PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11045913-B1
Application Number: US-201916383334-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Modular system for automated portable electronic device disassembly

Abstract:
This application relates to a method for disassembling a portable electronic device. The method can include generating data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device based on measurements of a housing of the portable electronic device, removing a display assembly from the housing using a first module of a modular system based on the measurements of the housing, and removing an energy storage component from the housing using a second module of the modular system based on the measurements of the housing.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for disassembling a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device including a display assembly and a housing defining a cavity that carries an energy storage component, comprising:
 generating data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device based on measurements of the housing of the portable electronic device including measurements of the physical attributes of the housing; 
 removing the display assembly from the housing using a first module of a modular system based on the data generated from the measurements of the housing wherein removing the display assembly from the housing exposes the energy storage component carried within the cavity of the housing; and 
 removing the energy storage component from the housing using a second module of the modular system based on the data generated from the measurements of the housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the data is generated using a vision system included in the first module. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the data includes a length of the housing and a width of the housing measured by the vision system. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the data is augmented by a scanning unit of the first module. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein the scanning unit is utilized to detect a presence or absence of the energy storage component that is carried by the housing. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage component is removed from the housing by cooling the housing with a cooling unit. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein a rate at which the housing is cooled by the cooling unit is based on the measurements of the housing. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the measurements of the housing includes a bend angle of the housing. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage component is attached to the housing by an adhesive, and the energy storage component is removed from the housing by swinging the housing with an amount of momentum that is sufficient to overcome an adhesion force associated with the adhesive. 
     
     
       10. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a controller of a modular system for disassembling a portable electronic device including a display assembly and a housing defining a cavity that carries an energy storage component, cause the modular system to carry out steps comprising:
 generating data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device based on measurements of the housing of the portable electronic device including measurements of the physical attributes of the housing; 
 removing the display assembly from the housing using a first module of a modular system based on the data generated from the measurements of the housing wherein removing the display assembly from the housing exposes the energy storage component carried within the cavity of the housing; and 
 removing the energy storage component from the housing using a second module of the modular system based on the data generated from the measurements of the housing. 
 
     
     
       11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 10 , wherein the data is generated using a vision system included in the first module. 
     
     
       12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 11 , wherein the data includes a length of the housing and a width of the housing. 
     
     
       13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 10 , wherein the steps further comprise:
 augmenting the data by using a scanning unit. 
 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 10 , wherein removing the energy storage component from the housing comprises the steps of:
 cooling the housing with a cooling unit. 
 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 10 , wherein the measurements of the housing includes a bend angle of the housing. 
     
     
       16. A system for processing a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device including a display assembly and a housing defining a cavity that carries an energy storage component, the system comprising:
 a controller in communication with a camera, the controller configured to generate data based on measurements of the housing of the portable electronic device including measurements of the physical attributes of the housing based on an image of the housing taken by the camera; 
 a first module in communication with the controller, the first module configured to remove the display assembly from the housing based on the data generated from the measurements of the housing, wherein removing the display assembly from the housing exposes the energy storage component carried within the cavity of the housing; and 
 a second module in communication with the controller, the second module configured to remove the energy storage component from the housing based on the data generated from the measurements of the housing. 
 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the second module further comprises:
 a cooling unit for cooling the housing. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17 , wherein a rate at which the housing is cooled by the cooling unit is based on the measurements of the housing. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the measurements of the housing include at least one of a width, a length, or an angle of the housing. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a scanning unit configured to detect a presence and an absence of the energy storage component within the housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/657,660, entitled “MODULAR SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISASSEMBLY,” filed Apr. 13, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
     This patent application is also related and incorporates by reference in their entirety each of the following co-pending patent applications: 
     (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/383,318 entitled “MODULAR SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISASSEMBLY” by RUJANAVECH et al. filed Apr. 12, 2019; 
     (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/383,323 entitled “MODULAR SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISASSEMBLY” by RUJANAVECH et al. filed Apr. 12, 2019; 
     (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/383,329 entitled “MODULAR SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISASSEMBLY” by RUJANAVECH et al. filed Apr. 12, 2019; and 
     (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/383,330 entitled “MODULAR SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE DISASSEMBLY” by WIELER et al. filed Apr. 12, 2019. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to automated disassembly of portable electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a modular system for automating a disassembly procedure for different portable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumer electronic devices are sold to various customers all over the globe. These devices are designed to do a variety of tasks that change the way people live and interact. Over one billion new smart phones are sold worldwide every year. Manufacturers also sell other devices such as tablet computers, laptop computers, televisions, digital cameras, wearable devices, drones, home appliances, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and many other types of consumer electronic devices every year. 
     As technology evolves, new features are integrated into these devices. Materials utilized to manufacturer particular components or a form factor of the device may change as new models are designed and sold. New components may be added to the devices or old components may be replaced with new components. Consumers are constantly upgrading the devices they have bought with newer generations of the same device or similar devices, which may lead some consumers to no longer want their old consumer electronic devices. However, consumer electronic devices may include hazardous materials such as heavy metals in lithium ion batteries or arsenic, copper, lead, and/or other elements in printed circuit boards that may be toxic. There is a desire to prevent landfills from being filled with these harmful materials. In addition, some materials in consumer electronic devices may be very valuable if properly recycled. Consequently, there is a desire to collect older consumer electronic devices in order to salvage the components for reuse or recycle the materials included in these devices. However, the numbers of devices that may need to be processed on a yearly basis is too large and potentially hazardous to efficiently handle with manual disassembly techniques. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to modular systems for automated disassembly of portable electronic devices. The modular systems comprise a number of modules that perform different portions of the disassembly process. Each module includes one or more stations designed and configured to perform a specific task in the disassembly process. 
     According to some embodiments, a method for disassembling a portable electronic device is described. The method can include generating data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device based on measurements of a housing of the portable electronic device, removing a display assembly from the housing using a first module of a modular system based on the measurements of the housing, and removing an energy storage component from the housing using a second module of the modular system based on the measurements of the housing. 
     According to some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium is described. The non-transitory computer readable medium can store instructions that, when executed by a controller of a modular system for disassembling a portable electronic device, cause the modular system to carry out steps that include: generating data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device based on measurements of a housing of the portable electronic device, removing a display assembly from the housing using a first module of a modular system based on the measurements of the housing, and removing an energy storage component from the housing using a second module of the modular system based on the measurements of the housing. 
     According to some embodiments, a system for processing a portable electronic device is described. The system can include a controller for generating data based on measurements of a housing of the portable electronic device. The system can further include a first module in communication with the controller, the first module capable of removing a display assembly from the housing based on the measurements. The system can further include a second module in communication with the controller, the second module capable of removing an energy storage component from the housing based on the measurements. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
     This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       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. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a system diagram of a modular system for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a top view of a modular system for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for disassembling a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an exploded view of a portable electronic device that is disassembled by the modular system, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a system diagram of a first module of the modular system for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view of a portable electronic device that is disassembled by the first module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a second disassembly station of the first module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate the operation of a disassembly task performed by the second disassembly station, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate a first transfer station of the first module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for separating a display assembly from a housing of the portable electronic device utilizing the first module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a system diagram of a second module for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates an exploded view of a portable electronic device that is disassembled by the second module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 8C-8D  illustrate various views of a second module  120  for removing an electronic component that is carried within a cavity defined by a housing of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a block diagram of the second module that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A-10F  illustrate various conceptual diagrams of an electronic component removal station capable of removing at least one electronic component from the housing for the portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate perspective views of conceptual diagrams of the second module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12A-12D  illustrate various perspective views of the second module for processing the electronic component, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for removing the electronic component from the housing of the portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for removing the electronic component, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 13C  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for processing the electronic component, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for adjusting parameters of the second module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for adjusting a set of parameters of the second module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15A  illustrates a system diagram of a third module of the modular system for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15B  illustrates an exploded view of a portable electronic device that is disassembled by the third module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 15C-15D  illustrate various views of a third module for processing the housing of the portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of the third module that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for processing the housing of the portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 18A  illustrates a system diagram of a fourth module of the modular system for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 18B  illustrates an exploded view of a portable electronic device that is disassembled by the fourth module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 18C-18D  illustrate various views of a fourth module for processing the housing of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a block diagram of the fourth module that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a first disassembly station in the fourth module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a second disassembly station in the fourth module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a third disassembly station in the fourth module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates an out-feed unit having a sorting table in the fourth module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for separating operational components from a housing of the portable electronic device by utilizing the fourth module, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for generating an identifier tag for the portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a detailed view of an exemplary computing device that can be used to implement the various methods described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates a control system for the modular system, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 28A-28C  illustrate a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates various portable electronic devices that are capable of being processed by the modular system, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The embodiments described herein set forth systems and techniques related to disassembling portable electronic devices. In particular, the embodiments described herein relate to a large-scale disassembly of these portable electronic devices in a controlled environment. Specifically, the disassembly of these portable electronic devices involves the separation of different parts and/or components, reclaiming metals from housings and operational components of these portable electronic devices for use in future products, and safely and securely collecting of heavy metals from electronic components of these portable electronic devices. 
     Although recent technological advances have provided individual users with tools to disassemble portable electronic devices via a manual disassembly process, these manual disassembly processes are generally inefficient, inexact, and fraught with experimentation. Consequently, an individual user is unable to disassemble portable electronic devices at a large-scale. Further complicating the manual disassembly process is the sheer complexity in separating and disassembling the thousands of components and parts that comprise these portable electronic devices, from circuit boards, to housings, to display assemblies, structural supports, batteries, and the like. Furthermore, individual users are unable to and/or unqualified to safely handle electronic components that include heavy metals, such as lead, nickel, cadmium, and the like. For instance, federal and state environmental regulatory agencies have established standard procedures for handling of these heavy metals, which requires specialized equipment and processes that are not available to individual users. 
     To cure the aforementioned deficiencies, the systems and techniques described herein can be described as computer-controlled automated processes for the precise and controlled disassembly of portable electronic devices. In particular, the housings, support structures, operational components, and the like of these portable electronic devices include recyclable materials. For example, housings of these portable electronic devices can be comprised of recyclable metals, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, stainless steel, copper, and the like. When a portable electronic device has reached the limit of its useful lifespan (e.g., due to physical damage, outdated hardware, etc.) recycling and reclamation procedures can be implemented to separate these recyclable metals so as to ensure that these recyclable metals can be reused in future products, such as other portable electronic devices, packaging materials, automotive products, and the like. Recycling and reusing these metals can impart a profound and direct positive impact on the environment. Indeed, metal refining and fabrication is associated with harmful greenhouse gas emissions and a large consumption of natural resources. In order to ensure that these metals can be recycled and reused in future products, the separation process should be precise, as executed by the embodiments described herein. In particular, if these metals include other non-recyclable parts, such as heavy metals, it can render these metals unfit to be recycled. Therefore, using the computer-controlled automated processes described herein can execute controlled and precise disassembly and separation of these metals, thereby significantly increasing a yield of metals that are fit to be recycled. 
     Furthermore, the computer-controlled automated systems and processes described herein impart specific advantages over manual processes and other conventional processes, such as being adaptable to different portable electronic devices. Consider, for example, a scenario where the disassembly system described herein receives different portable electronic devices. These different portable electronic devices can be distinguished from each other according to at least one of dimension, shape, appearance, construction techniques, operational components, and the like. Unfortunately, some of these distinctions are not readily distinguishable to the visible human eye. In other words, a human operator may not be able to readily distinguish these differences, which can result in the human operator utilizing the wrong set of tools or incorrect disassembly techniques. This is especially unfortunate because these manual disassembly processes are already generally inefficient at separating components of these portable electronic devices. In contrast, the computer-controlled automated systems and processes described herein are configured to detect differences between these different portable electronic devices, and correspondingly adjust the disassembly techniques to ensure efficient and precise disassembly of these different portable electronic devices. 
     Furthermore, the computer-controlled automated systems and processes described herein can control different modules that are integrated to coordinate with each other across a disassembly line process. Each of these modules is capable of executing an exclusive operation, such as removal of a display assembly from a housing or the removal of a battery from a cavity defined by the housing. Beneficially, the systems and techniques described herein are capable of disassembling a large-scale of portable electronic devices, such as thousands of portable electronic devices per day. 
     In some embodiments, each module includes a base structure that provides support for a number of different disassembly stations. The base structure can include steel tubing that has been welded together to form a frame. Brackets can be welded to the frame to couple the disassembly stations or other components to the frame, via welding, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, or other connection means. Alternatively, holes, threaded or unthreaded, can be drilled in the frame and the disassembly stations or other components can be connected directly to the frame via bolts or screws. In some embodiments, the base structure includes one or more plates secured to the frame and positioned at a height that is between a floor of the base structure and a ceiling of the base structure. Disassembly stations can be bolted or screwed to the one or more plates. In some embodiments, components of the portable electronic device can be deposited into receptacles located below the one or more plates during the disassembly process. These receptacles can be removed, periodically, by the operators in order to clear the components from the disassembly line. The components can then be collected and recycled by any technically feasible means. 
     In other embodiments, the base structure can include aluminum extrusion that is bolted together to form the frame. Of course, it will be appreciated that the base structure can be made from other materials other than steel or aluminum, including composite materials such as any combination of metal, wood, plastic, rubber, ceramic, or the like. Furthermore, the base structure can be bolted or secured to the floor of the facility. Alternately, the base structure can include leveling feet to adjust a vertical height of the base structure from the floor to align the module with adjacent modules in the disassembly line. 
     Each of the disassembly stations or other components attached or otherwise coupled to the base structure can include actuators and sensors. Actuators can include, e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electric motors, and the like. For example, the modules can include a multi-axis robot for moving a portable electronic device between disassembly stations. Each axis of the robot is associated with a separate motor for actuating an arm or linkage of the multi-axis robot. Each axis can also be associated with an encoder or other means (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, home switches, etc.) for providing position feedback. Sensors can include, e.g., limit switches, encoders, motion detectors, cameras, pressure transducers, temperature sensors, and the like. 
     The actuators can be controlled by control fluid (e.g., pressurized hydraulic fluid or air) or electrical signals (e.g., AC or DC power supplies and control signals). The sensors can require a power supply and provide output signals. Consequently, each of the modules can include a source and distribution means for electrical power and/or control fluid. For example, each module can include a connector for a regulated air supply to operate pneumatic cylinders. The regulated air supply can be connected to a manifold assembly that includes a number of electrically actuated valves for regulating the pressurized air to the various pneumatic cylinders. The output of each valve can be routed, via flexible tubing, to a corresponding actuator to convert air pressure into motion. Alternatively, the module can include a power supply (e.g., single-phase, 120 VAC, 60 Hz power) connected to the various electrical components. The power supply can be converted to control signals supplied to actuators and/or sensors. For example, the power supply can be connected to a variable frequency drive (VFD) that is configured to provide a variable frequency signal to an electric AC motor to control a speed of the AC motor. The control signal output by the VFD can be routed to the AC motor via a wire harness or a shielded cable that includes a plurality of conductors. It will be appreciated that the specific electrical requirements and/or pneumatic/hydraulic requirements will be determined based on the design of the module as well as the number and type of components included in each module. 
     According to some embodiments, a method for disassembling a portable electronic device is described. The method can include generating data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device based on measurements of a housing of the portable electronic device, removing a display assembly from the housing using a first module of a modular system based on the measurements of the housing, and removing an energy storage component from the housing using a second module of the modular system based on the measurements of the housing. 
     According to some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium is described. The non-transitory computer readable medium can store instructions that, when executed by a controller of a modular system for disassembling a portable electronic device, cause the modular system to carry out steps that include: generating data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device based on measurements of a housing of the portable electronic device, removing a display assembly from the housing using a first module of a modular system based on the measurements of the housing, and removing an energy storage component from the housing using a second module of the modular system based on the measurements of the housing. 
     According to some embodiments, a system for processing a portable electronic device is described. The system can include a controller for generating data based on measurements of a housing of the portable electronic device. The system can further include a first module in communication with the controller, the first module capable of removing a display assembly from the housing based on the measurements. The system can further include a second module in communication with the controller, the second module capable of removing an energy storage component from the housing based on the measurements. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-29 ; 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  illustrates a system diagram of a modular system  100  for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the modular system  100  includes a number of modules arranged in a disassembly line installed in a facility. The modular system  100  can include different modules  110 ,  120 ,  130 , and  140  that are each configured to perform an exclusive function for disassembling a large-scale of portable electronic devices. The modular system  100  can include an in-feed unit  106  that is capable of providing a batch of different portable electronic devices. The in-feed unit  106  is capable of providing the batch to the first module  110 . The first module  110  can include a station that is arranged to separate the display assembly from the housing and operational components of the portable electronic device. The display assembly can be further processed by the separate station or an additional station to disassemble the display assembly. 
     The second module  120  can receive the housing from the first module  110 , and the second module  120  is arranged to separate a battery from the housing. Additionally, the second module  120  cool the housing and the battery to render an adhesive, which is used to secure the battery within the housing, brittle. The battery is then separated from the adhesive using a momentum of the battery to remove the adhesive bond. Thereafter, the second module  120  is configured to isolate the battery in a thermal even containment compartment such that the battery can be safely processed. 
