PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9538632-B2
Application Number: US-201313855681-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Printed circuit board features of a portable computer

Abstract:
Tools and fixtures for assembling a printed circuit board (PCB), such as a main logic board (MLB), in a portable computer device are described. A connector assembly having an electrically conductive gasket mounted on an edge of the MLB is described. In addition, a keyboard assembly including a notched portion of the MLB for accommodating more than one type of keyboard is described. In addition, a PCB assembly having a bracket to support a weak region of the PCB during assembly is described.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connector assembly of a portable computing device, the connector assembly comprising:
 a receptacle configured to accept an external connector, wherein the external connector is configured to connect to an external electronic device; 
 an opening formed in a housing of the portable computing device, the opening configured to substantially conform to the receptacle; 
 an electrically conductive shield that surrounds the receptacle; and 
 an electrically conductive gasket located entirely within the housing of the portable computing device, the electrically conductive gasket formed from a foam material and comprising: 
 an elongated portion configured to provide mechanical and electrical contact with a first portion of the housing, and 
 at least one finger portion that is mechanically and electrically coupled to the elongated portion, wherein the at least one finger portion physically contacts the shield and is electrically coupled to the receptacle such that a ground path is formed between the external electronic device and the housing of the portable computing device via the electrically conductive gasket; 
 wherein the shield comprises at least one spring finger configured to physically contact a ground sheath of the connector when the connector is inserted into the receptacle, thereby providing a ground path to a second portion of the housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The connector assembly recited in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly further comprises an electrically conductive adhesive disposed between the at least one finger portion and the elongated portion. 
     
     
       3. The connector assembly recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive gasket is formed from a sculpted single piece of conductive silicon material. 
     
     
       4. The connector assembly recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive material is comprised of a silicon foam material with conductive particles embedded therein. 
     
     
       5. The connector assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated portion is configured to make direct contact with the first portion of the housing. 
     
     
       6. The connector assembly recited in  claim 4 , wherein the conductive particles are comprised of silver. 
     
     
       7. The connector assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first portion of the housing is a bottom case. 
     
     
       8. The connector assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the bottom case is anodized at the point of contact with the elongated portion. 
     
     
       9. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the second housing portion including an opening therethrough, wherein the opening is configured to accept a separate external connector that connects to a separate external electronic device; 
 a receptacle located within the housing and proximate the opening, wherein the receptacle is configured to accommodate the external connector; and 
 an electrically conductive gasket formed from a foam material located entirely within the housing of the portable computing device, the electrically conductive gasket having an elongated gasket portion that is mechanically and electrically coupled with the housing and a finger gasket portion that is electrically coupled to the receptacle, wherein a ground path is formed between the external electronic device and the housing via the electrically conductive gasket; and 
 a metal shield that surrounds the receptacle and forms part of the ground path; 
 wherein the metal shield includes at least one spring finger configured to physically contact a ground sheath of the external connector when the external connector is inserted into the receptacle. 
 
     
     
       10. The portable computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the first housing portion is an upper case and the second housing portion is a bottom case. 
     
     
       11. The portable computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the metal shield physically contacts the finger gasket portion. 
     
     
       12. The portable computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the portable computing device is a laptop computer. 
     
     
       13. The portable computing device of  claim 10 , wherein the elongated gasket portion physically contacts the bottom case. 
     
     
       14. A laptop computer, comprising:
 a housing including an upper case coupled to a bottom case, the upper case including an opening therethrough, wherein the opening is configured to accept a separate external connector that connects to a separate external electronic device; 
 a receptacle located within the housing and proximate the opening, wherein the receptacle is configured to accommodate the separate external connector; 
 a metal shield that surrounds the receptacle, the metal shield including at least one spring finger configured to physically contact a ground sheath of the external connector when the external connector is inserted into the receptacle; and 
 an electrically conductive gasket formed from a foam material located entirely within the housing of the laptop computer, the electrically conductive gasket having an elongated gasket portion that physically contacts the bottom case and an integrally formed finger gasket portion that physically contacts the metal shield, wherein a ground path is formed from the external electronic device to the bottom case by way of the ground sheath of the external connector, the metal shield, and the electrically conductive gasket, when the external connector is inserted into the receptacle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. Patent Application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/795,542 filed Oct. 18, 2012 entitled “Printed Circuit Board Features of a Portable Computer” by Smith et al. which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     The described embodiments relate generally to portable computing devices. More specifically, the present embodiments relate to various features of printed circuit boards (PCBs), such as the main logic board (MLB), of the portable computing device. Methods include the use of fixtures during the assembly of PCBs in the portable computing devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The assembly of computer devices involves the positioning of many different components within regions of the housings of the computer devices. The positioning of the components in relation to each other is an important design consideration to assure that the components can adequately communicate with each other and not interfere with each other during operation of the computer. For portable computers in particular, it is also important that the components are securely fixed within the housings to withstand any jostling and vibrations associated with ordinary use. 
