PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11172110-B2
Application Number: US-201916586736-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Portable electronic device

Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a housing member defining an external sidewall, a first glass cover and a second glass cover, where the second glass cover includes a first region having a first exterior surface, a second region having a second exterior surface vertically displaced from the first exterior surface, where the second region includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and a transition region having an exterior surface that extends between the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface. The portable electronic device further includes a first camera module disposed within the first opening, a second camera module disposed within the second opening, a strobe module disposed within the third opening, and a trim structure having an edge that overlays the second region of the second glass cover.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device comprising:
 a housing member defining an external sidewall; 
 a first glass cover and a second glass cover, wherein the second glass cover includes:
 a first region having a first exterior surface, 
 a second region having a second exterior surface vertically displaced from the first exterior surface, wherein the second region includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and 
 a transition region having an exterior surface that extends between the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface; 
 
 a first camera module disposed within the first opening; 
 a second camera module disposed within the second opening; 
 a strobe module disposed within the third opening; and 
 a trim structure having an edge that overlays the second region of the second glass cover. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a display layer having a notch, wherein the display layer is overlaid by the first glass cover. 
 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 an infrared (IR) light detector and an IR light emitter that are disposed within the notch of the display layer. 
 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first exterior surface of the first region is textured. 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the second exterior surface of the second region is textured. 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the edge of the trim structure extends proud of the first camera module. 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior surface of the transition region is textured.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/897,901, entitled “PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed Sep. 9, 2019. The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design patent application No. 29/683,766, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed Mar. 15, 2019, U.S. Design patent application No. 29/676,128, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed Jan. 8, 2019, and U.S. Design patent application No. 29/676,127, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed Jan. 8, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. 
     This patent application is also related and incorporates by reference in its entirety the following co-pending patent application: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/586,276 entitled “PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE” by SPRAGGS et al. filed Sep. 27, 2019. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to structural components for securing a camera module in an enclosure for a portable electronic device. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to support structures for securing multiple camera modules. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent technological advances have enabled manufacturers to include more operational components (e.g., camera, antenna, sensor, etc.) within a cavity of a portable electronic device. However, due to the manner in which these operational components are precision fit during the assembly process, these operational components are susceptible to becoming misaligned when the portable electronic device is subjected to a drop event. Consequently, the misalignment can cause premature failure of these operational components. Accordingly, there is a need to include support structures to retain these operational components according to a predetermined position and alignment. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments generally to structural components for securing a camera module in an enclosure for a portable electronic device. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to support structures for securing multiple camera modules. 
     According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a housing member defining an external sidewall, a first glass cover and a second glass cover, where the second glass cover includes a first region having a first exterior surface, a second region having a second exterior surface vertically displaced from the first exterior surface, where the second region includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and a transition region having an exterior surface that extends between the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface. The portable electronic device further includes a first camera module disposed within the first opening, a second camera module disposed within the second opening, a strobe module disposed within the third opening, and a trim structure having an edge that overlays the second region of the second glass cover. 
     According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a housing including metal side walls coupled to a glass back wall, where the glass back wall includes a first section that transitions to a second section having a planar surface, where a transitional section having a curved surface separates the first and second sections, and openings disposed within the second section. The portable electronic device further includes a first trim structure having an edge that overlays a portion of the planar surface of the second section, a second trim structure having a protrusion that extends proud of an external surface of the edge of the first trim structure, and first, second, and third camera modules that are each disposed within a respective opening of the openings of the second section. 
     According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a metal housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls, where the top wall, the bottom wall, and the side walls are electrically isolated by dielectric elements. The portable electronic device further includes first and second glass covers coupled to the side walls, the second glass cover including an external surface that transitions to a raised section having a planar surface, where the planar surface includes first, second, and third openings. The portable electronic device further includes first and second camera modules that are each disposed within a corresponding opening of the first and second openings, wherein centers of the first and second camera modules are aligned to each other along an axis and a strobe module disposed within the third opening, wherein the third opening is equidistant from the first and second openings. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
     This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate front and rear isometric views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3A-3H  illustrate various perspective views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate various cross-sectional views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrates various cross-sectional views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate various perspective views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate various perspective views of operational components of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate various perspective views of operational components of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of an operational component of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a method for forming a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a system diagram of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     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. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     Recent technological advances and increased consumer demand have driven manufacturers to incorporate additional operational components (e.g., front cameras, rear cameras, antennas, etc.) within a small cavity of an enclosure. However, due to the precise nature of the assembly process, these operational components are susceptible to falling out of alignment when the portable electronic device is exposed to a drop event. Unfortunately, the misalignment of these operational component(s) often leads to their premature failure. The embodiments described herein relate generally to support structures for securing operational components in a portable electronic device. In particular, these support structures maintain the operational components in a known alignment and location even after the portable electronic device is exposed to a drop event. 
     To cure the aforementioned deficiencies, the systems and techniques described herein relate to support structures such as back walls, trim structures, brace structures, weld washers, and the like that are capable of minimizing damage and/or misalignment of these operational components. 
     According to some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device includes a housing member defining an external sidewall, a first glass cover and a second glass cover, where the second glass cover includes a first region having a first exterior surface, a second region having a second exterior surface vertically displaced from the first exterior surface, where the second region includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and a transition region having an exterior surface that extends between the first exterior surface to the second exterior surface. The portable electronic device further includes a first camera module disposed within the first opening, a second camera module disposed within the second opening, a strobe module disposed within the third opening, and a trim structure having an edge that overlays the second region of the second glass cover. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-12 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate front and rear isometric views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. The portable electronic device described herein includes various support structures that are capable of supporting operational components within a cavity of an enclosure of the portable electronic device. According to some examples, the portable electronic device is a computing device, a smartphone, a laptop, a smartwatch, a fitness tracker, a mobile phone, a wearable consumer device, and the like. The enclosure of the portable electronic device can also be referred to as a housing. It should be noted that the supporting structures described herein may be utilized to secure operational components so as to prevent these operational components from becoming dislodged or misaligned when the portable electronic device  100  experiences a load event (e.g., a drop event). 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a front isometric view of a portable electronic device  100 , where the portable electronic device  100  includes an enclosure  102  having walls that define a cavity, where operational components are carried within the cavity. The enclosure  102  may also be referred to as a housing member. The enclosure  102  includes a top wall  102 -A, a bottom wall  102 -B, and side walls  102 -C. The top, bottom, and side walls  102 -A, B, C may define a metal band that surrounds a periphery of the enclosure  102  and define a cavity. The top, bottom, and side walls  102 -A, B, C may have a curved cross-section. Additionally, the top, bottom, and side walls  102 -A, B, C may include front edge that carry a protective cover  106 . 
