PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12193159-B2
Application Number: US-202318461334-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device

Abstract:
A display assembly for an electronic device can include a printed circuit board, a display panel, and a support structure affixed to the display panel and disposed between the display panel and the printed circuit board.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A display assembly for an electronic device, comprising:
 a support structure comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; 
 a printed circuit board positionable on the first surface; 
 a display panel positionable on the second surface; and 
 a flexible electrical conduit connecting the printed circuit board and at least one of the display panel or the support structure, the flexible electrical conduit including a folded portion to span between the first surface and the second surface, wherein:
 the display assembly comprises a folded configuration when the printed circuit board is positioned on the first surface; and 
 the display assembly comprises an unfolded configuration when the printed circuit board is not positioned on the first surface. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The display assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises an electrical circuit electrically coupled to the flexible electrical conduit. 
     
     
       3. The display assembly of  claim 2 , wherein control signals are generated at or passed through the support structure via the electrical circuit. 
     
     
       4. The display assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a size of the flexible electrical conduit corresponds to a quantity of electrical circuits disposed on the support structure. 
     
     
       5. The display assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the printed circuit board is adhered to the support structure. 
     
     
       6. The display assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising an intermediate layer attached to the printed circuit board. 
     
     
       7. The display assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible electrical conduit provides electrical power and a grounding path. 
     
     
       8. The display assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the flexible electrical conduit provides control signals. 
     
     
       9. A display assembly for an electronic device, comprising:
 a support structure comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the support structure comprising an electrical circuit; 
 a printed circuit board disposed on the first surface in a folded configuration; 
 a display panel disposed on the second surface in the folded configuration; and 
 a flexible electrical conduit connecting the printed circuit board and the electrical circuit, the flexible electrical conduit including a folded portion extending between the first surface and the second surface. 
 
     
     
       10. The display assembly of  claim 9 , wherein in a non-folded configuration:
 the printed circuit board extends away from the support structure; and 
 the folded portion of the flexible electrical conduit is at least partially unfolded and extends outwardly between the printed circuit board and both of the display panel and the support structure. 
 
     
     
       11. The display assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the printed circuit board comprises:
 a mating surface interfacing with the first surface; and 
 an electrical component positioned on a surface opposite the mating surface. 
 
     
     
       12. The display assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the electrical component includes a sensor comprising an ambient light sensor, a pressure sensor, an acoustic sensor, or a capacitance sensor. 
     
     
       13. The display assembly of  claim 9 , further comprising an intermediate layer positioned between the printed circuit board and the support structure when in the folded configuration. 
     
     
       14. The display assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the intermediate layer comprises an adhesive layer, a ferrite layer, a polyimide film layer, or an antenna coil. 
     
     
       15. A display assembly for an electronic device, comprising:
 a support structure comprising an electrically conductive element; 
 a printed circuit board positioned adjacent to the support structure; 
 a display panel affixed to the support structure; and 
 a pliant electrical conduit foldably connecting the printed circuit board and both of the display panel and the support structure, wherein the printed circuit board is folded onto the support structure opposite the display panel. 
 
     
     
       16. The display assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the printed circuit board is adhered to the support structure. 
     
     
       17. The display assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the support structure comprises a glass material. 
     
     
       18. The display assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the electrically conductive element comprises electrical traces coupled to the electrical conduit. 
     
