PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9755355-B2
Application Number: US-201615088986-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Connection module for a portable electronic device

Abstract:
A connection module for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The connection module includes a mating structure that is configured to attach to a mating structure interface of the portable electronic device. The mating structure includes a fixed alignment projection disposed on a first end of the mating structure, a retractable alignment projection disposed on a second end of the mating structure, and a retractable electrical connector disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection. The retractable electrical connector and the retractable alignment projection are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the fixed alignment projection.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A connection module for a portable electronic device, the connection module comprising:
 a mating structure configured to attach to a mating structure interface of the portable electronic device, wherein the mating structure comprises:
 a fixed alignment projection disposed on a first end of the mating structure; 
 a retractable alignment projection disposed on a second end of the mating structure; and 
 a retractable electrical connector disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection, wherein the retractable electrical connector and the retractable alignment projection are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the fixed alignment projection. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the retractable electrical connector comprises spring pins. 
     
     
       3. The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the fixed and retractable alignment projections are disposed on opposite ends of the portable electronic device when the connection module is attached to the portable electronic device, thereby preventing movement of the portable electronic device relative to the retractable electrical connector. 
     
     
       4. The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the mating structure comprises a partially cylindrical structure disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection. 
     
     
       5. The connection module of  claim 4 , wherein when the connection module is attached to the portable electronic device:
 the partially cylindrical structure is disposed within a cylindrical groove of the portable electronic device to prevent movement of the portable electronic device relative to the connection module in at least two dimensions, and 
 the first and second alignment projections are disposed on opposite ends of the cylindrical groove to prevent movement of the portable electronic device relative to the connection module in a third dimension different from the at least two dimensions. 
 
     
     
       6. The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the mating structure comprises two partially cylindrical structures disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection and separated from each other by a gap. 
     
     
       7. The connection module of  claim 6 , wherein the retractable electrical connector extends through the gap between the two partially cylindrical structures when the retractable electrical connector is in an extended position. 
     
     
       8. The connection module of  claim 1 , wherein the connection module comprises an external housing, and wherein the mating structure is disposed on a front surface of the external housing. 
     
     
       9. The connection module of  claim 8 , wherein the front surface comprises at least two apertures through which the retractable alignment projection and the retractable electrical connector are configured to move. 
     
     
       10. The connection module of  claim 8 , further comprising
 an aperture disposed in the external housing; and 
 a button slidable with respect to the external housing and accessible through the aperture. 
 
     
     
       11. The connection module of  claim 10 , wherein the button is configured to slide within the aperture to move the retractable alignment projection and the retractable electrical connector between a retracted position and an extended position. 
     
     
       12. The connection module of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a first retraction magnet fixed relative to the external housing; and 
 a second retraction magnet fixed relative to the retractable alignment projection and the retractable electrical connector, 
 wherein the first and second retraction magnets are configured to hold the retractable alignment projection and the retractable electrical connector in a retracted position or an extended position. 
 
     
     