     The main logic board (MLB), which is the main circuit board of a portable computer, typically contains the central processing unit and main system memory as well as circuitry that controls the disk drives, keyboard, monitor, and other peripheral devices. Because of its central role, it is important that the MLB be positioned within the housing such that other components can adequately communicate with the MLB. It is also important that the MLB be adequately secured and protected to avoid damage to the MLB during and after assembly of the portable computer. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to features related to printed circuit boards (PCBs) such as the main logic board (MLB) of a portable computing device. Methods, fixtures and devices used for assembling an MLB in a portable computer device are described. 
     According to one embodiment described herein, a connector assembly having an electrically conductive gasket is mounted on an edge of the MLB is described. The connector assembly includes a receptacle configured to accept a connector, the connector being configured to connect to and communicate with an external electronic device. The connector assembly also includes an opening formed in a housing of the portable computing device, the opening being configured to conform to the receptacle. The connector assembly further includes an electrically conductive gasket. The electrically conductive gasket can have an elongated portion configured to provide mechanical and electrical contact with a portion of the housing of the portable computing device, and at least one finger portion that is mechanically and electrically coupled to the elongated portion. The at least one finger portion can be electrically coupled to the receptacle such that a ground path is formed between the external electronic device and the housing of the portable computing device via the electrically conductive gasket. 
     According to another embodiment, a keyboard assembly including a notched portion of the MLB is described. The keyboard assembly includes a first web having a first support structure and a number of first openings configured to accept a set of first keys. The first support structure can have a first boss configured to accept a first fastener. The keyboard assembly also includes a main logic board configured to accept input from the set of first keys. The MLB has a notch corresponding to the first boss and is configured to accept the first fastener. The notch has a suitable size and shape to correspond to a second boss of a second web and configured to accept the second fastener. In this way, a single MLB design having a universal notch can be used for assembly with more than one type of keyboard layout (e.g., ANSI, JIS or ISO keyboard layouts). 
     According to another embodiment, a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly having a bracket to support a weak region of the PCB during assembly is described. The PCB can be part of the MLB of the portable computing device. The PCB assembly includes a base having a number of attachment features for attaching a number of components to the base. The base has a cut out having the size and shape to accept a part therein. Because of the cut out, the base has a mechanically weak region which can experience mechanical strain during handling when the cut out is empty. The PCB assembly also includes a bracket having a size an shape corresponding to the cut out, wherein the mechanically weak region can experience less mechanical strain when the bracket is positioned in the cut out and attached to the base compared to when the cut out is empty. Methods for assembling a PCB in a portable computing device are described. Methods can include first receiving a PCB having a base and a number of attachment features for attaching a number of components to the base. The cut out of the base can have the size and shape to accept a part therein, wherein the base has a mechanically weak region which can experience mechanical strain during handling when the cut out is empty. Next, a PCB assembly is formed by mounting a bracket in the cut out, the bracket having a size and shape corresponding to the cut out. As a result, the mechanically weak region can experience less mechanical strain when the bracket is positioned in the cut out and attached to the base compared to when the cut out is empty. Next, the PCB assembly is assembled in the portable computing device. Next, the bracket is removed from the cut out of the printed circuit board. Finally, the part is mounted in the cut out of the PCB. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for shielding an antenna cable situated on the MLB is described. Methods can include first receiving a PCB having: a base configured to accept a number of components; a radio card mounted on the base, the radio card having at least one connector for attaching an antenna cable thereto, where the radio card is configured to process radio signals received and/or transmitted from/to an antenna via the antenna cable; and a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) receptacle positioned at the edge of the base, where the HDMI receptacle is configured to connect to and communicate with a corresponding HDMI connector for an external device. Next, a shield is mounted on the base between the radio card and the HDMI receptacle, where the shield reduces the electromagnetic noise experienced by the radio card and the antenna cable generated by HDMI receptacle. Finally and a separator is disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the shield, where the separator reduces electromagnetic noise experienced by the antenna cable emitted from the shield by providing a distance gap between the antenna cable and the shield. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings with like reference numerals designating like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of a portable computing device in an open (lid) state. 
         FIG. 2  shows the portable computing device of  FIG. 1  in a closed (lid) state that shows rear cover and logo. 
