PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9759988-B2
Application Number: US-201615264394-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Camera features of an electronic device

Abstract:
An electronic device having a securing member for a camera module is disclosed. The securing member may include several flexible spring elements extending around the camera module to maintain the position of the camera module during an assembly process of the electronic device. The securing member and the housing may be made from an electrically conductive material or materials. In this manner, the securing member may further provide the camera module with an electrical ground to prevent excessive electric charge within the camera module. In some embodiments, an alignment member is positioned on the housing and aligns the camera module and/or securing member with an aperture of the housing.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing defining an interior region, the housing having a housing through hole; 
 a camera module disposed in the interior region, the camera module having a first cavity and a second cavity; 
 a single-piece securing module formed form an electrically conductive material and that secures the camera module with the housing, the single-piece securing module comprising:
 a base portion that includes a through hole aligned with the housing through hole, 
 a first spring member engaging the first cavity, and 
 a second spring member engaging the second cavity; and 
 
 an alignment member disposed in the interior region and comprising a first opening and a second opening, wherein the single-piece securing module is surrounded by the alignment member such that the first spring member is positioned in the first opening and the second spring member is positioned in the second opening. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the single-piece securing module further comprises a third spring member and a fourth spring member, 
 the camera module further comprises a third cavity that receives the third spring member and a fourth cavity that receives the fourth spring member, and 
 the first spring member, the second spring member, the third spring member, and the fourth spring member combine to define a retaining force for the camera module. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the alignment member further comprises:
 a third opening that receives the third spring member; and 
 a fourth opening that receives the fourth spring member. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first spring member protrudes outward from the base portion, and wherein the second spring member protrudes outward from the base portion. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the camera module comprises a barrel that extends through the housing through hole. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein the barrel extends at least partially through the housing through hole. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the single-piece securing module combines with the housing to define an electrical grounding path for the camera module. 
     
     
       8. A securing member for securing a camera module to a housing of an electronic device, the securing member comprising:
 a single piece of electrically conductive metal, comprising:
 a base portion defining a planar surface on which the camera module is seated such that the camera module in contact with the planar surface, the base portion including a through hole to receive that receives a barrel of the camera module allowing the barrel to extend through the base portion via the through hole; and 
 multiple spring members integrally and continuously formed with and bent away from the base portion at the planar surface to surround the camera module and secure the camera module to the base portion, wherein when the multiple spring members secure the camera module, both the planar surface of the base portion and the multiple spring members define an electrical grounding path for the camera module. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The securing member of  claim 8 , wherein the multiple spring members comprises a first spring member and a second spring member, the first spring member and the second spring member extending from a first side of the base portion. 
     
     
       10. The securing member of  claim 9 , wherein the multiple spring members further comprises a third spring member and fourth spring member, the third spring member extending from a second side of the base portion different from the first side, the fourth spring member extending from a side selected from the second side or a third side of the base portion different from the first side and the second side. 
     
     
       11. The securing member of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first spring member is adapted to engage a first cavity of the camera module, 
 the second spring member is adapted to engage a second cavity of the camera module, 
 the third spring member is adapted to engage a second cavity of the camera module, and 
 the fourth spring member is adapted to engage a second cavity of the camera module. 
 
     
     
       12. The securing member of  claim 9 , further comprising a third spring member and a fourth spring member, wherein:
 the base portion includes a second side opposite the first side, 
 the first spring member and the second spring member extend from the first side, and 
 the third spring member and the fourth spring member extend from the second side. 
 
     
     
       13. The securing member of  claim 8 , wherein both the base portion and the multiple spring members are formed only from the single piece of electrically conductive material. 
     
     
       14. The securing member of  claim 13 , wherein the single piece of electrically conductive material includes a metallic material that includes at least one of gold, aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium copper. 
