PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9084357-B2
Application Number: US-201213610734-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Systems and methods for routing cables in an electronic device

Abstract:
Systems and methods for routing cables in an electronic device are provided. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a touch sensor having a number of traces, a display component, and a mechanical button, each of which may be coupled to a circuit board via a single flexible circuit cable. This may save valuable space within the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a touch sensor substrate having first and second opposing surfaces and comprising a plurality of traces, wherein a first set and a second set of the plurality of traces are formed on the first surface and wherein a third set of the plurality of traces is formed on the second surface; 
 an input component; and 
 a cable comprising:
 a first bond pad on the first surface of the touch sensor substrate electrically coupled to the first set of the plurality of traces; 
 a second bond pad on the first surface of the touch sensor substrate electrically coupled to the second set of the plurality of traces; 
 a third bond pad on the second surface of the touch sensor substrate electrically coupled to the third set of the plurality of traces; 
 a fourth bond pad electrically coupled to the input component; and 
 a connector electrically coupled to each one of the first bond pad, the second bond pad, the third bond pad, and the fourth bond pad. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the cable comprises a flexible circuit cable. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the touch sensor substrate comprises a touch screen input component. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the first set of the plurality of traces comprises a first portion of a plurality of column traces of the touch screen input component; and 
 the second set of the plurality of traces comprises a second portion of the plurality of column traces of the touch screen input component. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the cable further comprises a fifth bond pad electrically coupled to a fourth set of the plurality of traces; and 
 the connector is electrically coupled to each one of the first bond pad, the second bond pad, the third bond pad, the fourth bond pad, and the fifth bond pad. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the third set of the plurality of traces comprises a first portion of a plurality of row traces of the touch screen input component; and 
 the fourth set of the plurality of traces comprises a second portion of the plurality of row traces of the touch screen input component. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 3 , further comprising an opening through which the input component is accessible to a user of the electronic device, wherein:
 the first bond pad is positioned on a first side of the opening; and 
 the second bond pad is positioned on a second side of the opening. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 3 , further comprising an opening through which the input component is accessible to a user of the electronic device, wherein a plane perpendicular to the touch sensor substrate extends through the first bond pad, the second bond pad, and the opening. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the input component comprises a mechanical button input component. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the touch sensor substrate comprises a capacitive touch input component; and 
 the input component comprises a mechanical input component. 
 
     
     
       11. An electronic device comprising:
 a display assembly for displaying data on an active display area defined by at least a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; 
 a touch assembly comprising a plurality of traces on a substrate; 
 a first cable comprising:
 a first bond pad electrically coupled to at least a first set of the plurality of traces; and 
 a first connector electrically coupled to the first bond pad; and 
 
 a second cable that overlaps the first cable, the second cable comprising:
 a second bond pad electrically coupled to a component of the display assembly; and 
 a second connector electrically coupled to the second bond pad, wherein: 
 
 the first bond pad is positioned beyond the first edge of the active display area; and 
 the second bond pad is positioned beyond the second edge of the active display area. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the first connector is positioned beyond the first edge of the active display area; and 
 the second connector is positioned beyond the first edge of the active display area. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein a plane parallel to the substrate extends through the first connector and the second connector. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the plane is defined by a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and 
 the first connector and second connector are linear within the plane along the first axis. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the touch assembly and the display assembly combine to provide a touch screen display assembly. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the component of the display assembly comprises a driver chip beyond the second edge of the active display area; and 
 a touch processor of the touch assembly connects to the plurality of traces at the first connector beyond the first edge of the active display area. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 11 , further comprising a housing surface, wherein:
 an opening through the housing surface makes the active display area visible to a user of the electronic device, and 
 the component of the display assembly is positioned underneath the housing surface beyond the opening. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 11 , further comprising a battery, wherein a portion of the second cable extends between a portion of the display assembly and a portion of the battery. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the battery is fixed to the portion of the display assembly by a coupling element; 
 the coupling element comprises a first thickness extending between the battery and the portion of the display assembly; 
 the portion of the second cable comprises a second thickness extending between the battery and the portion of the display assembly; and 
 the second thickness is not greater than the first thickness, such that the portion of the second cable does not affect the distance between the battery and the portion of the display assembly. 
 
     
     
       20. A method comprising:
 electrically coupling a first bond pad of a cable to a first electrical contact of a capacitive touch input assembly; 
 electrically coupling a second bond pad of the cable to a second electrical contract of the capacitive touch input assembly, wherein the first and second electrical contacts are formed on respective first and second opposing surfaces of the capacitive touch input assembly, wherein the first bond pad is on the first surface, and wherein the second bond pad is on the second surface; 
 electrically coupling a third bond pad of the cable to at least one electrical contact of a mechanical input assembly; and 
 electrically coupling the first bond pad, the second bond pad, and the third bond pad to a connector at an end region of the cable. 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , wherein:
 at least one of the first and second electrical contacts of the capacitive touch input assembly comprises an end of a column trace that extends across a substrate; and 
 the at least one electrical contact of the mechanical input assembly comprises a tactile switch. 
 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 positioning the third bond pad region between the first bond pad region and the second bond pad region. 
 
     
     
       23. A method comprising:
 providing a display assembly that displays data on an active display area defined by at least a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; 
 providing a touch assembly comprising a plurality of traces on a substrate; 
 electrically coupling a first bond pad of a first cable to an end of a first trace of the plurality of traces at a first position beyond the first edge of the active display area; and 
 electrically coupling a second bond pad of a second cable to a component of the display assembly at a second position beyond the second edge of the active display area, wherein the first and second cables overlap. 
 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 23 , further comprising:
 positioning a first connector of the first cable at a third position beyond the first edge of the active display area; 
 positioning a second connector of the second cable at a fourth position beyond the first edge of the active display area; and 
 connecting the first connector and the second connector to the same component at the third and fourth positions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This can relate to systems and methods for routing cables in an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Some electronic devices include a cable that may be routed within an electronic device for electrically coupling together two components of the device. However, using a cable to couple together only two components often takes up valuable real estate within the device when more than those two components of the device require coupling. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Systems and methods for routing cables in an electronic device are provided. 