     The third module  130  can receive the housing from the second module  120 . The third module  130  is configured to remove mechanical fasteners that secure operational components to the portable electronic device. In particular, the third module  130  includes one or more pressing units to remove fasteners that secure the operational components to the housing. 
     The fourth module  140  can receive the housing from the third module  130 . The fourth module  140  is configured to separate operational components from the housing. The fourth module  140  is operable to: press an insert of a logo and/or a rear-facing camera assembly out of the housing, displace operational components loose inside the housing using an auger or cutting tool attached to a spindle, and/or remove a portion of the housing that includes one or more antennas using a mechanical shear. The loose operational components and, in some cases, the housing are deposited onto a conveyor and transferred to a sorting table where an operator can sort the loose operational components into various receptacles for further processing. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a top view of a modular system  100  for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the modular system  100  includes a number of modules arranged in a disassembly line installed in a facility. One or more operators can run the disassembly line during operation, performing various tasks such as: supplying the modular system  100  with portable electronic devices to disassemble; monitoring the disassembly process; correcting issues during the disassembly process; manually loading or unloading portable electronic devices from the various modules; providing input to the modules using a user interface; monitoring output provided on various displays; and operating any safety mechanisms like emergency stops or operator lockout systems. 
     In some embodiments, each module includes a base structure that provides support for a number of different disassembly stations. The base structure can include steel tubing that has been welded together to form a frame. Brackets can be welded to the frame to couple the disassembly stations or other components to the frame, via welding, mechanical fasteners, adhesive, or other connection means. Alternatively, holes, threaded or unthreaded, can be drilled in the frame and the disassembly stations or other components can be connected directly to the frame via bolts or screws. In some embodiments, the base structure includes one or more plates secured to the frame and positioned at a height that is between a floor of the base structure and a ceiling of the base structure. Disassembly stations can be bolted or screwed to the one or more plates. In some embodiments, components of the portable electronic device can be deposited into receptacles located below the one or more plates during the disassembly process. These receptacles can be removed, periodically, by the operators in order to clear the components from the disassembly line. The components can then be collected and recycled by any technically feasible means. 
     In other embodiments, the base structure can include aluminum extrusion that is bolted together to form the frame. Of course, it will be appreciated that the base structure can be made from other materials other than steel or aluminum, including composite materials such as any combination of metal, wood, plastic, rubber, ceramic, or the like. Furthermore, the base structure can be bolted or secured to the floor of the facility. Alternately, the base structure can include leveling feet to adjust a vertical height of the base structure from the floor to align the module with adjacent modules in the disassembly line. 
     Each of the disassembly stations or other components attached or otherwise coupled to the base structure can include actuators and sensors. Actuators can include, e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electric motors, and the like. For example, the modules can include a multi-axis robot for moving a portable electronic device between disassembly stations. Each axis of the robot is associated with a separate motor for actuating an arm or linkage of the multi-axis robot. Each axis can also be associated with an encoder or other means (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, home switches, etc.) for providing position feedback. Sensors can include, e.g., limit switches, encoders, motion detectors, cameras, pressure transducers, temperature sensors, and the like. 
     The actuators can be controlled by control fluid (e.g., pressurized hydraulic fluid or air) or electrical signals (e.g., AC or DC power supplies and control signals). The sensors can require a power supply and provide output signals. Consequently, each of the modules can include a source and distribution means for electrical power and/or control fluid. For example, each module can include a connector for a regulated air supply to operate pneumatic cylinders. The regulated air supply can be connected to a manifold assembly that includes a number of electrically actuated valves for regulating the pressurized air to the various pneumatic cylinders. The output of each valve can be routed, via flexible tubing, to a corresponding actuator to convert air pressure into motion. Alternatively, the module can include a power supply (e.g., single-phase, 120 VAC, 60 Hz power) connected to the various electrical components. The power supply can be converted to control signals supplied to actuators and/or sensors. For example, the power supply can be connected to a variable frequency drive (VFD) that is configured to provide a variable frequency signal to an electric AC motor to control a speed of the AC motor. The control signal output by the VFD can be routed to the AC motor via a wire harness or a shielded cable that includes a plurality of conductors. It will be appreciated that the specific electrical requirements and/or pneumatic/hydraulic requirements will be determined based on the design of the module as well as the number and type of components included in each module. 
     In some embodiments, an operator, loads a number of portable electronic devices into a hopper or other receptacle at a beginning of the disassembly line. As described in more detail below, a first module  110  can retrieve the portable electronic devices from the hopper, characterize physical attributes of the portable electronic device, orient each portable electronic device according to a standard orientation, perform a number of disassembly tasks on each portable electronic device, and then transfer the partially disassembled portable electronic device to a second module  120  using a first transfer station  104 - 1 . The second module  120  performs additional disassembly tasks on the portable electronic device such as safely removing a battery from the portable electronic device. Then, the portable electronic device is disassembled further by a third module  130  and a fourth module  140 , where the portable electronic devices are transferred between the second module  120  and the third module  130  by a second transfer station  104 - 2  and between the third module  130  and fourth module  140  by a third transfer station  104 - 3 . The third module  130  and fourth module  140  perform additional disassembly tasks, such as processing the housing and removing operational components from the housing of the portable electronic device. 
     Components of each portable electronic device can be removed or otherwise processed during various disassembly tasks, and the removed components are directed to a bin or other receptacle to be removed from the disassembly line by an operator. In some cases, the disassembly tasks do not fully separate components, but instead process the portable electronic devices to prepare the portable electronic devices for additional disassembly tasks in one or more subsequent modules. 
     The modular system  100  also includes a transformer that receives power from a main power supply of the facility and converts the power to one or more power supplies. For example, the facility could provide the transformer with three-phase, 480 VAC power on a 90 amp circuit. The transformer then converts the main power supply to one or more secondary power supplies, such as: three-phase, 208 VAC power; single-phase, 208 VAC power; and/or single-phase, 120 VAC power. The secondary power supplies can then be provided from the transformer to the modules in the modular system  100 . In some embodiments, each module includes an electrical panel that includes power distribution components (e.g., circuit breakers, DC power supplies, fuses, etc.), relays or other power switching components, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or other control systems (e.g., computing devices, logic boards with embedded microcontrollers, etc.), and communications equipment (e.g., network communications cards, modems, radio frequency transceivers, etc.). The electrical panel provides a hub for wire harnesses or cables routed through the frame and distributed to the various disassembly stations and/or components included in the module. The wire harnesses or cables can be connected to the various electrical components as well as control logic within the electrical panel to operate the modules. 
     In some embodiments, the modular system  100  includes a single electrical panel shared between multiple modules. In such embodiments, control logic, such as a single PLC, can be configured to operate multiple modules simultaneously. Wire harnesses or cables from two or more modules can be routed to the shared electrical panel. In some embodiments, each module can include an electrical connector that corresponds to a mating electrical connector in an adjacent module. Thus, when modules are installed at the facility, the electrical connector is coupled to a mating electrical connector in order to route electrical signals from one module to a shared electrical panel in another module. In other embodiments, the electrical connectors are utilized to connect one electrical panel with a second electrical panel. 
     It will be appreciated that the number of modules in the modular system  100  can be increased or decreased to accommodate different disassembly tasks for different types of consumer electronic devices. Furthermore, each module can include fewer or additional stations to accommodate a lesser or greater number of disassembly tasks. Some modules are designed to complete multiple disassembly tasks at a plurality of stations while other modules are designed to complete a single disassembly task at a single station. Furthermore, each station within a module can include one or more tools designed to perform different aspects of a particular disassembly task. For example, a particular station can include one or more tools to hold or secure a portable electronic device and one or more additional tools to perform the disassembly task. Examples of the various tools that can be implemented within a station can include, but are not limited to, clamps, linear actuators, multi-axis robots, spindles with drill bits or other cutting tools (e.g., end mills, ball mills, etc.) secured therein, spindles with various driver bits (e.g., Philips head bits, etc.) secured therein, vibrating tables, conveyors, hydraulic tools, water jets, lasers, mechanical shears, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the modular system  100  is designed to disassemble a portable electronic device, such as a smart phone or cellular handheld device. The modular system  100  can accept a plurality of different portable electronic devices in the hopper included at the beginning of the disassembly line. The first module  110  transfers each portable electronic device in the hopper onto a conveyor where a vision system is utilized to characterize physical attributes of the portable electronic device. The vision system can also be used to determine an orientation of the portable electronic device on the conveyor. A first robot picks up the portable electronic device from the conveyor and transfers the portable electronic device into a nest in a particular orientation to begin the disassembly process. A second robot picks up the portable electronic device from the nest, characterizes additional physical attributes of the portable electronic device, and delivers the portable electronic device to a number of stations to remove a display assembly from the portable electronic device. 
     The housing and operational components of the portable electronic device, without the display assembly, are then transferred to the second module  120  via the first transfer station  104 - 1 , where a battery of the portable electronic device is removed in a safe manner. The battery can be isolated in a thermal event containment container after separation from the housing in case of a thermal event. The housing and operational components of the portable electronic device, without the battery, are then transferred to the third module  130  via the second transfer station  104 - 2 , where a pressing unit can remove mechanical fasteners retaining at least some operational components to the housing of the portable electronic device. The housing and operational components of the portable electronic device are then transferred to the fourth module  140  via the third transfer station  104 - 3 , where a tool removes an insert of a logo from the housing of the portable electronic device. A rotating cutting tool ensures all of the operational components are separated from the housing, and a portion of the housing may be sheared off to separate one or more antennas from the housing. The components of the portable electronic device are dropped onto a conveyor, which delivers the loose components to a sorting table. An operator at the sorting table sorts the loose components into various receptacles. 
     It will be appreciated that the modular system  100  can handle different portable electronic devices, without intervention or explicit setup performed by the operators. The modular system  100  is configured to characterize the physical attributes of the portable electronic device. These attributes track the portable electronic device through the disassembly process. The data can identify parameters that indicate configuration data for each station to perform a particular disassembly task on that portable electronic device. For example, certain actuators can be adjusted to accommodate different sized portable electronic devices. Alternatively, tool paths can be changed in order to accommodate different locations of components or different structural differences within each of the different portable electronic devices. 
     In some embodiments, the modular system  100  tracks each portable electronic device as it moves through the disassembly line. Different disassembly stations can supplement the data used to track the portable electronic device as it moves between modules. For example, the first disassembly station can include a camera that identifies the portable electronic device based on measured physical attributes such as a length and a width. In some embodiments, the image captured by the camera can be analyzed to recognize specific structures or shapes such as a configuration of a front-facing or rear-facing camera lens assembly integrated into a face of the portable electronic device. The image analysis can be in addition to or in lieu of detecting edges of the device and measuring distances between edges as part of measuring the physical attributes of the device. 
     In some embodiments, the modular system  100  is configured to disassemble portable electronic devices in a variety of conditions, such as a sub-standard condition. It will be appreciated that automated disassembly of portable electronic devices will typically be performed at the end of a device&#39;s useful life. The portable electronic device can be scratched, cracked, bent, missing components, and so forth. It should not be assumed that a portable electronic device disassembled by the modular system  100  conforms to the exact specifications as the portable electronic device was manufactured prior to being sold to an end user. Consequently, the different disassembly stations within the modular system  100  must conform to devices having certain defects, within limits. For example, the degree of bend within a housing of the portable electronic device can be required to be within limits in order to be disassembled by the modular system  100 . In some cases, the modular system  100  inspects the condition of each portable electronic device received and may not process any portable electronic device that is not in satisfactory condition. The satisfactory condition relates to a number of different measurements being within a specified tolerance. For example, a bend angle must be within 10 degrees, positive or negative, of flat, certain components should be present for the device to be handled, and the like. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  200  for disassembling a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. The method  200  is carried out by the modular system  100 . In some embodiments, the method  200  can be implemented as logic configured to control the operation of each of the different modules of the modular system  100 . The logic can include instructions, executed by a controller of a control system, for carrying out one or more disassembly tasks utilizing the modules of the modular system  100 . 
     At step  202 , the modular system  100  receives a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, an operator loads one or more portable electronic devices into a hopper of a first module  110  in the modular system  100 . Each portable electronic device loaded into the hopper is removed by an automatic loading station by being transferred from the hopper to the first module  110  on a conveyor. 
     At step  204 , the modular system  100  characterizes physical attributes of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the physical attributes are characterized by analyzing a digital image of the portable electronic device. The digital image can be processed by an edge detection algorithm, and one or more dimensions of the portable electronic device as projected in a plane of the digital image are measured based on the location of the edges. In some embodiments, multiple digital images of the portable electronic device can be captured using separate and distinct cameras. Each digital image can be utilized to characterize different physical attributes. For example, a first digital image can be utilized to characterize a length and width of the portable electronic device and a second digital image can be utilized to characterize a bend angle of a housing of the portable electronic device. 
     At step  206 , a display assembly is separated from a housing of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the first module  110  includes a station operable to remove the display assembly from the housing and operational components of the portable electronic device. The display assembly can be further processed by the separate station or an additional station to disassemble the display assembly. 
     At step  208 , a battery of the portable electronic device is separated from the housing. In some embodiments, the second module  120  cools the housing and the battery to render an adhesive, which is used to secure the battery within the housing, brittle. The battery is then separated from the adhesive using a momentum of the battery to remove the adhesive bond. 
     At step  210 , the battery is isolated in a thermal event containment compartment. It will be appreciated that the battery include chemicals used to store energy. Automated disassembly can sometimes pierce or otherwise damage the battery, which increases the chances of a runaway thermal event due to chemical reactions. In order to prevent this fire hazard, the battery is placed in an isolation chamber and monitored for a period of time to detect the occurrence of a thermal event. Once the period of time has passed, and any intervening thermal event has been suppressed, the battery can be removed from the modular system for further processing. 
     At step  212 , mechanical fasteners securing operational components of the portable electronic device to the housing are removed/unscrewed/rendered inoperable. In some embodiments, the third module  130  includes one or more mechanical presses used to remove screws securing the operational components to the housing. The screw heads can be pressed through a surface of the operational components in order to overcome the constraint imposed by the screws. 
     At step  214 , the operational components are separated from the housing. In some embodiments, the fourth module  140  includes a number of stations for separating operational components from the housing. The fourth module  140  is operable to: press an insert of a logo and/or a rear-facing camera assembly out of the housing, displace operational components loose inside the housing using an auger or cutting tool attached to a spindle, and/or remove a portion of the housing that includes one or more antennas using a mechanical shear. The loose operational components and, in some cases, the housing are deposited onto a conveyor and transferred to a sorting table where an operator can sort the loose operational components into various receptacles for further processing, indicated at step  216 . 
     It will be appreciated that the method  200  may include additional steps for performing additional disassembly tasks. For example, other types of portable electronic devices may require additional steps implemented within any of the modules described above or in additional modules placed adjacent to or between any of the modules described above. Each of the modules of the modular system  100  is described in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates an exploded view of a portable electronic device that is disassembled by the modular system, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 2B  illustrates a first state  250 -A of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to a display assembly  254  is separated from a housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250 , subsequent to being processed by the first module  110 .  FIG. 2B  further illustrates a second state  250 -B of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to an electronic component (e.g., battery)  256  and fasteners  258  being removed from the housing  252 , subsequent to being processed by the second module  120 .  FIG. 2B  further illustrates a third state  250 -C of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to fasteners  258  being removed from the housing  252 , subsequent to being processed by the third module  130 .  FIG. 2B  further illustrates a fourth state  250 -D of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to operational components  260  being removed from the housing  252 , subsequent to being processed by the fourth module  140 . 
     First Module (Also Referred to as “A Display Assembly Removal Module”) 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a system diagram of a first module for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the first module  110  includes a number of station that are arranged to perform dedicated functions for disassembling a large-scale of portable electronic devices. The first module  110  can include an in-feed unit  106  that is capable of providing a batch of different portable electronic devices. The in-feed unit  106  is capable of providing the batch to the first module  110 . The first module  110  can include an automatic loading station  310  that includes a hopper that is capable of being filled with the portable electronic devices. Physical characteristics of the portable electronic device can be determined at the automatic loading station  310 . 
     Subsequently, a receiving station  330  of the first module  110  can include a plurality of nests that are capable of receiving the portable electronic devices from the automatic loading station  310  via a robotic arm. The receiving station  330  can asynchronously process the portable electronic device and other portable electronic devices in the batch. Throughout the first module  110 , it should be noted that the operator can instruct the robotic arm to repeat a disassembly task that was previously unsuccessful. In another example, the operator can remove the portable electronic device from the disassembly line and manually perform the disassembly task before returning the portable electronic device back to the disassembly line such that the first module  110  can resume the automated disassembly of the portable electronic device. 
     Thereafter, a manual loading station  350  of the first module  110  is capable of manually loading the portable electronic device. Subsequently, a vision station  360  of the first module  110  is capable of augmenting data of the portable electronic device. According to some embodiments, the vision station  360  can include a camera having a lens assembly and an image sensor. In some examples, the vision station  360  can determine a side profile of the portable electronic device, such as by determining a bend angle of a housing of the portable electronic device. In another example, the vision station  360  can capture an image of the portable electronic device in order to identify an orientation of the portable electronic device relative to a component of the first module  110  (e.g., a front face of the portable electronic device is face-up). In another example, the vision station  360  can utilize the image to determine a condition of the portable electronic device, such as presence of cracks and/or scratches. According to some embodiments, the image of the portable electronic device can be utilized to generate an identifier (DEVICEid) parameter that is generated to track the portable electronic device throughout the modular system  100  as the portable electronic device moves through the disassembly process. Moreover, throughout the disassembly process by the modules, the modular system  100  can supplement information related to the portable electronic device. 
