20  illustrates the removable assembly of  FIG. 18  after insertion in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 17  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure (note: for insertion into the compartment of the top case, the removable assembly as shown in  FIG. 19  has to be flipped over, so now the aluminum plate is facing upward and the solid state drive card is facing downward); 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a bracket belonging to the removable assembly of  FIG. 18  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates three different snap mechanisms for a removable assembly for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a removable assembly for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a third example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a removable assembly for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a fourth example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a removable assembly for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a fifth example embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a removable assembly for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a sixth example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to the presently described embodiments are provided 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 presently described embodiments can 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 presently described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     The following relates to a portable computing device such as a laptop computer, net book computer, tablet computer, etc. The portable computing device can include a multi-part housing having a top case and a bottom case joining at a reveal to form a base portion. The portable computing device can have an upper portion (or lid) that can house a display screen and other related components whereas the base portion can house various processors, drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touchpad and the like. The top case and the bottom case can each be joined in a particular manner at an interface region such that the gap and offset between top and bottom cases are not only reduced, but are also more consistent from device to device during the mass production of devices. These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below. 
     In a particular embodiment, the lid and base portion can be pivotally connected with each other by way of what can be referred to as a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly can be arranged to pivotally couple the base portion to the lid. The clutch assembly can include at least a cylindrical portion that in turn includes an annular outer region, and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region, the central bore suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base portion and electrical components in the lid. The clutch assembly can also include a plurality of fastening regions that couple the clutch to the base portion and the lid of the portable computing device with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized. 
     The top case can include a cavity, or lumen, into which a plurality of operational components can be inserted during an assembly operation. In the described embodiment, the operational components can inserted into the lumen and attached to the top case in an “top-bottom” assembly operation in which top most components are inserted first followed by components in a top down arrangement. For example, the top case can be provided and shaped to accommodate a keyboard module. The keyboard module can include a keyboard assembly formed of a plurality of keycap assemblies and associated circuitry, such as a flexible membrane on which can be incorporated a switching matrix and protective feature plate. Therefore, following the top-bottom assembly approach, the keyboard assembly is first inserted into the top case followed by the flexible membrane and then the feature plate that is attached to the top case. Other internal components can then be inserted in a top to bottom (when viewed from the perspective of the finished product) manner. 
     In one embodiment, the keyboard module can be configured in such a way that a keycap assembly can be used to replace a power switch. For example, in a conventional keyboard each of a top row of keycaps can be assigned at least one function. However, by re-deploying one of the keycaps as a power button, the number of operational components can be reduced by at least eliminating the switch mechanism associated with the conventional power button and replacing it with the already available keycap assembly and associated circuitry. 
     In addition to the keyboard, the portable computing device can include a touch sensitive device along the lines of a touch pad, touch screen, etc. In those embodiments where the portable computing device includes a touch pad the touch pad can be formed from a glass material. The glass material provides a cosmetic surface and is the primary source of structural rigidity for the touchpad. The use of the glass material in this way significantly reduces the overall thickness of the touchpad compared to previous designs. The touchpad can include circuitry for processing signals from a sensor associated with the touchpad. In one embodiment, the circuitry can be embodied as a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can be formed of material and placed in such a way that provides structural support for the touchpad. Thus, a separate touchpad support is eliminated. 
     In one embodiment, the top case can be formed from a single billet of aluminum that is machined into a desired shape and size. The top case can include an integrated support system that adds to the structural integrity of the top case. The integrated support system can be continuous in nature in that there are no gaps or breaks. The integrated support system can be used to provide support for individual components (such as a keyboard). For example, the integrated support system can take the form of ribs that can be used as a reference datum for a keyboard. The ribs can also provide additional structural support due to the added thickness of the ribs. The ribs can also be used as part of a shield that help to prevent light leaking from the keyboard as well as act as a Faraday cage that prevents leakage of extraneous electromagnetic radiation. 
     The continuous nature of the integrated support system can result in a more even distribution of an external load applied to the multi-part housing resulting in a reduced likelihood of warping, or bowing that reduces risk to internal components. The integrated support system can also provide mounting structures for those internal components mounted to the multi-part housing. Such internal components include a mass storage device (that can take the form of a hard disk drive, HDD, or solid state drive, SSD), audio components (audio jack, microphone, speakers, etc.) as well as input/output devices such as a keyboard and touch pad. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-26 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIGS. 1-26  show various views of the portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device  100  in an open (lid) state. Portable computing device  100  can include base portion  102  formed of bottom case  104  fastened to top case  106 . Base portion  102  can be pivotally connected to lid portion  108  by way of clutch assembly  110  hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Base portion  102  can have an overall uniform shape sized to accommodate clutch assembly  110  and inset portion  112  suitable for assisting a user in lifting lid portion  108  by, for example, a finger. Top case  106  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as keyboard  114  and touchpad (or trackpad)  116 . Keyboard  114  can include a plurality of low profile keycap assemblies each having an associated key pad  118 . In one embodiment, an audio transducer (not shown) can use selected portions of keyboard  114  to output audio signals such as music. 
