PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9640856-B2
Application Number: US-201313861212-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Dual antenna feed clip

Abstract:
A multiple antenna feed assembly including an antenna feed support having a body made of an electrically insulating material and a method of forming the antenna feed assembly. The antenna feed support may have a slot adapted to receive a connector; and a gap formed in the body having a thickness to fit a printed circuit board (PCB). The multiple antenna feed assembly may include a first connector adapted to fit in the slot of the antenna feed support; and a second connector electrically isolated from the first connector. Also provided is an antenna feed support to provide structural support and electrical isolation for the components of a multiple antenna feed assembly as above.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An antenna feed assembly comprising:
 a circuit board that includes first and second terminals; 
 a body including a slot; 
 a first ledge extending from the body; 
 a second ledge extending from the body and separated from the first ledge by a gap; 
 a first connector disposed in the slot and engaging the first ledge, the first connector securing a first antenna with the body; and 
 a second connector engaging the second ledge, the second connector securing a second antenna with the body, wherein a portion of the circuit board is located within the gap and interposed between the first and second ledges, the first terminal is electrically coupled to the first connector, and the second terminal is electrically coupled to the second connector. 
 
     
     
       2. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first connector comprises:
 a first opening that receives a first fastener that secures the first connector with the first antenna; and 
 a second opening that receives a second fastener that secures the second connector with the second antenna. 
 
     
     
       3. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the first ledge comprises an opening that receives the second fastener. 
     
     
       4. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the circuit board comprises a circuit board opening that receives the second fastener. 
     
     
       5. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first connector and the second connector engage the body and the body electrically isolates the first connector from the second connector. 
     
     
       6. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first ledge extends from a first side of the body and the second ledge extends from the first side of the body in parallel with the first ledge, 
 the first ledge extends to a first distance from the body, and 
 the second ledge extends to a second distance from the body that is different than the first distance. 
 
     
     
       7. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second connector comprises:
 a first fixture having a first opening configured to receive a first fastener that secures the first antenna with the body; 
 a second fixture having a second opening configured to receive a second fastener that secures the second antenna with the body; and 
 a plate positioned within the slot. 
 
     
     
       8. The antenna feed assembly defined in  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a dielectric material that electrically isolates the first connector from the second connector. 
     
     
       9. The antenna feed assembly defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first connector comprises a first opening, the second connector comprises a second opening, and the circuit board comprises a third opening, the antenna feed assembly further comprising:
 a first fastener that extends through the first opening and electrically couples the first connector to the first antenna; and 
 a second fastener that extends through the second and third openings and that electrically couples the second connector to the second antenna. 
 
     
     
       10. The antenna feed assembly defined in  claim 9 , wherein the first fastener extends through the first opening along a first axis, the second fastener extends through the second and third openings along a second axis, and the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis. 
     
     
       11. The antenna feed assembly defined in  claim 9 , wherein the first connector comprises a first portion that extends in a first plane and a second portion that extends in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane. 
     
     
       12. The antenna feed assembly defined in  claim 11 , wherein the first portion of the first connector includes the first opening, the second portion of the first connector includes a fourth opening, and the second fastener extends through the fourth opening. 
     
     
       13. The antenna feed assembly defined in  claim 12 , wherein the first connector comprises a third portion coupled between the first and second portions of the first connector, and the third portion extends in a third plane that is parallel to the first plane and substantially perpendicular to the second plane. 
     
     
       14. An antenna feed assembly comprising:
 a circuit board; 
 a body; 
 a first ledge extending from the body; 
 a second ledge extending from the body and separated from the first ledge by a gap, wherein a portion of the circuit board is disposed within the gap; 
 a first connector engaging the body and securing a first antenna with the body; and 
 a second connector engaging the second ledge and securing a second antenna with the body, wherein the circuit board is electrically coupled to the first connector and the second connector. 
 
     
     
       15. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a first terminal on a first surface and a second terminal on a second surface that opposes the first surface, 
 the first connector engages the body to electrically couple the first terminal to the first connector, and 
 the second connector engages the body to electrically couple the second terminal to the second connector. 
 
     
     
       16. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the body comprises a slot that receives the first connector. 
     
     
       17. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the body, the first ledge, and the second ledge comprise an electrically insulating material that electrically isolates the first connector from the second connector. 
     