     Subsequently, a first disassembly station  370  of the first module  110  is capable of removing connections that secure a display assembly to a housing of the portable electronic device. In some examples, the first disassembly station  370  is operable to remove fasteners and/or electrical connections between a housing and a display assembly of the portable electronic device. The display assembly can include at least a glass substrate having at least one side that forms a front face of the portable electronic device and a display for displaying pixel data. In some embodiments, the display assembly also includes a home button and a receiver assembly including the front-facing camera, the speaker, and the microphone. The first disassembly station  370  can secure the portable electronic device in a clamp (e.g., via a robotic arm), and force a tool into the housing to remove the fasteners securing the display assembly to the housing and/or electrical connections between electrical components within the housing and electrical components included in the display assembly. In some examples, the clamp can be used to secure the portable electronic device to prevent unintended movement of the portable electronic device while the display assembly is removed from the housing. 
     Thereafter, the portable electronic device is processed at a second disassembly station  380  of the first module  110  that is capable of separating the display assembly from the housing. Thereafter, a first transfer station  104 - 1  transfers the housing from the first module  110  to a second module  120 . 
     According to some embodiments, the first module  110  can include a control system for implementing the various techniques described herein. In particular, the control system can include one or more controllers that are configured to execute instructions stored at one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices can include volatile memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD). The one or more controllers are configured to provide signals and to receive signals to the various stations of the first module  110  as described herein. 
     According to some embodiments, the robotic arm utilized by the first module  110  can include one or more actuators, such as an electric motor, hydraulic motor, or the like, as well as one or more sensors, such as a quadrature encoder, torque sensor, accelerometer or gyroscope, or the like. The robotic arm can include multiple linkages, where each actuator associated with a linkage represents a different axis of the robotic arm. Each actuator for multiple linkages can be operated in tandem to generate coordinated motion of the linkages. 
     In some embodiments, the first module  110  includes multiple multi-axis robots to coordinate motion between different stations of the first module  110 . It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the multi-axis robotic arm is substituted with a different type of robotic system, such as an overhead gantry system that moves a robotic arm in an X-Y coordinate plane. The robotic arm can include a tool that moves in a Z coordinate direction and rotates around one or more axes to move to different locations at different orientations. In some embodiments, the robotic arm is a six-axis robot that includes six actuators for moving and orienting a tool in a 3D coordinate system. The six-axis robot can also include separate control signals for the tool, such as a control signal for a grip or clamp at the end of the robotic arm. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary portable electronic device  250  subsequent to being disassembled by the first module  110 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 3B  illustrates the portable electronic device  250  prior to being processed by the first module  110 . In particular, a display assembly  254  is secured to a housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250 .  FIG. 3B  further illustrates a first state  250 -A of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to the display assembly  254  is removed from the housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250 , subsequent to being processed by the first module  110 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the second disassembly station  380  of the first module  110 , in accordance with some embodiments. The second disassembly station  380  is operable to separate a display assembly  254  from a housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250 . In some embodiments, the second disassembly station  380  performs a disassembly task that further disassembles at least a portion of the display assembly and sorts two or more components included within the display assembly into separate receptacles. 
     In some embodiments, a robot (e.g., robotic arm, etc.) introduces the portable electronic device to the second disassembly station  380 . In some examples, the portable electronic device is introduced to the second disassembly station  380  after having been partially disassembled at the first disassembly station  370 . In particular, connections (e.g., adhesive, mechanical fasteners, etc.) securing the display assembly  254  to the housing  252  have been rendered in such a manner that the display assembly  254  is not fully secured to the housing  252 . In some embodiments, the display assembly  254  is separated from the housing  252  proximate at least one edge of the display assembly  254  such that a gap exists between an edge of the housing  252  and the at least one edge of the display assembly  254 . In some examples, the portable electronic device is introduced to the first module  110  in a partially disassembled condition. For instance, the display assembly  254  may be cracked or an attachment feature (e.g., bonding agent, adhesive, fastener, etc.) that secures the display assembly  254  to the housing  252  may be in a weakened or sub-optimal condition such that the display assembly  254  is minimally secured to the housing  252 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second disassembly station  380  includes a base structure  408 . The base structure  408  includes a number of structural members secured to triangular ribs at a left edge, a right edge, and an intermediate portion of the structural members. The structural members are aluminum plates that include various holes or slots formed therein. The triangular ribs secure a top plate, via screws, to a rear plate, such that the top plate is approximately perpendicular to the rear plate. The base structure  408  forms a frame on which one or more tools are affixed to perform various steps of the disassembly task. In other embodiments, the base structure  408  can be formed from welded metal components, such as steel plate or tubes welded to form the base structure  408 , or extruded components bolted together to form a frame. 
     A first disassembly tool  410  is affixed to the base structure  408 . The first disassembly tool  410  is a wedge component that is utilized to separate the display assembly from the housing. The first disassembly tool includes a wedge component, a clamping member, and an actuator. In some embodiments, the wedge component is a rigid body with a tapered portion that forms a leading edge on one edge of the body. The leading edge is oriented to be located towards a second disassembly tool  412  affixed to the base structure  408 . Alternatively, the leading edge can be oriented towards the robot  340 . The leading edge is designed to fit into the gap between the display assembly and the housing created by the first disassembly station  370 , as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5E . The leading edge can be sharp (e.g., where two surfaces intersect at a line, having a small angle between the two surfaces) or blunt (e.g., where the leading edge is rounded or chamfered). The tapered portion can be limited to a first portion of the body, where a second portion of the body is flat (i.e., a non-tapered portion), the second portion of the body having a substantially uniform thickness. The second portion can include through holes or threaded holes so that the wedge component can be removed from the first disassembly tool  410  such that the leading edge can be sharpened or a new wedge component having a different cross-sectional shape can be installed therein. 
     The first disassembly tool  410  also includes a clamping member proximate a first surface of the wedge component. The clamping member is attached to an actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. The actuator can force the clamping member towards the wedge component, thereby exerting a clamping force against any structure between a clamping surface of the clamping member and a corresponding clamping surface of the wedge component. In some embodiments, the clamping surface of the wedge component includes, at least in part, a surface in the tapered portion of the wedge component. In other embodiments, the clamping surface of the wedge component includes, at least in part, a surface in the non-tapered portion of the wedge component. 
     In some embodiments, the wedge component is fixed relative to the base structure  408  of the second disassembly station  380 . In such embodiments, the actuator moves the clamping member relative to the base structure  408  to close a distance between the clamping surfaces of the clamping member and the wedge component. In other embodiments, the wedge component is affixed to a ram of the actuator. In such embodiments, the clamping member is fixed relative to the base structure  408 , and the actuator moves the wedge component relative to the base structure  408  to close a distance between the clamping surfaces of the clamping member and the wedge component. 
     In some embodiments, the clamping member is at least a portion of a housing of an actuator. For example, a wedge component is moved towards a surface of a pneumatic cylinder to clamp a component between the surface of the actuator and the surface of the wedge component. In other embodiments, the clamping member is secured (i.e., fixed) to a housing of the actuator such that the clamping surface of the clamping member is not actually a part of the actuator. 
     In some embodiments, a button removal component is configured to completely remove the home button from the display assembly. The second disassembly tool  412  can then sort the home button separately from the display assembly. In other embodiments, the button removal component renders the home button inoperable while leaving the home button connected to the display assembly. In some examples, the home button includes a fingerprint sensor. The second disassembly tool  412  is capable of applying a force against the home button, thereby rendering the fingerprint sensor inoperable. Additionally, the second disassembly tool  412  is capable of rendering a memory that is in communication with the fingerprint sensor inoperable. 
     In some embodiments, the second disassembly station  380  also includes a third disassembly tool  414 . The third disassembly tool  414  is operable to remove one or more components from the display assembly. In some embodiments, the third disassembly tool  414  includes a hydraulic press. The hydraulic press includes a hydraulic cylinder attached to a top half of a die. The bottom half of the die is fixed relative to the base structure  408  of the second disassembly station  380 . The hydraulic cylinder drives the top half of the die toward the bottom half of the die. The second disassembly tool  412  inserts the display assembly into a gap between the top half and the bottom half of the die when the top half of the die is retracted towards the top plate of the base structure  408 . The top half of the die is then forced down towards the bottom half of the die to compress at least a portion of the display assembly between the top half of the die and the bottom half of the die. The top half of the die and the bottom half of the die include mating edges that operate to shear through the display assembly, thereby separating the receiver assembly from the display assembly. It will be appreciated that the hydraulic press can shear through at least some other components of the display assembly in order to separate the receiver assembly from the display assembly. 
     It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, additional disassembly tools can be included within the second disassembly station  380  by being affixed to the base structure  408 . In addition, one or more of the first disassembly tool  410 , the second disassembly tool  412 , and the third disassembly tool  414  can be omitted from the second disassembly station  380 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the first module  110  includes a hopper  402  positioned below the second disassembly station  380  that funnels components into a first receptacle proximate the bottom of the first module  110 . The first module  110  also includes a chute  404  that funnels the receiver assembly into a second receptacle proximate the bottom of the first module  110 . The display assembly can be placed by the second disassembly tool  412  into the hopper  402  to be collected in the first receptacle. 
     An opening of the chute  404  is located proximate the third disassembly tool  414  such that the receiver assembly can be sorted by placing the receiver assembly into the opening in the chute  404 . The receiver assembly travels down the chute  404  into the second receptacle, which collects a number of receiver assemblies before being removed by an operator. 
       FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate the operation of a disassembly task performed by the second disassembly station  380 , in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the robot  340  brings the portable electronic device  250 - 1  from the first disassembly station  370  to the second disassembly station  380 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the portable electronic device  250 - 1  is driven onto the wedge component of the first disassembly tool  410  by the robot  340 . The robot  340  inserts the leading edge of the wedge component into the gap between the display assembly  254 - 1  and the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The display assembly  254 - 1  is positioned on one side of the wedge component and the housing  252 - 1  is positioned on the other side of the wedge component, with the leading edge positioned between the display assembly  254 - 1  and the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The wedge component forces the display assembly  254 - 1  away from the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 ; however, the display assembly  254 - 1  is not fully separated from the housing  252 - 1 . Once the display assembly  254 - 1  is driven onto the wedge component to a minimum depth, the clamping component is engaged to secure the display assembly  254 - 1  in the first disassembly tool  410 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , the robot  340  then operates to separate the display assembly  254 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The robot  340  rotates the housing  252 - 1  away from the wedge component, such that the display assembly  254 - 1  is rotated away from the housing  252 - 1  to an orientation that is approximately perpendicular to a plane of the housing  252 - 1 . The axis of rotation can be approximately parallel to the leading edge of the wedge component of the first disassembly tool  410 . Once the housing  252 - 1  is approximately perpendicular to a plane of the display assembly  254 - 1 , the robot  340  is actuated to remove any connections between the display assembly  254 - 1  and the housing  252 - 1 , or electronic components carried within a cavity of the housing  252 - 1  and secured thereto. The broken connections can include flexible connectors that electrically connect the display assembly  254 - 1  to an electronic component such as a printed circuit board. Once the robot  340  separates the display assembly  254 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1 , the robot  340  moves the housing  252 - 1 , and any other components secured therein, to the first transfer station  104 - 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5D , the second disassembly tool  412  moves laterally proximate and adjacent to the first disassembly tool  410 . A clamping mechanism included in the second disassembly tool  412  engages the display assembly  254 - 1  and a button removal component of the second disassembly tool  412  renders the home button inoperable. The clamping mechanism of the first disassembly tool  410  is then released, securing the display assembly in the second disassembly tool  412 . 
     In some embodiments, the second disassembly tool  412  can be moved relative to the base structure  408  of the second disassembly station  380 . An actuator (e.g., a linear motor, pneumatic cylinder, etc.) can move the second disassembly tool  412  towards the first disassembly tool  410 , which includes a display assembly  254 - 1  clamped therein. The display assembly  254 - 1  can be clamped in a manner where the home button is accessible to a button removal component of the second disassembly tool  412 . The button removal component is configured to exert force against the finger-print sensor to disable access to any personally identifying information stored in a memory of the finger-print sensor. 
     In some embodiments, the button removal component is configured to completely remove the home button from the display assembly. The second disassembly tool  412  can then sort the home button separately from the display assembly  254 - 1 . In other embodiments, the button removal component renders the home button inoperable while leaving the home button connected to the display assembly  254 - 1 . 
     It will be appreciated that the button removal component can be any tool or device capable of rendering any electronic component included in the display assembly  254 - 1  inoperable. Furthermore, the second disassembly tool  412  is not limited to removing and/or rendering the home button inoperable. The second disassembly tool  412  is configured to remove and or render inoperable other electronic components included in the display assembly  254 - 1 . For example, the second disassembly tool  412  can be configured to remove the front-facing camera, the speaker, and/or the microphone from the display assembly  254 - 1  in addition to or in lieu of the home button. 
     The second disassembly tool  412  is configured to remove the home button (or render the home button inoperable) while the display assembly  254 - 1  is clamped in the first disassembly tool  410 . Alternately, the second disassembly tool  412  can include a clamping mechanism that interfaces with one or more exposed surfaces of the display assembly  254 - 1  as clamped in the first disassembly tool  410 . The first disassembly tool  410  then releases the display assembly  254 - 1  to transfer the display assembly  254 - 1  to the second disassembly tool  412 . In such embodiments, the button removal component can be configured to disable the home button while the display assembly  254 - 1  is still clamped in the first disassembly tool  410  or after the display assembly  254 - 1  has been transferred to the second disassembly tool  412 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5E , the second disassembly tool  412  then moves laterally proximate to the third disassembly tool  414 . The third disassembly tool  414  separates the receiver assembly from the display assembly  254 - 1  and transfers the receiver assembly in the chute  404 . The second disassembly tool  412  then moves the display assembly  254 - 1  over the hopper  402  and transfers the display assembly into the hopper  402 . 
     In some embodiments, the third disassembly tool  414  removes a receiver assembly that includes the front-facing camera, the speaker, and the microphone from the display assembly. The receiver assembly is attached to the display assembly by a bracket and one or more screws. The third disassembly tool  414  includes a driver component that includes a bit for engaging with a screw head and removing a screw. The second disassembly tool  412  inserts the display assembly into the third disassembly tool  414 , moving the display assembly relative to the third disassembly tool  414  to line up the bit with the screw head. In some embodiment, the third disassembly tool  414  includes an optical sensor for detecting the position of the screw relative to the driver component. Once the screw is removed, the display assembly can be moved to one or more additional locations to line up the bit with additional screws so those screws can be removed as well. Once all screws are removed, the bracket can be removed by a suction component or other component designed to secure the now loose bracket and remove it from the display assembly. 
     The third disassembly tool  414  also includes a clamping component to engage with the receiver assembly to remove the receiver assembly from the display assembly  254 - 1 . The receiver assembly can be connected to one or more other electronic components with a flexible connector that is inserted into a mating interface in the other electronic components. The clamping component can be coupled to an actuator that enables the clamping component to move in one or more directions relative to the display assembly  254 - 1  in order to engage and/or otherwise remove the receiver assembly from the display assembly  254 - 1 . The relative motion can separate the receiver assembly from other electronic components by pulling the flexible connector away from the electronic components. 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate the first transfer station  104 - 1  of the first module  110 , in accordance with some embodiments. Although it should be noted that some aspects of the description of the first transfer station  104 - 1  can also apply to the second transfer station  104 - 2  and the third transfer station  104 - 3 . The first transfer station  104 - 1  operates to transfer a housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 , along with other components carried therein or secured thereto, to the second module  120  of the modular system  100 . The first transfer station  104 - 1  is proximate the robot  340  such that the robot  340  can place the housing  252 - 1  into one of the slots in the first transfer station  104 - 1 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the first transfer station  104 - 1  includes a rotary unit  610 . 
     The rotary unit  610  includes a number of slots  612 , spaced around a plate configured to rotate around a central axis that is perpendicular to a floor of the base structure of the first module  110 . A motor is configured to index the plate by one slot  612  each time a housing  252 - 1  is placed in an empty slot  612 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the rotary unit  610  includes six slots and, therefore, the plate is indexed by 60 degrees each time a housing  252  is placed in a slot  612 . In other embodiments, the rotary unit  610  can include a different number of slots (e.g., 4 slots, 3 slots, etc.).  FIG. 6A  illustrates that one of the slots  612  includes the housing  252 - 1  and another housing  252 - 3 . 
