PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8858271-B2
Application Number: US-201213654943-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Speaker interconnect

Abstract:
An interconnect for an internal device, such as a speaker, coupling power from a flexible connector to the speaker at two or more terminals. The interconnect includes a flexible element, such as a “minus” terminal, and a second element, such as a “plus” terminal, which are coupled to corresponding terminals on the flexible connector. A screw can be threaded through a hole in the flexible element, the corresponding terminals, and can be terminated at the second element. The screw presses the “minus” terminal and the “plus” terminal into their corresponding terminals, making an electrical connection and a physical connection.

Claims:
The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus including
 a device subassembly including a first connector and a second connector, said first connector and said second connector being coupleable to a first device, the first connector defining a first hole and the second connector defining a receiving aperture; 
 a contact subassembly including a first contact and a second contact formed on opposing sides of a contact subassembly structure, said first contact and said second contact being coupleable to a second device, and a second hole extending through the first contact, second contact and the contact subassembly structure; 
 said first connector and said second connector defining a space therebetween, said space allowing insertion of said first contact and said second contact and said contact subassembly structure, wherein insertion thereof aligns said first hole and said second hole; and 
 a fastener extending through said first hole and said second hole, whereby said fastener affixes said first connector with respect to said first contact and affixes said second connector with respect to said second contact; 
 wherein said first connector and said first contact are electrically coupled, and said second connector and said second contact are electrically coupled. 
 
     
     
       2. Apparatus as in  claim 1 , including
 an electrical isolator disposed between said fastener and one or more of: said first contact pad, said second contact pad. 
 
     
     
       3. Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein
 said first device includes at least one of: 
 a speaker having a first electrical power connector coupleable to said first connector and having a second electrical power connector coupleable to said second connector; 
 a haptic feedback element. 
 
     
     
       4. Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein
 said fastener includes at least a portion thereof consisting of an electrically nonconductive material. 
 
     
     
       5. Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein
 said fastener includes at least a portion thereof electrically isolated from one or more of: said first contact pad, said second contact pad. 
 
     
     
       6. Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein
 said contact subassembly structure is formed from a flex element. 
 
     
     
       7. Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein
 said contact subassembly structure includes a physically flexible member. 
 
     
     
       8. Apparatus as in  claim 6 , wherein
 said flex element includes a T-shape having a first contact subassembly at a first arm of said T-shape and a second contact subassembly at a second arm of said T-shape. 
 
     
     
       9. Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein
 an end of said fastener is received in said receiving aperture. 
 
     
     
       10. Apparatus as in  claim 9 , wherein
 contact between said fastener affixes said position of said first connector with respect to said second connector in combination with said stop element. 
 
     
     
       11. Apparatus as in  claim 9 , wherein
 said receiving aperture is coupled to one or more of: said first connector, said second connector. 
 
     
     
       12. A method, including steps of
 disposing a first connector at an angle with respect to a second connector, said first connector and said second connector being coupleable to a first device, said first connector defining a first hole and, disposed with respect to said second connector to define a space therebetween; 
 inserting a contact subassembly, including a first contact and a second contact formed on opposing sides of the contact subassembly, into said space, said first contact and said second contact being coupleable to a second device, said contact subassembly defining a second hole; 
 aligning said first hole and said second hole; and 
 inserting a fastener through said first and second holes to affix a position of said first connector with respect to a position of said first contact and affix a position of said second connector with respect to a position of said second contact; 
 tightening said fastener, thereby electrically coupling said first connector and said first contact, and whereby said steps of tightening electrically coupling said second connector and said second contact. 
 
     
     
       13. A method as in  claim 12 , including steps of
 disposing an electrical isolator between said fastener and one or more of: said first contact pad, said second contact pad. 
 
     
     
       14. A method as in  claim 12 , including steps of
 electrically coupling said first contact pad to a remote location. 
 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises:
 a body; and 
 al electrical insulator on less than all of the body. 
 
     
     
       16. An interconnection mechanism, comprising:
 a tab; 
 a base receptacle physically connected to the tab; 
 a flex element having a first side opposing a second side; 
 a first coupling pad formed on the first side of the flex element; 
 a second coupling pad formed on the second side of the flex element; 
 a connector extending through the base receptacle, the first coupling pad, and the second coupling pad and received in the base receptacle; wherein 
 the connector is electrically isolated at least from the tab by an isolator. 
 
