PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11375629-B2
Application Number: US-202016795011-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Rotating frame lock for front crystal retention and sealing

Abstract:
A housing for an electronic device is disclosed. The housing includes housing components and a connector. The connector can be positioned between adjacent edges of two housing components. The connector can rotate from a first position to a second position to form a sealed joint between two adjacent housing components. The sealed joint can prevent moisture and debris from entering the housing of the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A housing for an electronic device, the housing comprising:
 a first housing component having a first engagement surface disposed around its periphery; 
 a second housing component defining an interior volume and having a second engagement surface disposed around a periphery of the interior volume and aligned with the first engagement surface; and 
 a connector having a body formed in a loop disposed between the first and second engagement surfaces, the body having an upper member and a lower member joined by a neck, a first face extending along portions of the upper member, the neck, and the lower member and being configured to engage with the first engagement surface of the first housing component and a second face, generally opposite the first face, and extending along portions of the upper member, the neck, and the lower member, the second face being configured to engage with the second engagement surface of the second housing component, wherein the connector is operable to, in response to a force compressing the first and second housing components together, seal the first housing component to the second housing component to enclose the interior volume. 
 
     
     
       2. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement surface includes a first protrusion and the second engagement surface includes a second protrusion and wherein the first face of the connector includes a first channel aligned with the first protrusion and the second face of the connector includes a second channel aligned with the second protrusion. 
     
     
       3. The housing of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second channels are vertically offset from each other enabling the connector to rotate in response to the force along an axis extending within the body between the first and second channels. 
     
     
       4. The housing of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second channels extend fully around inner and outer peripheries of the body, respectfully, and wherein the axis extends throughout an entirety of the loop of the body. 
     
     
       5. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the connector retains a cross-sectional shape when the connector seals the first housing component to the second housing component to enclose the interior volume. 
     
     
       6. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises an electrical trace on an exterior surface of the connector, the electrical trace connecting electrical components. 
     
     
       7. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the first housing component comprises an opaque material allowing light and touch input to travel through the first housing component. 
     
     
       8. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the first face includes a first channel sized and shaped to engage with a first protrusion on the first engagement surface and the second face includes a second channel sized and shaped to engage with a second protrusion on the second engagement surface, wherein a center axis of the first channel and a center axis of the second channel are offset along a vertical direction. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device, comprising:
 a first housing component comprising:
 an opaque cover having a first engagement surface disposed around its periphery; 
 a second housing component having a recessed region and a second engagement surface disposed around a periphery of the recessed region and aligned with the first engagement surface; and 
 a connector having a body formed in a loop disposed between the first and second engagement surfaces, the body having an upper member and a lower member joined by a neck, a first face extending along portions of the upper member, the neck, and the lower member and being configured to engage with the first engagement surface of the opaque cover and a second face, generally opposite the first face, and extend along portions of the upper member, the neck, and the lower member, the second face being configured to engage with the second engagement surface of the second housing component, wherein the connector is operable to, in response to a force compressing the opaque cover and second housing components together, seal the opaque cover to the second housing component forming an enclosed cavity between the opaque cover and second housing component that includes the recessed region; and 
 
 a display coupled to the opaque cover within the enclosed cavity. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the connector includes a body formed in a loop and having a first face configured to engage with the first engagement surface of the opaque cover and a second face, generally opposite the first face configured to engage with the second engagement surface of the second housing component. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the first engagement surface includes a first protrusion and the second engagement surface includes a second protrusion and wherein the first face of the connector includes a first channel aligned with the first protrusion and the second face of the connector includes a second channel aligned with the second protrusion where the first and second channels are axially offset from each other and the connector is configured to rotate in response to the force compressing the opaque cover and the second housing component together. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the connector comprises an electronic trace for connecting electronic components disposed within the first housing component of the electronic device. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the connector comprises one or more restraining features and at least one of the opaque cover or second housing component engages the one or more restraining features to form a watertight joint. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising a compressible seal disposed adjacent to the connector in a watertight joint. 
     