     Each of the plurality of key pads  118  can have a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying the key input associated with the particular key pad. Keyboard  114  can be arranged to receive a discrete input at each keypad using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key pad can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of portable computing device  100 . In order to reduce component count, a keycap assembly can be re-provisioned as a power button. For example, key pad  118 - 1  can be used as power button  118 - 1 . In this way, the overall number of components in portable computing device  100  can be commensurably reduced. 
     Touchpad  116  can be configured to receive finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such as a swipe or a tap. The gesture can be sensed by a sensing circuit in touchpad  116  and converted to electrical signals that are passed to a processing unit for evaluation. In this way, portable computing device  100  can be at least partially controlled by touch. 
     Lid portion  108  can be moved with the aid of clutch assembly  110  from the closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Lid portion  108  can include display  120  and rear cover  122  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 ) that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion  108  and also provide structural support to at least display  120 . In the described embodiment, lid portion  108  can include mask (also referred to as display trim)  124  that surrounds display  120 . Display trim  124  can be formed of an opaque material such as ink deposited on top of or within a protective layer of display  120 . Display trim  124  can enhance the overall appearance of display  120  by hiding operational and structural components as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display  120 . 
     Display  120  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. Display  120  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portable computing device  100  can also include image capture device  126  located on a transparent portion of display trim  124 . Image capture device  126  can be configured to capture both still and video images. Lid portion  108  can be formed to have uni-body construction that can provide additional strength and resiliency to lid portion  108  which is particularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, the uni-body construction of lid portion  108  can reduce overall part count by eliminating separate support features. 
     Data ports  128 - 132  can be used to transfer data and/or power between an external circuit(s) and portable computing device  100 . Data ports  128 - 132  can include, for example, input slot  128  that can be used to accept a memory card (such as a FLASH memory card), data ports  130  and  132  can take be used to accommodate data connections such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and so on. 
       FIG. 2  shows the portable computing device  100  in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover  122  and logo  202 . In one embodiment, logo  202  can be illuminated by light from display  120 . It should be noted that in the closed configuration, lid portion  108  and base portion  102  form what appears to be a uniform structure having a continuously varying and coherent shape that enhances both the look and feel of portable computing device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  shows another embodiment in the form of portable computing device  300  that is larger than portable computing device  100 . Since portable computing device  300  is larger in size than portable computing device  100 , certain features shown in  FIG. 1  are modified, or in some cases added, in portable computing device  300 . For example, speaker grid  334  can be used to port audio from an associated audio component enclosed within base portion  102 . In some embodiments, a microphone can be located at a side portion of top case  106  that can be spaced apart to improve frequency response of an associated audio circuit. 
       FIG. 4  shows an external view of bottom case  104  showing relative positioning of support feet  402 , insert  112 , cosmetic wall  404  that can be used to conceal clutch assembly  110  and fasteners  406  used to secure bottom case  104  and top case  106  together. Support feet  402  can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as plastic. Also in view are multi-purpose front side sequentially placed vents  408  and  410  that can be used to provide a flow of outside air that can be used to cool internal components. In the described embodiment, vents  408  and  410  can be placed on an underside of top cover  106  in order to hide the vents from view as well as obscure the view of an interior of portable computing device  100  from the outside. Vents  408  and  410  can act as a secondary air intake subordinate to primary air intake vents located at a rear portion of portable computing device  100  (described below). In this way, vents  408  and  410  can help to maintain an adequate supply of cool air in those situations where portions of the rear vents are blocked or otherwise have their air intake restricted. 
     Vents  408  and  410  can also be used to output audio signals in the form of sound generated by an audio module (not shown). In one embodiment, a selected portion (such as portions  412  and  414 ) can be used to output sound at a selected frequency range in order to improve quality of an audio presentation by portable computing device  100 . Vents  408  and  410  can be part of an integrated support system in that vents  408  and  410  can be machined from the outside and cut from the inside during fabrication of top case  106 . As part of the machining of vents  408  and  410 , stiffener ribs  416  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) can be placed within vent openings  408  and  410  to provide additional structural support for portable computing device  100 . Stiffener ribs  416  can be formed using what is referred to as a T cutter that removes material subsequent to the formation of the vent openings during the fabrication of top case  106 . 
     Moreover, trusses  418  can be formed between vents  408  and  410  in combination with ribs  416  can add both structural support as well as assist in defining both the cadence and size of vents  408  and  410 . The cadence and size of vents  408  and  410  can be used to control air flow into portable computing device  100  as well as emission of RF energy in the form of EMI from portable computing device  100 . Accordingly, stiffener ribs  416  can separate an area within vents  408  and  410  to produce an aperture sized to prevent passage of RF energy. As well known in the art, the size of an aperture can restrict the emission of RF energy having a wavelength that can be “trapped” by the aperture. In this case, the size of vents  408  and  410  is such that a substantial portion of RF energy emitted by internal components can be trapped within portable computing device  100 . Furthermore, by placing vents  408  and  410  at a downward facing surface of top case  106 , the aesthetics of portable computing device  100  can be enhanced since views of internal components from an external observer are eliminated. 
