PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9781846-B2
Application Number: US-201113216357-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device assembly

Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for assembling an electronic device and components thereof are provided. The electronic device may include a housing and a cover inserted into an opening in the housing. The electronic device may also include a first assembly that may be inserted into the housing through a first end, and a second assembly that may be inserted into the housing through a second end. The electronic device may also include end cap assemblies. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include an input mechanism coupled to the housing and a plate coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, a connector of the electronic device may be mounted on a circuit board by inserting a fixture into the connector, mounting the connector to a portion of the circuit board, removing the fixture from the connector, and separating the portion of the circuit board from another portion of the circuit board.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A glass cover for use in a portable electronic device, comprising:
 a rectangular glass component comprising two sets of parallel edges; 
 a first flange extending from a first edge of the rectangular glass component, the first flange having a first width smaller than a width of the first edge and defining a flange base extending from, and coplanar with, a base of the rectangular glass component; 
 a second flange extending from a second edge of the rectangular glass component, the second flange having a second width smaller than a width of the second edge, wherein the second edge and the first edge are provided at opposite sides of the rectangular glass component, and wherein the first flange and the second flange are positioned in an opening of a housing of the portable electronic device; and 
 a polished outer surface of the rectangular glass component between the first edge and the second edge, 
 wherein the first flange and second flange are configured to assist in securing the rectangular glass component relative to the opening of the housing of the portable electronic device. 
 
     
     
       2. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the length of the cover is in the range of 43.56 millimeters and 43.62 millimeters. 
 
     
     
       3. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the width of the cover is in the range of 33.60 millimeters and 33.66 millimeters. 
 
     
     
       4. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the height of the cover is no more than 1.63 millimeters. 
 
     
     
       5. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the flanges on each of the two opposite edges have a length of 25.86 millimeters. 
 
     
     
       6. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein the flanges on each of the two opposite edges have a height in the range of 0.62 millimeters to 0.68 millimeters. 
     
     
       7. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first flange is positioned on a first side of the opening; and 
 the second flange is positioned on a second side of the opening, the first side opposite the second side. 
 
     
     
       8. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein a periphery of the polished outer surface is flush with a surface of the housing. 
     
     
       9. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein the rectangular glass component is transparent. 
     
     
       10. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein the rectangular glass component is formed from a scratch resistant material. 
     
     
       11. The glass cover of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third flange extending from a third edge of the rectangular glass component; and 
 a fourth flange extending from a fourth edge of the rectangular glass component, 
 wherein the third edge and the fourth edge are in the other set of parallel edges. 
 
     
     
       12. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing having an opening and at least two reference openings on opposing ends of the opening; and 
 a glass cover configured to be received within the opening and comprising:
 a rectangular glass component comprising two sets of parallel edges; 
 a first flange extending from a first edge of the rectangular glass component, the first flange having a first width smaller than a width of the first edge and defining a flange portion extending from the rectangular glass component having a bottom surface contiguous with a bottom surface of the rectangular glass component; 
 a second flange extending from a second edge of the rectangular glass component, the second flange having a second width smaller than a width of the second edge, wherein the second edge and the first edge are in a set of parallel edges; and 
 a polished curved surface defined by a spline projected along an axis of the rectangular glass component, wherein the axis extends along an edge of the rectangular glass component between the first edge and the second edge, 
 
 wherein the first flange and second flange are configured to be respectively received in the at least two reference openings. 
 
     
     
       13. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the glass cover is configured to be disposed over a display of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the first flange includes at least one additional flange, and wherein the second flange includes at least one additional flange. 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein edges of the polished curved surface are flush with a surface of the housing. 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 a third flange extending from a third edge of the rectangular glass component; and 
 a fourth flange extending from a fourth edge of the rectangular glass component, wherein the third edge and the fourth edge are in another set of parallel edges. 
 
     
     
       17. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the length of the cover is about 43 millimeters. 
     
     
       18. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the width of the cover is about 33 millimeters. 
     
     
       19. The portable electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the height of the cover is no more than 1.63 millimeters. 
     
     
       20. The glass cover of  claim 1 , wherein the polished outer surface is a curved surface. 
     
     
       21. The glass cover of  claim 20 , wherein the curved surface is defined by a spline projected along an axis of the rectangular glass component, wherein the axis extends along an edge of the rectangular glass component between the first edge and the second edge. 
     
     
       22. A portable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing having an opening and at least two reference openings on opposing ends of the opening; 
 a display provided within the housing; and 
 a glass cover configured to be received within the opening of the housing and positioned over the display of the portable electronic device, the glass cover providing a user interface surface, and the glass cover including at least:
 a rectangular glass component comprising two sets of parallel edges; 
 a first flange extending from a first edge of the rectangular glass component, the first flange having a first width smaller than a width of the first edge and defining a flange member extending from, and having a bottom surface coplanar with, a bottom surface of the rectangular glass component; 
 a second flange extending from a second edge of the rectangular glass component, the second flange having a second width smaller than a width of the second edge, wherein the second edge and the first edge are provided at opposite sides of the rectangular glass component; and 
 a polished outer surface of the rectangular glass component between the first edge and the second edge, 
 
