PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10881015-B2
Application Number: US-201615273574-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Internal component arrangement within a housing

Abstract:
This application relates to securing and positioning internal components within a housing of a portable computing device. In one embodiment, a number of insert molded retaining members are utilized to inhibit outward deformation of a sidewall of the housing during a drop event. In another embodiment, a cowling is utilized to retain a number of board-to-board connectors within communication slots on a printed circuit board (PCB). In another embodiment, a C-shaped washer having diametrically opposed protrusions is utilized to adjust an alignment of an internal component.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A switch assembly carried within a housing of a portable electronic device, the switch assembly comprising:
 a slide switch comprising a button that protrudes from an opening located at a side wall of the housing, the opening having a shape including a first dimension and a second dimension that is less than the first dimension, wherein the button is movable in a direction in accordance with the second dimension; and 
 rails located at an inner surface of the side wall of the housing, wherein the rails limit movement of the slide switch in accordance with the second dimension. 
 
     
     
       2. The switch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein an amount of separation between a first rail and a second rail of the rails corresponds to the first dimension of the shape of the opening. 
     
     
       3. The switch assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the amount of separation between the first and second rails is maintained when the slide switch is moved in the direction according to the second dimension. 
     
     
       4. The switch assembly of  claim 2 , wherein each rail of the first and second rails includes a planar sliding surface that corresponds to a peripheral surface of the slide switch. 
     
     
       5. The switch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first dimension corresponds to a length of the shape of the opening and the second dimension corresponds to a width of the shape of the opening. 
     
     
       6. The switch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the rails are coupled to an internal frame member that is disposed within the housing. 
     
     
       7. The switch assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the rails are coupled to the internal frame member via a weld, an adhesive, or a brazing material. 
     
     
       8. The switch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the slide switch further comprises a protrusion that faces away from the opening and is configured to engage an electrical switch that is carried within the housing. 
     
     
       9. The switch assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the rails are integrally formed with an internal frame member that is disposed within the housing. 
     
     
       10. A housing of a portable electronic device that carries a switch mechanism, the housing comprising:
 walls of the housing that define an interior cavity, wherein a wall includes an opening that extends between the interior cavity and an external surface of the wall, the opening having a shape comprising a first dimension and a second dimension that is different from the first dimension; 
 an internal frame that is coupled to an internal surface of the housing, wherein the internal frame includes an aperture that has a shape and size that corresponds to the shape of the opening; 
 a switch including a first surface that is exposed by the opening, wherein the switch is configured to be toggled between a first position and a second position; and 
 rails coupled to the internal frame and limit movement of the switch to a direction corresponding to the second dimension when the switch is toggled between the first and second positions. 
 
     
     
       11. The housing of the portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the switch further comprises a second surface that includes a protrusion that is coupled to an electronic component carried within the housing, and the second surface is opposite the first surface. 
     
     
       12. The housing of the portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the internal frame is coupled to the internal surface of the housing via at least one of an adhesive, a friction fit member, a fastening member, or a molded material. 
     
     
       13. The housing of the portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the rails are welded to the internal frame. 
     
     
       14. The housing of the portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the rails are separately formed from the internal frame. 
     
     
       15. The housing of the portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein each rail of the rails includes a planar sliding surface that corresponds to a planar edge of the switch. 
     
     
       16. The housing of the portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the first dimension corresponds to a length of the shape of the opening and the second dimension corresponds to a width of the shape of the opening. 
     