     
       19. The display assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the electrical traces form an electrical circuit within the support structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/453,426, filed 3 Nov. 2021, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to electronic devices having a display. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices are increasingly being designed with device portability in mind, for example, to allow users to use these devices in a wide variety of situations and environments. In the context of wearable devices, these devices can be designed to include many different functionalities and to be operated in many different locations and environments. The components of an electronic device, for example, the processors, memory, antennas, display, and other components can partially determine a level of performance of the electronic device. Further, the arrangement of these components with respect to one another in the device can also determine the level of performance of the electronic device. 
     Continued advances in electronic devices and their components have enabled considerable increases in performance. Existing components and structures for electronic devices can, however, limit the levels of performance of such devices. For example, while some components can achieve high levels of performance in some situations, the inclusion of multiple components in devices sized to enhance portability can limit the performance of the components, and thus, the performance of the device. Consequently, further tailoring and arrangement of components for electronic devices to provide additional or enhanced functionality, without introducing or increasing undesirable device properties, can be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some aspects of the present disclosure a display assembly for an electronic device can include a printed circuit board, a display panel, and a support structure affixed to the display panel and disposed between the display panel and the printed circuit board. The display panel can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The support structure can have an electrically conductive element. 
     In some examples, the electrically conductive element can be part of an antenna. The printed circuit board can be a first printed circuit board and the support structure can be a second printed circuit board. The support structure can include glass and the electrically conductive elements can include metallic traces. The display panel and the printed circuit board can be displaced by a distance of less than about 300 microns. The display panel can include either an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a micro light emitting diode (LEDs). The electrically conductive element can be electrically coupled to the display panel or the printed circuit board. In some examples, the display assembly can include a polyester-based film disposed between the display panel and the support structure. The polyester-based film can have a thickness of less than about 50 microns. In some examples, the display assembly can include a ferrite layer disposed between the printed circuit board and the support structure. 
     According to some aspects, a display assembly for an electronic device can include a printed circuit board, a display panel, and a support structure disposed between the printed circuit board and the display panel. The display panel can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board can be displaced from the display panel a distance of less than about 300 microns. 
     In some examples, the support structure can have a thickness of less than about 50 microns. In some examples, the display assembly can include an intermediate layer disposed between the printed circuit board and the support structure, the intermediate layer including ferrite. The display assembly can have a thickness of less than about 800 microns. The support structure can include a woven glass reinforced epoxy resin. In some examples, the display assembly can include an electrically conductive trace formed within the support structure or on a surface of the support structure. 
     According to some aspects, a display assembly for an electronic device can include a printed circuit board, a display panel, a support structure, and an electrical coupler conductively connecting the printed circuit board and the support structure. The display panel can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The support structure can be disposed between the printed circuit board and the display panel. 
     In some examples, the electrical coupler can include a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end can be conductively connected to the printed circuit board. The distal end can be displaced from the proximal end and conductively connected to the support structure. 
     In some examples, the electrical coupler can include a body and a flange extending laterally from the body. The body can define a channel extending through the body. The body can extend through an aperture formed within the printed circuit board. In some examples, solder can be disposed within the channel of the body to electrically attach the electrical coupler to the support structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  shows a perspective view of an electronic device. 
         FIG.  1 B  shows an exploded view of an electronic device. 
         FIG.  2    shows an exploded view of a display assembly. 
         FIG.  3    shows a side view of a display assembly. 
         FIG.  4    shows an exploded view of a display assembly. 
         FIG.  5 A  shows a top perspective view of a display assembly in a first configuration. 
         FIG.  5 B  shows a bottom perspective view of a display assembly in a second configuration. 
         FIG.  6 A  shows a top perspective view of an electrical coupler. 
         FIG.  6 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of the electrical coupler of  FIG.  6 A . 
         FIG.  7 A  shows a top perspective view of an electrical coupler. 
         FIG.  7 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of the electrical coupler of  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  7 C  shows a top view of a support structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, as defined by the appended claims. 