     In some embodiments, an inspection unit is placed proximate the rotary unit  610 . The inspection unit is configured to measure a topographical profile of the cavity within the housing  252 - 1 . It will be appreciated that the cavity may include one or more components secured therein, and the inspection unit is configured to check to see that the components are included in the housing  252 - 1  before transferring the portable electronic device  250 - 1  to the second module  120 . For example, the inspection unit is arranged to confirm that a battery is still included inside the cavity of the housing  252 - 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the inspection unit uses laser range-finding techniques to measure the profile of the components included within the cavity enclosed within the housing  252 . A laser beam is directed toward the housing  252 , and a receiving unit included in the inspection unit measures the time it takes for the laser beam to be reflected back to the receiving unit. The time can be converted to a distance. By scanning the laser beam across a path that intersects the housing  252 , topological data for the cavity enclosed within the housing  252  is created. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for separating a display assembly  254  from a housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250  utilizing the first module  110 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 7  illustrates a method  700  carried out by the modular system  100 . In some embodiments, the method  700  can be implemented as logic configured to control the operation of each of the different modules of the modular system  100 . The logic can include instructions, executed by a controller of the control system, for carrying out one or more disassembly tasks utilizing the modules of the modular system  100 . 
     At step  702 , the first module  110  receives a portable electronic device  250  from a hopper of the in-feed unit  106 . In some embodiments, an operator loads one or more portable electronic devices  250  into a hopper of a first module  110  in the modular system  100 . Each portable electronic device  250  loaded into the hopper is removed by an automatic loading station  310  by being transferred from the hopper to a conveyor. The portable electronic device  250  can be inspected using a vision system. 
     At step  704 , the vision system captures an image of the portable electronic device  250 . In some embodiments, the image is captured based on a signal received from the controller. The signal can be responsive to the portable electronic device  250  passing through a laser beam of a motion detector. The image is transmitted from the vision system to the controller. 
     At step  706 , the image is analyzed to characterize physical attributes of the portable electronic device  250 . In some embodiments, the image is processed according to an edge detection algorithm in order to locate the edges various structures of the portable electronic device  250 . The edges can be used to calculate dimensions associated with the portable electronic device  250 , such as by measuring a number of pixels between two edges and converting the number of pixels to a unit of length (e.g., inches, millimeters, etc.). 
     It will be appreciated that the methods described with reference to  FIG. 7  may include additional steps for performing additional disassembly tasks. Alternatively, in some embodiments, some steps in the methods described herein can be omitted or performed in a different order. 
     Second Module (Also Referred to as “A Battery Removal Module”) 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a system diagram of a second module for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 8A , the second module  120  includes a number of station that are arranged to perform dedicated functions for disassembling a large-scale of portable electronic devices. The second module  120  can receive portable electronic devices from the first transfer station  104 - 1 . The second module  120  can include an electronic component removal station  810  that is capable of removing a battery from a cavity of the housing of the portable electronic device. Thereafter, the electronic component removal station  810  separates the battery from the housing. 
     Subsequently, a conveyor transport unit  840  is capable of receiving the battery from the electronic component removal station  810 , and transferring the battery to a thermal event containment compartment. Thereafter, the conveyor transport unit  840  moves the battery to a removal station  850  so that the battery can be removed from the second module  120 . Thereafter, a transfer station  104 - 2  transfers the housing from the second module  120  to a third module  130 . 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary portable electronic device  250  subsequent to being disassembled by the second module  120 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 8B  illustrates a second state  250 -B of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to a state of the portable electronic device  250  subsequent to being processed by the first module  110 . In particular, during the second state  250 -B, the display assembly  254  is separated from the housing  252 .  FIG. 8B  illustrates a third state  250 -C of the portable electronic device  250  subsequent to the portable electronic device  250  being processed by the second module  120 . In particular, during the third state  250 -C, an electronic component  256  (or battery) is removed and separated from a cavity of the housing  252 . 
       FIGS. 8C-8D  illustrate various views of a second module  120  for removing an electronic component that is carried within a cavity defined by a housing of a portable electronic device—e.g., the portable electronic device  250 , in accordance with some embodiments. The second module  120  is configured to remove the at least one electronic component subsequent to separating a display assembly  254  from the housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250 , as previously described herein. 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates a side view of the second module  120  that is configured to remove at least one electronic component that is carried by the housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250 . According to some examples, the at least one electronic component can refer to a battery, a power supply, a processor, an electronic circuit, an antenna, and the like. Additionally, the at least one electronic component is secured to the housing and/or an operational component of the portable electronic device  250  by at least one bonding agent. Furthermore, in some examples, the at least one electronic component is capable of generating heat, such as by increasing a temperature of the at least one electronic component. 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include an electronic component removal station  810  that is capable of processing the housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250  so as to remove the electronic component from within the cavity of the housing  252 , as will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10E . In some embodiments, the second module  120  can include a peripheral frame that establishes an operating environment. In particular, the frame can carry and support at least one of a barrier, a wall, or a glass that defines the operating environment. In some examples, the operating environment is characterized as having a regulated pressure environment by using a feedback control mechanism. In particular, the operating environment is characterized as having a negative pressure. Beneficially, the negative pressure can ensure that any fumes or smoke caused by removal of the electronic component does not escape the operating environment and exit into an environment external to the second module  120 . 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  is connected to a cooling unit  830  that is capable of cooling the housing  252  and/or the portable electronic device  250 . In particular, the cooling unit  830  can provide a coolant, in the form of a liquid or a gas, to the electronic component removal station  810  via pipes. The second module  120  can include any number of the cooling unit  830  as needed to sufficiently cool the housing  252  and/or the portable electronic device  250 . In some embodiments, a controller is capable of controlling at least one of a cooling temperature, flow rate, coolant mixture, and the like that is provided to the electronic component removal station  810 . In some embodiments, the cooling unit  830  is a part of the second module  120 . 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include a conveyor transport unit  840  that is capable of receiving the at least one electronic component that has been separated from a corresponding housing  252  subsequent to being processed by the electronic component removal station  810 , and capable of transporting the electronic component to a removal station  850 , where the electronic component can be removed from the second module  120  via an unload door. The transport unit  840  and the component removal station  850  will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 12A-12D . 
       FIG. 8D  illustrates a top view of the second module  120 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8D , a robotic arm  860  is capable of transferring the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  between the first transfer station  104 - 1 , the second transfer station  104 - 2 , and the electronic component removal station  810 . The first transfer station  104 - 1  can include one or more slots, where each of the one slots are arranged to receive and retain the housing  252 - 1 . In particular, the first transfer station  104 - 1  rotates about a rotation axis subsequent to the housing  252 - 1  being received so as to position the housing  252 - 1  closer to the robotic arm  860 .  FIG. 8D  illustrates an X-Y-Z reference frame, where the first transfer station  104 - 1  rotates the slots in the X-Y plane and parallel to the Z-axis. The robotic arm  860  is configured to pick the housing  252 - 1  from the slot and place the housing  252 - 1  at the electronic component removal station  810 . 
     According to some embodiments, subsequent to the electronic component having been removed from the housing  252 - 1  at the electronic component removal station  810 , the robotic arm  860  is configured to transfer the housing to the second transfer station  104 - 2 .  FIG. 8D  illustrates an X-Y-Z reference frame, where the second transfer station  104 - 2  rotates the slots about a rotation axis in the X-Y plane and parallel to the Z-axis. 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include multiple electronic component removal stations  810  that are each capable of independently processing and removing the electronic component from the housing.  FIG. 8D  illustrates three electronic component removal stations  810 -A- 810 -C that are each capable of receiving cooled liquid/gas from the cooling unit  830 . Beneficially, in this manner, the second module  120  is configured to concurrently remove electronic components, thereby increasing processing efficiency. 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include a robotic arm  860  that is capable of transferring the housing  252  for the portable electronic device  250  from the first transfer station  104 - 1  to the electronic component removal station  810 . It will be appreciated that first transfer station  104 - 1  can be omitted in instances where a transfer station is provided in an adjacent module—e.g., the first module  110 . In some examples, the robotic arm  860  is mounted to the frame. In other examples, the robotic arm  860  is mounted to a linear slide axis, which is capable of providing the robotic arm  860  with an additional axis of movement. According to some examples, the housing  252  that is retained at the first transfer station  104 - 1  is unprocessed, which is to mean that the electronic component remains carried by the housing  252  within a cavity of the portable electronic device  250 . Subsequent to the housing  252  having been processed by the electronic component removal station  810 , the electronic component can be separated from the housing  252 , and the robotic arm  860  can transfer the processed housing  252  to a second transfer station  104 - 2 . The second transfer station  104 - 2  can retain the housing  252  until the housing  252  is ready to be processed by a modular system—e.g., the third module  130 —as described with reference to  FIGS. 15-17 . 
     According to some embodiments, the robotic arm  860  is capable of moving in multiple degrees of freedom. In particular, the robotic arm  860  is referred to as a multi-axis robotic arm, where the robotic arm  860  is configured to rotate or translate according to at least one of an X-axis, a Y-axis, or a Z-axis. Accordingly, the robotic arm  860  can move up to 6 degrees-of-freedom. In some examples, the robotic arm  860  is referred to as an inverted robotic arm. In some examples, the robotic arm  860  is mounted to a linear slide, thereby enabling the robotic arm  860  to translate in multiple directions. In some examples, the robotic arm  860  includes a handler unit having a working tool that is capable of picking the housing  252 - 1  and placing the housing  252 - 1  at the electronic component removal station  2110 . 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include an inspection unit (e.g., optical scanner, etc.) that is configured to determine whether the electronic component is carried within a cavity defined by the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  prior to the robotic arm  860  placing the housing  252 - 1  at the electronic component removal station  810 . If the inspection unit determines that the specific electronic component is present, then the inspection unit can provide a detection signal to the controller, which responds by instructing the robotic arm  860  to place the housing  252 - 1  at a receiving region of the electronic component removal station  810 . Alternatively, if the inspection unit determines that the specific electronic component of interest is not present within the cavity, then the inspection unit can provide a notification signal to the controller, which can respond by instructing the robotic arm  860  to place the housing  252 - 1  at the second transfer station  104 - 2 ; thereby, bypassing the process of removing the electronic component from the housing  252 - 1  at the electronic component removal station  2110 . 
       FIG. 9  is a conceptual block diagram of a portion of a control system for the second module  120  that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the second module  120  can include one or more controllers  910  for executing functions of the second module  120 . The one or more controllers  910  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) or microcontrollers for performing dedicated functions. 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include at least one storage device  914 , such as a memory, which can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the storage device  914 . In some cases, storage device  914  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The second module  120  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RANI can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the second module  120 . In some embodiments, the storage device  914  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium, where an operating system (OS) is established at the storage device  914  that is configured to execute applications or software programs that are stored at the storage device  914 . In some embodiments, a data bus  912  can facilitate data transfer between the storage device  914  and the controller  910 . 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include one or more input/output (I/O) components  918  that enable communication between an operator and the second module  120 . In some cases, the I/O component  918  can refer to button or a switch that is capable of being actuated by the operator. In some cases, the I/O component  918  can refer to a soft key that is flexibly programmable to invoke any number of functions. When the I/O component  918  is actuated, the I/O component  918  can cause an electrical signal to be provided to the controller  910  via link  916 . 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include an area sensor  980  that monitors an environmental condition of the operating environment of the second module  120 . In some examples, the area sensor  980  can monitor the operating environment for at least one of a current temperature, presence of certain chemical agents (or toxins) gases, and the like. The area sensor  980  is configured to provide a detection signal to the controller  910  via a link  982  so as to cause the controller  910  to provide a control signal to activate an environmental pressure regulatory system (not illustrated) of the second module  120 . In some cases, a feedback loop mechanism is established between the controller  910 /storage device  914 /area sensor  980  and other units and stations of the second module  120 . 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include a communications interface  990  that enables the controller  910  to communicate with another controller—e.g., the controller of the first module  110 —in at least one of a wired or wireless manner. In some examples, an electrical signal is provided between the controller  910  and the communications interface  990  via a link  992 . 
     According to some embodiments, the controller  910  can control an electronic component removal station  950 , such as an actuatable arm  920  that is capable of striking a portion of the housing against a surface of a detachment component, as will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10E . In particular, the controller  910  can provide a control signal that can cause the actuatable arm  920  to pivot relative to a pivot axis. In some examples, the controller  910  can control at least one of when the actuatable arm  920  is actuated, a speed, and the like. Additionally, the second module  120  can optionally include a cooling unit  930  that is capable of cooling the housing, so as to facilitate the ease by which the electronic component removal station  950  is able to remove the electronic component from within the cavity of the housing. The controller  910  is configured to adjust one or more parameters of the cooling unit  930  to facilitate removal of the electronic component, such as at least one of a temperature, a flow rate, a coolant mixture, and the like. 
     According to some embodiments, the controller  910  can provide a control signal to a pulling unit  970 . As will be described in greater detail herein, the pulling unit  970  is capable of separating the electronic component  256 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1 ; thereby, enabling the electronic component  256 - 1  to be further processed. 
     According to some embodiments, the controller  910  can provide a control signal to the conveyor transport unit  940 . As will be described in greater detail herein, the conveyor transport unit  940  is configured to receive the electronic component from the electronic component removal station  950 , and transport the electronic component to a removal station  950  such that the electronic component can be safely removed from the second module  120 . 
     According to some embodiments, the second module  120  can include a Cartesian unit  960  that is capable of translating the housing  252  between different units/stations of the second module  120 . The controller  910  is capable of providing control signals to translate the Cartesian unit  960  according to multiple degrees of freedom. 
     According to some embodiments, the controller  910  can utilize an inspection unit to determine whether the electronic component is carried within a cavity defined by a housing  252  of the portable electronic device  250 . Additionally, the inspection unit can also be configured to determine whether the electronic component has been removed by the electronic component removal station  950 , such as by using optical detection to determine if the electronic component has been transferred in a chute, as will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 12B . In turn, the inspection unit can provide a detection signal to the controller  910 . In response, the controller  910  can provide a control signal to cause the conveyor transport unit  940  to transport the container to the electronic component removal station  950 . 
       FIGS. 10A-10F  illustrate various conceptual diagrams of an electronic component removal station  810  capable of removing at least one electronic component from the housing for the portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. This can occur, for example, subsequent to the robotic arm  860  placing the housing—e.g., the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 —onto a receiving region of the electronic component removal station  810 . 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates a perspective view of a conceptual diagram of the electronic component removal station  810  as described with reference to  FIGS. 8C-8D . As illustrated in  FIG. 10A , an actuatable arm  1020  (or swing arm) is configured to raise the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  to a cooling unit  830  of the electronic component removal station  810  for the purpose of weakening any bonding agent that secures the electronic component to the housing  252 - 1  and/or an operational component that is carried by the housing  252 - 1 . Beneficially, weakening the bonding agent can facilitate subsequently removing the electronic component from within the cavity. In some examples, the cooling unit  830  includes one or more vents capable of directly cooling a back surface of the housing  252 - 1 . In turn, the electronic component  256 - 1  can be cooled by the one or more vents of the cooling unit  830 . 
       FIG. 10A  also illustrates an X-Y-Z reference frame, where the actuatable arm  1020  is configured to be oriented in at least one of the X-axis or Y-axis. According to some embodiments, the actuatable arm  1020  can include a retention cavity  1025  that is capable of receiving the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . In some examples, the actuatable arm  1020  is secured to a surface  1052  of the electronic component  256 - 1 . In some examples, the robotic arm  860  is configured to place the housing  252 - 1  within the retention cavity  1025  while the actuatable arm  1020  is oriented in a horizontal manner (i.e., parallel to the X-axis). The actuatable arm  1020  is configured to be raised in the vertical manner so as to position the housing  252 - 1 /the portable electronic device  250 - 1  adjacent to the cooling unit  830 . In some examples, the actuatable arm  1020  is secured to the housing  252 - 1  by way of a mechanical retention member, a suction element, or an adhesive. 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic component  256 - 1  is capable of being cooled directly with a cooling nozzle  1070  that is connected to the cooling unit  830 . The cooling nozzle  1070  is capable of moving in at least one of a lateral direction (i.e., parallel to the X-axis) or in a vertical direction (i.e., parallel to the Y-axis). Beneficially, the cooling nozzle  1070  is capable of cooling the electronic component  256 - 1  more efficiently than the cooling unit  830 . 
     According to some embodiments, the actuatable arm  1020  is operable by a servo motor and a clutch. The servo motor is configured to raise the actuatable arm  1020  along a pivot axis  1050  (e.g., a hinge, etc.) and lower the actuatable arm  1020  along the pivot axis  1050 . The pivot axis  1050  is configured to raise and lower the frame member  1022 . In some examples, the actuatable arm  1020  is operated by a pneumatic gas chamber. 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates a perspective view of a conceptual diagram of the electronic component removal station  810 . The actuatable arm  1020  raises the electronic component  256 - 1  and the housing  252 - 1  adjacent to the cooling unit  830  so that the electronic component  256 - 1  is stiffened by the coolant provided by the cooling unit  830 , and any bonding agent  1054  (see  FIG. 8C ) that secures the electronic component  256 - 1  to the housing  252 - 1  is weakened. 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic component  256 - 1  is capable of being cooled directly with the cooling nozzle  1070  that is connected to the cooling unit  830 . In some examples, when the actuatable arm  1020  raises the electronic component  256 - 1  and the housing  252 - 1  adjacent to the cooling unit  830 , the cooling nozzle  1070  is capable of moving in at least one of a lateral direction (i.e., parallel to the X-axis) or in a vertical direction (i.e., parallel to the Y-axis) to be closer to a front surface of the housing  252 - 1  in order to directly cool the electronic component  256 - 1 . Additionally, in some examples, the cooling nozzle  1070  is capable of moving away from the front surface of the housing  252 - 1 , such as when the actuatable arm  1020  prepares to slam the portion of the housing  252 - 1  against the surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040 , as will be illustrated by  FIG. 10D . 