     
       17. The housing of the portable electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the first dimension is greater than the second dimension.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/456,955, filed Aug. 11, 2014, entitled “INTERNAL COMPONENT ARRANGEMENT WITHIN A HOUSING”, which is a continuation of International Application PCT/US14/50570, with an international filing date of Aug. 11, 2014, entitled “INTERNAL COMPONENT ARRANGEMENT WITHIN A HOUSING”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to internal components of electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for positioning and securing internal components within a housing that can deform. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Housings formed from materials such as plastics can provide a number of design challenges when adapting them for use with an electronic device due to the non-rigid nature of plastic housings. During a drop event, portions of a housing can deform allowing internal components to shift out of place, which can in some instances result in the internal components being disconnected or in extreme cases being damaged as a result. The relative ease with which a housing can deform can also result in misalignment between openings in the housing and internal components meant to align with the openings. For example, a user interface such as a button or switch that is supposed to be accessible through an opening can experience such a misalignment, thereby precluding a user from being able to properly interact with the user interface. Component misalignment and shifting are generally considered to be unacceptable attributes for an electronic device housing and can preclude the use of a housing susceptible to deformation when these attributes cannot be mitigated. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to securing components disposed within a housing. 
     In one embodiment, a portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device includes a pliable housing that carries a first component spaced apart from a second component. The portable electronic device also includes a retaining system coupled to the pliable housing and configured to substantially maintain a relative position of the first component with respect to the second component when a load applied to the pliable housing causes the pliable housing to deform. In one aspect of the embodiment, a protective cover is coupled to the pliable housing. The retaining system includes a retaining protrusion coupled to and extending from an interior surface of the protective cover, and a retaining member coupled with an interior surface a side wall of the pliable housing. The retaining member defines a channel that surrounds a portion of the retaining protrusion such that the retaining member and the retaining protrusion cooperate to inhibit deformation of the side wall when the load is applied to the pliable housing. 
     In another embodiment, a retaining system for retaining a first housing component to a second housing component of a portable electronic device is disclosed. The retaining system includes at least the following: a retaining protrusion coupled to the second housing component and extending into an interior portion of the first housing component, and a retaining member integrally formed with an interior surface of a wall of the first housing component. The retaining member is disposed within the interior portion of the first housing component and defines a channel that surrounds a first portion of the retaining protrusion thereby inhibiting movement of the first housing component with respect to the second housing component when a force is exerted on the portable electronic device. 
     In another embodiment, a method for reinforcing a sidewall of a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method includes at least the following steps: coupling a retaining protrusion to an interior surface of a cover component of the portable electronic device; insert-molding a retaining member to an interior surface of a housing component of the portable electronic device; and coupling the cover component to the housing component such that a first portion of the retaining protrusion is surrounded by a channel defined by the retaining member and is substantially parallel with the sidewall. The retaining member and the retaining protrusion cooperate to inhibit deformation of the sidewall when an external force is exerted on the portable electronic device. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The 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  show different views of a portable computing device; 
         FIGS. 1C-1F  show how fastening features of a protective cover can be coupled to a housing of the portable computing device; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  show views of a retaining system configured to inhibit deformation of sidewalls of the portable computing device; 
         FIGS. 3A-3E  show various C-washer configurations that can be utilized to seat an electrical component at a desirable vertical position; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  show internal perspective views of a number of board-to-board connectors and a cowling for retaining the board-to-board connectors within communication slots of a printed circuit board; 
         FIG. 4C  shows a cross-sectional side view of the electronic device when it is partially open; 
         FIGS. 4D-4H  show cross-sectional side views of a cowling applying a seating force against a compressible layer disposed atop one end of a board-to-board connector; 
         FIG. 4I  shows a top view of a cowling disposed over several board-to-board connectors; 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  show how a cowling can be reinforced by welding at least one plate to an inside surface of the cowling; 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  show a number of embodiments relating to a standoff that both sets a mechanical distance between a cowling and a printed circuit board and electrically couples the cowling and the printed circuit board together; 
         FIGS. 7A-7F  show a number of carrier tab embodiments and how a carrier tab can be utilized to help align a flexible circuit with a retaining feature within a housing; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  show how a button switch assembly can be positioned within a housing; 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  show a flange for providing a particular tactile feedback for a button of the portable computing device; 
         FIG. 10A  shows a button assembly disposed on a side of the portable computing device; 
         FIGS. 10B-10C  show how a set of rails for a slider switch can be arranged to provide a precise track along which the slider switch can be actuated; 
         FIG. 11A  shows an internal arrangement of components and connectors associated with a camera assembly; 
         FIG. 11B  shows an external view of a camera assembly of the portable computing device; 
         FIGS. 12A-12B  show how reducing a thickness of a cut can increase a size of a portion of a flexible connector; and 
         FIG. 13  shows a block diagram representing a method for securing a number of board-to-board connectors to a circuit board. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     Housings for portable computing devices often provide structural mounting positions for various electronic components disposed within the housing. In some cases, electronic components disposed within a housing can move or shift from their desired positions. This is particularly true for a housing formed from a material that can deform; an interior position of electronic components disposed within the housing can change when the housing deforms. One way to mitigate undesirable movement of electronic components within a housing made from deformable materials is to add a rigid interior frame member within the housing. A rigid interior frame member can increase the rigidity of the housing and at least assist in maintaining a known interval between two components mounted to the rigid interior frame member. Unfortunately, even when components are attached to the rigid interior frame member, deformation of the housing can still cause components to shift, which can induce disconnections and/or damage to the components. A likelihood of these problems can be reduced in a number of ways. For example, in some embodiments a feature can be added that can prevent or inhibit deformation of the housing and in other embodiments internal connections can be made more robust. 
     Board-to-board connectors are particularly vulnerable to disconnection from a PCB to which they are attached. Board-to-board connectors are typically used to transfer signals from one PCB to another. A board-to-board connector is typically a flexible cable with a connector at each end that snaps into a communication slot on each of the PCBs, thereby establishing a robust communications channel between the two PCBs. The board-to-board connectors can be utilized to attach a main logic board to other electronic components and subassemblies within the portable computing device. While in some cases board-to-board connectors include a “snap and lock” feature that can help prevent the connectors from detaching from the communication slots when the portable computing device experiences external forces (e.g., when an individual drops his or her portable computing device onto a hard surface), the “snap and lock” feature is often inadequate for this purpose, and additional reinforcing mechanisms are often required. One example of a reinforcing mechanism is a cowling that can be secured over the board-to-board connectors. The cowling can exert pressure upon at least one end of a connector to reduce a likelihood of disconnection. In this way, the cowling imparts a force against the connector that assists in retaining the connector within a communication slot. In some cases, a compressible layer along the lines of a foam pad can be disposed between the cowling and the connector to increase tolerances between the cowling and connector. Implementation of the compressible layer can be particularly beneficial when the cowling is subjected to bending forces during, for example, a drop event. In some embodiments, a shape and/or a thickness of various portions of the cowling can be optimized to prevent deformation of the cowling, thereby preventing situations in which the cowling pulls away from the connector. In some embodiments, the cowling can be selectively thickened while in other embodiments the cowling can include a number of structural rib features to increase an overall rigidity of the cowling. 
     In some embodiments, the aforementioned cowling can be separated from the PCB by a standoff. The standoff can be configured to provide a pathway through which a fastener can affix both the cowling and the PCB to an internal surface of the housing. In addition to providing a fixed standoff distance between the cowling and the PCB, the standoff can provide an electrically conductive pathway through which the cowling and PCB can be electrically coupled, thereby facilitating grounding of the PCB through at least a portion of the cowling. 
     In some embodiments, a board-to-board connector secured by the cowling can be coupled with more than one component. By splitting one end of the board-to-board connector into two portions or “tails,” the tails can flex to attach to the different components. When maintaining a size of the tails is important, any waste of a portion of the flexible circuit can be highly undesirable. In such a case, minimizing an amount of material removed when splitting the tails is of great importance. In some embodiments, a small diameter laser cutter can be used to separate the tails, leaving only a small gap between the tails, on the order of about 0.025 mm, thereby increasing an effective surface area of the tails. 
     In some embodiments, an alignment system can be utilized to prevent undue shearing forces upon a button assembly. A switch associated with a button assembly can include a protrusion that fits in an opening of a bracket. The protrusion and opening in the bracket cooperate to anchor the switch and to prevent shearing forces from compromising a coupling between the switch and the bracket. The interaction between the protrusion and the opening also helps facilitate alignment of the switch with the bracket. 