     The architecture and components of the electronic devices described herein can allow for configurations and designs that can maximize the available space or volume in an internal volume defined by a housing of the device that is available to be occupied by one or more components. For example, certain aspects of device performance, such as battery life, can be improved by increasing the size or volume of the battery of the device. Additionally, or alternatively, the device itself could be reduced in size while achieving similar or even improved levels of performance. 
     In addition to saving space or providing other useful or desirable features, the architectures and components described herein can also reduce an overall thickness of a display assembly within the device. Accordingly, the devices and components described herein can include configurations and features that allow for the optimization and improvement of the performance of one or more antennas contained in such a device. For example, it can be desirable for one or more components within the display assembly (e.g., a display panel) to act as both an operational component as well as an antenna radiating element. However, one or more radiating components within the display assembly can cause other components within the display assembly to capacitively couple (i.e., effectively forming a capacitor). Capacitive coupling between components of the display assembly can induce losses in antenna performance. By reducing a gap or distance between the capacitively coupled components of the display assembly, losses in antenna performance resultant from capacitive coupling within the display assembly can be mitigated. 
     In some examples, a display assembly for an electronic device can include a printed circuit board, a display panel, and a support structure affixed to the display panel and disposed between the display panel and the printed circuit board. The display panel can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The support structure can provide a rigid structural support for the display panel and also include an electrically conductive element to provide a secondary functionality. A single layer with multiple functionalities can reduce a quantity of intermediate layers required within the display assembly and thereby reduce the gap or distance between the printed circuit board and the display panel. By reducing a gap or distance between the capacitively coupled display panel and printed circuit board, losses in antenna performance resultant from capacitive coupling within the display assembly can be mitigated. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 7 C . However, the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature including at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option). 
       FIG.  1 A  shows an example of an electronic device  100 . The electronic device shown in  FIG.  1 A  is a watch, such as a smartwatch. The smartwatch of  FIG.  1 A  is merely one representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. Electronic device  100  can correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, a portable media player, a media storage device, a portable digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a computer, a mobile communication device, a GPS unit, a remote control device, or other electronic device. The electronic device  100  can be referred to as an electronic device, or a consumer device. In some examples, the electronic device  100  can include a housing  102  that can carry operational components, for example, in an internal volume at least partially defined by the housing. The electronic device  100  can also include a strap  104 , or other retaining component that can secured the device  100  to a body of a user as desired. Further details of the electronic device are provided below with reference to  FIG.  1 B . 
       FIG.  1 B  illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device  100  including the housing  102 , a display module  106 , and a back cover  108 . Together, the housing  102 , the display module  106 , and the back cover  108  can define an exterior surface and an internal volume of the device  100 . The housing  102  can be a substantially continuous or unitary component, and can define one or more openings  110 ,  112  to receive components of the electronic device  100  and/or to provide access to an internal portion of the electronic device  100 . In some examples, the device  100  can include input components such as one or more buttons  114  and/or a crown  116  that can be disposed in the openings  110 ,  112 . 
     The display module  106  can be received by and can be attached to the housing  102 . The display module  106  can include a cover  118  including a transparent material, such as plastic, glass, and/or ceramic. The display module  106  can also include a display stack or display assembly  120  that can include multiple layers and components, each of which can perform one or more desired functions. For example, the display assembly  120  can include a touch detection layer or component, a force sensitive layer or component, and one or more display panels or components that can include one or more pixels and/or light emitting portions to display visual content and/or information to a user. In some examples, one or more of the layers can include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and/or any other form of display. The display assembly  120  can also include one or more electrical connectors to provide signals and/or power to the display panel from other components of the display module  106  or the device  100 . The display assembly  120  will be discussed in greater detail herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 - 5 B . 
     In some examples, the device  100  can include a gasket or seal  122  that can be disposed between the display assembly  120  and the housing  102  to substantially define a barrier to the ingress of liquids or moisture into the internal volume from the external environment at the location of the seal  122 . As described herein, the seal  122  can include polymer, metal, and/or ceramic materials. 
     The device  100  can also include internal components, such as a haptic engine  124 , a battery  126 , an audio module  128 , and a logic board  130 , also referred to as a main logic board  130  that can include a system in package (SiP) disposed thereon, including one or more integrated circuits, such as processors, sensors, and memory. The SiP can also include a package. 
