PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8199469-B2
Application Number: US-58097609-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Battery

Abstract:
By being embedded in a portable computing device, a battery pack is made essentially inaccessible to unauthorized users, thereby allowing for a battery pack that can be made smaller and of lighter construction material, thereby facilitating greater component density within the portable computing device, lower cost to manufacture, and more environmentally secure. In another embodiment, the battery pack can take the form of a battery assembly formed of a single piece housing having a cantilever portion to provide additional stiffness.

Claims:
1. A computing device, comprising:
 a flexible housing; 
 a load transferring inner frame; 
 a load absorbing layer arranged to mechanically couple the housing and the inner frame; 
 a structural support layer connected to the load transferring inner frame; and 
 a battery assembly mechanically connected to the load transferring inner frame, wherein when a load is applied to the flexible housing, the applied load is transferred by way of a load path to the structural support layer without substantially affecting the flexible housing, wherein the load path includes the battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising: 
 a single piece battery housing configured to provide structural support to battery components included therein, the single piece housing formed of durable material, wherein the single piece battery housing comprises: 
 a top portion, the top portion arranged to provide protection to a plurality of battery components and to provide connectors for securing the battery to the housing, and 
 a cantilever beam portion, the cantilever beam portion integrally formed with the top portion and extending along a lower edge of the top portion, the cantilever beam portion enhancing a resistance to flexing of the battery housing; and 
 a lightweight minimum Z stack impact bottom layer attached to the cantilever beam portion and at least some of the battery components by way of a high bond adhesive, the lightweight bottom layer having a thickness that does not substantially impact the Z stack of the battery assembly. 
 
     
     
       2. The computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein battery assembly is attached to the inner frame by at least one tamper-resistant fastener that can be manipulated only by a customized tool. 
     
     
       3. The computing device as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the battery assembly includes at least one specially shaped recess arranged to accommodate the at least one tamper-resistant fastener in such a way as to allow meaningful access to the at least one tamper resistant fastener only with a customized tool. 
     
     
       4. The computing device as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an electrical connector arranged to electrically connect circuits external to the battery assembly with circuits and battery cells internal to the battery assembly. 
     
     
       5. The computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the minimum Z stack impact bottom layer has a thickness of about 0.1 mm. 
     
     
       6. The computing device as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the minimum Z stack impact bottom layer comprises MYLAR. 
     
     
       7. The computing device as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the protective layer comprises stainless steel. 
     
     
       8. The computing device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the computer housing includes a plurality of frame members attached to an inside surface of the computer housing. 
     
     
       9. The computing device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the high bond adhesive is VHB. 
     
     
       10. The computing device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of frame members includes a rear frame. 
     
     
       11. The computing device as recited in  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the connectors used to secure the battery assembly to the computer housing by way of the rear frame is a tamper resistant fastener.

Description:
This patent application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/549,570 entitled “BATTERY PACK AND CONNECTOR” by Coish et al. filed Aug. 28, 2009 that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/184,795, filed on Jun. 6, 2009, each hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     This patent application is related to and incorporates by reference in their entireties for all purposes the following co-pending patent applications filed concurrently herewith:
         (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,914 entitled “PORTABLE COMPUTER DISPLAY HOUSING” by Bergeron et al.;   (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,985 entitled “PORTABLE COMPUTER ELECTRICAL GROUNDING AND AUDIO SYSTEM ARCHITECTURES” by Thomason et al.;   (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,946 entitled “PORTABLE COMPUTER HOUSING” by Casebolt et al.;   (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,934 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POLISHING A CURVED EDGE” by Lancaster et al. that takes priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/249,200 entitled “COMPLEX GEOGRAPHICAL EDGE POLISHING” by Johannessen filed Oct. 6, 2009 and is incorporated by reference in its entirety;   (v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,881 entitled “SELF FIXTURING ASSEMBLY TECHNIQUES” by Thompson et al.;   (vi) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,922 entitled “COMPUTER HOUSING” by Raff et al.;   (vii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,886 entitled “PORTABLE COMPUTER DISPLAY HOUSING” by Bergeron et al.; and   (viii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/580,927 entitled “COMPUTER HOUSING” by Raff et al.       

