PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8537564-B2
Application Number: US-98792711-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Systems and methods for grounding a movable component

Abstract:
An electronic device can include different components providing different functionality. Some electronic devices can include a proximity sensor for determining when a user&#39;s face is near the device. The sensor can include an emitter and a detector that are separated by a foam block to limit cross-talk between the emitter and detector. A sheet can be placed over the foam block to define openings for each of the emitter and detector. Some electronic devices can also include a camera. A glass cover secured to the device enclosure can protect the camera. To improve an adhesive bond between the glass cover and a metal enclosure, an ink layer can be placed between an adhesive and the glass. In addition, the camera or another component may need to be grounded to ensure proper operation. During assembly, however, the position of the camera can shift due to closing an enclosure. A grounding assembly that maintains contact with the camera in its initial and final positions can be provided.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for grounding a component in an electronic device, comprising:
 placing a component in an initial position relative to an enclosure of an electronic device during assembly of the device; 
 placing a first end of a grounding component in contact with the component and a second end of the grounding component in contact with a grounding platform within the enclosure; and 
 moving the component from the initial position to a final position, wherein the grounding component is operative to remain connected to the grounding platform and to the component while the component moves. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 securely coupling the second end of the grounding component to the grounding platform. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein coupling further comprises:
 connecting the second end of the grounding component to the grounding platform using a fastener. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the grounding component comprises a spring. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 coupling a base of the spring to the grounding platform; and 
 deflecting a base arm of the spring when it is placed in contact with the component. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the amount of deflection of the base arm changes based on the position of the component. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the grounding component comprises a clip and a flex. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 securely coupling the clip to the grounding platform; 
 coupling a first end of the flex to the component; and 
 placing a second end of the flex in the clip. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the first end of the flex comprises a first rigid section; 
 the second end of the flex comprises a second rigid section; and 
 a portion of the flex between the first rigid section and the second rigid section comprises a flexible section. 
 
     
     
       10. An electronic device, comprising:
 a midplate comprising a grounding platform; 
 a camera comprising a housing, the camera retained by the midplate; 
 a clip assembly for grounding the camera, the clip assembly comprising:
 a clip coupled to the grounding platform; and 
 a flex comprising a first rigid section and a second rigid section connected by a flexible section, wherein the first rigid section is coupled to the camera housing and the second rigid section is coupled to the clip; and 
 a cover forming part of an enclosure of the device, wherein assembling the cover to the device causes the camera to move from an initial position to a final position. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a screw coupling the clip to the grounding platform. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the clip defines a cavity; and 
 the second rigid section is secured in the cavity. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the clip is constructed from a conductive material; and 
 the camera housing is constructed from a conductive material. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a boot operative to receive the camera. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the boot comprises:
 a first surface having a high coefficient of friction, wherein the camera is placed adjacent to the first surface; and 
 a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein:
 the second surface has a low coefficient of friction; and 
 the second surface is placed adjacent to the midplate. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the boot is constructed from silicon. 
 
     
     
       17. A grounding assembly for grounding a component that moves between a first position and a second position in an electronic device, comprising:
 a base coupled to a grounding platform of an electronic device; and 
 a connector comprising two ends, wherein:
 a first end is coupled to the component; a second end is coupled to the base; and 
 the connector is operative to move between a first state and a second state based when the component moves from the first position to the second position within the electronic device. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The grounding assembly of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the base comprises a clip; and 
 the connector comprises a flex. 
 
     
     
       19. The grounding assembly of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the connector comprises a base arm of a spring. 
 
     
     