     In some examples, the device  100  can include one or more wireless antennas that can be in electrical communication with one or more other components of the device  100 . In some examples, one or more antennas can receive and/or transmit wireless signals at one or more frequencies and can be, for example, one or more of a cellular antenna such as an LTE antenna, a Wi-Fi antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna, an Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna, a multi-frequency antenna, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antenna, and the like. The antenna or antennas can be communicatively coupled to one or more additional components of the electronic device  100 . In some examples, one or more other components of the device  100  can include a portion or part of an antenna, such as a radiating element thereof. For example, one or more antenna coils can be disposed within the display module  106  such that a component of the display module (e.g., a display panel) can radiate electromagnetic waves generated by the antenna. 
     The internal components can be disposed within the internal volume defined at least partially by the housing  102 , and can be affixed to the housing  102  via adhesives, internal surfaces, attachment features, threaded connectors, studs, posts, or other features, that are formed into, defined by, or otherwise part of the housing  102  and/or the cover  118  and/or back cover  108 . 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein, and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding their use can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device components including some having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to  FIGS.  2 - 4   . 
       FIG.  2    shows an exploded view of a display assembly  200  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the display assembly  120 . For example, the display assembly  200  can include a display panel  202 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  204 , a support structure  206 , and one or more intermediate layers. The display panel  202  can include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and/or any other form of display technology. The display panel  202  can be electrically coupled to the PCB  204  such that signals, electrical power, and/or electrical ground can be passed or formed between the display panel  202  and the PCB  204 . In other words, the PCB  204  can include one or more electronic components and/or electrical circuits which enable operation of the display panel  202 . As such, the PCB  204  can be electrically coupled to the display panel  202 , for example, by a flexible electrical conduit (see  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B ). 
     In some examples, the support structure  206  can include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) back film or other polyester based film providing a rigid structure that supports the display panel  202  in a fixed and planar position. In examples, like the example shown in  FIG.  2   , the support structure  206  has a thickness of about 100 microns, between about 100 microns and about 75 microns, between about 75 microns and about 50 microns, between about 50 microns and about 25 microns, or less than about 25 microns. The support structure  206  can be affixed to the display panel  202  by an adhesive layer  208 , for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape. 
     One or more of the intermediate layers of the display assembly  200  (i.e., layers between the PCB  204  and display panel  202 ) can be part of an antenna (e.g., an antenna coil for an NFC antenna, Wi-Fi antenna, UWB antenna, GPS antenna, or other antenna). For example, the display assembly  200  can include an antenna coil  210  disposed between a polyimide (PI) film  212  and an adhesive layer  214 . The antenna coil  210  can include metal and act as a radiating element which propagates electromagnetic waves for the antenna. The PI film  212  can have a relatively low permittivity to minimize loss of electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna coil  210 . In some examples, the PI film  212  can have a thickness of about 10 microns and the adhesive layer  214  can have a thickness of about 5 microns. In some examples, the PI film  212  can be affixed to the support structure  206  by an adhesive layer  216  having a thickness of about 50 microns. 
     In some examples, one or more layers can be disposed between the antenna coil  210  and the PCB  204  to limit electromagnetic waves from directly propagating from the antenna coil  210  to the PCB  204 . In other words, the display assembly  200  can include one or more layers which shield the PCB  204  from electromagnetic waves generated by the antenna coil  210 . For example, the display assembly  200  can include a ferrite layer  218  and another PI film  220  disposed between the adhesive layer  214  and the PCB  204 . The ferrite layer  218  can be about 90 microns thick and can block or mitigate electromagnetic interference on the PCB  204  by the antenna coil  210 . The PI film  220  can have a thickness of about 10 microns and have a relatively low permittivity to insulate the PCB  204  from electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna coil  210 . The PCB  204  can be affixed to the PI film  220  by an adhesive layer  222  (e.g., a PSA tape) having a thickness of about 30 microns. 
     In some examples, the display panel  202  can operate as a display as well operating as an antenna radiating element. For example, electromagnetic waves generated by the antenna coil  210  can be further propagated by the display panel  202 . However, by radiating electromagnetic waves, the display panel  202  can induce a capacitive charge on the PCB  204  and effectively cause the display assembly  200  to act as a capacitor (i.e., the PCB  204  and the display panel  202  can act as capactively charged plates of a capacitor). The capacitive charge induced on the PCB  204  can diminish or degrade antenna performance. 