 wherein the first flange and second flange are configured to assist in securing the rectangular glass component relative to the opening of the housing of the portable electronic device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/205,551, filed Sep. 5, 2008, which is fully incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to components for an electronic device and methods for assembling the same. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The outward appearance of an electronic device, including its design and its heft, is important to a user of the electronic device, as the outward appearance contributes to the overall impression that the user has of the electronic device. At the same time, the assembly of the electronic device is also important to the user, as a durable assembly will help extend the overall life of the electronic device and will increase its value to the user. 
     Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide an electronic device that is aesthetically pleasing and lightweight, yet durable. It would also be beneficial to provide methods for assembling the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Apparatus and methods for assembling an electronic device and certain components of the electronic device are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for assembling an electronic device is provided. The method may include providing a housing including a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, a cavity extending between the first open end and the second open end, and an opening positioned in a housing wall of the housing between the first open end and the second open end. The method may include inserting a first assembly into the cavity through the first open end, inserting at least a portion of a second assembly into the cavity through the second open end, wherein at least a remaining portion of the second assembly may be positioned outside the housing, and operatively coupling the first assembly to the second assembly through the opening. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a housing, wherein the housing may include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an opening positioned in the housing between the first end and the second end. The electronic device may include a cover disposed within the opening, a first assembly located in the housing relative to the first end, and a second assembly located in the housing relative to the second end. The second assembly may be operatively coupled to the first assembly in the region of the opening. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a system for coupling a connector to a circuit board is provided. The system may include a fixture including a first leg and a second leg, wherein the fixture may be configured to engage the first leg and the second leg to the connector, support the connector as the connector is coupled to a first portion of the circuit board, and disengage the first leg and the second leg from the connector. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a method for mounting a connector on a circuit board is provided. The method may include inserting a fixture into the connector, mounting the connector to a first portion of the circuit board, removing the fixture from the connector, and separating the first portion of the circuit board from a second portion of the circuit board. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a method of providing a cover for an electronic device is provided. The method may include machining the cover and at least one flange along a first edge of the cover from a single piece of material, creating at least a first chamfer in at least a second edge of the cover, grinding a surface of the cover to create a spline along the surface, inserting the cover into a polishing structure, and polishing the surface of the cover and the at least a first chamfer. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a housing having a curved outer housing surface, an input mechanism having an outer contact surface, and a display having an outer display surface. The outer contact surface and the outer display surface may be flush with the curved outer housing surface. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a method for assembling an input mechanism is provided. The method may include positioning a pad comprising at least a first flange and at least a first notch on a substrate. The method may include aligning a first part with respect to the pad, wherein the first part may include at least a first tab configured to fit within the at least a first notch. The method also may include aligning a second part with respect to the pad and the first part, wherein the second part may include at least a first depression and an opening. The at least a first flange may be configured to fit within the at least a first depression, and the first part may be configured to fit within the opening. The method also may include removing the pad from the substrate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom, front, right perspective view of an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial cross-sectional view of a housing of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view of the components of an input mechanism of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom perspective view of the input mechanism of  FIG. 3A  assembled in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of a plate in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom perspective view of the plate of  FIG. 4A  etched in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a bottom, front, left perspective view of a cover for an output mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a bottom, front, right perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 5A  inserted into a lapping fixture in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5C  is a bottom, front, right cross-sectional view of the cover of  FIG. 5A , taken from line Y-Y of  FIG. 5B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5D  is a bottom, front, right cross-sectional view of the cover of  FIG. 5A , taken from line X′-X′ of  FIG. 5B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top, front, right perspective view of a connector of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  and a fixture in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a bottom, back, left perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 6A  coupled to the connector of  FIG. 6A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6C  is a top, back, right perspective view of the fixture and connector of  FIG. 6B  attached to a surface in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6D  is a top, back, right perspective view of a portion of the surface of  FIG. 6C  separated from the connector in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6E  is a top, back, right perspective view of the connector of  FIGS. 6A-6D  prepared for assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for mounting a connector to a surface in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded bottom, front, right perspective view of an assembly of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom, front, right perspective view of a frame of the assembly of  FIG. 8  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , taken from line X-X of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded bottom, front, right perspective view of an end cap assembly of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12A  is a front view of a portion of an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an end cap assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12C  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an end cap assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12D  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an end cap assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of a portion of the front view of the electronic device of  FIG. 12A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for assembling an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Apparatus and methods for assembling an electronic device and certain components of the electronic device are provided. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include any suitable components, including for example, a housing, an input mechanism, a plate, a cover, a second assembly including an output mechanism, a first assembly including a battery, circuitry, and a connector, end caps, and any other suitable components. Each component of the electronic device may be grounded to the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the housing may be extruded from a single piece of material (e.g., anodized aluminum) and may be of any suitable shape, including for example an elliptical shape. The housing may include any suitable cross-section and be of any suitable dimensions to accommodate all of the necessary components of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the housing may include an asymmetrical cross-section except at the ends of the housing, which may be machined to incorporate a cross-section that may correspond to the exterior shape of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the input mechanism may include any suitable mechanism for providing inputs or instructions to an electronic device. For example, the input mechanism may include a click wheel. The input mechanism may include any suitable components, including for example, a wheel, a button, and a pad to prevent the wheel and button from losing their alignment with respect to the pad when the wheel or the button is manipulated. The outer face of the input mechanism may be curved to mimic the outward contour of the housing. In some embodiments, the input mechanism may be coupled to any suitable mechanism, such as a plate. The plate may be manufactured to provide sufficient resistance against manipulation of the input mechanism and may be etched to provide depressions for sufficient clearance for other components of the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a cover to protect an output mechanism. The cover may be manufactured from any suitable material, including for example glass, and may be manufactured (e.g., polished) to mimic the outward contour of the housing. The cover may also include any suitable features, such as flanges, that may enable the cover to be positioned with reference to the housing. The cover may be positioned over the output mechanism, which may include any suitable means for presenting information (e.g., textual, graphical, audible, and/or tactile information) to a user of the electronic device. For example, the output mechanism may include a screen (e.g., a liquid crystal display). 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device may include any suitable connector, including for example a 30-pin connector, for electrically connecting to any suitable component, such as a charging dock, a cable, or any other component that may provide power or receive and transfer data or other information. The 30-pin connector may be mounted to any suitable surface with which the 30-pin connector may receive and transmit information, such as a circuit board panel. The 30-pin connector may be mounted to the panel with the aid of a fixture, which may be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic). The fixture may be designed to be inserted into the 30-pin connector to provide vertical support during the mounting process and to prevent the 30-pin connector from rotating away from the circuit board panel. 
     The electronic device may be assembled in any suitable manner. For example, a housing may be extruded and an input mechanism may be coupled to the housing and to a plate. The first assembly, which may include a battery coupled to a frame, to which the circuit board panel and the connector may also be coupled, may be inserted into the housing through the bottom end of the housing and, in some embodiments, may be inserted underneath the input mechanism and plate. In some embodiments, an audio jack may also be coupled to the first assembly before the first assembly is inserted into the housing. In some embodiments, the audio jack may be inserted into the housing after the first assembly has been inserted. The second assembly may be inserted at least partially into the housing, so that a connector (e.g., a ZIF or zero insertion force connector) from the second assembly may be connected to a flex circuit from the first assembly through an opening for the cover in the housing. This connection may allow the second assembly to communicate with the first assembly. The cover, including one of the flanges of the cover, may be inserted at least partially into the opening and into the housing toward the first assembly. The remaining portion of the cover may then be lowered into the opening and inserted in the opposite direction toward the end through which the output assembly may be at least partially exposed. After the cover has been inserted into the opening and has covered over the connection between the second assembly and the first assembly, the second assembly may be inserted completely into the housing. 