       13. A method of connecting a connection module to a portable electronic device, the method comprising:
 sliding a mating structure of connection module into a mating structure interface of the portable electronic device until a first alignment projection of the mating structure abuts the portable electronic device; 
 electrically connecting an electrical connector of the connection module to contact pads of the portable electronic device by moving the electrical connector from a retracted position to an extended position; and 
 locking the portable electronic device in position relative to the connection module by a second alignment projection that abuts the portable electronic device opposite the first alignment projection. 
 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the second alignment projection locks the portable electronic device in position by moving from the retracted position to the extended position after the mating structure of the connection module is slid into the mating structure interface of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 moving the electrical connector to the retracted position; and 
 sliding the mating structure out of the mating structure interface. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 13 , wherein moving the electrical connector from the retracted position to the inserted position comprises sliding a button fixed relative to the electrical connector along a track disposed in an external housing of the connection module. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 13 , wherein moving the electrical connector from the retracted position to the inserted position moves spring pins of the electrical connector and the second alignment projection from within an external housing of the connection module to extend out of the external housing of the connection module. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 13 , wherein a direction of sliding the mating structure into the mating structure interface is perpendicular to a direction of a transition between the retracted position and the extended position. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising obtaining diagnostic information from components of the portable electronic device through the electrical connector. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising writing data to components of the portable electronic device through the electrical connector.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/145,425, filed on Apr. 9, 2015, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to connection modules. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Connection modules may attach to portable electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure details systems, apparatuses, and methods related to connection modules for portable electronic devices. A connection module for a portable electronic device may include an external housing. The external housing may have a mating structure configured to attach to a mating structure interface of a portable electronic device. A first alignment projection may be disposed on a first end of the mating structure. 
     In some embodiments, the connection module may also include an internal housing disposed within the external housing and containing circuitry. The internal housing may be configured to shift between a retracted position and an inserted or extended position. One end of the internal housing may include a plug that includes spring pins coupled to the circuitry and a second alignment projection. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second alignment projections may be disposed on opposite ends of the portable electronic device when the connection module is attached to the portable electronic device with the internal housing in an inserted or extended position. 
     In some embodiments, the connection module includes a mating structure configured to attach to a mating structure interface of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the mating structure includes a fixed alignment projection disposed on a first end of the mating structure, a retractable alignment projection disposed on a second end of the mating structure, and a retractable electrical connector disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection. In some embodiments, the retractable electrical connector and the retractable alignment projection are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the fixed alignment projection. 
     In some embodiments, the retractable electrical connector includes spring pins. In some embodiments, the fixed and retractable alignment projections are disposed on opposite ends of the portable electronic device when the connection module is attached to the portable electronic device, thereby preventing movement of the portable electronic device relative to the retractable electrical connector. 
     In some embodiments, the mating structure includes a partially cylindrical structure disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection. In some embodiments, when the connection module is attached to the portable electronic device, the partially cylindrical structure is disposed within a cylindrical groove of the portable electronic device to prevent movement of the portable electronic device relative to the connection module in at least two dimensions, and the first and second alignment projections are disposed on opposite ends of the cylindrical groove to prevent movement of the portable electronic device relative to the connection module in a third dimension different from the at least two dimensions. 
     In some embodiments, the mating structure includes two partially cylindrical structures disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection and separated from each other by a gap. In some embodiments, the retractable electrical connector extends through the gap between the two partially cylindrical structures when the retractable electrical connector is in an extended position. 