    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to small computers and, more particularly, to providing a compact battery pack capable of being embedded in a small computer, such as a laptop, notebook, etc. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A battery pack is a set of any number of (preferably) identical batteries or individual battery cells. They may be configured in a series, parallel or a mixture of both to deliver the desired voltage, capacity, or power density. 
     Components of battery packs include the individual batteries or cells, and various interconnects which provide electrical conductivity between them. Rechargeable battery packs often contain a temperature sensor, which the battery charger uses to detect the end of charging. Interconnects are also found in batteries as they are the part which connects each cell, though batteries are most often only arranged in series strings. 
     Battery packs are widely used in portable applications such as laptop computers. However, it is important for any battery pack used in a laptop, notebook, or sub-notebook computer to be lightweight, sturdy, have high charge capacity, and compact. Moreover for a number of reasons it is advantageous for small computer manufacturers to be able to limit or entirely prevent unauthorized and/or unknowledgeable individuals from readily accessing the battery pack within the small computer. Such reasons, include for example, prevention of a user improperly disposing of battery packs that have outlived their usefulness, relaxation of mechanical requirements (such as a reduced need to meet a drop test consistent with a battery pack separated from the small computer being dropped). A typical user-removable battery should be able to withstand a one meter drop. That is, the battery should remain functional and safe after a one meter drop. Moreover, any battery made inaccessible to an unauthorized user can therefore be produced with thinner and lighter construction material since, unlike a battery pack removed from the small computer, the battery pack can be protected by the housing of the small computer and is therefore in less of a need to resist direct impacts from, for example, a drop event, direct blunt force, or exposure to moisture or other potentially corrosive material. 
     Therefore, a battery that can be embedded in a thin, lightweight portable computer system having large charge capacity that can also add to the structural integrity of the portable computer without adding undue weight is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     Broadly speaking, the embodiments described herein relate to a lightweight, compact, high charge capacity battery assembly embeddable in a portable computing device. 
     In one embodiment, the battery assembly can be embedded in a portable computing device having a housing formed of flexible material. In the described embodiment, the battery housing can be formed from a single piece that can include a top portion arranged to provide protection to a plurality of battery components and to provide connectors for securing the battery to the housing. The battery housing can also include a cantilever beam portion integrally formed with the top portion and extending along a lower edge of the top portion, the cantilever beam portion arranged to enhance a resistance to flexing of the battery housing. The battery assembly can further include a lightweight minimum Z stack impact bottom layer attached to the cantilever beam portion and at least some of the battery components by way of a high bond adhesive, the lightweight bottom layer having a thickness that does not substantially impact the Z stack of the battery assembly. 
     A method of embedding a battery assembly into a portable computer having a computer housing formed of flexible material is disclosed. The method can be carried out by performing at least the following operations: receiving the battery assembly that can include a single piece battery housing arranged to enclose a plurality of battery cells. The battery housing formed to include a front portion with a curved cross sectional shape, a top portion, a cantilever beam portion, and a minimum Z impact protective layer. In the described embodiment, the cantilever beam portion can be integrally formed with a lower edge of the top portion to increase a resistance to flexing of the battery housing. The protective layer can be attached to the cantilever beam portion and the battery cells by way of a high bond strength adhesive. As configured, the battery assembly can be installed into the computer housing by at least placing the front portion snugly into a front frame attached to the computer housing, the front frame having a shape that can accommodate the curved cross sectional shape of the front portion. The battery assembly can then be placed onto an inside surface of the computer housing such that the protective layer is placed in contact with the inside surface of the computer housing. In this way, the computer housing provides a substantial portion of the protection afforded the battery cells. The front portion of the battery assembly can then be secured to the front frame. 
     In some embodiments, a back of the battery assembly can be secured to a rear frame attached to a rear portion of the housing. In this way, a load applied to the computer housing can be transferred by way of a load path to a structural support layer connected to the front and rear frames without substantially affecting the computer housing, the load path including the battery assembly. 
     A computing device is disclosed. The computer device having at least a flexible housing, a load transferring inner frame, a load absorbing layer arranged to mechanically couple the housing and the inner frame, a structural support layer connected to the load transferring inner frame; and a battery assembly mechanically connected to the load transferring inner frame, wherein when a load is applied to the flexible housing, the applied load is transferred by way of a load path to the structural support layer without substantially affecting the flexible housing, wherein the load path includes the battery assembly. 
     Other aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The described embodiments 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  is a top plan view showing a semi-transparent representation of an embodiment of a battery pack embedded in a front portion of a cut away view of a unibody housing for a laptop computer. 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a tamper-resistant fastener. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed top plan view illustrating the embodiment of a tamper-resistant fastener shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed top plan view illustrating another embodiment of a tamper-resistant fastener. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a battery pack, with a security tab, embedded in a front portion of a unibody housing for a laptop computer. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view the security tab shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  show top and bottom perspective views of a battery pack frame having a first portion and a recessed portion. 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are top and bottom perspective views of an assembled battery pack. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a battery pack embedded in a front portion of unibody housing for a laptop computer. 
         FIG. 12  is an embodiment of a battery pack having an insert in a recess to help secure the battery pack to a back portion of a unibody housing for a laptop computer. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of an assembled battery pack. 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  are perspective views of the front and back of an electrical connector. 
         FIG. 16  is a flow chart of a method of embedding an assembled battery pack into a computing device housing. 