     The portable computing devices  100 ,  300  described above and other embodiments of portable computing devices may employ mass storage devices to store data therein. Example embodiments of mass storage devices include hard drives and solid state storage devices such as flash memory devices. The operation of mass storage devices may be affected when subjected to relatively high forces, such as those that may occur during impacts. For example, when a portable computing device is subjected to a drop event, the mass storage may be damaged or temporarily become inoperable. Accordingly, it may be undesirable to directly mount a rigid structure of the mass storage device to a rigid structure of the portable computing device (e.g., an internal frame therein). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example embodiment of a hard drive device  500  that may be included in the portable computing device. In particular,  FIG. 5  illustrates a 2.5 inch hard drive device, although the portable computing device may employ various other sizes and shapes of mass storage devices in other embodiments. As illustrated, the hard drive device  500  includes an outer casing  502  through which a spindle  504  extends. The hard drive device  500  may comprise a first major surface  506  and an opposing second major surface  508 . A plurality of edge surfaces  510  may define a plurality of corners  512 . Various connectors may be provided at one or more of the edge surfaces  510  of the hard drive device  500 . The connectors may include a power connector  514 , a jumper block  516 , and an integrated drive electronics (IDE) connector  518  in some embodiments. 
     Further, the hard drive device  500  may include a plurality of attachment structures  520 . As illustrated, the attachment structures  520  may be provided proximate the corners  512  of the hard drive device  500 . Each attachment structure  520  may include a horizontal mounting point  522  and a vertical mounting point  524 , which may be respectively configured to receive a threaded fastener therein in order to mount the hard drive device  500  to the portable computing device. 
     In this regard, an example mounting arrangement for the hard drive device  500  that employs the attachment structures  520  is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 6 . As illustrated, the mounting arrangement may employ couplers  526  to attach to the mounting points  520 . Isolators  528 , typically embodied as rubber bushings, may be attached to the couplers  526  at one end and stationary attachment structures  530  which may be hard mounted with the portable computing device. Accordingly, during a drop event, the isolators  528  may allow the hard drive device  500  to move relative to the couplers  526  and the remainder of the portable computing device such that the force transferred to the hard drive device may be spread out over a longer period of time and thereby the impulse applied to the hard drive device may be reduced in comparison to a mounting arrangement in which the hard drive device is directly coupled to a rigid structure within the portable computing device. 
     However, the mounting arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 6  may suffer from several deficiencies. In this regard, the mounting structure may require a relatively large amount of space. As illustrated, by employing the horizontal mounting points  522  on the attachment structures  520 , the mounting arrangement may occupy a relatively larger amount of space along an X-axis. Although use of the vertical mounting points  524  may decrease the width of the mounting arrangement along the X-axis, the couplers  526  may be shifted vertically in such an arrangement, thereby increasing the vertical height of the mounting arrangement along a Z-axis. 
     Further, regardless of whether the horizontal or vertical mounting points  522 ,  524  are employed, the vertical height of the mounting arrangement along the Z-axis may be relatively large due to employing isolators  528  on both the top and bottom of the hard drive device  500 . Additionally, as illustrated, the isolators  528  may not be mounted directly to a top case  106 ,  306  or a bottom case  104 ,  304  of the portable computing device, which may further increase the height of the mounting arrangement along the Z-axis. 
     Also, by mounting the hard drive device  500  at the corners  512  thereof (e.g., by using the attachment structures  520  mounted at the corners), the hard drive device may tend to flex and act like a diaphragm when subjected to an impact or vibrations. Thus, the forces to which the hard drive device  500  is subjected, particularly at the center thereof, may be amplified by the flexing of the hard drive device when mounted only at the corners thereof. 
     Additionally, the isolators  528  may transmit vibrations out from the hard drive device  500  through the stationary attachment structures  530 , or other components may transmit vibrations through the stationary attachment structures and the isolators to the hard drive device. In this regard, although solid state memory devices may be relatively more durable than hard drive devices, it may still be desirable to avoid hard mounting a solid state memory device to a rigid component of a portable computing device because some embodiments of mass storage devices may be adversely affected when subjected to certain vibrations that may be transmitted thereto. Conversely, mass storage devices employing moving parts (e.g., hard drive devices) may transmit vibrations outwardly therefrom, which may adversely affect other components of the portable computing device. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatuses configured to avoid the above-noted problems. Note that the description provided herein is made by way of reference to the hard drive device  500  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . However, the disclosure is also applicable to other embodiments of mass storage devices, as noted above. 
     In this regard,  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate absorbers that may be employed in mounting arrangements according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard,  FIG. 7A  illustrates an embodiment of a major surface absorber  600  configured to engage the first major surface  506  of the hard drive device  500 , and  FIG. 7B  illustrates a major surface absorber  700  configured to engage the second major surface  508  of the mass storage device. As illustrated, the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may be configured to substantially conform to the shape of the hard drive device  500  at the major surfaces  506 ,  508  and include cutouts for the spindle  504 , attachment structures  520 , and or other features thereof. Thereby, the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may define substantially planar surfaces while avoiding contact with any moving parts of the hard drive device  500 . The major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may be formed from various embodiments of a first elastomeric material. For example in one embodiment the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may comprise foam (e.g., open cell foam or closed cell foam) or rubber. 
     Additional absorbers that may be employed in mounting arrangements according to embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . More particularly,  FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate embodiments of corner absorbers  800 ,  900  configured to engage the corners  512  of the hard drive device  500 . The corner absorbers  800 ,  900  may be formed from various embodiments of a second elastomeric material, which may be the same as or different from the first elastomeric material. For example in one embodiment the corner absorbers  800 ,  900  may comprise foam (e.g., open cell foam or closed cell foam) or rubber. 