         FIG. 3  shows an external view of bottom case of the portable computing device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of an interior portion of a portable computing device having a double stack gasket as part of a connector assembly. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the connector assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross section view of the connector assembly of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a different cross section view of the connector assembly of  FIGS. 4-6 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom-up view of top case of a portable computing device showing an integrated support system. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate bottom-up views of portions of a keyboard web and main logic board assemblies. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate bottom-up views of portions of keyboard assemblies showing a PCB notch to accommodate different keyboard layouts. 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  illustrate different PCB notch shapes in accordance with described embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a top-down view of a portion of an MLB of a portable computing device showing a cut out in the PCB. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate top-down and isometric view, respectively, of the MLB of  FIG. 12  with a fan installed in the cut out of the PCB. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate top-down and isometric view, respectively, of the MLB of  FIG. 12  with a bracket installed the cut out of the PCB. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing process steps for assembling a PCB having bracket in a portable computing device. 
         FIG. 16A  illustrates a top-down view of a portion of a MLB having a radio card, antenna cables, a high-definition multimedia interface and a shield. 
         FIGS. 16B and 16C  illustrate top-down and isometric views, respectively, of the MLB of  FIG. 16A  having a separator mounted on the shield. 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart showing process steps for shielding an antenna cable of a portable computing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following disclosure describes various embodiments of features within a portable computing device. Certain details are set forth in the following description and Figures to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. Moreover, various features, structures, and/or characteristics of the present technology can be combined in other suitable structures and environments. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations, and/or systems are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, or with other structures, methods and components. 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatuses according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following describes methods and tools used for assembling a portable computing device. In particular, features of a main logic board (MLB) of a portable computing device are described. In general, the main logic board, sometimes referred to as the motherboard, is the main circuit board of a computer, usually containing the central processing unit and main system memory as well as circuitry and components for controlling disk drives, keyboard, monitor and other peripheral devices. The printed circuit board (PCB) of the MLB typically has a non-conductive base or substrate that has components mounted thereon and electrically conductive pathways laminated on the base to connect the various components. The embodiments described herein involve improved features of an MLB of a portable computing device. Some features can aid in the assembly of the MLB in the housing of the portable computing device. Other features provide ways to adequately secure the MLB inside the housing of the MLB. Other features can help improve the performance of components on the MLB. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-17 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
     The portable computing device can include a multi-part housing having a top case and bottom case joined together to form a base portion. The portable computing device can have an upper portion (or lid) that can house a display screen and other related components. The base portion can house processors, drives, ports, a battery, a keyboard, a touch pad, etc. The upper portion can be pivotally connected to the bottom portion using clutch hinge assembly. The housing can be formed of a strong and durable yet lightweight material. Such materials can include composite materials or metals such as aluminum. Since aluminum is a good electrical conductor, a housing formed of aluminum can act as a chassis ground for internal electrical components arranged to fit and operate within the housing. 
       FIGS. 1-17  show various views of a portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of a portable computing device in the form of portable computing device  100  in an open (lid) state. Portable computing device  100  can include base portion  102  formed of bottom case  104  fastened to top case  106 . Base portion  102  can be pivotally connected to lid portion  108  by way of clutch assembly  110  hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Base portion  102  can have an overall uniform shape sized to accommodate clutch assembly  110  and inset portion  112  suitable for assisting a user in lifting lid portion  108  by, for example, a finger. Top case  106  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as keyboard  114  and touchpad  116 . Keyboard  114  can include a plurality of low profile keycap assemblies each having an associated key pad  118 . The main logic board (MLB) (not shown) is positioned partially under keyboard  114  of portable computing device  100 . In one embodiment, an audio transducer (not shown) can use selected portions of keyboard  114  to output audio signals such as music. In the described embodiment, a microphone can be located at a side portion of top case  106  that can be spaced apart to improve frequency response of an associated audio circuit. 
     Each of the plurality of key pads  118  can have a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying the key input associated with the particular key pad. Keyboard  114  can be arranged to receive a discrete input at each keypad using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key pad can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of portable computing device  100 . In order to reduce component count, a keycap assembly can be re-provisioned as a power button. For example, key pad  118 - 1  can be used as power button  118 - 1 . In this way, the overall number of components in portable computing device  100  can be commensurably reduced. 
     Touch pad  116  can be configured to receive finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such as a swipe or a tap. The gesture can be sensed by a sensing circuit in touch pad  116  and converted to electrical signals that are passed to a processing unit for evaluation. In this way, portable computing device  100  can be at least partially controlled by touch. 
