PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8811005-B2
Application Number: US-201213492729-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Clutch features of a portable computing device

Abstract:
A portable computing device can include one or more clutch assemblies that can include a conductive elastomer configured to contact at least a portion of the clutch assembly of the portable computing device. The conductive elastomer can be configured to also contact at least one region of the base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be disposed on the clutch assembly. The conductive elastomer can enhance an electrical coupling between two or more regions of the base portion, especially in the region near the conductive elastomer and the clutch assembly. The enhanced coupling can increase a performance of an electrical shield provided by the two or more regions of the base portion.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A clutch assembly configured for pivotally connecting a lid to a base portion of a portable computing device, comprising:
 a cylindrical portion comprising:
 an annular outer region; and 
 a central bore region configured to provide support for electrical conductors between the base portion and the lid; 
 
 at least one fastening region configured to couple the clutch assembly to the base portion; and 
 a conductive elastomer disposed on the clutch assembly configured to contact the clutch assembly and at least one region of the base portion, wherein the conductive elastomer forms a conductive path between the clutch assembly and the at least one region of the base portion. 
 
     
     
       2. The clutch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive elastomer is formed, at least in part, from a silver loaded silicone. 
     
     
       3. The clutch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive elastomer further comprises a cavity configured to conform to at least part of the clutch assembly. 
     
     
       4. The clutch assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the conductive elastomer is configured to attach to the clutch assembly with adhesive. 
     
     
       5. The clutch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive elastomer is configured to be deformed within the base. 
     
     
       6. The clutch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the conductive elastomer further comprises a first lobe including a first contact surface configured to conform to at least a portion of the clutch assembly. 
     
     
       7. The clutch assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the first lobe further comprises a second contact surface configured to conform to at least the one region of the base portion. 
     
     
       8. The clutch assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the conductive elastomer further comprises a second lobe configured to include a third contact surface configured to conform to at least a portion of the clutch assembly. 
     
     
       9. The clutch assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the second lobe further comprises a fourth contact surface configured to conform to at least a second region of the base portion. 
     
     
       10. A conductive elastomer, comprising:
 a cavity configured to conform to at least a first portion of a clutch assembly; 
 a first lobe configured to electrically couple the clutch assembly to at least one region of a base portion of a portable computing device; and 
 a conductive adhesive configured to affix the conductive elastomer to the clutch assembly. 
 
     
     
       11. The conductive elastomer of  claim 10  wherein the conductive elastomer further comprises silver loaded silicone. 
     
     
       12. The conductive elastomer of  claim 10 , wherein the first lobe includes a first surface configured to conform to a portion of the clutch assembly. 
     
     
       13. The conductive elastomer of  claim 10 , wherein the first lobe further includes a second surface configured to conform to the base portion. 
     
     
       14. A method for enhancing an electrical coupling between a top case and a bottom case of base portion of a portable computing device, the method comprising:
 providing an anodized aluminum top case and bottom case; 
 coupling a clutch assembly to the top case; 
 affixing a conductive elastomer to the clutch assembly; 
 enhancing the conductivity of at least one region of the bottom case; and 
 affixing the bottom case to the top case, wherein the bottom case contacts and deforms the conductive elastomer. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14  wherein the enhancing the conductivity of at least one region of the bottom case includes removing an anodization layer in at least one region. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the affixing the conductive elastomer includes applying a conductive adhesive to the conductive elastomer to secure the conductive elastomer to the clutch assembly. 
     
     
       17. A conductive end cap for a portable computing device, comprising:
 a first surface configured to contact a first region of a base portion of the portable computing device; and 
 a second surface configured to contact a second region of the base portion, 
 wherein the conductive end cap is configured enhance an electrical coupling between the first region and second region of the base portion and reduce the visibility of internal components from outside the base portion. 
 
     
     