     In some embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device that may include a first component comprising a number of traces along a substrate, a second component, and a cable that may include a first bond pad electrically coupled to a first set of the traces, a second bond pad electrically coupled to a second set of the traces, a third bond pad electrically coupled to a third set of the traces, a fourth bond pad electrically coupled to the second component, and a connector electrically coupled to each one of the first bond pad, the second bond pad, the third bond pad, and the fourth bond pad. 
     In other embodiments, there may be provided an electronic device that may include a display assembly for displaying data on an active display area defined by at least a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The device may also include a touch assembly having a number of traces on a substrate. The device may also include a first cable having a first bond pad electrically coupled to at least a first set of the traces and a first connector electrically coupled to the first bond pad. The device may also include a second cable having a second bond pad electrically coupled to a component of the display assembly and a second connector electrically coupled to the second bond pad. The first bond pad may be positioned beyond the first edge of the active display area, and the second bond pad may be positioned beyond the second edge of the active display area. 
     In yet other embodiments, there may be provided a method that includes electrically coupling a first bond pad of a cable to at least one electrical contact of a capacitive touch input assembly, electrically coupling a second bond pad of the cable to at least one electrical contact of a mechanical input assembly, and electrically coupling the first bond pad and the second bond pad to a connector at an end region of the cable. 
     In still yet other embodiments, there may be provided a method that includes providing a display assembly that displays data on an active display area defined by at least a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, providing a touch assembly comprising a number of traces on a substrate, electrically coupling a first bond pad of a first cable to an end of a first trace of the traces at a first position beyond the first edge of the active display area, and electrically coupling a second bond pad of a second cable to a component of the display assembly at a second position beyond the second edge of the active display area. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects of the invention, its nature, and various features will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters may refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front, bottom, left perspective view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in a final stage of assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a back, bottom, right perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , taken from line III-III of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-3 , taken from line IV-IV of  FIG. 2 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-4 , taken from line V-V of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-5 , taken from line VI-VI of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a back, bottom, right perspective view, similar to  FIG. 3 , of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-6 , in a first stage of assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a back, bottom, right perspective view, similar to  FIG. 7 , of a portion of the electronic device of  FIGS. 1-7 , in a second stage of assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for routing at least one cable, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for routing cables, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Systems and methods for routing cables in an electronic device are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  100  may be any portable, mobile, or hand-held electronic device. Alternatively, electronic device  100  may not be portable, but may instead be generally stationary. Electronic device  100  can include, but is not limited to, a music player (e.g., an iPod™ available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), video player, still image player, game player, other media player, music recorder, movie or video camera or recorder, still camera, other media recorder, radio, medical equipment, domestic appliance, transportation vehicle instrument, musical instrument, calculator, cellular telephone (e.g., an iPhone™ available by Apple Inc.), other wireless communication device, personal digital assistant, remote control, pager, computer (e.g., a desktop, laptop, server, etc.), tablet, monitor, television, stereo equipment, set up box, set-top box, boom box, modem, router, printer, and combinations thereof. In some cases, electronic device  100  may perform a single function (e.g., an electronic device dedicated to capturing images) and in other cases, electronic device  100  may perform several functions (e.g., an electronic device that captures images, plays music, displays video, stores pictures, and receives and transmits telephone calls). In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may be considered a miniature electronic device that may have a form factor that is smaller than that of hand-held electronic devices, such as an iPod™ available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Illustrative miniature electronic devices can be integrated into various objects that include, but are not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or any combination thereof. 
     Electronic device  100  may include a processor or control circuitry  102 , memory  104 , communications circuitry  106 , power supply  108 , input component  110 , and output component  112 . Electronic device  100  may also include a bus  114  that may provide one or more wired or wireless communication links or paths for transferring data and/or power to, from, or between various other components of device  100 . In some embodiments, one or more components of electronic device  100  may be combined or omitted. Moreover, electronic device  100  may include other components not combined or included in  FIG. 1 . For example, electronic device  100  may include motion-sensing circuitry, a compass, positioning circuitry, or several instances of the components shown in  FIG. 1 . For the sake of simplicity, only one of each of the components is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Memory  104  may include one or more storage mediums, including for example, a hard-drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as read-only memory (“ROM”), semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (“RAM”), any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. Memory  104  may include cache memory, which may be one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data for electronic device applications. Memory  104  may store media data (e.g., music and image files), software (e.g., for implementing functions on device  100 ), firmware, preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable device  100  to establish a wireless connection), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), contact information (e.g., telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), calendar information, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof. 
     Communications circuitry  106  may be provided to allow device  100  to communicate with one or more other electronic devices using any suitable communications protocol. For example, communications circuitry  106  may support Wi-Fi (e.g., an 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth™, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”), BitTorrent™, file transfer protocol (“FTP”), real-time transport protocol (“RTP”), real-time streaming protocol (“RTSP”), secure shell protocol (“SSH”), any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. Communications circuitry  106  may also include circuitry that can enable device  100  to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a host computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device, either wirelessly or via a wired connection. 
     Power supply  108  may provide power to one or more of the components of device  100 . In some embodiments, power supply  108  can be coupled to a power grid (e.g., when device  100  is not a portable device, such as a desktop computer). In some embodiments, power supply  108  can include one or more batteries for providing power (e.g., when device  100  is a portable device, such as a cellular telephone). As another example, power supply  108  can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar power using solar cells). 
     One or more input components  110  may be provided to permit a user to interact or interface with device  100 . For example, input component  110  can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, a touch pad, dial, click wheel, scroll wheel, touch screen, one or more buttons (e.g., a keyboard), mouse, joy stick, track ball, microphone, camera, proximity sensor, light detector, motion sensor, and combinations thereof. Each input component  110  can be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating device  100 . 
     Electronic device  100  may also include one or more output components  112  that may present information (e.g., graphical, audible, and/or tactile information) to a user of device  100 . Output component  112  of electronic device  100  may take various forms, including, but not limited to, an audio speaker, headphone, audio line-out, video line-out, visual display, antenna, infrared port, rumbler, vibrator, and combinations thereof. Each output component  112  can be configured to provide information from one or more other components of device  100  (e.g., processor  102 ) to a user of device  100 . 