     
       15. A housing for an electronic device, the housing comprising:
 a first housing component having a first engagement surface disposed around its periphery; 
 a second housing component defining an interior volume and having a second engagement surface disposed around a periphery of the interior volume and aligned with the first engagement surface; and 
 a connector having a body formed in a loop disposed between the first and second engagement surfaces and rotatable from an unengaged position in which the first and second housing components are not sealed together to an engaged position in which the connector seals the first housing component to the second housing component, the body having an upper member and a lower member joined by a neck and a first face spaced apart from a second face, wherein each of the first and second faces extend along portions of the upper member, the neck, and the lower member, and wherein the upper and lower members are configured to contract when the connector is in the engaged position. 
 
     
     
       16. The housing for an electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the connector further comprises a curved surface extending along an exterior of the upper member between the first face and the second face and the first face further includes a first substantially flat portion extending along the upper member between the neck and the curved surface, the first substantially flat portion engaging a portion of the first housing component when the connector is in the engaged position. 
     
     
       17. The housing for an electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the connector further comprises a second substantially flat portion extending along an exterior surface of the lower member between the first face and second face, the second substantially flat portion positioned within the interior volume when the connector is in the engaged position. 
     
     
       18. The housing for an electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the connector comprises an elastomer material. 
     
     
       19. The housing for an electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the body forms a generally rectangular loop having rounded corners. 
     