     Lid portion  108  can be moved with the aid of clutch assembly  110  from the closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Lid portion  108  can include display  120  and rear cover  122  that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion  108  and also provide structural support to at least display  120 . In the described embodiment, lid portion  108  can include mask (also referred to as display trim)  124  that surrounds display  120 . Display trim  124  can be formed of an opaque material such as ink deposited on top of or within a protective layer of display  120 . Display trim  124  can enhance the overall appearance of display  120  by hiding operational and structural components as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display  120 . 
     Display  120  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. Display  120  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portable computing device  100  can also include image capture device  126  located on a transparent portion of display trim  124 . Image capture device  126  can be configured to capture both still and video images. Lid portion  108  can be formed to have uni-body construction that can provide additional strength and resiliency to lid portion  108  which is particularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, the uni-body construction of lid portion  108  can reduce overall part count by eliminating separate support features. 
     Data ports  128 - 132  can be used to transfer data and/or power between an external circuit(s) and portable computing device  100 . Data ports  128 - 132  can include, for example, input slot  132  that can be used to accept a memory card (such as a FLASH memory card), data ports  128  and  130  can take be used to accommodate data connections such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and so on. In some embodiments, an audio port embodied as part of keyboard  114  is used to port audio from an associated audio component enclosed within base portion  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows portable computing device  100  in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover  122  and logo  202 . In one embodiment, logo  202  can be illuminated by light from display  120 . It should be noted that in the closed configuration, lid portion  108  and base portion  102  form what appears to be a uniform structure having a continuously varying and coherent shape that enhances both the look and feel of portable computing device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an external view of bottom case  104  showing relative positioning of support feet  302 , insert  112 , cosmetic wall  304  that can be used to conceal clutch assembly  110  and fasteners  306  used to secure bottom case  104  and top case  106  together. Support feet  302  can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as plastic. Also in view are multi-purpose front side sequentially placed vents  308  and  310  that can be used to provide a flow of outside air that can be used to cool internal components. In the described embodiment, vents  308  and  310  can be placed on an underside of top cover  106  in order to hide the vents from view as well as obscure the view of an interior of portable computing device  100  from the outside. Vents  308  and  310  can act as a secondary air intake subordinate to primary air intake vents located at a rear portion of portable computing device  100  (described below). In this way, vents  308  and  310  can help to maintain an adequate supply of cool air in those situations where portions of the rear vents are blocked or otherwise have their air intake restricted. 
     Vents  308  and  310  can also be used to output audio signals in the form of sound generated by an audio module (not shown). In one embodiment, a selected portion (such as portions  312  and  314 ) can be used to output sound at a selected frequency range in order to improve quality of an audio presentation by portable computing device  100 . Vents  308  and  310  can be part of an integrated support system in that vents  308  and  310  can be machined from the outside and cut from the inside during fabrication of top case  106 . As part of the machining of vents  308  and  310 , stiffener ribs  316  can be placed within vent openings  308  and  310  to provide additional structural support for portable computing device  100 . Stiffener ribs  416  can be formed using what is referred to as a T cutter that removes material subsequent to the formation of the vent openings during the fabrication of top case  106 . 
     Moreover, trusses  318  can be formed between vents  308  and  310  in combination with ribs  316  can add both structural support as well as assist in defining both the cadence and size of vents  308  and  310 . The cadence and size of vents  308  and  310  can be used to control air flow into portable computing device  100  as well as emission of RF (radio frequency) energy in the form of EMI from portable computing device  100 . Accordingly, stiffener ribs  316  can separate an area within vents  308  and  310  to produce an aperture sized to prevent passage of RF energy. As known from electromagnetic theory, the size of an aperture can restrict the emission of RF energy having a wavelength that can be “trapped” by the aperture. In this case, the size of vents  308  and  310  is such that a substantial portion of RF energy emitted by internal components can be trapped within portable computing device  100 . Furthermore, by placing vents  308  and  310  at a downward facing surface of top case  106 , the aesthetics of portable computing device  100  can be enhanced since views of internal components from an external observer are eliminated. 
     During assembly of the portable computing device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the MLB is positioned inside base portion  102  such that components of on the MLB can communicate with each other, with other components of the portable computing device  100  or peripheral components. Various features involving the MLB of portable computing device  100  will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 4-17 , which illustrate various internal portions of portable computing device  100  during assembly processes. 
