PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10164322-B2
Application Number: US-201414469882-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Signal transmission system for electronic devices

Abstract:
An electronic device including a signal transmission system. The electronic device may include a housing, and a cover coupled to the housing and defining a groove formed in the cover. The electronic device may also include a signal transmission system positioned within the housing. The signal transmission system may include an antenna at least partially received within the groove formed in the cover. The antenna may have an antenna body, and a contact pad in electrical communication with the antenna body. The signal transmission system may also have a flexible member positioned adjacent the antenna body. The flexible member may contact the contact pad of the antenna.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing; 
 a display; 
 a cover over the display and coupled to the housing, wherein a groove is formed on an inner surface and around a portion of a perimeter of the cover; and 
 a signal transmission system positioned within the housing, the signal transmission system including:
 an antenna at least partially received within the groove, the antenna comprising:
 an antenna body; and 
 a contact pad in electrical communication with the antenna body; and 
 
 a flexible member positioned adjacent the antenna body and contacting the contact pad of the antenna. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible member is electrically coupled to the antenna via the contact pad. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein, in response to a mechanical force on the cover, the flexible member is configured to slide on the contact pad of the antenna without losing contact with the contact pad. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the antenna body further comprises:
 a rounded portion; and 
 a flexible protrusion extending from the rounded portion. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the rounded portion of the antenna body is at least partially positioned within the groove formed in the cover. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the flexible protrusion of the antenna body is located in an interior space of the electronic device between the cover and the housing. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the signal transmission system further comprises:
 a tiebar contacting the flexible member to secure the flexible member within the housing. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the tiebar further comprises:
 a support portion contacting the flexible member; and 
 a securing portion coupled to the support portion, the securing portion for securing the tiebar within the housing. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the signal transmission system further comprises:
 a flexible electronic layer coupled to and in electrical communication with the flexible member. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the flexible electronic layer is coupled to the housing using a conductive adhesive to form a ground for the antenna. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of the flexible member is soldered to the flexible electronic layer. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device defined in  claim 2 , wherein the antenna further comprises an additional contact pad that is electrically coupled to the antenna body. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device defined in  claim 12 , further comprising:
 an additional flexible member electrically coupled to the antenna via the additional contact pad. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device defined in  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a flexible circuit coupled to the flexible member and the additional flexible member, wherein the flexible circuit, the flexible member, and the additional flexible member are configured to convey signals for the antenna. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device defined in  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a logic board, wherein the flexible circuit is coupled to the logic board; and 
 adhesive that affixes the flexible circuit to the housing. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device defined in  claim 1 , wherein the housing has first and second sides, the groove comprises a first portion that extends along the first side and a second portion that extends along the second side, and at least some of the antenna is formed within the first and second portions of the groove. 
     
     
       17. A signal transmission system for an electronic device, the system comprising:
 an antenna including:
 a rounded portion; 
 a single flexible protrusion extending from the rounded portion; and 
 a plurality of contact pads positioned on the single flexible protrusion, wherein the plurality of contact pads are electrically coupled to the antenna; and 
 
 a plurality of flexible members contacting the plurality of contact pads. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17  further comprising an insulating layer positioned between the antenna and the plurality of contact pads positioned on the flexible protrusion. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the rounded portion of the antenna is positioned within a groove formed in a surface of a cover for the electronic device. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 19 , wherein the cover is formed over a display for the electronic device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a signal transmission system including an antenna positioned within a cover for an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices continue to become more prevalent in day-to-day activities. For example, smart phones, tablet computers and other electronic devices continue to grow in popularity and provide everyday personal and business functions to its users. As functionality increases, the need for more circuitry within electronic devices also increases. However, with increased functionality, it is also a desire for new electronic devices to decrease in both size and weight. 
     Although modern circuitry continues to shrink and require less space within an electronic device, the desire to reduce the size and weight of the electronic device continues to make the space within a housing of the electronic device limited. Additionally, with limited space within the housing, circuitry of the various components within the electronic device may interfere with the operation of each other, and may ultimately cause issues or total failure within the electronic device. 