     The corner absorber  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A  is configured to engage a corner  512  of the hard drive device  500  and extend a relatively short distance along the edge surfaces  510  that define the corner. Thus, four of the corner absorbers  800  may be employed to engage each of the four corners  512  of the hard drive device  500 . 
     The corner absorber  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A  may comprise first and second walls  802 ,  804  that extend substantially perpendicularly from one another. As illustrated, in some embodiments the corner absorber  800  may include a plurality of ridges  806  and recesses  808  that are configured to extend perpendicularly from the hard drive device  500  when the corner absorber is engaged therewith. 
     In contrast to the corner absorber  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the corner absorber  900  illustrated in  FIG. 8B  is configured to extend between two corners  512  of the hard drive device  500  and the edge surface  510  therebetween. Accordingly, two of the corner absorbers  900  may be employed to engage each of the four corners  512  of the hard drive device  500 . In embodiments of the hard drive device  500  that are rectangular, the corner absorbers  900  may extend along either the shorter, or the longer pair of the edge surfaces  510  thereon, depending on the position of the connectors on the hard drive device. 
     As illustrated, in some embodiments the corner absorber  900  may include a longitudinal wall  902  and opposing end caps  904 . The end caps  904  may each include an end wall  906  and two side walls  908  that are configured to collectively surround a corner  512  of the hard drive device  500 . Further, the corner absorber  900  may include a plurality of ridges  910  and recesses  912  that are configured to extend perpendicularly from the hard drive device  500  when the corner absorbers are coupled thereto. In some embodiments the ridges  910  and recesses  912  may be provided only at the end caps  904 , whereas in other embodiments the ridges and recesses may additionally or alternatively be provided along the length of the longitudinal wall  902 . Additionally, protrusions  914  may extend perpendicularly from the longitudinal wall  902  in the same direction that the opposing end caps  904  extend therefrom. 
     In one embodiment, tuned finger supports  950  can be disposed on inner surfaces of side walls  908 . A detail view of one end cap  904  is shown in  FIG. 8B . Although only shown on one of the two end caps  904 , tuned finger supports  950  can be included on both end caps  904 . The design geometry and material used to form tuned finger supports  950  can be controlled to provide a predetermined spring rate for supporting the hard drive device  500  particularly during a drop event. In one embodiment, the tuned finger supports  950  can function in cooperation with foam absorbers as described herein to support hard disk drive  500 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a case, and more particularly the top case  106 ,  306  of the portable computing device. As illustrated, the top case  106 ,  306  may comprise a major wall  1002  and a plurality of side walls  1004  that define a compartment  1006 . For example, in one embodiment the major wall  1002  and the side walls  1004  defining the compartment  1006  may define integral portions of the top case  106 ,  306 . The compartment  1006  may be configured to receive the hard drive device  500  and absorbers  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  therefor. 
     In this regard,  FIG. 10  illustrates one embodiment of the operations performed in preparing the hard drive device  500  for insertion into the compartment  1006  in the top case  106 ,  306 . In particular,  FIG. 10  illustrates the operations performed in preparing the hard drive device  500  for insertion into the compartment  1006  in the top case  106 ,  306  with the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  and the corner absorbers  900  illustrated in  FIG. 8B . As illustrated, the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may be coupled to the first and second major surfaces  506 ,  508  of the hard drive device  500 , for example via adhesive coupling. 
     Further, the corner absorbers  900  illustrated in  FIG. 8B  may be coupled to the hard drive device  500 . In this regard, the longitudinal walls  902  of the corner absorbers  900  may be brought into contact with the edge surfaces  510  of the hard drive device  500  such that the protrusions  914  engage the horizontal mounting points  522  of the attachment structures  520 . Further, the end caps  904  may engage the corners  512  of the hard drive device  500  as the corner absorbers  900  are coupled to the hard drive device. 
     Thus, in some embodiments the corner absorbers  900  may be mechanically coupled to the hard drive device  500 , although adhesive may be additionally or alternatively employed. In particular, the protrusions  914  may engage the horizontal mounting points  522  via interference fit. Further, the end caps  904  may engage the corners  512  of the hard drive device  500  via interference fit. The ridges  910  and recesses  912  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8B ) may assist in providing the interference fit. 
     Accordingly, the corner absorbers  900  and the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may be coupled to the hard drive device  500 , and the entire assembly may be inserted into the compartment  1004  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . In some embodiments the side walls  1004  defining the compartment  1006  may be coated with a primer or a lubricant that assists in allowing for insertion of the assembly into the compartment. Further, in some embodiments the corner absorbers  900  may be reinforced by a metal band  916 , which may be visible in some embodiments through apertures  918 , which may be formed during molding the corner absorbers from the second elastomeric material (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4B and 6 ). The metal band  916  may provide the corner absorbers  900  with a degree of rigidity that may help maintain the shape of the corner absorbers and thereby assist in maintaining the coupling between the corner absorbers and the corners  512  of the hard drive device  500  during and after insertion into the compartment  1006 . Note that in some embodiments the corner absorbers  900  may be compressed during insertion of the hard drive device  500 , which may preload the second elastomeric material. 