     
     
       17. The interconnection mechanism of  claim 16 , wherein the isolator forms a collar about a segment of the connector. 
     
     
       18. The interconnection mechanism of  claim 16 , wherein the connector electrically contacts the base receptacle. 
     
     
       19. The interconnection mechanism of  claim 18 , wherein the connector is electrically isolated from each of the tab, base receptacle, first coupling pad and second coupling pad. 
     
     
       20. The interconnection mechanism of  claim 16 , wherein the isolator is a coating on the connector.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application generally relates to an internal device interconnect, such as might be used for a speaker or another device, and related matters. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When electronic devices are relatively small, there can sometimes be difficulty in allowing space for internal connectors. For example, in mobile devices or other portable or hand-held electronic devices, electrical connections to a speaker can occupy more space than desired. This might have the effect of making the device larger than desired, or requiring a smaller speaker than desired. 
     It sometimes occurs that multiple electrical connections are desired at or near one device within such electronic devices. For example, for a speaker assembly in a relatively smaller device, at least some electrical connections are desired to be able to provide substantial electrical power. In such examples, a powered electrical connection is desired, but which might occupy substantial space within the structure of the device, and thus might provide less room for routing electronic signals. 
     It sometimes occurs that assembly (or re-assembly) of relatively smaller devices can be made complex or difficult by routing requirements for electrical power or electronic signals. For example, in mobile devices or other portable or hand-held electronic devices, it might occur that relatively smaller parts are used, both for electrical connections and for electronic signal connections. One such example might be a speaker element, which might itself be incorporated into a device as a package, but which might involve multiple connections to other parts of the device. 
     Each of these examples, as well as other possible considerations, can cause one or more difficulties for designers and builders of relatively smaller devices, particularly mobile devices or other portable or hand-held electronic devices. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This application provides techniques, including assemblies, circuits and designs, which can make multiple electrical connections at or near a device or subassembly. In one embodiment, the device interconnect can include an assembly having connectors coupled to the device, contact pads on a flex element, an aligned hole defined by those elements, and a screw or similar element disposed therein. For example, the assembly can couple the device and the flex element electrically or electronically. 
     In one embodiment, the assembly can include a first and a second connector to a device or subassembly. For a first example, the device can include a speaker, and the first and second connector can include electrical power connectors. For a second example, the device can include another device having power inputs, such as a haptic feedback element (e.g., a vibrating element or a buzzer). 
     In one embodiment, the assembly can include a first and a second contact pad on a flex element. For example, the flex element can include a flexible member including internal electrical or electronic connectors. In such cases, the internal electrical or electronic connectors can couple the contact pads to one or more locations relatively remote from the device or subassembly. 
     In one embodiment, the assembly can include a screw or similar element positioned in an aligned hole defined by the connectors and contact pads. For example, the screw can terminate at a stop element coupled to the second connector. In such cases, contact between the connectors and contact pads provides an electrical connection between the device and the flex element, while contact between the screw and the stop element can provide a physical connection between the device and the flex element. 
     In one embodiment, the assembly can include an electrical isolator disposed between the screw and the first contact pad. For a first example, the electrical isolator can include an insulating object positioned between a screw head and the first connector. For a second example, the screw can itself comprise, or be coated with, an electrically nonconductive material, such as ceramic or plastic. 
     In one embodiment, the device interconnect can include more than one assembly as described herein. For a first example, the flex element can include more than one set of contact pads, and can be coupled to more than one device. For a second example, the device can include more than one set of connectors, and can be coupled to more than one flex element. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, including variations thereof, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. As will be realized, the disclosure is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a conceptual drawing of a first view of a device interconnect. 
         FIG. 2  shows a conceptual drawing of a second view of a device interconnect. 
         FIG. 3  shows a conceptual drawing of a third view of a device interconnect. 
         FIG. 4  shows a conceptual drawing of a method of constructing a device interconnect. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Terminology 
     The following terminology is exemplary, and not intended to be limiting in any way. 