     Double Stack Gasket for Port Receptacles 
     As described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , data ports  128 - 132  can be used to transfer data and/or power between portable computing device  100  and external devices. Data ports  128 - 132  allow for communication between external devices and the MLB of portable computing device  100 . The ports have receptacles that are configured to accommodate corresponding external connectors. The receptacles can accommodate, for example, USB, FireWire and Thunderbolt connectors. If the housing of the portable computer device is made of an electrically conductive material such as aluminum, the portions of the receptacles can be electrically coupled to the housing to provide an electrical ground for the connecting device.  FIGS. 4 and 5  show close up top and perspective views of interior portions of portable computing device  100  illustrating a double stack gasket  400  as part of a connector assembly. External devices can be connected to the computer device via openings  406 . Openings  406  are formed in upper case  408  of the housing of the portable computing device. As shown, openings  406  are configured to accept corresponding dual Thunderbolt connectors. In other embodiments, openings  406  are configured for accepting USB, serial and FireWire connectors, or other suitable connectors. Double stack gasket  400 , which is electrically conductive, includes finger portions  404  and an elongated portion  402 . It should be noted that finger portions  404  and elongated portion  402  can have any shapes, including a rectangular surfaces with straight edges. In addition, the double stack gasket can have any suitable number of finger portions  404  connected by an elongated portion  402 . In some embodiments, double stack gasket  400  is made of a flexible and conductive foam material, such as a silicon foam material embedded with conductive particles. In one embodiment, the conductive particles include silver particles. In some embodiments, double stack gasket  400  is made of a single piece of conductive silicon material which is sculpted using, for example, die cuts to create the step or finger portions  404 . In other embodiments, double stack gasket  400  is fabricated by adhering separate finger portions  404  to elongated portion  402  using, for example, a conductive adhesive. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show cross section views of a connector assembly having a double stack gasket  400 . Openings  406  are configured to substantially conform to receptacles  418 . Receptacles  418  are configured to accept a connector  420 , which is in turn configured to connect to an external device (not shown). Shield  412  surrounds receptacles  418  and is configured to make physical and electrical contact with portions of a connector of an external device. Shield  412  includes spring fingers  410  which can physically and electrically contact upper case  408  of the housing, thereby providing a low impedance conductive pathway to ground at upper case  408 . Finger portions  404  can physically and electrically couple with metal shield  412  at interface  414 . Finger portions  404  can be affixed to metal shield  412  using a conductive adhesive material. As shown in  FIG. 7 , when the portable computer is assembled, elongated portion  402  can make physical and electrical contact with bottom case  416 . In addition, finger portions  404  can make physical and electrical contact with ground sheath  422  of connector  420 . In some embodiments, bottom case  416  is anodized with a portion that is laser etched to provide a conductive contact for elongated portion  402 . In this way, a ground path is formed between the external electronic device and the bottom case via the double stack gasket  400 . In addition, from the perspective of a user who opens the bottoms case  416  to, for example repair the portable computer, the user will see elongated portion  402  of double stack gasket  400 , which can be more cosmetically appealing compared to viewing individual finger portions  404 . 
     MLB Features for Accommodating Regional Keyboards 
     As described above, portable computing device  100  of  FIGS. 1-3  has a base portion  12  which includes bottom case  104  and top case  106 . Top case  106  has an integrated support system for supporting different structures of the computing device  100 .  FIG. 8  shows a bottom-up view of a top case  106  showing integrated support system  800  in accordance with the described embodiments. Generally speaking, top case  106  can be divided into various structural zones each of which can be expected to experience varying amounts and types of externally applied loads. For example, top case  106  can include palm rest zone  802  that can be expected to experience an external load applied by a user resting a palm or hand on top case  106  in the vicinity of palm rest zone  802 . Keyboard zone  812  can include keyboard support rib  814  that surrounds and defines a keyboard opening in keyboard zone  812 . Keyboard zone  812 , which can also be referred to as a web, has a support structure  820  which has openings  816  formed therein to accommodate a keyboard positioned behind web  812 . Web  812  is expected to experience an external load applied by a user during typing. Other structural zones can include touch pad zone  804 , side vents zone  806 , rear vent zone  808  and clutch bolt zone  810  each of which can be expected to experience varying amount and types of externally applied loads. Accordingly, integrated support system  800  can be configured in such a way to take into account the load expected at each of the structural zones. 
     Structural support system  800  can provide support elements (such as bosses) that can be used to mount internal components to top case  106 . For example, web  812  has bosses  818  to which fasteners or stand-offs can be used to attach the MLB. Different geographical regions require different keyboard layouts. For example, Japan uses a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) keyboard layout, European countries use an International Standards Organization (ISO) keyboard layout and the United States uses an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) keyboard layout. Thus, web  812  can have different keyboard opening designs to accommodate different keyboard layouts depending on where a particular device is being sold. 