       FIG.  3    shows a display assembly  300  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the display assemblies  120 ,  200 . For example, the display assembly  300  can include a display panel  302 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  304 , and one or more intermediate layers  306 . The one or more intermediate layers  306  can include any of the layers or components described with reference to the display assembly  200  shown in  FIG.  2   . For example, the one or more intermediate layers can include one or more adhesive layers, ferrite layers, PI layers, antenna coils, and/or support structures. The one or more intermediate layers  306  can displace the PCB  304  from the display panel  302  by a distance d which relates to a combined thickness of the one or more intermediate layers  306 . In examples, the distance d between the PCB  304  and the display panel  302  can correlate to an amount of capacitive loss or degradation in antenna performance when radiation of the antenna signals by the display panel  302  induces a capacitive charge on the PCB  304 . In some examples, by reducing the distance d between the capacitively coupled components of the display assembly, losses in antenna performance resultant from capacitive coupling within the display assembly can be mitigated. 
       FIG.  4    shows an example of display assembly  400  which is modified to reduce the distance d and mitigate this loss in antenna performance. More specifically,  FIG.  4    shows an exploded view of the display assembly  400  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the display assemblies  120 ,  200 ,  300 . For example, the display assembly  400  can include a display panel  402 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  404 , and one or more intermediate layers. The display assembly  400  shown in  FIG.  4    can be devoid of the PET back film-based support structure (support structure  206 ) shown in  FIG.  2   . Rather, the display assembly  400  can include a support structure  406  which not only provides a rigid structure that supports the display panel  402  in a fixed and planar position, but also has other functional use. For example, one or more antenna components (e.g., antenna coil  408 ) can be formed within or otherwise deposited on the support structure  406 . Additionally, or alternatively, the support structure  406  can include one or more other electrically conductive elements  407  formed within or otherwise disposed on the support structure  406 , such as, electrical traces within the support structure  406  or otherwise deposited on a surface of the support structure  406  to provide electrical paths through the display assembly  400 . In other words, in addition to providing a rigid support for the display panel  402 , the support structure  406  can have additional functionality beyond the simple utility of the PET back film (support structure  206 ) shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     In some examples, the one or more electrically conductive elements  407  can be one or more sensors, electrical traces, electrical circuits, a combination thereof, or any other electronic component. In some examples, the support structure  406  can be made from a glass or a woven glass reinforced epoxy resin, like a PCB, which includes electrical traces or circuits that enable input detection at the display panel  402  (e.g., circuits which enable touch or near-touch detection at a surface of the display panel  402 ). In examples wherein the one or more electrically conductive elements  407  include a sensor, the sensor can be any sensor applicable to operation of an electronic device, such as, an ambient light sensor, a pressure sensor, an acoustic sensor, a capacitance sensor, a combination thereof, or any other sensor. 
     In some examples, the support structure  406  can be manufactured as a second PCB of the display assembly  400 , wherein the PCB  404  is the first PCB of the display assembly  400 . For example, the support structure  406  can be manufactured having an FR4 core or other material used to manufacture printed circuit boards. The support structure  406  can be less thick than the PET back film making up the support structure  206  shown in  FIG.  2   . For example, the support structure  406  can have a thickness of about 75 microns, between about 75 microns and about 50 microns, between about 50 microns and about 25 microns, or less than about 25 microns. Because the display assembly  400  lacks a PET back film and the support structure  406  is relatively thinner than the support structure  206  described above with reference to  FIG.  2   , the distance between the PCB  404  and the display panel  402  (shown as distance d in  FIG.  3   ) can be reduced to lessen or mitigate the undesirable losses in antenna performance described herein. In short, the support structure  406  can have multifunctional use and reduce the thickness of the intermediate layers (i.e., distance d) within the display assembly  400 . 
     In some examples, the antenna coil  408  can be disposed between the support structure  406  and a layer  410 . The support structure  406 , the antenna coil  408 , and the layer  410  can be disposed between respective layers of dry film  412 ,  414  and affixed to the display panel  402  by an adhesive layer  416 , for example, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape. In some examples, one or more layers can be disposed between the dry film  412  and the PCB  404  to limit electromagnetic waves from directly propagating from the antenna coil  408  to the PCB  404 . For example, the display assembly  400  can include a ferrite layer  418  affixed to the PCB  404  by an adhesive layer  420  (e.g., PSA tape). The ferrite layer  418  can be about 90 microns thick and can block or mitigate electromagnetic interference on the PCB  404  by the antenna coil  408 . The adhesive layer  420  can have a thickness of about 30 microns. The ferrite layer  418  can be affixed to the dry film  412  by an adhesive layer  422  (e.g., PSA tape) having a thickness of about 5 microns. The thickness of the intermediate layers between the PCB  404  and the display panel  402  can be less than about 300 microns, between 300 microns and about 250 microns, between about 250 microns and about 225 microns, or less than 225 microns. As such, the total thickness of the display assembly  400  can be reduced, for example to about 800 microns, between about 800 microns and about 700 microns, between about 700 microns and about 600 microns, between about 600 microns and about 500 microns, between about 500 microns and about 400 microns, or less than 400 microns. 