         FIG. 17  shows a battery in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  shows the battery seen in  FIG. 17  embedded in a lightweight portable computer in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  shows a portable computing system in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  shows a cross section of a battery cover attached to a front frame in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 21-22  show various prospective and cross sectional views of battery assembly in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 23  shows a flowchart detailing a process in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     Broadly speaking, the described embodiments relate to a battery pack that can be embedded within a portable computing device, such as a laptop computer. The battery pack can have a high charge capacity and yet be sufficiently compact to provide for additional circuitry to be incorporated within a housing of the laptop computer while maintaining a thin profile of the portable computer. Moreover, by embedding the battery pack in the small computing device and making it substantially inaccessible to anyone but an authorized repair technician, the housing of the small computing device can provide additional protection to the battery pack since the battery pack can be considered to be an integral part of the small computing device. Therefore, by substantially eliminating unauthorized access (along with possible abuse by either negligence or lack of knowledge), the battery pack can be produced using lighter materials than would otherwise be required. The battery pack can also be customized to fit within the confines of the available space within the housing of the small computing device. In particular, by making the battery pack more compact as needed, more operational components can be assembled into the small computing device while still maintaining a thin profile. 
     Furthermore, by limiting access to the battery pack (or to the battery cells within the battery pack) to only authorized users, the environmental impact of improper disposal of battery packs can be minimized, if not completely eliminated. The restriction of battery pack access to only authorized users, such as a repair technician, can be accomplished by providing tamper resistant fasteners that fasten the battery pack to the housing of the computing device. In the described embodiments, the fasteners can only be removed using a special tool typically available only to authorized repair technicians. Furthermore, the battery pack cover (which would be that portion of the battery pack exposed to anyone opening the small computing device by removing a back portion of the small computer device housing) includes specially shaped recesses that limit access to the fasteners to a fastener tool that is designed to fit within the specially shaped recesses, thus making it even more difficult for an unauthorized user to gain access to the battery pack. According to one aspect, a battery pack includes an electrical connector suitable for connecting the battery cells in the battery pack to circuitry external to the battery pack. 
     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 as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  shows a semi-transparent representation of the battery pack  100  in an exemplary laptop computer.  FIG. 1  shows the front portion  102  of a computer housing in a cut away view of a laptop computer (in the cut away view, a removable back portion of the housing of the laptop computer has been removed for better visualization of the internal components, both structural and electronic). In the described embodiments, the battery pack  100  can be used to provide portable power for a laptop computer. Such laptop computers include, for example, a MacBook Pro manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The battery pack  100  can provide all power required when the laptop computer is in a portable mode. In portable mode it is meant that the laptop computer is not connected to an external power supply, such as an AC outlet. 
     Tamper-resistant fasteners  104  can be used to secure the battery pack  100  to the front portion  102  of the computer housing. A customized tool is required to manipulate the tamper-resistant fasteners  104 . That is, the tamper-resistant fasteners are not configured to be manipulated by a conventional tool, such as a flat head or Phillips-head screwdriver or Allen wrench.  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an embodiment of a tamper-resistant fastener  104 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , this embodiment of the tamper-resistant fastener  104  has a head that is star-shaped.  FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a tamper-resistant fastener  104  with a head shaped like the letter “Y.” It will be understood that other embodiments of the tamper-resistant fastener  104  can have other configurations such that the tamper-resistant fastener  104  cannot be manipulated by a conventional tool that is readily available to a typical user. 
     In any case, since the battery pack  100  is securely attached to the front portion  102  of the computer housing the tamper-resistant fasteners  104 , the battery pack  100  can only be detached from the housing  102  by undoing the tamper-resistant fasteners  104  using the special tool (not shown). In this way, even in those circumstances where the battery pack  100  has been exposed to the external environment (by removing the back portion of the housing), the battery pack cover cannot be removed without the proper tool. In this way, unauthorized users are dissuaded from tampering with the battery pack  100 . Moreover, a security tab  190 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , can be attached to the battery pack  100  and configured to indicate if the battery pack  100  has been removed from the housing  102  in an unauthorized manner. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a portion of the security tab  190  can cover one or more of the tamper-resistant fasteners  104 . Thus, only two of the tamper-resistant fasteners  104  are visible in  FIG. 5  because the third tamper-resistant fastener is under the security tab  190 . For example, the security tab  190  can be an adhesive film that cannot be re-applied once it has been removed. Therefore, to gain access to the tamper-resistant fastener  104  underneath the security tab  190 , one must peel away the security tab  190 . A label, such as a warning label, may also be printed on the security tab  190 . 
     It should be noted that the computer housing may be a unibody housing. That is, the front portion  102  of the computer housing can be formed from a single block of metal, such as aluminum, providing strength without the bulk of more conventional laptop housings. Similarly, the back portion of the housing can also be formed from a single block of metal. As can be appreciated by the skilled artisan, aluminum is a durable yet lightweight metal. However, in order to maintain this aesthetic look and feel of a laptop computer having a thin profile, the amount of space available within the laptop housing is severely constrained. This is especially true since the battery pack  100  must conform to the external dimensions of the housing. For example, the front portion  102  can accommodate a keypad by providing a keypad support structure  108  as well as a touch pad and its associated circuitry (not shown). Therefore, the battery pack  100  must conform to these external shape and space requirements while at the same time provide a high charge capacity, long duty cycle, and a long battery life. As discussed in more detail below, the battery pack  100  can be customized to fit in the specific dimensions dictated by these requirements. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the battery pack frame  106 , which can provide structural support for battery components  314 . That is,  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the interior of the battery pack frame  106  and  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the exterior of the battery pack frame  106 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the battery pack frame  106  has a first portion  202  and a recessed portion  204 . In the context of this discussion, the battery pack frame  106 , first portion  202  and recessed portion  204  are designed to provide support for battery pack components  314 , such as battery cells, electronics, etc. placed therein during a battery pack assembly operation. Once all such battery pack components  314  are placed within the respective cavities of the battery back frame  106 , a battery pack cover  302 , which is described in more detail below, can be positioned over and securely fastened to the battery pack frame  106 . 