     
       20. The housing for an electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the neck is defined by first and second channels extend fully around inner and outer peripheries of the body of the connector, respectfully, and are vertically offset from each other enabling the connector to rotate along an axis extending within the body between the first and second channels in response to a force compressing the first and second housing components together.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/906,550, filed on Sep. 26, 2019, and titled “ROTATING FRAME LOCK FOR FRONT CRYSTAL RETENTION AND SEALING,” the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to coupling of electronic device housing components and more particularly to structures for joining housing components. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic device housings often contain multiple components that are joined together to surround electronic components. For example, two or more housing components can be joined to form an outer or exterior surface surrounding an interior cavity or volume in which electronic components are housed. Adhesives can be used to join the housing components together. The adhesives can be susceptible to moisture, chemicals and debris and can breakdown over time. The breakdown of the adhesives can allow small gaps to form between the housing components, allowing foreign debris and moisture to enter the housing. The moisture and debris can cause the electronic components to stop functioning. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to various embodiments that relate to housing components for use with an electronic device. The housing can include a first housing component with a first engagement surface, a second housing component with a second engagement surface facing the first engagement surface, and a connector forming a joint between the first and second interface surfaces. The connector can include restraining features for joining the first housing component and the second housing component. The joint between the first housing component and the second housing component can form a watertight seal. 
     In some embodiments an electronic device includes a housing surrounding and protecting electronic components. The housing can include multiple components joined by one or more connectors. A connector can include a first face for engaging with a first housing component and a second face for engaging with a second component. The joint component can engage with the first component and rotate to engage with the second component joining the first and second components. The joint component can form a sealed joint between the first and second components to protect the electronic components from moisture and debris. 
     A housing for an electronic device is disclosed and includes the following: a first housing component having a first engagement surface disposed around its periphery; a second housing component defining an interior volume and having a second engagement surface disposed around a periphery of the interior volume and aligned with the first engagement surface; and a connector having a body formed in a loop disposed between the first and second engagement surfaces, the body having a first face configured to engage with the first engagement surface of the first housing component and a second face, generally opposite the first face, configured to engage with the second engagement surface of the second housing component, wherein the connector is operable to, in response to a force compressing the first and second housing components together, seal the first housing component to the second housing component to enclose the cavity. 
     An electronic device is disclosed and includes the following: a housing comprising: an opaque cover having a first engagement surface disposed around its periphery; a second housing component having a recessed region and a second engagement surface disposed around a periphery of the recessed region and aligned with the first engagement surface; and a connector having a body formed in a loop disposed between the first and second engagement surfaces, the body having a first face configured to engage with the first engagement surface of the opaque cover and a second face, generally opposite the first face, configured to engage with the second engagement surface of the second housing component, wherein the connector is operable to, in response to a force compressing the opaque cover and second housing components together, seal the opaque cover to the second housing component forming an enclosed cavity between the opaque cover and second housing component that includes the recessed region; and a display coupled to the opaque cover within the enclosed cavity. 
     Another housing for an electronic device is disclosed and includes the following: a first housing component having a first engagement surface disposed around its periphery; a second housing component defining an interior volume and having a second engagement surface disposed around a periphery of the interior volume and aligned with the first engagement surface; and a connector having a body formed in a loop disposed between the first and second engagement surfaces and rotatable from an unengaged position in which the first and second housing components are not sealed together to an engaged position in which the connector seals the first housing component to the second housing component, the body having upper and lower members joined by a neck, a first face spaced apart from the first engagement surface of the first housing component and a second face, generally opposite the first face, and spaced apart from the second engagement surface of the second housing component, wherein each of the first and second faces extend along portions of the upper member, the neck and the lower member, and wherein a width of each of the upper and lower members between the first and second faces is greater than a distance between the first and second engagement surfaces when the connector is in the engaged position sealing the first housing component to the second housing component. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present invention. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a simplified illustration of an electronic device including a housing according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a simplified cross section of a housing of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  viewed along line A-A in  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1C  is a simplified cross section of a portion the housing of  FIG. 1B  according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 1D through 1G  are simplified cross section views of connectors that can be incorporated into the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are cross-sections of an example of housing components and a connector for use with the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A through 3C  are cross-sections of example connectors for use with the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3D  is a cross-section of an example housing for use with the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are top views of example housing and connectors for use with the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of an example housing and connector for use with the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an example connector including a conductive trace for use with the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic devices can include a device housing surrounding electronic components. The device housing can include multiple components joined together. For example, the housing can include a component that forms a back of the housing, one or more components that form sidewalls of the housing, and a component that forms the front of the housing. The housing components can be joined together using adhesives or a polymer positioned in a joint between the components. The electronic devices and the device housing are often subjected to liquid and debris that, if allowed to enter the device housing, can damage the electronic components inside. The adhesives and polymers used to join the housing components can breakdown, allowing moisture and debris to reach the electronic components. 
     Some embodiments of the invention provide a solution for joining housing components to form a watertight joint that prevents moisture and debris from reaching the electronic components in the electronic device. The watertight joint can be formed using a connector positioned between a first and a second housing component. To connect the first and second housing components, the connector can be positioned with a first side of the connector engaging the first housing component. A force can be applied to the first housing component causing the connector to rotate until a second side of the connector engages with the second housing component. The connector can form a sealed joint between the first and second housing components that prevent or reduce moisture and debris from entering the joint. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with references to  FIGS. 1-5 ; 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. 
       FIG. 1A  is a simplified illustration of an electronic device  100  according to some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic device  100  includes a housing formed by a front structure  110  connected to a body structure  120  by a connector  130 . The electronic device can include electronic components (not shown) surrounded by the housing. The electronic device can be or include a wearable electronic device, for example a smartwatch, a phone, a tablet, a laptop, or other suitable devices. 
     The front structure  110  of the housing can be a relatively flat surface. In some embodiments, the front structure  110  can be a generally rectangular panel having four perimeter sides joined by rounded corners. The edges of front structure  110  can be molded or shaped along its periphery to engage with connector  130 . For example, the edges can have a lip or notch for engaging with connector  130 . The front structure  110  can overlay a display and/or touch sensitive surface (e.g., a touchscreen). In some embodiments, the front structure  110  can be or include glass, plastic, or other substantially transparent material. Further, the front structure  110  can be or include a port, a window, or a covering for an opening allowing access to the interior of the electronic device. 
     The front structure  110  can be sized and shaped to engage with an opening in the body structure  120 . The body structure  120  can include sidewalls and a base portion defining an internal volume (e.g., a recessed region or cavity) for receiving the electronic components. The opening in the body structure  120  can include molded or shaped edges surrounding the opening for engaging with the connector  130 . The body structure can be or include aluminum, titanium, amorphous metals, polymers, ceramics, glass, or other suitable materials. 
     The front structure  110  and the body structure  120  can be connected by connector  130  to form a sealed joint between the front structure  110  and the body structure  120 . The connector  130  can include a body that has a first face that can be engaged with the front structure  110  and a second face that can be engaged with the body structure  120 . In some embodiments, the body of connector  130  can form a loop (e.g., have a ring-like shape) that defines an opening that coincides generally with the opening formed in body structure  120 . Thus, when connector  130  is positioned or disposed between the front structure  110  and the body structure  120  such that the body of connector  130  is aligned with the edges of front structure  110  and with the edges surrounding the opening of body structure  120 , the opening defined by the body of connector  130  can be aligned with the opening of body structure  120 . 
     In various embodiments, the connector  130  can be made of material that allows the connector  130  to be deformed and return to the original shape. For example, the connector  130  can be made entirely from, primarily from or include an elastomer that allows the connector or portions of the connector to be compressed and return to the uncompressed state. In some embodiments the connector  130  can be coupled with a switch and/or an electrical contact that can allow the connector  130  to cause a state change in the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the connector  130  can include restraining features. As discussed further in  FIGS. 3A through 3D , the restraining features can engage with corresponding features on the front structure  110  or the body structure  120 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a simplified cross section of the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  viewed along line A-A before the front structure  110  has been seated. A force  140  can be applied to the front structure  110  to cause the connector  130  to rotate. The connector  130  can include a lower portion that contacts a portion of body structure  120  causing the connector to resist the force on the front structure  110  until a force peak has been reached. The force peak can be overcome by the force on the front structure  110  to rotate the connector  130  such that the lower portion of the connector  130  engages with a channel in the body structure  120 . The connector  130  can engage with the front structure  110  and the body structure  120  to form a sealed joint. The sealed joint can prevent or reduce moisture and/or debris from entering the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the connector  130  is a ring that engages opposing edges of the front structure  110 . For example, the front structure  110  can have a generally rectangular shape with rounded edges and the body structure  120  can have a similarly shaped generally rectangular opening for receiving the front structure  110 . The connector  130  can engage with the opposing edges of the front structure  110  and corresponding edges of the body structure  120 . In the first position, the connector  130  can support the front structure  110  and the front structure can be in an unseated position. In the unseated position the front structure  110  is not coupled to body structure  120  and is moveable by a force  140 . The force  140  can be applied to the front structure  110  (or a force can be applied in an opposite direction to body structure  120 ) to compress the front and body structures together. Because of the shape of connector  130 , such a force can cause the connector  130  to rotate along the perimeter of the front structure  110 . The connector  130  can rotate until the connector  130  is engaged with both the body structure  120  and the front structure  110 . In some embodiments, when the connector  130  rotates, it is plastically deformed by the front structure  110  and/or the body structure  120 . 