     It should be noted that one or more input components  110  and one or more output components  112  may sometimes be referred to collectively herein as an input/output (“I/O”) component or I/O interface. For example, input component  110  and output component  112  may sometimes be a single I/O component  103 , such as a touch screen, that may receive input information through a user&#39;s touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen. 
     Processor  102  of device  100  may include any processing circuitry operative to control the operations and performance of one or more components of electronic device  100 . For example, processor  102  may be used to run operating system applications, firmware applications, graphics editing applications, media playback applications, media editing applications, or any other application. In some embodiments, processor  102  may receive input signals from input component  110  and/or drive output signals through output component  112 . Processor  102  may load a user interface program (e.g., a program stored in memory  104  or in another device or server accessible by device  100 ) to determine how instructions or data received via an input component  110  may manipulate the way in which information is stored and/or provided to the user via an output component  112 . 
     Electronic device  100  may also be provided with a housing  101  that may at least partially enclose one or more of the components of device  100  for protection from debris and other degrading forces external to device  100 . In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be provided within its own housing (e.g., input component  110  may be an independent keyboard or mouse within its own housing that may wirelessly or through a wire communicate with processor  102 , which may be provided within its own housing). 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of fully assembled electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. As shown, electronic device  100  can include at least a first input component  110  and a first output component  112 . Moreover, as shown, electronic device  100  may also include a second input component  210  and a second output component  212 . In some embodiments, second input component  210  and second output component  212  may be an I/O component  203 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , housing  101  may at least partially enclose input component  110 , output component  112 , and I/O component  203  of device  100 . Housing  101  may be any suitable shape and may include any suitable number of walls. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, housing  101  may be of a generally hexahedral shape and may include a bottom wall  101 B, a top wall  101 T that may be opposite bottom wall  101 B, a left wall  101 L, a right wall  101 R that may be opposite left wall  101 L, a front wall  101 F, and a back wall  101 K that may be opposite front wall  101 F. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, first input component  110  may be a mechanical button assembly, and first output component  112  may be an audio jack assembly (e.g., for receiving a plug of a headset). Although, it is to be understood that in other embodiments, first input component  110  may be any other suitable type of input component and first output component  112  may be any other suitable type of output component. A cover  205  may be provided within an opening  209 , which may be provided through front surface  101 F of housing  101 , and a button  118  of first input component  110  may be positioned at least partially under or through an opening  109 , which may be provided through cover  205 . First output component  112  may be positioned at least partially under or through an opening  113 , which may be provided through bottom surface  101 B of housing  101 . Although, in other embodiments, it is to be understood that each one of first input component  110  and second input component  112  may be provided through any other surface of housing  101 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, second input component  210  and second output component  212  of I/O component  203  may be a touch screen (e.g., a multi-touch screen), that may receive input information through a user&#39;s touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen. For example, second input component  210  of I/O component  203  may be a touch assembly and second output component  212  of I/O component  203  may be a display assembly, where the display assembly and touch assembly may be integrated with one another and or provided in a stacked configuration (e.g., along the Z-axis). Display output component  212  may include any suitable type of display or interface for presenting visual data to a user. In some embodiments, display output component  212  may include a display embedded in device  100 . Display output component  212  may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light emitting diode (“LED”) display, an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) display, a surface-conduction electron-emitter display (“SED”), a carbon nanotube display, a nanocrystal display, any other suitable type of display, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, display output component  212  may include display driver circuitry, circuitry for driving display drivers, or both. Display output component  212  can be operative to display content (e.g., media playback information, application screens for applications implemented on electronic device  100 , information regarding ongoing communications operations, information regarding incoming communications requests, device operation screens, etc.) that may be under the direction of processor  102 . Display output component  212  can be associated with any suitable characteristic dimensions that may define the size and shape of an active display region or viewable screen  207  that may be visible by a user of device  100  through a portion of cover  205 . For example, display screen  207  can be shaped as a rectangle that may be defined by a width W provided by a top edge  207 T and an opposite bottom edge  207 B of screen  207 , and by a screen length L provided by a left edge  207 L and an opposite right edge  207 R of screen  207 . In some embodiments, as shown, top edge  207 T of screen  207  may run parallel to top surface  101 T of housing  101 , bottom edge  207 B of screen  207  may run parallel to bottom surface  101 B of housing  101 , left edge  207 L of screen  207  may run parallel to left surface  101 L of housing  101 , and/or right edge  207 R of screen  207  may run parallel to right surface  101 R of housing  101 . Alternatively, display screen  207  can be defined by a curved or other non-polygonal shape (e.g., a circular display). 