     The text “in one embodiment”, and variants thereof, generally refers to one or more possible ways in which a device can be constructed or a method can be performed. While the phrase “in one embodiment” is used more once in this application, in the context of the invention, there is no particular requirement that more than one reference to “one embodiment” refers to the same possible device or method. Instead, the invention has sufficient scope and power that each reference to “in one embodiment” stands on its own. 
     After reading this application, those skilled in the art would recognize that these terms and phrases would be applicable to techniques, methods, physical elements, and systems (whether currently known or otherwise), including extensions thereof inferred or inferable by those skilled in the art after reading this application. 
     Interconnect Assembly 
       FIG. 1  shows a first conceptual drawing of a first view of a device interconnect.  FIG. 2  shows a second conceptual drawing of a second view of a device interconnect.  FIG. 3  shows a third conceptual drawing of a third view of a device interconnect. 
     In one embodiment, an assembly  100  can be coupled to a device  110 , such as a speaker or other subassembly disposed in a mobile device or other portable or hand-held electronic device, and to another element, such as described herein. The assembly  100  can couple the device  110  to the other element physically, at least in that the device  110  and the other element are stabilized with respect to their relative positions. The assembly  100  can also couple the device  110  to the other element electrically or electronically, at least in that the device  110  and the other element are operatively coupled. 
     In one embodiment, the assembly  100  can include, coupled to the device  110 , a first connector  111  and a second connector  112 , such as coupled to an anode and cathode for the device  110 , sometimes referred to herein as “minus” and “plus” connectors. For example, the first connector  111  and the second connector  112  can be coupled to power inputs for a speaker. 
     In alternative embodiments, the first connector  111  and the second connector  112  can be coupled to power inputs for another device or another type of device, such as a haptic feedback element, such as a vibrating element or buzzer, or one or more other devices coupleable to power inputs. 
     In one embodiment, the first connector  111  is disposed at a relatively bent angle with respect to the second connector  112 , with the effect that a substantial space can be made available between the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 . For example, a substantial space can include a sufficient space that a flex element  120 , as described herein, can be relatively easily placed between the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 . 
     In one embodiment, the assembly  100  can include the flex element  120 , which can include a relatively flexible element capable of conveying electrical power or electronic signals, such as to a relatively remote location. The flex element  120  can include a first coupling pad  121  and a second coupling pad  122 , and can be disposed so that the flex element  120 , including the first coupling pad  121  and the second coupling pad  122 , can be relatively easily placed between the between the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 . 
     For example, the first connector  111  can be disposed relatively near the first coupling pad  121  and the second connector  112  can be disposed relatively near the second coupling pad  122 . This can have the effect that if the first connector  111  is bent to close the relatively bent angle between the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 , the first connector  111  will be electrically coupled to the first coupling pad  121  and the second connector  112  will be electrically coupled to the second coupling pad  122 . 
     In one embodiment, the first connector  111 , the first coupling pad  121 , the flex element  120 , the second coupling pad  122 , and the second connector  112 , can each define its own hole or other relatively empty space. This can have the effect that when the first connector  111 , the first coupling pad  121 , the flex element  120 , the second coupling pad  122 , and the second connector  112 , are aligned, an aligned and unified hole or other relatively aligned empty space can be defined. This allows a screw  130  or other element to be disposed in the aligned hole. 
     In alternative embodiments, the hole defined by the second connector  112  can be coupled to a stop element  131  disposed to admit the screw  130 . This can have the effect that the screw  130  can be screwed into the stop element  131 . For a first example, the stop element  131  can form a U-shape at which the screw  130  stops when screwed into the stop element  131 . For a second example, the stop element  131  can define a hole through which the screw  130  is positioned when screwed into the stop element  131 . 
     While the stop element  131  is primarily described as disposed to admit the screw  130 , in the context of the invention, there is no particular requirement for any such limitation. For example, the stop element  131  can include a relatively soft material, such as a relatively soft plastic, into which the screw  130  can be driven when the screw  130  is driven into the aligned hole. 