       18. The conductive end cap of  claim 17  wherein the conductive end cap includes silver loaded silicone.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to portable computing devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to clutch features of portable computing devices configured to allow increased electrical shielding. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A portable computing device can include an enclosure configured to contain the various components that make up the device. A typical computing device can include a central processing unit, a mass storage device, a display and still other electrical devices. Each electrical device can also generate electrical noise. The emission and conduction of electrical noise (often referred to as electromagnetic radiation, or EMI) is commonly monitored and regulated by regional agencies. 
     The enclosure of the portable computing device can be a first line of defense in the battle of EMI reduction. If there are any poor electrical couplings between two or more parts that make up the enclosure of the portable computing device, then EMI noise can sometimes more readily escape, especially in those regions. 
     Therefore, what is needed is a way to reduce unwanted electrical noise from components within a portable computing device, particularly in targeted regions of the enclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application describes various embodiments regarding systems and methods for reducing EMI interference and/or emissions by enhancing an electrical coupling of two or more portions of a base portion of a portable computing device in a region near a clutch assembly. In one embodiment, a clutch assembly can include a cylindrical portion comprising an annular outer region and a central bore region, a fastening region and a conductive elastomer that can be disposed on the clutch assembly and configured to enhance an electrical contact between the clutch assembly and at least one portion of the base portion. 
     A conductive elastomer is disclosed. The conductive elastomer can include a cavity to conform to at least one portion of the clutch assembly and a first lobe that is configured to couple the clutch assembly to a region of the base portion of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer can include silver loaded silicone material. 
     A method is disclosed for enhancing an electrical coupling between top case and bottom case portions of a base portion of a portable computing device. The method can include the steps of receiving the top case and bottom case, coupling a clutch assembly to the top case, attaching a conductive elastomer to the clutch assembly, preparing the bottom case to enhance conductivity and attaching the bottom case to the top case. 
     A conductive end cap for a portable computing device can enhance an electrical coupling between parts of a base of a portable computing device and reduce the visibility of internal components of the portable computing device from outside the device. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for providing portable computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device in an open (lid) state. 
         FIG. 2  shows portable computing device in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover and logo. 
         FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device also in the open state. 
         FIG. 4  shows an external view of bottom case. 
         FIG. 5  shows integrated support system in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of the clutch bolt zone accordance with one embodiment of the specification. 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  are views of a conductive elastomer configured to enhance the electrical coupling between the two piece case of portable computing device. 
         FIG. 8  is another illustration of the clutch zone in accordance with one embodiment of the specification. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross section view (A-A) from  FIG. 8 , with bottom case affixed to top case. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart of method steps for enhancing the electrical coupling between a top case and a bottom case of a portable computing device. 
         FIG. 11  is another illustration of the clutch zone in accordance with one embodiment of the specification. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to the presently described embodiments are provided 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 presently 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 presently described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     The following relates to a portable computing device such as a laptop computer, net book computer, tablet computer, etc. The portable computing device can include a multi-part housing having a top case and a bottom case joining at a reveal to form a base portion. The portable computing device can have an upper portion (or lid) that can house a display screen and other related components whereas the base portion can house various processors, drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touchpad and the like. The base portion can be formed of a multipart housing that can include top and bottom outer housing components each of which can be formed in a particular manner at an interface region such that the gap and offset between these outer housing components are not only reduced, but are also more consistent from device to device during the mass production of devices. These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below. 
     In a particular embodiment, the lid and base portion can be pivotally connected with each other by way of what can be referred to as a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly can be arranged to pivotally couple the base portion to the lid. The clutch assembly can include at least a cylindrical portion that in turn includes an annular outer region, and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region, the central bore suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the base portion and electrical components in the lid. The clutch assembly can also include a plurality of fastening regions that couple the clutch to the base portion and the lid of the portable computing device with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized. 