     In some examples, the electronic component  256 - 1  is secured to at least one of the housing  252 - 1  or operational components carried within a cavity defined by the housing  252 - 1  by the bonding agent  1054 , such as an adhesive or a glue. The cooling unit  830  is configured to provide coolant, in the form of a liquid or a gas that can cool and stiffen the bonding agent  1054 , thereby weakening the bonding agent  1054 . Some examples of the coolant can include liquid nitrogen. Beneficially, weakening the bonding agent  1054  can facilitate removing the bonding agent  1054  and promote ease of removal of the electronic component  256 - 1  from the cavity. Beneficially, stiffening the electronic component  256 - 1  can minimize or prevent the electronic component  256 - 1  from bending when the actuatable arm  1020  forcefully strikes a portion of the housing  252 - 1  against a surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040 , as described in detail with reference to  FIG. 10D . Furthermore, stiffening the electronic component  256 - 1  can prevent the electronic component  256 - 1  from causing a thermal event, such as if the electronic component  256 - 1  strikes the surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040  at an impact point. 
     According to some examples, the cooling unit  830  can cool the electronic component  256 - 1  and/or the housing  252 - 1  with a cooled liquid or gas having a temperature between about 70° C.-80° C. for about 25 seconds. In some examples, the cooling unit  830  can cool the electronic component  256 - 1  and/or the housing  252 - 1  for between about 5 to about 60 seconds with a temperature that is less than room temperature (i.e., between about 20° C. to about 25° C.). Although it should be noted that the temperature of the cooled liquid or gas is low enough so as to prevent the electronic component  256 - 1  from spontaneously inducing an unwanted thermal event due to a temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  rising above a threshold temperature value. 
     According to some embodiments, at least one parameter of the cooling unit  830  used for cooling the electronic component  256 - 1  and/or the housing  252 - 1 , such as the temperature of the cooled liquid or gas, the type of coolant utilized, the cooling time, the cooling frequency, and the like are adjustable by the controller  910 . 
     It should be noted that other techniques may be utilized in substitution or to supplement the techniques described herein to weaken the bonding agent  1054 . For example, heat can be applied to the bonding agent  1054  in order to weaken and/or remove the bonding agent  1054 . In another example, the bonding agent  1054  is capable of being weakened by being spun at a high rotational speed. In yet another example, the electronic component  256 - 1  can be pulled from the housing  252 - 1  with a high amount of force that is sufficient to weaken the adhesion strength of the bonding agent  1054 . In yet another example, the housing  252 - 1  and/or the electronic component  256 - 1  can be submerged (partially or entirely) within a cold water bath. 
       FIG. 10C  illustrates a partial exploded view of the electronic component removal station  810 . In particular,  FIG. 10C  illustrates the display assembly  254 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  is removed. Thus, the surface  1052  of the electronic component  256 - 1  is exposed. Additionally, operational components  260  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  are exposed, such as a camera module  260 -A, a circuit board  260 -B, an antenna  260 -C, and a haptic feedback module  260 -D. It should be noted, in some examples, the actuatable arm  1020  is configured to secure to surfaces of these operational components (e.g.,  260 A- 260 C); thereby, enabling the second module  120  to remove these operational components from within the cavity. 
       FIG. 10D  illustrates a perspective view of a conceptual diagram of the electronic component removal station  810 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10D , the controller  910  provides a control signal to cause the actuatable arm  1020  and the frame member  1022  to swing away from the cooling unit  830  along the pivot axis  1050  and towards the surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040 . In some examples, the controller  910  is configured to receive a notification signal from a sensor associated with the cooling unit  830  that indicates that the electronic component  256 - 1  has been sufficiently cooled. Indeed, according to some embodiments, the cooling nozzle  1070  is moved, by the controller  910 , laterally and/or vertically away from the housing  252 - 1  and/or the electronic component  256 - 1  in order to facilitate the controller  910  to cause the actuatable arm  1020  to swing unimpeded towards the surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040 . 
     In some embodiments, the controller  910  provides a control signal that engages the clutch at the servo motor causing the actuatable arm  1020  to swing forcefully towards the surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040 . In particular, the servo motor spins up, and when the clutch engages the servo motor causes the actuatable arm  1020  to be forcefully swung. It should be noted that although the actuatable arm  1020  is swung with a large amount of force, the momentum associated with only swinging the actuatable arm  1020  may not be sufficient to weaken the bonding agent  1054 . Instead, as will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 10E , the impact of the portion of the housing  252 - 1  striking the surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040  causes the electronic component  256 - 1  to be forcefully removed from the cavity. 
       FIG. 10E  illustrates a perspective view of a conceptual diagram of the electronic component removal station  810 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10E , the controller  910  can provide a control signal to cause the actuatable arm  1020  to swing away from the cooling unit  830  such that a portion of the housing  252 - 1  forcefully strikes the surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040 . In particular, when the portion of the housing  252 - 1  strikes the surface  1042 , the surface  1042  can abruptly stop the momentum of the housing  252 - 1  swinging with the actuatable arm  1020 . 
       FIG. 10F  illustrates a perspective view of a conceptual diagram of the electronic component removal station  810 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10F , the momentum of the frame member  1022  carries the electronic component  256 - 1  to swing past the surface  1042 . For example, the electronic component  256 - 1  can remain adhered to the housing  252 - 1  and/or operational component of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  by a bonding agent  1054 . However, the bonding agent  1054  is significantly weakened as a result of striking the portion of the housing  252 - 1  against the surface  1042 . While the portion of the housing  252 - 1  remains resting against the surface  1042 , the momentum carries the electronic component  256 - 1  away from the cavity defined by the housing  252 - 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10F , the frame member  1022  is further rotated along the pivot axis  1050 . 
     It should be noted that in some examples, the impact between the portion of the housing  252 - 1  and the surface  1042  is sufficient to cause the electronic component  256 - 1  to be forcefully removed from within the cavity of the housing  252 - 1 . In particular, the impact of the portion of the housing  252 - 1  at the surface  1042  can be greater than (i.e., overcome) an attachment force associated with the bonding agent  1054  that attaches the electronic component  256 - 1  to the housing  252 - 1 . In some examples, the electronic component  256 - 1  can remain connected to the housing  252 - 1  via one or more cables or connectors, and the like. Although in other examples, the force alone associated with the portion of the housing  252 - 1  striking the surface  1042  can cause the electronic component  256 - 1  to become physically separated from the housing  252 - 1 . 
       FIG. 10F  illustrates that the electronic component  256 - 1  remains connected to a part of the housing  252 - 1 . Beneficially, this enables the second module  120  to maintain control and awareness of the location of the electronic component  256 - 1 . As will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 10F , the second module  120  can verify that the electronic component  256 - 1  is removed from the cavity of the housing  252 - 1  but remains secured to the housing  252 - 1  by an optical scanning system. 
       FIG. 11A  illustrates a perspective view of a conceptual diagram of the second module  120 , in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 11A  illustrates a pulling unit  1150 —e.g., the pulling unit  970 —that is capable of separating the electronic component  256 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1 ; thereby, enabling the electronic component  256 - 1  to be further processed separately from the housing  252 - 1 . This can occur, subsequent to the electronic component  256 - 1  being removed from the cavity of the housing  252 - 1 . 
     According to some embodiments, the pulling unit  1150  includes a set of pulling plates  1152 -A- 1152 -B that are capable of applying pressure against different surfaces (e.g., the surface  1052  and an opposing surface, etc.) of the electronic component  256 - 1  such that a size of the receiving region  1156  corresponds to a width of the electronic component  256 - 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11A , the pulling unit  1150  is positioned below the electronic component removal station  810 . The pulling unit  1150  can include a set of pulling plates  1152 -A- 1152 -B that are diametrically opposed from each other or parallel to each other. The set of pulling plates  1152 -A- 1152 -B can define a receiving region  1156 , where a size of the receiving region  1156  is adjustable so as to accommodate for different widths and geometry of the electronic component  256 - 1 . 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates a perspective view of a conceptual diagram of the second module  120 , in accordance with some embodiments. The controller  910  is configured to provide a control signal to the pulling unit  1150  to cause the set of pulling plates  1152 -A- 1152 -B to pull the electronic component  256 - 1  in a downwards pulling motion from the housing  252 - 1 . It should be noted that set of pulling plates  1152 -A- 1152 -B pull the electronic component  256 - 1  quickly and with sufficient force so as to tear a connector  1160  and/or bonding agent  1054  that attaches the electronic component  256 - 1  to the housing  252  and/or the operational component. It should be further noted that if the set of pulling plates  1152 -A- 1152 -B instead pull the electronic component  256 - 1  slowly, it may merely stretch the bonding agent  1054 . This may be undesirable in that it merely stretches the bonding agent  1054  while leaving the electronic component  256 - 1  still attached to the housing  252 - 1 . Upon successfully removing the connector  1160  and/or bonding agent  1054 , the set of pulling plates  1152 -A- 1152 -B can maintain the grip against the surfaces of the electronic component  256 - 1  and then transfer the electronic component  256 - 1  to a chute. 
     Subsequent to pulling the electronic component  256 - 1  away from the housing  252 - 1 , the electronic component  256 - 1  can be transitioned to a chute. The chute includes a sensor capable of determining whether the electronic component  256 - 1  is within the chute and providing a corresponding signal to the controller  910 . In some examples, the chute is lined with a non-electrically conductive material so as to prevent shorting of the electronic component  256 - 1  that comes into contact with a surface of the chute. 
       FIGS. 12A-12D  illustrate various perspective views of the second module  120  for processing the at least one electronic component—e.g., the electronic component  256 - 1 —for example, subsequent to separating the electronic component  256 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
       FIG. 12A  illustrates a perspective view of the second module  120 . The second module  120  includes the electronic component removal station  810  configured to remove the electronic component  256 - 1  at a chute of a receiving station  1260 . The receiving station  1260  is configured to transfer the electronic component  256 - 1  from the electronic component removal station  810  to the removal station  850  via a conveyor transport unit  840 . 
     According to some embodiments, the conveyor transport unit  840  includes a motor-driven chain of containers  1240  that are arranged to cycle along a track. Each of the containers  1240  is configured to receive and retain the electronic component  256  at the receiving station  1260 . Once the electronic component  256  is retained within one of the containers  1240 , the conveyor transport unit  840  transports the container  1240  to the removal station  850 . The conveyor transport unit  840  transports the containers  1240  sequentially to pass through a detection region  1230  and the removal station  850  before returning to the receiving station  1260 . 
     According to some embodiments, the conveyor transport unit  840  can refer to an indexing conveyor transport unit  840  that is capable of indexing the number of containers  1240  so as to restrict that only one electronic component  256  is received within each container  1240 . For example, the indexing system of the conveyor transport unit  840  can rely upon vision or non-vision control. 
     In some examples, each container  1240  is lined with a non-electrically conductive material so as to prevent shorting of the electronic component  256 . Furthermore, each of the containers  1240  is characterized as having a geometry (e.g., length, depth, width, etc.) that is sufficient to enclose the electronic component  256  within the container  1240 . Beneficially, enclosing the electronic component  256  within the container  1240  can prevent the electronic component  256  from becoming wedged between a distal end of the chute and a proximal end of container  1240 , which would otherwise affect the ability of the conveyor transport unit  840  to transport the container  1240  to the removal station  850 . 
       FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the second module  120  that illustrates a electronic component  256 - 1  that is transferred by the second module  120  into a container  1240 -A at the receiving station  1260 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12B , the container  1240 -A has a shape and geometry that is sufficient to enclose the electronic component  256 - 1  therein. 
     According to some embodiments, the conveyor transport unit  840  can utilize a drop sensor  1270  to determine whether the electronic component  256 - 1  has been transferred within the container  1240 -A. In response to the drop sensor  1270  determining that the electronic component  256 - 1  has been transferred within the container  1240 -A, the drop sensor  1270  can provide a detection signal to the controller  910 . Accordingly, the controller  910  can respond by indexing the conveyor transport unit  840  such that a subsequent container  1240  lines up with the distal end of the chute. As a result, the conveyor transport unit  840  is configured to establish a queue of electronic components  256  within the containers  1240 . It should be noted that in some examples, the conveyor transport unit  840  waits to transport containers  1240  that carry the electronic components  256  until a container  1240  at the receiving station  1260  also receives the electronic component  256 . Beneficially, in this manner, the conveyor transport unit  840  can maximize a yield of the electronic components  256  that are removed from the second module  120  by ensuring that each of the containers  1240  carries the electronic components  256 . 
       FIG. 12C  is a perspective view of the second module  120  that illustrates detecting a thermal energy associated with the electronic component  256 - 1  at the detection region  1230 . Prior to the electronic component  256 - 1  passing through the detection region  1230 , the second module  120  is configured to increase a temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1 . 
     As previously described herein, the electronic components  256  that were previously cooled after being exposed to cooled liquid or gas from the cooling unit  830 . Prior to removing the electronic component  256 - 1  from the second module  120 , the second module  120  takes precautions to ensure that the electronic component  256 - 1  will not cause a thermal event outside of the second module  120 . In some examples, these precautions include monitoring a temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  as the container  1240  moves the electronic component  256 - 1  towards the removal station  850 . The temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  increases due to the electronic component  256 - 1  being warmed by ambient air in the operating environment. If a thermal event is generated, the controller  910  can stop the container  1240  from moving towards the removal station  850  until the temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  is less than a threshold temperature value. In particular, the second module  120  enables the electronic component  256 - 1  to entirely dissipate its thermal energy if a thermal event was caused before the container  1240  resumes transporting the electronic component  256 - 1  to the removal station  850 . 
     In some embodiments, the thermal energy associated with the thermal event can be dissipated and contained entirely within the container  1240 . Beneficially, this can prevent the thermal energy from reaching other containers  1240  or affecting the stations and units of the second module  120 . In some examples, each of the containers  1240  is lined with a flame-retardant material. In some examples, the container  1240  is formed of electrically insulative material, such as anodized metal, including anodized aluminum. 
     According to some embodiments, a detector  1232  of the detection region  1230  is configured to detect the thermal energy of the electronic component  256 - 1 . In some examples, the detector  1232  is a thermal imaging infrared camera. The detector  1232  is configured to compare the thermal energy of the electronic component  256 - 1  to a thermal energy threshold value or range (e.g., temperature threshold value, etc.). In response to determining that the thermal energy of the electronic component  256 - 1  exceeds the thermal energy threshold value, the detector  1232  can provide a notification signal to the controller  910 . In some examples, the container  1240  stops moving and is fixed in position to allow the thermal energy (e.g., heat) to dissipate so that a temperature/thermal energy of the electronic component  256 - 1  is less than the thermal energy threshold value in order for the electronic component  256 - 1  to be safely removed from the second module  120 . Thus, the controller  910  may stop the conveyor transport unit  840  from transporting the electronic component  256 - 1  to further allow the electronic component  256 - 1  to dissipate any additional thermal energy. Periodically, the detector  1232  can monitor the thermal energy of the electronic component  256 - 1  to determine whether the thermal energy is less than the thermal energy threshold value before providing a notification signal to the controller  910  that indicates that the electronic component  256 - 1  is safely removed from the second module  120 . In other embodiments, the detector  1232  is configured to measure the temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  and compare the temperature to a temperature threshold value. 
     According to some embodiments, an operating environment of the second module  120  has a negative pressure differential with respect to an ambient environment external to the second module  120 . Thus, when the first electronic component  256 - 1  causes a thermal event, any smoke or fumes caused by the thermal event can be contained within the second module  120 . In some examples, the second module  120  can include a smoke detector that is capable of detecting the thermal event and an outlet duct having an air filtration system to prevent fumes from the thermal event from escaping into the external environment. 
       FIG. 12D  is a perspective view of the second module  120  that illustrates removing the electronic component  256 - 1  at the removal station  850 . In some examples,  FIG. 12D  illustrates the second module  120  subsequent to the detector  1232  determining that the thermal energy of the electronic component  256 - 1  has been sufficiently expended so as to enable safe removal of the electronic component  256 - 1  from the second module  120 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12D , when the electronic component  256 - 1  has reached the removal station  850 , an operator is permitted to reach through an unload door in order to remove the electronic component  256 - 1  at the removal station  850 . In some embodiments, the removal station can include a sensor that is configured to detect when the operator&#39;s hand reaches into the removal station  850 . In some examples, the sensor can emit a light curtain. When the light curtain is interrupted by the operator&#39;s hand, the sensor can provide a detection signal to the controller  910  that responds to cause the track of the conveyor transport unit  840  to stop moving the containers  1240 . Beneficially, this ensures no risk of injury to the operator when attempting to reach into the removal station  850  to remove the electronic component  256 - 1 . 