     The portable electronic device  100  includes a display assembly  104  that covers substantially all of a top surface of the portable electronic device  100 . The display assembly  104  may include a capacitive unit and/or a force detection unit that is capable of detecting an input at the display assembly  104  and presenting a corresponding graphical output at the display assembly  104 . In some embodiments, the display assembly  104  is overlaid by the protective cover  106 , where the protective cover  106  is secured with a trim structure  108 . In particular, the trim structure  108  may be joined to the enclosure  102  with an attachment feature, such as an adhesive, a weld, and the like. The protective cover  106  may prevent surface abrasions and scratches from damaging the display assembly  104 . The protective cover  106  may be formed from a transparent material, such as glass, plastic, sapphire, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the top wall  102 -A may be separated from the bottom wall  102 -B by splits having a dielectric material  112 , and the side walls  102 -C may be separated from the top and bottom walls  102 -A, B by splits having a dielectric material  112 . The dielectric material  112  can include plastic, injection-molded plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polyether ether ketone (“PEEK”), ceramic, and the like. By incorporating the dielectric material  112 , the walls  102 -A, B, C are electrically isolated from each other. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  includes a switch  116  carried along one of the side walls  102 -C. The bottom wall  102 -B includes a data connector  120  capable of providing data and/or power to the portable electronic device  100 . In some examples, the connector  120  refers to a bus and power connector. The connector  120  is electrically coupled to an internal power supply (not illustrated) carried within the cavity. The bottom wall  102 -B includes speaker openings  122  to transmit acoustic output generated by a speaker module carried within the portable electronic device  100 . 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  includes a first electronic component  131  and a second electronic component  132 . These electronic components  131 ,  132  may be utilized for facial recognition. In some examples, the electronic components  131 ,  132  include a camera, an infrared (IR) light detector, an IR light emitter, and the like. The IR light detector and IR light emitter are capable of authenticating a user for the portable electronic device  100 . The first and second electronic components  131 ,  132  may be carried in a notch  134  in the protective cover  106 . The notch  134  has a circular shape or a polygonal shape (e.g., trapezoid, rectangle, square, etc.). The notch  134  may be shorter, taller, wider, rounder and generally any shape as is sufficient to allow for the first and second electronic components  131 ,  132  to provide functions. The shape and dimensions of the notch  134  is a design choice. 
     According to some examples, the enclosure  102  includes a combination of metal and non-metal materials. At least one of the top wall  102 -A, the bottom wall  102 -B or the side walls  102 -C may be formed from a metal material (e.g., anodized aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, etc.). In some examples, the top, bottom, and side walls  102 -A, B, C may also refer to a metal band that surrounds a periphery of the portable electronic device  100 . The top, bottom, and side walls  102 -A, B, C may have a chamfered edge. Together, the top, bottom, and side walls  102 -A, B, C define a side surface having a spline profile. According to some examples, at least one of the top wall  102 -A, the bottom wall  102 -B or the side walls  102 -C are formed from a non-metal material. According to some examples, the non-metal material includes glass, plastic, ceramic, and the like. Beneficially, the use of non-metal material can reduce the amount of electromagnetic interference associated with the enclosure  102  and a wireless transceiver that is carried within the enclosure  102 . Additionally, the use of non-metal material reduces the amount of parasitic capacitance between any metal support structures that are carried within the cavity and the enclosure  102 . 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  carries one or more operational components within a cavity of the portable electronic device  100 . These operational components may include a circuit board, an antenna, a multi-core processor, a haptic feedback module, a camera, a strobe module, a sensor, an IR detector, an inductive charging coil, and the like. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a rear isometric view of the portable electronic device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. The enclosure  102  may be secured to a back wall  130  that is secured to the enclosure  102 . In some examples, the back wall  130  is formed of a non-metal material (e.g., glass, plastic) such as to facilitate electromagnetic field to pass through the back wall  130  to reach and charge wireless charging coil  142  carried within the cavity. In some examples, the trim structure  108  is secured to the back wall  130 . Additionally, the back wall  130  may overlay a wireless antenna  150 -A, a wireless antenna  150 -B, and a wireless antenna  150 -C. In some examples, because the back wall  130  is formed of non-metal material, radio-frequency (RF) signals generated by and/or received by the wireless antenna  150 -A, B, C may pass through the back wall  130  with little to no interference. The back wall  130  may be constructed of RF transparent material. Although not illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the portable electronic device  100  includes a support plate having holes that are aligned with the positions of the wireless antennas  150 -A, B, C. In some examples, the back wall  130  may be referred to as a second protective cover and the protective cover  106  referred to as a first protective cover. In some examples, the back wall  130  may be referred to as a back protective cover and the protective cover  106  referred to as a front protective cover. The first and second protective covers may be coupled to the side walls  102 -C. Moreover, the side walls  102 -C and at least one of the first or second protective covers may define a cavity of the portable electronic device  100 . 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  includes a camera assembly  160  that is carried at a corner portion of the portable electronic device  100 . The camera assembly  160  may be carried within a plateau  170  of the back wall  130 . In particular, the back wall  130  and the plateau  170  may be integrally formed from a single sheet of non-metal material (e.g., glass). In other words, the plateau  170  and the back wall  130  are a single, seamless piece of material. The plateau  170  is raised relative to a remaining portion of the back wall  130 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the remaining portion of the back wall  130  has a first thickness and the plateau  170  has a second thickness greater than the first thickness. In some examples, the remaining portion of the back wall  130  corresponds to a first section of the back wall  130  and the plateau  170  corresponds to a second section of the back wall  130 . The back wall  130  may be characterized as curvilinear. In some examples, the back wall  130  has a textured surface. In some examples, the back wall  130  includes a combination of different textures. For instance, the plateau  170  may have a smooth surface while the remaining portion of the back wall  130  has a textured surface. As described herein, the textured surface may correspond to peaks separated by valleys. Additionally, the peaks may correspond to a positive vertical deviation relative to a nominal surface and the valleys may correspond to a negative vertical deviation relative to the nominal surface. 
     The camera assembly  160  includes three camera modules—e.g., a camera module  162 -A, a camera module  162 -B, and a camera module  162 -B. In some examples, these camera modules  162 -A, B, C represent a telephoto lens, a wide angle lens, and a super wide angle lens, respectively. However, it should be noted that the positions of the telephoto lens, the wide angle lens, and the super wide angle lens are interchangeable throughout the openings described herein. Additionally, the camera assembly  160  includes a strobe module  164  (or camera flash). The strobe module  164  may include light-emitting diode(s). The plateau  170  may include cut-outs or openings in the material for each of the camera modules  162 -A, B, C and the strobe module  164 . Portions of the camera modules  162 -A, B, C and the strobe module  164  may be disposed through openings in the thickness of the plateau  170 . Additionally, in some examples, the plateau  170  carries a microphone  166 . The plateau  170  similarly may include an opening for the microphone  166 . In some examples, each of the camera modules  162 -A, B, C may include a camera turret having an exterior surface that is proud of an external surface of the plateau  170 . Beneficially, the use of the plateau  170  facilitates a visual aspect where the camera modules  162 -A, B, C appear as a single element. It should be noted that any number of camera modules may be incorporated into a camera assembly carried by the plateau  170 . 
     The camera modules  162 -A, B, C of the camera assembly  160  may be arranged in a triangular manner as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . In some examples, the camera modules  162 -A, B, C of the camera assembly  160  may also be arranged in a satellite manner such as a circular orbit. The camera modules  162 -A, B, C are not equally spaced apart from the strobe module  164 ; however, the camera modules  162 -A, B, C may be equidistant from each other. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that when a strobe module emits a flash, the flash may cause a red eye effect caused by red pupils in the color photographs of a subject due to the flash being too close in proximity to the camera modules. 