     While the display assembly  400  is shown in  FIG.  4    as having a particular configuration of intermediate layers (e.g., quantity, type, arrangement, thickness, etc.), the configuration of the intermediate layers can be varied in other examples such that the display assembly has fewer, additional, different, or modified intermediate layers. For example, the thickness of one or more of the intermediate layers can vary from one example to another example. Additionally, or alternatively, the type of layer or material of a particular layer can be substituted for any other layer or material commonly used to generate display assemblies for electronic devices. For example, in some examples, the display assembly  400  can further include a polyester based film (e.g., a PET back film) disposed between the display panel  402  and the support structure  406 . The polyester based film can operate in tandem with the support structure  406  to provide a uniform and rigid surface for mounting the display panel  402 . 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein, and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding their use can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device components including some having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B . 
       FIG.  5 A  shows a display assembly  500  in a first configuration during assembly and  FIG.  5 B  shows the display assembly  500  in a second configuration during assembly. The display assembly  500  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the display assemblies  120 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . For example, the display assembly  500  can include a display panel  502 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  504 , a support structure  506 , and one or more intermediate layers. The PCB  504  can include one or more electronic components  508 A,  508 B,  508 C,  508 D electrically coupled to the PCB  504  and configured to enable operation of the display assembly  500 . For example, one or more of the electronic components  508 A-D can be signal generators, sensors, power supplies, a central processing unit, receivers, transmitters, transceivers, antennas, antenna components, random-access memory, flash memory, serial buses, input/output ports, digital logic circuitry, display control circuitry, combinations thereof, or any other electronic component. 
     In some examples, a flexible electrical conduit  510  can be affixed between the PCB  504  and one or both of the display panel  502  and the support structure  506 . The flexible electrical conduit  510  can form one or more electrical pathways between the PCB  504 , the display panel  502 , and/or the support structure  506 . For example, one or more of control signals, electrical power, and/or electrical ground can be carried or otherwise formed by the flexible electrical conduit  510 . In some examples, the support structure  506  can include one or more electrical traces electrically coupled to the flexible electrical conduit  510 . In some examples, the one or more electrical traces can form electrical circuits within the support structure  506  and the flexible electrical conduit  510  can provide control signals, electrical power, and/or a grounding path to the electrical circuits. 
     In some examples, the width of the flexible electrical conduit  510  can correlate to the quantity of electrical traces and circuits disposed within or on the support structure  506 . For example, a display assembly having a support structure that only provides a rigid support for the display panel (as described in  FIG.  2   ) can require a wider flexible electrical conduit to provide all of the signals, electrical power, and ground required to operate the display panel. Alternatively, a display assembly having a support structure that also provides electrical functionality (as described in  FIG.  4   ) can require a relatively less wide flexible electrical conduit because one or more of the signals required to operate the display panel can be generated at or passed through the support structure, rather than all of the signals being generated at the PCB  504  and passed through the flexible electrical conduit  510 . A relatively smaller (e.g., more narrow) flexible electrical conduit  510  can maximize the available space or volume in an internal volume defined by a housing of a device (e.g., electronic device  100 ) or otherwise enable the overall dimensions of the device to be reduced. 
     In the first orientation, one or more intermediate layers (e.g., the intermediate layers described herein and referenced in  FIGS.  2 - 4   ) can be adhered, assembled, or otherwise affixed to the support structure  506  or the PCB  504 . Thereafter, in the second configuration, the flexible electrical conduit  510  can be folded and the PCB  504 , or one or more intermediate layers affixed beneath the PCB  504 , can be adhered or otherwise affixed to the support structure  506 . In some examples, one or more electrical contacts of the PCB  504  can be electrically coupled to the support structure  506  through one or more electrical couplers (see  FIGS.  6 A- 7 C ), rather than relying on the flexible electrical conduit  510 . 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein, and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding their use can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device components including some having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B . 
     In some examples, electrically coupling a PCB (e.g., a PCB for a display assembly) and another component like a secondary PCB (e.g., a support structure of the display assembly) can be desirable to electrically tether the two PCBs. For example, as described herein, radiation of electromagnetic waves by the display panel can induce a capacitive charge on the first PCB and diminish antenna performance, yet this induced capacitive charge can be limited or prevented by electrically tethering the first PCB to the secondary PCB.  FIG.  6 A  shows a detail view of a display assembly  600 . The display assembly  600  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the display assemblies  120 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 . For example, the display assembly  600  can include a printed circuit board (PCB)  602 , a support structure  604 , and one or more intermediate layers. In some examples, the support structure  604  can include one or more antenna components (e.g., antenna coil  408 ) or one or more electronic components (e.g., electrically conductive elements  407 ), such as, electrical traces within the support structure  604  or otherwise deposited on a surface of the support structure  604  to provide electrical paths through the display assembly  600 . 