     According to some embodiments, once the electronic component  256 - 1  has been removed from the second module  120 , the operator can press an acknowledge button that signifies that the electronic component  256 - 1  has been removed, and that the conveyor transport unit  840  can continue to transport electronic components  256  via containers  1240  to the removal station  850 . According to other embodiments, the conveyor transport unit  840  is configured to automatically continue transporting the containers  1240  to the second transfer station  104 - 2  upon determining that the light curtain is no longer interrupted with the operator&#39;s hand. 
     According to some embodiments, the conveyor transport unit  840  can include a receptacle capable of retaining debris associated with the portable electronic device  250 - 1  (e.g., wires, cables, etc.) aside from the electronic component  256 - 1 . 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1300 -A for removing an electronic component from a housing of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 13A , the method  1300 -A begins at step  1302 , where the second module  120 —e.g., the controller  910 —provides a control signal that causes the robotic arm  860  to pick the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  from the first transfer station  104 - 1  and place the housing  252 - 1  at an electronic component removal station  810 . This can occur, for example, subsequent to the modular system separating the display assembly  254 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . 
     At step  1304 , the controller  910  determines whether the electronic component  256 - 1  is carried within a cavity defined by the housing  252 - 1 . If the controller  910  determines that the electronic component  256 - 1  is not carried within the cavity of the housing  252 - 1 , then the controller  910  can provide a control signal that causes the housing  252 - 1  to be translated by the robotic arm  860  to the second transfer station  104 - 2 , as indicated by step  1312 . 
     Alternatively, at step  1304 , if the controller  910  determines that the electronic component  256 - 1  is carried within the cavity of the housing  252 - 1 , then the controller  910  provides a control signal that causes the electronic component  256 - 1  to be secured to an actuatable arm  1020 , as indicated by step  1306 . 
     At step  1308 , while the electronic component  256 - 1  is secured to the actuatable arm  1020 , the controller  910  provides a control signal to the cooling unit  830  to cool the electronic component  256 - 1 . 
     At step  1310 , the controller  910  provides a control signal that causes the actuatable arm  1020  to swing along its hinge at a pivot axis  1050  to cause a portion of the housing  252 - 1  to strike a surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040 . In turn, the method  1300 -A proceeds to the method  1300 -B of  FIG. 13B , which is described below in greater detail. 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1300 -B for processing the electronic component that was removed from the cavity of the housing and extends the method  1300 -A, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 13B , the method  1300 -B begins at step  1312 , where the second module  120 —e.g., the controller  910 —determines whether the electronic component  256 - 1  has been removed from the cavity of the housing  252 - 1  while still being attached to the housing  252 - 1  and/or an operational component of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  by an attachment feature. 
     If the controller  910  determines that the electronic component  256 - 1  is not carried within the cavity of the housing  252 - 1 , then the controller  910  can repeat the steps recited with respect to the method  1300 -A. 
     Alternatively, at step  1312 , if the controller  910  determines that the electronic component  256 - 1  has been removed from the cavity while still being attached to the housing  252 - 1 , then the controller  910  can proceed to step  1314 , where the controller  910  provides a control signal to cause at least one surface of the electronic component  256 - 1  to be secured to the pulling unit  970 . 
     At step  1316 , the controller  910  provides a control signal that causes the pulling unit  970  to pull the electronic component  256 - 1  away from the housing  252 - 1 ; thereby, completely separating the electronic component  256 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1  and/or the operational components. 
     At step  1318 , the controller  910  determines whether the electronic component  256 - 1  has been completely separated from the housing  252 - 1 . If the controller  910  determines that the electronic component  256 - 1  has not been completely separated from the housing  252 - 1 , then the controller  910  can return to step  1314 . 
     Alternatively, at step  1318 , if the controller  910  determines that the electronic component  256 - 1  has been completely separated from the housing  252 - 1 , then the controller  910  can cause the robotic arm  860  to transfer the housing  252 - 1  from the electronic component removal station  810  to the second transfer station  104 - 2  such that the housing  252 - 1  can be processed at a housing processing station as described below in greater detail, as indicated by step  1320 . 
       FIG. 13C  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1300 -C for processing an electronic component, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the method  1300 -C can extend the method  1300 -B (described in conjunction with  FIG. 13B ). The method  1300 -C can involve processing the electronic component  256 - 1  subsequent to having separated the electronic component  256 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13C , the method  1300 -C begins at step  1322 , where the second module  120  can transfer the electronic component  256 - 1  within a cavity of a container  1240  at a receiving station  1260 . At the receiving station  1260 , a chute can transport the electronic component  256 - 1  into the container  1240 . 
     At step  1324 , the second module  120  can provide a control signal that causes the conveyor transport unit  840  to transport the container  1240  that carries the electronic component  256 - 1  from the receiving station  1260  to a removal station  850 . In some examples, while the conveyor transport unit  840  transports the container  1240  and the electronic component  256 - 1  to the removal station  850 , the temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  may be increased. In some examples, the electronic component  256 - 1  is warmed by exposure to ambient air temperature in the operating environment. 
     At step  1326 , the second module  120  can determine whether the temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  exceeds a temperature threshold value. If the second module  120  determines that the temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  exceeds the temperature threshold value, then the second module  120  can prevent the electronic component  256 - 1  from being removed at the removal station  850 , as indicated by step  1328 . 
     Subsequently, at step  1330 , the second module  120  can optionally dissipate any thermal energy, such as if the electronic component  256 - 1  causes a thermal event. In some examples, the second module  120  can utilize active mechanisms to dissipate the thermal energy, such as by cooling the electronic component  256 - 1 . 
     Subsequent to dissipating the thermal energy, at step  1332 , the second module  120  can enable the electronic component  256 - 1  to be removed from the container  1240  at the removal station  850 . According to some examples, the second module  120  can enable the container  1240  to be removed at the removal station  850  by providing a control signal to the conveyor transport unit  840  to cause the container  1240  to reach the removal station  850 . In other examples, the unload door of the removal station  850  is locked until the second module  120  determines that the electronic component  256 - 1  can be safely removed from the second module  120 . 
     Alternatively, at step  1326 , if the second module  120  determines that the temperature of the electronic component  256 - 1  does not exceed the temperature threshold value, then the second module  120  can permit the electronic component  256 - 1  to be removed from the container  1240 , as indicated by step  1332 . 
       FIG. 14A  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1400 -A for adjusting parameters of the second module  120  based on at least one dimension of a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 14A , the method  1400 -A begins at step  1402 , where the second module  120 —e.g., the controller  910 —determines least one dimension of the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . 
     At step  1404 , based on the at least one dimension of a housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 , the controller  910  establishes one or more parameters of the electronic component removal station  810 . For example, if the portable electronic device  250 - 1  has a housing  252 - 1  with an oversized shape, then the controller  910  can provide a control signal to the cooling unit  830  that causes the cooling unit  830  to increase the duration of cooling the electronic component  256 - 1 . 
     At step  1406 , the second module  120  removes the electronic component  256 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1  based on the one or more parameters. In particular, the actuatable arm  920  strikes a portion of the housing  252 - 1  against the surface  1042  of the detachment component  1040 , thereby removing the electronic component  256 - 1  from the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . 
     At step  1408 , the second module  120  receives an indication of an additional housing  252 -X of another portable electronic device  250 -X that is received at the electronic component removal station  810 . 
     At step  1410 , the controller  910  determines based on at least one dimension of the additional housing whether the additional housing has at least one dimension that is different than the at least one dimension of the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  that was previously processed. In response to determining that the at least one dimension of the additional housing is different, the controller  910  further adjusts the one or more parameters of the electronic component removal station  810 . Thereafter, at step  1414 , the controller  910  can remove the electronic component  256 -X from the additional housing based on the one or more further adjusted parameters. 
     Alternatively, at step  1410 , in response to determining that the at least one dimension of the additional housing  252 -X is not different than the at least one dimension of the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 , then the second module  120  removes the electronic component  256 -X from the additional housing  252 -X based on the one or more adjusted parameters, at step  1414 . 
       FIG. 14B  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1400 -B for adjusting a set of parameters of the second module  120 —e.g., the electronic component removal station  810 —to yield a number of electronic components that are removed from different portable electronic devices in a single operation, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     At step  1422 , the second module  120  removes electronic components from different portable electronic devices according to a set of parameters. While removing the electronic components, the second module  120  can track the number of operations that are required to remove each of the electronic components from their respective housings. 
     At step  1424 , the second module  120  determines (i) a first number of electronic components that are removed according to the set of parameters in a single operation, and (ii) a second number of electronic components that are removed according to the set of parameters in repeated operations. Beneficially, by tracking the number of operations that are required to remove the electronic components from their respective housings, the second module  120  can determine how to increase the yield of electronic components that are removed in a single operation; thereby, increasing efficiency of the second module  120 . 
     At step  1426 , the second module  120  determines if a ratio between the first number of electronic components and the second number of electronic components satisfies a threshold value. In response to determining that the ratio does not satisfy the threshold value, the second module  120  adjusts at least one parameter of the set of parameters to form an adjusted set of parameters, at step  1428 . 
     At step  1430 , the second module  120  removes at least one additional electronic component from an additional portable electronic device according to the set of adjusted parameters. 
     Alternatively, at step  1426 , in response to determining that the ratio satisfies the threshold value, then the second module  120  continues to remove at least one additional electronic component associated with an additional portable electronic device according to the set of parameters. 
     Third Module (Also Referred to as “A Housing Processing Module”) 
       FIG. 15A  illustrates a system diagram of a third module for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 15A , the third module  130  includes a number of station that are arranged to perform dedicated functions for disassembling a large-scale of portable electronic devices. The third module  130  can receive portable electronic devices from the second transfer station  104 - 2 . The third module  130  can include a processing station  1510  that is capable of aligning the housing to a gripping unit. Thereafter, the third module  130  can remove fasteners  258  from a first surface and a second surface of the housing. Thereafter, a third transfer station  104 - 3  transfers the housing from the third module  130  to a fourth module  140 . 
       FIG. 15B  illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary portable electronic device  250  subsequent to being disassembled by the third module  130 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 15B  illustrates a third state  250 -C of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to a state of the portable electronic device  250  prior to being processed by the third module  130 . In particular, during the third state  250 -C, the electronic component  256  (or battery) is removed and separated from a cavity of the housing  252 . Subsequent to the portable electronic device  250  being processed by the third module  130 ,  FIG. 15B  illustrates a fourth state  250 -D of the portable electronic device  250 . In particular, during the fourth state  250 -D, fasteners  258  that secure operational components  260  to the housing  252  are removed from the housing  252 . 
       FIGS. 15C-15D  illustrate various views of a third module  130  for processing a housing—e.g., the housing  252 - 1 —of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. This can occur, for example, subsequent to the second module  120  removing an electronic component—e.g., the electronic component  256 - 1 —from the portable electronic device  250 - 1 , as previously described with reference to  FIGS. 8-14 . 
       FIG. 15C  illustrates a side view of the third module  130  that is configured to process the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The third module can include a frame that defines a processing environment that includes one or more processing stations  1510  that are each capable of processing the housing  252 - 1 . In some examples, the processing environment is characterized as having a negative pressure differential relative to an environment external to the modular system  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15C , the third module  130  includes multiple processing stations  1510 -A- 1510 -D that are each capable of processing the housing  252 - 1 . As described in detail herein, processing the housing  252 - 1  can refer to at least one of removing a fastener, removing a fastener from an operational component, removing an adhesive component, separating a securing component from an operational component, removing a fastener from the housing  252 - 1 , and the like. In some examples, the operational component is a cable bracket, a camera assembly bracket, a logic board bracket, a display assembly bracket, and the like. 
     According to some embodiments, the third module  130  can include a robotic arm  1540  that is configured to translate along an X-axis according to a linear slide. The robotic arm  1540  is configured to transport the housing  252  between the second transfer station  104 - 2  of the second module  120  and the multiple processing stations  1510 -A- 1510 -D. In some examples, the robotic arm  1540  is an inverted robotic arm that hangs from the linear slide in an inverted orientation. According to some embodiments, the robotic arm  1540  includes at least one rotational axis that is arranged to enable the robotic arm  1540  to move in multiple degrees-of-freedom (e.g., 6-DOF, etc.). Additionally, by mounting the robotic arm  1540  along the linear slide, the robotic arm  1540  is configured to move along an additional seventh axis. 
     According to some embodiments, the third module  130  is connected to the second transfer station  104 - 2  that is capable of receiving the housing  252 - 1  subsequent to the housing  252 - 1  having been processed by one of the processing stations  1510 -A- 1510 -D. The second transfer station  104 - 2  can include one or more slots that are each capable of receiving and retaining the housing  252  therein. 
       FIG. 15D  illustrates a top view of the third module  130 . The third module  130  includes multiple processing stations  1510 -A- 1510 -D that are each capable of processing the housing  252 - 1 . In particular, the robotic arm  1540  is capable of translating along the linear slide as well as rotating according to one or more pivot axes to pick and place the housing  252 - 1  between the second transfer station  104 - 2 , one of the processing stations  1510 -A- 1510 -D, and the third transfer station  104 - 3 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of a modular system that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the third module  130  includes one or more controllers  1610  for executing functions of the third module  130 . The one or more controllers  1610  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) or microcontrollers for performing dedicated functions. 
     According to some embodiments, the third module  130  can include at least one storage device  1614 , such as a memory, which can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the storage device  1614 . In some cases, storage device  1614  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The third module  130  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the third module  130 . In some embodiments, the storage device  1614  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium, where an operating system (OS) is established at the storage device  1614  that is configured to execute applications or software programs that are stored at the storage device  1614 . In some embodiments, a data bus  1612  can facilitate data transfer between the storage device  1614  and the controller  1610 . 
     According to some embodiments, the third module  130  includes one or more input/output (I/O) components  1618  that enable communication between an operator and the third module  130 . In some cases, the I/O component  1618  can refer to button or a switch that is capable of being actuated by the operator. In some cases, the I/O component  1618  can refer to a soft key that is flexibly programmable to invoke any number of functions. When the I/O component  1618  is actuated, the I/O component  1618  can cause an electrical signal to be provided to the controller  1610  via link  1616 . 
     According to some embodiments, the third module  130  can include a communications interface  1690  that enables the controller  1610  to communicate with another controller—e.g., the controller  910 —of the second module  120  in at least one of a wired or wireless manner. In some examples, an electrical signal is provided between the controller  1610  and the communications interface  1690  via a link  1692 . 
     According to some embodiments, the third module  130  includes a Cartesian unit  1620  that is capable of translating the housing  252 - 1  between different units within one of the processing stations  1510 -A- 1510 -D. The controller  1610  can provide control signals to translate the Cartesian unit  1620  according to at least one of an X-axis, Y-axis, or a Z-axis. 
     According to some embodiments, the third module  130  includes a fastener removal unit  1640  that is capable of removing/unscrewing a fastener  258  from the housing  252 - 1 . Although, it should be noted that the fastener removal unit  1640  is capable of removing other securing features from operational components and/or the housing  252 - 1 . The controller  1610  is configured to control the fastener removal unit  1640  in conjunction with a computer numerical control (CNC) unit  1630 . In some embodiments, the fastener removal unit  1640  is capable of processing multiple surfaces of the housing  252 - 1 . To facilitate this process, the controller  1610  can provide control signals to a flip unit  1670 . In turn, the flip unit  1670  is capable of rotating the housing  252 - 1  so as to facilitate processing of multiple surfaces of the housing  252 - 1  at the fastener removal unit  1640 . In some embodiments, the fastener removal unit  1640  can include a tool such as pins, presses, drivers, and the like that are capable of being actuated to remove the at least one fastener  258  from the housing  252 - 1 . In some examples, the fastener removal unit  1640  is configured to remove the at least one fastener  258  without damaging the housing  252 - 1 . Beneficially, in this manner, the cosmetic appearance of the housing  252 - 1  is preserved and also enables generally all of the metal associated with the housing  252 - 1  to be recycled. The fastener removal unit  1640  is configured to actuate the tool to translate an amount of pressure against the housing  252 - 1  and/or the fastener  258 . In some examples, the fastener removal unit  1640  can remove fasteners from between 35 to 60 different locations. In some examples, the fastener removal unit  1640  can remove fasteners from between 1 to 1000 different locations 
     According to some embodiments, the modular system includes an optical alignment unit  1650  that is capable of determining at least one of an angle, an orientation, or a position of the housing  252 - 1  relative to a grip unit (not illustrated) of the Cartesian unit  1620  when removing one or more fasteners  258  at the fastener removal unit  1640 . In some examples, the grip unit includes diametrically opposed grippers that are adjustable in size so as to accommodate for housings having different dimensions. 
     According to some embodiments, the third module  130  includes an area sensor  1680  that monitors an environmental condition of the processing environment. In some examples, the area sensor  1680  is configured to monitor the processing environment for at least one of a temperature, a presence of certain chemical agents (or toxins), gases, and the like. In turn, the area sensor  1680  can provide a detection signal to the controller  1610  so as to cause the controller  1610  to provide a control signal to activate an environmental pressure regulatory system (not illustrated) of the third module  130 . In some cases, a feedback loop mechanism is established between the controller  1610 /storage device  1614 /area sensor  1680  and other units and stations of the third module  130 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1700  for processing a housing for a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the method  1700  begins at step  1702  where the third module  130  instructs the Cartesian unit  1620  to pick the housing  252 - 1  from the transfer station  104 - 2  and place the housing  252 - 1  at the fastener removal unit  1640 . 