       20. The grounding assembly of  claim 19 , wherein:
 the base arm is operative to deflect by a first amount when the component is in the first position, and 
 by a second amount when the component is in the second position.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices can include a variety of components that provide functionality to the devices. For example, some devices can include a proximity sensor. As another example, some devices can include a camera for capturing images (still images or video). As still another example, some devices can include circuitry or sensors for detecting how it being used, such as whether a face is close by so that the touch screen should be deactivated. The camera, sensors, or other circuitry can be incorporated in the electronic device using different approaches. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to mount or connect the camera, sensors, or other circuitry in a manner that enhances the reliability and precision of outputs provided by the camera, sensors or other circuitry. 
     SUMMARY 
     An electronic device can include several sensors for detecting how the device is used. In some cases, an electronic device can include a proximity sensor having an emitter emitting light. The light can be reflected outside of the device, and be detected by a detector. The emitter and detector can be placed underneath a glass cover to prevent damage to the components. To ensure a proper operation of the sensor, one or more foam blocks can be placed at least between the emitter and detector to prevent cross talk, or light emitted by the emitter being detected by the detector without passing through the glass cover and into the environment (e.g., detection of emitted light due to reflection within the device). In some cases, one or both of the emitter and detector can be surrounded by foam blocks. 
     The disposition of the foam blocks, and the size of openings within the blocks for each of the emitter and detector, can affect the performance of the sensor. Therefore, it may be desirable to utilize different configurations of blocks providing different openings for each component of the sensor in order to tune the sensor performance. Creating different foam blocks, and placing them accurately in the device in a consistent manner for testing, however, may be an expensive, time-consuming, and/or difficult endeavor. 
     To improve performance of the sensor, a sheet of material can be applied to a top surface of foam blocks. The material used for the sheet can be more robust or rigid than the material used for the foam block, such that manipulation of the sheet is less likely to damage the foam block than direct manipulation of the foam block. For example, the sheet can be constructed from Mylar adhered to a surface of the foam blocks. The sheet can also be used to facilitate testing of the sensor. 
     In some cases, different sheets of material can be provided on a single size of foam blocks. Each sheet of material can be sized such that the sheet of material extends beyond a periphery of a surface of the foam blocks. Using this approach, the sheet boundaries can define the size and shape of openings for each of the emitter and detector. Each of the different sheets, however, can be supported by a single size or type of foam block. This can reduce costs and accelerate the timeframe for tuning a proximity sensor, which can thereby increase the likelihood that the sensor will have superior performance in the device. 
     Some electronic devices can include a camera for capturing images. The camera can be enclosed within an electronic device to protect components of the camera, such as the lens, from damage. The enclosure can include a transparent cover through which light from the environment can be transmitted and so that it reaches the camera. The cover can be treated or include one or more coatings for improving the performance of the camera. For example, an oleophobic coating can be applied to an exterior surface of the cover, and an infrared filter can be applied to an interior surface of the cover. 
     The cover can be secured to any suitable portion of the electronic device enclosure. In some cases, the enclosure can include an opening over which the cover is placed. The opening can be smaller than the cover, such that a ring around a periphery of the cover can come into contact with a portion of the enclosure (e.g., an edge) forming a ring around the opening. An adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive) can be applied around the opening to secure the cover to the enclosure. 
     Some adhesives, however, may have difficulty bonding to glass (e.g., the cover) or to metal (e.g., the enclosure). To improve the bond provided by the adhesive, an ink layer can be provided over the adhesive. For example, an ink layer can be applied to the ring around the periphery of the cover such that the ink layer is between the cover and the adhesive (which is placed in contact with the enclosure). In some cases, a filter or coating can be applied to the cover. For example, an infrared filter can be applied to a surface of the cover. Then, a second ink layer can be placed between the cover and the infrared filter to improve the adhesive of the infrared filter to the cover. The enclosure and cover can be heated to improve the bond provided by the adhesive. The enclosure and cover can be secured within a fixture, which can be constructed from silicon, to be heated. 
     Some electronic device components may need to be grounded to operate properly. For example, providing a conductive path for a component to ground can reduce or eliminate potential interferences caused by antennas, or by radiation emitted by other components. In some cases, a component such as a camera may need to be grounded by providing a conductive path between a housing of the camera and a grounding platform of the device (e.g., a portion of or connected to the enclosure). 
     In some cases, a component may move relative to an enclosure during assembly. For example, a camera can be placed in an initial position during the assembly process, and subsequently be slid to a final position later in the process, such as when a cover closing the enclosure is placed over the camera and slid into place. To ensure that the camera operates properly, it may be desirable to ground the camera in both the initial position and in the final position. This may require a grounding assembly that includes a movable component that can accommodate the change in position of the camera. 