     In one embodiment, the assembly  100  includes an isolator  132  disposed to electrically separate the screw  130  from the first connector  111 , and from the first contact pad  121 . For example, the isolator  132  can include an insulating material disposed in a collar shape about the screw  130  and below the head of the screw  130 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the isolator  132  can allow the screw  130  to contact the second connector  112 , thus being a “plus” electrical terminal, without contacting the first connector  111  or the first contact pad  121 . This can have the effect of preventing the screw  130  from creating an electrical short between the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 , or preventing the screw  130  from creating an electrical short between the first contact pad  121  and the second connector  112 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the isolator  132  is disposed to instead electrically separate the screw  130  from the second connector  112 , and from the second contact pad  122 . For example, the screw  130  may be allowed to instead contact the first connector  111 , thus being a “minus” electrical terminal, without contacting the second connector  112  or the second contact pad  122 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the isolator  132  is disposed to electrically separate the screw  130  both from the first connector  111  and from the second connector  112 , and both from the second connector  112  and from the second contact pad  122 . For example, the screw  130  may be prevented from being either a “plus” electrical terminal or a “minus” electrical terminal, and may be prevented from contacting any of the electrically active elements of the assembly  100 . 
     While the assembly  100  is primarily described as including the screw  130 , in the context of the invention, there is no particular requirement for any such limitation. For example, the aligned hole of the assembly  100  can be disposed to admit a pin, rivet, spring, or other element. Any such element would have the effect of stabilizing the aligned hole, so that the assembly  100  would not be relatively easily subject to physical disassembly. This would have the effect that the first connector  111  would not be relatively easily subject to physical disconnection from the first coupling pad  121 , and the second connector  112  would not be relatively easily subject to physical disconnection from the second coupling pad  122 . 
     In one embodiment, more than one such assembly  100  can be coupled to the device  110 . For example, the device  110  can be coupled to more than one set of first and second connectors. This can have the effect that the device  110  can be coupled to more than one flex element  120 . In such cases, the coupling between the device  110  and the more than one flex element  120  can be physical, at least in that the device  110  and each of the more than one flex element  120  can have their positions stabilized with respect to each other. In such case, the coupling between the device  110  and the more than one flex element  120  can be electrical or electronic, at least in that the device  110  and each of the more than one flex element  120  can be so coupled. 
     Flex Element 
     In one embodiment, the flex element  120  can include a first electrical element (not shown), coupled to the first coupling pad  121 , and disposed to couple the first coupling pad  121  to a first relatively remote electrical or electronic node (not shown). In such cases, the first electrical element is substantially internal to the flex element  120 , and is capable of maintaining an electrical or electronic connection when the flex element  120  is moved, attached or detached, or flexed. 
     In one embodiment, the flex element  120  can include a second electrical element (not shown), coupled to the second coupling pad  121 , and disposed to couple the second coupling pad  121  to a second relatively remote electrical or electronic node (not shown). In such cases, the second electrical element is substantially internal to the flex element  120 , and is capable of maintaining an electrical or electronic connection when the flex element  120  is moved, attached or detached, or flexed. 
     In one embodiment, the flex element  120  can include a first multi-pin element  123  at a first end  124  disposed relatively near the device  110 , capable of being coupled to a first multi-pin connector (not shown). In such cases, the multi-pin element  123  can be electrically or electronically coupled to a second multi-pin element (not shown) at a second end (not shown) disposed relatively far from the device  110 , capable of being coupled to a second multi-pin connector (not shown). In the context of the invention, there is no particular requirement that the first multi-pin connector or the first multi-pin element  123  have the same number of pins as the second multi-pin connector or the second multi-pin element. 
     For example, in one embodiment, the flex element  120  can have a relatively flat and relatively elongated shape, and be relatively flexible and twistable along the relatively elongated direction of that shape, similar to a ribbon or a ribbon cable. In such cases, the flex element  120  can have the first multi-pin element  123  and the first end  124  disposed at a first end of the relatively elongated direction of that shape, and have the second multi-pin element and the second end disposed at a second end of the relatively elongated direction of that shape. 
     In one embodiment, the flex element  120  can have, coupled to it, one or more sets of assembly pieces (such as the first and second coupling pads, first and second electrical elements, and related elements) in addition to the assembly  100  described above. In such cases, the flex element  120  can include one additional set of assembly pieces disposed on a side of its relatively flat shape opposite the assembly  100  described above. For example, the flex element  120  could be disposed in a “T” shape, with the original set of assembly pieces disposed at one arm of the “T”, the additional set of assembly pieces disposed at one arm of the “T”, and the flex element  120  having its elongated direction at the base of the “T”. 
     In one embodiment, the flex element  120  can have, coupled to it, one or more additional sets of assembly pieces, in addition to the assembly  100  described above, disposed laterally with respect to the side of the relatively elongated direction of its shape. For example, when the flex element  120  is disposed in a “T” shape, with at least one set of assembly pieces disposed at one arm of the “T” and the flex element  120  having its elongated direction at the base of the “T”. 