     Since the battery pack frame  106  can be placed in direct contact with the housing  102 , there must be enough space available to accommodate a keyboard circuit (such as a keyboard membrane and associated circuitry) as well as the touch pad circuit and any other user interaction components and requirements dictated by the design and layout of the laptop computer. Therefore, a recessed portion  204  can be provided, which provides sufficient space for placement of the battery pack  100  within the front portion of the housing  102  with enough available space remaining to accommodate user interaction components, such as touch pad circuitry as well as any encroaching keyboard circuitry while still maintaining the thin profile of the device. 
     It should be noted that a thin profile has been found to be aesthetically pleasing to a large number of users and is therefore a desirable industrial design consideration in the manufacture of portable electronic devices, such as laptop computers. In the described embodiment, in order to protect battery pack components, such as sensitive electronics within the battery pack  100  as well as electrical connectors and battery cells, a protective layer  206  can be placed on the underside of the battery frame  106  over the battery pack components  314  in the recessed portion  204 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The protective layer  206  can be formed of any of a number of materials, such as stainless steel (SUS), MYLAR (a polyester film), etc. In the case where the protective layer is SUS or MYLAR, the layer can have a thickness on the order of about 0.1 mm in order to provide protection for battery pack components  314  contained in the recessed portion  204 . This protective layer  206  can be thin because it is not user-accessible when the assembled battery pack  300  having a battery pack cover  302  is installed in the computer even if the back portion (not shown) of the computer housing is removed, as the protective layer  206  is on the underside of the battery pack frame  106  adjacent electrical components of the computer. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, a thin protective layer  206  allows more space for not only battery pack components  314  in the recessed portion but also for components of the computer. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an assembled battery pack  300  having a battery pack cover  302  secured to the battery pack frame  106 . In an embodiment, the battery pack cover  302  is laminated to the battery pack frame  106  to enclose the battery pack components  314 . In another embodiment, the battery pack cover  302  is secured to the battery pack frame  106  with an adhesive. The battery pack frame  106  and the battery pack  302  can be injection molded to have adhesive channels and mating surfaces along the edges for applying adhesive to secure the two parts together to form an assembled battery pack  300  containing battery pack components  314  therein. Other methods of attaching the battery pack cover  302  to the battery pack frame  106  can also be used. For example, screws can be used to secure the battery pack cover  302  to the battery pack frame  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , tamper-resistant fasteners  104  are provided on the battery pack cover  302  to secure the assembled battery pack  300  to the front portion  102  of the computer housing such that the battery pack  300  can be removed only by an authorized technician, as discussed above. Although only two tamper-resistant fasteners  104  are shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , it will be understood that the assembled battery pack  300  may have any number of tamper-resistant fasteners  104 . For example, there are three tamper-resistant fasteners  104  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . It will be understood that any number of tamper-resistant fasteners  104  may be provided. In some embodiments, the tamper-resistant fasteners  104  are threaded through holes  330  ( FIG. 12 ) in the battery pack cover  302  or the battery pack frame  106  or both. In other embodiments, the tamper-resistant fasteners  104  may be an integral part of the battery pack cover  302 . The tamper resistant fasteners  104  may also be provided in specially shaped recesses in such a way as to prevent an unauthorized user from gaining meaningful access to the tamper resistant fasteners  104 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the battery pack cover  302  has a number of corresponding inserts  318  into which fasteners  110 , such as conventional screws, may be inserted to attach the battery pack  100  to the front portion  102  of the computer housing. It will be understood that conventional screws may be threaded into the inserts  318  in certain embodiments and other types of fasteners, such as customized tamper-resistant fasteners  104 , may be used to secure the battery pack  100  to the front portion  102  of the computer housing in these locations. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three such inserts  318  in the battery pack cover  302 . In other embodiments, there may be more or fewer inserts  318 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the inserts  318  in the battery pack cover  302  are each seated in a recess  304 . The recesses  304  allow the battery pack  100  to be placed into the front portion  102  of the housing such that a corresponding tab  380  of the housing is inserted into each of the recesses  304 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Each of the tabs  380  can have a through-hole  390  corresponding to the insert  318  of the battery pack cover  302 . Once in place, the screws  110  (or other type of fasteners) may be tightened to help secure the battery pack  100  to the front portion  102  of the housing. It will be understood that, according to this embodiment, the battery pack  100  is installed by first inserting the end with the inserts  318  into the computer such that the tabs  380  of the housing are inserted into the recesses  304 . In some embodiments, the recesses  304  can be specially shaped recesses that accommodate the fasteners  110  in such a way as to prevent an unauthorized user from gaining meaningful access to the fasteners  110 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the battery pack frame  106  can have a number of compressible feet  320 , which can be formed of a rubber material, to provide an interference fit of the recesses  304  and the tabs  380  of the front portion  102  of the computer housing. In still other embodiments, fasteners are not used for securing the battery pack  100  to the front portion  102  in these locations, but rather for securing the front portion  102  to the back portion (non shown) of the computer housing. That is, a fastener is threaded through the through-hole  390  in the tab  380  of the front portion  102  of the housing and through a corresponding through-hole in the back portion (not shown) of the housing.  FIG. 12  shows another embodiment of a battery pack in which inserts  518  are incorporated in recesses  504  to help secure the battery pack  300  to the back portion (not shown)) of the housing. It will be understood that either tamper-resistant fasteners  104  or conventional screws  110  may be used in these locations. 
       FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the assembled battery pack  300 . Although the cables  316  associated with the electrical connector  308  are illustrated as being positioned underneath the battery pack frame  106  in this embodiment, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the cables  316  could be positioned between the battery pack frame  106  and battery pack cover  302  or even over the top of the battery pack cover  302  in other embodiments. 