     To illustrate,  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate bottom-up views of portions of web and MLB assemblies with webs configured to accommodate ANSI and JIS keyboards, respectively. In  FIG. 9A , assembly  900  includes ANSI web  902  having openings  904  to accommodate an ANSI keyboard (not shown). ANSI web  902  has boss  906  configured to accept a fastener or stand-off to couple web  902  to MLB  908 . MLB  908  is partially positioned in front of web  902 . MLB  908  has aperture  910 , which is aligned with boss  906  of web  902 , to accept the fastener or stand-off and to couple MLB  908  to web  902 . In  FIG. 9B , assembly  920  includes a JIS web  922  having openings  924  to accommodate a JIS keyboard (not shown). As shown, openings  924  of JIS web  922  are shifted in relation to openings  904  of ANSI web  902 . JIS web  922  has boss  926  configured to accept a fastener or stand-off to couple web  922  to MLB  928 . MLB  928  is positioned partially in front of web  922 . MLB  928  has aperture  930 , which is aligned with boss  926  of web  922 , to accept the fastener or stand-off and to couple MLB  928  to web  922 . As shown, in order to align with boss  926 , part of aperture  930  is positioned off of an edge of MLB  928 . When a fastener is used to couple MLB  928  to JIS web  922  via aperture  930  and boss  926 , MLB  928  may not be adequately secured to web  922 . In some cases, MLB  928  can fall off the fastener and decouple from web  922 . 
     The embodiments herein provide features on an MLB in order to accommodate different types of keyboard layouts using a single design.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate bottom-up views of portions of keyboard assemblies which include one type of MLB that is adapted to accommodate different webs having different keyboard layouts.  FIG. 10A  shows an ANSI web  1002  with a support structure  1004  having a number of openings  1006  configured to accept an ANSI keyboard. MLB  1010  is positioned in front of ANSI web  1002 . As shown in the inset view, ANSI web  1002  has boss  1008  which is configured to accept a fastener or stand-off for supporting MLB  1010 . MLB  1010  has notch  1012  which includes a first portion  1014  and a second portion  1016 , each configured to accept a fastener such as a screw. First portion  1014  is substantially circular in shape and second portion  1016  is at an edge of MLB. Second portion  1016  is aligned with boss  1008  of ANSI web  1002  such that a fastener or stand-off can be positioned there through to securely fasten MLB  1010  to ANSI web  1002 . In some embodiments, gipping feature  1018  is provided, which can include a high friction surface to provide extra support for the fastener. Gripping feature  1018  can be, for example, a textured portion of the MLB produced, for example, by etching the MLB. Alternatively, gripping feature  1018  can be a compressible material such as silicone or rubber that is affixed to or not affixed to MLB  1010 . 
       FIG. 10B  shows a JIS web  1022  with a support structure  1024  having a number of openings  1026  configured to accept a JIS keyboard. MLB  1010  is positioned partially in front of HS web  1022 . Note that MLB  1010  can also be used with an ANSI web as shown in  FIG. 10A . As shown in the inset view, JIS web  1022  has boss  1028  which is configured to accept a fastener or stand-off for supporting MLB  1010 . MLB  1010  has notch  1018  which includes a first portion  1014  and a second portion  1016 , each configured to accept a fastener such as a screw. First portion  1014  is aligned with boss  1028  of JIS web  1022  such that a fastener or stand-off can be positioned there through to securely fasten MLB  1010  to JIS web  1022 . As with the ANSI web, in some embodiments, gipping feature  1018  is used to provide a high friction surface for extra support for the fastener. Thus, as shown by  FIGS. 10A and 10B , MLB  1010  can be used for both ANSI and JIS webs. In some embodiments, the MLB can have a notch that can accommodate three or more types of webs, such as webs to accommodate ISO and other keyboard configurations. 
       FIGS. 11A-11D  illustrate different notch shapes for an MLB to accommodate different types of keyboards in accordance with described embodiments.  FIG. 11A  shows notch  1100  having a substantially circular first portion  1102  and second portion  1104  shaped to fit a fastener and positioned at the edge of the MLB.  FIG. 11B  shows notch  1106  having substantially circular first  1108  and second portions  1110 .  FIG. 11C  shows notch  1112  with first  1114  and second  1116  portions together forming a substantially oval shape.  FIG. 11D  shows notch  1118  with first  1120  and second  1122  portions together forming a substantially oval shape and second portion  1122  having tapered regions  1124  next to the edge of the MLB. 