     In some embodiments, a flange can be positioned to create a seal between a button disposed within an opening and a protective cover defining the opening. A thickness of the flange can be increased to prevent damage being inflicted upon the flange during repeated actuation of the button. In this particular embodiment, the flange is selectively thickened so that strengthened/thickened areas of the flange do not impinge upon areas of the portable electronic device that include other components. 
     In some embodiments, a rail system made up of a number of rails can be mounted directly to the interior frame member associated with the housing. The rails define a path of movement for a slide switch. In this way, the interior frame helps to define a fixed distance between the rails, thereby preventing binding of the slide switch within the rails, as might be the case for a rail system that was coupled directly to a deformable portion of the housing. Positioning of the rail system in direct contact with the internal frame member also prevents the rails from shifting in the event of an associated sidewall of the housing deforming. 
     In some embodiments, a sidewall of the housing includes a fastener opening for securing a protective cover that overlays a display assembly of the portable computing device to the housing. A metal plate can be utilized to guide the fastener through an opening in an insert molded component disposed between the fastener opening and a fastening feature (sometimes referred to as a fang) extending from the display assembly. The metal plate can be positioned within the housing by adhesively coupling it to the insert molded part positioned proximate the fastener opening. In situations where an opening in the metal plate and the fastener opening are not well aligned, or where the housing shifts substantially with respect to the metal plate, the fastener can experience undesirable shearing forces or in some instances be unable to couple with the fastening feature of the display assembly. By adhering the metal plate to the insert molded part with low shear adhesive, the metal plate can shift with respect to the insert molded part to allow the fastener to engage the fastening feature during an assembly operation. 
     In some embodiments, flexible sidewall portions of a housing can be reinforced by a number of retaining members (in some instances referred to as retaining knuckles). The retaining members can be disposed within the housing as follows. A retaining member that defines a retaining channel can be insert molded along an inside surface of a sidewall of the housing. A protrusion having a size and shape in accordance with the retaining channel can be formed along an inside surface of a rigid protective cover that overlays a display assembly. When the protective cover is mated with the housing, the protrusion is seated within the retaining channel so that the protrusion is operable to prevent deformation of the sidewall by interacting with the retaining members defining the retaining channel. 
     In some embodiments, a C-washer can be used to provide precise vertical alignment of a docking connector with an opening in a housing. The C-washer can be a C-shaped plate having an interior diameter and exterior diameter. In some embodiments the C-washer can have a curvature that causes one pair of diametrically opposing high points disposed around the interior diameter of the C-washer to be oriented in a first direction and another pair of diametrically opposing high points to be oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. The diametrically opposing high points enable the C-washer to make even contact with objects disposed both above and below it. In some embodiments, the C-washer can have four, six or even eight high points. The C-washer can be formed of any number of electrically conductive materials such as for example, spring steel, beryllium copper, and titanium copper. 
     In some embodiments, a carrier tab can be utilized to align a component within a portion of the portable computing device. The carrier tab can include one or more breakaway holes that facilitate removal of a breakaway portion of the carrier tab. In this way, a robotic arm or similar holding apparatus that can be a part of a computer aided manufacturing system can hold the breakaway portion of the carrier tab while the remainder of the carrier tab is coupled with an interior surface of the portable computing device and the component. Subsequent to installing the carrier tab, the breakaway portion can be removed. In some embodiments, the carrier tab can be operative to secure one end of a flexible circuit within the portable computing device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-13 ; 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 and 1B  show different views of portable computing device  100 .  FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of portable computing device  100  and  FIG. 1B  shows a top view of portable computing device  100 . Although embodiments herein depict portable computing device  100  taking the form of a mobile phone, this is for illustrative purposes only and it should be appreciated that portable computing device  100  can take the form of other devices. By way of non-limiting example, portable computing device  100  can also be embodied as a tablet computing device, a user interface device, a media player, and/or any other electronic device that can include a flexible housing enclosure. 
     Portable computing device  100  can include protective cover  102  and housing  104 . Housing  104  can include a number of walls, including a bottom wall and a number of sidewalls, which cooperate to define a cavity for housing internal components of portable computing device  100 . Housing  104  can be made at least in part from materials that have elastic deformation properties. In this regard, portions of housing  104  can temporarily deform when a force is exerted upon housing  104  and return to its original shape after the force is removed. For example, a portion of housing  104  can deform by compression, expansion, bowing, and/or flexing. Housing  104  can be made from polymers such as plastic that can have a high elastic limit. In one embodiment, housing  104  is formed from a unitary piece of plastic. Portions of housing  104  can vary in thickness and rigidity. In this regard, some portions of housing  104  can be substantially rigid while other portions can be more flexible. 
     A front opening of the cavity defined by a top inside edge of the sidewalls of housing  104  can receive protective cover  102 . For example, protective cover  102  can be received and coupled to housing  104  by friction fitting, one or more fastening systems, and/or a combination thereof. In this regard, when assembled, housing  104  and protective cover  102  cooperate to enclose components of portable computing device  100 . In some embodiments, an enclosed component can be used to assist in the alignment and positioning of other components of portable computing device  100 . In one specific embodiment, portable computing device  100  can include an interior frame member (not depicted) that helps to reinforce housing  104  and to provide a rigid structure upon which other components can be mounted. In this way, spacing between internal components mounted with the rigid frame member can be improved. 
     In some embodiments, a component can be a user interface that provides a user of portable computing device  100  with input/output (I/O) functionality. For example, protective cover  102  can include display assembly system  103  disposed between protective cover  102  that provides a touch-screen driven user interface. Portable computing device  100  can also include one or more tactile interfaces such as button assembly  105   a  and button assembly  105   b  that can be disposed on the sides of portable computing device  100 . Portable computing device  100  can also include one or more audio interfaces such as headphone jack opening  106 , microphone opening  107  and a number of speaker openings  108   a  that can be disposed along one of the sidewalls of housing  104 . Another speaker opening  108   b  can be disposed along a top surface of protective cover  102 . Furthermore, portable computing device  100  can include a data connector having an exterior opening defined by trim ring  110  that is also disposed along one of the sidewalls of housing  104 . 
       FIGS. 1C-1F  show a number of views of a bottom portion of portable computing device  100 .  FIG. 1C  in particular shows an external view of a sidewall of housing  104  of portable computing device  100 . Protective cover  102  that overlays display assembly system  103  is joined to housing  104  at least in part by fasteners  112 . Fasteners  112  can be electrically conductive metal fasteners formed from any number of materials, including for example stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, brass or phosphorous bronze. In some embodiments, protective cover  102  can be formed from a layer of high strength glass, sapphire or other high strength transparent material. Fasteners  112  pass through openings in housing  104  to engage fastening features (not depicted in  FIG. 1C ) extending from an inside surface of protective cover  102 , thereby securing protective cover  102  to housing  104 . A data connector opening is also depicted, the data connector opening being defined by trim ring  110 . When a portion of housing  104  surrounding the data connector opening is flexible, trim ring  110  can be formed from a rigid material that reinforces the opening and prevents deformation of the opening leading into the data connector. In this way, trim ring  110  can provide an opening through the flexible portion of housing  104  that operates to maintain a size and shape of the opening in accordance with a data connector plug that engages a data connector assembly disposed within housing  104 .  FIG. 1C  also depicts headphone jack opening  106 , microphone opening  107  and speaker openings  108   a.    
       FIG. 1D  shows a partial cross-sectional view of portable computing device  100  in accordance with section line A-A as depicted in  FIG. 1C . Fasteners  112  are disposed through fastener openings in housing  104 . Fasteners  112  also pass through openings in reinforcement plates  114  which are adhesively coupled with insert molded part  116 . Reinforcement plates  114  help to guide fasteners  112  through insert molded part  116  and towards fastening features  118  (in some cases referred to as protective cover fangs). In some embodiments, fasteners  112  can be utilized to form openings in insert molded part  116  during initial assembly of portable computing device  100 . Without the alignment provided by reinforcement plates  114 , formation of the opening during initial assembly can cause portions of insert molded part  116  to be destroyed in instances where fasteners  112  are driven through insert molded part  116  at an incorrect angle. The adhesive coupling between insert molded part  116  and reinforcement plates  114  can be formed by a low shear adhesive that allows reinforcement plates  114  to shift slightly with respect to insert molded part  116  while fasteners  112  are engaging fastening features  118 . This ability of reinforcement plates  114  to shift prevents reinforcement plates  114  from preventing precise alignment of fasteners  112  with fastening features  118  in cases of slight misalignment of reinforcement plates  114  due to sample variation in component parts and/or tolerances inherent to the assembly process. 
     Reinforcement plates  114  can be formed from any high strength material such as, for example, stainless steel or carbon steel. Fasteners  112  engage with openings in fastening features  118  to secure protective cover  102  to housing  104 . Fastening features  118  can be metal protrusions having threaded openings configured to retain fasteners  112 . Insert molded part  116  can be formed of an insulating material such as plastic or foam that electrically isolates reinforcement plates  114 , fasteners  112  and fastening features  118  from trim ring  110 . This can be of particular importance when a data connector plug is engaged within trim ring  110 , thereby grounding trim ring  110  through the data connector plug. This grounding can cause electromagnetic interference to be generated at trim ring  110 , which can in turn affect sensitive components such as antennas proximate to trim ring  110 . By insulating the aforementioned components from trim ring  110 , these additional electrically conductive components can be prevented from also being grounded to the data connector plug through trim ring  110 , thereby minimizing an amount of electromagnetic interference generated by the electrical coupling between the data connector plug and trim ring  110 . 