     Similarly, cover  205  can be shaped as a rectangle. For example, as shown, a top edge  205 T of cover  205  may run parallel to top surface  101 T of housing  101  and/or to top edge  207 T of screen  207 , a bottom edge  205 B of cover  205  may run parallel to bottom surface  101 B of housing  101  and/or to bottom edge  207 B of screen  207 , a left edge  205 L of cover  205  may run parallel to left surface  101 L of housing  101  and/or to left edge  207 L of screen  207 , and/or a right edge  205 R of cover  205  may run parallel to right surface  101 R of housing  101  and/or to right edge  207 R of screen  207 . Alternatively, cover  205  can be defined by a curved or other non-polygonal shape (e.g., circular). Cover  205  may be formed by any suitable material, such as glass. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , for example, the size of device  100  may be defined along the Y-axis by an overall housing length R of housing  101  that may extend between top surface  101 T and bottom surface  101 B. Overall housing length R of device  101  may be defined by three distinct lengths, such as (1) an overall cover length V of cover  205  that may extend between top cover edge  205 T and bottom cover edge  205 B, (2) a top housing length H of front housing surface  101 F that may extend between top housing surface  101 T and top cover edge  205 T, and (3) a bottom housing length N of front housing surface  101 F that may extend between bottom housing surface  101 B and bottom cover edge  205 B. Moreover, overall cover length V of cover  205  may be defined by three distinct lengths, such as (1) screen length L of screen  207  that may extend between top screen edge  207 T and bottom screen edge  207 B, (2) a top cover length B that may extend between top cover edge  205 T and top screen edge  207 T, and (3) a bottom cover length A that may extend between bottom cover edge  205 B and bottom screen edge  207 B. Finally, bottom cover length A of cover  205  may be defined by three distinct lengths, such as (1) a button length D of opening  109  for button  118 , (2) a top button opening length C 1  that may extend between bottom screen edge  207 B and a top button point  109 T of opening  109  (e.g., the point along opening  109  that is furthest in the +Y-direction and/or the closest point to bottom screen edge  207 B), and (3) a bottom button opening length C 2  that may extend between bottom cover edge  205 B and a bottom button point  109 B of opening  109  (e.g., the point along opening  109  that is furthest in the −Y-direction and/or the closest point to bottom cover edge  205 B, such that the length between points  109 A and  109 B may define button length D). In order to reduce overall housing length R, at least one of lengths V, H, N, L, B, A, D, C 1 , and C 2  must be reduced. In some embodiments, as described below, one or more ways in which one or more cables may be routed through device  100  may reduce one or more of these lengths. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , for example, electronic device  100  may include a system for routing a cable within housing  101  and amongst various components of device  100 . As shown, device  100  may include at least one electrically conducting cable  120  that may provide an electrical connection between two or more electronic components of electronic device  100 . For example, cable  120  may include one or more wires and may be any suitable type of connector or cable, including, but not limited to, a flexible circuit cable (e.g., a “flex” cable), a coaxial cable (e.g., a “coax” cable), a multi-core cable, a shielded cable, a single cable, a twisted pair cable, a twisting cable, and the like, which may route one or more electrical signals from at least a first electrical component of device  100  to at least a second electrical component of device  100 . In some embodiments, cable  120  may be a flexible circuit of any suitable type, such as any flexible printed circuit (“FPC”) or any flexible flat cable (“FFC”), including one-sided, double-sided, multi-layer, dual access, rigid-flex, or combinations thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , for example, cable  120  may include a cable body  124  that may extend between a first end region  122  and one or more bond pad regions (e.g., a first bond pad region  121 , a second bond pad region  123 , a third bond pad region  125 , a fourth bond pad region  127 , and a fifth bond pad region  129 ). Cable  120  may include a top surface  120 T and a bottom surface  120 B. Cable body  124  may have a first cable body portion  126  (e.g., a snake body portion  126 ) and a second cable body region  128 . First cable body region  126  may extend between first end region  122  and second cable body region  128 , while second cable body region  128  may extend between first cable body region  126  and each one of the bond pad regions (e.g., each one of first bond pad region  121 , second bond pad region  123 , third bond pad region  125 , fourth bond pad region  127 , and fifth bond pad region  129 ). Cable body  124  may also include any number of electrically conductive traces, vias, or wires (not shown) extending therealong between top surface  120 T and bottom surface  120 B, where a first subset of the traces may extend from first end region  122  to first bond pad region  121 , a second subset of the traces may extend from first end region  122  to second bond pad region  123 , a third subset of the traces may extend from first end region  122  to third bond pad region  125 , a fourth subset of the traces may extend from first end region  122  to fourth bond pad region  127 , and a fifth subset of the traces may extend from first end region  122  to fifth bond pad region  129 . A connector  132  may be provided on top surface  120 T at first end region  122 , such that a first end of each of the traces of cable  120  at first end region  122  (e.g., the traces of each one of the subsets of traces) may be electrically coupled via connector  132  to one or more other components of device  100  (e.g., a circuit board or processor  102 ). For example, connector  132  may be any suitable type of connector, including, but not limited to, a board to board connector, a zero insertion force (“ZIF”) connector, a hand or robot solder pad, an anisotropic conductive film (“ACF”) bond, and combinations thereof. 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , for example, input component  210  of touch screen I/O component  203  may be a touch sensor panel or touch sensor assembly that may include a touch sensor  214 . Touch sensor  214  may include any suitable sensor configured to detect one or more touch events for touch screen I/O component  203 , such as a double sided Indium Tin Oxide (“DITO”) sensor substrate (e.g., as may be described in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0158181, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), a single sided ITO (“SITO”) sensor substrate, and the like. Sensor substrate  214  may include a glass or plastic substrate or any other suitable material or combinations of materials. Sensor substrate  214  may include any number of row traces (e.g., row traces RA-RZ) that may be formed on a bottom surface  214 B of substrate  214  and may run across substrate  214  (e.g., along the X-axis across display opening  209  of housing  101 ). Moreover, sensor substrate  214  may include any number of column traces (e.g., column traces CA-CZ) that may be formed on a top surface  214 T of substrate  214  and may run across substrate  214  (e.g., along the Y-axis across display opening  209  of housing  101 ). A first end of each trace of a first portion of the row traces (e.g., row traces RA-RM) may be exposed or otherwise accessible at a first substrate region  211  on bottom surface  214 B of substrate  214 , a first end of each trace of a first portion of the column traces (e.g., column traces CA-CM) may be exposed or otherwise accessible at a second substrate region  213  on top surface  214 T of substrate  214 , a first end of each trace of a second portion of the column traces (e.g., column traces CN-CZ) may be exposed or otherwise accessible at a third substrate region  215  on top surface  214 T of substrate  214 , and a first end of each trace of a second portion of the row traces (e.g., row traces RN-RZ) may be exposed or otherwise accessible at a fourth substrate region  217  on bottom surface  214 B of substrate  214 