     The grounding assembly can take any suitable form. In some cases, the grounding assembly can include a spring having several different arms that deflect in different manners. The amount of deflection of arms can vary based on the position of the camera. Alternatively, the grounding assembly can include a clip and a flex. The flex can include a flexible section between two rigid sections. A rigid section can be connected to each of the camera and to the grounding platform such that the flexible section can deform to accommodate the different positions of the camera during the assembly process and after the process is complete. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an electronic device having sensors in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a back view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of a proximity sensor incorporated in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a sectional view of the proximity sensor of  FIG. 2A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of an illustrative foam block with an integrated sheet for use in a proximity sensor in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a perspective view of the foam block with an integrated sheet of  FIG. 2C  placed in an electronic device enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for constructing a sensor in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a sectional view of an illustrative device enclosure receiving a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of the illustrative electronic device enclosure of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed section view of an interface between a cover and an edge in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of several layers applied to a cover in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of a fixture retaining a body and a cover in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an illustrative testing fixture for testing repeated small impacts in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for coupling a cover to an edge of an opening in a body in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a camera as it is assembled in an electronic device enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a spring used for grounding a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an illustrative grounding spring in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the grounding spring of  FIG. 12A  placed in an electronic device enclosure with a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic view of a camera housing grounded using a clip in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 14A  is a schematic view of an illustrative clip for grounding a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 14B  is a schematic view of another illustrative clip for grounding a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of an illustrative clip for grounding a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the illustrative clip of  FIG. 15A  in which a flex is placed in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15C  is a perspective view of the illustrative clip and flex of  FIG. 15B  placed in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for grounding a component in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 17A  is an exploded view of a camera assembly placed in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 17B  is a perspective view of the camera assembly of  FIG. 17A  placed in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view of an illustrative camera and boot placed in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An electronic device can include several sensors for providing information to the device. Such sensors can include, for example, a proximity sensor and a camera. The sensors can be incorporated in the device such that their functionality is assured while protecting the sensors for damage due to use of the device. In addition, the process for assembling the sensor can be improved, thus improving the reliability and performance of the sensor. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an electronic device having sensors in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 1B  is a back view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  100  can include enclosure  110  defining exterior surfaces of the device. Enclosure  110  can be constructed from one or more components that can be combined to provide a structure for the device. For example, enclosure  110  can include a housing in which device components are placed or mounted. As another example, enclosure  110  can include a band defining a periphery of the device, and covers placed over the band. Enclosure  110  can be constructed from any suitable material including, for example, a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), plastic, composite material, or combinations of these. In some cases, the materials used can be selected to take advantage of one or more of mechanical properties or cosmetic attributes. 
     Electronic device  100  can include display region  120  through which information can be provided to a user. Display region  120  can extend over any suitable portion of enclosure  110 . In some cases, display region  120  can extend over most or all of a front surface, a back surface, or both surfaces of enclosure  110 . Display circuitry placed underneath the display region can be controlled by a processor or other control circuitry to provide information viewable by a user. In some cases, display region  120  can have a larger size than the display circuitry. For example, display region  120  can include a glass component having dark bands around a periphery of portion of display region covering the display circuitry. Alternatively, display region  120  can include a portion of a larger component serving as a cover within enclosure  110 . For example, display region  120  can correspond to a region of glass window  122  placed over a band. 
     To provide different functionality to a user, electronic device  100  can include different sensors. For example, electronic device  100  can include proximity sensor  130  positioned such that a portion of sensor  130  can interface with the outside of electronic device  100  is placed. Sensor  130  can be placed adjacent to a portion of window  122  such that light or other radiation can be transmitted between sensor  130  and the device environment through window  122 . In some cases, window  122  can include one or more transparent or translucent regions surrounded by opaque regions for defining specific regions through which light can pass as it leaves the sensor or reaches the sensor. For example, an emitter of sensor  130  can be placed adjacent to a first transparent region of window  122 , and a detector of sensor  130  can be placed adjacent to a second transparent region of window  122 . In some cases, the opaque regions can be defined using any suitable approach including, for example, by an ink layer applied to the window. 