       FIG. 1E  shows a partial cross-sectional side view of portable computing device  100  in accordance with section line B-B as depicted in  FIG. 1C . Fastening features  118  are joined with and extend from a bottom surface of protective cover  102  and into an interior portion of housing  104 . Fastening features  118  can be electrically conductive and are joined to protective cover  102  by a sealing member  120  that is electrically insulating. Sealing member  120  can be formed from materials along the lines of plastic or rubber. Protective cover  102  is also generally formed of insulating material along the lines of glass or sapphire, which can also prevent electrical coupling between electrical components associated with protective cover  102  and fastening features  118 . Positioning of fastening features  118  in this manner allows fastening features  118  to be aligned with fastener openings in housing  104  without being electrically coupled to electrical components associated with protective cover  102 . Fastener  112  is depicted passing through a fastener opening in housing  104  and an opening in fastening feature  118 , thereby coupling protective cover  102  to housing  104 . Electrically conductive pathway  122  depicts a potential flow of electrical energy through fastener  112 , reinforcement plate  114  and fastening feature  118 . As can be seen, insert molded part  116 , housing  104  and sealing member  120  effectively insulate these components so that if fastener  112  receives an electrostatic discharge the electrical energy is not propagated to electrically sensitive components. Furthermore, the insulating components prevent these electrically conductive elements from being included in a grounding path through the trim ring (shown in  FIG. 1D ). This can be particularly beneficial in this embodiment, given the short distance between fastening feature  118  and antenna  124 .  FIG. 1F  shows an internal, cross-sectional view of the bottom portion of portable computing device  100 . In this view, a shape and size of insert molded part  116  is depicted in relation to trim ring  110 .  FIG. 1F  depicts separation between trim ring  110  and reinforcement plates  114 . Additionally, fastening features  118  are depicted extending above insert molded part  116 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  show how a retaining system can be utilized to inhibit sidewalls of housing  104  from bowing outwards and away from protective cover  102  when an external force is received at housing  104 . A drop event can impart a force on housing  104  that causes sidewalls  200   a ,  200   b  of housing  104  to bow outwards, particularly when portable computing device  100  is dropped on a corner, e.g., corner regions  200   c / 200   d , of housing  104 . The impact from dropping portable computing device  100  on a corner can result in a propagation of the force from the drop to at least one of sidewalls  200   a  and  200   b , causing at least one of sidewalls  200   a ,  200   b  to deform. Deformation of sidewalls  200   a ,  200   b  can result in outward bowing of the sidewalls. Outward bowing of a sidewall can increase the volume of housing  104 , allowing internal components to shift during a drop event, which can in many cases cause damage or compromise the functionality of the internal components. For example, outward bowing can cause components associated with headphone jack opening  106 , microphone opening  107  and speaker openings  108   a  to shift thereby causing a misalignment with their corresponding openings. Misalignment with the corresponding opening can compromise the functionality of the component. Shifting of internal components can also cause disconnection of interior components, thereby disabling the disconnected interior components. 
       FIG. 2A  shows how protrusions  202  and  204  can extend from a bottom surface of protective cover  102 . The protrusions can take on different shapes. In some cases, as depicted, protrusion  202  can include a strengthening feature  206  that increases a lateral rigidity of protrusion  202 . For example, strengthening feature  206  can have a closed shaped disposed at one end of protrusion  202  that reinforces protrusion  202 . In other cases, as depicted, protrusion  204  can have a more linear shape to fit between other components disposed within housing  104 . Protrusions  202  and  204  can each have portions that are substantially parallel with portions of cover component  102 . For example, a linear portion of protrusion  202  can be substantially parallel with an edge of cover component  102 , and a curved portion of protrusion  204  can be substantially parallel with a corner portion of cover component  102 . Portions of the protrusions can also be substantially parallel with portions of housing  104 . For example, a portion of protrusion  202  can be substantially parallel with sidewall  200   a . In some embodiments, protrusions  202  and/or  204  can be coupled to protective cover  102  with an adhesive. In other embodiments, protrusions  202  and/or  204  can be coupled to protective cover  102  with a fastening system along the lines of a screw and threaded opening. 
     As protective cover  102  mates with housing  104 , protrusions  202  and  204  cooperate with corresponding retaining members disposed in housing  104  to reinforce sidewalls  200   a ,  200   b . It should be noted that  FIG. 2A  depicts protective cover  102  having protrusions disposed in only two corners; however, in other embodiments protrusions and corresponding retaining members can be disposed at other locations within portable computing device  100 . For example, protrusions and retaining members can be disposed in each of the corners of housing  104 . In another example, protrusions and retaining members can cooperate to reinforce other portions of a sidewall such as a central portion of sidewalls  200   a ,  200   b  and/or the sidewall between corner portions  200   c  and  200   d . In yet another example, a protrusion and a retaining member can be disposed at a central portion of the portable computing device  100 . Furthermore, a protrusion can be retained by more than one retaining member. For example, a first portion of a protrusion can be retained by a retaining member at one corner while a second portion of the protrusion can be retained by another retaining member disposed at another corner. Similarly, a retaining member can retain more than one protrusion. For example, a retaining member can define two or more channels for retaining more than one protrusion. Any number of protrusions and retaining member can be used. It is particularly useful to position protrusions and retaining members along portions of housing  104  that are likely to deform during a drop event. 
       FIG. 2B  shows a partial cross-sectional view of portable computing device  100  when protective cover  102  is mated with housing  104 . A portion of protrusion  202  is disposed within a channel formed by retaining member  208 . The channel formed by retaining member  208  can have a shape that is complementary to a portion of protrusion  202 , allowing the channel to surround a portion of protrusion  202 . In this way, protrusion  202  can restrict movement of retaining member  208  when sidewall  200   a  is deformed. Similarly, protrusion  204  can restrict movement of retaining member  210  when sidewall  200   b  is deformed. Retaining members  208  and  210  can be integrally formed with housing  104 . For example, retaining members  208  and  210  can be formed along an inside surface of housing  104  using insert molding techniques. In some embodiments, both retaining members  208 ,  210  and protrusions  202 ,  204  can be formed from rigid material along the lines of glass filled nylon. In some embodiments, retaining members  208  and  210  can be reinforced in part by reinforcement features  212   a  and  212   b  respectively. Reinforcement features  212   a ,  212   b  can be, for example, at least a portion of a rigid interior frame member disposed within housing  104 . The rigid interior frame member can be particularly effective at preventing inward deformation of housing  104  when housing  104  is subjected to an external force. 
     Protrusion  202  cooperates with retaining member  208  to prevent substantial movement of sidewall  200   a  when subjected to an external force F. In this embodiment, retaining members  208  and  210  are disposed within corner regions  200   c  and  200   d  respectively. As previously discussed, dropping portable computing device  100  on a corner can cause, for example, corner region  200   c  to be compressed. Without the benefit of retaining member  208 , the compression at corner region  200   c  can be transmitted along sidewall  200   a , potentially causing damage or shifting of components disposed proximate to sidewall  200   a . By positioning the retaining members  208  and  210  at the corner regions  200   c  and  200   d  respectively, a force exerted on a corner can be mitigated or absorbed by retaining members  208  and  210 , thereby preventing energy imparted during the drop from propagating to sidewalls  200   a  and  200   b . In this way, the retaining members can prevent substantial deformation of sidewalls  200   a  and  200   b  when portable computing device  100  is exposed to an external force. It should be noted that this configuration is particularly effective when protective cover  102  is formed from a material that is more rigid than materials used to form housing  104 . For example, when protective cover  102  is formed from a rigid material such as glass which is unlikely to substantially deform during a drop event, protective cover  102  can keep protrusions  202  and  204  firmly in place, thereby preventing retaining members  208  and  210  and the attached sidewalls from deforming. It should be noted that glass is generally known to be particularly robust in tension, making it an excellent anchor for protrusions  202  and  204  during a drop event. 
       FIGS. 3A-3B  show a C-washer  300 . C-washer  300  can be a disc-shaped plate having a front opening  302  and center opening  304 . C-washer  300  can be made from conductive materials such as steel, cooper, or conductive plastic. In this regard, C-washer  300  can provide an electrical path for objects that are contacting C-washer  300 . For example, C-washer  300  can be used to ground components that contact C-washer  300 . In other embodiments, C-washer can be made from non-conductive materials. 
     Front opening  302  allows C-washer  300  to be deformed so that center opening  304  is temporarily expanded so that C-washer  300  can surround an object. For example, C-washer  300  can surround a fastening device such as a screw, nut, or boss. To receive these objects, C-washer  300  can be opened by applying a force that increases a size of center opening  304  so that it is large enough to surround an object. When the object is received and the deforming force is removed, the C-washer  300  can “snap” back into its original shape thereby causing interior protrusions  306  to exert a force upon a peripheral surface of the object that keeps the C-washer firmly in place around the object. The elastic properties that allow C-washer to open and return back to its original shape can be provided by the materials used to form C-washer  300 . In this regard, unlike traditional washers, C-washer  300  retains itself to an object, thereby decreasing the likelihood of C-washer  300  being inadvertently removed from the object it retains. This feature is particularly useful during an assembly process when movement and rotation of components can cause C-washer  300  to fall off the object. Center opening  304  can be defined by an interior surface of C-washer  300  that includes a number of interior protrusions  306 . Protrusions  306  can be diametrically opposed so that when C-washer  300  is compressed by a surface of a component, protrusions  306  self-level so that force exerted by the component on the C-washer is evenly distributed. Also depicted is how one pair of protrusions point in one direction while the other set of protrusions point in another direction by virtue of an overall curvature of C-washer  300 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows an exemplary use of a number of C-washers  300 . C-washers  300  are depicted as being retained around bosses  308   a  which are disposed along an interior surface  310 . Bosses  308   b  are disposed along interior surface  312  that is positioned above interior surface  310 . In this regard, bosses  308   b  are disposed above bosses  308   a . During an assembly operation, a component such as a data connector assembly (not shown) can be installed using bosses  308   a  and  308   b . When assembled, the data connector is aligned with opening  314  and engaged with bosses  308   a  and bosses  308   b . Furthermore, the data connector assembly can also be secured to a sidewall of the housing by a fastener that is driven through openings  316  and an attachment feature associated with the data connector assembly. 