     In some embodiments, the connection module includes an external housing. In some embodiments, the mating structure is disposed on a front surface of the external housing. In some embodiments, the front surface includes at least two apertures through which the retractable alignment projection and the retractable electrical connector may move. In some embodiments, the connection module includes an aperture disposed in the external housing and a button slidable with respect to the external housing and accessible through the aperture. In some embodiments, the button is configured to slide within the aperture to move the retractable alignment projection and the retractable electrical connector between a retracted position and an extended position. 
     In some embodiments, the connection module includes a first retraction magnet fixed relative to the external housing and a second retraction magnet fixed relative to the retractable alignment projection and the retractable electrical connector. In some embodiments, the first and second retraction magnets are configured to hold the retractable alignment projection and the retractable electrical connector in a retracted position or an extended position. 
     In some embodiments, a method of connecting a connection module to a portable electronic device includes sliding a mating structure of the connection module into a mating structure interface of the portable electronic device until a first alignment projection of the mating structure abuts the portable electronic device, electrically connecting an electrical connector of the connection module to contact pads of the portable electronic device by moving the electrical connector from a retracted position to an extended position, and locking the portable electronic device in position relative to the connection module by a second alignment projection that abuts the portable electronic device opposite the first alignment projection. 
     In some embodiments, the second alignment projection locks the portable electronic device in position by moving from the retracted position to the extended position after the mating structure of the connection module is slid into the mating structure interface of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the method includes moving the electrical connector to the retracted position and sliding the mating structure out of the mating structure interface. 
     In some embodiments, moving the electrical connector from the retracted position to the inserted position includes sliding a button fixed relative to the electrical connector along a track disposed in an external housing of the connection module. In some embodiments, moving the electrical connector from the retracted position to the inserted position moves spring pins of the electrical connector and the second alignment projection from within an external housing of the connection module to extend out of the external housing of the connection module. 
     In some embodiments, a direction of sliding the mating structure into the mating structure interface is perpendicular to a direction of a transition between the retracted position and the extended position. 
     In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining diagnostic information from components of the portable electronic device through the electrical connector. In some embodiments, the method includes writing data to components of the portable electronic device through the electrical connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear isometric view of a connection module according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a front isometric view of a connection module according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a connection module according to some embodiments attached to a portable electronic device. 
         FIG. 4  shows a connection module in a retracted position according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a connection module in an inserted position according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows an exploded view of a connection module according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a portable electronic device configured to receive a connection module according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of a pusher sub assembly of a connection module according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of a connection module according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a connection module according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims. 
     Advances in portable computing have led to a wide variety of different portable electronic devices. Portable electronic devices may have wireless communication capabilities. However, some communication is achieved through an electrical connection. Such communication may include any kind of data transfer, including obtaining diagnostic information from the portable electronic device or instructing the portable electronic device to perform various actions, such as diagnostic tests. 
     The following disclosure relates to a connection module for portable electronic devices, and a connection mechanism for electrically connecting to an electronic device. Connection modules according to embodiments of the present invention may be used for any kind of portable electronic devices. For example, connection modules may be configured for, but not limited to, use with a smart watch. Such connection modules may enable a variety of different interactions with the portable electronic device, such as obtaining data from the portable electronic device, transferring data to the portable electronic device, obtaining diagnostic information from the portable electronic device, instructing the portable electronic device to perform various actions such as running diagnostic tests, and so on. 