     
       18. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a fastener that secures the circuit board with the body, wherein:
 the first ledge comprises a first opening, 
 the circuit board comprises a second opening, and 
 the fastener extends through the first opening and the second opening. 
 
     
     
       19. The antenna feed assembly of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the first connector comprises a third opening, 
 the second connector comprises a fourth opening, and 
 the fastener extends through the third opening and the fourth opening. 
 
     
     
       20. An antenna feed assembly for securing a first antenna and a second antenna with a circuit board, the antenna feed assembly comprising:
 a body; 
 a first ledge extending from a first side of the body; 
 a second ledge extending from the first side of the body and separated from the first ledge by a gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive a portion of the circuit board; 
 a first connector engaging the body and configured to secure the body to the first antenna; and 
 a second connector engaging the second ledge and configured to secure the body to the second antenna, wherein the first connector is configured to convey antenna signals from the circuit board to the first antenna, the second connector is configured to convey antenna signals from the circuit board to the second antenna, the body comprises dielectric material, and the first connector is electrically isolated from the second connector.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/794,755, filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled “DUAL ANTENNA FEED CLIP” by Shayan MALEK, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     The described embodiments relate generally to methods, devices, and systems for mounting multiple antennas in a handheld electronic device. More particularly, embodiments in the present disclosure relate to a device including a single molded antenna feed support, and methods for mounting the device to a handheld electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the field of handheld electronic devices antennas play a significant role as input and output sources of information. In a typical device, more than one antenna can be found, each dedicated to a specific application, such as blue-tooth communication with external appliances, access to a cellular network, access to a global positioning system (GPS) network, or access to a WiFi network. While different antennas operate in different spectral slots within a radio-frequency (RF) range (from tens and hundreds of MegaHertz up to several GigaHertz), interference of signals between different antennas is a problem. Further, coupling of the multiple antennas to the RF circuitry inside the electronic device while avoiding interference between the antennas is a challenging task. The task is especially difficult in configurations where spatial constraints are relevant, such as handheld devices. 
     Current approaches to solving this problem include the use of complex connectors reaching each of the different antennas from the PCB layout. In order to avoid interference and faulty electrical contacts, the connectors used have complicated shapes and odd form factors. As a result, the shape of connectors has little tolerance to manufacturing errors or rugged usage, leading to numerous reliability failures. Some approaches include the use of multiple connectors and structural components in the antenna feed assembly, involving the use of adhesives, shims and spacers, and adding to the manufacturing complexity of the handheld electronic device. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a method and a system for securely and reliably mounting a plurality of antennas inside a handheld electronic device. What is also needed is a method and a device for securely and reliably mount a plurality of connectors for a plurality of antennas inside a handheld electronic device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     In a first embodiment, an antenna feed support for a multiple antenna feed assembly may include a body made of an electrically insulating material; a slot adapted to receive a first connector; and a gap formed in the body having a thickness to fit a printed circuit board (PCB). Further according to the first embodiment, the body may be adapted to provide electrical insulation between the first connector and a second connector. Also, the body may be adapted to provide structural support to the first connector and to the second connector. 
     In a second embodiment, a multiple antenna feed assembly may include an antenna feed support having a body made of an electrically insulating material. The antenna feed support may have a slot adapted to receive a connector; and a gap formed in the body having a thickness to fit a printed circuit board (PCB). The multiple antenna feed assembly may include a first connector adapted to fit in the slot of the antenna feed support; and a second connector electrically isolated from the first connector. 