     Because C-washers  300  are configured to deform, an amount of engagement between C-washers  300  and the data connector assembly can be adjusted or tuned during an assembly operation. A position of an opening of the data connector assembly can be changed by adjusting the amount of engagement between the C-washers and the data connector assembly so that an opening in the data connector assembly aligns with opening  314 . Furthermore, this type of adjustment can help to align fastening features of the data connector assembly with openings  316 . In some embodiments, it may be desirable to reduce an amount of compression applied to C-washers  300  to increase a height at which the data connector assembly engages bosses  308   a  so that the data connector assembly engages bosses  308   a  and  308   b  within the same vertical plane. In this regard, C-washers  300  can also be especially helpful when component-to-housing tolerances are such that a slight vertical height adjustment may be necessary. In some configurations, bosses  308   a  can include a lip that engages with protrusions  306 . In this way, the lip can help to keep C-washers  300  from sliding off of bosses  308   a . In other configurations, protrusions  306  can engage an outside surface of bosses  308   a  to maintain C-washers  300  in place during assembly, obviating the need for a lip feature on bosses  308   a.    
       FIGS. 3C-3E  show top views of a number of alternative configurations in which the C-washers can be formed.  FIG. 3C  shows a top view of C-washer  300  of  FIG. 3A . C-washer  300  includes two sets of diametrically opposed protrusions  306  that face one another.  FIG. 3D  shows a top view of C-washer  320  with three sets of diametrically opposed protrusions  322  facing one another.  FIG. 3E  shows a top view of C-washer  340  with four sets of diametrically opposed protrusions  342  facing one another. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  show internal perspective views of an interior portion of portable computing device  100 .  FIG. 4A  shows a main logic board (MLB)  402  configured to support a number of electronic components such as integrated circuits along the lines of central processing units (CPU) and graphics processing units (GPU). MLB  402  can be electrically coupled to other subassemblies and printed circuit boards disposed in various positions within portable computing device  100  by a number of board-to-board connectors. For example, board-to-board connector  404  is depicted mating with a communication slot disposed on MLB  402 . Compressible layer  406  is disposed atop board-to-board connector  404 . In some embodiments, compressible layer  406  can be formed of conductive foam. When a retaining member, such as a cowling, compresses compressible layer  406  a preload is established between the retaining member and compressible layer  406 . In one embodiment, the opposite end of board-to-board connector  404  can electrically couple MLB  402  with display assembly  103 . Similarly, board-to-board connector  408  can couple MLB  402  to a camera module disposed within camera module cowling  410 . Similar to board-to-board connector  404 , board-to-board connector  408  can also have a compressible layer  412  disposed over the end that is electrically coupled with MLB  402 . Board-to-board connector  414  can be configured to electrically couple MLB  402  with other components such as button assemblies and sensors. In some embodiments, board-to-board connector  414  associated with compressible layer  416  can pass underneath a battery assembly (not shown) to couple with various other components disposed within portable computing device  100 . It should be noted that other connectors are also depicted and are associated with compressible layers  418  and  420 . It should be noted that MLB  402  could also include various mounting points such as, for example, opening  421  for receiving other components or shielding elements. 
       FIG. 4B  shows a cowling  422  disposed atop MLB  402  of  FIG. 4A . Cowling  422  can be secured atop MLB  402  with a number of fasteners  423 . In some embodiments, fasteners  423  can be threaded screws that are secured within threaded openings. As depicted, cowling  422  is fastened to MLB  402  in a number of different positions so that it is securely positioned with respect to MLB  402 . Cowling  422  can be a metal substrate having one or more substantially flat regions. In one embodiment, cowling  422  can be formed from a piece of sheet metal having a thickness of less than 0.5 mm. In another embodiment, cowling  422  can have a thickness of about 0.3 mm. Cowling  422  can be formed from metals including, but not limited to, stainless steel and aluminum. 
     Once cowling  422  is positioned it can assist in holding the various board-to-board connectors depicted in  FIG. 4A  against communication slots of MLB  402 . In some embodiments, a flat region of cowling  422  can exert a force on a board-to-board connector through a compressible layer, thereby holding the board-to-board connector against a communication slot. The flat region can have a shape and size in accordance the compressible layer (e.g., compressible layer  412 ). In this regard, compressible layers are compressed between cowling  422  and a corresponding board-to-board connector when the cowling  422  is secured to MLB  402 . As discussed in further detail below, non-flat regions of cowling  422  can also exert a force on board-to-board connectors. In some embodiments cowling  422  can also be operative to form a faraday cage that shields various components disposed beneath it from other components disposed within portable computing device  100 . Unfortunately, cowling  422  can be subject to deformation during a drop event. Deformation of cowling  422  can reduce its effectiveness as a retaining member for the board-to-board connectors. 
     To reduce the severity of the deformities, cowling  422  can also include various reinforcing features, such as folded end portion  424 . Folded end portion  424  can substantially strengthen one end of cowling  422  making deformation of the end on which it is disposed much less prone to deformation during a drop event. Furthermore, structural ribs  426  and  428  can be formed along cowling  422  by a machining operation such as stamping to provide improved rigidity to cowling  422 . The stamping operation itself can increase rigidity of cowling  422  as it is operative as a cold working operation. In the depicted embodiment, structural rib  426  contacts a top surface of compressible layer  406 , while structural rib  428  lies just outside of a top surface of compressible layer  412 . In this regard, structural rib  428  surrounds two sides of compressible layer  412  and partially surrounds a portion of an end of board-to-board connector  408 . When structural rib  428  is disposed outside of an area taken up by compressible layer  412 , then compressible layer  412  can be substantially thicker. This is one reason why compressible layer  412  is depicted as being thicker than compressible layer  406 , since a portion of cowling  422  disposed above compressible layer  412  has a lower height due to structural rib  426 . In one embodiment, structural ribs can be placed in locations along cowling  422  in accordance with a heat map generated by finite element analysis. While substantially linear structural ribs are depicted, almost any shape is possible. The heat map can help identify portions of the cowling that undergo higher levels of stress. In this way, ideal locations for the structural ribs can be identified, thereby minimizing a number of ribs required to stiffen cowling  422 . It should also be noted that while each of the structural ribs extends towards MLB  402 , in some embodiments the structural ribs can extend upwards and away from MLB  402  when space is available. 
       FIG. 4C  shows a cross-sectional side view of portable computing device  100  when partially open in accordance with one embodiment. In this regard, protective cover  102  is tilted at an angle with respect to housing  104 . This angular positioning of protective cover  102  can be appropriate for assembling protective cover  102  with housing  104 . Board-to-board connector  404  includes connector  405   a  at one end and connector  405   b  at another end. Connector  405   a  can be coupled to a communication slot disposed on MLB  402 . Cowling  422  and compressive layer  406  are disposed over a portion of connector  405   a . A portion of board-to-board connector  404  is flexed upward such that connector  405   b  can be positioned and coupled to a communication slot disposed on display assembly  103 . In this regard, board-to-board connector  404  electrically couples MLB  402  and display assembly  103 . 
     As previously discussed, cowling  422  can be used to assist in the retention of board-to-board connectors. In this embodiment, cowling  422  (partially depicted in  FIG. 4C ) can retain board-to-board connector  404  to assist in keeping connector  405   a  connected to the communication slot disposed on MLB  402 . In some cases, a drop event can cause connector  405   a  to disconnect from MLB  402 . For example, a drop event can cause protective cover  102  to separate from housing  104 , which in turn pulls connector  405   a  from the communication slot disposed on MLB  402 . In another example, a drop event can cause the sidewalls of housing  104  to bow outwards, allowing MLB  402  to shift from its original position which can cause disconnection. Accordingly, when cowling  422  retains board-to-board connector  404 , particularly at connector  405   a , cowling  422  can prevent disconnection of connector  405   a  from MLB  402  during a drop event. 
       FIGS. 4D-4H  show cross-sectional side views of various configurations in which foam layers are depicted interacting with cowling  422  to secure a board-to-board connector against MLB  402 .  FIG. 4D  shows a cross-sectional side view of connector  430  of board-to-board connector  414 . Similar to connector  405   a , connector  430  electrically couples board-to-board connector  414  with communication slot  432  disposed on MLB  402 . Communication slot  432  can in turn be in electrical contract with electrical traces disposed on a top or bottom surface of MLB  402 .  FIG. 4D  also depicts how cowling  422  transmits a force through compressible layer  416  that helps maintain board connector  414  within communication slot  432  of MLB  402 . Because compressible layer  416  is distributed evenly on either side of connector  430 , no adverse lateral forces are transmitted when cowling  422  exerts a substantially even or at least symmetric force profile upon compressible layer  416 . Consequently, any structural ribs exerting force on a compressible layer should be substantially centered with regards to connector  430  and communication slot  432 . 