     In some examples, the camera module  162 -A is referred to as a telephoto lens, the  162 -B is referred to as a wide angle lens, and the camera module  162 -C is referred to as a super wide angle lens. As the wide angle lens—e.g., camera module  162 -B—is more likely to be utilized while taking photographs of subjects with the portable electronic device  100 , the other camera modules—e.g., the camera modules  162 -A, C are calibrated relative to the camera module  162 -B. The calibration of these camera modules  162 -A, B, C is rendered more challenging due to calibrating for multiple directions (X-axis, Y-axis) as a result of the triangular orientation. Moreover, this calibration is more challenging than if the camera modules were arranged in a linear orientation. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of a portable electronic device  200 , in accordance with some embodiments. The portable electronic device  200  is similar to the portable electronic device  100  except that the camera assembly  260  of the portable electronic device  200  includes two camera modules—e.g., the camera module  162 -A and the camera module  162 -B. 
     The camera assembly  260  is carried within a plateau  170  of the back wall  130 . Notably, the plateau  170  of the camera assembly  160  and the camera assembly  260  are of similar size and shape. However, the camera assembly  260  includes fewer camera modules. Beneficially, rendering the plateau  170  the same size between different embodiments of the camera assembly reduces manufacturing and material costs associated with producing different models of the portable electronic device—e.g., the portable electronic devices  100 ,  200 . As in  FIG. 1B , the plateau  170  and the back wall  130  of the portable electronic device  200  may be integrally formed from a single sheet of non-metal material (e.g., glass). In other words, the plateau  170  and the back wall  130  are a single, seamless piece of material. The plateau  170  is raised relative to a remaining portion of the back wall  130 . The plateau  170  includes an opening for a strobe module  164  and a microphone module  166 . In other embodiments, it may be noted that the plateau  170  is separately formed from the back wall  130  and that they are formed of different materials. For example, the plateau  170  may be formed from metal and the back wall  130  formed from glass or plastic. The metal may be bonded to the glass or plastic. 
       FIGS. 3A-3H  illustrate various perspective views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. It should be noted that one or more features of the enclosure—e.g., materials, shape, switches, etc.—may be shared between the portable electronic devices described with reference to  FIGS. 3A-3H . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic device  300 -A, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  300 -A corresponds to the portable electronic device  100 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B . The portable electronic device  300 -A includes an enclosure having a top wall  302 -A, a bottom wall, and side walls  302 -B that form a metal band structure that surrounds a periphery of the portable electronic device  300 -A. The metal band structure may be formed from anodized aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel. The metal band structure may include dielectric bands  312  that isolate the top wall  302 -A from the side walls  302 -B. External surfaces of the dielectric bands  312  may be flush with the external surfaces of the top, bottom, and side walls  302 -A, B, C. The dielectric bands  312  may be color matched to a color of the top, bottom, and side walls. The side walls  302 -B includes a slide switch  316  that is capable of causing the portable electronic device  300 -A to transition between a ringer state and a silent state. The slide switch  316  is capable of sliding between an off and on state. When the slide switch  316  is aligned with the rocker switches  314 ,  318 , then a ringer is on. The rocker switches  314 ,  318  are capable of respectively increasing and lowering a system volume of the portable electronic device  300 -A. 
     The portable electronic device  300 -A includes a back wall  330  having a first thickness. The back wall  330  may be characterized as having a planar surface. The raised portion  370  is integrally formed with the back wall  330  so that the back wall  330  and the raised portion  370  are seamless. In other words, the back wall  330  may be formed by machining away material of the back wall  330 . The raised portion  370  may be parallel to portions of the back wall  330  and non-parallel to other portions of the back wall  330 . The raised portion  370  has a second thickness greater than the first thickness of the back wall  330 . The back wall  330  may be formed of RF-transparent material (e.g., glass, etc.) such as to allow for RF signals to pass through the back wall  330  to reach a wireless antenna carried by the portable electronic device  300 -A. In some examples, the back wall  330  is formed of colored glass. The colored glass may have a matte or frosted surface finish that is defined as textures along the surface of the back wall  330 . Additionally, the raised portion  370  may be formed of colored glass that is color-matched to the colored glass of the back wall  330 . In some examples, the back wall  330  and/or the raised portion  370  is visually transparent such that nearly all visible incident upon the external surface of the back wall  330  passes through. In some examples, the back wall  330  is capable of imparting a frosted or matte surface appearance due to diffuse reflection of visible light incident thereupon. Additionally, the back wall  330  is transparent to electromagnetic field signals and enables an electromagnetic field to pass through the back wall  330  to reach the wireless charging coils—e.g., the wireless charging coils  142 . 
     The portable electronic device  300 -A includes a back wall  330  having a corner portion  306 . Adjacent and near to the corner portion  306  (e.g., less than a distance of 3 cm) is a raised portion  370  of the back wall  330 . Although the raised portion  370  may also be positioned near the top wall  302 -A or the bottom wall of the portable electronic device  300 -A. Similar to the back wall  330 , the raised portion  370  also includes RF-transparent and EMF-transparent material (e.g., glass, etc.). In some examples, the raised portion  370  is approximately 0.2 mm to 2 mm from an external surface of the back wall  330 . However, it should be noted that the height of an external surface of the raised portion  370  relative to an external surface of the back wall  330  may be of any height as long as it does not impact the operation and functionality of the camera modules, strobe module, and microphone module carried in part by the raised portion  370 . A transition edge  372  separates the back wall  330  from the raised portion  370 , and the transition edge  372  bridges the difference between the thickness of the back wall  330  and the thickness of the raised portion  370 . In some examples, the transition edge  372  has an average thickness that is less than the thickness of the raised portion  370 . In some examples, the transition edge  372  has a curved profile, is a chamfer or is a cavetto (e.g., concave face). The face of the transition edge  372  is not parallel to the external surfaces of the back wall  330  and the raised portion  370 . Additionally, a design aesthetic of having a varying height along the transition edge  372  is also envisioned. The transition edge  372  may have a uniform thickness throughout and an infinite loop. The transition edge  372  may have a non-uniform thickness. In some examples, the external surface of the raised portion  370  has a textured surface or a smooth, polished surface. The external surfaces of the back wall  330 , the transition edge  372 , and the raised portion  370  may be of any combination of the aforementioned surface finishes as long as it does not impact the operation and functionality of the camera modules, strobe module, and microphone module. In some examples, the surface finishes can include a frosted surface appearance. The textured surface or the smooth, polished surface finishes of the external surfaces of the back wall  330 , the transition edge  372 , and the raised portion  370  may be formed through at least one of a chemical etching or mechanical etching process. 
     The raised portion  370  has a polygonal shape with rounded corners  374 . The rounded corners  374  are raised relative to the external surface of the back wall  330 . The rounded corners  374  may curve along a transitional edge  372  disposed between the raised portion  370  and the back wall  330 . In other examples, the transitional edge  372  is a straight edge instead of a curved edge. The transitional edge  372  has a curved surface. It should be noted that any surface shape along the transitional edge  372  may be implemented as a design choice as long as it does not impact the operation and functionality of the camera modules, strobe module, and microphone module carried in part by the raised portion  370 . Although  FIG. 3A  illustrates that the raised portion  370  is entirely bordered by a transitional edge  372 , it should also be noted that the raised portion  370  may only be partially bordered by the transitional edge  372 . 