     The operations performed in preparing the hard drive device  500  for insertion into the compartment  1006  in the top case  106 ,  306  with the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  and the corner absorbers  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A  are similar in that they may involve coupling the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  to the first and second major surfaces  506 ,  508  of the hard drive device  500 , for example via adhesive coupling, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . However, the operations may differ in other respects. 
     In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the corner absorbers  800  may be coupled to the side walls  1004  of the top case  106 ,  306  that form the compartment  1006  prior to inserting the hard drive device  500  therein. For example, the corner absorbers  800  may be adhesively coupled to the side walls  1004  of the compartment  1006 . Thereafter, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the hard drive device  500  may be inserted into the compartment  1006  with the corner absorbers  800  positioned between the corners  512  of the hard drive device and the side walls  1004  defining the compartment. Accordingly, in embodiments employing the corner absorbers  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the hard drive device  500  may be engaged with, but decoupled from, the corner absorbers. This differs from the embodiment of the corner absorbers  900  illustrated in  FIG. 8B , which couple to the corners  512  of the hard drive device  500  and engage the side walls  1004  of the compartment, but are decoupled therefrom. Note that in some embodiments the corner absorbers  800  may be compressed during insertion of the hard drive device  500 , which may preload the second elastomeric material. 
     Regardless of the particular embodiment of corner absorbers  800 ,  900  employed, the corner absorbers may provide a degree of compliance along the Z-axis due to the decoupling between either the corner absorbers and the hard drive device  500  (e.g., when employing the corner absorbers  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8A ) or between the corner absorbers and the side walls  1004  defining the compartment (e.g., when employing the corner absorbers  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8B ). 
     In this regard,  FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a view of the absorbers at the compartment  1006  as they relate to movement along the Z-axis. As illustrated, in one embodiment the hard drive device  500  may be engaged with the corner absorbers  800 ,  900  such that any movement along the Z-axis is resisted by the corner absorbers  800 ,  900 . However, due to the corner absorbers  800 ,  900  being coupled to only one of the hard drive device  500  and the side walls  1004  of the compartment in some embodiments, the spring force resisting movement may be relatively weak. This weak spring effect may be employed as a low pass filter configured to reduce noise transmitted from or to the hard drive device  500 . 
     The major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may be initially disengaged from the hard drive device  500  in a neutral configuration, as illustrated. In this regard, in some embodiments the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may be coupled to the top case  106 ,  306  and a second case (e.g. a rear case  104 ,  304 ), with gaps provided between the major surface absorbers and the hard drive device  500 . Alternatively, as described above the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may be coupled to the first major surface  506  and the second major surface  508  of the hard drive device  500  such that the gaps are positioned between the major surface absorbers and the first major surface  1002  of the top case  106 ,  306  and a second major surface  1102  of the bottom case  104 ,  304 . Thereby, the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may substantially avoid transferring vibration from or to the hard drive device  500 . However, during a drop event along the Z-axis, the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may come into contact with one or both of the top case  106 ,  306  and the bottom case  104 ,  304  (or the hard drive device may come into contact with the major surface absorbers) and in such an event both the corner absorbers  800 ,  900  and the major surface absorbers may function to restrain movement of the hard drive device and limit the impact applied thereto. The major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may define a greater spring rate than the corner absorbers  800 ,  900  in order to protect the hard drive device from damage due to impact. 
     In this regard, the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  are configured to distribute force applied thereto to avoid the issues noted above with respect to a diaphragm effect increasing forces applied to the center of the hard drive device  500 . Accordingly, by distributing the forces across the substantially planar surfaces of the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700 , the forces applied to the hard disk drive  500  may be reduced. Further, use of the substantially planar major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may reduce the height of the mounting arrangement by avoiding use of isolators. 
     In an alternate embodiment the rear case  104 ,  304 , which is secured to the top case  106 ,  306  and retains the hard drive device  500  in the compartment  1004 , may preload the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  by compressing the major surface absorbers when secured to the top case. The preload may be employed to provide the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  with an increased spring rate, which may assist in protecting the hard drive device  500  during a drop event. In one embodiment, the major surface absorbers  600 ,  700  may define recesses and protrusions that provide a two (or more) stage spring configuration in which the recesses are not compressed when subjected to the preload, and only act when subjected to additional force, such as during a drop event. 
     Further, a two stage spring configuration may still exist along the horizontal X and Y-axes. In this regard, the ridges  806 ,  910  may function as a first spring that remains in contact with the hard drive device  500 , and the recesses  808 ,  912  may act as a stronger second spring that is spaced from the side walls in a neutral configuration and may only come into contact with the hard drive device during a drop event in the horizontal plane. Accordingly, the ridges  808 ,  910  may act as a low pass filter in the horizontal plane along the X and Y axes to resist transmitting vibrations from or to the hard drive device  500 . 