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  7 , and  8 , for example, each one of first substrate region  211 , second substrate region  213 , third substrate region  215 , and fourth substrate region  217  of substrate  214  may be positioned just beyond bottom edge  207 B of screen  207 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , for example, a second end of each trace of the first subset of traces of cable  120  at first bond pad region  121  may be electrically coupled to a respective exposed trace of exposed row traces RA-RM at first substrate region  211  on bottom surface  214 B of substrate  214 . A second end of each trace of the second subset of traces of cable  120  at second bond pad region  123  may be electrically coupled to a respective exposed trace of exposed column traces CA-CM at second substrate region  213  on top surface  214 T of substrate  214 . A second end of each trace of the third subset of traces of cable  120  at third bond pad region  125  may be electrically coupled to a respective exposed trace of exposed column traces CN-CZ at third substrate region  215  on top surface  214 T of substrate  214 . A second end of each trace of the fourth subset of traces of cable  120  at fourth bond pad region  127  may be electrically coupled to a respective exposed trace of exposed row traces RN-RZ at fourth substrate region  217  on bottom surface  214 B of substrate  214 . Each trace of the first, second, third, and fourth subsets of traces of cable  120  may be electrically coupled to a respective trace of a substrate region of substrate  214  via anisotropic conductive film (“ACF”), solder, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable manner. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , for example, a switch  119  or any other suitable input component element of first input component  110  may be provided on top surface  120 T of cable  120  at fifth bond pad region  129 , such that a second end of each trace of the fifth subset of traces of cable  120  at fifth bond pad region  129  may be electrically coupled to switch  119 . When fully assembled, as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , for example, fifth bond pad region  129  of cable  120  may be aligned with opening  109  through cover  205  (e.g., along the Z-axis), such that switch  119  may be engaged by a mechanical button  118  of first input component  110  that may be positioned at least partially within or under opening  109 . For example, switch  119  may be a dome switch or any other suitable mechanism that may be activated or otherwise engaged by mechanical button  118  (e.g., to close or open an electrical circuit) when button  118  is depressed by a user of device  100  in the −Z-direction, through opening  109 , towards switch  119 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , for example, bottom cover length A of cover  205  may be defined by three distinct lengths, such as (1) a button length D of opening  109  for button  118 , (2) a top button opening length C 1  that may extend between bottom screen edge  207 B and a top button point  109 T of opening  109  (e.g., the point along opening  109  that is furthest in the +Y-direction), and (3) a bottom button opening length C 2  that may extend between bottom cover edge  205 B and a bottom button point  109 B of opening  109  (e.g., the point along opening  109  that is furthest in the −Y-direction). As shown, sensor substrate  214  may extend in the −Y-direction away from bottom screen edge  207 B towards bottom cover edge  205 B (e.g., to at least one bottom sensor point  214 B (e.g., the point along sensor substrate  214  that is furthest in the −Y-direction)). For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , sensor substrate  214  may extend a bottom sensor length T in the −Y-direction away from bottom screen edge  207 B to at least one bottom sensor point  214 B, which may be located at the bottom edge of one or more of substrate regions  211 ,  213 ,  215 , and  217 . However, in order to reduce bottom cover length A, which may extend between bottom cover edge  205 B and bottom screen edge  207 B, at least a portion of bottom sensor length T (e.g., along a Y-axis) may overlap with (e.g., may intersect a common X-Z plane as) at least a portion of button length D of opening  109  (e.g., along the Y-axis). For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a portion of bottom sensor length T may overlap with at least a portion of button length D of opening  109  by an overlap length P, which may reduce bottom cover length A by overlap length P, which may reduce overall housing length R of device  100  by overlap length P. 
     In some embodiments, such that opening  109  may be at least partially overlapped by a portion of substrate sensor  214  to provide overlap length P (e.g., such that an X-Z plane containing each bottom sensor point  214 P may intersect opening  109 ), substrate regions  213  and  215  may be positioned on opposing sides of opening  109 . This overlap length P may reduce top button opening length C 1  between bottom screen edge  207 B and top button point  109 T of opening  109 . As shown, button opening length C 1  may be defined by two distinct lengths, such as (1) a gap length G between top button point  109 T of opening  109  and a middle sensor point  214 P (e.g., the point along sensor substrate  214  that is closest to top button point  109 T), which may be located along an edge of sensor substrate  214  extending between the bottom edges of substrate regions  213  and  215 , and (2) a middle sensor length M that may be the shortest length between middle sensor point  214 P and bottom screen edge  207 B (e.g., at a bottom sensor point SE at bottom screen edge  207 B). In order to reduce button opening length C 1 , which may create overlap length P, middle sensor length M may be reduced. However, in order to reduce middle sensor length M, it may be necessary to reduce the number of traces of substrate  214  that may be extending across middle sensor length M (e.g., between middle sensor point  214 P and bottom sensor point SE). For example, rather than having all of the column traces (e.g., column traces CA-CZ) exposed at a single substrate region on top surface  214 T of substrate  214  (e.g., such that at least some of the column traces might extend between middle sensor point  214 P and bottom sensor point SE bottom screen edge  207 B), the first portion of the column traces (e.g., column traces CA-CM) exposed at second substrate region  213  and the second portion of the column traces (e.g., column traces CN-CZ) exposed at third substrate region  215  may be positioned on opposite sides of middle sensor length M (e.g., such that only a few or none of the column traces may extend between middle sensor point  214 P and bottom sensor point SE at bottom screen edge  207 B). For example, if each one of column traces CA-CZ of substrate  214  were coupled to cable  120  at second substrate region  213 , then each one of column traces CN-CZ might extend through middle sensor length M of substrate  214 , which might require a larger length C 1  then if none of column traces CA-CZ extend through middle sensor length M (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, length C 1  may be the shortest distance between opening  109  and screen  207 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , for example, a first fold region F 1  may be formed at a first position along cable  120  (e.g., at a portion of cable  120  extending between second cable body portion  128  of body  124  and fifth bond pad region  129 ), such that cable  120  may be folded at first fold region F 1  in the direction of arrow D 1  about the X-axis in the +Z-direction. This may allow fifth bond pad region  129  and switch  119  to be folded under a portion of cable  120  (e.g., cable body portion  128 ) from the first stage of assembly or first arrangement of  FIG. 7  to the second stage of assembly or second arrangement of  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , this may allow for at least a portion of fifth bond pad region  129  and switch  119  to at least partially overlap with at least a portion of first end region  122  of cable  120  and connector  132  along the Z-axis. In some embodiments, as shown, a pad  140  (e.g., a stainless steel stiffener) may be positioned on bottom surface  120 B of first end region  122  of cable  120 , such that it may provide structure and support to cable  120  at connector  132 . 