     End cap assemblies may be inserted into both ends of the housing in any suitable manner to complete the assembly of the electronic device. For example, an end cap assembly, including an end cap, screws, an adhesive layer, and a cosmetic end cap may be inserted into the housing. In some embodiments, some of the screws may be inserted through any suitable components (e.g., the audio jack, a frame that may enclose the output mechanism) into the housing at any suitable angle. At least one of the screws may be used to couple the audio jack to the connector and the end cap, thereby grounding the connector to the housing. The cosmetic end cap may be adhered to the end cap to protect the end caps and screws and to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish to a user of the electronic device. At the end of the housing where the connector and the audio jack may be positioned, the end cap assembly may include openings to permit a user to access the connector and the audio jack. At the opposite end of the housing, a hold switch or any other suitable mechanism may protrude from the housing for use by the user. 
     Apparatus and methods for assembling an electronic device and certain components are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-14 . 
       FIG. 1  is a bottom, front, right perspective view of an electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  100  may be widely varied. In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to playing and storing media) and, in other cases, the electronic device may perform multiple functions (e.g., a device that plays/stores media, receives/transmits telephone calls/text messages/internet, and/or performs web browsing). In some embodiments, the electronic device is capable of communicating wirelessly (with or without the aid of a wireless enabling accessory system) and/or via wired pathways (e.g., using traditional electrical wires). In some embodiments, the electronic device may be portable and more particularly extremely portable (e.g., small form factor, thin, low profile, lightweight). In some cases, the electronic device may be sized for being handheld. The electronic device may even be sized for one-handed operation and placement into small areas such as a pocket (i.e., electronic device  100  can be a handheld pocket sized electronic device). 
     By way of example, electronic device  100  may correspond to consumer electronic products such as computers, media players, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), telecommunication devices (telephones), personal e-mail or messaging devices and/or the like. In one example, the electronic device may correspond to any of those electronic devices available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., such as an iPod™, an iPod™ nano, an iPod™ shuffle, an iPod™ touch, or an iPhone™. 
     Electronic device  100  may include any suitable components, including but not limited to housing  120 , input mechanism  140 , cover  160 , jack  170 , connector  180 , end cap  190 , and any other suitable components. Line X-X may be positioned anywhere along a portion of electronic device  100  where cover  160  is positioned (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). 
     Housing  120  may be configured to at least partially enclose any suitable number of components associated with the operation of electronic device  100 . Housing  120  may define a cavity within which the components may be positioned and housing  120  also may physically support any suitable number of mechanisms, within housing  120  or within openings through the surface of housing  120 . The cavity of housing  120  may be described further below with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     Housing  120  may be fashioned to partially enclose any suitable number of mechanisms. For example, input mechanism  140  and cover  160  may each be partially enclosed within housing  120  and may also open onto the top surface of housing  120 . 
     Housing  120  may also partially enclose connector  180  and jack  170  (e.g., an audio jack for coupling headphones to electronic device  100 ), which may be positioned within housing  120  although a portion of connector  180  and a portion of jack  170  may open to the exterior of housing  120 . Connector  180  and jack  170  may be exposed through any suitable closure of housing  120  that may help to protect the components in housing  120 , including for example, cosmetic end cap  190 . Housing  120  may include a top end cap (not shown) on the opposite end of housing  120 . 
     Housing  120  may also define at least in part the outward appearance of electronic device  100 . For example, housing  120  may be formed into an oval or elliptical shape, although the cavity within housing  120  may include any suitable shape. Electronic device  100  may be symmetrical about both the X and Y axes. In some embodiments, housing  120  may include any other suitable shape, including, but not limited to, a shape that is substantially spherical, hexahedral, conoidal, octahedral, or a combination thereof. Housing  120  may be of any suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, housing  120  may be 90.7 millimeters long (along the Y-axis), 38.69 millimeters wide (along the X-axis), and 6.2 millimeters thick (along the Z-axis). Housing  120  may also include any suitable volume. For example, housing  120  may include a total external volume of 18,518 cubic millimeters. 
     Housing  120  may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, a single piece of metal material (e.g., anodized aluminum) may be machined, or extruded, to create housing  120  with a cavity for inserting the components of electronic device  100 . The size of housing  120  and the shape of its cavity may be driven by the need to enclose the largest component of electronic device  100 . For example, housing  120  may be extruded such that the cavity within housing  120  may enclose an output mechanism (e.g., a display screen) having a diagonal diameter of two inches. Alternatively, housing  120  may be formed from multiple pieces of material (e.g., metal) that may be fused or welded together to create a single structure. Alternatively, a single sheet of metal may be formed into a housing with a cavity for holding the internal components of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, housing  120  may be formed from any other suitable materials, including but not limited to, ceramics, plastics, or metals, including steel, copper, titanium, or any suitable type of metal alloy. 
     Housing  120  also may include any suitable number of openings. For example, housing  120  may include an opening through which cover  160  may be at least partially inserted to protect an output mechanism and other components assembled with the output mechanism. Similarly, housing  120  may include an opening through which input mechanism  140  may be partially exposed for manipulation by a user of electronic device  100 . In addition, housing  120  may include openings at either end of housing  120 , to permit insertion of the components during assembly of electronic device  100  and to permit certain components to be exposed to a user, including for example connector  180 , jack  170  and any other suitable component (e.g., a hold switch on the top of electronic device  100 , not shown). 
     As mentioned, electronic device  100  may include an input mechanism  140  accessible at the surface of electronic device  100 . Input mechanism  140  may for example be positioned within housing  120 . Input mechanism  140  may include any suitable mechanism for providing inputs or instructions to electronic device  100 . Input mechanism  140  may be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with electronic device  100 . Input mechanism  140  may take a variety of forms, such as an electronic device pad, touch screen, one or more buttons (e.g., a keyboard), mouse, joystick, track ball, keypad, dial, switch, actuator, touch pad, scroll wheel, click wheel, or combinations thereof. Examples of touch pads and wheels may be found in Zadesky et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,046,230, issued May 16, 2006, and Zadesky et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0052425, published Mar. 10, 2005, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The user interface may include a multi-touch screen, such as that described in Westerman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,846, issued Nov. 27, 2001, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     In one embodiment, input mechanism  140  may be a pad that may follow the shape and contour of housing  120 . For example, the outer surface of the pad may include substantially the same spline and/or curvature as housing  120  such that input mechanism  140  may be substantially flush with housing  120  (e.g., the interface is continuous). 
     Although not shown, electronic device  100  may include any suitable mechanism for supporting input mechanism  140  relative to housing  120 . For example, input mechanism  140  may be coupled to a plate that may be capable of fixing input mechanism  140  in place with respect to housing  120 . 
     Electronic device  100  may include a cover  160  to protect an output mechanism and/or any other suitable component within housing  120 . Cover  160  may, for example, be a transparent or semitransparent window that overlays or covers a display (not shown) enclosed within housing  120 . The display may for example be a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) or an organic light emitting diode (“OLED”) display. By way of example, cover  160  may be formed from plastic, glass, or any other suitable material. 
     In one embodiment, the outer surface of cover  160  may follow the shape and contour of housing  120 . For example, the outer surface of cover  160  may include substantially the same spline and/or curvature as housing  120  such that cover  160  may be substantially flush with housing  120  (e.g., the interface is continuous). 
     Electronic device  100  may include a connector  180  for electrically connecting to any suitable component, such as a charging dock, a cable, or any other component that may provide power or receive and transfer data or other information. 
     Several exemplary embodiments of various features of the electronic device will be described below. For example, an input mechanism will be described further below with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3B , a plate will be described further below with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4B , a cover will be described further below with respect to  FIGS. 5A-5D , a connector will be described further with respect to  FIGS. 6A-6E , and a cosmetic end cap will be described further with respect to  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 2  is a partial cross-sectional view of housing  120  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The cross-sectional view may be from the perspective of one looking into housing  120  from either the bottom or the top of electronic device  100 . Surface  220   a  may represent the top surface of the electronic device and surface  220   b  may represent the bottom surface of the electronic device, each of which may have the same spline, or degree of curvature. The substantially symmetrical exterior of housing  120  may be formed (e.g., extruded) to provide an aesthetically pleasing visual appearance for the electronic device. Surface  220  may be the surface through which input mechanism  140  and cover  160  may be at least partially exposed (not shown). Surface  240  may define the inner edge of the cavity of housing  120 . The asymmetrical interior of housing  120  may be formed (e.g., extruded) to provide sufficient clearance for the component with the largest width within the electronic device (e.g., the output mechanism) as well as sufficient clearance for all of the components based on the position of each component within housing  120 . For example, housing  120  may be thinner along the bottom of the cavity to accommodate the battery of the electronic device. Along a portion of surface  240  (e.g., between notches  280   b  and  280   d ), housing  120  may narrow to include any suitable thickness  260 . In some embodiments, thickness  260  may be in the range of 0.3 millimeters to 0.4 millimeters, preferably 0.35 millimeters. At the corners of housing  120 , the corners may include any suitable thickness  270 . In some embodiments, thickness  270  may be approximately 1.53 millimeters to better protect the components within housing  120  if the electronic device is dropped. 