     In a third embodiment, a method of forming a multiple antenna feed assembly may include providing an antenna feed support having an insulating spacer; assembling a first connector to the antenna feed support, and installing the antenna feed support onto a printed circuit board (PCB) to form a PCB-antenna feed assembly. The method may include attaching the PCB-antenna feed assembly on a housing of a handheld electronic device with a fastener, and attaching a second connector to the PCB-antenna feed assembly. 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The described embodiments can be better understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Additionally, advantages of the described embodiments can be better understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. These drawings do not limit any changes in form and detail that can be made to the described embodiments. Any such changes do not depart from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a partial perspective view of a handheld electronic device including a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of an antenna feed support for a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a perspective view of a connector for a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a perspective view of a connector for a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a printed circuit board (PCB) with terminals for a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of a handheld electronic device including an antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a partial top view of a handheld electronic device including a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart for a method of forming a multiple antenna feed, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     In the figures, elements referred to with the same or similar reference numerals include the same or similar structure, use, or procedure, as described in the first instance of occurrence of the reference numeral. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     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 can 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 can be used, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     In a handheld electronic device and other portable consumer electronic devices available today, a plurality of RF antennas can be used. In such applications it is desirable to have a reduced number of printed circuit boards (PCBs) handling the information that is transmitted though the antennas. In some embodiments, a single PCB can process the signals transmitted by two or more antennas. Electronic devices having multiple RF antennas as disclosed herein can include cellular phones, tablets, laptops, and other handheld electronic devices and portable electronic devices. When different antennas are spatially separated and have different form factors, connectors coupling the antennas to the PCB are conveniently mounted on a single antenna feed support, according to embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments the antenna feed support is made of a plastic material, or another electrical insulating material, so as to reduce interference between the signals of the two or more different antennas. In some embodiments where a multiple antenna feed support is made of plastic, the clip can be injection molded into shape, simplifying large scale manufacture and enhancing reliability. Indeed, by mounting the antenna connectors and the PCB circuit onto slots in a plastic body the position tolerance is increased due to the flexibility and resilience of a plastic material. Moreover, using an assembly having an antenna feed support as disclosed herein provides a secure and reliable structure to the connectors for the multiple antennas. Thus, embodiments as disclosed herein provide enhanced ruggedness to the performance of a handheld electronic device. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a partial perspective view of a handheld electronic device  10  including a multiple antenna feed assembly  100 , according to some embodiments. Handheld electronic device  10  can include a first antenna  11  and a second antenna  12  integrated into a housing  20 . Multiple antenna feed assembly  100  is securely fixed to each of first antenna  11  and second antenna  12  through fasteners  141  and  142 , respectively. In some embodiments fasteners  141  and  142  include screws, bolts, or any other mechanical fixture. In addition to providing a secure attachment to antennas  11  and  12  in housing  20 , fasteners  141  and  142  can provide electrical coupling between each one of antennas  11  and  12 , and a connector in multiple antenna feed assembly  100 .  FIG. 1  also illustrates a PCB  150  inserted into multiple antenna feed assembly  100 . Accordingly, PCB  150  can include RF circuitry to process signals transmitted through antennas  11  and  12 . PCB  150  can also include a logic processing unit of handheld electronic device  10 . 
     While  FIG. 1  illustrates two antennas  11  and  12 , any number of feeds for other antennas in a handheld electronic device can be arranged to fit into assembly  100 . One of ordinary skill will recognize that a third, a fourth, or even a fifth connector for an equal number of antennas can be fit into multiple antenna feed assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a multiple antenna feed assembly  100  including antenna feed support  210 , according to some embodiments. Antenna feed support  210  may be formed of a dielectric material such as a plastic, or any other material having a high dielectric constant.  FIG. 2  illustrates components and parts that are assembled together into multiple antenna feed assembly  100 , such as PCB  150  and fasteners  141  and  142 . PCB  150  receives and transmits signals to either one of antennas  11  and  12  through terminals  251  and  252 . In some embodiments, terminals  251  and  252  include exposed copper pads to form an electrical coupling with connectors  220  and  230 . Furthermore, terminals  251  and  252  can be formed of any other conducting material such as tin, aluminum, gold, an alloy of different metals, or a combination of the above. Accordingly, terminal  251  can couple signals between PCB  150  and antenna  11 , and terminal  252  can couple signals between PCB  150  and antenna  12 . 