     
     
       15. A method for assembling an electronic device having a housing that defines an interior region, the housing having a housing through hole, the method comprising:
 securing a camera module with a single-piece securing module in the interior region, the camera module having a first cavity and a second cavity, the single-piece securing module comprising:
 a base portion including a through hole aligned with the housing through hole, 
 a first spring member engaging the first cavity, and 
 a second spring member engaging the second cavity; and 
 
 surrounding the single-piece securing module with an alignment member, the alignment member comprising a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first spring member is positioned in the first opening and the second spring member is positioned in the second opening. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising securing the single-piece securing module to a turret assembly comprises by welding the single-piece securing module to the turret assembly. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , further comprising aligning an aperture of the turret assembly such that the aperture of the turret assembly is concentric with respect to the aperture of the single-piece securing module. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein securing the camera module to the single-piece securing module comprises engaging the camera module with the first spring member and the second spring member. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein engaging the securing with the first spring member and the second spring member comprises securing the camera module with the housing. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising aligning the single-piece securing module with the housing through hole such that the through hole of the single-piece securing module is concentric with respect to the housing through hole.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/604,657, filed Jan. 23, 2015, entitled “CAMERA FEATURES OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,494,845, issued Nov. 15, 2016, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US15/12693, with an international filing date of Jan. 23, 2015, entitled “CAMERA FEATURES OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, published as WO 2016/032561 on Mar. 3, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/043,666, filed on Aug. 29, 2014, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to an electronic device. In particular, the present embodiments relate to assembly and alignment of a camera module in the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablet computing devices, include an integrated camera module for capturing images. In order to fit within the housing of an electronic device, some camera modules include a volume less than 1 cubic centimeter and may be relatively lightweight. Due to the small form factor, some assembly issues associated with the camera module may occur. For example, the camera module may become dislodged or misaligned during assembly. One solution is to include apertures or cavities in the camera module such that the apertures or cavities may receive mounting pins in a housing of electronic device. 
     However, similar mounting issues may exist when the mounting pins are utilized. For example, vibration or other movement may cause the camera module to become dislodged from the mounting pins. Also, in some cases, a cowling is used to secure the camera module to the housing. When the camera module is not correctly engaged with the mounting pins, the cowling may apply a force to the camera module, and in turn, the mounting pins, causing the mounting pins to break. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a housing. The housing may include an interior region, an exterior region opposite the interior region, and also an aperture extending between the interior region and the exterior region. The electronic device may further include a camera module positioned on the interior region. In some cases, the camera module may include a first cavity and a second cavity. The electronic device may further include a securing member that receives the camera module. In some cases, the securing member may include a first spring member and a second spring member. In some embodiments, the first cavity receives the first spring member. Also, in some embodiments, the second cavity receives the second spring member. The electronic device may further include a turret assembly positioned on the exterior region. In some embodiments, the turret assembly extends through the aperture to engage the securing member. 
     In another aspect, a securing member for securing an internal component of an electronic device is described. The securing member may include a base portion electrically connected to a housing of the electronic device. The base portion may include an aperture that allows a portion of the internal component to extend through the base portion. The securing member may further include several spring members formed from an electrically conductive material. The several spring members may extend from the base portion and cooperate to secure the internal component to the housing. In some embodiments, when the internal component engages the several securing members, the base portion and the several spring members define an electrical grounding path to electrically connect the internal component to the housing. 
     In another aspect, a method for securing an internal component to a housing of an electronic device is described. The method may include positioning a securing member in an interior region of the housing. The securing member may be formed from an electrically conductive material and also include several spring members and an aperture. The method may further include extending the internal component through the aperture of the securing member. The method may further include engaging the internal component with the several spring members to secure the internal component to the housing. The method may further include electrically connecting the securing member to the housing to define an electrical grounding path for the internal component. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear portion of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing an embodiment of a camera module within the electronic device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a securing member configured to receive the camera module and provide an electrical ground for the camera module; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view showing an embodiment of an electronic device having a camera module, a securing member, a housing, and a turret assembly, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an enlarged portion of an electronic device showing some of the components shown in  FIG. 4  assembled in the electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an enlarged portion of an electronic device having a securing member welded to a turret assembly, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a camera module, showing the camera module secured to a housing via a securing member, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an assembly including a securing member, a retention member, and a holding member configured to secure a camera module; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a securing member having a retention member configured to secure the camera module; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of an assembly having a retention member and a hook member insert-molded within the retention member; 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a process for improving the concentricity of the turret assembly with respect to the housing by rotating the turret assembly; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an another method for improving the concentricity of the turret assembly with respect to the housing by laser ablating the mask portion of the turret assembly, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a method for improving the concentricity of the camera module with respect to the housing by incorporating alignment members within the housing, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an enlarged portion of an electronic device having a camera module positioned within a securing member, further showing a magnetically attractable member configured to provide a magnetic balance within the housing of an electronic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; and 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for securing a camera module to a housing of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to an assembly for mounting a camera module within an electronic device. The electronic device may include a securing member attached to a housing of the electronic device. The securing member includes several spring members that secure the camera module within the securing member. The spring members may be bendable or flexible in order to provide a retaining force against the camera module within the securing member. Also, the camera module may include an enclosure or outer shield that encloses the internal components of the camera module. Both the securing member and the enclosure may be formed from a metallic material or materials. In this manner, when the securing member is in contact with the enclosure of the camera module, the securing member may provide an electrical pathway in order to dissipate excessive electrical charge (e.g., static charge) within the camera module thereby providing the camera module with an electrical ground, and accordingly and preventing damage to the camera module due to electrical charge buildup. Alternative embodiments for securing the camera module to the housing using a silicone-based retention strap are disclosed. 