     At step  1704 , the third module  130  is configured to determine at least one of an orientation, alignment, or position of the housing  252 - 1  relative to a grip unit of the Cartesian unit  1620  by using the optical alignment unit  1650 . 
     At step  1706 , the third module  130  removes at least one fastener  258  from a first surface of the housing  252 - 1  at the fastener removal unit  1640 . 
     At step  1708 , the flip unit  1670  of the third module  130  rotates the housing  252 - 1  such that a second surface of the housing  252 - 1  is exposed such that the fastener removal unit  1640  is capable of processing a second surface of the housing  252 - 1 . In some examples, the second surface is opposite of the first surface. 
     At step  1710 , the third module  130  aligns the housing  252 - 1  relative to the grip unit of the Cartesian unit  1620  by using the optical alignment unit  1650 . Thereafter, at step  1712 , the fastener removal unit  1640  removes at least one fastener  258  from the second surface of the housing  252 - 1 . 
     At step  1714 , the third module  130  picks the housing  252 - 1  from the fastener removal unit  1640  and places the housing  252 - 1  at the transfer station  104 - 3 . 
     Fourth Module (Also Referred to as “An Operational Component Removal Module”) 
       FIG. 18A  illustrates a system diagram of a fourth module for disassembling portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 18A , the fourth module  140  includes a number of station that are arranged to perform dedicated functions for disassembling a large-scale of portable electronic devices. The fourth module  140  can receive portable electronic devices from the third transfer station  104 - 3 . The fourth module  140  can include a first disassembly station  1830  operable to remove operational components from the housing. The fourth module  140  can include a second disassembly station  1840  is operable to displace any loose operational components within the housing in order to sort the operational components onto the conveyor. The fourth module  140  can include a third disassembly station  1850  operable to shear off components of the housing. Subsequently, the out-feed unit  108  can place the operational components in receptacles so that the operational components can be sorted. 
       FIG. 18B  illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary portable electronic device  250  subsequent to being disassembled by the fourth module  140 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 18B  illustrates a fourth state  250 -D of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to a state of the portable electronic device  250  prior to being processed by the fourth module  140 . In particular, during the fourth state  250 -D, the fasteners  258  are removed from the housing  252 .  FIG. 18B  illustrates a fifth state  250 -E of the portable electronic device  250 , which corresponds to a state of the portable electronic device  250  subsequent to being processed by the fourth module  140 . In particular, during the fifth state  250 -E, the operational components  260  are removed from the housing  252  and a portion of the housing  252  is sheared off. 
       FIGS. 18C-18D  illustrate various views of a fourth module  140  for processing a housing—e.g., the housing  252 - 1 —of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. This can occur, for example, subsequent to the second module  120  removing an electronic component—e.g., the electronic component  256 - 1 —from the portable electronic device  250 - 1 , as previously described with reference to  FIGS. 8-14 . 
       FIG. 18C  illustrates a side view of the fourth module  140  in the modular system  100  of  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 18D  illustrates a top down view of the fourth module  140 . In some embodiments, the fourth module  140  includes a third transfer station  104 - 3 , a multi-axis robot  1820 , a first disassembly station  1830 , a second disassembly station  1840 , and a third disassembly station  1850 . The first disassembly station  1830 , the second disassembly station  1840 , and the third disassembly station  1850  are operable to remove one or more operational components from the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The operational components are deposited onto a conveyor  1808  that travels the length of the fourth module  140  down a midline of the fourth module  140 . The conveyor  1808  is connected to a sorting table  1860  where an operator sorts the components into a plurality of receptacles based on a material type or a type of component. 
     In some embodiments, the multi-axis robot  1820  retrieves a housing  252 - 1  of a portable electronic device  250 - 1  from the third transfer station  104 - 3  and moves the housing  252 - 1  to a first disassembly station  1830 . The first disassembly station  1830  is operable to remove operational components from the housing  252 - 1 . In some embodiments, the operational components include an insert of a logo that is press fit into the housing and accessible from a rear surface of the housing  252 - 1 . 
     The multi-axis robot  1820  transfers the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  from the first disassembly station  1830  to a second disassembly station  1840 . The second disassembly station  1840  is operable to displace any loose operational components carried within the housing  252 - 1  in order to sort the operational components onto the conveyor  1808 . 
     The multi-axis robot  1820  transfers the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  from the second disassembly station  1840  to a third disassembly station  1850 . The third disassembly station  1850  is operable to shear off a portion of the housing  252 - 1 , such as one or more antennas carried by the housing  252 - 1 . 
     The housing  252 - 1  and operational components are transferred to the sorting table  1860 , which can include rotating table top positioned underneath one end of the conveyor  1808 . The sorting table  1860  also includes a number of orifices in the surface of a table top, located proximate the rotating table top, that open into chutes directed down into one or more receptacles underneath the surface of the table top. Each of the receptacles can include a handle and wheels for removing a bin containing the sorted components. 
       FIG. 19  is a conceptual block diagram  1900  of a portion of the control system for the fourth module  140  that is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the control system includes a controller  1910  coupled to a communications interface  1912  and a storage device  1916 . The controller  1910  communicates with remote computers or other controllers via the communications interface  1912  and can store data in the storage device  1916 . The storage device can include volatile memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD). 
     The controller  1910  is coupled to the various stations or components within the fourth module  140 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the controller  1910  is coupled to a transfer station  104 - 3 , a robotic arm  1930 , a conveyor  1940 , a sorting table  1950 , a first disassembly station  1970 , a second disassembly station  1980 , and a third disassembly station  1990 . It will be appreciated that the various blocks shown in  FIG. 19  represent signals associated with a corresponding station or component of the fourth module  140 . The signals can be communicated via electrical signals or control fluid. The interface between the controller  1910  and each of the blocks can include unidirectional signals, transmitted from the controller to the block or from the block to the controller, as well as bi-directional signals where information is transmitted in both directions utilizing the same physical channel. 
     The transfer station  104 - 3  represents a set of signals associated with the third transfer station  104 - 3 . The set of signals can include input signals, such as proximity sensor signals, and output signals, such as motor control signals for an electric motor. The robotic arm  1930  represents a set of signals associated with the multi-axis robot  1820 . The set of signals can include input signals, such as encoder feedback or accelerometer feedback, and output signals, such as actuator controls for one or more axes of the multi-axis robot  1820 . The conveyor  1940  represents a set of signals associated with the conveyor  1808 . The set of signals can include input signals, such as encoder feedback motion detectors, and output signals, such as motor control signals for an electric motor. The sorting table  1950  represents a set of signals associated with the sorting table  1860 . The set of signals can include input signals, such as motion detectors, and output signals, such as motor control signals for an electric motor. 
     The first disassembly station  1970  represents a set of signals associated with the first disassembly station  1830 . The set of signals can include input signals, such as an optical sensor, and output signals, such as actuator controls. The second disassembly station  1980  represents a set of signals associated with the second disassembly station  1840 . The set of signals can include input signals, such as encoder feedback or home switches, and output signals, such as actuator controls for one or more axes of a multi-axis machine, spindle controls, etc. The third disassembly station  1990  represents a set of signals associated with the third disassembly station  1850 . The set of signals can include input signals, such as optical sensors, and output signals, such as actuator controls for a hydraulic press. 
     It will be appreciated that each of the conceptual blocks shown in  FIG. 19  represents signals connected to the controller  1910 , and that the full description of the signals depends on the design of each corresponding station or component in the fourth module  140 . As described in more detail below, each actuator and/or sensor included in each station of the fourth module  140  can be connected to the controller  1910 , either directly or indirectly through one or more additional components, such as a relay or VFD. Furthermore, the control system can include additional input signals or output signals connected to the controller  1910  not explicitly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     In some embodiments, controller  1910  can be a stand-alone controller configured to communicate with other discrete controllers included in each of the other modules. It will be appreciated that the block diagram of  FIG. 19  is not a schematic, and that the set of signals incorporates any electrical components or mechanical components necessary for routing signals between the controller  1910  and the actuators and/or sensors. For example, a signal can be routed through a relay to change a voltage level of the signal. In another example, an electrical signal can be routed to a valve that converts the signal from an electrical signal to a fluid signal (e.g., hydraulic fluid or pressurized air). 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the first disassembly station  1830  in the fourth module  140 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 20  illustrates a milling head  2030  connected to a vertical slide  2020 . The milling head  2030  includes a spindle motor coupled to a spindle  2034  via pulleys or gears. The spindle motor operates to rotate the spindle  2034  around an axis  2036 . An auger  2040  is connected to the spindle  2034 . An X-Y table can be incorporated with the first disassembly station  1830  to cooperate with the vertical slide  2020  to enable the auger  2040  to be moved in three dimensions relative to a housing  252 - 1  secured in a clamping mechanism  2050 . The first disassembly station  1830  can include a shield that is utilized to direct parts discharged from the housing  252 - 1  into the conveyor  1808 . 
     In operation, the multi-axis robot  1820  transfers the housing  252 - 1  to the clamping mechanism  2050 . The housing  252 - 1  is secured in the clamping mechanism  2050  with a cavity of the housing  252 - 1  facing the auger  2040 . Operational components secured within the housing  252 - 1  were loosened during a disassembly task performed by the third module  130 . However, such operational components may still remain in the cavity of the housing  252 - 1 . In some cases, the operational components may not have been dully dislodged during the disassembly task in the previous module. In order to ensure the cavity of the housing  252 - 1  is fully cleared of operational components, the auger  2040  is moved through the cavity, following a tool path  2042  based on the physical attributes of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The tool path  2042  ensures that the auger  2040  removes any operational components left inside the housing  252 - 1  and forces the operational components onto the conveyor  1808 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates the second disassembly station  1840  in the fourth module  140 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 21  illustrates a tool  2110  associated with an axis  2112 . The housing  252 - 1  is secured on a mechanism positioned at the end of a ram connected to an actuator  2130 . In some embodiments, the actuator  2130  is a pneumatic cylinder and the mechanism positioned at the end of the ram is a suction device. The mechanism is operable to secure the housing  252 - 1  to the second disassembly station  1840  during a disassembly task for removing an insert  2106  or a structure  2108  surrounding a rear-facing camera. The actuator  2130  moves the housing  252 - 1  towards the tool  2110 . In some embodiments the movement of the actuator  2130  is parallel to the axis  2112 . The insert  2106  and the structure  2108  have been press fit into a corresponding hole in the housing  252 - 1 . In some embodiments, the insert  2106  is a logo for a manufacturer of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 21 , the second disassembly station  1840  includes a base structure  2104 . An X-Y table can be affixed to the base structure  2104  and connected to a tool  2110 . In some embodiments, the tool  2110  is made of tool steel or an otherwise hard material. The X-Y table is operable to move the tool  2110  in at least two dimensions relative to the housing  252 - 1 . A sensor, such as an optical sensor, can be coupled to an arm near the tool  2110  to provide feedback regarding the location of the tool  2110  as the X-Y table is moved to position the tool  2110 . Once the tool  2110  is in place at the first location, the actuator  2130  pushes the housing  252 - 1  toward the tool  2110 , which contacts the insert  2106 . The insert  2106  is then pressed out of the corresponding hole in the housing  252 - 1  to separate the insert  2106  from the housing  252 - 1 . 
     Once the insert  2106  has been removed, the tool  2110  is moved to a second location. Once the tool  2110  is in place at the second location, the actuator  2130  pushes the housing  252 - 1  toward the tool  2110 , which contacts the structure  2108 . The structure  2108  is then pressed out of the corresponding hole in the housing  252 - 1  to separate the structure  2108  from the housing  252 - 1 . It will be appreciated that additional structures can be pressed out of the housing  252 - 1  by repeating these steps to move to a separate location relative the edges of the housing  252 - 1 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates the third disassembly station  1850  in the fourth module  140 , in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 22 , the third disassembly station  1850  is a capable of performing a mechanical shear operation. The third disassembly station  1850  includes a die  2210  affixed to a base structure. A housing  252 - 1  can be placed in a clamping mechanism or other receiving means that is configured to feed the housing  252 - 1  between the based portion of the die  2210  and a top portion of the die  2220 . In some embodiments, the base portion of the die  2210  is fixed relative to the base structure, and the top portion of the die  2220  is movable relative to the base structure. The top portion of the die  2220  is coupled to a ram  2206  connected to an actuator  2222  such as a hydraulic cylinder. 
     In operation, the multi-axis robot  1820  transfers the housing  252 - 1  to the clamping mechanism or other receiving means included in the third disassembly station  1850 . The clamping mechanism moves the housing  252 - 1  into the die  2210 , between the fixed based portion of the die  2210  and the top portion of the die  2220 . The actuator  2222  presses the top portion of the die  2220  down towards the housing  252 - 1 . An edge on the die  2210  and a corresponding edge on the top portion of the die  2220  operate to shear off a portion of the housing  252 - 1 . In some embodiments, the portion of the housing  252 - 1  sheared off includes one or more antennas carried thereon. The antennas may be difficult to remove via other processes and, therefore, the disassembly process simply cuts that portion of the housing  252 - 1  free to be processed differently that the other portion of the housing  252 - 1 . 
     Once the portion of the housing  252 - 1  is sheared off, the portion of the housing  252 - 1  may be carried in a receptacle  2208  located below the die  2210 . The receptacle  2208  collects a plurality of sheared portions of the housing  252 - 1 , and then an operator can remove the receptacle  2208  to sort these portions of the housing  252 - 1 . In some embodiments, the sheared portions of the housing  252 - 1  directed towards the receptacle  2208  include the one or more antennas, and the other portions of the housing  252 - 1 , without antenna(s), are displaced onto the conveyor  1808  by the multi-axis robot  1820  to be sorted by an operator at the sorting table  1860 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates an out-feed unit  108  having the sorting table  1860  in the fourth module  140 , in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 23 , the sorting table  1860  includes a table top  2302  that includes orifices  2304 -A and  2304 -B. The orifices  2304 -A, B lead to chutes into one or more receptacles  2310  located beneath the table top  2302 . In some embodiments, the receptacles  2310  are on wheels and include a handle for rolling bins of sorted components to a location to be recycled. The sorting table  1860  can also include a rotating table  2320  located beneath an exit of the conveyor  1808 . 
     In some embodiments, the rotating table  2320  can include a vibratory element that helps separate the components from smaller particulate matter that may result from one of the disassembly tasks performed by the fourth module  140 . This small particulate matter can be automatically carried to a separate receptacle located under the table top  2302 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  2400  for separating operational components from a housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  utilizing the fourth module  140 , in accordance with some embodiments. The method  2400  is carried out by the modular system  100 . In some embodiments, the method  2400  can be implemented as logic configured to control the operation of each of the different modules of the modular system  100 . The logic can include instructions, executed by the controller  1910 , for carrying out one or more disassembly tasks utilizing the fourth module  140 . 
     At step  2402 , the fourth module  140  transfers the housing  252 - 1  of a portable electronic device  250 - 1  to a milling station. In some embodiments, the multi-axis robot  1820  transfers the housing  252 - 1  from the third transfer station  104 - 3  to a first disassembly station  1830 . 
     At step  2404 , the housing  252 - 1  is engaged with the auger  2040  that follows the tool path  2042  based on the physical attributes of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The tool path can be designed to move the auger through any operational components still carried in the cavity of the housing  252 - 1 , thereby dislodging the operational components from the housing  252 - 1 . 
     At step  2406 , the housing  252 - 1  is transferred from the milling station to a removal station. In some embodiments, the multi-axis robot  1820  transfers the housing  252 - 1  from the first disassembly station  1830  to the second disassembly station  1840 . The second disassembly station  1840  includes a mechanism positioned at the end of a ram connected to an actuator  2130  for securing the housing  252 - 1 . In some embodiments, the mechanism is a suction device. In other embodiments, the mechanism is a clamping device. 
     At step  2408 , to the removal station utilizes a tool to remove an insert  2106  and/or a structure  2108  press fit into the housing  252 - 1 . In some embodiments, the housing  252 - 1  is secured to the end of a ram connected to an actuator  2130 , and the housing  252 - 1  is pressed into a tool  2110  that is moved relative to the edges of the housing  252 - 1  to align the tool  2110  with the insert  2106  or the structure  2108 . The insert  2106  and/or structure  2108  fall onto the conveyor  1808  below the second disassembly station  1840 . 
     At step  2410 , the housing  252 - 1  is transferred from the removal station to a shear station. In some embodiments, the multi-axis robot  1820  transfers the housing  252 - 1  from the second disassembly station  1840  to the third disassembly station  1850 . The third disassembly station  1850  can include a clamp mechanism or other receiving means to feed the housing  252 - 1  between a base portion of the die  2210  and a top portion of the die  2220  in the third disassembly station  1850 . The third disassembly station  1850  includes a ram  2206  for shearing a portion of the housing  252 - 1 . 