     In some embodiments the location of the compartment  1006  may be configured to reduce the forces applied to the hard drive device  500 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5, 7 and 10 , the compartment  1006  may be centered between two or more corners  1008  of the case (e.g., the top case  106 ,  306 ). By centering the compartment  1006  between two or more of the corners  1008  of the case, the hard drive device  500  received therein may avoid being subjected to secondary impacts associated with a drop event of the portable computing device. For example, when the portable computing device is dropped on one corner, an opposing corner may be subjected to impact shortly thereafter, and the secondary impact may be of equal or greater magnitude than the first impact. Thus, by centering the compartment  1006  between the corners  1008 , the forces associated with impacts at the corners may not be fully transmitted to the hard drive device  500 . In some embodiments the compartment  1006  may be positioned under a touch input device centered between the corners  1008 . 
     A related method is also provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the method may include providing a first elastomeric material, a second elastomeric material, and a mass storage device, the mass storage device comprising a first major surface, a second major surface, and a plurality of edge surfaces defining a plurality of corners at operation  1200 . Further, the method may include inserting the mass storage device, the first elastomeric material, and the second elastomeric material into a compartment defined by a major wall and a plurality of side walls of a case of a portable computing device with the first elastomeric material positioned between the first major surface of the mass storage device and with the major wall of the compartment and the second elastomeric material positioned between the corners of the mass storage device and the side walls of the compartment at operation  1202 . Inserting the mass storage device into the compartment may comprise preloading the second elastomeric material 
     In some embodiments the method may further comprise securing a second case to the case with the first elastomeric material between the second major surface of the mass storage device and the second case to retain the mass storage device in the compartment. Securing the second case to the case may comprise preloading the first elastomeric material. The method may additionally include adhesively coupling the second elastomeric material to the side walls of the compartment and/or mechanically coupling the second elastomeric material to the corners of the mass storage device via interference fit. The method may also include adhesively coupling the first elastomeric material to the first major surface and the second major surface. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a second embodiment of a case, and more particularly the top case  106 ,  306  of the portable computing device. As illustrated, the top case  106 ,  306  may comprise a major wall  1002  and a plurality of side walls  1004  that define a compartment  1040 . For example, in one embodiment the compartment  1040  may be configured to receive a removable assembly, such as one shown in  FIG. 18 , for mounting a mass storage device. In one embodiment, holes  1020 ,  1022 ,  1024 ,  1026  and  1028  located on the plurality of side walls  1004  can enable a removable assembly with protruding features such as hooks to snap lock into compartment  1040 . In another embodiment, depressions, instead of holes, on the plurality of side walls  1004  can enable a removable assembly with protruding features such as hooks to snap lock into compartment  1040 . These depressions would all be facing the inside of compartment  1040  in order for the protruding features of removable assembly to be snap locking into them. In yet another embodiment, these depressions can be located at the same positions and be of the same sizes as holes  1020 ,  1022 ,  1024 ,  1026  and  1028  as shown in  FIG. 17 . Additionally, there is also a notch  1030  that creates an opening on one of the side wall  1004  to allow flex routing cable to exit from compartment  1040 . In a further embodiment, touchpad  116  can be positioned to be on the other side of compartment  1040 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an example embodiment of a removable assembly  1800  for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment  1040  of the top case  106 ,  306 . In one embodiment, the mass storage device can be a solid state drive (SSD). Assembly  1800  is made up of the following components: a solid state drive (SSD) card  1810 , a connector assembly  1820 , a thermal interface pad  1830 , a bracket  1840 , and an aluminum plate  1850 . The solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  consists of solid state memory devices positioned on a circuit board. In one embodiment, the solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  is a double sided card, where solid state memory devices are positioned on both sides of the circuit board. In another embodiment, the solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  is a single sided card, where solid state memory devices are only positioned on one side of the circuit board. The connector assembly or flex  1820  connects the solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  to other devices in the portable computing device. This connection is completed by sliding card edge connector  1814  of the SSD card, which consists of open pads, into a right angle connector  1826  of the connector assembly  1820 . Card edge connector  1814  can be positioned to be on one end of the solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  as shown in  FIG. 18 . Solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  is attached to aluminum plate  1850  by fastening screw  1812  into nut  1852  which is affixed to the aluminum plate  1850 . As the solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  can get hot from usage, a thermal interface pad  1830  is used to help conduct heat from solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  to the aluminum plate  1850 . The thermal interface pad  1830  is a thermal conducting material placed between the SSD card  1810  and the aluminum plate  1850 . The aluminum plate  1850  is attached to plastic bracket  1840  using VHB (very high bond) tape, which is a high-strength double-sided adhesive tape. Alignment of the SSD card  1810  relative to the aluminum plate  1850  is achieved by passing pins  1854  and  1856  through holes  1822  and  1824  on the connector assembly  1820 . Pins  1854  and  1865  are attached to the aluminum plate  1850 , while the solid state drive (SSD) card  1810  is connected to the connector assembly  1820  via card edge connectors  1814 . 