     The raised portion  370  includes multiple openings for the camera modules, strobe module, and microphone module. As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the raised portion  370  includes a first camera opening  350 -A, a second camera opening  350 -B, a third camera opening  350 -C, a strobe opening, and a microphone opening. These openings are formed by machining through an entire thickness of the raised portion  370 . Disposed within the first camera opening  350 -A is a first camera module  360 -A, disposed within the second camera opening  350 -B is a second camera module  360 -B, and disposed within the third camera opening  350 -C is a third camera module  360 -C. Each of the camera modules  360 -A, B, C may include a camera chassis that carries a lens element. The lens element may be centered relative to the camera chassis. For example,  FIG. 3A  illustrates that a center of the first lens element  366 -A is centered relative to the camera chassis of the first camera module  360 -A, a center of the second lens element  366 -B is centered relative to the camera chassis of the second camera module  360 -B, and a center of the third lens element  366 -C is centered relative to the camera chassis of the third camera module  360 -C. It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the lens elements  366 -A, B, C of the camera modules  360 -A, B, C are calibrated based on their positional relationship to each other. In other words, the positioning of the centers of the lens elements  366 -A, B, C may not be random. In some examples, the centers of the first and second camera modules  360 -A, B are along a same axis relative to each other and the axis is parallel to the side walls  302 -B. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates that each of the camera modules  360 -A, B, C includes a turret window that overlays the lens elements  366 -A, B, C. A first turret window  364 -A overlays the lens element  366 -A, a second turret window  364 -B overlays the lens element  366 -B, and a third turret window  364 -C overlays the lens element  366 -C. In some examples, the external surfaces of the first, second, and third turret windows  364 -A, B, C are coplanar to the external surface of the raised portion  370 . In other examples, the external surfaces of the first, second, and third turret windows  364 -A, B, C are proud of or recessed relative to the external surface of the raised portion  370 . In some instances, the first, second, and third turret windows  364 -A, B, C may be recessed or coplanar to the external surface of the raised portion  370  such as to prevent scratching of the turret windows when the back surface of the portable electronic device  300 -A is slid across a rough surface. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the portable electronic device  300 -A, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 3B  illustrates that the raised portion  370  has a generally polygonal shape with curved/rounded edges. In some examples, the raised portion  370  may have a shape that corresponds to a circle, ellipse, rectangle, trapezoid, polygon or square as long as such a shape does not impact the operation and functionality of the camera modules, strobe module, and microphone module. The shape of the raised portion  370  may be a design choice and the shape shown in  FIG. 3B  should not be considered limiting of other possibilities. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates that the center of the first lens element  366 -A is equidistantly separated from the center of the second lens element  366 -B and the center of the third lens element  366 -C. Indeed,  FIG. 3B  illustrates that the first, second, and third lens elements  366 -A, B, C are arranged according to a triangular orientation. In some examples, the first, second, and third lens elements  366 -A, B C are arranged in an equilateral triangular orientation. The raised portion includes a strobe opening  380  for the strobe module  382  and a microphone opening  384  for the microphone module  386 . The center of the strobe opening  380  and the center of the microphone opening  384  may be disposed in a non-equidistant spacing from the first, second, and third camera modules  360 -A, B, C. Although  FIG. 3B  illustrates that the strobe module  382  is disposed closer to the top wall  302 -A and above the microphone module  386 , it should be noted that the positioning of these modules may be also be switched. In some examples, the centers of the third camera module  360 -C, the strobe module  382 , and the microphone module  386  are along a same axis relative to each other and the axis is parallel to the side walls  302 -B. In some examples, the centers of the third camera opening  350 -C, the strobe opening  380 , and the microphone opening  384  are along a same axis relative to each other and the axis is parallel to the side walls  302 -B. The third camera opening  350 -C may be larger than the strobe opening  380 , and the strobe opening  380  may be larger than the microphone opening  384 . 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates that the raised portion  370  is disposed proximate to the corner  306  of the portable electronic device  300 -A. However, it should be noted that the raised portion  370  may also be disposed along a center of the back wall  370 , along a midline of the back wall  370 , or asymmetrically disposed relative to the midline of the back wall  370 . 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic device  300 -C, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  300 -C corresponds to the portable electronic device  200 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The enclosure of the top wall  302 -A, bottom wall, and side walls  302 -B may be shared by the portable electronic device  300 -C. However, the raised portion  370  of the back wall  330  includes two camera modules—e.g., the first camera module  360 -A and the second camera module  360 -B. The raised portion  370  is elevated relative to an external surface of the back wall  330 . The raised portion  370  may be taller, wider, thicker, shorter, longer, or more elongated than as illustrated in  FIG. 3C . 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates a top view of the portable electronic device  300 -C, according to some embodiments. As noted above, the raised portion includes two camera modules—e.g., the first camera module  360 -A and the second camera module  360 -B. The strobe module  382  may be equidistant from the centers of the first and second lens elements  366 -A, B. Additionally, the microphone module  386  may be positioned above the strobe module  382  (i.e., the microphone module  386  is positioned closer to the top wall  302 -A). 
       FIG. 3E  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the portable electronic device  300 -C as taken along the cross-section D-D (see  FIG. 3D ), according to some embodiments. Although it should be noted that the cross-sectional view may also apply to the portable electronic device  300 -A. As illustrated in  FIG. 3E , the top wall  302 -A is electrically isolated from the side wall  302 -B via a dielectric band  312 . The external surface of the dielectric band  312  may be flush with the external surfaces of the top and side walls  302 -A, B. The top and side walls  302 -A, B are secured to a trim structure that carries a protective cover  304  along a front surface of the portable electronic device  300 -A. On the opposing rear surface of the portable electronic device  300 -A is a back wall  330 . The back wall  330  transitions along a transition edge  372  to the raised portion  370 . The first and second camera modules  360 -A, B are disposed within the raised portion  370 . The transition edge  372  may have a curved profile or curved surface. The raised portion  370  has a planar external surface that is overlaid by a first trim structure  322 -A, B. The first trim structure  322 -A, B has exterior surfaces that overlay portions of the raised portion  370 . Additionally, second trim structures  324 -A, B have external surfaces that extend proud of the exterior surfaces of the first trim structures  322 -A, B. The first trim structures  322 -A, B may have a uniform or non-uniform height. The second trim structures  324 -A. B may have a uniform or non-uniform height. 
       FIGS. 3F-3H  illustrate top views of portable electronic devices, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 3F  illustrates a top view of a portable electronic device  300 -F having a back wall  330  that includes a raised portion  370 . The raised portion  370  has a circular shape. Additionally, the strobe opening  380  and the microphone opening  384  have circular openings. Additionally,  FIG. 3F  illustrates that the first, second, and third camera openings  350 -A, B, C are oriented in an L-shape that is defined as the second and third camera openings  350 -B, C are separated by a first distance that is less than a second distance that separates the first and second camera openings  350 -A, B.  FIG. 3F  illustrates that the first and second camera modules  360 -A, B are aligned to each other and the second and third camera modules  360 -B, C are aligned to each other.  FIG. 3G  illustrates a top view of a portable electronic device  300 -G having a back wall  330  that includes a raised portion  370 . The raised portion  370  has a curvilinear trapezium shape. Additionally, the strobe opening  380  and the microphone opening  384  have polygonal openings and curvilinear shaped openings.  FIG. 3H  illustrates a top view of a portable electronic device  300 -H having first, second, and third camera modules  360 -A, B, C that are oriented in a triangular orientation so that the first and third camera modules  360 -A, C are aligned along a same axis that is parallel to the top wall  302 -A. Additionally, the microphone module  386  and the strobe module  382  are disposed on opposing sides of the second camera modules  360 -B. 