     Also, techniques for improving the assembly process of components of an electronic device are described. In some embodiments, methods for improving the concentricity of the turret assembly with respect to the housing are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes rotating the turret assembly. In other embodiments, the method includes laser ablation or laser etching a mask positioned within the turret assembly. In some cases, the mask is formed having dimensions greater than the specified tolerance. Once the camera module is installed, these dimensions may be removed by laser ablation such that the mask includes desired dimensions. In other embodiments, additional alignment members (e.g., shims) may be added to align a barrel and/or enclosure of the camera module with respect to the aperture or opening of the housing. In some cases, an alignment member (e.g., alignment wall for the securing member) is formed having one or more dimensions that are smaller than the specified tolerance. Once the camera module is installed, these dimensions may be offset by using a shim or shims such that the camera module is positioned in a desired location. 
     Camera modules described in this detailed description may include magnets designed to focus a camera lens in the camera module. However, these magnets can be attracted to other metallic objects within an electronic device. Therefore, in some embodiments, a structure having magnetically attractable properties (e.g., magnet, ferrous material) is added to the electronic device to create a “magnetic balance” with respect to the magnetics within the camera module and offset any magnetic effects of the other metallic objects. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of electronic device  100 , or simply device  100 . In some embodiments, device  100  is a portable telecommunications device, such as an iPhone®, from Apple, Inc. from Cupertino, Calif. In other embodiments, device  100  is a tablet computing device, such as an iPad®, from Apple, Inc. from Cupertino, Calif. Device  100  may further include an enclosure  102  and a cover glass  104  positioned within enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, device  100  includes display  106  positioned between enclosure  102  and cover glass  104 . Display  106  may be configured to show visual content as well as receive a gesture, such as a touch input, from a user. Device  100  may further include button  107  as another means for inputting a gesture to device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear portion of device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , rotated to show enclosure  102  having camera module  108 . Camera module  108  may be configured to capture an image of an environment external to device  100 . In some embodiments, camera module  108  is includes a VCM (“voice coil motor”) used for features such as autofocus. Camera module  108  may be configured to capture an image by, for example, a user input by touching display  106  or in some cases, by pressing button  107 , both of which are shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     During assembly, camera module  108  may require securing means such that camera module  108  remains stationary.  FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of securing member  110  designed to fit between enclosure  102  and cover glass  104  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Securing member  110  is designed to receive a camera module (e.g., camera module  108  in  FIG. 1 ) and prevent the camera module from movement during assembly. In some embodiments, securing member  110  is a plate with several spring members integrally formed with the plate. For example, as shown, securing member  110  includes first spring member  112 , second spring member  114  (opposite first spring member  112 ), third spring member  116 , and fourth spring member  118 , all of which are secured to base portion  120 . Also, securing member  110  includes aperture  122  configured to receive a barrel of the camera module. The spring members include elastic properties allowing them to bend inward (for example, in a direction toward aperture  122 ) and outward (for example, in a direction away from aperture  122 ) in order to receive the camera module as well as provide a retaining force against the camera module to prevent the camera module from dislodging from securing member  110 . In some embodiments, securing member  110  is formed from a metallic material or materials, such as aluminum, gold, or stainless steel (for example, SS 304 stainless steel). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , securing member  110  is formed from titanium copper. In this manner, securing member  110  may be magnetically inert, that is, unaffected by magnetic fields. Generally, securing member  110  may be formed from any metals known in the art that are electrically conductive and magnetically inert, and also include elastic properties that allow for bending means previously described. Also, in some embodiments, securing member  110  includes two or three spring members. In other embodiments, securing member  110  includes five or more spring members. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view showing an enlarged portion of an embodiment of electronic device  200  having camera module  208 , securing member  210 , housing  230 , and turret assembly  240 . Camera module  208  may include enclosure  250  formed from electrically conducive materials, such as metal. Enclosure  250  may include several cavities or pockets. For example, camera module  208  includes first cavity  252 , second cavity  254 , third cavity  256 , and fourth cavity  258 . The enlarged view shows third cavity  256  as an exemplary cavity showing a recessed portion. In some embodiments, the cavities are stamped into enclosure  250 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the cavities are laser ablated, or laser etched, using a laser tool (not shown) configured to perform a material removal process to enclosure  250 . Camera module  208  may also include barrel  260  protruding from enclosure  250 . Also, although  FIG. 4  shows camera module  208  secured by securing member  210 , securing member  210  may be configured to secure other internal components of electronic device  200 . Generally, any internal component capable of displacement during an assembly operation of electronic device  200  and/or any internal component requiring an electrical grounding path supplied in part by the securing member  210  may be secured by an alternate embodiment (not shown) of securing member  210 . 