     Multiple antenna feed assembly  100  includes antenna feed support  210  admitting a connector  220  and a connector  230 . Connector  220  couples antenna  11  to PCB  150  through terminal  251 . And connector  230  couples antenna  12  to PCB  150  through terminal  252 . According to some embodiments, fastener  141  attaches multiple antenna feed assembly  100  to antenna  11 , ensuring that an electrical coupling is formed between connector  220  and antenna  11 . Likewise, fastener  142  attaches multiple antenna feed assembly  100  to antenna  12 , ensuring that an electrical coupling is formed between connector  230  and antenna  12 . In addition, fastener  142  ensures that PCB  150  is fixed into multiple antenna feed assembly  100  so that an electrical coupling is formed between connector  220  and PCB  150 , through terminal  251 . Likewise, fastener  142  ensures that an electrical coupling is formed between connector  230  and PCB  150  through terminal  252 . 
     In some embodiments connectors  220  and  230  and fasteners  141  and  142  in multiple antenna feed assembly  100  can be formed of a metal or an electrically conductive material. For example, connectors  220  and  230  can be formed of steel, copper, aluminum, gold, or any alloy of the above metals. In some embodiments connectors  220  and  230  can be formed of a combination of the above materials. On the other hand, antenna feed support  210  can be formed of an insulating material, such as a plastic. In that regard, antenna feed support  210  can be formed of a single injection molded piece. Accordingly, antenna feed support  210  provides structure to assembly  100 , and also maintains electrical isolation between connector  220  and connector  230 . Furthermore, according to some embodiments antenna feed support  210  provides electrical isolation to connectors  220  and  230  from portions of housing  20 . For example, antenna feed support  210  ensures electrical isolation between connector  220  and portions of housing  20  including second antenna  12 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of multiple antenna feed assembly  100  including antenna feed support  210 , according to some embodiments. Antenna feed support  210  includes connectors  220  and  230 . Connector  220  includes fixtures  321  and  322 . Fixture  321  is shaped to receive fastener  141  (cf.  FIG. 2 ) and provide electrical coupling between antenna  11  and connector  220 . In some embodiments, fixture  321  is shaped as a flat ring having a hole allowing fastener  141  to go through. Fixture  321  has a shape with a flat portion to make contact with a surface of antenna  11 . Fixture  322  is shaped to receive fastener  142  (cf.  FIG. 2 ) and provide electrical coupling between PCB  150  and connector  220 , through terminal  151 . In some embodiments fixture  322  has a flat ring shape similar to fixture  321 . 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of antenna feed support  210  for multiple antenna feed assembly  100 , according to some embodiments. Antenna feed support  210  includes an antenna feed support body  311  having a slot  317  and a gap  315 , the gap having a thickness. Gap  315  is formed with a shape to fit the PCB  150 , so that body  311  may slide over PCB  150  and securely hold PCB  150  in place. Accordingly, gap  315  in body  311  may have a shape that fits the profile of an end portion of PCB  150 , proximal to gap  315 . Body  311  provides structural support to connector  220  and connector  230 , while providing electrical insulation between connector  220  and connector  230 . Antenna feed support  210  can also include a ledge  312  having a shape adapted to receive and support fastener  142  on one side (e.g., the top side of ledge  312 ). And ledge  312  can also be formed to antenna feed support fixture  322  of connector  220  on the opposite side (e.g., the bottom side of ledge  312 ). In some embodiments ledge  312  also creates electrical insulation between fastener  142  (which can be made of an electrically conductive material) and fixture  322  (cf.  FIG. 3A ). 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a perspective view of connector  220  for dual antenna feed support  210 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, connector  220  is formed as a clip having fixtures  321  and  322  connected by a plate  325 . In some embodiments, connector  220  is formed of a conductive material, such as a metal. Examples of materials forming connector  220  can include aluminum, tin, copper, gold, or any other metal, and any alloy of the above. In some embodiments, fixture  321 , fixture  322 , and plate  325  can have substantially planar shapes. Accordingly, plate  325  and fixture  321  can have planar shapes substantially parallel to each other, while fixture  322  can have a planar shape substantially perpendicular to fixture  321 , to plate  325 , or to both fixture  321  and plate  325 . Also shown in  FIG. 3C , plate  325  has a planar shape slightly offset from the planar shape of fixture  321  by an angled portion  327 . Angled portion  327  forms a gap so that plate  325  can be inserted into slot  317  of antenna feed support  210  (cf.  FIG. 3B ). In addition to coupling fixture  321  to fixture  322 , plate  325  also provides an attachment platform to antenna feed support  210 , through slot  317 . Accordingly, plate  325  has a thickness and an area that fits tightly into slot  317 , so that connector  220  is held in place in assembly  100  (cf.  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The gap formed by the offset of plate  325  and fixture  321  is then occupied by the insulating material forming antenna feed support  210 . Thus, proper electrical insulation is obtained between connector  220  and portions of housing  20  including second antenna  12 . 