     It should be noted that the dimensions, features, and shapes described with respect to any of the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3H  are merely representative of many design possibilities that are capable of enabling the camera modules, the strobe module, and the microphone module to function as intended. The openings for the camera modules  360 -A, B, C, the strobe module  382 , and the microphone module  386  may be any combination of shapes such as a rectangle, a square, a circle, a triangle, and the like. In one example, the first camera opening  350 -A is circular and the second camera opening  350 -B is a polygonal shape. In another example, the first camera opening  350 -A is circular and the second and third camera openings  350 -B, C are rectangular. Additionally, the first, second, and third openings for the camera modules  360 -A, B, C may be oriented in an L-orientation, a triangular orientation, a circular orientation, or any other orientation. It should also be noted that the positioning of the camera modules  360 -A, B, C within the first, second, and third openings  350 -A, B, C is interchangeable. For example, the first camera module  360 -A may be positioned in the second opening  350 -B, the second camera module  360 -B may be positioned in the third opening  350 -C, and the third camera module  360 -C may be positioned in the first opening  350 -A. Additionally, the positioning of the first and second camera modules  360 -A, B are interchangeable relative to the first and second openings  350 -A, B. For example, the position of the telephoto lens can be swapped with the position of the wide angle lens. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a portable electronic device  400 , in accordance with some embodiments. The portable electronic device includes an enclosure  402  having a top wall  402 -A, a bottom wall  402 -B, and side walls  402 -C that are coupled together. The top, bottom, and side walls  402 -A, B, C define a cavity  410  capable of carrying operational components therein. Additionally, the side walls  402 -C include metal bands  404  disposed along a periphery of the portable electronic device  400 . The metal bands  404  are coupled to a back wall  430 . The back wall  430  may be a transparent protective layer that is glued or welded to the metal bands  404 . The non-metal material enables RF signals and electromagnetic field to pass through the back wall  430 . Additionally, the back wall includes a plateau  432  (or raised portion) relative to the remaining portion of the back wall  430 . The plateau  432  includes openings  408 -A, B, C for camera turrets  416 -A, B, C, respectively. The camera turrets  416 -A, B, C include glass windows. The plateau  432  also includes openings  460 ,  470  for a strobe module and a microphone (not illustrated). 
     The metal bands  404  are coupled to a support plate  450 . The support plate  450  is capable of carrying electronic components (e.g., a main logic board, auxiliary logic board, etc.). However, the support plate  450  also includes several openings for one or more wireless antennas  452  and camera modules  410 -A, B, C that are disposed through a thickness of the support plate  450 . In some examples, the wireless antennas  452  are ultra-wideband antennas. For example, the support plate  450  includes an opening  428 -C that is aligned with the opening  408 -C and the camera module  410 -C. Notably, the camera modules  410 -A, B, C are disposed through a thickness of the support plate  450 . The support plate  450  also includes a hole  480  for wireless charging coils. In particular, electromagnetic fields may pass through the hole  480  in the support plate  450  to reach the wireless charging coils. The hole  480  may correspond to a region of the support plate  450  that is cut-out/removed entirely. 
     The camera modules  410 -A, B, C are carried by a brace structure  434 . The brace structure  434  includes individual brackets and springs for aligning each of the camera modules  410 -A, B, C to a predetermined location—e.g., aligned with the openings  408 -A, B, C. Once the camera modules  410 -A, B, C are secured and aligned within the brackets of the brace structure  434 , the brace structure  434  is mounted on top of a base of the support plate  450 . The brace structure  434  may be tuned to have varying degrees of stiffness so as provide an optimal load dispersion path when the portable electronic device  100 ,  200  is exposed to a drop event. Additionally, the support plate  450 , the brace structure  434 , and the trim structures described herein may be tuned to selectively cause deflection of the load away from operational components and instead towards the enclosure, which is generally formed of a unibody construction and, as a result, has a greater amount of stiffness capable of bearing the stress associated with the load. 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate various cross-sectional views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a cross-sectional view  500 -A of a camera assembly taken along the A-A cross-section of the portable electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1B . The portable electronic device  100  includes an enclosure defined by side walls  502  and a back wall  530 . In particular, the side walls  502  include metal bands  504  that are secured to the back wall  530 . In some instances, the metal bands  504  are secured to the back wall  530  via at least one of an adhesive, a fastener or a weld. The side walls  502  carry a trim structure (not illustrated) that supports a protective cover  504 . In some examples, the protective cover  504  overlays a display assembly. The back wall  530  may also be referred to as a back protective cover. 
     The back wall  530  is formed of a transparent material (e.g., glass) and includes a raised portion (or plateau). Notably, the back wall  530  includes a first section  532 -A and a second section  532 -B that is raised relative to the first section  532 -A. The first section  532 -A has a first thickness (T 1 ) and the second section  532 -B has a second thickness (T 2 ) greater than the first thickness (T 1 ). In some examples, the second thickness (T 2 ) is more than 1×-3× of the first thickness (T 1 ). In some examples, the first thickness is 0.7 mm and the second thickness is 1.5 mm. The second section  532 -B is raised relative to the first section  532 -A via a transition section  532 -T. The transition section  532 -T is curved, but may also be angular depending upon the design aesthetics of the portable electronic device  100 . In some examples, an external surface of the second section  532 -B is parallel or non-parallel to the external surface of the first section  532 -A. In some examples, the back wall  530  is characterized as having a spline shape. The first section  532 -A may be curved or contoured. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the portable electronic device  100  includes a first camera module  510 -A and a second camera module  510 -B. Notably, the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B have thicknesses that exceed the thickness of the side wall  502 . Accordingly, the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B protrude beyond a distal end (or bottom surface) of the side walls  502 . However, the second section  532 -B of the back wall  530  has a thickness that is sufficient to hide the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B within a cavity  506  of the portable electronic device  100 . In particular, the side walls  502  and the second section  532 -B of the back wall  530  have a combined thickness that exceeds the thicknesses of the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B. 
     According to some embodiments, the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B are carried by a chassis  528 . In some examples, the chassis  528  is formed of stainless steel, titanium, or other metal sufficient to prevent and/or minimize bending during prolonged use of the portable electronic device  100 . In particular, as the portable electronic device  100  is susceptible to being exposed to a drop event, the chassis  528  has sufficient stiffness to prevent the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B from become misaligned relative to each other. As previously noted, the camera modules may be calibrated relative to each other. Moreover, the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B are secured using a chassis insert  527 . Notably, the chassis insert  527  has a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE) such as to prevent and/or minimize the chassis  528  from expanding when the portable electronic device  100  is exposed to heat. Beneficially, this low CTE also prevents and/or minimizes misalignment of the first and second camera modules  510 -A upon exposure to heat. Additionally, the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B are bonded with an epoxy to the chassis  528  and chassis insert  527 . In some examples, the chassis insert  527  is formed of a high elastic modulus material (LCP) in order to minimize the deflection/misalignment from static forces when the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B are assembled into the portable electronic device  100 . In some examples, the chassis insert  527  has a higher stiffness amount than the epoxy. 
     The first camera module  510 -A includes lens elements  514 -A, a lens barrel  516 -A, and a turret  512 -A that houses the lens elements  514 -A and the lens barrel  516 -A. The second camera module  510 -B includes lens elements  514 -B, a lens barrel  516 -B, and a turret  512 -B that houses the lens elements  514 -B and the lens barrel  516 -B. The first and second camera modules  510 -A, B are secured to a predetermined alignment and position using a brace structure  534 . In particular, the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B are carried by the brace structure  534 . The brace structure  534  may be secured to a surface of the back wall  530  via an adhesive. 