     Typically, these electronic devices include cover glasses or other transparent layers that may protect a display of the device. In conventional electronic devices, the cover glass may be utilized to protect the display. In order to adequately protect the display, the cover glass may be substantially thick, and may occupy a large portion of the space within the housing and may take up a majority of the overall thickness of the electronic device. Although functional in protecting the display of the electronic device, the cover glass may be considered wasted space from the point of view of attempting to maximize circuitry within the electronic device while also minimizing the overall size and weight of the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to a signal transmission system including an antenna positioned within a cover for an electronic device. Specifically, the majority of an antenna of a signal transmission system may be coupled to and positioned within a groove formed partially through a cover for an electronic device. By forming a groove within the cover of the electronic device, and subsequently positioning the majority of the antenna within the groove, the antenna of the signal transmission system may occupy a minimal amount of space within the housing of the electronic device. Additionally, the signal transmission system may include flexible members for forming electrical connections for the antenna. The flexible members may maintain an electrical connection with the antenna even when the antenna deforms or deflects as a result of a user applying a force to the cover of the electronic device. 
     One embodiment may include an electronic device including a housing, a cover coupled to the housing and defining a groove, and a signal transmission system positioned within the housing. The signal transmission system may include an antenna at least partially received within the groove. The antenna may have an antenna body, and a contact pad in electrical communication with the antenna body. The signal transmission system may also have a flexible member positioned adjacent the antenna body. The flexible member may contact the contact pad of the antenna. 
     Another embodiment may include a signal transmission system. The signal transmission system may include an antenna having a substantially circular loop portion and a flexible protrusion extending from a portion of the substantially circular loop portion. The antenna may also have a plurality of contact pads positioned on the flexible protrusion, where the contact pads are in electrical communication with the antenna. The signal transmission system may also include a plurality of flexible members contacting the plurality of contact pads. 
     A further embodiment may include a signal transmission system including an antenna housing. The antenna housing may include a substantially circular loop portion and a flexible protrusion extending from a portion of the substantially circular loop portion. The signal transmission system may also include a first contact pad positioned on the flexible protrusion of the housing, a second contact pad positioned on the flexible protrusion of the antenna housing adjacent the first contact pad, and an antenna wire positioned within the antenna housing. The antenna wire may have a first end in electronic communication with the first contact pad, and a second end, positioned opposite the first end, in electronic communication with the second contact pad. The signal transmission system may further include a first flexible member contacting the first contact pad, and a second flexible member positioned adjacent the first flexible member. The second flexible member may contact the second contact pad. 
    
    
     
       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  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an enlarged cross-section view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a cover and a signal transmission system of an electronic device of  FIG. 2 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an illustrative isometric view of a portion of the signal transmission system of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  depicts an enlarged cross-section view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2 , according to various embodiments. The electronic device includes a signal transmission system having a single-wrapped antenna wire. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an enlarged cross-section view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2 , according to additional embodiments. The electronic device includes a signal transmission system having a multiple-wrapped antenna wire. 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     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, the disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to a signal transmission system including an antenna positioned within a cover for an electronic device. 
     All or the majority of an antenna of a signal transmission system may be positioned within and/or affixed to a groove formed partially through or within a cover for an electronic device. By forming a groove within the cover of the electronic device, and subsequently positioning the majority of the antenna within the groove, the antenna of the signal transmission system may occupy a reduced or minimal amount of space within the housing of the electronic device. Additionally, the signal transmission system may include flexible members for forming electrical connections for the antenna. The flexible members may maintain an electrical connection with the antenna even when the antenna moves, deforms or deflects as a result of a user applying a force to the cover of the electronic device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows an illustrative perspective view of a portable or wearable electronic device  100  (hereafter, “electronic device”), according to embodiments. Electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , may be configured to provide health-related information or data, such as, but not limited to, heart rate data, blood pressure data, temperature data, oxygen level data, diet/nutrition information, medical reminders, health-related tips or information, or other health-related data. The electronic device may optionally convey the health-related information to a separate electronic device, such as a tablet computing device, smart phone, personal digital assistant, computer, and so on. In addition, electronic device  100  may provide additional information, such as but not limited to, time, date, health, statuses or externally connected or communicating devices and/or software executing on such devices, messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive any of the foregoing from an external device), in addition to communications. 