     Once cable  120  has been folded at first fold region F 1 , one or more second folds may be made to further arrange cable  120  within device  100 . For example, a second fold region F 2  may be formed at multiple positions along cable  120  (e.g., at a portion of cable  120  extending between second cable body portion  128  of body  124  and first bond pad region  121 , at a portion of cable  120  extending between second cable body portion  128  of body  124  and second bond pad region  123 , at a portion of cable  120  extending between second cable body portion  128  of body  124  and third bond pad region  125 , and at a portion of cable  120  extending between second cable body portion  128  of body  124  and fourth bond pad region  127 ), such that cable  120  may be folded at each second fold region F 2  in the direction of arrow D 2  about the X-axis in the −Z-direction. In some embodiments, cable  120  may be folded at first fold region F 1  after cable  120  has been folded at each second fold region F 2 . Next, once cable  120  has been folded at each second fold region F 2 , one or more third folds may be made to further arrange cable  120  within device  100 . For example, a third fold region F 3  may be formed at multiple positions along cable  120  (e.g., at a portion of cable  120  extending between second cable body portion  128  of body  124  and each second fold region F 2 ), such that cable  120  may be folded at each third fold region F 3  in the direction of arrow D 3  about the X-axis in the −Z-direction. 
     Then, once cable  120  has been folded at each third fold region F 3 , at least one component may be positioned over at least a portion of substrate  214 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a component  150  may extend away from folds F 3  in the +Y-direction along housing  101 . Each fold region F 3  may abut a first end  151  of component  150  (e.g., the end of component  150  that extends the furthest in the −Y-direction). In some embodiments, component  150  may extend between first end  151  and a second end  153  (e.g., the end of component  150  that extends the furthest in the +Y-direction) to provide support for another component of device  100 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , support component  150  may provide support for a component  170 , which may be positioned between substrate  214  and frame component  150 . Component  170  may extend in the +Y-direction from a first end  171  to a second end  173  and may be any suitable device component, such as a display module of display assembly second output component  212  (e.g., an LCD module (“LCM”)). In such embodiments, at least a portion of display module  170  may define screen  207  that may be provided upwardly in the +Z-direction through substrate  214  and cover  205 . In some embodiments, component  150  may be provided to act as a shield (e.g., an electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shield) for shielding component  170 . 
     Next, once component  150  (and component  170 ) has been positioned, one or more fourth folds may be made to further arrange cable  120  within device  100 . For example, a fourth fold region F 4  may be formed at multiple positions along cable  120  (e.g., at a portion of cable  120  extending between first fold region F 1  and fifth bond pad region  129 , and at a portion of cable  120  where first cable body portion  126  may meet second cable body portion  128  of body  124 ), such that cable  120  may be folded at each fourth fold region F 4  in the direction of arrow D 4  about the X-axis in the −Z-direction. As shown in  FIGS. 2-8 , for example, a first of these fourth fold regions F 4  (e.g., at the portion of cable  120  extending between first fold region F 1  and fifth bond pad region  129 ) may allow top surface  120 T of cable  120  at fifth bond pad region  129  to be aligned with and facing button opening  109 , such that switch  119  may be activated or otherwise engaged by mechanical button  118  of first input component  110  (e.g., to close or open an electrical circuit when button  118  is depressed by a user of device  100  in the −Z-direction, through opening  109 , towards switch  119 ). Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , for example, a second of these fourth fold regions F 4  (e.g., at the portion of cable  120  where first cable body portion  126  may meet second cable body portion  128 ) may allow first cable body portion  126  of cable  120  to be folded over component  150 , such that bottom surface  120 B of first cable body portion  126  may run along a bottom surface  150 B of component  150  facing the −Z-direction, and such that connector  132  on top surface  120 T of cable  120  at first end region  122  may be facing the −Z-direction (e.g., further into housing  101 , such that connector  132  may be electrically coupled to another component of device  100  (e.g., processor  102 )). 
     Then, once component  150  has been positioned, and before or after cable  120  has been folded at each fourth fold region F 4 , at least one component  160  of device  100  may be positioned on bottom surface  150 B of component  150 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a component  160  may extend away from an end  126 E of first cable body portion  126  (e.g., the end of cable  120  that extends the furthest in the +Y-direction once cable  120  has been folded at each fourth fold region F 4 ) in the +Y-direction along bottom surface  150 B of component  150 . End  126 E of cable  120  may abut an end  161  of component  160  (e.g., the end of component  160  that extends the furthest in the −Y-direction). In some embodiments, component  160  may include a battery (e.g., a battery of power supply  108 ) or any other suitable component of device  100 . 