     Surface  240  may include the same cross-sectional profile through most of the length of housing  120 , with the exception of a portion of housing  120  near the top and bottom edges of housing  120 . In some embodiments, housing  120  may be formed (e.g., machined) up to a depth of two millimeters into the top and bottom edges of housing  120  to produce an oval cross-section that may permit insertion of end caps (e.g., end caps  190 ) to protect the components within the electronic device. The oval cross-section of housing  120  at opening  850   a  and opening  850   b  is shown in  FIG. 8 . For example, housing  120  may be machined by any suitable device (e.g., a computer numerical control, or CNC, device) to a depth of 1.12 millimeters down from the top end of housing  120  such that the cavity may have an oval cross-section to permit insertion of a switch mechanism and an end cap assembly. Similarly, housing  120  may be machined by the CNC device to a depth of 1.42 millimeters up from the bottom end of housing  120  such that the cavity may also have an oval cross-section to permit insertion of connector  180 , jack  170 , and an end cap assembly (e.g., end cap  190 ). In both instances, notches  280   a ,  280   b ,  280   c , and  280   d  may be removed by the additional machining so that the cavity of housing  120  may have an oval cross-section to a depth of 1.12 millimeters into housing  120  down from the top end of housing  120  (e.g., see opening  850   b  of  FIG. 8 ) and to a depth of 1.42 millimeters into housing  120  up from the bottom end of housing  120  (e.g., see opening  850   a  of  FIG. 8 ). 
     In some embodiments, those portions of notches  280   a ,  280   b ,  280   c , and  280   d  that are not removed may form any suitable channels within housing  120 . For example, a channel may be formed on one side of housing  120  between notches  280   a  and  280   b , and another channel may be formed on another side of housing  120  between notches  280   c  and  280   d . Similarly, a channel may be formed underneath surface  220   a  between notches  280   a  and  280   c , and another channel may be formed underneath surface  220   b  between notches  280   b  and  280   d . In some embodiments, one or more of these channels may help to guide one or more components as they may be inserted into housing  120  and may help to stabilize the one or more components. 
     Surface  240  may include any suitable features to allow for the components of the electronic device to sufficiently clear housing  120 . For example, surface  240  may be flat-walled near top surface  220   a  so that a plate (e.g., gimbal plate  400  in  FIGS. 4A-4B ) may be uniformly coupled to surface  240  underneath an input mechanism (e.g., input mechanism  140  of  FIGS. 3A-3B ) using any suitable material, including for example an adhesive. Surface  240  may be curved near bottom surface  220   b  to permit a battery (e.g., battery  810  of  FIG. 8 ) to fit within housing  120  and underneath the other components of electronic device  100 . 
     Housing  120  may be extruded in any suitable manner and may include any suitable cross-section. For example, housing  120  may be formed from an extruded aluminum tube using an extrusion process that may create an integral tube without any seams, cracks, or breaks. The extrusion may include a shaping process where a continuous work piece may be produced by forcing molten or hot material through a shaped orifice. As a result, a length of a particular cross-section may be produced, where the cross-section may be controlled at least in part because of the shaped orifice. After the length has left the shaped orifice and cooled, the length may be cut to a desired length to form housing  120 . In some embodiments, the interior cross-section of housing  120  may be asymmetrical or symmetrical. Alternatively or additionally, the exterior of housing  120  may be asymmetrical or symmetrical. The extrusion process to form housing  120  may include extrusion as described more fully in Zadesky et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/884,172, filed Jul. 2, 2004, and in Zadesky et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0268528, published Nov. 30, 2006, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
       FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view of the components of input mechanism  140  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Input mechanism  140  may include any suitable mechanism for providing inputs or instructions to electronic device  100 . Input mechanism  140  may be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with electronic device  100 . Although input mechanism  140  may take a variety of forms, in the illustrated embodiment, input mechanism  140  may be a click wheel and may include any suitable components, including for example wheel  320 , button  340 , and pad  360 . 
     Each of wheel  320  and button  340  may include any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, or the like, and may be of any suitable shape and thickness. For example, wheel  320  and button  340  may each be plastic, circular, and approximately the same thickness. Each of wheel  320  and button  340  may include a spline or curvature (e.g., the faces of wheel  320  and button  340  that may be exposed to a user of electronic device  100 ) so that wheel  320  and button  340 , once assembled with housing  120 , may correspond to the overall curvature of surface  220   a  and may provide a flush uniform surface with surface  220   a . The degree of curvature of the outer face of wheel  320  may be greater than the degree of curvature of the outer face of button  340  because wheel  320  may span a greater distance across surface  220   a.    
     Wheel  320  may include any suitable number of features, such as flanges  325 , that may enable wheel  320  to remain aligned with respect to a fixture described further below with respect to  FIG. 3B . Wheel  320  may include any suitable number of flange depressions (not shown) on the underside of wheel  320  that may engage with flanges  365  to enable wheel  320  to remain aligned with respect to pad  360 . Wheel  320  may include opening  330 , through which button  340  may be exposed on the surface  220   a  to permit manipulation of button  340  by a user of electronic device  100 . Wheel  320  may also include any suitable number of directions  335  that may guide the user in entering an appropriate input. For example, electronic device  100  may perform the function of playing music and directions  335  such as “play,” “pause,” “next,” “back,” and “menu,” may guide the user in selecting media to be played on electronic device  100 . Directions  335  may be of any suitable shading or color to be contrasted against the outer face of wheel  320 . Button  340  may include any suitable number of features, such as tabs  345 , that may enable button  340  to remain aligned with respect to pad  360  by engaging with notches  370 . 
     Pad  360  may include any suitable material and may include any suitable features. For example, pad  360  may be made of a flexible silicone material to permit pad  360  to flex if a portion of wheel  320  or button  340  is manipulated (e.g., depressed) by a user of the electronic device. Pad  360  may also provide a user with a sensation of resistance in response to the depressing wheel  320  or button  340 . Pad  360  may include any suitable number of flanges  365  that may enable pad  360  to remain aligned with respect to wheel  320 . Pad  360  may include any suitable number of notches  370  that may engage with tabs  345  to enable pad  360  to remain aligned with respect to button  340 . Pad  360  also may include opening  375 . Once input mechanism  140  is assembled using wheel  320 , button  340 , and pad  360 , opening  375  may enable button  340  to contact any suitable plate, including but not limited to, gimbal plate  400  of  FIG. 4 , when button  340  is depressed so that the electronic device may detect the depression. 
     Input mechanism  140  may be assembled using wheel  320 , button  340 , and pad  360  in any suitable manner.  FIG. 3B  is a bottom perspective view of input mechanism  140  assembled in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, pad  360  may be positioned on any suitable substrate, such as a fixture. The fixture may include any suitable material and may be capable of being removed from pad  360  after input mechanism  140  has been assembled. The fixture may enable the components of input mechanism  140  to remain aligned with each other as input mechanism  140  is being assembled. 
     Button  340  may be positioned on pad  360  using any suitable means, including for example an adhesive. Button  340  may be aligned with respect to pad  360  by placing each tab  345  of button  340  within a corresponding notch  370  of pad  360 . Wheel  320  may be positioned on button  340  using any suitable means, including for example an adhesive. Wheel  320  may be aligned with respect to pad  360  by placing each flange  365  of pad  360  within a corresponding flange depression  390  of wheel  320 . It is to be understood that wheel  320 , button  340 , and pad  360  may include any suitable number of flanges, tabs, notches, depressions, or any other suitable features to enable the components of input mechanism  140  to remain aligned with respect to one another while being assembled on the fixture. When the components of input mechanism  140  have sufficiently adhered to one another, the fixture may be removed from pad  360  and the components may retain their alignment. 
     Any suitable mechanism can be used for supporting input mechanism  140 . For example, input mechanism  140  may be coupled to any suitable plate that may be capable of fixing input mechanism  140  in place with respect to housing  120 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of gimbal plate  400  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Gimbal plate  400  may for example be used to support input mechanism  140  in place with respect to housing  120  of electronic device  100 . Gimbal plate  400  may include any suitable material and may be positioned in any suitable location within housing  120 . For example, gimbal plate  400  may be a steel plate that may be stamped or etched to a thickness of at least 0.4 millimeters, and may be positioned within housing  120  so as to be coupled to housing  120  at the portion of surface  240  that may be underneath surface  220   a  and that may be positioned underneath input mechanism  140 . Gimbal plate  400  may be stamped or etched to a thickness of at least 0.4 millimeters to provide an adequate sensation of resistance to a user when the user depresses input mechanism  140 . Gimbal plate  400  may include any other suitable features, such as springs (not shown) welded to gimbal plate  400  that may be used to ground gimbal plate  400  to frame  840  within housing  120  for user safety purposes. Frame  840  is described further below with respect to  FIG. 8 . Gimbal plate  400  also may include screws or connectors (not shown) to couple gimbal plate  400  to other components within housing  120 , switches (not shown) to detect user inputs, and electrical connections or flex circuits (not shown) to create electrical connections between the switches and any suitable surface underneath gimbal plate  400  (e.g., a circuit board). 
     Gimbal plate  400  also may include any suitable number of depressions on its bottom face (e.g., the face that is directed toward surface  220   b ) to provide sufficient clearance for other components within the cavity of housing  120 .  FIG. 4B  is a bottom perspective view of the gimbal plate of  FIG. 4A  etched in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Depressions  420  and  440  may be created on the bottom face of gimbal plate  400  using any suitable approach. For example, depressions  420  and  440  may be chemically etched into gimbal plate  400 . Alternatively, depressions  420  and  440  may be laser etched into gimbal plate  400 . Depressions  420  and  440  may be of any suitable depth to permit the components for which depressions  420  and  440  are created to sufficiently clear gimbal plate  400 . In some embodiments, a steel sheet may be stamped or etched to form gimbal plate  400  and then gimbal plate  400  may be etched to form depressions  420  and  440 . In some embodiments, depressions  420  and  440  may be etched into the steel sheet and then the steel sheet may be etched or stamped to form gimbal plate  400  into an appropriate shape. Depressions  420  and  440  may be of any suitable depth, including for example, 0.1 millimeter deep. 