     Electronic device  100  may include a housing  102  at least partially surrounding a display  104  and one or more buttons  106  or input devices. The housing  102  may form an outer surface, partial outer surface, and/or protective case for the internal components of electronic device  100 , and may at least partially surround the display  104 . The housing  102  may be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the housing  102  may be formed of a single piece operably connected to the display  104 . Housing  102  may be formed from a plurality of distinct materials including, but not limited to, corundum, commonly referred to as sapphire, metal, glass or plastic. Additionally, housing  102  may include a decorative and/or coating layer that be disposed on the outer and/or inner surface of housing  102 . The decorative layer and/or coating layer may be disposed on the surface(s) of housing  102  to protect the enclosure and/or provide a decorative feature (e.g., exterior color) for electronic device  100 . 
     Housing  102  may also have recesses  108  formed on opposite ends to connect a wearable band  110  (partially shown in  FIG. 1 ) to electronic device  100 . Wearable band  110  may be used to secure wearable electronic device  100  to a user, or any other object capable of receiving electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example where electronic device  100  is a smart watch, wearable band  110  may secure the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. In other non-limiting examples, electronic device  100  may secure to or within another part of a user&#39;s body, or any suitable securement location, such as, but not limited to, a post, clothing, and the like. 
     Display  104  may be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. A cover  112  may be positioned above the touchscreen of display  104 . That is, and as discussed herein, cover  112  may be positioned above the touchscreen of display  104  and may be at least partially positioned within an opening of housing  102  and coupled to housing  102 . Cover  112  may protect display  104  from contaminants, without obstructing a user&#39;s view and/or ability to interact with display  104  and/or electronic device  100 . As such, cover  112  may be transparent or translucent, fully or partially, in certain embodiments. As discussed herein, cover  112  may be formed from corundum, and particularly sapphire. However, it is understood that cover  112  may be formed from any suitable transparent material and/or combination of suitable transparent material including, but not limited to, ceramics, alumina, chemically strengthened glass, and reinforced plastic. 
     Button  106  may include any conventional input/output (I/O) device for electronic device  100 . Specifically, button  106  may include an actuation component in electronic and/or mechanical communication with the internal components of electronic device  100 , to provide user input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functions of electronic device  100 . In an embodiment, button  106  may be configured as a single component surrounded by housing  102 . Alternatively, button  106  may include a plurality of components, including an actuation component, in mechanical/electrical communication with one another and/or with the internal components of electronic device  100 . Button  110  may likewise include a sensor, such as a biometric sensor, touch sensor, or the like. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an enlarged cross-section front view of a portion of electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2 , according to an embodiment. With respect to this particular embodiment,  FIG. 2  shows a cross-section front view of a portion of housing  102  and cover  112  of electronic device  100 . A space or opening  118  may be formed between housing  102  and cover  112 ; the opening  118  may receive additional components of electronic device  100 . More specifically, opening  118  of electronic device  100  may receive and/or may provide space for certain or all internal components of electronic device  100 . In the non-limiting example of  FIG. 2 , display  104  is shown in phantom and may be positioned within at least a portion of opening  118  formed between cover  112  and housing  102 . 
     As discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 1 , display  104  may be formed from any suitable user-interactive display technology, and may have touch-sensing functionality or may be associated with a touch sensor. Additionally, display  104  may be protected by cover  112  positioned above and/or coupled to display  104  positioned within a portion of opening  118  of electronic device  100 . The cover  112  may be transparent or translucent, fully or partially, in certain embodiments. 