       FIG. 4  further shows securing member  210  that includes first spring member  212 , second spring member  214  opposite first spring member  212 , third spring member  216 , and fourth spring member  218 . Securing member  210  and the spring members may be made from the same materials as previously described for a securing member and spring members, respectively, and may be configured to perform the same functions. Securing member  210  also includes aperture  270  that receives barrel  260 . Generally, aperture  270  includes a shape corresponding to that of barrel  260 . Also, first cavity  252 , second cavity  254 , third cavity  256 , and fourth cavity  258  are designed to receive first spring member  212 , third spring member  216 , and fourth spring member  218 , respectively, when camera module  208  is inserted into securing member  210 . 
     Housing  230  and its features may be configured to receive camera module  208  and securing member  210 . In some embodiments, housing  230  is made from a metallic material or materials capable of conducting electrical current. Housing  230  may also include alignment member  280  located on interior region  232  of housing  230 . Interior region  232  may be associated with an internal portion of several internal components of electronic device  200 . In some embodiments, alignment member  280  is made from a pre-formed resin material. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , alignment member  280  is made from plastic. Alignment member  280  may include first opening  282 , second opening  284  (opposite first opening  282 ), third opening  286  and fourth opening  288 . These openings are designed and positioned within alignment member  280  such that the spring members of securing member  210  may be positioned within the openings of alignment member  280 . For example, first opening  282  is designed to receive first spring member  212 . Also, alignment member  280  can be designed such that when securing member  210  is positioned within alignment member  280 , aperture  270  of securing member  210  is concentric, or aligned and centered, with aperture  290  of housing  230 . In this manner, camera module  208  (in particular, barrel  260 ) may be readily received by aperture  290  of housing  230 . 
       FIG. 4  further shows turret assembly  240  including turret  242 , mask  244  and window  246 . Turret  242  may include aperture  292  concentric with respect to aperture  290  when turret assembly  240  is assembled to housing  230 . Also, turret  242  may be made from materials resistant to deforming under high heat, such as metal. In this regard, turret  242  may be welded to securing member  210 . This will be discussed later. Mask  244  is generally an opaque ring-like structure having an aperture  294 , and may prevent excessive light from reaching camera module  208 . This may be ambient light or light from a camera flash of an electron device that is reflected toward camera module  208 . Also, mask  244  may provide a cosmetic enhancement to electronic device  200 . Mask  244  may be adhesively secured to turret  242  and/or window  246 . Window  246  is generally transparent and may provide protection to a lens (not shown) of camera module  208 . Window  246  may be adhesively secured to turret  242 . Turret assembly  240  may be engaged with exterior region  234  of housing  230 . Exterior region  234  may be associated with an outer surface of electronic device  200  generally visible when electronic device  200  is assembled. In other words, exterior region  234  is opposite interior region  232 . In some embodiments, aperture  290  is designed to receive a portion of turret assembly  240 . Also, in some embodiments, when the components shown in  FIG. 4  are assembled, turret assembly  240  is secured to securing member  210  (e.g., by welding). Further, based on the apertures of turret  242  and mask  244  as well as the transparency of window  246 , turret assembly  240  may define a viewing range for camera module  208  when camera module  208  captures an image. Also, in some embodiments, barrel  260  may extend through aperture  270  of securing member  210 , aperture  290  of housing  230 , and aperture  292  of turret  242 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of an enlarged portion of electronic device  200  showing some of the components shown in  FIG. 4  assembled in electronic device  200 . The camera module is removed for purposes of illustration. As shown, securing member  210  is positioned within alignment member  280 . In some embodiments, securing member  210  and turret assembly  240  are adhesively secured to housing  230  by, for example, a conductive adhesive. In other embodiments, securing member  210  and turret assembly  240  are secured to housing  230  by solder. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , securing member  210  and turret assembly  240  are welded to housing  230 . As shown, first weld  312  and second weld  314  form an electro-mechanical bond to secure securing member  210  and turret assembly  240  proximate to aperture  290  of housing  230 . In this manner, securing member  210  and housing  230 , both of which may be formed from electrically conductive materials, may provide an electrical ground for components in contact with securing member  210 , such as a camera module. In other embodiments, the weld or welds extend around the entire circumference of aperture  290 . Not only is securing member  210  able to prevent a camera module from lateral (X-Y) movement as well as movement in a z-direction perpendicular to the X-Y axis, but securing member  210  also provides a means for electrically grounding the camera module positioned in securing member  210 . Accordingly, securing member  210  of electronic device  200  may be referred to as a multi-functional component which may reduce the number of necessary components in electronic device  200 , which in turn may reduce the number of manufacturing steps. 
     Also, although not shown, a cowling may be positioned over the camera module after the camera module is secured to securing member  210 . Electronic device  200  may include first fastener  322  and second fastener  324  configured to secure the cowling over the camera module. 
     Securing members may include different configurations/orientations of spring members. Accordingly, a housing may include different configurations of alignment members. For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of an alternative embodiment of electronic device  300  that includes securing member  360  and alignment member  380 . In this embodiment, securing member  360  includes first spring member  362  and second spring member  364 , both of which are on a same side or edge of securing member  360 . Securing member  360  may further include third spring member  366  opposite first spring member  362 , and fourth spring member  368  opposite second spring member  364 . Accordingly, alignment member  380  may include openings (e.g., first opening  382 ) in different locations corresponding to the aforementioned spring members. It will be appreciated that securing member  360  and the spring members may be made from the same materials as previously described for a securing member and spring members, respectively, and may be configured to perform similar functions. Also,  FIG. 6  shows securing member  360  welded to turret assembly  390  via first weld  372  and second weld  374 , and accordingly, securing member  360  and turret assembly  390  are secured to housing  330 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross sectional view of an embodiment of camera module  408 , showing camera module  408  secured to a housing  430  of electronic device  400  via a securing member  410 , in accordance with the described embodiments. Securing member  410  includes first spring member  412  positioned within first cavity  452  of enclosure  450  of camera module  408 . First spring member  412  is shown in a secured position in order to provide a retaining force against camera module  408  to prevent camera module  408  from unwanted movement. To illustrate the flexibility of first spring member  412 ,  FIG. 7  shows first spring member  412  may be in a first position  462  (dotted lines) when camera module  408  is not positioned within securing member  410 . Also, first spring member  412  may be in a second position  464  (dotted lines) while camera module is inserted into securing member  410  but before first spring member  412  is positioned within first cavity  452 . Also, first cavity  452  is formed in enclosure  450  by a laser etch process (not shown). First cavity  452  may include a depth  470  within enclosure approximately in the range of 30-70 micrometers. It will be appreciated that other spring members disclosed may perform in a similar manner as that of first spring member  412 . 
     In some embodiments, housing  430  is anodized in order to provide certain aesthetic features. This may subject housing  430  to several chemicals (e.g., acids) which may define an anodized layer on housing  430  configured to enhance the appearance and strength of housing  430 . However, the anodization layer is generally non-conductive in terms of electrical conductivity. However, a portion of housing  430  in direct contact with securing member  410  may be free of an anodization layer such that housing  430  combines with securing member  410  to provide an electrical ground for camera module  408 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , housing  430  includes anodization layer  432 , but further includes first portion  434  and second portion  436  which define areas of housing  430  in which anodization layer  432  is removed. First portion  434  and second portion  436  allow securing member  410  to be in electro-mechanical contact with housing  430  such that housing  430  combines with securing member  410  to for an electrical ground for camera module  408 . Removal means of anodization layer  432  may include laser ablating or laser etching, sanding, grinding, etc. 