     According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  100  includes a first trim structure  522  (also referred to as an outer trim structure) and a second trim structure  524  (also referred to as an inner trim structure). The first and second trim structures  522 ,  524  are welded to each other to form a trim structure assembly and installed into the cavity  506  as a unit. When installed, the first trim structure  522  includes an overhang having an exterior surface that overlays at least a portion of the second section  532 -B of the back wall  530  (when viewing the portable electronic device  100  with the back wall  530  facing up). In particular, the first trim structure  522  is press-fit against the second section  532 -B. The second trim structure  524  is also press-fit against the first trim structure  522 . The second trim structure  524  has an external surface that is proud of the exterior surface of the overhang of the first trim structure  522 . In particular, the exterior surface may be coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating that prevents abrasion marks from affecting the visual appearance of the second trim structure  524  while the external surface of the first trim structure  522  is coated with a metallic coating (e.g., anodized aluminum, etc.) or color-coated to match the color of the side walls  502 . In some examples, the first trim structure  522  is formed of anodized aluminum. The second trim structure  525  may be formed of stainless steel. Beneficially, because the DLC coating is more abrasion-resistant than the metallic coating, the exterior surface of the second trim structure  524  being proud of the external surface minimizes and/or eliminates abrasion marks to the external surface such as when the portable electronic device  100  is being moved across a flat surface or object. In some examples, the DLC coating is 5×-10× more abrasion resistant than the metallic coating. Additionally, the DLC coating may have a black appearance so as to disguise the presence of the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B as well as to minimize stray light reflection from entering the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B. 
     According to some embodiments, the first and second trim structures  522 ,  524  are sealed with an O-ring  526 . In some examples, multiple O-rings  526  are disposed throughout any interface between the back wall  530  and the first and second trim structures  522 ,  524  to prevent moisture ingress into the cavity  506 . The brace structure  534  may be secured to the first and second trim structures  522 ,  524  via a welded washer (not illustrated), as described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 7A-7B . In some embodiments, the external surface of the turrets  512 -A, B are coplanar to the exterior surface of the second trim structure  524 . It should be noted that the portable electronic device  100  may utilize a single trim structure or multiple trim structures. Furthermore,  FIG. 5A  illustrates sets of second trim structures  524  disposed at opposing ends of the raised portion of the back wall  530 —e.g., the raised portion  370 . These second trim structures  524  affix the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B. Additionally, these second trim structures  524  may have external surface with uniform heights that are proud of the exterior surface of the overhangs of the first trim structure  522 . 
     In particular,  FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional view  500 -B of a camera assembly taken along the B-B cross-section of the portable electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1B . The portable electronic device  100  includes an enclosure defined by side walls  502  and a back wall  530 . In particular, the side walls  502  include metal bands  504  that are secured to the back wall  530 . In some instances, the metal bands  504  are secured to the back wall  530  via at least one of an adhesive, a fastener or a weld. The side walls  502  carry a trim structure (not illustrated) that supports a protective cover  504 . In some examples, the protective cover  504  overlays a display assembly. 
     Unlike the A-A cross-section of the camera assembly  160  of the portable electronic device  100  as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the B-B cross-section of the camera assembly  160  illustrates a single camera module.  FIG. 5B  illustrates that the cross-sectional view  500 -B of the camera assembly  160  includes a third camera module  510 -C. The third camera module  510 -C includes lens elements  514 -C, a lens barrel  516 -C, and a turret  512 -C that houses the lens elements  514 -C and the lens barrel  516 -C. The third camera module  510 -C is aligned relative to the first and second camera modules  510 -A, B in a triangular orientation. The third camera module  510 -C is biased in a predetermined position using the brace structure  534 . 
     Additionally, the cross-sectional view  500 -B illustrates a strobe module  570  that is disposed through an opening in the thickness of the second section  532 -B of the back wall  530 . In some examples, an opening  572  is formed within the second section  532 -B. The strobe module  570  is disposed within the opening  572 . When viewing the portable electronic device  100  with the protective cover  504  facing up, an IR emitter and detection module  580  overlays the strobe module  570 . The IR emitter and detection module  580  may be carried by the support plate  550 . The opening  572  may have a circular hole that is defined by opposing edges of the second section  532 -B of the back wall  530 . The strobe module  570  is hermetically sealed relative to the opposing edges with an O-ring  526 . The brace structure  534  includes an opening for the strobe module  570  that is aligned with the opening  572  in the second section  532 -B. When installed, the strobe module  570  is overlaid by the support plate  550  and the brace structure  534  when viewing the portable electronic device  100  with the protective cover  504  facing up. Due to positioning the IR emitter and detection module  580  above the strobe module  570 , the strobe module  570  cannot be too large in the Z-direction. Beneficially, the plateau of the back wall  530  enables the strobe module  570  and the IR emitter and detection module  580  to be fit along the same Z-direction. 
     Additionally, the cross-sectional view  500 -B illustrates a microphone module  560  carried within the cavity  506 . The microphone module  560  includes a detection component  562  disposed through a thickness of the second section  532 -B of the back wall  530 . The second section  532 -B includes an opening  574  for the detection component  562 . In some examples, the brace structure  534  carries the microphone  560  in a predetermined location. The brace structure  534  includes an opening for the microphone module  560  that is aligned with the opening  574  in the second section  532 -B. 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate cross-sectional views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 6A  illustrates a cross-sectional view  600  of the portable electronic device  200  taken along the C-C cross-section of  FIG. 2 . Similar to  FIGS. 5A-5B , the portable electronic device  200  includes an enclosure defined by side walls and a back wall  630 . In particular, the side walls include metal bands that are secured to the back wall  630 . In some instances, the metal bands are secured to the back wall  630  via at least one of an adhesive, a fastener or a weld.  FIG. 6B  illustrates that the portable electronic device  200  includes the back wall  630  having a first section  632 -A and a second section  632 -B that is raised relative to the first section  632 -A. As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the portable electronic device  200  includes a first camera module  610 -A and a second camera module  610 -B. The first and second camera modules  610 -A, B are carried by a brace structure  634 . 
     The first camera module  610 -A includes a lens elements  614 -A and a lens barrel  616 -A. The second camera module  610 -B includes a lens element  614 -B and a lens barrel  616 -B. The first and second camera modules  610 -A, B are coupled to a chassis  628 . Beneficially, the chassis  628  maintains the first and second camera modules  610 -A, B in orientation to the strobe module  164 . 