       FIG. 1C  is a simplified cross-section of a portion of the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1B  after the front structure  110  is seated and the connector  130  has rotated to form a sealed joint between the front structure  110  and the body structure  120 . The front structure  110  can be seated by the force  140  overcoming the force peak of the connector  130 . Connector  130  can include first and second channels  132 ,  134  that are rounded or curved and can be axially offset from each other formed in first and second opposing faces, respectively, to facilitate the rotation of connector  130  in response to force  140 . In the embodiment shown more clearly in the exploded view portion of  FIG. 1C , connector  130  can further include an upper curved surface extending between the first and second faces, a first substantially flat portion extending between the upper curved surface and the first channel  132  and a second substantially flat portion extending between the first and second faces. Additionally, the second substantially flat portion can include rounded edges (e.g., lobes). These rounded edges can be positioned on each end of the second substantially flat portion (e.g., one lobe at the intersection of the second substantially flat portion and the first face and a second lobe at the intersection of the second substantially flat portion and the second face. 
     In some embodiments, the edge of the front structure  110 , the body structure  120  or the connector  130  can include restraining features to form the watertight joint. For example, the front structure  110  can include a protrusion  112  that can engage with a first channel  132  in the first face of the connector  130  and the second face of the connector  130  can include a second channel  134  for engaging with a protrusion  122  on the edge of the body structure  120 . The first channel  132  and the second channel  134  can be axially offset in a vertical direction to aid in the rotating of the connector  130 . Further, to aid in the rotating of the connector  130 , the connector  130  can be formed from a material that allows the connector, or portions of the connector, to deform during the seating of the front structure  110 . As described further in reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the protrusions  312 ,  322  and channels  324  can be various shapes. 
     In some embodiments, the front structure  110  can be unseated. For example, a force can be applied to the interior surface of the front structure in a direction generally opposite that of force  140 . The force can be applied to the interior surface of the front structure using an access port and/or a tool inserted into the cavity of the electronic device  100 . The force can cause the front structure  110  to push against the connector  130 . The connector  130  can rotate to free the front structure  110  and/or break in response. Further, the front structure  110  can be unseated with a tool connected to the front structure  110 . For example, a suction-type tool can be attached to the outer surface of the front structure  110  to pull the front structure  110  away from the body structure  120 . 
     In various embodiments, the first and/or second surface of the connector  130  can include a seal  141  around its periphery that can aid in preventing the intrusion of moisture, chemicals, and/or debris into the housing and can further adhere the connector  130  to one or both of front structure  110  and body structure  120 . The seal can be positioned in the joint and compressed by the front structure  110 , the connector  130 , and/or the body structure  120  when the front structure  110  is seated in the body structure  120 . In some embodiments, the seal  141  can be or include an adhesive, a polymer, an elastomer, a seal, a gasket, a rubber, a silicon, a Teflon, a heat sensitive material, or similar seal. 
     In some embodiments, the exterior surfaces of the front structure  110 , the body structure  120 , and the connector  130  can form a continuous exterior surface. For example, the connector  130  can be engaged with the front structure  110  and the body structure  120  to reduce gaps between the connector and the front structure  110  and/or the body structure  120 . The exterior surface of the connector  130  can have the same surface finish/texture or be subject to the same finishing processes (e.g., grinding, machining, or polishing) to produce the continuous surface. Further, the exterior surface of front structure  110 , the body structure  120 , and the connector  130  can blend together. For example, the exterior surface of the connector  130  can have the same color as the front structure  110  and/or the body structure  120 . 
     Some embodiments of the invention pertain to a connector that can form a curved joint between the front structure  110  and the body structure  120 .  FIGS. 1D through 1G  are cross sections of example connectors  130 ,  150 ,  160 , and  170 , respectively, that can be incorporated into the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1A . As shown in  FIG. 1D , connector  130  can include a first face  131 , a second face  133 , an upper member  137 , a neck  138 , a lower portion  139 , and an axis of rotation  136 . Connector  130  can also include a slightly curved exterior surface  135  that extends between the first and second faces. The upper portion  137  and/or the lower portion  139  can be or include one or more members. The width of the upper portion  137  and/or the lower portion can be greater than the width of the neck  138 . For example, the width of the upper portion  137  and the width of the lower portion  139  can be approximately the same and greater than the width of the neck  138  which extends between first and second channels  132  and  134 . The difference in the width of the neck  138  and of the upper and lower portions  137  and  139  can allow the connector  130  to set the front structure  110  when the connector  130  rotates around the axis of rotation  136 . 