     At step  2412 , a portion of the housing  252 - 1  is sheared off. The sheared portion of the housing  252 - 1  can include one or more antennas carried thereon. In some embodiments, a top portion of a die  2220  is actuated to compress the housing  252 - 1  between the top portion of the die  2220  and a bottom portion of the die  2210 . Corresponding edges in the die shear the housing  252 - 1  to separate the housing  252 - 1  into at least two separate parts. A first portion of the housing  252 - 1  includes one or more antennas carried thereon and a second portion of the housing  252 - 1  only includes a base material of the housing  252 - 1 . The first portion of the housing  252 - 1  can be placed into a receptacle  2208  below the third disassembly station  1850 , and the second portion of the housing  252 - 1  can be placed onto the conveyor  1808  by the multi-axis robot  1820 . 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  2500  for generating an identifier tag for a portable electronic device  250 - 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. The method  2500  is carried out by the modular system  100 . In some embodiments, the method  2500  can be implemented by logic configured to control the operation of each of the different modules of the modular system  100 . The logic can include instructions, executed by a controller of the control system, for tracking the portable electronic device  250 - 1  through the disassembly process of the modular system  100 . 
     At step  2502 , an identification tag is generated and associated with a portable electronic device  250 - 1 . In some embodiments, a portable electronic device  250 - 1  is received by the in-feed unit  106  of the first module  110 . The controller generates a data structure in a memory associated with the controller for tracking the portable electronic device  250 - 1  through the disassembly line of the modular system  100 . The data structure can include a universally unique identifier (UUID) that is utilized to identify a particular portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The data structure can also include a data payload, which includes various data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The data structure including the UUID and data payload can be referred to as the identification tag. 
     At step  2504 , a controller of the modular system  100  generates data associated with disassembling the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . In some embodiments, a vision system of the first module  110  captures an image of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  and transmits the image to the controller. The controller processes the image to characterize one or more physical attributes of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . In some embodiments, the controller processes the image according to an edge detection algorithm in order to locate edges of the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . The locations and/or lengths of the edges can be utilized to measure a length and/or a width of the housing  252 - 1  of the portable electronic device  250 - 1 . These measurements can be included in the data payload of the identification tag. 
     At step  2506 , a display assembly  254 - 1  is removed from the housing  252 - 1  using a first module  110  based on the data. In some embodiments, the controller inspects the data payload associated with a portable electronic device  250 - 1  prior to adjusting or configuring the first module  110 . A measured width of the portable electronic device  250 - 1  can be read from the data payload, and a supporting member is adjusted based on the measured width. 
     At step  2508 , the data is supplemented with additional data. For example, stations in the first module  110  or other modules are utilized to supplement the data. For example, an operator can update the data payload. As another example, the data payload can be supplemented by the first transfer station  104 - 1  based on data generated by the inspection unit. For example a flag in the data payload can be set or cleared to indicate whether the battery is present within the housing  252 - 1 . 
     At step  2510 , the portable electronic device  250 - 1  is processed using a second module  120  based on at least one of the data or the additional data. In some embodiments, the second module  120  includes an electronic component removal station  810 . 
       FIG. 26  illustrates a detailed view of an exemplary computing device  2600  that can be used to implement the various apparatus and/or methods described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular, the detailed view illustrates various components that can be included in the modular system  100 , control system, portable electronic device  250 - 1  and/or otherwise shown in the various Figures described herein. For example, the controller  910 , the controller  1610 , the controller  1910 , or any other device including any network device, computing device, and/or server computing device described herein, can include the components of computing device  2600 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 26 , the computing device  2600  includes a processor  2602  that represents a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of computing device  2600 . The computing device  2600  can also include a user input device  2608  that allows a user of the computing device  2600  to interact with the computing device  2600 . For example, the user input device  2608  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the computing device  2600  can include a display  2610  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  2602  to present visual information to the user. A data bus  2616  can facilitate data transfer between at least a storage device  2640 , the processor  2602 , and a controller  2613 . The controller  2613  can be used to interface with and control different equipment through an equipment control bus  2614 . The computing device  2600  can also include a network/bus interface  2611  that couples to a data link  2612 . In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface  2611  can include a wireless transceiver. 
     In some embodiments, the processor  2602  can be embodied in a variety of forms. For example, the processor  2602  can be embodied as various processing hardware-based means such as a microprocessor, a coprocessor, a controller or various other computing or processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), some combination thereof, or the like. Although illustrated as a single processor, it will be appreciated that the processor  2602  can include two or more processors. The processors can be in operative communication with each other and can be collectively configured to perform one or more functionalities of the computing device  2600  as described herein. In some embodiments, the processor  2602  can be configured to execute instructions that can be stored in the RANI  2620  or that can be otherwise accessible to the processor  2602 . 
     The computing device  2600  also include a storage device  2640 , which can comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the storage device  2640 . In some embodiments, storage device  2640  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The computing device  2600  can also include a Random-Access Memory (RAM)  2620  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  2622 . The ROM  2622  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  2620  can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the computing device  2600 . 
       FIG. 27  illustrates a control system  2700  for the modular system  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1B , in accordance with some embodiments. The control system  2700  includes a controller  2720  that implements logic for operating the disassembly line. One or more components of the control system  2700  can be included in an electrical cabinet that isolates the energized components to prevent injury to operators due to electrocution. Some components of the control system  2700  can be located external to the electrical cabinet, such as sensors and actuators included in the one or more modules of the modular system  100 . Such components can be electrically connected to other components within the electrical system through wires or cables routed from the electrical cabinet to the external components. 
     In some embodiments, the control system  2700  receives an electrical power source from the transformer. The electrical power source can be, e.g., 120 VAC, single-phase electricity. The electrical power source can be routed through a switch external to the electrical cabinet that can be used to de-energize the modular system  100 . The electrical power source is coupled to a power supply  2710 . In some embodiments, the power supply  2710  is a DC (direct current) switched-mode power supply that provides one or more DC power sources. As shown in  FIG. 27 , the power supply  2710  can provide at least two different regulated DC power sources, such as a first power source  2714  at 5 VDC and a second power source  2716  at 24 VDC. It will be appreciated that different electrical components can require different supply voltages, such as 3.3 VDC, 5 VDC, 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 120 VAC, 208 VAC (single-phase or three-phase), and so forth. In some embodiments, multiple power supplies  2710  can be included in the control system  2700 . In addition, multiple electrical power sources (e.g., 480 VAC, three-phase, 208 VAC single-phase, and 120 VAC single-phase) can be provided from the transformer to the control system  2700 . The different electrical power sources can be used to power different components, such as using 480 VAC, three-phase power to supply high horsepower AC electric motors, and 120 VAC, single-phase power to supply low horsepower AC electric motors. 
     Each of the regulated DC power sources can be routed to a circuit protection component  2712 . The circuit protection components  2712  can include circuit breakers, fuses, thyristors, and the like. For example, the first power source  2714  can be routed to a 15 Ampere circuit breaker  2712 - 1  with overload protection, and the second power source  2716  can be routed to a 30 Ampere circuit breaker  2712 - 2  with overload protection. It will be appreciated that the specific type of circuit protection components utilized in the control system  2700  can depend on the details of the design of the modular system  100 . In addition, the electrical power sources can also be routed to circuit protection components. For example, a 120 VAC, single phase power source can be passed through a 60 Ampere circuit breaker prior to being routed to the power supply  2710  and/or connected to one or more motors or motor controllers (e.g., VFDs, motor starters, etc.). The control system  2700  includes an AC motor  2740  (e.g., 3-phase) and a motor controller  2742 - 1  (e.g., a variable-frequency drive motor or a pair of magnetic contactors in parallel). 
     The first power source  2714  can be supplied to a controller  2720  and a touchscreen  2750 . The controller  2720  implements logic for operating the disassembly line. In some embodiments, the controller  2720  can comprise a programmable logic controller (PLC), a micro-controller embedded on a printed circuit board (PCB), or a computing device including one or more processors, memory, communications devices, integrated circuits, input/output devices, and the like. The touchscreen  2750  enables an operator to provide inputs to the control system  2700  and receive output from the control system  2700 . For example, the touchscreen  2750  can display a graphical user interface that enables an operator to start and/or stop the modular system  100 , receive notifications from the modular system  100 , monitor state of various components within the modular system  100 , identify a particular device being disassembled and/or the current state of disassembly of the particular device, provide information needed by the control system  2700  to operate the modular system  100 , and so forth. The controller  2720  can generate video signals for display by the touchscreen  2750 , and the touchscreen  2750  can provide input signals from the operator to the controller  2720 . In some embodiments, the control system  2700  can include multiple touchscreens located at different locations around the modular system  100 . 
     The controller  2720  is coupled to various input and output signals through an input/output (I/O) interface. The I/O interface enables the controller  2720  to read digital or analog levels of the input signals and generate digital or analog output signals. For example, the controller  2720  can receive input signals from various sensors  2732 . Each sensor  2732  is coupled to a power source and generates a sensor signal that is coupled to an input interface of the controller  2720 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , a first sensor  2732 - 1 , a second sensor  2732 - 2 , and a third sensor  2732 - 3  provide three separate sensor signals to the controller  2720 . The controller  2720  can also receive input signals from various interface components  2734 . Examples of interface components can include buttons or switches. The button or switch can operate to couple a current sourcing input interface of the controller  2720  to ground. Alternatively, the button or switch can operate to couple a current sinking input interface of the controller  2720  to a supply voltage, such as the first power source  2714 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , a first button  2734 - 1 , a second button  2734 - 2 , and a third button  2734 - 3  provide three separate input signals to the controller  2720 . 
     The controller  2720  can also provide output signals to various electrical components. For example, as shown in  FIG. 27 , the controller  2720  can provide a forward and reverse signal to a motor control component. The motor control component can also be coupled to an AC power supply such as 208 VAC, three-phase power. The motor control component can provide power to the motor, switching the connections of the phases of the supply power with the motor power connections based on the state of the two output signals supplied from the controller  2720 . 
     In some embodiments, the controller  2720  is configured to communicate with a remote system over a communications interface  2790 . For example, the controller  2720  can be configured to communicate over Ethernet with a host computer located in a control room remote from the modular system  100 . Alternatively, the controller  2720  can be configured to communicate with a server that provides information needed to operate the modular system  100 . The server can also receive information about the state of the modular system  100 , such as a number of portable electronic devices or a number of components that have been disassembled, a number of hours of operation, information about errors encountered during operation, and so forth. In some embodiments, the controller  2720  can communicate wirelessly such as by using a radio transceiver and an antenna to connect to one or more other devices or access points over a wireless network. 
     In some embodiments, the control system  2700  is distributed among a plurality of electrical cabinets. For example, in some embodiments, each module of the modular system  100  can include a separate and distinct electrical cabinet for that module. Each electrical cabinet can include a separate and distinct controller  2720  that is configured to operate that particular module. The different controllers  2720  can then communicate with each of the other controllers  2720  to share information between modules. In other embodiments, a single controller  2720  can be shared by multiple modules, although various components of the control system for the multiple modules can be divided between two or more electrical cabinets. 
     The controller  2720  implements logic for operating the disassembly line. In some embodiments, the controller  2720  can include instructions, executed by a processing unit, that cause the controller  2720  to perform various operations such as: reading input signals, generating output signals, and displaying a graphical user interface on the touchscreen(s)  2750 . In some embodiments, the controller  2720  can also include an operating system, which enables two or more programs to execute substantially simultaneously. For example, a first program can be configured to display a GUI and receive input from the touchscreen(s)  2750 , while a second program can be configured to operate the actuators of the modules and read inputs from sensors. The first program can operate asynchronously from the second program. In some embodiments, the second program operates within a real-time operating system environment that ensures timely execution of certain operations. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  2720  is a PLC that includes a number of different interface cards. The PLC can include a processor and a backplane, where a number of different interface cards can be plugged into the backplane to create a custom controller  2720 . The interface cards can include input cards, output cards, and specialized cards for particular sensors (e.g., optical encoders), communications cards, and the like. The PLC can execute a program written in various languages including standardized languages like the open international standard IEC 61131 or proprietary languages like graphical ladder logic languages. 
     It will be appreciated that the modular system  100  includes a number of actuators and that the schematic of the control system  2700  is simplified for illustrative purposes. The actual implementation of control system  2700  for the modular system  100  includes tens or hundreds of inputs, including input signals at different levels or routed through relays to switch voltage levels, and tens or hundreds of outputs including control signals for a number of motors (including one or more of AC or DC motors), hydraulic valves, pneumatic valves, and the like. A conceptual block diagram of various portions of the control system is provided in  FIGS. 4, 22, 31, and 36 . 
       FIGS. 28A-28C  illustrate a portable electronic device  250  that can be disassembled and separated according to the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. The portable electronic device  250  is a smart phone, which can be otherwise referred to as a cell phone, mobile phone, or cellular device. However, the portable electronic device  250  is not limited to a smart phone and can take other forms, such as a tablet device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a digital music player, a portable gaming system, and a digital camera, among other types of portable electronic devices. The portable electronic device  250  is shown in an isometric view in  FIG. 28A , a front view in  FIG. 28B , and a rear view in  FIG. 28C . 
     As shown in  FIG. 28A , the portable electronic device  250  includes a housing  252  and a display assembly  254  carried by the housing  252 . The housing  252  is made of aluminum that is machined to form one or more external surfaces of the portable electronic device  250 . In other embodiments, the housing  252  is made of other materials, such as plastic or other metal alloys, or formed as a composite of other materials such as a combination of metal and plastic. 
     In some embodiments, the display assembly  254  is carried on the front surface of the portable electronic device  250  and includes a number of layers, including a backlight, a liquid crystal display (LCD) layer for modulating pixel colors, a touch sensitive layer, and a glass substrate (e.g., a cover glass). The touch sensitive layer is a capacitive touch screen layer that senses a position of a user&#39;s finger on the portable electronic device  250 . In some embodiments, the glass substrate can extend to the edges of the housing  252  for the portable electronic device  250 . In alternate embodiments, the display assembly  254  can implement a different display technology, such as organic light emitting diode (OLED) display technology in lieu of the LCD layer and/or the backlight. 
     The housing can include a port  2806  that accepts a connector for coupling the portable electronic device  250  to one or more external devices, such as a power adapter or host computer. The display assembly  254  can be connected to the housing  252  via adhesive and/or one or more mechanical fasteners such as screws  2808 . Although not shown explicitly, the portable electronic device  250  can include electrical components such as a battery, antenna and radio transceiver, printed circuit board, processor, and memory carried within a cavity formed between the housing  252  and display assembly  254 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 28B , the portable electronic device  250  further includes a home button  2810 , a front-facing camera  2812 , a speaker  2814 , and a microphone  2816 . The home button  2810  provides a user with a tactile input interface that generates an electrical signal connected to a processor for, e.g., unlocking the portable electronic device from a standby mode, minimizing an active application to return to a home screen, operating a camera, or the like. The home button  2810  can include a touch-sensitive, fingerprint sensor that can detect contact points in the ridges of a user&#39;s fingerprint in order to authenticate the identity of a user in order to unlock the portable electronic device  250 . The front-facing camera  2812  includes a lens and image sensor configured to capture image data. The speaker  2814  and microphone  2816  can be utilized to reproduce and capture, respectively, audio data. In some embodiments, one or more of the home button  2810 , the front-facing camera  2812 , the speaker  2814 , and the microphone  2816  are included in (e.g., secured to) the display assembly  254 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 28C , the portable electronic device  250  further includes a rear-facing camera  2818 , a second microphone  2820 , and a flash device  2822 . The rear-facing camera  2818  can include one or more lenses and image sensors. In some embodiments, the rear-facing camera  2818  includes two image sensors, each image sensor associated with a different lens assembly having a different aperture size and/or focal length. The microphone  2820  captures audio data, and the flash device  2822  provides a lighting source for image capture or videography. 
     It will be appreciated that the portable electronic device  250  shown in  FIGS. 28A-28C  is only one exemplary embodiment of a type of device that can be disassembled by the modular system  100 . Further, the components shown as being included within the portable electronic device  250  are shown for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates various portable electronic devices that are capable of being disassembled according to the various techniques described herein, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 29  illustrates that the portable electronic devices can include a portable phone  2902 , tablet computer  2904 , smart watch  2906  and portable computer  2908 . Portable electronic devices  2902 ,  2904 ,  2906  and  2908  can include housings that are made of metal or have metal sections. 
     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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190412
Publication Date: 20210629
Grant Date: 20210629
Priority Date: 20180413
Inventors: WIELER, PATRICK S.
RUJANAVECH, CHARISSA
LEWIS, MARK
LOEPER, THOMAS
POWELL, DAN
SCHWARZ, JASON
SEVER, John
STAUNTON, DARRAGH
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y02P90/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B2219/45091", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B2219/40034", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B2219/31065", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B19/41805", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K13/0486", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B2219/40034", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K13/081", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B23P19/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B19/41845", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49815", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49822", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B25J9/1682", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/53274", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2203/176", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49819", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B2219/50391", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K13/0486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49819", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2203/176", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/53274", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B2219/40034", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B19/41845", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B23P19/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49815", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B25J9/1682", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49822", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G05B2219/50391", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K13/0486", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K13/081", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 76548203