     Cover  112  of electronic device  100  may be formed from a substantially annealed and polished sapphire material. That is, and as discussed herein, cover  112  may be formed from an annealed sapphire material having all or some portions of the surface polished prior to and/or subsequent to the annealing. By annealing the sapphire material, hardness of cover  112  may increase, and/or may also provide a planar surfaces that may be more easily processed and/or may facilitate transparency in the sapphire material forming cover  112 . Additionally, the process of annealing the sapphire material may also fill in or seal cracks or other surface defects formed in the sapphire material during processing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , cover  112  may be coupled to housing  102 . More specifically, a portion of cover  112  may be positioned above and, may be coupled to, a shelf portion  120  formed adjacent a perimeter of housing  102 . Shelf portion  120  may be formed substantially around the entire perimeter of housing  102 , and may receive and/or couple a portion of cover  112  to housing  102 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , cover  112  may be coupled to shelf portion  120  of housing  102  using an adhesive  122 , such as adhesive tape. However it is understood that cover  112  may be coupled to shelf portion  120  of housing  102  using any suitable coupling component or technique. In additional non-limiting examples, cover  112  of electronic device  100  may be coupled to housing  102  using chemical, adhesives, bonding agents, laser welding, melting, and mechanical coupling components (snap-fit structures, detents, screws, and the like). 
     Cover  112 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , may define an inner surface  124  and an outer surface  126  positioned opposite inner surface  124 . Inner surface  124  may be positioned substantially adjacent opening  118  and may not be exposed to a user of electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , and as discussed herein, display  104  (shown in phantom) may be positioned adjacent to and/or may be coupled to inner surface  124 . Outer surface  126  may be exposed to, and/or may be contacted by a user of electronic device  100  when the user is interacting with display  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , cover  112  may have a groove  128  formed on inner surface  124 . More specifically, groove  128  may be formed on inner surface  124 , substantially around the entire perimeter or all four sides of cover  112 . Groove  128  may be formed partially through a portion of cover  112 . Groove  128 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , may be formed in cover  112  using a plurality of processes including laser-cutting groove  128  on inner surface  124 , and subsequently computer numerical control (CNC) machining the laser cut groove  128  formed in cover  112 . 
     Groove  128  may be formed in cover  112  for a variety of functions. In a non-limiting example, groove  128  may be formed in cover  112  to provide additional space within electronic device  100  for additional components. In the non-limiting example, groove  128  may receive and/or may house an antenna (see,  FIG. 2 ) of electronic device  100 , such that the antenna may be positioned, fully or partially, within groove  128  of cover  112 , optionally without occupying any space within opening  118  of electronic device  100 . The antenna may be used to share (e.g., send and/or receive) data collected and/or determined by the electronic device  100 . In another non-limiting example, groove  128  may provide a coupling surface for display  104 , where a portion of display  104  may be positioned within and/or coupled to groove  128  to position display  104  adjacent inner surface  124  of cover  112 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , electronic device  100  may also include signal transmission system  130  positioned within housing  102  of electronic device  100 . Signal transmission system  130  may include components configured to transmit and/or received data for electronic device  100 . Signal transmission system  130 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , may include an antenna  132  coupled to cover  112 , where antenna  132  is at least partially positioned within groove  128  of cover  112 . Antenna  132  or the antenna body, as shown in  FIG. 2 , may be formed from a substantially circular loop portion  134  (hereafter, “loop portion  134 ”) positioned within groove  128 , and at least one flexible protrusion  136  extending from loop portion  134 . As discussed herein, loop portion  134  of antenna  132  may be positioned throughout and extend the length of groove  128  formed adjacent to the entire perimeter of cover  112 . Additionally, as discussed herein, flexible protrusion  136  may extend from a portion of loop portion  134  positioned within groove  128 . 
     Loop portion  134  may include a substantially tubular or circular geometry, and may include an outer geometry that may at least partially correspond to groove  128  of housing  102 . That is, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , loop portion  134  may include a rounded exterior surface or geometry, and at least a portion of loop portion  134  of antenna  132  may substantially correspond with the curved interior surface  124  of groove  128 . By including a substantially rounded exterior surface in loop portion  134 , loop portion  134  of antenna  132  may nest or fit within groove  128  with minimal tolerance between the respective surfaces of the components. Additionally, by including a substantially rounded exterior surface in loop portion  134 , loop portion  134  of antenna  132  may be coupled to groove  128  without requiring a large amount of adhesive or bonding agent. That is, where loop portion  134  is coupled to groove  128  using adhesive  138 , the reduced tolerance between loop portion  134  and groove  128  may reduce the amount of adhesive  138  used for coupling loop portion  134  to groove  128 , without affecting the strength of the bond formed between the two. 
     Flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132  may extend into housing  102  of electronic device  100 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 2 , flexible protrusion  136  may extend from loop portion  134  and/or another portion of antenna  132 , that is positioned within groove  128  of cover  112  into opening  118  of housing  102 . Flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132  may be suspended within housing  102  of electronic device  100  without additional structure support. As discussed herein, this may allow flexible protrusion  136  to flex, move and/or deform when a user applies a force to cover  112  to interaction with display  104  of electronic device  100 . 
     Loop portion  134  and flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132  may be formed from any suitable material that may allow signal transmission system to transmit and/or receive data using radio frequencies. In non-limiting examples, antenna  132 , and specifically loop portion  134  and flexible protrusion  136 , may be formed from any suitable conductive metal. Additionally, antenna  132  may be pre-formed prior to being positioned within groove  128  of cover  112 , or alternatively, may be formed within groove  128  of cover  112  using any suitable manufacturing technique or process. In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , loop portion  134  and flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132  may be integrally from a single electrically conductive material. In another non-limiting example, loop portion  134  and flexible protrusion  136  may be formed from two distinct, coupled components that may be in electronic communication with one another. 
     Antenna  132  may also include at least two contact pads  140 ,  142  positioned on flexible protrusion  136 . In a non-limiting example, two contact pads  140 ,  142  may be positioned on flexible protrusion  136 , and may be in electrical communication with antenna  132  via flexible protrusion  136 . Each of the contact pads  140 ,  142  may correspond to distinct signal paths for antenna  132  of signal transmission system  130 . Specifically, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , first contact pad  140  of antenna  132  may correspond to a feed path or antenna path for antenna  132 . Additionally, second contact pad  142  (see,  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) may correspond to a short path or ground path for antenna  132 . 
     Signal transmission system  130  of electronic device  100  may also include at least two flexible members  144 ,  146  positioned adjacent flexible protrusion  136 . More specifically, signal transmission system  130  may include flexible members  144 ,  146  positioned within housing  102  of electronic device  100 , adjacent flexible protrusion  136 , and in contact with respective contact pads  140 ,  142  of antenna  132 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , flexible members  144 ,  146  (one shown) may contact and/or touch contact pads  140 ,  142  to place flexible members  144 ,  146  in electronic communication with antenna  132 . That is, by contacting contact pads  140 ,  142  of antenna  132 , flexible members  144 ,  146  may be in electronic communication with antenna  132  via contact pads  140 ,  142 . First flexible member  144  may contact first contact pad  140  of antenna  132 , and second flexible member  146  (see,  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) may contact second contact pad  142 . As such, and similar to contact pads  140 ,  142  of antenna  132 , each flexible member  144 ,  146  may correspond to a distinct signal path for antenna  132  of signal transmission system  130 . 
     Flexible members  144 ,  146  may be formed from a similar conductive material as antenna  132  for transmitting a signal from antenna  132  to a circuit component, as discussed herein. Additionally, in another non-limiting embodiment, flexible members  144 ,  146  may be formed from a flexible circuit board. Like flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132 , flexible members  144 ,  146  may be formed from a material having flexible characteristics or traits. As shown in  FIG. 2 , flexible members  144 ,  146  may be substantially flexed or bent when contacting contact pads  140 ,  142  of antenna  132 . The flexible characteristics of flexible members  144 ,  146  may maintain a contact and/or electronic communication between contact pads  140 ,  142  and flexible members  144 ,  146  to transmit and/or receive data through antenna  132  of electronic device  100 . 