     In some embodiments, the width of the upper and lower portions  137  and  139  would prevent the front structure  110  from being coupled to body structure  120  by connector  130  except for the fact that the connector can rotate under force as described herein. For example, when the connector  130  is positioned against the body structure  120  in the engaged position as shown in  FIG. 1C  (but with front structure  110  spaced apart from body structure  120  as opposed to engaged with the connector), the width (W) of the upper portion  137  can prevent the front structure  110  from being moved into the set position shown in  FIG. 1C . The front structure  110  can have a diameter at its outer periphery (i.e., from protrusion  112  on one side to protrusion  112  on the opposing side) that is approximately the distance from a first channel  132  to an opposing second channel  134  of the connector  130 . The diameter of the front structure  110  can be greater than the distance between the first face  131  at upper portion  137  at a first point of the connector  130  and the first face  131  at the upper portion  137  at an opposing point of the connector. The upper portions  137  having a separation smaller than the diameter of the front structure  110  can prevent the front structure  110  from traveling past the upper portion  137  to engage with the first channel  132 . Rotating the connector  130 , as described herein, can set the front structure  110  by allowing the distance between opposing upper portions  137  to be larger than the diameter of front structure  110  when the connector is in the open (unengaged) position shown in  FIG. 1B , allowing the front structure  110  to be positioned in the first channel  132 . In various embodiments, the protrusion  112  can rest on the lower portion  139  when engaged with the first channel  132 . When the front portion is engaged with the first channel  132 , the connector  130  can rotate to position the upper portion  137  above the edge of the front structure  110 , forming a seal between the body structure  120  and the front structure  110 . 
     Connectors  150 ,  160 , and  170  of  FIGS. 1E, 1F, and 1G , respectively, can include some or all of the first face  151 ,  161 , and  171 ; a second face  153 ,  163 , and  173 ; the upper portion  157 ,  167 , and  177 ; the neck  158 ,  168 , and  178 ; the lower portion  159 ,  169 , and  179 ; and the axis of rotation  156 ,  166 , and  176 . The connectors  150 ,  160 , and  170  can also include a slightly curved exterior surface  155 ,  165 , and  175 , respectively, that extend between the first and second faces. The elements of connectors  150 ,  160 , and  170  can be the same or similar to those described in reference to connector  130 . Connectors  150 ,  160 , and  170  can include shaped channels for engaging with protrusions  112  and  122 . The channels can be sized and shaped to engage with protrusions  112  and  122  with corresponding shapes. Connector  150  includes notches  152  and  154  which are v-shaped notches. The notches  152  and  154  can engage with protrusions  112  and  122  and/or protrusions sized and shaped to engage with the notches  152  and  154 . In some embodiments, the notches  152  and  154  can include material that allows them to deform to engage with the front structure  110  and/or the body structure  120 . Connector  160  includes hexagonal shaped channels  162  and  164  and connector  170  includes thin channels  172  and  174 . The hexagonal shaped channels  162  and  164  and the thin channels  172  and  174  can be the same or similar as first and second channels  132  and  134  and/or notches  152  and  154 . 
     Some embodiments of the invention pertain to a connector, such as a ring connector, that can form a substantially flat joint between two structures that can be particularly useful where a port or other access point in housing can be included.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are cross-sections of example of housing components  210  and  220 , and a connector  230  for use with the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1A  to form a flat joint  200 . The flat joint  200  can include connector  230  for coupling a first housing component  210  to a housing body  220 . For example, the connector  230  can be a ring shaped connector. However, the connector  230  may be any shape suitable for coupling the first housing component  210  and the housing body  220 . 
     The connector  230  can rotate to form a bi-stable interlock mechanism.  FIG. 2A  shows the flat joint  200  with the first housing component  210  in the unset position. The connector  230  can be positioned between the first housing component  210  and the housing body  220 . In some embodiments, the connector  230  can be rotated to accommodate protrusions  212  into channels  232 . 
     A force can be applied to the first housing component  210  to set housing component  210  in place.  FIG. 2B  shows the flat joint  200  with the first housing component  210  in the set position. The connector  230  can rotate when the first housing component  210  moves from the set to the unset position. In some embodiments, the connector  230  can be or include material that can compress in response to the first housing component  210  moving from the unset to the set position. For example, the connector  230  can be in a relaxed state and engage with the first housing component  210  in the unset position. The connector  230  can compress and/or deform to accommodate the first housing component  210  moving from the unset to the set position. Further, the channels  232  can be or include material that can elastically deform to engage the protrusions  212  in the set position. For example, the channels  232  can widen to allow the protrusions  212  to move as the connector  230  rotates and the first housing component  210  moves from the unset to the set position. 
     The seated first housing component  210  can form flat joint  200 . Flat joint  200  can include a substantially continuous surface between first housing component  210  and housing body  220 . For example, the seams between the first housing component  210  and the connector  230 , and between the connector  230  and the housing body  220  can lack gaps, grooves, or other surface discontinuities or irregularities, such that the exterior surface of the housing is a continuous and/or smooth surface. In some embodiments, the flat joint  200  can be used to install a port or other access point in the housing of the electronic device. For example, the first housing component  210  can be or include a radio frequency window or maintenance port. The connectors  230  can include restraining features for forming the flat joint  200 . For example, the connectors  230  can include receiving channels  232  aligned along a central axis  234  for receiving restraining pieces on the first housing component  210  and the housing body  220 . 