     Therefore, in some embodiments, a mechanical or tactile sensor (e.g., switch  119 ) of a first input component (e.g., mechanical button input component  110 ) and a capacitive or resistive sensor (e.g., sensor substrate  214 ) of a second input component (e.g., touch sensor input component  210  of I/O component  203 ) may both be electrically coupled to the same cable (e.g., cable  120 ) and the same connector (e.g., connector  132 ). This may reduce the space necessary within housing  101  to couple both input component  110  and input component  210  to another component (e.g., a circuit board or processor  102  via a single connector  132 ) by using only a single cable and only a single connector  132 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  6 , for example, electronic device  100  may also include a system for routing a second cable within housing  101  and amongst various components of device  100 . As shown, device  100  may include a second electrically conducting cable  220  that may provide an electrical connection between two or more electronic components of electronic device  100 . For example, cable  220 , which may be similar to cable  120 , may include one or more wires and may be any suitable type of connector or cable, including, but not limited to, a flexible circuit cable, a coaxial cable, a multi-core cable, a shielded cable, a single cable, a twisted pair cable, a twisting cable, and the like, which may route one or more electrical signals from at least a first electrical component of device  100  to at least a second electrical component of device  100 . In some embodiments, cable  220  may be a flexible circuit of any suitable type, such as any flexible printed circuit (“FPC”) or any flexible flat cable (“FFC”), including one-sided, double-sided, multi-layer, dual access, rigid-flex, or combinations thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  6 , for example, cable  220  may include a cable body  224  that may extend between a first end region  222  and one or more bond pad regions (e.g., a bond pad region  221 ). Cable  220  may include a top surface  220 T and a bottom surface  220 B. Cable body  224  may have a first cable body portion  226  (e.g., a snake body portion  226 ) and a second cable body region  228 . First cable body region  226  may extend between first end region  222  and second cable body region  228 , while second cable body region  228  may extend between first cable body region  226  and bond pad region  221 . Cable body  224  may also include any number of electrically conductive traces, vias, or wires (not shown) extending therealong between top surface  220 T and bottom surface  220 B, where at least a first subset of the traces may extend from first end region  222  to first bond pad region  221 . A connector  232  may be provided on top surface  220 T at first end region  222 , such that a first end of each trace of at least the first subset of traces of cable  220  at first end region  222  may be electrically coupled via connector  232  to one or more other components of device  100  (e.g., processor  102 ). For example, connector  232  may be similar to connector  132 , and may be any suitable type of connector, including, but not limited to, a board to board connector, a zero insertion force (“ZIF”) connector, a hand or robot solder pad, an anisotropic conductive film (“ACF”) bond, and combinations thereof. 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  6 , for example, second output component  212  of touch screen I/O component  203  may be a display assembly that may include a display component, such as LCM display component  170 . Display component  170  may include a subcomponent  294 , which may be provided at any portion of component  170  (e.g., along a ledge portion  172  of component  170  that may extend in the +Y-direction to end  173  of component  170 ). For example, display subcomponent  294  may be a driver chip (e.g., an LCD display driver chip, which may drive an LCD display panel (e.g., a display panel of LCM component  170 ) of second output component  212 ), as may be described in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0062148, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, driver chip subcomponent  294  may be provided on ledge portion  172 , which may be a thin-film transistor (“TFT”) ledge portion of display component  170 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , for example, all or at least a portion of subcomponent  294  may be positioned beyond top edge  207 T of screen  207  in the +Y-direction (e.g., display subcomponent  294  may extend along and adjacent to top edge  207 T of screen  207 , between top edge  207 T of screen  207  and top wall  101 T of housing  101 . A second end of each trace (not shown) of at least the first subset of traces of cable  220  at first bond pad region  221  may be electrically coupled to a respective contact (not shown) of subcomponent  294 , such that connector  232  at first end region  222  of cable  220  may be electrically coupled to subcomponent  294  at first bond pad region  221  of cable  220 . Each trace of at least the first subset of traces of cable  220  may be electrically coupled to a respective contact of subcomponent  294  via anisotropic conductive film (“ACF”), solder, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable manner. As shown, cable  220  may include a fold region (e.g., fold region F 5 ) that may allow cable  220  to extend along bottom surface  150 B of component  150  and then fold upwardly about end  153  of component  150  and end  172 E of ledge  172  (e.g., in the direction of arrow D 5  about the X-axis in the +Y-direction), such that bond pad region  221  may be coupled to subcomponent  294 , which may be extending upwardly in the +Z-direction from ledge  172 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, when cable  220  is fully assembled within device  100 , connector  232  on top surface  220 T of cable  220  at first end region  222  may be facing the −Z-direction (e.g., further into housing  101 , such that connector  232  may be electrically coupled to another component of device  100  (e.g., processor  102 )). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, when cable  120  and cable  220  are each fully assembled within device  100 , at least a portion of connector  132  on top surface  120 T of cable  120  may lie in the same X-Y plane as at least a portion of connector  232  on top surface  220 T of cable  220 . This may allow connector  132  and connector  232  to each be coupled to a common surface of a single other component of device  100  (e.g., a surface of a circuit board or processor  102 ). Additionally, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , for example, when cable  120  and cable  220  are each fully assembled within device  100 , at least a portion of connector  132  on top surface  120 T of cable  120  may lie along the same X-axis as at least a portion of connector  232  on top surface  220 T of cable  220  (e.g., along an X-axis that lies beyond bottom edge  207 B of screen  207  in the −Y-direction). 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  6 , for example, when cable  120  and cable  220  are each fully assembled within device  100 , at least a portion of first cable body portion  226  of cable  220  may extend along and underneath at least a portion of first cable body portion  126  of cable  120 . For example, cable  220  may be positioned within device  100  after component  150  is positioned within device  100  but before cable  120  is folded about fourth fold regions F 4 , such that the bottom surface of first cable body portion  226  of cable  220  may extend along bottom surface  150 B of component  150  and such that bottom surface  120 B of first cable body portion  126  of cable  120  may extend along at least a portion of top surface  220 T of first cable body portion  226  of cable  220 . This may allow at least a portion of first cable body portion  226  of cable  220  to be stacked or sandwiched between bottom surface  120 B of first cable body portion  126  and bottom surface  150 B of component  150 . As shown, the shape of at least a portion of each of first cable body portion  126  and first cable body portion  226  may be similar, such as “S-shaped”, which may provide each cable portion with the ability to be stretched concurrently at least partially along the Z-axis. Such concurrent stretching may enable a first end of each one of cables  120  and  220  (e.g., ends  122  and  222  that may be coupled to a circuit board via connectors  123  and  223 ) to be pulled away in the Z-direction from a second end of each one of cables  120  and  220  (e.g., ends at bond pad regions  111  and  221  that may be coupled to components of I/O component  203  (e.g., substrate  214  and subcomponent  294 , respectively)). By providing the matching stretchable portions of cables  120  and  220  in a stacked relationship, the possibility of cables  120  and  220  being tangled when stretched may be reduced. 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  6 , for example, when cable  220  is fully assembled within device  100 , at least a portion of second cable body portion  228  of cable  220  may extend along and underneath at least a portion of component  160 . For example, cable  220  may be positioned within device  100  after component  150  is positioned within device  100  but before component  160  is positioned within device  100 , such that bottom surface  220 B of second cable body portion  228  of cable  220  may extend along bottom surface  150 B of component  150  and such that top surface  220 T of second cable body portion  228  of cable  220  may extend along and underneath at least a portion of component  160 . This may allow at least a portion of second cable body portion  228  of cable  220  to be sandwiched between bottom surface  150 B of component  150  and a top surface  160 T of component  160 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , at least a portion of second cable  220  may be sandwiched between bottom surface  150 B of component  150  and top surface  160 T of component  160 , and at least one coupling element  180  may be provided adjacent that portion of cable  220  for physically coupling component  150  to component  160 . Each coupling element  180  may be any suitable coupling element, such as pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”). For example, as shown, a first coupling element  180   a  may extend between bottom surface  150 B of component  150  and top surface  160 T of component  160  on a first side of cable  220  and a second coupling element  180   b  may extend between bottom surface  150 B of component  150  and top surface  160 T of component  160  on a second side of cable  220  for coupling component  150  to component  160  about cable  220 . This may allow cable  220  to not affect the Z-height of physically coupled components  150  and  160  within housing  101  (e.g., a thickness T 1  of coupling component  180   a  between components  150  and  160  may be equal to or greater than a thickness T 2  of cable  220  between components  150  and  160 ). 