     Depressions  420  and  440  may be formed to provide clearance for any suitable components that may be critical to the proper functioning of electronic device  100 . For example, depression  420  may be etched into gimbal plate  400  to provide clearance for a processing chip. Depression  440  may be etched into gimbal plate  400  to provide clearance for a flexible circuit ribbon that may be used to detect and transmit information related to an input entered on input mechanism  140 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a bottom, front, left perspective view of cover  160  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Cover  160  may include any suitable material for protecting an output mechanism (not shown), such as plastic, glass, a composite material, or any combination of materials. For example, cover  160  may be made of Asahi white glass, Corning gorilla glass 1317, or Corning gorilla glass 2317. Cover  160  may be made of glass to resist scratches and to improve the durability of electronic device  100 . In addition, cover  160  may be made of glass to maintain the stiffness of cover  160  while reducing its thickness, thereby reducing the load on an output mechanism that may be positioned underneath cover  160  when electronic device  100  is assembled. The stiffness of cover  160  may also enable a thinner output mechanism to be used in electronic device  100 . 
     Cover  160  may include any suitable dimensions. For example, cover  160  may be of any suitable length, including a length within the range of 43.56 millimeters to 43.62 millimeters. Cover  160  may also be of any suitable width, including a width within the range of 33.60 millimeters to 33.66 millimeters. Cover  160  also may include any suitable thickness that may vary along the X axis from edge  525   a  to  525   b . For example, outer face  530  of cover  160  may include a spline or curvature so that cover  160 , once assembled with housing  120 , may correspond to the overall curvature of surface  220   a  and may provide a flush uniform surface with surface  220   a . Cover  160  may be symmetrical about the Y axis in its thickness. At its maximum thickness, cover  160  may include any suitable thickness, including a thickness of 1.63 millimeters. 
     Cover  160  may include any suitable features. For example, cover  160  may include any suitable number of flanges  520  (e.g., flange  520   a  and flange  520   b ) that may secure cover  160  within an opening of housing  120  during the assembly of electronic device  100  and may provide a reference surface for positioning cover  160  with respect to housing  120 . The assembly of electronic device  100 , including cover  160 , may be described further below with respect to  FIG. 8 . 
     Flanges  520   a  and  520   b  may include any suitable dimensions. For example, each of flanges  520   a  and  520   b  may be 25.86 millimeters long along the X axis, 0.72 millimeters wide along the Y axis, and have a thickness within the range of 0.62 millimeters to 0.68 millimeters. In some embodiments, each of flanges  520   a  and  520   b  may be formed on any suitable side of cover  160 , may completely or partially extend across any suitable side, and may be incremental (e.g., each flange may include multiple flanges or any suitable side of cover  160  may include multiple flanges) or may be continuous (e.g., each flange may constitute a single flange). If a side includes multiple flanges, each of the flanges may include any suitable dimensions, including any suitable thicknesses and/or lengths. 
     In general, the configuration of flanges  520   a  and  520   b  may depend on the desired assembly of electronic device  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, cover  160  may include a pair of flanges  520   a  and  520   b  that may be disposed on opposite sides of cover  160 , including, for example, on the top and bottom edges of the cover  160 , as shown. In some embodiments, if cover  160  includes a curved outer surface  530 , the top and bottom edges of cover  160  may include more space between curved outer surface  530  and a bottom surface of the cover for one or more flanges. For example, in one embodiment, cover  160  may include a top surface  530  with a curve and a bottom flat surface (not shown). The curve may be a subtle curve that slopes smoothly and uniformly on each side from a high portion to a low portion (e.g., blade like). In some embodiments, the top surface may be curved in any suitable number of additional directions, including, for example, in two directions (e.g., in the direction of the X axis and in the direction of the Y axis of  FIG. 5A ). 
     Cover  160  may be manufactured in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, cover  160 , including flanges  520   a  and  520   b , may be machined from a single piece of glass using a computerized machining process such as computerized numerical control. During the machining process, a chamfer may be nailed into edges  525   a  and  525   b  to break cover  160  away from the single piece of glass. The machining process may generate the plan view of cover  160 , but the surface of cover  160  may be rough and may not include the proper spline to correspond to the curvature of housing  120 . The proper spline may be manufactured on outer surface  530  using any suitable method. For example, a spinning wheel may grind down outer surface  530  in a back and forth fashion until the spline of outer surface  530  corresponds to the curvature of housing  120 . 
     The spinning wheel may generate the spline view of cover  160 , but all surfaces of cover  160 , including the chamfer along edges  525   a  and  525   b , may be polished using any suitable method.  FIG. 5B  is a bottom, front, right perspective view of the cover  160  inserted into a lapping fixture in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Lapping fixture  550  may be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic). The top surface of lapping fixture  550  may include the same spline as outer surface  530  ( FIG. 5A ), but outer surface  530  may be offset beyond the spline profile of the lapping fixture by any suitable amount, such as 0.1 millimeters, to permit outer surface  530  and the edges of cover  160 , including edges  525   a  and  525   b  ( FIG. 5A ), to be polished properly. Once inserted into lapping fixture  550 , cover  160  may be polished using any suitable method, including for example by bristles being brushed in a back and forth fashion across outer surface  530  and across at least a portion of edges  525   a  and  525   b . In some embodiments, the chamfer along edges  525   a  and  525   b  may be polished by the bristles until it includes a radius of 0.1 millimeters at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the Z axis. 
       FIG. 5C  is a bottom, front, right cross-sectional view of cover  160 , taken from line Y-Y of  FIG. 5B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Lapping fixture  550  may be designed to accommodate flanges  520   a  and  520   b . Along line Y-Y, cover  160  may not vary in thickness t 1 . In some embodiments, cover  160  may be 1.63 millimeters thick along line Y-Y. In some embodiments, cover  160  may be symmetrical in terms of shape and thickness about line Y-Y. Alternatively, in some embodiments, cover  160  may vary in thickness t 1  along line Y-Y between flange  520   a  and flange  520   b.    
       FIG. 5D  is a bottom, front, right cross-sectional view of cover  160 , taken from line X′-X′ of  FIG. 5B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Along line X′-X′, cover  160  may vary in thickness t 2  between edge  525   a  and edge  525   b  because of the spline of outer surface  530  ( FIG. 5A ). For example, thickness t 2  may increase from edge  525   a  (or from edge  525   a ) to a maximum thickness in the middle of cover  160  (e.g., a point on line Y-Y), and thickness t 2  may decrease from the middle of cover  160  to edge  525   b  (or to edge  525   a ). In some embodiments, t 2  may be any suitable thickness at edges  525   a  and  525   b  and t 2  may increase to any suitable maximum thickness away from edges  525   a  and  525   b , including, for example, a maximum thickness of 1.63 millimeters at a point in the middle of cover  160  (e.g., a point on line Y-Y). 
       FIG. 6A  is a top, front, right perspective view of connector  180  and a fixture  600  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Connector  180  may include any suitable means, including for example a 30-pin connector, for establishing and maintaining an electrical connection between electronic device  100  and any other suitable component. For example, connector  180  may include male elements  605  (e.g., thirty elements) that may each connect to any suitable surface within electronic device  100 , including for example a circuit board, to create an electrical connection. Connector  180  also may include a female element (not shown) that may be visible to a user of electronic device  100  and that may be used to connect electronic device  100  to any suitable device (e.g., a dock) or other component. 
     Connector  180  may be mounted to any suitable surface, including for example a circuit board, using any suitable approach. For example, connector  180  may be attached to a circuit panel  650  ( FIG. 6C ) using surface mount technology to mount hook  660  and male elements  605  to circuit panel  650 . Connector  180  may include any suitable number of hooks  660  (e.g., two hooks), although only one is shown in  FIG. 6A . Connector  180  may also include a center of gravity that may exist in any suitable location given the distribution of the mass of connector  180 . For example, center of gravity  607  may be located behind male elements  605  and approximately in the middle of connector  180  along the X axis. Because the center of gravity  607  may be distant from the point at which connector  180  is mounted to circuit panel  650  (e.g., at hooks  660  and male elements  605 ), connector  180  may have a tendency to pull downward away from circuit panel  650 , or to rotate about the X axis passing through center of gravity  607 , and may create an upward force in the Z direction on hooks  660  and male elements  605 . This tendency of connector  180  to rotate may interfere with the positioning of connector  180  within housing  120  and may also present a negative impression of the assembly of electronic device  100  to a user of electronic device  100 . To ameliorate the tendency of connector  180  to rotate away from circuit panel  650  during the mounting of hooks  660  to circuit panel  650 , a fixture  600  may be coupled to connector  180  to provide rigid support in the Z direction while connector  180  may be coupled (e.g., soldered using surface mount technology) to circuit panel  650 . 
     Fixture  600  may include any suitable material, including for example, plastic, ceramic, metal, a composite, or any combination of materials. Fixture  600  may include tongues  630   a  and  630   b  that may slide along the top surface  609  of connector  180  to align fixture  600  as it is coupled to connector  180 . Similarly, fixture  600  may include insert  640 , with any suitable number of grooves that may be inserted into connector  180  to support connector  180  during its attachment to circuit panel  650 . Fixture  600  also may include any suitable number of legs that may be inserted into connector  180  and that may extend to hooks  660 . For example, fixture  600  may include legs  610   a  and  610   b . In some embodiments, legs  610   a  and  610   b  may span a distance wider than the distance allotted for their insertion into connector  180 . By depressing and holding tabs  620   a  and  620   b , legs  610   a  and  610   b  may be forced closer together so that they may be inserted into connector  180 . Once legs  610   a  and  610   b  are inserted, tabs  620   a  and  620   b  may be released, which may also release the force on legs  610   a  and  610   b , causing legs  610   a  and  610   b  to provide resistance against the sidewalls of connector  180 . The resistance may ensure that fixture  600  remains coupled to connector  180 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a bottom, back, left perspective view of fixture  600  coupled to connector  180  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Insert  640  may be inserted into connector  180  and may be aligned in the Z direction with respect to connector  180  using tongues  630   a  and  630   b  (not shown). Using tabs  620   a  and  620   b , legs  610   a  and  610   b  may have been inserted into connector  180  and may be pressing against the sidewalls of connector  180  to support the coupling of fixture  600  to connector  180 . To remove fixture  600  from connector  180 , tabs  620   a  and  620   b  may be depressed toward one another, causing legs  610   a  and  610   b  to be forced toward one another, and allowing fixture  600  to be slid away from connector  180 . In some embodiments, fixture  600  may be extracted from connector  180  by applying at least a 300 gram-force. 