     The multipart housing can be formed of a strong and durable yet lightweight material. Such materials can include composite materials and or metals such as aluminum. Aluminum has a number of characteristics that make it a good choice for the multipart housing. For example, aluminum is a good electrical conductor that can provide good electrical ground and it can be easily machined and has well known metallurgical characteristics. The superior conductivity of aluminum provides a good chassis ground for internal electrical components arranged to fit and operate within the housing. The aluminum housing also provides a good electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield protecting sensitive electronic components from external electromagnetic radiation as well as reducing electromagnetic radiation emanating from the portable computing device. In one aspect of the provided embodiments, the computing device takes the form of a laptop computer. 
     The base portion can include a top case and a bottom case formed of conductive material. In one embodiment, the base portion can include a conductive elastomer configured to improve electrical coupling between the top case and the bottom case in at least one region. Improving electrical coupling between the top case and the bottom case can improve EMI shield performance. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-11 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIGS. 1-11  show various views of the portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device  100  in an open (lid) state. Portable computing device  100  can include base portion  102  formed of bottom case  104  fastened to top case  106 . Base portion  102  can be pivotally connected to lid portion  108  by way of clutch assembly  110  hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Base portion  102  can have an overall uniform shape sized to accommodate clutch assembly  110  and inset portion  112  suitable for assisting a user in lifting lid portion  108  by, for example, a finger. Top case  106  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as keyboard  114  and touchpad  116 . Keyboard  114  can include a plurality of low profile keycap assemblies each having an associated key pad  118 . In one embodiment, an audio transducer (not shown) can use selected portions of keyboard  114  to output audio signals such as music. In the described embodiment, a microphone can be located at a side portion of top case  106  that can be spaced apart to improve frequency response of an associated audio circuit. 
     Each of the plurality of key pads  118  can have a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying the key input associated with the particular key pad. Keyboard  114  can be arranged to receive a discrete input at each keypad using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key pad can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of portable computing device  100 . In order to reduce component count, a keycap assembly can be re-provisioned as a power button. For example, key pad  118 - 1  can be used as power button  118 - 1 . In this way, the overall number of components in portable computing device  100  can be commensurably reduced. 
     Touch pad  116  can be configured to receive finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such as a swipe or a tap. The gesture can be sensed by a sensing circuit in touch pad  116  and converted to electrical signals that are passed to a processing unit for evaluation. In this way, portable computing device  100  can be at least partially controlled by touch. 
     Lid portion  108  can be moved with the aid of clutch assembly  110  from the closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Lid portion  108  can include display  120  and rear cover  122  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 ) that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion  108  and also provide structural support to at least display  120 . In the described embodiment, lid portion  108  can include mask (also referred to as display trim)  124  that surrounds display  120 . Display trim  124  can be formed of an opaque material such as ink deposited on top of or within a protective layer of display  120 . Display trim  124  can enhance the overall appearance of display  120  by hiding operational and structural components as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display  120 . 
     Display  120  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. Display  120  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portable computing device  100  can also include image capture device  126  located on a transparent portion of display trim  124 . Image capture device  126  can be configured to capture both still and video images. Lid portion  108  can be formed to have uni-body construction that can provide additional strength and resiliency to lid portion  108  which is particularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, the uni-body construction of lid portion  108  can reduce overall part count by eliminating separate support features. 
     Data ports  128 - 132  can be used to transfer data and/or power between an external circuit(s) and portable computing device  100 . Data ports  128 - 132  can include, for example, input slot  128  that can be used to accept a memory card (such as a FLASH memory card), data ports  130  and  132  can take be used to accommodate data connections such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and so on. In some embodiments, speaker grid  134  can be used to port audio from an associated audio component enclosed within base portion  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows portable computing device  100  in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover  122  and logo  202 . In one embodiment, logo  202  can be illuminated by light from display  120 . It should be noted that in the closed configuration, lid portion  108  and base portion  102  form what appears to be a uniform structure having a continuously varying and coherent shape that enhances both the look and feel of portable computing device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  shows another embodiment in the form of portable computing device  300  that is smaller than portable computing device  100 . Since portable computing device  300  is smaller in size than portable computing device  100 , certain features shown in  FIG. 1  are modified, or in some cases lacking, in portable computing device  300 . For example, base portion  302  can be reduced in size such that separate speakers (such as speaker grid  134 ) are replaced with an audio port embodied as part of keyboard  114 . However, bottom case  304  and top case  306  can retain many of the features described with regards to portable computing device  100  (such as display  120  though reduced to an appropriate size). 