     In some embodiments (not shown), cable  120  and cable  220  may be integrated as a single cable, which may have a single first end region (e.g., a combination of end regions  122  and  222 ) that may be coupled to a single connector (e.g., a combination of connectors  132  and  232 ), and at least six bond pad regions (e.g., bond pad regions  111 ,  113 ,  115 ,  117 ,  119 , and  221 ). Such an embodiment may allow for a switch of a mechanical input component  110 , a touch assembly of a touch input component  210 , and a display assembly of a display output component  212  to all be coupled via the same cable to a single connector for communication with another component of device  110  (e.g., processor  102 ). 
     Therefore, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 2-8 , a display component  294  (e.g., a display driver chip) of an output component  212  of a touch screen I/O interface  203  may be positioned adjacent a first edge of a display screen  207  of the touch screen I/O interface  203  (e.g., beyond top edge  207 T of screen  207  in the +Y-direction), and at least one bond pad substrate region (e.g., at least one of regions  211 ,  213 ,  215 , and  217 ) of a touch component  214  of an input component  210  of that same touch screen I/O interface  203  may be positioned adjacent a second edge (e.g., an opposite edge) of that same display screen  207  of the touch screen I/O interface  203  (e.g., beyond bottom edge  207 B of screen  207  in the −Y-direction). Yet, despite contacts of these components (e.g., driver chip  294  of component  170  and region  213  of sensor  214 ) being positioned on opposite ends of screen  207 , each one of display component  294  and touch component  214  may be electrically coupled to a connector (e.g., connector  232  and connector  132 , respectively) that may be directly coupled to the same additional component of device  100  (e.g., a circuit board or processor  102 ) at the same location, as each connector may be positioned adjacent to one another (e.g., in the same X-Y plane and/or along the same X-axis). 
     By having display component  170  oriented about the Z-axis such that subcomponent  294  extends in the +Y-direction away from screen  207  (e.g., such that end  173  of display component  170  extends in the +Y-direction beyond top edge  207 T of screen  207 ), it may increase length B, for example, as shown in  FIG. 4 . However, if display component  170  were oriented about the Z-axis such that subcomponent  294  might extend in the −Y-direction, it might interfere with the currently shown position of connector  132  and/or switch  119 , the resolution of which might increase length A to an even greater length than the currently shown embodiment may increase length B. Moreover, by having display component  170  oriented about the Z-axis such that subcomponent  294  extends in the +Y-direction away from screen  207 , at least a portion of component  170  may extend under at least a portion of top housing length H of front housing surface  101 F that may extend between top housing surface  101 T and opening  209  (e.g., at top cover edge  205 T). For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , at least a portion of ledge  172  of component  170  may extend a length U under at least a portion of front housing surface  101 F to end  172 E/ 173 . By nestling this portion of component  170  under such a portion of front housing surface  101 F, length B may be reduced. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  900 , which may include electrically coupling a first bond pad of a cable to at least one electrical contact of a capacitive touch input assembly at a step  902 . For example, a first bond pad  121  of cable  120  may be coupled to an electrical contact of sensor  214  at region  211 . At step  904 , process  900  may include electrically coupling a second bond pad of the cable to at least one electrical contact of a mechanical input assembly. For example, a fifth bond pad  129  of cable  120  may be coupled to an electrical contact of switch  119 . At step  906 , process  900  may include electrically coupling the first bond pad and the second bond pad to a connector at an end region of the cable. For example, each trace of first bond pad region  121  and each trace of fifth bond pad region  129  may be electrically coupled to connector  132  at end region  122  of cable  120 . 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  900  of  FIG. 9  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart of an illustrative process  1000 , which may include providing a display assembly that displays data on an active display area defined by at least a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. For example, display assembly  212  may display data on active display region  207  defined by top edge  207 T and bottom edge  207 B that may be opposite edge  207 T. At step  1004 , process  1000  may include providing a touch assembly comprising a number traces on a substrate. For example, a touch input component assembly  210  may include a number of column traces CA-CZ on a substrate  214 . At step  1006 , process  1000  may include electrically coupling a first bond pad of a first cable to an end of a first trace of the traces at a first position beyond the first edge of the active display area. For example, a bond pad  123  of cable  120  may be coupled to an electrical contact of column trace CM of touch input component assembly  210  at region  213  beyond bottom edge  207 B. At step  1008 , process  1000  may include electrically coupling a second bond pad of a second cable to a component of the display assembly at a second position beyond the second edge of the active display area. For example, bond pad  221  of cable  220  may be coupled to an electrical contact of component  294  of display assembly  212  beyond top edge  207 T. 
     It is understood that the steps shown in process  1000  of  FIG. 10  are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. 
     While there have been described systems and methods for routing cables in an electronic device, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. It is also to be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up and “down,” “front” and “back,” “top” and “bottom” and “side,” “length” and “width” and “thickness,” “X-” and “Y-” and “Z-,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the devices of this invention can have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of this invention. Moreover, an electronic device constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention may be of any suitable three-dimensional shape, including, but not limited to, a sphere, cone, octahedron, or combination thereof, rather than a hexahedron, as illustrated by  FIGS. 1-8 . 
     Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120911
Publication Date: 20150714
Grant Date: 20150714
Priority Date: 20120911
Inventors: SHEDLETSKY ANNA-KATRINA
WERNER CHRISTOPHER M.
ELY COLIN M.
ROTHKOPF FLETCHER R.
LEONG MING
HOBSON PHILLIP MICHAEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R43/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/22", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0274", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/047", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0274", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/047", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04164", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/22", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49169", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0274", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0266", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/22", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1658", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50232786