     After fixture  600  has been coupled to connector  180 , connector  180  may be attached to circuit panel  650  using any suitable approach.  FIG. 6C  is a top, back, right perspective view of fixture  600  coupled to connector  180  which is in turn attached to circuit panel  650  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Connector  180  may be attached to circuit panel  650  using any suitable approach. For example, connector  180  may be mounted at hooks  660  to circuit panel  650  using surface mount technology to create a mechanical connection between connector  180  and circuit panel  650 . Each of male elements  605  may also be mounted to circuit panel  650  using surface mount technology to establish an electrical connection between connector  180  and circuit panel  650 . Fixture  600  may be aligned vertically with respect to connector  180  using tongues  630   a  and  630   b . Fixture  600  may provide rigid support to connector  180  in the Z direction while connector  180  is being mounted to circuit panel  650 . In turn, circuit panel  650  may extend underneath and beyond fixture  600  during the mounting process. In some embodiments, fixture  600  may rest on circuit panel  650  using feet  625   a  and  625   b.    
     Once hooks  660  and male elements  605  have been mounted to circuit panel  650 , fixture  600  may be separated from connector  180  and connector  180  may be separated from the unused portion of circuit panel  650  using any suitable approach.  FIG. 6D  is a top, back, right perspective view of at least a portion of circuit panel  650  separated from connector  180  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Connector  180  may be mounted to circuit panel portion  650   a  using surface mount technology, but circuit panel portion  650   a  may form part of a larger circuit panel  650 , including circuit panel portion  650   b . Circuit panel portion  650   b  may be separated from circuit panel  650  prior to the assembly of connector  180  with electronic device  100 . Any suitable technique may be used to separate circuit panel portion  650   a  from circuit panel portion  650   b . For example, surface mount technology may also be used to separate portion  650   a  from the other portions of circuit panel  650 , including portion  650   b , once connector  180  has been mounted to circuit panel portion  650   a . In some embodiments, fixture  600  may be separated from connector  180  after circuit panel portion  650   a  has been separated from circuit panel portion  650   b.    
     Once connector  180  has been mounted to circuit panel portion  650   a , connector  180  may be sufficiently supported to avoid rotating about the X axis passing through center of gravity  607 .  FIG. 6E  is a top, back, right perspective view of connector  180  prepared for assembly in electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Connector  180  may be mechanically connected to circuit panel portion  650   a  at hooks  660 . Connector  180  may also be electrically connected to circuit panel portion  650   a  at each of male elements  605  (not shown). After fixture  600  has been removed and circuit panel portion  650   a  has been separated from circuit panel portion  650   b , connector  180  may be ready for assembly as part of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, housing  120  may be used to provide additional support to connector  180  during the assembly of electronic device  100  to prevent connector  180  from rotating away from circuit panel portion  650   a.    
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for mounting connector  180  to circuit panel portion  650   a  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  700  may begin at step  702 . At step  704 , a connector may be coupled to a fixture using any suitable approach. For example, connector  180  may be coupled to fixture  600  by inserting insert  640  and legs  610   a  and  610   b  into connector  180  as described above with respect to  FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C . 
     Process  700  may advance to step  706 , where the connector, to which the fixture is coupled, may be coupled to at least a portion of any suitable surface using any suitable approach. For example, connector  180  may be mechanically connected via hooks  660  to circuit panel portion  650   a  using surface mount technology. Connector  180  may also be electrically connected via male elements  605  to circuit panel portion  650   a  using surface mount technology. In some embodiments, fixture  600  may not be connected to, but may be in contact with, at least another portion of circuit panel  650  (e.g., circuit panel portion  650   b ). 
     Process  700  may advance to step  708 , where the fixture may be separated from the connector in any suitable manner after the connector has been attached to a portion of the surface. For example, after connector  180  has been mounted on circuit panel portion  650   a , fixture  600  may be separated from connector  180  by depressing tabs  620   a  and  620   b  to slide legs  610   a  and  610   b  out of connector  180 . 
     Process  700  may then advance to step  710 , where a portion of the surface to which connector  180  may be coupled may be separated from the remainder of the surface using any suitable approach. For example, circuit panel portion  650   a  may be separated from circuit panel portion  650   b  and any other portion of circuit panel  650  using surface mount technology. In some embodiments (not shown), fixture  600  may be separated from connector  180  after circuit panel portion  650   a  has been separated from circuit panel portion  650   b . Process  700  may then advance to step  712  and end. 
     Once housing  120 , input mechanism  140 , and cover  160  have been manufactured, and connector  180  has been mounted to circuit panel portion  650   a , electronic device  100  may be assembled using any suitable approach. 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded bottom, front, right perspective view of an assembly of electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  100  may include any suitable number of assemblies that may be connected to assemble electronic device  100 . For example, input mechanism  140  may be assembled using wheel  320 , button  340 , and pad  360  before input mechanism  140  may be inserted into housing  120  and coupled to gimbal plate  400  ( FIG. 4 ). Electronic device  100  may also include any other suitable electronic assemblies, such as a first electronic assembly  805  and a second electronic assembly  807 . 
     First assembly  805  may include any suitable components to provide power, input/output processing, and the ability to connect to other devices (e.g., a charging dock, headphones) to electronic device  100 . For example, first assembly  805  may include battery  810  that may be coupled to frame  840  and may be used to power electronic device  100 . Frame  840  may include any suitable material, including for example, sheet metal. Frame  840  may be used to couple battery  810  to circuit panel portion  650   a  ( FIG. 6E ), to which connector  180  may also be mounted. In some embodiments, frame  840  may be used to ground circuit panel portion  650   a  to housing  120  for user safety purposes. 
     Circuit panel portion  650   a  may be operative to control the operations and performance of electronic device  100 . Circuitry panel portion  650   a  may include, for example, a processor, a bus (e.g., for sending instructions to the other components of electronic device  100 ), memory, logic circuitry, storage, or any other suitable component for controlling the operations of electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, a processor may drive output mechanism  830  and process inputs received from input mechanism  140 . The memory and storage may include, for example, a hard-drive, cache, Flash, ROM, and/or RAM, any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. The memory may be of any suitable size, including, for example, 8, 12, 16, 32, 64, or 128 gigabytes. In some embodiments, the memory may include cache memory, which may include one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data for electronic device applications. The memory may store media data (e.g., music, image, and video files), software (e.g., for implementing functions on electronic device  100 ), or the memory may be specifically dedicated to storing firmware (e.g., for device applications such as an operating system, user interface functions, and processor functions). In some embodiments, the memory may be operative to store a media item that electronic device  100  may download from a host system. Alternatively, circuitry panel portion  650   a  may stream the media item from a source to make the media item available for playback without storing the media item in the memory. 
     Outputs may be transmitted from circuit panel portion  650   a  to output mechanism  830  using any suitable means, including for example flex circuit  865 . Flex circuit  865  may be of any suitable length, including for example 25 millimeters, to permit connection with ZIF connector  867  of second assembly  807 . In some embodiments, flex circuit  865  may resemble a flexible ribbon, and when the assembly of electronic device  100  is complete, may be folded to include a service loop that may resemble an S-shaped curve. 
     In some embodiments, jack  170  (e.g., an audio jack for inserting headphones) may also be coupled to circuit panel portion  650   a  and/or connector  180  as part of first assembly  805  and may be inserted into housing  120  along with first assembly  805 . For example, jack  170  may be coupled to circuit panel portion  650   a  (e.g., using a flex circuit) and may be coupled to connector  180  using a screw  1150   b , as described further below with respect to  FIG. 11 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, jack  170  may be coupled to circuit panel portion  650   a  and connector  180  and inserted into housing  120  after first assembly  805  has already been inserted into housing  120 . Alternatively, jack  170  may be coupled to circuit panel portion  650   a  and connector  180  before first assembly  805  may be inserted into housing  120 , and then jack  170  may be inserted into housing  120  after first assembly  805  has been inserted into housing  120 . 
     Second assembly  807  may include any suitable components to interface with first assembly  805  and to present output to electronic device  100 . Second assembly  807  may include output mechanism  830 , which may include any suitable means for presenting information (e.g., textual, graphical, audible, and/or tactile information) to a user of electronic device  100 . Output mechanism  830  may take various forms, including but not limited to audio speakers, headphones, audio line-outs, visual displays, antennas, infrared ports, rumblers, vibrators, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, output mechanism  830  may include any suitable screen or projection system for providing a display visible to the user. For example, output mechanism  830  may include a screen (e.g., a liquid crystal display). Output mechanism  830  may be operative to display content (e.g., information regarding a selected media file) under the direction of circuit panel portion  650   a . In some embodiments, input mechanism  140  and output mechanism  830  may be a single input/output component, 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. 
     Second assembly  807  may also include any suitable means for interfacing with first assembly  805  to receive output information from circuit panel portion  650   a . For example, second assembly  807  may include ZIF connector  867  that may be coupled to flex circuit  865  during assembly of electronic device  100 . Second assembly  807  may also include any other suitable components to provide sufficient power and support to, and control of, output mechanism  830 , such as additional logic circuitry, foam cushioning, and any other suitable component. 
     Electronic device  100  may be assembled in any suitable manner. For example, gimbal plate  400  may be coupled to housing  120  by being adhered to surface  240  underneath the top of housing  120 , and input mechanism  140  may thereafter be coupled to housing  120  and gimbal plate  400 . In some embodiments, gimbal plate  400  may be adhered to surface  240  after input mechanism  140  is first coupled to housing  120 . 