     In some embodiments, a connection module includes an external housing and an internal housing. The internal housing is configured to slide between two positions within external housing: a retracted position and an inserted or extended position. One end of the external housing includes a mating structure that is configured to attach to a mating structure interface on a portable electronic device (e.g., to removably connect or temporarily affix the connection module to the electronic device). The end of the internal housing that aligns with this end of the external housing may include a plug with spring pins configured to correspond to contact pads within the mating structure interface on the portable electronic device. 
     To protect the spring pins, the mating structure interface, and/or other portions of the portable electronic device, the internal housing is maintained in a retracted position until spring pins have been properly aligned with the contact pads. The external housing and the internal housing each provide an alignment projection that is configured to abut opposing edges of the portable electronic device when the connection module is in the inserted position to ensure alignment has been achieved and will be maintained while the connection module is in use. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are isometric views showing a connection module TOO having an external housing or slider case  200  and an internal housing or pusher case  300 . Connection module  100  is configured to interact with a portable electronic device  500  for various purposes, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, connection module  100  comprises a diagnostic device. For example, connection module  100  may, among other things, obtain diagnostic information from components of portable electronic device  500 , reset portable electronic device  500  to an initial configuration, obtain data stored by components or portable electronic device  500 , or write data to components of portable electronic device  500 . 
     Connection module  100 , according to some embodiments, accomplishes these interactions by establishing an electrical connection by directly attaching to portable electronic device  500 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , connection module  100  may include a mating structure, which may include an attachment projection  242  configured to mate with a mating structure interface  510  ( FIG. 7 ) of portable electronic device  500  and a retractable electrical connector  342  (e.g., spring pins  342 , also known as pogo pins) or other conductors configured to connect with contact pads  520  ( FIG. 7 ) of portable electronic device  500 . In addition, as part of the mating structure, connection module  100  may provide alignment projections  244  (i.e., a fixed alignment projection) and  344  (i.e., a retractable alignment projection) configured to establish and maintain proper alignment of spring pins  342  with contact pads of portable electronic device  500 . 
     In some embodiments, connection module  100  provides for two positions. Connection module  100  provides for a retracted position, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In the retracted position, only alignment projection  244  and attachment projection  242  protrude from connection module  100 . Connection module  100  further provides for an inserted or extended position, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In the inserted position, alignment projections  244  and  344 , attachment projection  242 , and spring pins  342  all protrude from connection module  100 . Connection module  100  establishes an electrical connection with portable electronic device  500  only in the inserted position. Moreover, in the inserted position, alignment projections  244  and  344  prevent or inhibit removal or misalignment of connection module  100 . 
     Connection module  100  may connect to an external data or power source (e.g., a computer or other device) via connector  400 . In some embodiments, connector  400  connects to connection module  100  by extending through slider case  200  and connecting with pusher case  300 . Connector  400  may be utilized both when connection module  100  is attached to portable electronic device  500  and when it is unattached. Moreover connector  400  may be utilized to provide power, instructions, or other data to connection module  100 . In some embodiments, data provided through connector  400  is written onto memory within connection module  100  and stored for future transmittal of the data to portable electronic device  500 . In other embodiments, data provided through connector  400  simply passes through connection module  100  directly to portable electronic device  500 . 
     According to some embodiments, connection module  100  is an assembly of various components within slider case  200  and pusher case  300 . Slider case  200  provides an outer casing for connection module  100 . 
     Slider case  200  may include multiple apertures. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , slider case  200  may include a connector aperture  210 , a button aperture  220 , and a pusher case aperture  230 . 
     In some embodiments, connector aperture  210  is disposed on a back surface of slider case  200  and is configured to receive connector  400 . Thus, connector aperture  210  provides connector  400  access to pusher case  300 . Accordingly, connector aperture  210  may be any size and shape suitable for receiving connector  400 . In some embodiments, connector  400  is an Apple Lightning® connector (by Apple Inc.®) and connector aperture  210  is sized to receive an Apple Lightning® connector. Other embodiments of connection module  100  may provide connector aperture  210  in alternative locations on slider case  200 . 
     Button aperture  220  is configured to receive a button  320  that attaches to pusher case  300  and functions as a switch to toggle connection module  100  between its retracted position and its inserted position. According to some embodiments, button aperture  220  is provided on a top surface of slider case  200 . Other embodiments provide button aperture  220  on a side or bottom surface of slider case  200 . In some embodiments, button aperture  220  is shaped to provide a track for button  320  to slide between the retracted and inserted positions. In some embodiments, button aperture  220  may be oval-shaped. In other embodiments, button aperture  220  may be rectangular. 