       FIG. 4E  depicts board-to-board connector  404  in accordance with section line D-D of  FIG. 4B . Structural rib  426  is depicted having about the same width as compressible layer  406 . This allows cowling  422  to place a substantially uniform amount of force upon compressible layer  406 .  FIG. 4F  depicts an alternative configuration of board-to-board connector  404  in which two structural ribs contact compressible layer  406 . Even though each one of structural ribs  426  is not centered with respect to compressible layer  406 , they cooperate to exert a symmetric force upon connector  430  by way of compressible layer  406 . In this way, as in the previous examples, no substantial lateral forces are exerted.  FIG. 4G  shows another similar configuration in which the depicted structural rib is substantially wider than the compressible layer; however, since the structural rib is centered over the compressible layer, this configuration would also work to secure connector  430 . Finally,  FIG. 4H  shows a configuration in which connector  430  of board-to-board connector  408  is secured to communication slot  432  by a portion of cowling  422  that is adjacent to structural rib  428 . Structural rib  428  is disposed near a peripheral portion of compressible layer  412  and is not directly above compressible layer  412 , connector  430  and/or communication slot  732 . In this way, structural rib  428  can surround a perimeter portion of compressible layer  412 , connector  430  and/or communication slot  732  respectively. Furthermore, structural rib  428  can define in part a flat contact region of cowling  422  that is disposed directly over compressible layer  412 . This configuration is also desirable as the lack of a structural rib allows a relatively thicker compressible layer  412  to be utilized and in some embodiments can be configured to account for a substantially larger deformation of cowling  422  than other thinner type compressible layers. When cowling  422  deforms, the aforementioned compressible layers are operable to maintain a force upon a corresponding board-to-board connector. In this way, a number of undesirable board-to-board connector disconnections can be substantially reduced. 
       FIG. 4I  shows a top view of an exemplary cowling  422  in accordance with some embodiments. Cowling  422  is disposed over board-to-board connectors  440 / 442 / 444 . As previously discussed, structural ribs can be disposed in locations along cowling  422  in accordance with a heat map that can help to identify locations of cowling  422  that undergo higher levels of stress/deformation. In this embodiment, structural ribs  446 / 448 / 450  are disposed in various locations along cowling  422 . Structural rib  446  “snakes” between board-to-board connectors  440  and  442  and is not disposed directly over any board-to-board connector. Structural ribs  448  and  450  are disposed directly over board-to-board connector  514  in a cross pattern. In this regard, a portion of structural rib  518  is disposed along a width of board-to-board connector  514  while a portion of structural rib  520  is disposed along a length of board-to-board connector  514 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  show an alternative way of stiffening a cowling. This can be useful where a stamped rib does not provide a sufficient amount of rigidity to prevent dislodgement of an underlying board-to-board connector during a drop event. Furthermore, in some embodiments the cowling is only a 0.3 mm thick piece of steel sheet metal that often undergoes deformation when exposed to high forces or loading events. Simply increasing a thickness of the entire cowling may not be feasible as it can cause cowling  422  to interfere with other components within portable computing device  100 . For example, as depicted in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a top portion of fastener  502  does not extend above a top surface of cowling  422 ; however if an overall thickness of cowling  422  were increased it would increase a thickness of the portion of cowling  422  disposed underneath fastener  502  thereby increasing an overall height dimension of fastener  502 , which in some designs could cause fastener  502  to contend for space taken up by adjacent internal components disposed above fastener  502 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  also show how metal plates  504  and  506  can be welded with a bottom surface of cowling  422 . In this way a thickness of cowling  422  can be selectively tuned to add material only where needed. In some cases metal plates  504  and  506  can be constructed from different material than the material that forms cowling  422 . The selected materials can help tune a stiffness of cowling  422  in that particular location. The thickness of the plate or plates utilized can vary depending on a desired preload to be established between the welded plates and the underlying connector. The plates are operative to set a desired distance between a bottom surface of cowling  422  and board-to-board connector  508 .  FIG. 5C  shows a cross-sectional side view in which only a single metal plate  504  is welded to the bottom surface of cowling  422 . This can be a beneficial configuration when only a minor amount of strengthening is required and/or when a distance between cowling  422  and a top surface of the underlying connector is particularly small. Furthermore, in certain cases single metal plate  504  can be sized to have a thickness in accordance with the gap between cowling  422  and the underlying connector. 
       FIG. 6A  shows another interior perspective view along the lines of the depiction of  FIG. 4A . The primary difference being that the board-to-board connector associated with compressible layer  420  has been removed and the corresponding communication slot  602  associated with that connector is exposed. Communication slot  602  can include a number of electrical contacts  602   a  that cooperate with a plug of a board-to-board connector to electrically couple MLB  402  to other components. The tight spacing of electrical contacts  602   a  make proper alignment of the board-to-board connector with the communication slot  602  particularly important. It should also be noted that standoff  604  can be conductively mounted to MLB  402  and that at least a portion of standoff  604  can be conductive so that electricity is able to flow from MLB  402  and through standoff  604 , thereby allowing cowling  422  to be electrically coupled to MLB  402 . In one embodiment, standoff  604  can be welded to MLB  402  prior to installation of MLB  402  within housing  104 . Standoff  604  includes a top surface that can support a portion of cowling  422 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional side view showing how multiple components can be secured using a single fastener. Fastener  606  is driven through an opening in cowling  422  and an opening in standoff  604  to engage an opening in rigid frame member  608 , thereby securing both cowling  422  and MLB  402  to rigid frame member  608  with a single fastener  606 . Because MLB  402  is compressed in the stackup that includes MLB  402 , standoff  604  and cowling  422 , lateral motion of MLB  402  can be prevented at least by frictional forces present in the stackup. In addition to providing a mechanical linkage between the components in the stackup, fastener  606  can form a ground path between the aforementioned components and rigid frame member  608 . An electrically conductive portion  610  of standoff  604  allows electricity to flow from MLB  402  to cowling  422 , through fastener  606  and into rigid frame member  608 . For example, electrically conductive pathway  612  shows how a component (not shown) disposed along a top surface of MLB  402  can be grounded through standoff  604  and fastener  606 . It should be noted that in some embodiments, all of standoff  604  can be conductive and in other embodiments, standoff  604  can include a number of discrete conductive portions or pathways. Because the components can be efficiently grounded through standoff  604  and fastener  606 , additional grounding springs or grounding components need not be utilized, thereby saving costs in components and assembly time. 
       FIGS. 7A-7F  show various carrier tab embodiments for improving a manufacturing and assembly process utilized with portable computing device  100 . During assembly, various small components can be secured within housing  104  with precision in order to create a durable, stable, and functional product. To ensure alignment and positioning accuracy during assembly, carrier tab  702  is set forth. Carrier tab  702  includes fastener opening  704 , breakaway portion  706 , breakaway holes  708 , and solder openings  710 . Carrier tab  702  can be formed from metal. For example, carrier tab  702  can be formed from steel, aluminum, copper, and/or any other material that can be bonded with a flexible circuit. In one specific embodiment, carrier tab  702  is formed from stainless steel that is nickel plated. 
     Carrier tab  702  of  FIG. 7A  can be used when attaching a flexible circuit within housing  104 . In some embodiments, the flexible circuit can be associated with an antenna assembly. Carrier tab  702  can be bonded with the flexible circuit to establish an additional handle or means to grip and place the flexible circuit. For example, a flexible circuit can have a pad that can be soldered to carrier tab  702 . Solder openings  710  can be utilized to assist in keeping the carrier tab  702  soldered to the pad by allowing excess solder disposed between the pad and carrier tab  702  to pass through solder openings  710  and bond to additional surfaces of carrier tab  702 . 
     Breakaway portion  706  can act as a handle or grip means that is used to hold carrier tab  702  during an installation procedure. In some embodiments, carrier tab  702  can be maneuvered by a robotic arm that grips breakaway portion  706  during installation of carrier tab  702  and the flexible circuit within housing  104 . In this regard, carrier tab  702  can be used to grip, move, and align the flexible circuit with respect to a portion of housing  104 . The ability to align the flexible circuit is particularly useful when, for example, a mounting fastener needs to be directed through a number of components such as the flexible circuit, a fastening feature of housing  104 , and fastener opening  704  of carrier tab  702 . In one embodiment, a mounting fastener can be inserted through fastener opening  704  and an opening in the flexible circuit in order to secure the flexible circuit and carrier tab  702  against an interior surface of housing  104 . Once the mounting fastener is securely fastened and the flexible circuit is sufficiently affixed within housing  104 , breakaway portion  706  can be broken off from carrier tab  702  along breakaway holes  708  by repeatedly bending breakaway portion  706  back and forth. Breakaway holes  708  help to ensure breakaway tab separates from carrier tab  702  along the breakaway holes by weakening that portion of carrier tab  702 . Carrier tab  702  can take up less space inside of housing  104  once the breakaway portion  706  is discarded. Thereafter, the flexible circuit, remaining portion of carrier tab  702 , and mounting fastener reside in the computing device, securely fixed in place. 
       FIGS. 7B and 7C  show alternative embodiments of a carrier tab in accordance with other embodiments.  FIG. 7B  shows carrier tab  712  that is similar to carrier tab  702  such that fastener opening  714 , breakaway portion  716  and solder openings  720  are similar to corresponding features of carrier tab  702  respectively. Carrier tab  712  differs from carrier tab  702  in that it includes a single breakaway hole  718  instead of the perforated breakaway holes  708 . Breakaway hole  718  is a single opening that is larger than any individual breakaway hole  708  of carrier tab  702 . In this way, breakaway hole  718  provides a different type of perforation for breaking breakaway portion  716 . Because more material is removed this configuration may be easier to break away; however the increased size of the opening may make a location of the breakaway point less certain.  FIG. 7C  shows carrier tab  722  that is similar to carrier tab  702 . For example, fastener opening  724  and solder openings  726  are similar to corresponding features of carrier tab  702  respectively.  FIG. 7C  also shows carrier tab  722  having two elongated breakaway holes  728  for removing breakaway portion  730 . Carrier tab  722  also includes openings  728  that can be used to align carrier tab  722  with housing  104 . For example, pins of a robotic arm can cooperate with openings  732  to align carrier tab  722  within housing  104 . In addition to openings  728 , an alignment fiducial  734  can be disposed on the breakaway portion  730 . Alignment fiducial  734  can also be an alignment feature that can be used in aligning carrier tab  722  with housing  104 . For example, alignment fiducial  734  can be used in conjunction with a laser to help with proper alignment of carrier tab  722  with respect to housing  104 . 