       FIG. 4  shows an external view of bottom case  104  showing relative positioning of support feet  402 , insert  112 , cosmetic wall  404  that can be used to conceal clutch assembly  110  and fasteners  406  used to secure bottom case  104  and top case  106  together. Support feet  402  can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as plastic. Also in view are multi-purpose front side sequentially placed vents  408  and  410  that can be used to provide a flow of outside air that can be used to cool internal components. In the described embodiment, vents  408  and  410  can be placed on an underside of top cover  106  in order to hide the vents from view as well as obscure the view of an interior of portable computing device  100  from the outside. Vents  408  and  410  can act as a secondary air intake subordinate to primary air intake vents located at a rear portion of portable computing device  100  (described below). In this way, vents  408  and  410  can help to maintain an adequate supply of cool air in those situations where portions of the rear vents are blocked or otherwise have their air intake restricted. 
     Vents  408  and  410  can also be used to output audio signals in the form of sound generated by an audio module (not shown). In one embodiment, a selected portion (such as portions  412  and  414 ) can be used to output sound at a selected frequency range in order to improve quality of an audio presentation by portable computing device  100 . Vents  408  and  410  can be part of an integrated support system in that vents  408  and  410  can be machined from the outside and cut from the inside during fabrication of top case  106 . As part of the machining of vents  408  and  410 , stiffener ribs  418  can be placed within vent openings  408  and  410  to provide additional structural support for portable computing device  100 . Stiffener ribs  418  can be formed using what is referred to as a T cutter that removes material subsequent to the formation of the vent openings during the fabrication of top case  106 . 
       FIG. 5  shows integrated support system  500  in accordance with the described embodiments. In order to enhance the structural integrity, reduce bowing, and improve resistance to infrequent but potentially damaging events such as being dropped, top case  106  can be fabricated to include integrated support system  500 . Top case  106  can include clutch bolt zone  510 . In one embodiment, stresses imparted to a clutch assembly affixed in the region of clutch bolt zone  510  can be advantageously distributed throughout regions in top case  106  through integrated support system  500 . 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of clutch bolt zone  510  accordance with one embodiment of the specification. Clutch bolt zone  510  shows an exemplary clutch assembly  630  affixed to top case  106  with screws  620 . In other embodiments, clutch assembly  630  can be attached with rivets, other fasteners, adhesives or clutch assembly  630  can be welded to top case  106 . In some embodiments, electrical noise can be present in top case  106  near clutch assembly  630 . Electrical noise can be attenuated, at least to some degree, by forming a shield (such as a Faraday cage) in an area near clutch assembly  630 . Top case  106  and bottom case  104  can form such a shield when the top case  106  and bottom case  104  are made from conductive material or the case material made conductive through conductive paints or liners. Additionally, top case  106  and bottom case  104  can be coupled to ground (signal or chassis) to enhance the performance of the EMI shield. 
     Although top case  106  and bottom case  104  are formed of conductive material, increasing electrical coupling between top and bottom cases  106 ,  104  can further enhance shielding properties. In one embodiment, a conductive elastomer can be used to enhance the electrical coupling between top case  106  and bottom case  104  by providing an electrical path through clutch assembly  630 . 
       FIGS. 7A-7D  are views of a conductive elastomer configured to enhance the electrical coupling between the two piece case of portable computing device  100 . The conductive elastomer can be affixed to one of the case pieces, or to an assembly that is in turn affixed to one of the case pieces. In one embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be formed from a silver loaded silicone. In another embodiment, the conductive elastomer can be formed from styrene, nitrile, neoprene or other compliant material that can be made conductive with an addition silver, copper, aluminum or any other technically feasible material. The selected materials forming the conductive elastomer provide a solid yet compliant elastomer that can deform at least partially when compressed. In one embodiment, the deformation can allow the elastomer to better conform to parts such as the clutch assembly  630  and bottom case  104 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a bottom view of one embodiment of a conductive elastomer  700 . The conductive elastomer  700  can include a first lobe  701 , a second lobe  702  and a cavity  710 . The first  701  and second  702  lobes can each include two contact surfaces. As shown, first lobe  701  can have a bottom contact surface  705  and second lobe  702  can have a bottom contact surface  706 . In one embodiment, the bottom contact surfaces  705 ,  706  can be configured to make electrical contact with clutch assembly  630 . For example, the bottom contact surfaces  705 ,  706  can be shaped to closely align with clutch assembly  630  features and maximize contact surface area between clutch assembly  630  and the conductive elastomer  700 . Cavity  710  can be configured to allow conductive elastomer  700  to fit closely and conform to clutch assembly  630 . In one embodiment, cavity  710  can allow one or more mounting screws for clutch assembly  630  to protrude into the conductive elastomer  700 . In one embodiment, an adhesive can be placed into cavity  710  to affix conductive elastomer  700  to the clutch assembly. In yet another embodiment, the adhesive can be electrically conductive. 
       FIG. 7B  is a top view of conductive elastomer  700 . First lobe  701  can include top contact surface  720  and second lobe  702  can include top contact surface  721 . The top contact surfaces  720 ,  721  can be configured to contact the bottom case  104  when attached to the top case  106 . In one embodiment, top contact surfaces  720 ,  721  can be shaped to closely align with portions of the bottom case  106  that can contact conductive elastomer  700 . 