     In the described embodiment, the battery pack cover  302  can be placed within the housing  102  in such a way that when the back portion (not shown) of the computer housing is removed, it is the battery pack cover  302  that is exposed to the external environment. Accordingly, the battery pack cover  302  can be formed of a durable material, such as high impact plastic or other suitably rugged yet lightweight material. The battery pack frame  106  and battery pack cover  302  can both be injection molded plastic, such as PC/ABS plastic. In some embodiments, the battery pack frame  106  and battery pack cover  302  can have a thickness in a range of about 0.35 mm to about 1.3 mm. In other embodiments, the battery pack frame  106  and battery pack cover  302  can have a thickness in a range of about 0.6 mm to about 0.65 mm. In this way, when the back portion of the computer housing is removed, an authorized user can only remove the fasteners  104  with an appropriately shaped tool available only to authorized technicians. The durable material of the battery pack cover  302  is capable of protecting the battery cells from incidental damage. 
     However, the material of the battery pack cover  302  need not be as durable and rugged as the material used for conventional laptop battery packs because the battery pack  100  cannot be removed by a typical user who does not have access to the special tool required for the fasteners  104 . Thus, the battery pack  100  need not meet a stringent drop test. Furthermore, because a user cannot remove the battery pack  100  without a customized tool, the battery pack  100  does not need additional mechanisms, such as latches, that are typically included in a conventional battery pack designed to be removed and inserted by a user. Without these additional mechanisms, the battery pack  100  can be made even smaller, or the battery pack  100  can accommodate larger battery cells and thereby increase charge capacity. Furthermore, because the battery pack  100  can last as long as about eight hours and can be recharged as many as about 1000 times, there is less need for a user to replace the battery pack  100 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the assembled battery pack  300  can have a substantially rectangular shape. According to an embodiment, the battery cell or cells within the battery pack  300  can have a customized size and shape designed to fit inside a housing  102  having a thin profile. The thickness of a conventional battery pack is typically dictated by the diameter of the cylindrical lithium-ion cells contained within the battery pack. Also, the space between the cylindrical cells is wasted in a conventional battery pack. However, the battery cells, according to this embodiment, can be customized such that there is no wasted space between cells and the thickness of each cell can be customized to fit in the designated space within the battery pack  300 , thereby maintaining the overall volume of the battery cells even through the cells are thinner. The thickness of the computer housing is therefore not dictated by the size of the battery cells, whether cylindrical or otherwise. According to some embodiments, the computer has a housing (front portion  102  and back portion (not shown)) that is thinner than a conventional lithium-ion cell. For example, a conventional lithium-ion cell is a cylindrical cell with a 18 mm diameter. However, the thickness of housing (front portion  102  and back portion (not shown)) of a laptop computer containing a battery pack  100 , as described herein, can have a thickness of about 16 mm or less. The battery packs  100  described herein can have thicknesses in a range of about 5 mm to about 14 mm. 
     As discussed above, the battery cells within the battery pack  100  are capable of having a high charge capacity, which translates into longer running time and less need to swap a depleted battery for a fully charged battery. By removing the bulky housing of a typical battery pack, the battery pack can have a larger volume, and therefore, have a higher charge capacity, while maintaining a thin profile. Furthermore, embedding the battery pack  100  within the computer so that it cannot be removed by the user removes the need for a battery door on the computer housing, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the computer housing as there is no need for a battery door and its associated latches, hinges, etc. In one embodiment, the battery pack  100  is capable of providing power to a laptop computer for up to about eight hours and can be recharged up to about 1000 times, thereby providing a longer lifespan for the battery pack  100 . As the skilled artisan will readily appreciate, one recharge is a complete charge and discharge of a battery&#39;s energy. The longer lifespan of the battery pack  100  also makes it more environmentally friendly than conventional battery packs, which are designed to be replaced after a couple of years. With the use of the longer lifespan battery packs  100  described herein, fewer batteries will be discarded. The tamper-resistant feature also makes it more difficult for a user to simply remove the battery and improperly discard the battery without recycling it. It will be understood that although that battery pack is not user-removable, the user can still have access to other electronic components of the computer if the back portion of the computer housing is removed. The battery pack  100  can have an energy capacity of at least 60 watt hours. In another embodiment, the battery pack  100  can have an energy capacity of at least 73 watt hours. In still another embodiment, the battery pack  100  can have an energy capacity of at least 94 watt hours. 
     The assembled battery pack  300  can be used to provide support for the individual batteries or cells and various interconnects that provide electrical conductivity between them. In order to communicate with circuits external to the battery pack  100 , an electrical connector  308  is used. For example, the electrical connector  308  can be connected to the motherboard of the computer. In this way, power can be delivered from battery cells within the battery pack  100  to external circuits in the computer. Moreover, external power can be provided by way of the electrical connector  308  to the battery cells within battery pack  100  from an external power supply. Such external power can be used at least for recharging of the battery cells within battery pack  100 . The skilled artisan will understand that the configuration and position of the electrical connector  308  on the assembled battery pack  300  will depend on the specific configuration of the electrical components to which it is connected, and that such configuration may differ from one computer to another. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  are perspective views of the front and back of an embodiment of an electrical connector  308 . The electrical connector  308  can be used to electrically couple the battery pack  100  to electrical components of the computer external to the battery pack  100 . That is, the electrical connector  308  connects circuits external to the battery pack  100  with the circuits and battery cells internal to the battery pack  100 . 
     When the battery pack  100  is installed in the computer, the electrical connector  308  can be coupled to the electrical components of the computer before inserting the battery pack  300  into the designated space within the housing of the computer. Thus, the electrical connector  308  is under the battery pack  300  and is not user-accessible. Once inserted into the designated space, the tamper-resistant fasteners may be implemented to secure the battery pack  300  to the front portion  102  of the housing. Thus, once the battery pack  300  is installed in the computer, the electrical connector  308  and its associated wires and cables  316  are protected underneath the battery pack  300  even when the back portion of the computer housing is removed and the battery pack  300  is exposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector  308  has nine pin connection receptors,  400  for coupling to the electrical components of the computer. According to another embodiment, the battery connector has 13 pin connection receptors  400 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there are also a number of connectors  410  for coupling to the battery pack  300  via wires and cables  316 . 