     Bracket  1840  is a single piece plastic frame configured for snap lock into compartment  1040  of the top case  106 ,  306  and snap release from compartment  1040 . In order to snap lock bracket  1840  into compartment  1040 , hook structure  1842  and locating features  1841  and  1843  of bracket  1840  are first lodged into holes  1022 ,  1020  and  1024 , respectively, of compartment  1040 . Bracket  1840  is then pushed down on the other side (i.e., the side with snap beam  1845  and protruding features  1844  and  1846 ) to lock the bracket in place in compartment  1040 . The locking occurs when protruding features  1844  and  1846  are lodged into holes  1026  and  1028 , respectively, of compartment  1040  of the top case  106 ,  306 . To snap release bracket  1840  from compartment  1040 , snap beam section  1845  of bracket  1840  is pushed towards the center of bracket  1840 . This releases protruding features  1844  and  1846  from holes  1026  and  1028 , respectively, of compartment  1040 . Then hook structure  1842  and locating features  1841  and  1843  are dislodged from holes  1022 ,  1020  and  1024 , respectively, of compartment  1040 , so that bracket  1840  can be removed from compartment  1040 . In actual practice, pushing snap beam section  1845  towards the center can be accomplished by using the thumb and index finger to squeeze bracket  1840 . The thumb will squeeze on snap beam section  1845 , while the index finger will squeeze on the side wall section of compartment  1040  that is abutting the “hook structure  1842 ” side of bracket  1840 . Please note that hook structure  1842  and locating features  1841  and  1843  of bracket  1840  can not be shown in  FIG. 18 , because they protrude out towards the side wall  1004  of compartment  1040 , but their approximate locations on bracket  1840  are clearly labeled in  FIG. 18 . 
     Removable assembly  1800  achieves the goal of mounting an SSD card in portable computing devices without adding too much strain to the SSD card. A user can store all of his information on the SSD card, so, if the SSD card is damaged in any way, the user can lose all his information. Accordingly, removable assembly  1800  is constructed in a manner that protects the SSD card. Removable assembly  1800  sinks enough heat from the card, so it can be used at a certain capacity. To save space, removable assembly  1800  can be positioned to be adjacent to a trackpad (or touchpad). Accordingly, removable assembly  1800  can be configured to be mechanically decoupled from the trackpad using foam absorbers, so it does not affect operation of the trackpad. Removable assembly  1800  holds the SSD card in one place as a single integrated component and has features, such as hook structure  1842  and locating features  1841  and  1843 , which help guide and position the bracket into the “snap lock” position in compartment  1040 . Further, the bracket is designed in such a fashion that it can not be broken by the snap release process, since the snap beam can only be pushed in for a limited distance, until the snap beam is stopped by the plastic retaining wall  1858  for the SSD card. In other words, the user can not over compress the bracket during the snap release process and break the bracket. The bracket also has enough mechanical structure along the length of the bracket (i.e., the longer side of the bracket, extending from locating feature  1841  to locating feature  1843 ), so that removable assembly  1800  is not deformable along that axis. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates the removable assembly  1800  of  FIG. 18  with all components (i.e., SSD card  1810 , connector assembly  1820 , thermal interface pad  1830 , bracket  1840 , and aluminum plate  1850 ) assembled together, ready for insertion into compartment  1040  of the top case  106 ,  306 . In  FIG. 18 , assembly  1800  is shown with the solid state drive card  1810  facing upward and the aluminum plate  1850  facing downward. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the removable assembly  1800  of  FIG. 18  after insertion in compartment  1040  of the top case  106 ,  306 . Please note that for insertion into compartment  1040  of the top case, assembly  1800  as shown in  FIG. 18  has to be flipped over, so that now the aluminum plate is facing upward and the solid state drive card is facing downward. Furthermore,  FIG. 20  shows the embodiment where features  1020 ,  1022 ,  1024 ,  1026  and  1028  are depressions, instead of holes, located on the side walls of compartment  1040 . 
       FIG. 20  shows both bracket  1840  of removable assembly  1800  and compartment  1040  of the top case  106 ,  306 .  FIG. 20  shows that bracket  1840  is snap locked into compartment  1040  by having protruding features  1844  and  1846  of bracket  1840  lodged into depressions  1026  and  1028 , respectively, of compartment  1040 . Additionally, it is harder to see, but hook structure  1842  and locating features  1841  and  1843  of bracket  1840  are also lodged into depressions  1022 ,  1020  and  1024 , respectively, of compartment  1040 . To snap release bracket  1840  from compartment  1040 , a thumb can be inserted into gap  2010  to squeeze snap beam  1845  toward hook structure  1842 , while an index finger squeezes on the side wall of compartment  1040  that is abutting the “hook structure  1842 ” side of bracket  1840 . There is also a notch opening  1030  on one of the side walls of compartment  1040  that allows flex routing cable of connector assembly  1820  to exit from compartment  1040 . 