       FIG. 7D  shows a perspective view of carrier tab  702 , and how a Breaking Force F can be used to separate breakaway portion  706  from carrier tab  702 . In some instances, it may be necessary to bend breakaway portion  706  back and forth before breakaway portion  706  is dislodged from carrier tab  702 . In other instances, it may be necessary to exert a twisting force on breakaway portion  706  before breakaway portion  706  is removed from carrier tab  702 .  FIGS. 7E-7F  show how carrier tab  712  can be installed within portable computing device  100  and also how carrier tab  712  fits within portable computing device  100  after removing breakaway portion  706 . 
       FIG. 7E  shows carrier tab  712  disposed within an interior portion of housing  104  in accordance with some embodiments. Carrier tab  712  is soldered to flexible circuit  740 . Flexible circuit  740  can be associated with components disposed within the housing  104 . For example, flexible circuit  740  can communicate signals to LED  742 , microphone  744 , and/or a camera (not shown) associated with opening. A fastener  748  fastens carrier tab  712  and flexible circuit  740  to a portion of interior frame member  750  of portable computing device  100 . In this embodiment, fastener  748  is a screw and interior frame member  750  is a steel reinforcement frame. Interior frame member  750  can also be used to support a portion of button assembly  106   b . In this regard, flexible circuit  740  can also be used to communicate signals associated with button assembly  105   b . Another portion of flexible circuit  740  can also be secured within housing  104 . For example, one end of flexible circuit  740  can be fastened to mounting surface  752 .  FIG. 7F  shows how, subsequent to fastening carrier tab  712  and flexible circuit  740  to interior frame member  750 , breakaway portion  716  can be removed from carrier tab  712 . As previously discussed, removing breakaway portion  716  can provide more interior space within housing  104  for other components. 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  show an exemplary button assembly  105   b  in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 8A  shows a perspective view of internal and external portions of portable computing device  100 . Disposed within an internal portion of portable computing device  100  is a securing system  802 . Securing system  802  can include a bracket  804 , a flexible circuit  806 , a switch  808 , and a stiffener  810 . Securing system  802  can be used to secure switch  808  with housing  104  or other mounting surface such that switch  808  cooperates with button  812  to provide a switch button functionality for portable computing device  100 . 
     Flexible circuit  806  can be a substantially planar substrate configured to support and electrically couple various electrical components. At least one side of flexible circuit  806  can be configured to be coupled with switch  808 . Switch  808  can be mounted on one side of flexible circuit  806  while stiffener  810  is coupled to an opposing side of flexible circuit  806 . In some embodiments, stiffener  810  is coupled to flexible circuit  806  with a heat-activated adhesive. Flexible circuit  806  can electrically couple switch  808  to a processor (not shown) of portable computing device  100 . 
     Stiffener  810  can be formed of a conducting material such as stainless steel (SUS). For example, stiffener  810  can be formed from SUS Grade  301 . SUS is generally considered to be weldable by common fusion and resistance techniques. Accordingly, stiffener  810  can be welded to bracket  804 . In this regard, the stiffener  810  can be used as an intermediate coupling device for securing flexible circuit  806  (and consequently switch  808 ) to bracket  804 . Bracket  804  can include one or more alignment features or openings that can be used to fasten bracket  804  to housing  104  or other mounting surface. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a securing system, a button and a housing enclosure in accordance with one embodiment. Securing system  802  can be secured to the housing  104  or other mounting surface so that switch  808  is aligned with button  812 . Flexible circuit  806  can be adhesively coupled or welded with (via stiffener  810 ) to bracket  804 . Unfortunately, in certain embodiments, small components may not have sufficient surface area to maintain a robust coupling between a mounting surface, such as a bracket, and a flexible circuit. This can be of particular concern when the coupling is frequently subjected to normal and/or force components as a part of normal operation of a device. For example, flexible circuit  806  can undergo significant shearing force during actuation of switch  808  (by way of button  812 ) and can cause the adhesive integrity between flexible circuit  806  and bracket  804  to be compromised. Consequently, a compromised coupling between flexible circuit  806  and bracket  804  can adversely affect the alignment between button  812  and switch  808 . Poor alignment between the button  812  and switch  808  can cause a poor user experience when a user actuates button  812 . 
       FIG. 8C  shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a securing system, a button and a housing enclosure in accordance with another embodiment. In this embodiment, switch  808  can include an alignment feature  814  that can be sized and dimensioned to work in conjunction with an opening  816  of bracket  804 . In some aspects of the embodiment, alignment feature  814  is an integrally formed portion of switch  808 . For example, alignment feature  814  can take the form of a post or protrusion that is integrally formed with switch  808 . Alignment feature  814  can cooperate with opening  816  to resist undesirable application of shearing forces upon switch  808 , particularly after prolonged use of switch  808 . In this way an adhesive coupling can be substantially protected from an application of shearing forces by the interaction between alignment feature  814  and opening  816 . Furthermore, alignment feature  814  and opening  816  can also assist in aligning switch  808  with button  812  during an assembly process. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a front view of an exemplary portable computing device  100  having a display assembly  902  and a button  904 . Display assembly  902  can be covered by protective cover  102  that provides a surface upon which a user can enter touch inputs in accordance with a user interface displayed by display assembly  902 . In some embodiments, protective cover  102  can be formed from hardened glass while in other embodiments it can be formed of other transparent materials such as, for example, plastic. Button  904  provides portable computing device  100  with a user interface. In some embodiments, button  904  can be utilized to activate portable computing device  100 . Button  904  can be formed from plastic. In some cases, a plastic button  904  can be hard coated in order to provide a protective coat. When actuated by a user, button  904  can provide a firm and stable tactile feel. The tactile feel can be created by interaction of button  904  with a flange and a mechanical switch disposed beneath button  904 . 
       FIGS. 9B and 9C  show cross-sectional side views of button  904  in accordance with section line F-F and line G-G respectively. Button  904  is depicted as being disposed within an opening in protective cover  102 . In other embodiments, button  904  can be disposed within other enclosure components of portable computing device  100 . For example, the button  904  can be disposed within an opening defined by a sidewall of housing  104 . Button  904  includes an external surface having a concave shape such that a center of button  904  is recessed further into the opening of portable computing device  100  with respect to a periphery of button  904 . Beneath button  904  is flange  906  that is operable to at least partially seal an interface between protective cover  102  and button  904  and also to provide resistance to actuation of button  904 . Flange  906  can be formed from a flexible material such as polycarbonate. Flange  906  is supported against button  904  by internal bracket  908  that extends around a periphery of flange  906  and is coupled to both flange  906  and a bottom surface of protective cover  102 . The coupling can be accomplished in a number of ways including by use of an adhesive. Internal bracket  908  is also contoured so that it supports the varying shape of flange  906 . Movement of button  904  is controlled in part by flange  906  as it actuates switch  910 . In some embodiments, switch  910  can be a dome switch that also contributes to an overall response provided during actuation of button  904 . 
     Flange  906  can have a varying cross-sectional thickness so that flange  906  is substantially thicker along a periphery with respect to a center of flange  906 . In this configuration, flange  906  can allow the center of button  904  to be recessed further than a periphery of button  904  thereby providing a stable tactile response when button  904  is actuated. Accordingly, switch  910  can be positioned under the center of button  904  to increase the likelihood that switch  910  will be actuated when button  904  is pressed. By selectively thickening flange  906 , a structural integrity of flange  906  can be enhanced so that flange  906  is less susceptible to cracking. Cracking can occur due to wear from multiple actuations of button  904 . Furthermore, this configuration can also assist in preventing button  904  from protruding from the opening in protective cover  102 . In this regard, flange  906  positions button  904  at a desired height with respect to protective cover  102 . 
     It should be noted that flange  906  can also be selectively thickened to leave space for components that are disposed near flange  906 . For example, flange  906  can be thinner where components below flange  906  are too tall to accommodate an increased thickness. As depicted in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , flange  906  can have a thicker periphery in cross-section G-G than a periphery in cross-section F-F. The periphery thickness can be varied in this way to accommodate components adjacent to peripheral portions of flange  906  (e.g., components associated with display assembly  902 ). 
       FIG. 10A  shows a side view of portable computing device  100 . Button assembly  105   a  is depicted as being disposed along a sidewall of portable computing device  100 . Button assembly  105   a  can include a slide switch  1002  that is installed within an opening  1004  disposed on a sidewall of housing  104 . A portion of slide switch  1002  protrudes through opening  1004 . Slide switch  1002  can be used to provide portable computing device  100  with user interface functionality. For example, slide switch  1002  can be used as toggle ON/OFF switch. To actuate slide switch  1002 , a user can exert a force on the portion of slide switch  1002  that extends through opening  1004 , thereby causing slide switch  1002  to move from a first position to a second position within opening  1004  as indicated by the arrow. The opening  1004  can be characterized as having a major dimension and a minor dimension. In one example, the major dimension can refer to a length of the opening  1004  and the minor dimension can refer to a width of the opening  1004 . In some examples, the major dimension is greater than the minor dimension. As shown, the opening  1004  includes a first dimension  1005   a  that corresponds to the major dimension and a second dimension  1005   b  that corresponds to the minor dimension. The first dimension  1005   a  can be larger than the second dimension  1005   b.    
       FIGS. 10B-C  show partial views of an internal portion of housing  104 . Movement of slide switch  1002  is constrained by rails  1006 , which define a vertical path along which slide switch  1002  can travel. Rails  1006  are coupled to an internal frame member  1008 . Internal frame member  1008  can be disposed within housing  104 . In some embodiments, internal frame member  1008  can be coupled to housing  104 . For example, internal frame member  1008  can be coupled to an interior surface of housing  104  using an adhesive, friction fit, fastening system, molding techniques or combination thereof. 