       FIG. 16  is a flow chart of a method of embedding an assembled battery pack  300  into a computing device having a housing comprising a single piece back portion and a single piece front portion. As discussed above, the assembled battery pack  100  has a battery pack frame  106  securely fastened to a battery pack cover  302  by at least one tamper-resistant fastener  104 . The single piece front portion  102  has a cavity into which internal components are placed during assembly and also provides support for a plurality of user interaction components. In step  400 , the battery pack  300  is electrically coupled to an electrical component of the computing device. The battery pack  300  is then placed into the cavity of the single piece front portion  102  in step  410 . After the battery pack  300  is positioned in the cavity, the battery pack  300  is secured to the single piece front portion  102  using the tamper-resistant fastener  104 , which can be manipulated only by a special tool in step  420 . The single piece back portion of the computer housing is then secured to the single piece front portion  102  in step  430 . 
     It will be understood that, in other embodiments, the battery pack  300  can be electrically coupled to an electrical component of the computing device after the battery pack  300  is placed into the cavity of the single piece front portion  102 . That is, the order of the steps  400  and  410  can be reversed. 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiments, a pull tab  310  may be provided on the assembled battery pack  300  to aid an authorized technician in removing the assembled battery pack  300  from the housing  102  after the tamper-resistant fasteners  104  are removed. It will be understood that, in the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners  110  should also be removed before the pull tab  310  is used to first remove the battery pack  300 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the pull tab  310  can be attached to a battery component and threaded through a slot  312  in the battery pack cover  302 . According to an embodiment, the pull tab  310  is capable of supporting the weight of the computer. 
     ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS 
     Broadly speaking, the described embodiments relate to a battery assembly that can be embedded within a portable computing device, such as a laptop computer. The battery assembly can have a high charge capacity and yet be sufficiently compact to provide for additional circuitry to be incorporated within a housing of the laptop computer while maintaining a thin profile of the portable computer. Moreover, by embedding the battery assembly in the small computing device and making it substantially inaccessible to anyone but an authorized repair technician, the housing of the small computing device can provide additional protection to the battery assembly since the battery assembly can be considered to be an integral part of the small computing device. The battery assembly can also be customized to fit within the confines of the available space within the housing of the small computing device. In particular, by making the battery assembly more compact as needed, more operational components can be assembled into the small computing device while still maintaining a thin profile. 
     Furthermore, the battery assembly can include battery cells, or core pack, enclosed in a battery housing having a stiffness enhancing shape. At least a portion of the battery housing can have a shape that conforms to the shape of an interior portion of the computer housing in contact with the battery assembly. The battery assembly can be dropped into the computer housing and then in motion referred to as diving in, the battery assembly is placed in close proximity to the corresponding interior portion of the computer housing. In this way, the battery housing and the computer housing can be integrally coupled in such as way that the flexibility of the computer housing can be increased. Accordingly, by not having to rely solely upon the stiffness of the material used to form the computer housing, it is possible that the computer housing can be formed of material such as plastic that is flexible and conventionally thought of as being unsuitable for use in supporting and protecting a computer assembly. 
     In one embodiment, the battery housing is a single piece housing having a cantilever beam portion integrally formed along a bottom length of a top cover of the battery housing (presenting a cross sectional shape that can resemble the letter “C”). The cantilever beam portion having a higher moment of inertia and therefore presenting a greater resistance to bending than that of a conventional battery housing without the cantilever beam portion. Moreover, since the battery housing is formed of a single piece of hard, durable material such as PCABS, no glue or other adhesive is used. In this way, there are no seams or other joints that could weaken or otherwise reduce the structural integrity of the battery housing. Since the battery assembly is embedded, then only the top portion of the battery housing is exposed when a bottom cover of the computer housing is removed. Therefore, a bottom portion of the battery housing is protected by the computer housing and requires only a thin, protective layer. The protective layer can be attached to the cantilever beam portion and the core pack using an adhesive, such as VHB (very high bond) adhesive such as tape. The protective layer can be formed of lightweight and compliant material such as MYLAR (a polyester film). Furthermore, by being thin, the protective layer can have little or no impact on the Z stack of the battery assembly. 
       FIG. 17  shows housing  1700  in accordance with the described embodiments. Housing  1700  can form enclosure  1702  suitable for accommodating a computer assembly. More specifically,  FIG. 17  shows a representation of enclosure  1702  in an orientation suitable for receiving components used to form the computer assembly during a component installation operation. The computer assembly can include a plurality of operational components, such as a main logic board (MLB), hard disc drive (HDD), optical disc drive (ODD) and so on used in the operation of a computing system. The computing system can be a desktop or portable, however, for the remainder of this discussion, the described embodiments relate to a portable computing system without any loss of generality. Housing  1700  can include a structural support layer that in the finished product covers enclosure  1702  and is therefore not shown in  FIG. 17 . The structural support layer is typically connected to inner layer  1704  and only after installation of operational components into enclosure  1702  is complete. 
     However, after the installation of computer assembly is complete, the structural support layer can be used to cover the components assembled into enclosure  1702  by, for example, placing the structural support layer in contact with inner layer  1704 . Inner layer  1704  can then be physically connected to the structural support layer at a plurality of connecting points  1706  by way of fasteners that can include screws, rivets, etc. It should be noted that there can be any number and/or combination of types of fasteners used depending upon, of course, the particular design. By securely fastening inner layer  1704  to the structural support layer, the fasteners at connecting points  1706  can be used to transfer load L from inner layer  1704  to the structural support layer without substantially affecting outer layer  1708 . Outer layer  1708  can be attached to and supported by inner layer  1704  by way of adhesive  1710  that can absorb or otherwise prevent a load on inner layer  1704  from transferring to outer layer  1708 . In this way, outer layer  1708  can be acoustically isolated from inner layer  1704  in that outer layer  1708  is essentially unaffected by a load on inner layer  1704 . 