     An electronic device may include other securing means for securing a camera module during assembly. For example,  FIGS. 8-10  illustrate an embodiment of an assembly having a securing member attached to a retention member.  FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of assembly  502  including securing member  510 , retention member  520 , and holding member  530 , all of which combine to secure a camera module. Retention member  520  may be a flexible strap configured to provide securing means for a camera module in addition to securing means by securing member  510 . In some embodiments, retention member  520  is formed from a silicone-based material or materials. Also, in some embodiments, retention member  520  includes a plate  522 . Plate  522  may be integrally formed with retention member  520  by an insert-molding process. This may include pouring a silicone-based material into a mold (not shown) that includes plate  522 . In this manner, plate  522  may provide additional rigidity to retention member  520 . Also, plate  522  may further include first aperture  524  and second aperture  526  configured to receive first spring member  512  and second spring member  514 , respectively. In particular, a portion of first spring member  512  and a portion of second spring member  514  may define hook members configured to extend through first aperture  524  and second aperture  526 , respectively. Also, assembly  502  may further include holding member  530  configured to seat a camera module. Holding member  530  may act as a cup for the camera module, providing further support during an assembly process.  FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment of assembly  602  having securing member  610  and retention member  620 , but without holding member  530  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of the assembly  702  having retention member  720  and hook member  722  insert-molded within retention member  720 . Hook member  722  includes an aperture  724  designed to receive first spring member  712  of securing member  710 . In this embodiment, additional structure (e.g., plate  522  in  FIG. 8 ) is not included in an insert-molding process and may reduce materials used as well as the weight of the electronic device. 
     Most components in successive electronic devices are generally similar. In this regard, components, such as a camera module or a securing member, built within their respective specified tolerances may be installed in any electronic device designed to receive the camera module or the securing member. However, in some cases, several components designed to be assembled together may be at or near the outer ranges of their respective specified tolerances. Moreover, the more components assembled together, the greater the probability for alignment issues due to tolerance issues as additional components lead to additional tolerances. For example, a turret assembly is designed to include parts that have certain characteristics (e.g., concentricity). However, each component of the turret assembly—mask, window, and turret—has its own specified tolerance. In other words, each component is allowed at least some variance. As a result, a turret assembly, when assembled, may include a sum of the variances of its components. In cases where two or more components are at their respective outer ranges of specified tolerances, the turret assembly may be assembled in an undesirable manner. This includes a mask having an aperture that is not concentric with respect to an aperture of a turret. Accordingly, the turret assembly may not be concentric with respect to an aperture of a housing. 
     In order to account for these multiple tolerances, several techniques have been developed. For example,  FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a process for improving the concentricity of an aperture associated within a turret assembly and an aperture associated with a housing of an electronic device.  FIG. 11  illustrates an enlarged portion of electronic device  800  including turret assembly  810  having mask  812  (shaded region) and window  814 . Also, mask  812  includes center  816  denoted as a point. Housing  830  includes aperture  832  having center  836  denoted as a point. As shown, turret assembly  810  is engaged with housing  830 . Ideally, mask  812  is concentric with respect to aperture  832  and center  816  is superimposed on center  836 , or vice versa. However, due to specified tolerance issues previously described, mask  812  is not concentric with respect to aperture  832 , even though the individual components of turret assembly  810  are within their respective specified tolerances. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates electronic device  800  in  FIG. 11 , with turret assembly  810  rotated such that mask  812  is concentric with respect to aperture  832 , and center  816  is superimposed on center  836 . In this embodiment, the angle of rotation is approximately 180 degrees. In other embodiments, a lesser angle of rotation may be required to create the improved concentricity. This process removes the need for a binning process in which components are pre-selected for each electronic device, which may reduce assembly times. Also, most, if not all, components may be used in any electronic device resulting in improved yields. 