     The specific shape and configuration of connector  220  is not limiting of embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Shapes and configurations in the figures are shown only as exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill will recognize that many different configurations can be formed between fixtures  321 ,  322 , and plates  325 . Also, the shapes, sizes, and relative sizes of fixtures  321  and  322 , and plate  325 , can be adapted to the specific application used for an assembly of a multiple antenna feed support as disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates a perspective view of connector  230  for dual antenna feed support  210 , according to some embodiments. Connector  230  includes a dimple  331 , or protrusion to ensure electrical coupling between connector  230  and terminal  252  in PCB  150  (cf.  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, PCB  150  can include dimples fitting into holes  332  formed in connector  230 . Thus, electrical coupling and proper alignment between connector  230  and PCB  150  are guaranteed. Thus, embodiments consistent with the present disclosure reduce tolerance requirements for assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates printed circuit board (PCB)  150  with terminals  251  and  252  for a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. PCB  150  has a thickness  415  that fits tightly into gap  315  of antenna feed support  210  (cf.  FIG. 3A ). PCB  150  has a shape adapted to receive fixture  142 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4  PCB  150  can have a hole  401  to let a screw go through the PCB layer. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross sectional view of handheld electronic device  10  and multiple antenna feed assembly  100  including dual antenna feed support  210 , according to some embodiments.  FIG. 5  illustrates housing  20  having a standoff  510  to attach assembly  100  through fixture  142 . Standoff  510  can include a threaded hole to receive and fixedly attach a screw  142 . Other elements shown in  FIG. 5  are as described in detail above in reference to the previous figures, such as antenna feed support  210 , connectors  220  and  230 , and PCB  150 . Standoff  510  enables an electrical coupling between connector  230  and antenna  12  while keeping portions of PCB  150  electrically isolated from housing  20 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a partial top view of a handheld electronic device  10  including a multiple antenna feed assembly  600 , according to some embodiments. Multiple antenna feed assembly  600  includes antenna feed support  610 . Accordingly, antenna feed support  610  includes alignment pins  612  and  613  to securely fix multiple antenna feed assembly  600  in place, having electrical coupling with antenna  11  and antenna  12 . Antenna feed support  610  includes a connector  620  having a first fixture  621  and a second fixture  622 . Accordingly, connector  620  can electrically couple antenna  11  to a PCB circuit (e.g., PCB  150 , cf.  FIG. 1 ). Antenna feed support  610  can be as antenna feed support  210 , with the added feature of alignment pins  612  and  613 . Thus, alignment pins  612  and  613  can be formed of the same material as antenna feed support  610 . For example, when antenna feed support  610  is formed of injection molded plastic the mold can include protrusions to form alignment pins  612  and  613  from the same injection molding step. 
     Alignment pins  612  and  613  provide an enhanced attachment of antenna feed support  610  to housing  20  in the handheld electronic device, and improve alignment consistency during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, alignment pins  612  and  613  can serve as guiding elements for assembly  600  within housing  20 . For example, by matching pins  612  and  613  with respective slots in housing  20 , first fixture  621  can be properly aligned over antenna  11 . In some embodiments, after alignment pins  612  and  613  have been inserted through housing  20 , portions of the pins protruding out of housing  20  can be sanded off, to obtain a flat and smooth termination on the exterior portion of housing  20 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flow chart for a method  700  of forming a multiple antenna feed assembly, according to some embodiments. The multiple antenna feed assembly in method  700  can be as described in detail above (e.g., multiple antenna feed assembly  100 , cf.  FIG. 1 ). Thus, the multiple antenna feed assembly in method  700  can include an antenna feed support having a body, a gap, a slot, and a ledge (e.g., body  311 , gap  315 , slot  317 , and ledge  312 , cf.  FIG. 3B ). A multiple antenna feed assembly in method  700  can include fasteners to attach the multiple antenna feed assembly to a housing of a handheld electronic device and to a PCB (e.g., fasteners  141  and  142 , housing  20 , and PCB  150 , cf.  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments of method  700 , the multiple antenna feed assembly includes connectors for electrically coupling a first antenna and a second antenna to the PCB (e.g., antennas  11  and  12 , and connectors  220  and  230 ). Method  700  provides a consistent, repeatable, and reliable process for assembling antenna feeds and PCBs in handheld electronic devices. Accordingly, a reduced number of components are used to manufacture the multiple antenna feed assembly, allowing an increased tolerance for the component dimensions. 