     Inner layer  1704  can be used to transfer loads to the structural support layer without affecting outer layer  1708 . As a result, outer layer  1708  can be formed of material such as lightweight plastic not particularly suitable for carrying a load or believed by the conventional arts to be suitable for use as a computer housing. Therefore, in order to provide the requisite stability, the structural support layer can be formed of materials such as metal (such as aluminum formed in a stamping operation) or composite materials whereas outer layer  1708  can be formed of materials that are chosen for their aesthetic appeal and rather than for their ability to act as a load bearing structural component. Therefore, the choice of materials that can be used to form outer layer  1708  can be widely varied. A product designer can create a look and feel for the portable computer well beyond anything realistically possible with a conventional computer housing. For example, outer layer  1708  can be formed of light weight plastic and molded into any shape (such as an undercut shape) that can also be widely varied. For example, outer layer  1708  can present a continuous spline profile so as to appear to an observer to be a single unified shape with substantially no discontinuities. Outer layer  1708  can be formed of, for example, plastic such as PCABS. 
     It should be noted that the functional layout of the portable computing device can be used to enhance the ability of inner layer  1704  to transfer and distribute loads. In one embodiment, enclosure  1702  can be thought of being apportioned into a number of regions based upon the operational components and their respective structural characteristics. For example, if enclosure  1702  corresponds to a laptop computer, then enclosure  1702  can be thought of as having front portion  1712  suitable for accommodating features such as a user interface along the lines of a touch or track pad and rear portion  1714  for accommodating a keyboard, for example. The touch pad can be structurally supported by corresponding frame structure  1716  whereas the keyboard can be supported by rear frame  1718  each of which can be mounted to housing  1700  using, for example, adhesive. Both frame structure  1716  and rear frame  1718  can be formed of strong, rigid material such as metal in the form of aluminum, magnesium, and/or magnesium alloy. 
     Some of the internal components can be load bearing components while other components can be non-load bearing components. In the context of this discussion, a load bearing component can be thought of as one that can accommodate an external load without substantially affecting its operational or structural properties. Conversely, a non-load bearing component cannot carry an external load without a substantial likelihood of adversely affecting its form or function. For example, a hard disk drive (HDD) can be very sensitive to applied loads and must therefore be protected from an external load. In some cases, a component can be used to enhance the load handling capability of inner layer  1704  as well as to augment the stiffness of outer layer  1708 . 
       FIG. 18  shows a representation of portable computer  1800  in accordance with the described embodiments. Portable computer  1800  can include a computer assembly placed within enclosure  1702 . The computer assembly can include various operational components that can cooperate to provide the functionality of portable computer  1800 . Moreover, in addition to performing their designed function, some of the operational components can be used to enhance the ability of inner layer  1704  to transfer and distribute loads as well as augment the stiffness of outer layer  1708 . For example, a load path can be created between front portion  1712  and rear portion  1714  using load bearing internal component  1802 . For example, load bearing internal component  1802  can be attached to inner layer  1704  using connector  1804  and rear frame  1718  using connectors  1806 . In this way, load L can be transferred to either the structural support layer by way of connectors  1804  and/or rear frame  1718  by way of connectors  1806 . For example, load L can be thought of as having three spatial components, {L x , L y , L z }. Spatial component L z  can be transferred by way of connector  1804  to the structural support layer whereas spatial component L y  can be transferred to rear frame  1718  by way of connector  1806 . In contrast to load bearing components, non-load bearing component  1808  can be attached to inner layer  1704  and rear frame  1718  by way of load absorbing connectors  1810 . Load absorbing connectors  1810  can be used to load isolate non-load bearing component  1808  using any number and type of load absorbing materials such as soft plastic. 
     Rear frame  1718  can be used to support components such as main logic board (MLB)  1812 . Components such as MLB  1812  cannot tolerate much, if any, flexing due in part, to the relatively large number of surface mounted devices included in MLB  1812  that can be susceptible to the bending or flexing of the printed circuit board (or PCB) onto which the devices are mounted. Rear frame  1718  can be attached to outer layer  1708  using adhesive such as load absorbing adhesive  1710 . 
       FIG. 19  shows portable computer  1900  in accordance with a particular embodiment of the generalized representation of portable computer  1800  shown in  FIG. 18 . Portable computer  1900  can include a number of operational components. Some of the operational components can be non-load bearing such as hard disk drive, or HDD,  1902  attached to front frame  1904  by way of load isolating connector  1906 . Components that cannot tolerate much bending or flexing such as, for example, as MLB  1908 , fan  1910 , and optical disc drive (ODD)  1912  configured to accommodate optical disk  1914  can be mounted to rear frame  1916 . Rear frame  1916  can be formed of metal such as magnesium or magnesium alloy. Battery assembly  1918  can include battery housing  1920  that encloses and supports a number of battery cells and associated circuits. Furthermore, battery assembly  1918  can also include pull tab  1922  used to assist in removing battery assembly  1918  from portable computer  1900 . It should be noted that in order to enhance the structural integrity of battery assembly  1918  and its ability to handle external loads, battery housing  1920  can be formed of a single piece of material such as plastic along the lines of PCABS. Battery assembly  1918  can have a form and composition that can be mechanically coupled to and thereby add to the stiffness of outer layer  1922 . Moreover, battery assembly  1918  can be made part of a load path between rear frame  1916  and front frame  1904 . 
     Battery assembly  1918  can be attached to rear frame  1916  at connectors  1924  using a suitable fastener. In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , the fastener used to attach battery assembly  1918  to rear frame  1916  can take the form of tamper resistant fastener  104  described above. Battery assembly  1918  can be attached to front frame  1904  at connector  1926  located on attachment feature  1928  using a suitable fastener such as a screw. In this case, battery housing  1920  can include holes, or bosses, suitably configured to accept the fastener used to secure battery assembly  1918  to front frame  1904 . When the screw is tightened, battery assembly  1918  can move in the Z direction resulting in appropriately shaped recess portion formed in battery housing  1920  to engage attachment feature  1928 . This movement also brings restricted Z type connector  1930  (also referred to as a lollipop connector) into position to couple with a corresponding lip formed on the inside surface of the structural support layer. 
     Battery assembly  1918  can be secured to rear frame  1916  by tightening the tamper proof fasteners at connectors  1924 . Battery assembly  1914  can be secured to front frame  1904  by tightening the fasteners at connector  1926  in attachment feature  1928 . The structural support layer can then be secured to front frame  1904  and rear frame  1916  by using fasteners such as screws at connectors  1934 . In this way, battery assembly  1918  can facilitate the transfer and distribution of load L in any spatial coordinate. For example, battery assembly  1918  can, as part of the load path, facilitate the transfer of load L having spatial coordinates {L x , L y , L z } to the structural support layer (L x ) by way of fasteners at connectors  1934  and connector  1930  or rear frame  1916  (L y ) using fasteners at connectors  1924 . Once installed, battery assembly  1918  can be secured to front frame  1904  at connector  1926  included in attachment feature  1928  and at rear frame  1912  and by way of fasteners at connectors  1924 . Furthermore, by shaping battery housing  1920  to conform to the contours of interior surface of front frame  1904 , a tighter, more integrated fit and cleaner more appealing appearance can be presented. 