     MLB Thin Section Support 
     As described above the MLB can play a central role in the functioning of portable computing device  100 . As such, it is important that the MLB be protected from damage that can occur during assembly of the portable computing device.  FIG. 12  illustrates top-down view of a portion of a bare printed circuit board (PCB)  1200  of an MLB in accordance with described embodiments. PCB  1200  can have features for mounting a number of components as part of the MLB. The base of PCB  1200  is generally made of an insulating material such as a resinous material. As shown, PCB  1200  has a cut out  1202  for accommodating a fan or blower (not shown) for cooling the portable computing device. The fan or blower can be coupled to PCB  1200  using fasteners to fasten PCB  1200  to the fan or blower via openings  1204 . As shown, PCB  1200  has a thin section  1206  where PCB  1200  has a small length relative to a wider section of PBC  120  having a maximum length  1208 . In some embodiments, the thickness of PCB is about 1 mm and thin section  1206  is about 11-12 mm in length. Because of its relative thinness, PCB  1200  at thin section  1206  can subject to mechanical strain during assembly of the portable computing device and can thus be considered a mechanically weak region of PCB  1200 . If components, such as integrated chips, and/or connectors are already assembled on PCB  1200 , bending or twisting of PBC  1200  at thin section  1206  can cause damage to the components and/or wires near thin section  1206 . Bending or twisting at thin section  1206  can occur, for example, when PCB is being assembled into the housing of the portable computing device. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate top-down and isometric views of assembly  1300  which includes PCB  1200  and fan  1302  assembled in cut out  1202 . As shown, fasteners  1304  are used to secure fan  1302  to PCB  1200 . When fan  1302  is positioned in cut out  1202  and attached to PCB  1200 , thin section  1206  is adequately supported. In some embodiments, fan  1302  is not assembled onto PCB  1200  until after PCB  1200  is assembled in the housing of the portable computing device, thereby leaving thin section  1206 , and nearby components, vulnerable to damage from handling. 
     In accordance with described embodiments, a bracket can be positioned in cut out  1202  in order to mechanically support thin section  1206  from mechanical strain.  FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate top-down and isometric views of assembly  1400  which includes PCB  1200  and bracket  1402  assembled in cut out  1202 . As shown, bracket  1402  is configured to have the size and shape corresponding to cut out  1202  so that bracket can be positioned in cut out  1202  and attached to PCB  1200  using fasteners  1304 . Note that bracket  1402  is configured to have attachment features  1404  positioned such that fasteners  1304  can be used to secure bracket  1402  to PCB  1200  via corresponding openings  1204 , which are the same openings  1204  used to attach fan  1302  to PCB  1200 . Any suitable fasteners can be used, for example, screws, bolts, clips, snapping features, spring clamps and/or magnets can be used. By mounting bracket  1402  in cut out  1204 , thin section  1206  can experience less mechanical strain during handling compared to when cut out  1204  is empty, as shown in  FIG. 12 . Bracket  1402  can be made of any suitable material capable of supporting thin section  1206 . For example, bracket  1402  can be made of sheet metal, durable plastic material or resinous material similar to the base of PCB  1200 . In some embodiments, bracket  1402  can have bended portions  1406  that protrude substantially perpendicularly from at a surface of bracket  1402 . Bended portions  1406  can be used as stops to align PCB  1200  to a reference surface (e.g., corresponding stops attached to the housing) to assure proper alignment of PCB  2100  during assembly of PCB  1200  in the portable computer device. In addition, bended portions can be used as handles such that a handler can mount and remove bracket  1402  to/from PCB  1200  more easily. Bracket  1402  can be mounted in PCB  1200  prior to any operation involving handing such as mounting components onto PCB  1200  and assembling PCB  1200  in the housing of the portable computing device. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart  1500  showing process steps of an embodiment for assembling a PCB in a portable computing device. At  1502 , a PCB having a base with a cut out for a part and a mechanically weak region, as described above, is received. The cut out can have a size and shape to accept a part therein. The part can be any suitable part mounted on a PCB. In some embodiments, the part is a fan or blower to keep the portable computing device cool during operation. The mechanically weak region can be a thin section of the base that can experience mechanical strain during handling of the PCB when the cut out is empty. That is, the mechanically weak region can have reduced dimensions relative to other portions of the base. At  1504 , a PCB assembly is formed by mounting a bracket in the cut out. The bracket can have a size and shape corresponding to the cut out. When the bracket is mounted in the cut out, the mechanically weak region can experience less mechanical strain compared to when the cut out is empty. Note that in some embodiments, components can be mounted before or after the bracket is mounted in the cut out. At  1506 , the PCB assembly is assembled in the portable computing device. During assembly into portable computing device, the PCB assembly can be subject to handling. Since the bracket is mounted in the PCB, the weak region can be adequately supported to avoid mechanical strain to the weak region and any surrounding components or cables. At  1508 , the bracket is removed from the cut out. Thus, the bracket is a temporary structure that provides support for the PCB during assembly before the part is installed. At  1510 , the part is mounted in the cut out of the PCB. It should be noted that the bracket can be reused in supporting a PCB during the assembly of another PCB in another portable computing device. 