     In such cases, the flex element  120  can include one or more first and second coupling pads, disposed for coupling to one or more corresponding assemblies, like or similar to the assembly  100 . This can have the effect that the flex element  120  can be similarly coupled to one or more additional similar devices  110 . 
     Device Improvements 
     In one embodiment, the device  110  can be disposed so that the first connector  111  and the second connector  112  are efficiently coupled to elements within the device  110 . For example, if the device  110  is a speaker, the device  110  can be constructed so that the first connector  111  and the second connector  112  are coupled respectively to a first power supply node  113  and a second power supply node  114  within the device  110 . In such cases, the device  110  can include the first power supply node  113 , the second power supply node  114 , a speaker diaphragm  115 , and other speaker elements  116   a ,  116   b , and  116   c . This could have the effect that the device  110  can include a speaker with better performance within the same apparatus volume, or with better volume for the same device performance. 
     Method of Operation 
       FIG. 4  shows a conceptual drawing of a method of constructing a device interconnect. 
     A method  400  includes a set of flow points and method steps. The method  400  can be performed by an operator, such as a person operating with physical elements, or such as a robotic device operating with physical elements, or otherwise. 
     A flow point  400 A indicates that the assembly  100  is ready to be assembled. In one embodiment, the assembly  100  can be assembled from the device  110 , the flex element  120 , the screw  130 , and associated coupling elements. In alternative embodiments, the assembly  100  can be assembled from more than one device  110  (whether similar devices or otherwise), or can be assembled from more than one flex element  120 , or both. 
     At a step  405 , the operator positions the device  110 , such as a speaker element, with respect to a working location. For a first example, the working location can be a desired position that the device or subassembly can have within a finished mobile device or other portable or hand-held electronic device. For a second example, the working location can be a desired position that the device or subassembly can have with respect to a workbench, robotic tool, or otherwise. 
     At a step  410 , the operator positions the flex element  120  within the space that is available between the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 , before the first and second connector are clamped. In this step, the operator can position the first connector pad  121  and the second connector pad  122  in the space between the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 . 
     At a step  415 , the operator aligns the holes in the first connector  111  and the second connector  112  with the holes in the first connector pad  121  and the second connector pad  122 . This can have the effect that when the holes in the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 , and the holes in the first connector pad  121  and the second connector pad  122  are aligned, an aligned and unified hole (or other relatively aligned empty space) can be defined. 
     At a step  420 , the operator inserts the screw  130  into the aligned and unified hole, through the aligned holes in the first connector  111  and the second connector  112 , and the holes in the first connector pad  121  and the second connector pad  122 . This can have the effect that the first connector  111  and the second connector  112  are physically relatively well coupled to the first connector pad  121  and the second connector pad  122 . 
     At a step  425 , the operator torques the screw  130 , such as with a screwdriver, an electric screwdriver, or other torque tool, until the screw  130  is driven into the stop element  131 . This can have the effect that the first connector  111  and the second connector  112  are compressed into contact with the first connector pad  121  and the second connector pad  122 . This can also have the effect that the first connector  111  and the second connector  112  are electrically or electronically relatively well coupled to the first connector pad  121  and the second connector pad  122 . 
     A flow point  400 B indicates that the method  400  is complete. 
     Alternative Embodiments 
     After reading this application, those skilled in the art would recognize that the scope of spirit of the invention includes other and further techniques for providing an interconnect for an internal device, including other and further assemblies, circuits, and designs. After reading this application, those skilled in the art would recognize that the scope of spirit of the invention includes other and further techniques for providing both physical, and electrical or electronic, coupling between devices or subassemblies, including other and further assemblies, circuits, and designs. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in procedures differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20121018
Publication Date: 20141014
Grant Date: 20141014
Priority Date: 20121018
Inventors: YEUNG ALEX
PETERSON CARL
QUINTERO JULIO
GIBBS KEVIN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R4/34", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R4/34", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R4/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/65", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/65", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R4/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50485725