     Battery assembly  1918  can be placed within portable computer  1900  such a way that when the structural support layer is removed, battery housing  1920  can be exposed to the external environment. Accordingly, battery housing  1920  can be formed of a durable material, such as high impact plastic or other suitably rugged yet lightweight material. For example, battery housing  1920  can be injection molded plastic, such as PCABS. In some embodiments, battery housing  1920  can have a thickness in a range of about 0.35-1.3 mm with nominal thickness being about 0.65 mm. The durable material of the battery housing  1920  is capable of protecting the battery cells from incidental damage. 
     As shown in more detail in  FIG. 20 , battery housing  1920  can have a front portion with an external shape that can conform to the contour (such as an undercut shape) of front frame  1904  that, in turn, can conform to the shape of an interior surface of outer layer  1922 . For example, battery housing  1920  can have front portion  1932  shaped to conform with and therefore fit into the interior surface of front frame  1904 . Front frame  1904 , in turn, can fit into the shape presented by the interior surface of outer layer  1922 . In this way, battery assembly  1918  can be installed by being dropped into enclosure  1702  and then placed using a dive like motion where front portion  1932  can be placed into the accommodating space formed by interior surface of front frame  1904  then lowered into place next to rear frame  1916 . The close fit provided by the conforming shapes of front frame  1904  and front portion  1932  can provide a much tighter fit and cleaner appearance. Moreover, the placing front frame  1916  into the concave recess formed the outer layer  1922 , the structural stability of outer layer  1922  can be enhanced since front frame  1904  essentially becomes part of outer layer  1922 . In this way, both the stiffness of battery assembly  1918  and front frame  1904  can be added to that of outer layer  1922  without adding any more weight than would otherwise be required. 
       FIGS. 21-22  show various perspective and cross sectional views of battery assembly  1918  in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 21  shows a representative cross sectional view of battery assembly  1918  showing single piece battery housing  1920 . As shown, battery housing  1920  has a “C” shaped cross section that includes portion  2102  shaped to act as a cantilever beam that can increase the stiffness of battery housing  1920  even in the absence of battery cells (or core pack)  2104 . However, with battery cells  2104  placed within enclosure  2106  supported by C shaped portion  2102  and taped into place using VHB provided by protective layer  2114 , the stiffness of battery assembly is greatly increased. Battery assembly  1918  can be connected to both front frame  1904  and rear frame  1916 . In this way, battery assembly can substantially increase the stiffness of outer layer  1922  as well facilitate the transfer of load L between front frame  1904 , rear frame  1916  and the structural support layer. 
     Recess portion  2108  can include boss  2110  that can receive a fastener such as a screw used to secure battery assembly to front frame  1904 . As noted above, recess portion  2108  can be shaped to accommodate attachment feature  1928  such that upper surface  2112  of battery housing  1920  can move in the Z direction when the fastener is tightened. Since bottom portion  2112  of battery assembly  1918  is protected by outer layer  1922 , the Z stack of battery assembly  1928  can be preserved by providing protective layer  2114  at bottom portion  2112  of battery assembly  1928 . Protective layer  2114  can be formed of thin and lightweight material such as MYLAR (a polyster film). Since the bottom of battery assembly  1918  is protected by the top case, VHB (very high bond) adhesive is used to attach protective layer  2114  to core pack  2104  and C shaped portion  2102 . 
       FIG. 22  shows a top view of battery assembly  1918 . According to an embodiment, the battery cell or cells within the battery assembly  1918  can have a customized size and shape designed to fit inside a computer housing having a thin profile. The thickness of a conventional battery assembly is typically dictated by the diameter of the cylindrical lithium-ion cells contained within the battery assembly. Also, the space between the cylindrical cells is wasted in a conventional battery assembly. However, the battery cells, according to this embodiment, can be customized such that there is no wasted space between cells and the thickness of each cell can be customized to fit in the designated space within battery assembly  1918 , thereby maintaining the overall volume of the battery cells even through the cells are thinner. 
       FIG. 23  shows a flowchart detailing process  2300  for embedding a battery assembly into a portable computer having a computer housing formed of flexible material. Process  2300  can be carried out by performing at least the following operations. At  2302 , receiving the battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising: a single piece battery housing arranged to enclose a plurality of battery cells, the battery housing having a front portion having a curved cross sectional shape, a top portion, a cantilever beam portion, and a minimum Z impact protective layer, the cantilever beam portion being integrally formed along a lower edge of the top portion arranged to increase a resistance to flexing of the battery housing, the protective layer being attached to the cantilever beam portion and the battery cells by way of a high bond strength adhesive. At  2304 , installing the battery assembly into the computer housing by placing the front portion snugly into a front frame attached to the computer housing, the front frame having a shape that accommodates the curved cross sectional shape of the front portion. At  2306 , placing the battery assembly onto an inside surface of the computer housing such that the protective layer is placed in contact with the inside surface such that the computer housing provides a substantial portion of the protection provided to the battery cells. At  2308 , securing the front portion of the battery assembly to the front frame such that a load applied to the computer housing is transferred by way of a load path to a structural support layer connected to the computer housing without substantially affecting the computer housing, the load path including the battery assembly. 
     The advantages of these embodiments are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage is that the battery assembly is not readily accessible to any but an authorized user. The battery assembly can be shaped to provide additional stiffness to a computer housing having little or no inherent stiffness. In this way, lightweight materials such as plastic can be used for computer housings. 
     The many features and advantages of the described embodiments are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover such features and advantages. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20091016
Publication Date: 20120612
Grant Date: 20120612
Priority Date: 20090606
Inventors: COISH ROBERT L.
HOPKINSON RON
RAFF JOHN
LIGTENBERG CHRIS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01M50/209", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/209", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49108", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49108", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02E60/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 43300977