     Step  710  includes providing a antenna feed support having an insulating spacer. In some embodiments, step  710  can include injection molding a single plastic piece having a body, a slot, a gap, and a ledge, to form the insulator spacer. Step  710  can include forming a slot in the antenna feed support, the slot having a thickness and a depth to tightly fit a connector plate. Step  710  can also include forming a gap in the antenna feed support, the gap having a thickness that tightly fits the thickness of the PCB. The insulator spacer may be any protrusion on a side of the slot or gap formed in step  710 . Accordingly, the insulator spacer may also include the body and the ledge of the antenna feed support, formed in step  710 . In some embodiments, step  710  may include injecting a dielectric material such as plastic into a mold to form the antenna feed support. Accordingly, in some embodiments step  710  may include forming at least a pin in the antenna feed support and passing the pin through a hole formed in the housing of the handheld electronic device. Further, in some embodiments step  710  includes sanding off a portion of the pin protruding from an exterior portion of the housing for the handheld electronic device, forming a smooth exterior surface in the exterior portion. 
     Step  720  includes assembling a first connector to the antenna feed support. Accordingly, step  720  can include inserting a plate portion of the first connector inside the slot formed in the antenna feed support. Step  720  can also include allowing the ledge of the antenna to be adjacent to a fixture portion of the first connector. Step  730  includes assembling a second connector to the antenna feed support. In some embodiments, step  730  includes forming the first connector in the shape of a clip (e.g., connector  220 , cf.  FIG. 3C ). For example, step  730  may include forming a first fixture adapted to be electrically coupled to a first antenna (e.g., fixture  321 , cf.  FIG. 3C ). Step  730  may include forming a second fixture adapted to be coupled to a second antenna (e.g., fixture  322 , cf.  FIG. 3C ). Also, step  730  may include forming a plate adapted to be inserted in the slot (e.g., plate  325 , cf.  FIG. 3C ). 
     Step  730  includes installing the antenna feed support onto the PCB, to form a PCB-antenna feed assembly. Accordingly, step  730  can include sliding the antenna feed support into the PCB so that the PCB fits in the gap formed in the antenna feed support. In some embodiments step  730  can further include forming an electrical coupling between the first connector and a first terminal in the PCB circuit. Step  730  can also include forming an electrical coupling between the second connector and a second terminal in the PCB circuit. 
     Step  740  includes attaching the PCB-antenna feed assembly on a housing of a handheld electronic device with a fastener. In some embodiments step  740  can include attaching the PCB-antenna feed assembly to the housing at two points, using two screws as fasteners. A first point of attachment can overlap a portion of the housing including a first antenna, and a second point of attachment can overlap a portion of the housing including a second antenna. At each of the first and second point of attachment, the fasteners or screws can be threaded into a standoff formed on the interior portion of the housing (e.g. standoff  510 , cf.  FIG. 5 ). 
     Accordingly, step  740  can include passing a first screw through a fixture in the first connector of the antenna feed support; and screwing the second screw to a standoff formed in an interior portion of the housing including the first antenna. In some embodiments, step  740  can also include passing a second screw through the antenna feed support, through the first connector, through the PCB, and through the second connector. In addition, step  740  can include screwing the second screw to a standoff formed in an interior portion of the housing including the second antenna. 
     Step  750  includes assembling a second connector to the antenna feed support. In some embodiments step  750  can include placing the second connector on top of the standoff formed on the interior portion of the housing. Also, step  750  can include allowing the fastener to press the PCB onto the second connector, so that an electrical coupling is formed between the second antenna and a terminal on the PCB, through the second connector. Step  750  may include aligning a dimple or protrusion in the second connector to a terminal pad in the PCB. 
     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: 20130411
Publication Date: 20170502
Grant Date: 20170502
Priority Date: 20130315
Inventors: MALEK SHAYAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T29/49018", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/24", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T403/3906", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/714", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B9/058", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B9/052", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49018", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/714", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49018", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q21/0068", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B9/052", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/38", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B9/058", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/714", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/242", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51527568