       FIG. 7C  is a bottom view of another embodiment of a conductive elastomer  730 . Conductive elastomer  730  includes only first lobe  701 . This simplified embodiment can still provide enhanced electrical coupling between top case  106  and bottom case  104 . Bottom contact surface  705  is shown on underside of first lobe  701 . Conductive elastomer  730  can also include cavity  710  to accommodate mounting screws or other mechanical features near clutch assembly  630 . In one embodiment, cavity  710  can include an adhesive to mount and stabilize conductive elastomer  730  with respect to the clutch assembly  630 .  FIG. 7D  is a top view of conductive elastomer  730 . First lobe  701  can include top contact surface  720 . Top contact surface  720  can be configured to contact the bottom case  104  as described above. 
     In one embodiment, a conductive elastomer can be affixed to and contact clutch assembly  630 . When bottom case  104  is attached to the top case  106 , the conductive elastomer can contact bottom case  104  enhancing an electrical connection between top case  104  and bottom case  106  in an area near the conductive elastomer. In embodiments where at least one of top case  106  and bottom case  104  are coupled to ground, the conductive elastomer can improve the electrical coupling between top case  106  and bottom case  104  to ground thereby improving EMI shielding, at least in the area of the conductive elastomer. 
       FIG. 8  is another illustration of clutch zone  510  in accordance with one embodiment of the specification. As shown, conductive elastomer  730  is affixed to clutch assembly  630 . First lobe  701  can be positioned over clutch assembly  630  such that bottom contact surface  705  can contact clutch assembly  630  and form an electrical path. First lobe  701  can be configured to only contact non-moving portions of clutch assembly  630 . This configuration can advantageously reduce wear on conductive elastomer  730 . Top contact surface  720  can be configured to contact bottom case  104  as bottom case  104  is affixed to top case  106  completing the electrical path between top case  106  and bottom case  104 . In other words, an enhanced electrical path is formed from bottom case  104 , through conductive elastomer  730 , through clutch assembly  630  to top case  104 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross section view  900  (A-A) from  FIG. 8 , with bottom case  104  affixed to top case  106 . Clutch assembly  630  is shown affixed to top case  106  by screws  620 . Conductive elastomer  930  can be configured such that bottom contact  905  comes into direct contact with clutch assembly  630 . Top contact  920  can come into direct contact with bottom case  104 . In one embodiment, conductive elastomer  930  can deform as bottom case  104  is affixed to top case  106 . Shield performance of top case  106  and bottom case  104  can be enhanced especially in the region near clutch assembly  630  by conductive elastomer  930  providing an enhanced electrical coupling between bottom case  104  and top case  106 . In some embodiments, bottom case  104  can be prepared in advance of affixing to top case  106 . Bottom case  104  can be anodized aluminum. Although aluminum is a good electrical conductor, the anodization layer can act as an insulator. One preparation step can include removing the anodization layer in at least the region in contact with top contact  920 . In one embodiment, the anodization layer can be removed with a laser. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart of method steps  1000  for enhancing the electrical coupling between a top case  106  and a bottom case  104  of a portable computing device  100 . Persons skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to perform the method steps in any order is within the scope of this description. The method begin in step  1002  when the top case  106  and bottom case  104  of the portable computing device  100  is received. In one embodiment, the top case  106  and bottom case  104  can be formed from anodized aluminum. In step  1004 , clutch assembly  630  can be affixed to top case  106 . In one embodiment, clutch assembly  630  can be affixed with screws  620  to top case  106 . In step  1006 , conductive elastomer  730  can be affixed to clutch assembly  630 . In one embodiment, an adhesive can be disposed in cavity  710  to help secure conductive elastomer  730  to clutch assembly  630 . In step  1008 , the conductivity of the bottom case can be enhanced. In one embodiment, an anodization layer can be removed from at least one region of bottom case  104  to improve an electrical connection between bottom case  104  and conductive elastomer  730 . In step  1010 , bottom case  104  can be attached to top case  106  and the method ends. 
       FIG. 11  is another illustration of the clutch zone  510  in accordance with one embodiment of the specification. End cap  1110  can improve cosmetic appearance to portable computing device  100  by reducing the visibility of clutch assembly  630  and other internal parts from outside portable computing device  100 . In one embodiment, end cap  1110  can be made conductive and be made to enhance the electrical coupling between top case  106  and bottom case  104 . For example, end cap  1110  can be formed from a conductive elastomer similar to conductive elastomer  730  and can be designed to contact and deform slightly as bottom case  104  is attached to top case  106 . The deformation can help enhance the conductivity between end cap  1110  and top case  106  and bottom case  104  and therefore enhance shield performance of top and bottom cases  106 ,  104  respectively. In one embodiment, end cap  1110  can include a first surface  1112  configured to contact bottom case  104  and a second surface  1114  configured to contact top case  106 . In one embodiment, end cap  1110  can be affixed to top case  106  with a screw, rivet or any other technically feasible approach. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120608
Publication Date: 20140819
Grant Date: 20140819
Priority Date: 20120608
Inventors: CASEBOLT MATTHEW P.
REID GAVIN J.
SCHWALBACH CHARLES A.
SMITH BRANDON S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R2201/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R35/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2201/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49817", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R35/02", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/2414", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/2414", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 49714380