     Other means for improving the relationship of components may be used. For example,  FIG. 13  illustrates an enlarged portion of electronic device  900  having turret assembly  910  including mask  912 . As shown, mask  912  is formed with a greater amount of material than desired. In other words, mask  912  includes an aperture intentionally formed to be outside a specified tolerance. However, a laser ablation or laser etching process may be used to remove a portion to place mask  912  within a specified tolerance of mask  912 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , mask  912  includes a laser-ablated portion  922 . A laser tool (not shown) may be used to remove additional portions of mask  912  such that mask  912  is within a specified tolerance  920 , denoted by dotted lines. In order to determine which locations of mask  912  are to be ablated, housing  930  may be measured in the x- and y-directions. In this manner, mask  912  may be used for any electronic device thereby reducing yield loss. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an enlarged portion of device  1000  having alignment member  1020  formed with a formed with smaller dimensions than desired. In other words, alignment member  1020  is intentionally formed to be outside a specified tolerance. However, in the embodiment in  FIG. 14 , first alignment structure  1022  and second alignment structure  1024  are inserted between securing member  1010  and alignment member  1020  in order to align securing member  1010 . In some embodiments, first alignment structure  1022  and second alignment structure  1024  are shims having dimensions which, when inserted, allow for securing member  1010  and/or a camera module (not shown) to be installed in a desired manner. This includes, for example, a barrel of the camera module being concentric with respect to aperture  1032  of housing  1030 . In some embodiments, only first alignment structure  1022  is required. Also, in some embodiments, first alignment structure  1022  and/or second alignment structure  1024  are positioned in different locations of housing  1030 . In order to determine the locations of first alignment structure  1022 , and in some cases, second alignment structure  1024 , dimensions of the camera module and the dimensions of housing  1030  are measured in the x- and y-directions. In this manner, alignment member  1020  may be used for any electronic device thereby reducing yield loss. 
     Also, in some embodiments, measurements of a housing may be used for additional purposes. For example, a group consisting of, for example, five to ten camera modules may be measured, and in particular, the enclosures of the camera modules. After measuring the dimensions of the housing, the camera module selected for a particular device is determined by the enclosure that most closely matches corresponding measurements of the housing. In this manner, the selected camera module represents the “best fit” for the housing. 
     In order to focus the camera module, some camera modules include a magnet or magnets positioned within an enclosure of the camera module. For example,  FIG. 15  illustrates an enlarged portion of electronic device  1050  having camera module  1052  positioned within securing member  1060 . Camera module  1052  may include first magnet  1056  and second magnet  1058 , both of which are configured to actuate barrel  1054  to focus camera module  1052 . Further, the region  1064  may be a location which receives, for example, a hook member configured to secure a cover glass (not shown). In some cases, the hook member (not shown) is formed from steel or other magnetically attractable materials. As such, first magnet  1056  and second magnet  1058  may be attracted to the hook member, or other magnetically attractable structures proximate to camera module  1052 . This may affect the focusing ability of camera module  1052 . 
     In order to offset or discount the effects of magnetically attractable structure or structures, electronic device  1050  may include material  1070  positioned in a location opposite the magnetically attractable structure or structures in region  1064 . In some embodiments, material  1070  is a magnet having a polarity opposite first magnet  1056  and/or second magnet  1058 . In other embodiments, material  1070  is formed from a ferrous material or materials known to be attracted to a magnet. In this manner, material  1070  provides a “magnetic offset” with respect to a magnetically attractable member in region  1064 , and the functionality of first magnet  1056  and second magnet  1058  is not disrupted. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a flowchart  1100  showing a method for securing a camera module to housing of an electronic device. In step  1102 , a securing member is positioned between the camera module and a first portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes an aperture extending through the housing. Also, in some embodiments, the securing member and the housing are formed from an electrically conductive material or materials. In step  1104 , the camera module is extended through the securing member. In some embodiments, the camera module includes a cavity formed within an enclosure of the camera module. In step  1106 , a turret assembly is positioned proximate to a second portion of the housing. The second portion of the housing refers to a location opposite the first portion of the housing. In step  1108 , the turret assembly is extended through the aperture. Then in step  1110 , the securing member is attached to the turret assembly. For example, the securing member may be welded to the turret assembly. In this manner, the securing member coupled with the housing may form an electrical ground for the camera module when the camera module is secured to the securing member. 
     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 the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160913
Publication Date: 20170912
Grant Date: 20170912
Priority Date: 20140829
Inventors: RAMMAH MARWAN
NYLAND ERIC N.
HILL MATTHEW D.
COHEN SAWYER I.
MYERS SCOTT A.
PAKULA DAVID A.
WITTENBERG MICHAEL BENJAMIN
SHUKLA ASHUTOSH Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B43/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B43/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2257", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B43/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B7/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G03B17/12", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55400255