     According to some embodiments, the first and second camera modules  610 -A, B are carried by the chassis  628 . The chassis  628  is formed of stainless steel, titanium, or other metal sufficient to prevent and/or minimize bending during prolonged use of the portable electronic device  200 . Moreover, the first and second camera modules  610 -A, B are secured using a chassis insert  625 . Notably, the chassis insert  625  has a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE) such as to prevent and/or minimize the chassis  628  from expanding when the portable electronic device  200  is exposed to heat. Beneficially, this low CTE also prevents and/or minimizes misalignment of the first and second camera modules  610 -A upon exposure to heat. Additionally, the first and second camera modules  610 -A, B are bonded with an epoxy to the chassis  628  and chassis insert  625 . In some examples, the chassis insert  625  is formed of a high elastic modulus material (LCP). Use of the high elastic modulus material minimizes deflection/misalignment from static forces when assembling the first and second camera modules  610 -A, B into the portable electronic device  200 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates that the combination of the epoxy and chassis insert  625  enables near orthogonal alignment between a normal of the first and second camera modules  610 -A, B and a protective cover  604  of the portable electronic device  200 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the portable electronic device  200  includes first and second trim structures  622 ,  624  that are sealed with an O-ring  626 . The first and second trim structures  622 ,  624  are mounted between the back wall  630  and the first camera module  610 -A. The back wall  630  may also be referred to as a protective cover or glass cover. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the portable electronic device  20  may include only a single trim structure—e.g., only the first trim structure  622 —that is mounted between the back wall  630  and the first camera module  610 -A. Notably, the back wall  630  includes a first section  632 -A and a second section  632 -B that is raised relative to the first section  632 -A. The first section  632 -A has a first thickness and the second section  632 -B has a second thickness greater than the first thickness. A brace structure  634  may be secured to the first and second trim structures  622 ,  624  via a welded washer (not illustrated). 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate various perspective views of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. As will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 7A-7B , the use of a weld washer enables different types of trim structures to be implemented into the enclosures of the portable electronic devices  100 ,  200 . Indeed, the weld washer allows different combinations of trim structures to be mounted relative to the back wall—e.g., the back wall  130 —while allowing for assembly tolerance. 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective, cross-sectional view  700 -A of the portable electronic device  100 , according to some embodiments. The portable electronic device  100  includes an enclosure defined by side walls  702  and a back wall  730 . Together, the side walls  702  and the back wall  730  define a cavity capable of carrying operational components therein. The side walls  702  include metal bands  704 , where the metal bands  704  are secured to the back wall  730  via at least one of an adhesive, a fastener or a weld. The side walls  702  include a trim structure that carries a protective cover  708 . The protective cover  708  overlays a display assembly  706 . The display assembly  706  includes thin films such as a light-emitting diode (LED) layer. 
     As previously described herein, the back wall  730  include a first section  732 -A and a second section  732 -B. The second section  732 -B is raised relative to the first section  732 -A so that the second section  732 -B has a second thickness (T 2 ) greater than a first thickness (T 1 ) of the first section  732 -A. 
     The portable electronic device  100  includes a camera module  710  disposed within the cavity. The camera module  710  includes a lens barrel  716  and a turret  712 . The camera module  710  is carried by a brace structure  734 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the brace structure  734  has an L-shape. Notably, the L-shape enables a welded washer to fit within the opening defined by the L-shape. In some examples, the welded washer is sized to fit within a thickness of the L-shape. 
     The portable electronic device  100  includes a strobe module  770 . The strobe module  770  is supported by a strobe cowling  774 . The strobe cowling  774  includes a cowling welded nut  740  so that the strobe cowling  774  is secured to the brace structure  734 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the strobe module  770  is fitted through an opening  772  disposed between opposing edges of the second section  732 -B. A first trim structure  722  has an overhang that overlays a portion of the second section  732 -B (when viewing the portable electronic device  100  with the back wall  730  facing up). A second trim structure  724  has an exterior surface that is proud of the external surface of the overhang of the first trim structure  722  (when viewing the portable electronic device  100  with the back wall  730  facing up). The first and second trim structures  722 ,  724  are welded together and hermetically isolated from each other with an O-ring  726 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , an IR emitter and detection module  780  overlays the strobe module  770  (when viewing the portable electronic device  100  with the protective cover  708  facing up). Additionally, the IR emitter and detection module  780  is supported by a support plate  750 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the turret  712  of the camera module  710  is slightly proud of the second section  732 -B (also referred to as a plateau) of the back wall  730 . The first and second trim structures  722 ,  724  help to accommodate for the presence of the dimensions of the camera module  710 . It should be noted that without the plateau of the back wall  730 , the portable electronic device  100  would require a much taller trim structure(s) in order to accommodate for the camera module. A taller trim structure(s) would make the portable electronic device heavier and bulkier. Instead implementing a plateau with a thicker back wall  730  in sections of the portable electronic device  100  that carry an electronic component (e.g., camera module, strobe module, etc.) enables for smaller trim structures to be utilized. Indeed, one of ordinary skill in the art would have understood that a taller trim structure would be more complicated to manufacture and assemble relative to the other support structures of the portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective, cross-sectional view  700 -B of the portable electronic device  100 , according to some embodiments. The portable electronic device  100  includes the camera module  710  having a lens barrel  716  and a turret  712 . The turret  712  is secured in position using the first and second trim structures  722 ,  724 . The second trim structure  724  is secured to a portion of the turret  712  via an adhesive  744 . Additionally, the first and second trim structures  722 ,  724  are hermetically sealed from each other and the second section  732 -B of the back wall  730  via O-ring  726 . 
       FIG. 7B  illustrates a support plate  750  is glued to a surface of the second section  732 -B of the back wall  730 . Overlaying the support plate  750  is a brace structure  734 . Adjacent to the brace structure  734  is a welded washer  742 . Notably, the thickness of the welded washer  742  is less than a thickness of the brace structure  734 . During the manufacturing process, the first and second trim structures  722 ,  724  are installed together. Thereafter, the brace structure  734  is assembled within the cavity of the portable electronic device  100  and joined to the first and second trim structures  722 ,  724 . Subsequently, the welded washer  742  is used to weld the second trim structure  724  to the brace structure  734 . Beneficially, the use of the welded washer  742  enables different types of trim structures to be implemented in the portable electronic devices  100 ,  200  that carry three camera modules and two camera modules, respectively. Although  FIGS. 7A-7B  are directed towards the portable electronic device  100 , the back wall  730  having the first and second sections  732 -A, B may be interchangeably used with the portable electronic device  200 . The welded washer  742  allows for assembly tolerance by enabling the first and second trim structures  722 ,  724  to be mounted in an approximate position. The welded washer  742  allows for tight clearance between the first and second trim structures  722 ,  724 . The welded washer  742  will locate relative to variations of the different trim structures in the X-direction and the Y-direction while the welded washer  742  floats in the Z-direction. Moreover, especially where the portable electronic device  100  includes multiple trim structures, the welded washer  742  prevents the second trim structure  724  from crashing against the brace structure  734 . Without the welded washer  742 , it would be necessary to increase the gap between the brace structure  734  and the second trim structure  724 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8D  illustrate various perspective views of operational components of a portable electronic device  800 , according to some embodiments. Although described with reference to the portable electronic device  100 , it should also be noted that the support structures and operational components described herein may apply to the embodiments shown in the portable electronic device  200 .  FIG. 8A  illustrates a perspective view of the portable electronic device  800  that includes an enclosure having side walls  802  that define a cavity. A support plate  850  is disposed within the cavity and secured to metal bands of the side walls  802 . The support plate  850  carries a brace structure  834  that is mounted on top of a base  852  of the support plate  850 . 
     According to some embodiments, the brace structure  834  includes a floor  836  with openings  808 -A, B, C formed within the floor  836  that are sized and aligned relative to the first, second, and third camera modules—e.g.,  162 -A, B, C, respectively. Each of the openings  808 -A, B, C are surrounded by a weld washer  842 . 
     In particular, the brace structure  834  includes ground/biasing springs  870  that are capable of engaging the camera modules into a known position against walls  844  of the brace structure  834 . Additionally, the ground/biasing springs  870  also ground the camera modules. In some examples, the ground/biasing springs  870  function as known datums that bias the camera modules into an exact alignment with the openings in the support plate  850  and the back wall—e.g., the back wall  730 . Beneficially, the ground/biasing springs  870  ensure that the apertures of the camera modules are centered and aligned. Indeed, the camera modules may be electronically calibrated using software prior to being installed into the brace structure  834 . Thus, it is critical that the apertures of the camera modules are aligned. Indeed, misaligned apertures may cause photographic vignetting. 