     In some examples, the PCB  602  and the support structure  604  can be physically and electrically tethered or joined by one or more electrical couplers  606 . Each of the one or more electrical couplers  606  can be at least partially formed using an electrically conductive material, such as, a metal or metal alloy. In examples, the electrical coupler  606  can include a proximal end  608  conductively connected to the PCB  602  and a distal end  610  conductively connected to the support structure  604  and/or an electronic component within or on the support structure  604 . For example, the proximal end  608  can be physically and electrically attached to a metal pad  612  or other conductive element on the PCB  602 . In some examples, the proximal end  608  can be attached by a surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly process including soldering. The proximal end  608  and the distal end  610  can be interconnected by an intermediate portion  614 . The electrical coupler  606  can be stamped, machined, molded, or otherwise formed from a single piece of material in some examples. In other examples, each of the proximal end  608 , the distal end  610 , and the intermediate portion  614  can be distinct components which are fastened, welded, adhered, or otherwise joined to form the electrical coupler  606 . 
     The distal end  610  can be disposed over a metal pad  616  or other conductive element on the support structure  604 . In some examples, the distal end  610  and the metal pad  616  can form a gap G (see  FIG.  6 B ). The gap G can be at least partially filled with solder or another electrically conductive material to physically and electrically attach the distal end  610  to the support structure  604 . The gap G can provide clearance to accommodate tolerance variances in thicknesses of the various layers and components making up the display assembly  600 . For example, the size of the gap G can vary depending on the thickness of the PCB  602 . In some examples, the size of the gap G can be less than or equal to a diameter of a solder ball (not shown) melted to affix the distal end  610  to the metal pad  616 . For example, the gap G can be about 100 microns, between about 100 microns and about 75 microns, between about 75 microns, and about 50 microns, or less than 50 microns. In some examples, the proximal end  608  and the distal end  610  can extend parallel to one another and be vertically offset or displaced by the intermediate portion  614 . In some examples, the distal end  610  can form a scallop or cutout  618  which provides a lengthened edge or lip and additional surface area for solder to overlap when the distal end  610  is soldered to the metal pad  616  of the support structure  604 . 
     In some examples, the display assembly  600  can include one or more intermediate layers. For example, the PCB  602  can be affixed to a ferrite layer  620  by an adhesive layer  622 , such as, a PSA tape. The ferrite layer  620  can be affixed to the support structure  604  by an adhesive layer  624 , such as, a PSA tape. The support structure  604  can be affixed to a display panel  626  by an adhesive layer  628 , such as, a PSA tape. While the display assembly  600  is shown in  FIG.  6 B  as having a particular configuration of intermediate layers (e.g., quantity, type, arrangement, thickness, etc.), the configuration of the intermediate layers can be varied in other examples such that the display assembly has fewer, additional, different, or modified intermediate layers. For example, the thickness of one or more of the intermediate layers can vary from one example to another example. Additionally, or alternatively, the type of layer or material of a particular layer can be substituted for any other layer or material commonly used to generate display assemblies for electronic devices. 
     Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein, and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding their use can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device components including some having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C . 
       FIG.  7 A  shows a detail view of a display assembly  700 . The display assembly  700  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the display assemblies  120 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 . For example, the display assembly  700  can include a printed circuit board (PCB)  702 , a support structure  704 , and one or more intermediate layers (see  FIG.  7 B ). In some examples, the support structure  704  can include one or more antenna components (e.g., antenna coil  408 ) or one or more electronic components (e.g., electrically conductive elements  407 ), such as, electrical traces within the support structure  704  or otherwise deposited on a surface of the support structure  704  to provide electrical paths through the display assembly  700 . 
     In some examples, the PCB  702  and the support structure  704  can be physically and electrically tethered or joined by one or more electrical couplers  706 . The one or more electrical couplers  706  can each be at least partially formed using an electrically conductive material, such as, a metal or metal alloy. As shown in the cross-sectional side view illustrated in  FIG.  7 B , the electrical coupler  706  can include a body  708  defining a channel  710  therein. While the body  708  and the channel  710  are depicted as cylindrical in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , in other examples, the body  708  and/or channel  710  can be defined by any geometric shape such as cubic, triangular, ellipsoidal, a combination thereof, or any other geometric shape. 