     In one embodiment, rails  1006  can be coupled to internal frame member  1008  by welding them together. For example, rail  1006  and internal frame member  1008  can be laser welded together. In another embodiment, rails  1006  can be coupled to internal frame member  1008  by brazing. Rails  1006  can be made from metal such as stainless steel or any other material that can be welded to internal frame member  1008 . Internal frame member  1008  can also be made from metal and is configured to be substantially rigid. Because rails  1006  are coupled with a substantially rigid internal frame member  1008 , a distance between rails  1006  stays substantially constant and is not subject to the type of deformation experienced by a component coupled directly to housing  104 . This stability can provide a user with a consistent tactical response when the user actuates slide switch  1002 . 
     Furthermore, this configuration is preferred over one in which rails  1006  are integrally formed along an inside surface of housing  104  because formation of the rails within housing  104  can cause cosmetic problems along an outside surface of housing  104 . For example, the formation of rails using an injection molding operation typically results in blemishes on the outside surface of housing  104 . Slide switch  1002  also includes protrusions  1010  facing away from opening  1004 . Protrusions  1010  allow slide switch  1002  to engage an electrical switch (not shown) disposed adjacent to slide switch  1002 . In this way, when a user maneuvers slide switch  1002  between positions, portable computing device  100  can execute an operation in response to a signal provided by the electrical switch. For example, slide switch  1002  can provide ringer control functionality for portable computing device  100 . 
     Additional modifications to the assembly process can be provided in order to establish additional space within the computing device. During both assembly and operation, the computing device should provide room internally for various components to function properly. Functionality can be disrupted when components interfere with the operation of other neighboring components inside the computing device. 
       FIG. 11A  shows an internal view of an interior portion of portable computing device  100 . Portable computing device  100  can include a flexible circuit  1102 , a light emitting diode (LED)  1104 , a microphone  1106  and a camera  1108 . Flexible circuit  1102  can include a first tail  1102   a  and a second tail  1102   b . LED  1104  can be coupled near one end of first tail  1102   a  and microphone  1106  can be coupled near one end of second tail  1102   b . As described further below, first tail  1102   a  and second tail  1102   b  can be created by cutting flexible circuit  1102 ; the cut can result in gap  1100 . Cutting flexible circuit  1102  to define one or more tails, such as first tail  1102   a  and second tail  1102   b , can provide flexible circuit  1102  with an increased flexibility in maneuvering and positioning. In this regard, first tail  1102   a  and second tail  1102   b  can extend to different positions within the interior portion of portable computing device  100  without placing undo stress on flexible circuit  1102 . This is particularly advantageous when first tail  1102   a  and second tail  1102   b  extend to different planes. 
     LED  1104  can be configured to provide portable computing device  100  with an illumination device. Although embodiments herein describe an LED configured to provide a camera flash, this embodiment is not limiting and it should be understood that an LED can also be used in an electronic device for a variety of applications. For example, an LED can be used to provide a visual indication, flashlight functionality and/or any other application where a light source is needed. 
       FIG. 11B  shows a back view of portable computing device  100  in accordance with some embodiments. Housing  104  of portable computing device  100  encloses LED  1104 , microphone  1106 , and camera  1108  within the portable computing device  100 . Housing  104  can define an opening  1116  for exposing LED  1104  to an outside environment. In this regard, light emitted from LED  1104  can be directed away from portable computing device  100 . In use, LED  1104  can emit a flash of light substantially concurrent with actuation of camera  1108  (i.e., when camera  1108  takes a picture). In some embodiments, LED  1104  is orientated such that the flash of light is emitted in substantially the same direction as the direction camera  1108 . Accordingly, LED  1104  can be disposed near camera  1108  within portable computing device  100  as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . 
     In some cases, light emitted from LED  1104  can spread to undesirable locations. For example, light from a camera flash can leak within the interior of portable computing device  100  and spread to other portions of portable computing device  100 . The undesirable light leakage can adversely affect other operations or components of portable computing device  100 . In some embodiments, the minimization of light leakage can be realized by surrounding a portion of LED  1104  with a structure such as a seal, adhesive, or shim. The structure can be a fixture or other component coupled to an inner surface of housing  104  or to an inner surface of an interior frame member disposed within housing  104 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 11A , a peripheral portion  1114  of first tail  1102   a  surrounding LED  1104  can be used as a surface for adhesively coupling the first tail  1102   a  to a mounting surface of a structure that surrounds LED  1104 . The surface area of peripheral portion  1114  can depend on the size of LED  1104  and on the size of gap  1110 . As described in more detail below, the surface area of peripheral portion  1114  can have an inverse relationship with gap  1110 . In some embodiments, the surface area of peripheral portion  1114  can be very minute, causing alignment between peripheral portion  1114  and the mounting surface to be difficult due to a lack of surface area. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, peripheral portion  1114  does not have a sufficient surface area to maintain a robust adhesive coupling between the mounting surface and first tail  1102   a.    
     Coupling a small peripheral portion  1114  with the mounting surface can be difficult and cumbersome, particularly when the coupling process is performed by hand. In some embodiments, the mounting surface can be positioned with respect to opening  1116  such that when peripheral portion  1114  is properly aligned and coupled to the mounting surface, the LED  1104  is also properly aligned with opening  1116 . Consequently, any misalignment between peripheral portion  1114  and the mounting surface can result in LED  1104  being misaligned with opening  1116 . A misalignment between LED  1104  and opening  1116  can result in an obstruction of light emitted from LED  1104  that is intended to pass through opening  1116 . In some embodiments, a larger peripheral portion  1114  can be realized by cutting flexible circuit  1102  such that gap  1110  is reduced. By reducing gap  1110 , less surface area of flexible circuit  1102  is cut away, providing more surface area to first tail  1102   a  that surrounds LED  1104  (i.e., a larger peripheral portion  1114 ). 
       FIG. 12A  shows an exemplary embodiment of flexible circuit  1102  that has undergone a die cutting operation. As a result of the die cutting operation, flexible circuit  1102  includes a gap  1110   a  having a length w 1 . Gap  1110   a  can define in part a first tail  1102   a  and a second tail  1102   b  of flexible circuit  1102 . The die cutting operation can include mechanically cutting flexible circuit  1102  with a cutting tool. In some embodiments, the die cutting operation can include using a die as a cutting guide when cutting flexible circuit  1102  with a cutting tool such as a blade. In other embodiments, a die having a cutting surface can be used as a cutting tool, similar to a cookie cutter. When performing a mechanical cut with a cutting tool, the width of the cut can be based on a width of a cutting surface of the cutting tool. For example, the width of the cut can be proportional to a width of a cutting surface of a blade used to make the cut. In this regard, length w 1  can depend on the cutting tool that was used in the die cutting operation. In some cases, a die cutting operation can result in a length w 1  of about 0.5 mm. 
     As a consequence of gap  1110   a , LED  1104  is at a length, w 2 , from an edge of first tail  1102   a  as shown in  FIG. 12A . Length w 2  can have an inverse relationship with length w 1 . In this regard, as gap  1110   a  increases (i.e., increasing length w 1 ) the smaller first tail  1102   a  (and/or second tail  1102   b ) becomes. Furthermore, as gap  1110   a  decreases, the larger first tail  1102   a  (and/or second tail  1102   b ) becomes. In some cases, the die cutting operation can result in a gap so big that it results in first tail  1102   a  having an insufficient amount of surface area for adhering first tail  1102   a  to a mounting surface. 
       FIG. 12B  shows an exemplary embodiment of flexible circuit  1102  that has undergone a laser cutting operation. A laser cutting operation can include directing a high-powered laser at the material to be cut. The laser cutting operation can include any type of laser cutting including, but not limited to, vaporization cutting, fusion cutting, CO 2  based laser cutting, neodymium based laser cutting and/or neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet based laser cutting. The laser used in a laser cutting operation can be focused on a very small spot on the material. For example, a laser can be focused on a spot having a diameter of about 0.025 mm. Consequently, a laser cutting operation can provide a smaller cut relative to a cut provided by a die cutting operation. Still referring to  FIG. 12B , flexible circuit  1102  includes a gap  1110   b  having a length w 3 . Length w 3  can be substantially less than length w 1 . In some cases, length w 3  can be on the order of ten times less than length w 1 . Hence, a length of gap  1110   b  can be substantially smaller than a length of gap  1110   a.    
     As a consequence of gap  1110   b , LED  1104  is at a length w 4 , from an edge of first tail  1102   a  as shown in  FIG. 12B . First tail  1102   a  in  FIG. 12B  is larger relative to first tail  1102   a  in  FIG. 12A . As discussed above, a smaller gap can result in a bigger first tail  1102   a . In this regard, a length of first tail  1102   a  has increased (relative to a corresponding length of first tail  1102   a  in  FIG. 12A ) with respect to length w 4 ; consequently length w 4  is greater than length w 2 . The laser cutting operation provides a means for cutting flexible circuit  1102  with a smaller cut resulting in first tail  1102   a  having an increased surface area that surrounds LED  1104 . The increased surface area can provide a greater tolerance in alignment and improve an adhesive coupling between first tail  1102   a  and a mounting structure as described in  FIGS. 11A-11B . 
       FIG. 13  shows a block diagram representing a method for securing a number of board-to-board connectors with a cowling. In a first step  1302  at least one connector of a board-to-board connector is coupled with a communication slot disposed on a PCB. At step  1304  a compressible layer is applied along a top surface of the board-to-board connector opposite the connector. In some embodiments, the compressible layer can be adhered to the top surface of the board-to-board connector prior to the connector being coupled with the communication slot. In some embodiments, the compressible layer can be a conductive foam pad. At step  1306  an inside surface of a metal cowling is compressed against the compressible layer. This compression can be accomplished by fastening the cowling to the PCB. In this way, the connector can be preloaded by the force transmitted through the compressible layer. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160922
Publication Date: 20201229
Grant Date: 20201229
Priority Date: 20140811
Inventors: JARVIS, DANIEL W.
POPE, BENJAMIN J.
SLOEY, JASON
DENBY, JONATHAN C.
SPRAGGS, IAN A.
MALEK, SHAYAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0277", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0274", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/148", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0274", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0274", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/14", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R43/205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0277", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H23/148", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55268544