     Additionally, as a result of flexible protrusion  136  extending from loop portion  134  and having no additional structural support, flexible protrusions  136  may move when a force (F 1 ) is applied to cover  112 . That is, when a user of electronic device  100  applies an angular force (F 1 ) to cover  112  to interaction with display  104 , cover  112  may be slightly displaced and/or may be slightly deformed. As a result, flexible protrusions  136  may move with cover  112 . Specifically, flexible protrusion  136  may move in a direction (D 1 ) as a result of the movement of cover  112  and the force applied by flexible members  144 ,  146  to flexible protrusion  136 . As flexible protrusions  136  flexes, moves and/or deforms, flexible members  144 ,  146  may also flex and/or move to maintain the contact between contact pads  140 ,  142  and flexible members  144 ,  146 , and ultimately maintain an electrical communication between flexible members  144 ,  146  and antenna  132 . 
     When a force (F 2 ) is applied to cover  112  by a user of electronic device  100 , cover  112  may deform, deflect and/or move in a distinct direction (D 2 ). As a result of this deflection or movement of cover  112 , antenna  132  coupled to cover  112  may also move in direction (D 2 ). As a result of flexible members&#39;  144 ,  146  characteristics, and the inclusion of substantially rounded contact surfaces  148 , flexible members  144 ,  146  may slide and still maintain a contact with contact pads  140 ,  142  as antenna  132  moves in direction (D 2 ). Additionally, flexible members  144 ,  146  may maintain contact with contact pads  140 ,  142  when cover  112  moves because flexible members  144 ,  146  are tensioned biased against flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132 . As discussed herein, by maintaining a contact with contact pads  140 ,  142 , an electrical communication between flexible members  144 ,  146  and antenna  132  may also be maintained when cover  112  and antenna  132  move in direction (D 2 ) when force (F 2 ) is applied by a user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , signal transmission system  130  may also include a flexible electronic layer  150  coupled to, and in electronic communication with flexible members  144 ,  146 . Solder  152  may be provided between flexible members  144 ,  146  and flexible electronic layer  150  to couple at least a portion of flexible members  144 ,  146  to flexible electronic layer  150 . By only coupling a portion of flexible members  144 ,  146  to flexible electronic layer  150 , flexible members  144 ,  146  may not be restrained and/or limited when flexing to maintain contact with contact pads  140 ,  142  of antenna  132 , as discussed herein. Additionally, flexible members  144 ,  146  may be in electronic communication with flexible electronic layer  150 , as discussed herein, to form a circuit path between antenna  132  and flexible electronic layer  150 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , flexible electronic layer  150  may also be coupled to housing  102  of electronic device  100 . Specifically, a conductive adhesive  154  may be used to couple flexible electronic layer  150  to housing  102  of electronic device  100  to provide a ground path for antenna  132 . Conductive adhesive  154  may be any suitable material that may secure flexible electronic layer  150  to housing  102 , and aid in the electronic transmission of signals between flexible members  144 ,  146  and flexible electronic layer  150 . 
     In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , flexible electronic layer  150  may be a “ribbon” or an electronic gateway in electronic communication with a main logic circuit board  156  of electronic device  100 . In the non-limiting example, flexible electronic layer  150  may act as an intermediate component for relaying signals and data to and/or from antenna  132  to main logic circuit board  156  of electronic device  100 . In another non-limiting example, flexible electronic layer  150  may include a stand-alone flexible circuit board that may be in direct electronic communication with flexible members  144 ,  146  for receiving and/or transmitting data using antenna  132 . 