     Pusher case aperture  230  is provided on a front end of slider case  200 . Pusher case aperture  230  is configured to receive pusher case  300  during assembly. After pusher case  300  is within slider case  200 , slider cap  240  covers pusher case aperture  230  and becomes the front surface of slider case  200 . 
     According to some embodiments, slider cap  240  comprises an attachment projection  242 , an alignment projection  244 , a spring pin aperture  248 , and an alignment projection aperture  252 . Slider cap  240  constitutes the front surface of connection module  100  and is configured to mate with portable electronic device  500  via attachment projection  242  ( FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, attachment projection  242  is provided on an outer surface of slider cap  240 . Attachment projection  242  may be partially cylindrical and configured to slide into mating structure interface  510 , such as a cylindrical groove, on portable electronic device  500  ( FIG. 7 ). 
     In some embodiments, attachment projection.  242  comprises two partially cylindrical structures with a spring pin aperture  248  between them. Spring pin aperture  248  is configured to allow spring pins  342  to extend between the two portions of attachment projection  242 . 
     An alignment projection  244  may be provided on one end of attachment projection  242 . Alignment projection  244  may extend beyond attachment projection  242  such that it does not fit with mating structure interface  510 , such as a cylindrical groove, on portable electronic device  500 . In some embodiments, alignment projection  244  may be a different shape or size than mating structure interface  510  on portable electronic device  500 . In some embodiments, alignment projection  244  is disposed directly adjacent to attachment projection  242 . Regardless of its size or shape, alignment projection  244  is configured to abut an edge of portable electronic device  500  so that spring pin aperture  248  is aligned with contact pads  520  on portable electronic device  500 . 
     In some embodiments, alignment projection aperture  252  is disposed on an opposite end of attachment projection  242 . Alignment projection aperture  252  is configured to receive an alignment projection  344 , as described below. 
     According to some embodiments, pusher case  300  is disposed within slider case  200 . Pusher case  300  is smaller than slider case  200  such that pusher case  300  can slide between the retracted position and the inserted position within slider case  200 . With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in some embodiments, pusher case  300  includes a connector aperture  310 . Connector aperture  310  is preferably aligned with connector aperture  210  in slider case  200  and is configured to receive connector  400 . In some embodiments, connector aperture  310  is configured to receive an Apple Lightning® connector. 
     Pusher case  300  is configured to receive button  320 . For example, button  320  may attach to a top surface of pusher case  300  and may extend through button aperture  220  of slider case  200 . Alternatively, pusher case  300  may receive button  320  on a bottom or side surface. In some embodiments, pusher case  300  includes a small hole  370  through which a small protrusion  322  ( FIG. 10 ) on the bottom of button  320  may be inserted. Button  320  is further glued to pusher case  300  to maintain attachment. Button  320  functions as a switch to toggle between the retracted and inserted positions. 
     Pusher case  300  may also include circuit board aperture  330 . Circuit board aperture  330  is provided on a front end of pusher case  300 . Circuit board aperture  330  is configured to receive circuit board  360  during assembly. After circuit board  360  is within pusher case  300 , pusher cap  340  covers circuit board aperture  330  and becomes the front surface of the pusher case assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the outer surface of pusher cap  340  includes spring pins  342  and alignment projection  344 . When connection module  100  is fully assembled, spring pins  342  on the pusher case  300  are aligned with spring pin aperture  248  on the slider case  200  such that spring pins  342  may come in contact with contact pads  520  of portable electronic device  500  in the inserted position. 
     As mentioned, alignment projection  344  is also disposed on the pusher cap  340  on the same surface as the spring pins  342 . In some embodiments, alignment projection  344  is disposed on an opposite side of pusher cap  340  than alignment projection  244  and aligns with alignment projection aperture  252 . In some embodiments, the distance between spring pins  342  and alignment projection  344  is substantially the same as the length of one portion of attachment projection  242 . With this construction, alignment projection  344  corresponds to an opposite end of portable electronic device  500  than alignment projection  244 . Accordingly, when connection module  100  is attached to portable electronic device  500  in the inserted position, alignment projections  244  and  344  secure connection module  100  in place with respect to portable electronic device  500  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In some embodiments, pusher cap  340  provides foam pieces  348  on an inner surface. Foam pieces  348  may provide cushioning for the various pieces to accommodate tolerances in the features of each piece and provide for optimal fit of the assembled connection module  100 . 
     Spring pins  342  may be connected to circuit board  360 . Circuit board  360  provides circuitry for connection module  100 . As mentioned above, circuit board  360 , in some embodiments, includes memory and/or a controller, such that connection module  100  may be programmed to perform various operations on portable electronic device  500 . In other embodiments, circuit board  360  merely provides a connection between connector  400  and spring pins  342 . Thus, connection module  100  may merely pass-through communication from another device to portable electronic device  500 . 