     Antenna Cable Shield and Separator 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , portable computing device  100  can have a number of antennas, such as WiFi, 3G and/or Bluetooth antennas, for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic frequencies during operation of portable computing device  100 . The antennas can be sensitive to the noise floor of portable computing device  100 . In general, the noise floor is the measure of the signal power created from the sum of the electromagnetic noise sources and unwanted signals within a measurement system, where noise is defined as any signal other than the one being monitored. In portable computing device  100 , the noise floor can include electromagnetic noise emitted from components and connectors on the MLB, which can reduce the sensitivities of the antennas that are in proximity to such components and connectors. 
       FIG. 16A  illustrates a top-down view of a portion of MLB  1600  that can be part of portable computing device  100 . MLB  1600  has mounted thereon radio card  1602  having connectors  1604  and antenna cables  1606 . Antenna cables  1606  are, in turn, connected to an antenna (not shown). Radio card  1602  can process radio signals received and/or transmitted from/to antenna via antenna cables  1606 . High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) receptacle  1608  is positioned at an edge of MLB  1600  and is configured to connect to and communicate with a corresponding HDMI connector for an external device. Shield  1610  is positioned between radio card  1602  and HDMI receptacle  1608  and is used to reduce the electromagnetic noise generated by HDMI receptacle  1608  that can be experienced by radio card  1602 . Shield  1610  can be made of suitable material such as sheet metal. Although shield  1610  can reduce the amount of noise generated by HDMI receptacle  1608  experienced by radio card  1602  and antenna cables  1606 , shield  1610  can itself emit electromagnetic noise due to its proximity to HDMI receptacle  1608 . Since antenna cables  1606  are positioned on top of shield  1610 , antenna cables  1606  can experience noise emitted from shield  1610 . Methods described herein are used to reduce the electromagnetic noise generated by shield  1610  and maximize the sensitivity of the antenna to wireless signals. 
       FIGS. 16B and 16C  illustrate top-down and cross-section perspective views, respectively, of a portion of MLB  1600  with a separator  1612  positioned on top of shield  1610 . In some embodiments, separator  1612  is positioned over a portion of shield  1610 . Separator  1612  can be made of any suitable insulator material such as a polymer material (e.g., Mylar) or a durable plastic material. Separator  1612  can also be made of an RF absorbing material which can further reduce the radio frequency noise experienced by the antenna cable. In some embodiments, the choice of material for separator  1612  can partially be made based on the cosmetic reasons. For example, the color of separator  1612  can be chosen to match the color of nearby components housed within the portable computing device. Separator  1612  provides a distance gap between antenna cables  1606  and shield  1610  and can reduce electromagnetic noise that antenna cables  1606  can experience from emitted from shield  1610 . In some embodiments, separator  1612  can be less than 1 mm in thickness. In certain embodiments, separator  1612  can have features to affix or snap on antenna cables  1604  to separator  1612  in order to secure and prevent movement of antenna cables  1604 . Separator  1612  can be secured on shield using, for example, an adhesive. In some cases, separator  1612  has bend portions so that it can couple with side portions of shield  1610 . 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart  1700  showing process steps of an embodiment for shielding an antenna cable of a portable computing device. At  1702 , a printed circuit board having a base with a radio card and an HDMI receptacle mounted on the base is provided. The radio card can have at least one connector for attaching an antenna cable thereto. The HDMI receptacle is positioned at the edge of the base. At  1704 , a shield is mounted on the base between the radio card and the HDMI receptacle. As described above, the shield can reduce the electromagnetic noise experienced by the radio card and the antenna cable generated by HDMI receptacle. At  1706 , a separator is disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the shield. As described above, the separator can reduce electromagnetic noise experienced by the antenna cable emitted from the shield by providing a distance gap between the antenna cable and the shield. 
     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 specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described 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: 20130402
Publication Date: 20170103
Grant Date: 20170103
Priority Date: 20121018
Inventors: REID GAVIN J.
GIDDINGS JOSS N.
LEGGETT WILLIAM F.
TATE THOMAS R.
THOMASON GARY S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6582", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/4913", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49124", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49124", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/4913", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/4913", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49124", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50485121