     In some embodiments, housing  120  may be too narrow in the Z direction to permit second assembly  807  to be inserted into housing  120  through opening  850   a  without output mechanism  830  coming into contact with gimbal plate  400 . Similarly, housing  120  may be too narrow in the Z direction to permit first assembly  805  to be inserted into housing  120  through opening  850   b  without connector  180  coming into contact with gimbal plate  400 . As a result, electronic device  100  may be assembled by inserting first assembly  805  through opening  850   a , inserting second assembly  807  through opening  850   b , and connecting first assembly  805  to second assembly  807  through opening  860 . 
     For example, first assembly  805  may be slid into housing  120  through opening  850   a  until all of first assembly  805  may be positioned within housing  120  (e.g., the ends of connector  180  and jack  170  furthest from frame  840  may be positioned just inside opening  850   a ). Flex circuit  865  may at least partially emerge from opening  860 , into which cover  160  may be finally positioned. Second assembly  807  may be at least partially inserted, but not completely inserted, into housing  120  through opening  850   b . Second assembly  807  may be inserted far enough into housing  120  to permit ZIF connector  867  to be connected to flex circuit  865  through opening  860 . 
     After first assembly  805  is connected to second assembly  807 , cover  160  may be inserted into housing  120  using any suitable method. For example, cover  160  may be inserted at any suitable angle into the bottom end of opening  860  (e.g., the end closest to opening  850   a ) such that flange  520   a  ( FIG. 5A ) and at least a portion of cover  160  may be lowered into the cavity of housing  120 . As a portion of cover  160  is being inserted into the cavity of housing  120 , cover  160  may be positioned over the connection of flex circuit  865  to ZIF connector  867 , such that neither flex circuit  865  nor ZIF connector  867  may emerge from opening  860 . 
     After flange  520   a  and at least a portion of cover  160  are inserted into housing  120  through the bottom end of opening  860 , the remaining portion of cover  160  may be lowered into opening  860  and cover  160  may be slid toward opening  850   b . Flange  520   a  and flange  520   b  (not shown) may secure cover  160  in opening  860  by providing a reference for positioning cover  160  relative to housing  120 . Flanges  520   a  and  520   b  may include dimensions such that after one flange (e.g., flange  520   a ) is inserted into opening  860 , cover  160  may be pushed toward opening  850   a  and there may be enough space only for the second flange (e.g., flange  520   b ) to be rotated into opening  860 . After flange  520   b  is inserted behind opening  860 , cover  160  may be slid towards opening  850   b  so that both flange  520   a  and flange  520   b  may be seated within housing  120 , thereby retaining cover  160  within opening  860 . The top of each of flange  520   a  and  520   b  (e.g., the face of flange  520   a  and  520   b  that may contact housing  120 ) may provide a reference surface for properly aligning outer surface  530  of cover  160  with outer surface  220   a  of housing  120 . 
     Once cover  160  is fixed within housing  120 , the portion of second assembly  807  that remains outside of housing  120  may be inserted into housing  120  through opening  850   b  until all of second assembly  807  may be positioned within housing  120  and output mechanism  830  may be positioned underneath cover  160 . As second assembly  807  is slid into housing  120 , flex circuit  865  may bend into a service loop resembling an S-shaped curve in response to the movement of ZIF connector  867  toward circuit panel portion  650   a.    
       FIG. 9  is a bottom, front, right perspective view of frame  840  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Frame  840  may be used to couple circuit panel portion  650   a  to battery  810 , connector  180 , and jack  170 . Flex circuit  865  also may be coupled to frame  840 . For user safety purposes, frame  840  may be grounded to housing  120  and may serve to ground any other suitable component that may be coupled to frame  840 . For example, housing  120  may be manufactured from anodized aluminum, but at the point or points where frame  840  may contact housing  120  (e.g., at surface  240  closest to surface  220   b ), housing  120  may be laser etched to remove the anodized layer and to expose pads of bare aluminum on surface  240 . Frame  840  may include any suitable mechanism to contact surface  240 , including for example spring fingers  843 . As frame  840  is inserted into housing  120  during the assembly of electronic device  100 , spring fingers  843  may contact the pads of bare aluminum of surface  240  and frame  840  may be grounded to housing  120 . 
     Similarly, frame  840  may ground circuit panel portion  650   a  to housing  120 . Frame  840  may include any suitable mechanism to form an electrical contact with circuit panel portion  650   a , including for example, tab  844 , which may include any suitable material (e.g., gold). When first assembly  805  is assembled, circuit panel portion  650   a  may contact frame  840  at tab  844 . When frame  840  is inserted into housing  120  and is grounded via spring fingers  843 , circuit panel portion  650   a  may also be grounded to housing  120  via its connection with frame  840  at tab  844 . 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of electronic device  100  taken from line X-X ( FIG. 1 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The cross-sectional view may be taken from the perspective of looking through opening  850   b  into housing  120 . The components of electronic device  100  may be positioned in any suitable manner within housing  120 . For example, battery  810  may be positioned beneath all of the components of second assembly  807 . Battery  810  may include a bottom surface that may substantially conform to the inner curved surface of the cavity of housing  120  (e.g., the channel formed between notches  280   b  and  280   d  in  FIG. 2 ). Output mechanism  830  may be positioned directly beneath cover  160 . Second assembly  807  may be positioned within the channels (e.g., may be slid in along the channels) formed between notches  280   a  and  280   b  ( FIG. 2 ) on one side of housing  120  and notches  280   c  and  280   d  ( FIG. 2 ) on another side of housing  120 . Second assembly  807  also may be positioned with reference to the channel formed between notches  280   b  and  280   d . These channels may help properly position second assembly  807  within the cavity relative to openings  850   a  and  850   b  of housing  120 . Any suitable material may be used to protect output mechanism  830  from an impact to cover  160 . For example, foam  1020  may be applied at the edges of output mechanism  830  to separate output mechanism  830  from contacting cover  160 . Cover  160  may at least partially emerge through housing  120  and outer surface  530  may include the same degree of curvature as the surface of housing  120 . In some embodiments, opening  860  may include any suitable mechanism, including, for example, flanges or grooves on an internal surface of housing  120  to support edges  525   a  and  525   b  of cover  160 . 
     Once first assembly  805 , second assembly  807 , input mechanism  140 , and cover  160  have been inserted into housing  120 , end cap assemblies or any other suitable mechanisms may be inserted into housing  120  to protect the assembled components.  FIG. 11  is an exploded bottom, front, right perspective view of an end cap assembly  1100  of electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. End cap assembly  1100  may include any suitable components, including for example, end cap  1120  with holes  1140   b  and  1140   d  and opening  1180 , screws  1150   a ,  1150   b , and  1150   c , adhesive layer  1110  with openings  1171   a  and  1181   a , and cosmetic cap  190  with openings  1171   b  and  1171   b . End cap assembly  1100  may be inserted into the bottom end of housing  120  to protect the components of electronic device  100  and in particular, first assembly  805 , from damage and contamination. In some embodiments, jack  170  may be inserted into housing  120  and coupled to first assembly  805  after first assembly  805  has been inserted into housing  120 . In some embodiments, electronic device  100  may include another end cap assembly, as described further below with respect to  FIG. 12A , which may be inserted into the top end of housing  120  to protect electronic device  100  and in particular, second assembly  807 . 
     End cap  1120  may include any suitable material, including for example, metal, plastic, ceramic, a composite, or a combination of any suitable materials, to protect first assembly  805  while providing exterior access to connector  180 . For example, end cap  1120  may be made of zinc. End cap  1120  may include opening  1180  through which a user of electronic device  100  may couple connector  180  to any suitable power source (e.g., a charging dock) or any other suitable component (e.g., a cable). 
     End cap assembly  1100  may be used to secure connector  180  and jack  170 , and in the process to also ground connector  180  and jack  170 , to housing  120  using any suitable approach. For example, end cap assembly  1100  may include any suitable fastener to secure end cap  1120  to connector  180  and jack  170  and thereafter to housing  120 , including for example metal screws  1150   a ,  1150   b , and  1150   c . Screw  1150   a  may be inserted into hole  1140   a  in jack  170  and into housing  120  to secure jack  170  within housing  120 . Because screw  1150   a  may include metal, screw  1150   a  may ground jack  170  to housing  120  by electrically connecting jack  170  to housing  120 . Screw  1150   c  may be inserted into hole  1140   d  in end cap  1120  and thereafter into housing  120  to secure end cap  1120  to housing  120 . Because screw  1150   c  may include metal, screw  1150   c  may ground end cap  1120  to housing  120  by electrically connecting end cap  1120  to housing  120 . Screw  1150   b  may be inserted into hole  1140   b  of end cap  1120 , through hole  1140   c  of jack  170 , and into connector  180  to secure jack  170  to connector  180 . Screw  1150   b  may ground connector  180  to housing  120  because end cap  1120  may be grounded to housing  120  through screw  1150   c . In addition, connector  180  may be grounded to housing  120  because connector  180  may be mounted to circuit panel portion  650   a , which may in turn be coupled to frame  840  that may be grounded to housing  120  through spring fingers  843  ( FIG. 9 ). 
     Once end cap  1120  has been coupled to connector  180 , jack  170  and housing  120 , a cosmetic end cap  190  may be coupled to end cap  1120  using any suitable approach. For example, an adhesive layer  1110  may be applied to end cap  1120 , to which cosmetic end cap  190  may adhere. Cosmetic end cap  190  may include any suitable material, including for example plastic. Cosmetic end cap  190  may be coupled to electronic device  100  to protect end cap  1120  and to present an aesthetically appealing surface to a user of electronic device  100 . Each of adhesive layer  1110  and cosmetic end cap  190  may include openings  1181   a  and  1181   b , which may have the same dimensions as opening  1180  in end cap  1120 , to provide exterior access to connector  180  to a user of electronic device  100 . Each of adhesive layer  1110  and cosmetic end cap  190  may also include openings  1171   a  and  1171   b , which may have the same dimensions as opening  1170  of jack  170 , through which a user may have access to jack  170 . A user of electronic device  100  may couple any suitable component (e.g., headphones or a microphone) to jack  170  to send or receive audio data. 
       FIG. 12A  is a front view of a portion of electronic device  100  after insertion of two end cap assemblies in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. At the bottom of electronic device  100 , screw  1150   a  may be inserted through hole  1140   a  of jack  170  and into housing  120 . Screw  1150   b  may be inserted through hole  1140   b  of end cap  1120  and through hole  1140   c  of jack  170  into connector  180 . Screw  1150   c  may be inserted through hole  1140   d  of end cap  1120  and into housing  120 . Cosmetic end cap  190  may be applied over end cap  1120  such that screws  1150   a ,  1150   b , and  1150   c  may not be seen by a user of electronic device  100 . Screws  1150   a  and  1150   c  may be inserted into housing  120  at any suitable angle relative to the sidewalls of housing  120 . Screws  1150   a  and  1150   c  may be inserted into housing  120  at an angle because the thickness of the sidewalls of housing  120  may not provide sufficient material to permit screws  1150   a  and  1150   c  to be inserted parallel to the sidewalls. 