     Signal transmission system  130  may also include a tiebar  158  contacting flexible members  144 ,  146 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , tiebar  158  may be positioned opposite flexible electronic layer  150 , and may be positioned adjacent to and, may contact flexible members  144 ,  146 . Tiebar  158  may completely contact or partially contact flexible members  144 ,  146  dependent upon the position or flex of flexible members  144 ,  146  and/or flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132  within housing  102 . Tiebar  158  may be formed from a support portion  160  and a securing portion  162  coupled to support portion  160 . In some embodiments, support portion  160  of tiebar  158  may directly contact flexible members  144 ,  146  and may provide additional support and/or engage flexion points of flexible members  144 ,  146  when flexible members  144 ,  146  flexes to maintain contact with contact pads  140 ,  142  of antenna  132 . Securing portion  162  coupled to support portion  160  may secure and/or fix tiebar  158  within housing  102  of electronic device  100 . That is, securing portion  162  may be substantially rigid, and may be coupled to housing  102 , or an additional component within electronic device  100  to secure or fix tiebar  158  within housing  102 . In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , securing portion  162  may be coupled to an internal component  164  (shown in phantom) of electronic device  100 . Internal component  164  may be any rigid, fixed component of electronic device, for example, internal component  164  may be a battery housing for a battery of electronic device. 
     Although shown in a specific configuration, tiebar  158  may be formed in distinct configurations within housing  102  of electronic device  100 . That is, tiebar  158  may include a variety of geometries and/or configurations for securing flexible members  144 ,  146  within housing and/or may engage flexion points of flexible members  144 ,  146  when flexible members  144 ,  146  flexes to maintain contact with contact pads  140 ,  142  of antenna  132 . 
     Signal transmission system  130  may also include an insulating layer  166 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , insulating layer  166  may be positioned adjacent antenna  132  and contact pads  140 ,  142 . More specifically, insulating layer  166  may be formed over loop portion  134  and flexible protrusion  136 , adjacent opening  118  of housing  102  of electronic device  100 . Additionally, insulating layer  166  may at least partially surround and/or may be formed adjacent contact pads  140 ,  142  that are formed on flexible protrusions  136  of antenna  132 . Insulating layer  166  may be formed adjacent opening  118  of housing  102  to substantially block or prevent signals from antenna  132  from leaking into opening  118  and interfering with other electrical components therein. 
     Additionally, insulating material may reduce or prevent emitted signals from distinct components of electronic device  100  positioned within opening  118  from interfering with the signals emitted by antenna  132 . As a result of forming insulating layer  166  only on a portion of antenna  132 , and because the material forming cover  112  does not substantially interfere with radio frequency (RF) signals, antenna  132  may still emit signals through cover  112  without substantial interference. Insulating layer  166  may be formed from any suitable material that may substantially block radio frequency signals. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show an illustrative perspective view of cover  112  ( FIG. 3 ) and a portion of signal transmission system  130  of electronic device  100  of  FIG. 2 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , groove  128  may be formed in inner surface  124 , about some or all four sides of cover  112 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 3 , antenna  132  may be positioned within and/or may substantially fill substantially all of groove  128  formed in cover  112 . Antenna  132 , and specifically, loop portion  134  (see,  FIG. 2 ) may be positioned completely within groove  128  around all four sides of cover  112 , such that only flexible protrusion  136  may protrude or extend beyond inner surface  124  of cover  112 . By forming groove  128  within cover  112 , and subsequently positioning antenna  132  within groove  128 , antenna  132  of signal transmission system  130  may require only the space in opening  118  occupied by flexible protrusion  136 . This may provide added space within opening  118  for additional internal components of electronic device  100 . Furthermore, the added space within opening  118  may allow housing  102 , and ultimately electronic device  100 , to be reduced in size. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , and discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 , first flexible member  144  may contact first contact pad  140  positioned on flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132 . Additionally, second flexible member  146  may contact second contact pad  142  of antenna  132 . First flexible member  144  and second flexible member  146  may also be coupled to and in electronic communication with flexible electronic layer  150  for forming an electrical path between antenna  132  and flexible electronic layer  150 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  depict enlarged cross-section front views of a portion of electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2 , according to various embodiments. Specifically,  FIGS. 5 and 6  show electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  including a distinct signal transmission system  530  from signal transmission system  130  discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 2-4 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , signal transmission system  530  may include a distinct configuration and/or distinct components for operation than signal transmission system  130  discussed herein. More specifically, signal transmission system  530  may include an antenna housing  531 . Antenna housing  531  may be formed from any suitable material that may form a protective housing for an antenna wire of signal transmission system  530 , as discussed herein. In an non-limiting example, antenna housing  531  may be formed from a cast polymer material. Antenna housing  531  may include a substantially circular loop portion  534  (hereafter, “loop portion  534 ”), and a flexible protrusion  536  extending from loop portion  534 . Loop portion  534  of antenna housing  531  may be positioned within groove  128  of cover  112 , and flexible protrusion  536  may extend from loop portion  534  into housing  102  of electronic device  100 . Additionally, loop portion  534  and flexible protrusion  536  of antenna housing  531  may function and/or interact with distinct components, such as cover  112 , substantially similar to that loop portion  134  and flexible protrusion  136  of antenna  132  discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 . As such, redundant explanation of these portions of antenna housing  531  may be omitted for clarity. 