     In different embodiments, snap beam section  1845  can be constructed to be of different distance from the plastic retaining wall  1858  for the SSD card, different thickness, and different width. Similarly, diagonal beams  1847  and  1848  can be constructed to be tilted by different angles relative to snap beam section  1845 . Even though many different embodiments are possible, the following points are important factors to consider. First, the width of snap beam section  1845  should be sufficiently lame so that a thumb can easily squeeze it while positioned in gap  2010 . Second, enough space should be provided to gap  2010 , so that a thumb can be comfortably fitted within that space. Third, the distance between snap beam section  1845  and the plastic retaining wall  1858  for the SSD card should be large enough so that the bracket can be easily snap released, but it should be small enough so that pushing the snap beam section  1845  all the way to the plastic retaining wall  1858  for the SSD card will not cause the bracket to be broken due to extreme deformation. Fourth, snap beam section  1845  should be sufficiently thick to provide it structural strength, but sufficiently thin to accommodate for the previous three factors. Fifth, the angle of diagonal beams  1847  and  1848  relative to snap beam section  1845  should be such that the bracket can be easily snap released, while also accommodating for the previous four factors. The angle of diagonal beams  1847  and  1848  relative to snap beam section  1845  can also be made to match surrounding structures on the portable computing device for aesthetic reasons. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates bracket  1840  belonging to removable assembly  1800  of  FIG. 18 . In one embodiment, touchpad  116  can be positioned to be on the other side of compartment  1040 , so that removable assembly  1800  is sitting under the touchpad (or trackpad)  116 . Under these configurations, it is desirable for removable assembly  1800  not to affect the field of the touch pad, especially when the touchpad is pressed down. This can be accomplished by maintaining a nice even gap between bracket  1840  and controlling the “z-height” of the bracket  1840 . Additionally, foam (e.g., open cell foam or closed cell foam) can be used to insulate the bracket  1840  and most importantly the SSD card  1810  from vibration. This insulation from vibration is especially useful when the SSD card is being snap lock into place and experiences vibration as it makes contact with the surface of the top case. In other embodiments, instead of foam, rubber or some other kind of elastomeric material can be used.  FIG. 21  shows that four foam corner absorbers  2110 ,  2112 ,  2114  and  2116  can be used. These four foam corner absorbers can be made to be 12 mm long, 1 mm wide, and 0.50 mm thick. In another embodiment, additional foam absorbers can be placed on the diagonal beams  1847  and  1848 , which is situated between the protruding features  1844 ,  1846  and snap beam  1845  of bracket  1840 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . Additional foam absorbers can also be employed in mounting arrangements, but, if the foam absorber is employed to cover the entire bracket, then the foam absorbers can push back on the top case surface too much. Bending can occur and affect the touchpad, so it is not desirable to cover the entire bracket with foam. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates three different snap mechanisms for a removable assembly for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure. In option 1, removable assembly  2210  can be snap released by pinching snap features  2212  and  2214  towards each other, thereby releasing locks to the two compartment side walls adjacent to the snap features  2212  and  2214 . After the side locks have been released, removable assembly  2210  can be simply pulled out. In option 2, removable assembly  2220  can be snap released by pushing in snap features  2222  and  2224  towards the removable assembly  2220 . Because the locking feature is hinged on the other end, pushing in the snap features will rotate the locking features out of their locked position, thereby disengaging the locking features from the compartment of the top case. Option 3 is similar to option 2, since snap features  2232  and  2234  also needs to be pushed in towards the removable assembly  2230  for snap release. The only difference is that the snap features  2232  and  2234  are shaped so that a user is forced to push the snap features in the direction they were designed for. In these embodiments, the removable assembly does not fill the whole space of the compartment of the top case. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a removable assembly  2300  for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a third example embodiment of the present disclosure. In  FIG. 23 , beam  2310  of a removable assembly  2300  has certain areas thinned out so as to weaken the beam at those points and control the bending. When a downward force (i.e., toward the center of removable assembly  2300 ) is applied to beam  2310  at snap tab  2320 , beam  2310  starts to bend downward, with thinned areas  2312 ,  2314 ,  2316  and  2318  behaving like hinges. The net result is that snap lock structures  2330  and  2332  are pulled inward to the snap tab  2320 , effectively releasing the snap lock from the compartment. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a removable assembly  2400  for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a fourth example embodiment of the present disclosure. Removable assembly  2400  is constructed very similar to removable assembly  2300  of previous  FIG. 23 , except that the thinning of beam  2410  at areas  2414  and  2416  occurs from the top, instead of from the bottom as is the case for corresponding areas in beam  2310  of previous  FIG. 23 . The advantage of this minor modification is that the living hinges at  2414  and  2416  are now guaranteed to be positioned below the axis formed by the living hinges at  2412  and  2418 , so a downward force applied to beam  2410  at snap tab  2420  will cause bracket  2400  to collapse inward. This allows for easy snap lock and snap release. If, on the other hand, the living hinges at  2414  and  2416  are positioned to be above the axis formed by the living hinges at  2412  and  2418 , then a downward force applied to beam  2410  at snap tab  2420  can cause bracket  2400  to collapse upward, making snap lock and snap release more difficult. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a removable assembly  2500  for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a fifth example embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, removable assembly  2500  fills the whole space of the compartment of the top case, except for a space  2520  to accommodate for a thumb. Snap release of removable assembly  2500  is achieved by using a thumb to press on front snap tab  2510 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a removable assembly  2600  for mounting a mass storage device in the compartment of the top case of  FIG. 18  according to a sixth example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20130419
Publication Date: 20180227
Grant Date: 20180227
Priority Date: 20121018
Inventors: KNOPF ERIC A.
ANDRE BARTLEY K.
CASEBOLT MATTHEW P.
FARAHANI HOUTAN R.
LEGGETT WILLIAM F.
REID GAVIN J.
SILVANTO MIKAEL M.
YAP DEREK J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/187", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/187", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B33/124", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B33/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B33/124", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B33/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/187", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B33/124", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G11B33/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50485127