     In examples, the electrical coupler  706  can include a flange  712  extending laterally around a periphery of the body  708 . The flange  712  can abut a metal pad  714  or other electrical contact on the PCB  702 . In some examples, the flange  712  can be attached by a surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly process including soldering. In examples, the electrical coupler  706  can extend through an aperture formed within the PCB  702  and at least partially extend into a recess formed within the support structure  704  (see  FIG.  7 B ). The body  708  and the support structure  704  can form a gap G. The gap G can be a distance or offset between the body  708  and a metal pad  716  disposed within the recess of the support structure  704 . In some examples, a solder ball can be inserted into the channel  710  and subsequently melted to bridge the gap G and electrically attach the electrical coupler  706  to the support structure  704 . The metal pads  714 ,  716  can be electrically coupled to one or more electrical components, electrical traces, electrical circuits, or combinations thereof on or within the PCB  702  and/or the support structure  704 . 
     In some examples, the gap G can be at least partially filled with solder or another electrically conductive material to physically and electrically attach the body  708  to the support structure  704 . The gap G can provide clearance to accommodate tolerance variances in thicknesses of the various layers and components making up the display assembly  700 . For example, the size of the gap G can vary depending on the thickness of the PCB  702 . In some examples, the size of the gap G can be less than or equal to a diameter of a solder ball (not shown) melted to affix the body  708  to the metal pad  716 . For example, the gap G can be about 100 microns, between about 100 microns and about 75 microns, between about 75 microns, and about 50 microns, or less than 50 microns. 
     In some examples, the display assembly can include one or more intermediate layers. For example, the PCB  702  can be affixed to a ferrite layer  718  by an adhesive layer  720 , such as, a PSA tape. In some examples, one or more of the intermediate layers can define an aperture to enable the electrical coupler  706  to extend into the recess defined by the support structure  704 . For example, the ferrite layer  718  and the adhesive layer  720  can each define an aperture aligned with the aperture of the PCB  702 . The ferrite layer  718  can be affixed to the support structure  704  by an adhesive layer  722 , such as, a PSA tape. The support structure  704  can be affixed to a display panel  724  by an adhesive layer  726 , such as, a PSA tape. While the display assembly  700  is shown in  FIG.  7 B  as having a particular configuration of intermediate layers (e.g., quantity, type, arrangement, thickness, etc.), the configuration of the intermediate layers can be varied in other examples such that the display assembly has fewer, additional, different, or modified intermediate layers. For example, the thickness of one or more of the intermediate layers can vary from one example to another example. Additionally, or alternatively, the type of layer or material of a particular layer can be substituted for any other layer or material commonly used to generate display assemblies for electronic devices. 
       FIG.  7 C  shows the support structure  704  of the display assembly  700  including an electrically conductive element  728 . The electrically conductive element  728  can be deposited, formed, or otherwise adhered to a surface of the support structure  704  in some examples. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more electrically conductive elements  728  can be formed or defined within the support structure  704  (e.g., formed as one or more metallic traces at least partially positioned within the support structure  704 ). While the electrically conductive element  728  is depicted as an antenna coil, the electrically conductive element  728  can additionally, or alternatively, include one or more electrical traces, electrical circuits, sensors, a combination thereof, or any other electronic component. In examples, the first electrical coupler  706 A and the second electrical coupler  706 B can also be electrically and physically attached to the PCB  702  (not shown in  FIG.  7 C ). The electrically conductive element  728  can be electrically and physically attached to a first electrical coupler  706 A and a second electrical coupler  706 B. The first and second electrical couplers  706 A,  706 B can each individually or collectively provide control signals, electrical power, and/or a grounding path to the electrically conductive element  728 . 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     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 the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the 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: 20230905
Publication Date: 20250107
Grant Date: 20250107
Priority Date: 20211103
Inventors: PANDYA, SAMEER
PILLAI, Kiran S.
ZAMPAGLIONE, KYLE M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K1/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10098", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10136", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10128", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10128", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10098", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/144", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/273", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q1/526", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01Q7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F9/335", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F9/33", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/144", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/147", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G09F9/30", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10136", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10128", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10098", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/189", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/147", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R12/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/144", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 86146045