     The brace structure  834  also includes an opening  860  disposed within the floor  836  that enables a microphone module—e.g., the microphone module  560 —to be aligned with openings in the support plate  850  and the back wall—e.g., the back wall  730 . The brace structure  834  includes a tab  838  for biasing the microphone module against walls of the brace structure  834 . 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates a perspective view of the brace structure  834 , according to some embodiments. The brace structure  834  includes openings  808 -A, B, C for the camera modules—e.g., the first, second, and third camera modules  510 -A, B, C. The brace structure  834  includes ground/biasing springs  870  that engage the camera modules into a known position against the walls  844 . Each of the openings  808 -A, B, C are surrounded by a weld washer  842 . Indeed, the walls  844  of the brace structure  834  have a height that permits for clearance for the weld washer  842 . The weld washer  842  can fit within the height of the walls  844 . Indeed, it would be undesirable to have the weld washer  842  extend beyond the height of the walls  844 . 
       FIG. 8C  illustrates a top perspective view of a camera module assembly  810 , according to some embodiments. In particular, the camera module assembly  810  includes first, second, and third camera modules  810 -A, B, C. Each of the first, second, and third camera modules  810 -A, B, C include a respective turret so that when the first, second, and third camera modules  810 -A, B, C are carried by the brace structure  834 , the turrets are proud of the distal end of the brace structure  834 . The first, second, and third camera modules  810 -A, B, C are carried within a chassis  820 . The chassis  820  mounts onto the floor  836  of the brace structure  834 . The ground/biasing springs  870  bias the chassis  820  and the camera module assembly  810  into a predetermined position. 
       FIG. 8D  illustrates a bottom perspective view of a camera module assembly  810 , according to some embodiments. Each of the first, second, and third camera modules  810 -A, B, C include a flex cable that causes electrical signals to be transmitted to/from a logic board of the portable electronic device  800 . The first camera module  810 -A is electrically coupled to a first flex cable  818 -A, the second camera module  810 -B is electrically coupled to a second flex cable  818 -B, and the third camera module  810 -C is electrically coupled to a third flex cable (not illustrated). 
       FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate various perspective views of operational components of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 9A  illustrates a perspective view of a chassis  900  for carrying a camera module assembly—e.g., the camera module assembly  260 —of the portable electronic device  200 . The chassis  900  includes a floor  926  having openings  908 -A, B that are aligned for the first and second camera modules  910 -A, B. In particular turrets of the first and second camera modules  910 -A, B can fit through the openings  908 -A, B. The chassis  900  also includes a chassis insert  928  that provide additional stiffening for the chassis  900 . The chassis  900  includes walls  944 . 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a perspective view of a camera module assembly  910 , according to some embodiments. The camera module assembly  910  is capable of being received within the chassis  900 . The camera module assembly  910  includes first and second camera modules  910 -A, B. The first camera module  910 -A includes an integrated circuit  916 -A and a flex circuit  918 -A for transmitting/receiving signals from a logic board. The second camera module  910 -B includes an integrated circuit  916 -B and a flex circuit  918 -B for transmitting/receiving signals from a logic board. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a top view of an operational component of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 10  illustrates a support plate  1000  that may correspond to the support plate  450 , as described with reference to  FIG. 4 . The support plate  1000  includes several openings for wireless antenna and camera modules. In particular, the support plate  1000  includes an opening  1008 -A capable that allows a first camera module—e.g., the first camera module  510 -A to pass therethrough. The support plate  1000  includes an opening  1008 -B capable that allows a second camera module—e.g., the second camera module  510 -B to pass therethrough. The support plate  1000  includes an opening  1008 -C capable of allowing a third camera module—e.g., the third camera module  510 -C to pass therethrough. The support plate  1000  includes a strobe module opening  1016  to allow a strobe module—e.g., the strobe module  570  to pass therethrough. The support plate  1000  includes a microphone opening  1018  to allow a microphone module—e.g., the microphone module  560  to pass therethrough. The support plate  1000  further includes openings  1020 -A, B, C to enable wireless antenna modules to pass therethrough. In some examples, the wireless antenna modules are ultra-wideband antennas. Beneficially, the portable electronic device  100  or  200  may utilize the ultra-wideband antennas to communicate with other devices having an ultra-wideband antenna in order to execute functions. Ultra-wideband antennas can utilize a low amount of energy for short-range, high-bandwidth communications. 
     Notably, the support plate  1000  may be formed from a metal material (e.g., stainless steel). Accordingly, openings are cut out of the support plate  1000  to prevent electromagnetic interference. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a method  1100  for forming a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. The method  1100  begins at step  1102  by forming a back wall—e.g., the back wall  530 —with a raised portion (plateau portion). In some embodiments, the back wall  530  includes a first section  532 -A and a second section  532 -B that is raised relative to the first section  532 -A. In some examples, the raised portion is formed by a machining process that involves machining a portion of the glass of the back wall  530 . In some examples, an opening is formed within the raised portion, where the opening is capable of receiving a turret of a camera module—e.g., the first camera module  510 -A. 
     At step  1104 , the back wall  530  is coupled to metal bands—e.g., the metal bands  504  of the side walls  502 . As a result, the back wall  530  and the side walls  502  define a cavity  506  capable of having operational components disposed therein. 
     At step  1106 , at least one trim structure—e.g., the first trim structure  522  or the second trim structure  524  is secured to the back wall  530 . In some examples, the at least one trim structure is press fit against a surface of the back wall  530 . The at least one trim structure overlays a portion of the raised portion of the back wall  530 . 
     At step  1108 , a camera module—e.g., the first camera module  510 -A—is secured to a brace structure  534 . At step  1110 , the brace structure  534  that carries the camera module is coupled to the at least one trim structure and the back wall  530 . The camera module is aligned with an opening in the back wall  530 . 
     At step  1112 , a weld washer—e.g., the welded washer  742  is welded to the at least one trim structure and the brace structure  534 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a system diagram of a portable electronic device capable of implementing the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. In particular, the detailed view illustrates various components that can be included in the portable electronic devices  100 ,  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the portable electronic device  1200  includes a processor  1210  for controlling the overall operation of the portable electronic device  1200 . The portable electronic device  1200  can include a display  1230 . The display  1230  can be a touch screen panel that can include a sensor (e.g., capacitance sensor). The display  1230  can be controlled by the processor  1210  to display information to the user. A data bus can facilitate data transfer between at least one memory  1220  and the processor  1210 . The portable electronic device  800  can also include a network/bus interface that couples a wireless antenna  1290  to the processor  1210 . The portable electronic device  1200  also includes a memory  1220 , which can comprise a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory  1220 . In some embodiments, the memory  1220  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The portable electronic device  1200  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the portable electronic device  1200 . 
     The portable electronic device  1200  may include a user input device  1250 , such as a switch or a touch screen panel. The portable electronic device  1200  includes a power supply unit  1240 , such as a lithium-ion battery. 
     The portable electronic device  1200  may include an IR emitter and detection module  1260 , a camera  1270 , and a strobe module  1280 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The terms “substantially”, “generally,” and “about” used herein are used to describe and account for small fluctuations. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%. 
     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 targeted 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: 20190927
Publication Date: 20211109
Grant Date: 20211109
Priority Date: 20190108
Inventors: 
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04N23/45", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/57", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N23/56", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B13/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/247", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N5/2257", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 71403992