     However, distinct from  FIG. 2 , antenna housing  531  may not transmit and/or receive signals. Rather, antenna housing  531  may be a protective housing or surrounding for an antenna wire  532  position within antenna housing  531 . That is, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , antenna wire  532  may formed within and protected by antenna housing  531 . In non-limiting examples, antenna wire  532  may be fed through antenna housing  531 , or antenna housing  531  may be cast around antenna wire  532  when forming antenna housing  531 . Like antenna  132  in  FIG. 2 , antenna wire  532  may transmit and/or receive data for electronic device  100 . As such, antenna wire  532  may be formed from a conductive metal material, similar to the material discussed herein with respect to antenna  132  of  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , antenna wire  532  may have a first end  568  that may be in electronic communication with first contact pad  140  of signal transmission system  530 . More specifically, first end  568  of antenna wire  532  may contact first contact pad  140  to put antenna wire  532  in electronic communication with first contact pad  140 . As discussed herein, first contact pad  140  and first end  568  of antenna wire  532  may correspond to a feed path or antenna path for antenna wire  532  of signal transmission system  530 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and as discussed herein, first flexible member  144  may contact first contact pad  140 , and may be in electronic communication with first end  568  of antenna wire  532  via first contact pad  140 . 
     Antenna wire  532  may also have a second end  570  that may be in electronic communication with second contact pad  142  of signal transmission system  530 . More specifically, second end  570  of antenna wire  532  may contact second contact pad  142  (see,  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) to put antenna wire  532  in electronic communication with second contact pad  142 . As discussed herein, second contact pad  142  and second end  570  of antenna wire  532  may correspond to a short path or ground path for antenna wire  532  of signal transmission system  530 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and as discussed herein, second flexible member  146  may contact second contact pad  142 , and may be in electronic communication with second end  570  of antenna wire  532  via second contact pad  142 . 
     Antenna wire  532  may also have a body portion  572  positioned between first end  568  and second end  570 . Specifically, and as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , body portion  572  may extend between first end  568  and second end  570  of antenna wire  532 , and may be positioned substantially within loop portion  534  of antenna housing  531 . Body portion  572  may be positioned within loop portion  534  of antenna housing  531  and/or groove  128  of cover  112 . Additionally, body portion  572  may be positioned substantially around the perimeter or all four sides of cover  112 . In a non-limiting example embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , body portion  572  of antenna wire  532  may make a single pass in loop portion  534 , around the perimeter of cover  112 . In an another non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , body portion  572  of antenna wire  532  may make multiple passes around loop portion  534  of antenna housing  531 , and may make multiple passes around the perimeter of cover  112 . 
     By forming a groove within the cover of the electronic device, and subsequently positioning the majority of the antenna within the groove, the antenna of the signal transmission system may occupy a minimal amount of space within the housing of the electronic device. Additionally, the signal transmission system may include flexible members for forming electrical connections for the antenna. The flexible members may maintain an electrical connection with the antenna even when the antenna deforms or deflects as a result of a user applying a force to the cover of the electronic device. 
     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 target 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: 20140827
Publication Date: 20181225
Grant Date: 20181225
Priority Date: 20140827
Inventors: DE JONG, ERIK G.
MEMERING, DALE N.
MYLVAGANAM, Jeffrey C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01Q1/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/273", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/273", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/273", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/243", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/273", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54035356