     At the top end of electronic device  100 , another end cap assembly may be inserted to protect the components of second assembly  807 . The end cap at the top of electronic device  100  (not shown) may be similar to end cap  1120  (e.g., a zinc end cap), but may include holes for two screws  1160   a  and  1160   b  and an opening through which hold switch  1350  may emerge from housing  120  to be accessed by a user of electronic device  100 . Screws  1160   a  and  1160   b , which may be the same as screws  1150   a ,  1150   b , and  1150   c , may be inserted through the end cap at the top of electronic device  100 , through a frame  1250  that may enclose output mechanism  830 , and into housing  120  at any suitable angle relative to the sidewalls of housing  120 . Screws  1160   a  and  1160   b , which may be metal, may ground both the end cap at the top of electronic device  100  and the output mechanism frame  1250  to housing  120  because screws  1160   a  and  1160   b  may be in electrical and physical contact with housing  120 . Cosmetic end cap  1220 , which may be similar to cosmetic end cap  190 , may be adhered to the end cap at the top of electronic device  100  using any suitable method (e.g., using an adhesive similar to adhesive layer  1110 ). 
     Cosmetic end cap  1220  may also include any suitable opening through which hold switch  1350  may emerge to be accessed by a user of electronic device  100 . Hold switch  1350  may be grounded to housing  120  using any suitable approach, including for example, coupling hold switch  1350  to a metal slider (not shown) that may rest against cosmetic end cap  1220 . Hold switch  1350  may include a hold switch such as that described in Sanford, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/180,315, filed Jul. 25, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     Any other suitable method may be used for securing an end cap of an electronic device to the housing of the electronic device.  FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an end cap assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. For example, a screw  1272  may be inserted through an end cap  1274  and into a housing  1270  parallel to the sidewalls of housing  1270 . As screw  1272  is inserted, it may engage a cam  1276 . As screw  1272  is rotated further into housing  1270 , the engaged cam may be inserted into a groove  1278  machined into housing  1270 , and groove  1278  may be being perpendicular to the insertion of screw  1272 . The combination of screw  1272  engaged to cam  1276  and cam  1276  inserted into groove  1278  may serve to secure end cap  1274  to housing  1270 . 
       FIG. 12C  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative end cap assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Any suitable number of screws, including for example, screw  1282  may be inserted through an end cap  1284  and into housing  1280 , which may be parallel to the sidewalls of housing  1280 , for example. As screw  1282  is inserted into housing  1280 , screw  1282  may contact a lock  1286  that may be positioned within housing  1280  perpendicular to the sidewalls of housing  1280  and to the insertion of screw  1282 . Once contacted by screw  1282 , lock  1286  may be triggered to extend into a groove  1288  in housing  1280 , and groove  1288  may also be perpendicular to the insertion of screw  1282 , thereby securing end cap  1284  to housing  1280 . 
       FIG. 12D  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative end cap assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Any suitable number of screws, including for example, screws  1292   a  and  1292   b  may be inserted through an end cap  1294  and into housing  1290 , at a portion which may be parallel to the sidewalls of housing  1290 . Screws  1292   a  and  1292   b  may pass through a snap plate  1296  whose width may exceed the width of the cavity of housing  1290 . The edges of snap plate  1296  may be inserted into grooves  1298   a  and  1298   b  of housing  1290  to accommodate the extra width of snap plate  1296 . Grooves  1298   a  and  1298   b  may be perpendicular to the insertion of screws  1292   a  and  1292   b . After screws  1292   a  and  1292   b  pass through snap plate  1296 , screws  1292   a  and  1292   b  may engage with an output mechanism  1299  (e.g., a liquid crystal display) and may cause output mechanism  1299  to be pulled upward towards screws  1292   a  and  1292   b  and into contact with snap plate  1296 . As a result, screws  1292   a  and  1292   b  may hold end cap  1294  in place with respect to housing  1290  because screws  1292   a  and  1292   b  may be in tension with output mechanism  1299 , which may contact snap plate  1296  that may be inserted into grooves  1298   a  and  1298   b  in housing  1290 . 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of a portion of the front view of electronic device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Screws  1160   a  and  1160   b  may be inserted through an end cap at the top of electrical device  100  and into housing  120 . The holes in housing  120  to receive screws  1160   a  and  1160   b  may be machined to any suitable depth and at any suitable angle. Cosmetic end cap  1220  may be adhered to the end cap at the top of electronic device  100  to protect the non-cosmetic zinc end cap and screws  1160   a  and  1160   b , while also providing an aesthetically appealing outward appearance to a user of electronic device  100 . The zinc end cap and cosmetic end cap  1220  may include any suitable opening to permit hold switch  1350  to emerge from housing  120 . Hold switch  1350  may prevent electronic device  100  from being operated when hold switch  1350  is engaged by the user. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for assembling an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  1400  may begin at step  1404 . At step  1406 , a housing may be extruded using any suitable approach. For example, housing  120  may be extruded from a single piece of anodized aluminum. Housing  120  may include any suitable cross-section, including an asymmetrical cross-section designed to accommodate all of the components necessary to electronic device  100 . In some embodiments (not shown), an input mechanism may be coupled to both the housing and a gimbal plate using any suitable approach. For example, input mechanism  140  may be attached to surface  220   a , and at least a portion of input mechanism  140  may penetrate housing  120 . Input mechanism  140  may also be attached to gimbal plate  400  using any suitable approach, including, for example, using an adhesive. Input mechanism  140  may include wheel  320 , button  340 , and pad  360 . 
     Process  1400  may advance to step  1408 , where a first assembly may be inserted into the bottom end of the housing using any suitable approach. For example, first assembly  805 , that may include circuit panel portion  650   a , battery  810 , flex circuit  865 , connector  180  and in some embodiments, jack  170 , may be slid into housing  120  through opening  850   a . In some embodiments, jack  170  may be inserted with an end cap assembly into housing  120  as part of step  1420 . At step  1410 , at least a portion of a second assembly may be inserted into the top end of the housing using any suitable approach. For example, second assembly  807 , which may include output mechanism  830 , frame  1250 , foam cushioning  1020 , and ZIF connector  867 , may be slid at least partially into housing  120  through opening  850   b  such that at least a portion of second assembly  807  may still emerge from housing  120  through opening  850   b.    
     Process  1400  may advance to step  1412 , where the second assembly may be coupled to the first assembly through an opening in the housing meant for a cover using any suitable approach. For example, ZIF connector  867  may be connected to flex circuit  865  so that circuit panel portion  650   a  may interface with output mechanism  830 . ZIF connector  867  may be connected to flex circuit  865  through opening  860 , into which cover  160  may be inserted in steps  1414  and  1416 . 
     At step  1414 , at least a portion of a cover for the electronic device may be inserted into the housing using any suitable approach. For example, cover  160 , including flange  520   a , may be inserted at any suitable angle into the end of opening  860  nearest to opening  850   a . Cover  160  may be positioned over the connection between ZIF connector  867  and flex circuit  865  so as to prevent the connection from emerging out of opening  860 . At step  1416 , at least a portion of the cover may be inserted into the opposite end of the housing from which the cover may have been inserted in step  1414 . For example, the portion of cover  160  remaining outside of opening  860 , including flange  520   b , may be lowered into opening  860  and slid toward opening  850   b  of housing  120 . Flange  520   a  and flange  520   b  may secure cover  160  in opening  860  by providing a reference for positioning cover  160  relative to housing  120 . 
     Process  1400  may advance to step  1418 , where the portion of the second assembly that may remain outside of the housing may be inserted into the housing using any suitable approach. For example, second assembly  807  may be slid completely into housing  120  through opening  850   b  and output mechanism  830  may be positioned underneath cover  160 . The connection between ZIF connector  867  and flex circuit  865  may be positioned within housing  120  such that flex circuit  865  forms a service loop as ZIF connector  867  moves further into housing  120 . 
     Process  1400  may advance to step  1420 , where end cap assemblies may be coupled to the ends of the housing to protect the components within the housing using any suitable approach. For example, end cap assembly  1100 , which may include end cap  1120 , adhesive layer  1110 , cosmetic end cap  190 , and screws  1150   a ,  1150   b , and  1150   c , may be assembled with electronic device  100  at opening  850   a . End cap  1120  may be attached to connector  180  and jack  170  using screw  1150   b  that may also ground connector  180  to housing  120 . End cap  1120  may be attached to, and grounded to, housing  120  using screw  1150   c . Jack  170  may be attached to, and grounded to, housing  120  using screw  1150   a . Cosmetic end cap  190  may be attached to end cap  1120  using adhesive layer  1110 . A similar end cap assembly, including an end cap, an adhesive layer, a cosmetic end cap, and any suitable number of screws (e.g., two screws) may be assembled with electronic device  100  at opening  850   b . The end cap assembly coupled to electronic device  100  at opening  850   b  may ground output mechanism  830 , hold switch  1350 , and a frame enclosing output mechanism  830  to housing  120 , in addition to grounding the end cap assembly to housing  120 . Process  1400  may then advance to step  1422  and end. It is to be understood that one or more of the steps described above as part of process  1400  may be omitted from process  1400  and the steps described above may be performed in any suitable order. 
     While there have been described apparatus and methods for producing components of an electronic device and assembling 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. It will also be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up” and “down,” “left” and “right,” “top” and “bottom,” “side” and “edge” and “corner,” “height” and “width” and “depth,” “horizontal” and “vertical,” 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 positioning of an output mechanism and/or an input mechanism within an electronic device may 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 of the invention. 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, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110824
Publication Date: 20171003
Grant Date: 20171003
Priority Date: 20080905
Inventors: SANFORD EMERY
LYNCH STEPHEN BRIAN
MONTEVIRGEN ANTHONY SAGALA
ROTHKOPF FLETCHER
SCHMIDT MATHIAS
MOHAMMADINIA HAMID
MURPHY R. SEAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K5/0013", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24628", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24628", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T428/24628", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/15", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/15", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 41799093