     Connectors  130  and  230  can include various cross sections and/or restraining features.  FIGS. 3A through 3C  are cross sections of simplified connectors  310 ,  320 , and  330  that can be incorporated into the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1A . The connectors  310  and  320  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively, include restraining features with protrusions  312  and  322  that can be aligned with corresponding channels in housing components. For example, connector  310  shown in  FIG. 3A  includes two opposing protrusions  312  for engaging with corresponding channels in the housing components. The protrusions  312  can be or include material that is compressible to aid in the seating of the housing components. In some embodiments, the connector  310  can include one or more protrusions  312  and one or more channels  324 . For example, the connector  300 B of  FIG. 3B  can include a protrusion  322  and a channel  324  on an opposing side of the connector. The protrusion  322  can engage with a channel in the housing and the channel  324  can engage with a protrusion of the housing. Further, the protrusion  322  and/or the channel  324  can include a textured surface for aiding in the engagement between housing components and the connector  300 . 
     In various embodiments, connector  130  can be shaped and/or include restraining features. For example, the connector  330  of  FIG. 3C  includes additional features to aid in the forming of a sealed joint. For example, a hook  334  (e.g., a feature with a shape similar to that of a hook) can be used to aid the retention and/or sealing abilities of the connector  330 . The hook  334  can engage a similarly shaped channel in housing  332 . The hook  334  can allow the connector  330  to lock in place. Further, the hook  334  can prevent the connector  330  from rotating when a force is applied to the internal side of the housing  332 . In some embodiments, the hook  334  can act as a security feature for the electronic device  100 . For example, the hook  334  can break in response to the housing  332  being unset. The broken hook  334  can prevent the housing  332  from being re-set using connector  330 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3D , the housing of the electronic device can include features for engaging with the connector  340 . For example, a notch or groove  344  can be part of the housing to allow a portion of the corresponding connector  342  to expand. For example, the notch can be slightly larger than the corresponding protrusion  312  on the connector, allowing the protrusion  312  to expand after the housing is set in place. 
     In some embodiments the connectors can be formed into various shapes for connecting housing components. For example,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are top views of example connectors  412  and  422 , respectively, and  FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of an example connector  432 .  FIGS. 4A through 4C  are only examples of possible connector shapes (e.g., a rectangle ( 4 A) or a circle ( 4 B)), the connector can be any suitable shape to form a sealed joint between housing components. The connectors  412 ,  422 , and  432  can have a consistent cross section around the perimeter of housing components or different portions of the connectors  412 ,  422 , and  432  can have different cross sections. For example, the connector  412  that engages with the straight edges of housing component  410  can have a first cross-section and the connector  412  that engages with the curved corners of housing component  410  can have a second cross-section. The connectors  412 ,  422 , and  432  can be bi-stable, with a first position where the housing component  410 ,  420 , and  430 , respectively, are in an unset position. When the housing components  410 ,  420 , and  430  are unset, the edges of the housing components  410 ,  420 , and  430  can be engaged with connectors  412 ,  422 , and  432 , respectively. A force can be applied to the housing components  410 ,  420 , and  430  causing the connectors  412 ,  422 , and  432  to rotate. The connectors  412 ,  422 , and  432  can rotate to a second position where the connectors can form a sealed joint between the housing components  410 ,  420 , and  430 , and the body of the electronic device housing. 
     In some embodiments, a connector can be used in conjunction with multi-plane housing  430 .  FIG. 4C  is a multi-plane housing  430  with connector  432 . The connector  432  can be engaged with the multi-plane housing  430  around the entire perimeter of the edge of the multi-plane housing  430 . However, the connector  432  can be engaged with a portion of the edge of the multi-plane housing  430 . The connector  432  can have a non-uniform cross-section to engage with the edges of the multi-plane housing  430 . For example, the connector  432  can have a first cross-section for the edges of the multi-plane housing  430  that are in a high plane and a second cross-section for edges of the multi-plane housing  430  that are in a low plane. A force can be applied to one or more areas of the multi-plane housing  430  to seat the housing. In response to the force, the connector  432  can rotate and/or deform until the multi-plane housing  430  is in a set position and the connector  432  forms a joint between the multi-plane housing  430  and the body of the electronic device. 
     In various embodiments the connector  300  can include features for connecting electronic components in the electronic device.  FIG. 5  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a connector  500  that includes a conductive trace  510  for use with the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1A . The conductive trace  510  can connect electronic components within the housing of the electronic device  100 . For example, the electronic component can provide an electrical connection between a sensor on the external surface of the electronic device and the power source of the electronic device. The conductive trace  510  can be on the exterior of the connector  300  or can be internal to the connector  300 . The conductive trace  510  can electrically couple electronic components. Further, the conductive trace  510  can be or include an antenna, copper, silver, or any suitable conductive material. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200219
Publication Date: 20220628
Grant Date: 20220628
Priority Date: 20190926
Inventors: CROWLEY, PATRICK J.
SPENCER, MAEGAN K.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K5/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0249", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/069", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0208", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0221", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/061", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/061", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0208", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/061", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0221", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L23/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 75162658