     According to some embodiments, circuit board  360  may include a protrusion  362  that mates with a slot  332  on an inner surface of pusher case  300 . In some embodiments, circuit board  360  includes two protrusions  362 , with one on each side. Similarly, pusher case  300  may provide two slots  332 , with one on each side. Protrusions  362  function to place and fix circuit board  360  in an appropriate position within pusher case  300 . 
     Circuit board  360  may include a connector port  364  that receives connector  400  to establish an electrical connection between connector  400  and circuit board  360 . In some embodiments, connector port  364  is an Apple Lightning® port. 
     Embodiments of the connection module  100  as described herein may be assembled according to the following description and the illustration in  FIG. 10 . Spring pins  342  may be glued to pusher cap  340  and to circuit board  360 . These components may then be inserted into pusher case  300  with protrusion  362  in slots  332  in the slot guiding circuit board  360  into its proper position. Pusher case  300  may then be glued to pusher cap  340 . This sub assembly may be inserted into slider case  200 . Slider case  200  may then be glued to slider cap  240 . Finally, button  320  may be glued to pusher case  300  through button aperture  220 . 
     With this full assembly of connection module  100 , connection module  100  is suitable for use with portable electronic device  500 . When not in use, connection module  100  is set to its retracted position. According to some embodiments, on an inner side of the back surface of slider case  200  are disposed magnets  250  ( FIG. 6 ). While  FIG. 6  illustrates two magnets  250 , other embodiments may only use one magnet  250 . Alternatively, more than two magnets  250  could be utilized in yet other embodiments. Moreover, the placement of magnets  250  could be altered within the scope of the present invention. Pusher case  300  further comprises magnets  350  disposed on an interior rear surface of pusher case  300  ( FIG. 8 ). Magnets  350  correspond to and attract magnets  250  with a magnetic force. The magnetic force between magnets  250  and magnets  350  help actuate and maintain the retracted position. Accordingly, button  320  and pusher case  300  may snap into place in the retracted position by virtue of this magnetic force. The magnetic force may further act to hold button  320  and pusher case  300  in the retracted position. This magnetic force, however, is not so great that it cannot be overcome by a force exerted by a user on button  320  in the opposite direction. 
     Accordingly, a user can push button  320  to transition from the retracted position to the inserted position. Similarly to magnets  250  and  350 , in some embodiments magnets  246  may be provided on an inner surface of slider cap  240  ( FIG. 6 ) with corresponding magnets  346  disposed on an inner surface of pusher cap  340  ( FIG. 8 ). Thus, magnets  246  and magnets  346  attract each other with a magnetic force to bias button  320  and pusher case  300  to the inserted position. 
     Where magnetic attraction is described between pairs of magnets, some embodiments may alternatively replace one magnet of the pair with a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material, such that magnetic attraction is still provided as described. 
     In operation, connection module  100  is initially attached to portable electronic device  500  in its retracted position. Attachment projection  242  slides into mating structure interface  510  on portable electronic device  500  until alignment projection  244  abuts an edge of portable electronic device  500 . At this point, spring pins aperture  248  and spring pins  342  are aligned with contact pads  520  on portable electronic device  500 . A user can then move button  320  to transition from the retracted position to the inserted position. Upon this transition, connection module  100  establishes an electrical connection with portable electronic device  500  as the spring pins  342  come into contact with contact pads  520 . In addition, in the inserted position, alignment projection  344  abuts an opposite edge of portable electronic device  500 . Thus, alignment projections  244  and  344 , along with attachment projection  242 , effectively lock connection module  100  into place as long as it maintains the inserted position ( FIG. 3 ). Once all desired interactions are complete, the user can move button  320  to transition back to the retracted position and then slide attachment projection  242  out of mating structure interface  510 . 
     This application relates generally to U.S. Application No. 62/057,658, filed on Sep. 30, 2014 the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. These exemplary embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. All specific details described are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. 
     It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings, and that by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, one may readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. 
     The detailed description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The summary and abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the claims. 
     The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. 
     The phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160401
Publication Date: 20170905
Grant Date: 20170905
Priority Date: 20150409
Inventors: SCHWALBACH CHARLES A.
FANG LIANE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3833", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3833", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3833", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 57112033