     In addition to sensor  130 , electronic device  100  can include camera  140  for capturing images. Camera  140  can be placed in any suitable portion of enclosure  110  including, for example, adjacent to window  122  or to back cover  124 . To allow a lens of camera  140  to capture images, camera  140  can be exposed within enclosure. It may be desirable, however, to provide cover  142  over camera  140  to protect the camera lens from damage. Cover  142  can be incorporated in enclosure  110  such that light can be transmitted through cover  142  and enclosure  110  and to camera  140 . In some cases, cover  142  can be a component distinct from back cover  122  that is placed within an opening of back cover  122 . Alternatively, cover  142  can be constructed from a portion of back cover  122 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a front view of a proximity sensor incorporated in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  200  can include glass cover  210  providing an external surface of the device. Glass cover  210  can include translucent or transparent regions  214  and  216 , and opaque region  212 . Any suitable approach can be used to render regions  214  and  216  transparent, and region  212  opaque. For example, regions  214  and  216  can be polished or etched. As another example, an ink layer or other opaque material can be deposited on region  212 . The material selected for opaque region  212  may be such that light or other radiation may not pass through opaque region  212 , but must instead pass through one of regions  214  and  216 , for example to reach proximity sensor  220  aligned with one or both of regions  214  and  216 . Regions  214  and  216  can have any suitable size including, for example, the same or different sizes. In some cases, the sizes may be determined from the sizes of emitter  222  and detector  224 . 
     In some cases, proximity sensor  220  can include at least two distinct components that combine to determine the distance between objects and the device. In particular, proximity sensor  220  can include emitter  222  operative to emit light that passes through region  214 , and detector  224  operative to receive light that passes through region  216 . Emitter  222  can include any component operative to emit or transmit light or other forms of radiation. For example, emitter  222  can include a LED or other light source. Light provided by emitter  222  can be transmitted through region  214  of cover  210  at any suitable interval. In some cases, control circuitry of the device can establish intervals or moments in time at which light is to be emitted. Light can be emitted continuously, as pulses, or as combinations of these. 
     Light emitted by emitter  222  and passing through cover  210  can be reflected by objects around the device such that a portion of the reflected light can be return through region  216  of cover  210 . Detector  224  can be placed adjacent to region  216  such that reflected light may be detected by detector  224 . Detector  224  can include any suitable circuitry for detecting light or other forms of radiation emitted by emitter  222 , or changes in light or other forms of radiation corresponding to emissions of emitter  222 . For example, detector  224  can include a capacitive, optical, or resistive component for detecting changes in a measureable property. 
     To improve sensor performance, emitter  222  and detector  224  can be placed in cavities  232  and  234 , respectively, such that the sensor components are offset from side walls or boundaries of a sensor body in which cavities  232  and  234  are formed. This may allow more light emitted by emitter  222  to be transmitted through cover  210 , and may allow more light reflected by the environment to be detected by detector  224 . 
     It may be necessary to limit the amount of light or other radiation emitted by emitter  222  that is detected by detector  224  without being reflected by the environment (e.g., limit cross-talk) to ensure a proper operation of sensor  220 . In particular, it may be necessary to ensure that emitted radiation is not transmitted within electronic device  200  and immediately detected by detector  224 , as this may result in a false detection of an object near sensor  220 . Several approaches can be used to isolate emitter  222  from detector  224 . As a first approach, cover  210  can include an opaque region separating transparent regions associated with each of emitter  222  and detector  224 . The opaque region may eliminate most or all paths for light internally reflected by cover  210  between emitter  222  and detector  224 . 
     In some cases, electronic device  200  can include material placed between emitter  222  and detector  224  for preventing cross talk between the sensor components (e.g., by placing emitter  222  in cavity  232 , and placing detector  224  in cavity  234 ). As shown in  FIG. 2B , emitter  222  can be secured between side wall  240  and center wall  244  of body  241 , and detector  224  can be secured between center wall  244  and side wall  242  of body  241 . Side walls  240  and  242  can, in at least some regions, extend to cover  210  such that the cover can be placed in contact with the side walls. Some materials selected for body  241  and cover  210  may be such that light is reflected or transmitted at or near the interface between the components, which may adversely affect the operation of sensor  220 . To absorb excess emissions and prevent cross-talk, electronic device  200  can include a compliant and opaque material placed between body  241  and cover  210  around a periphery of regions  214  and  216  (e.g., around a periphery of the openings of cavities  232  and  234 ). 
     Electronic device  200  can include foam block  252  placed in ledge  243  of side wall  240  such that foam block  252  provides an interface between side wall  240  and cover  210  around a portion of the periphery of region  214  (e.g., the height of the ledge, or the distance between the ledge and an outer surface of body  241  is smaller than the height of foam block  252 ). Similarly, electronic device  200  can include foam block  254  placed between center wall  244  and cover  210  to provide an interface around another portion of the periphery of region  214 . Foam block  254  can be aligned with center wall  244  using any suitable approach including, for example, using protruding or recessed features in an upper or exposed surface of center wall  244 . In some cases, foam blocks  252  and  254 , alone or in combination with other foam blocks, can surround a periphery of region  214  adjacent to cover  210  to improve the performance of emitter  222 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2C , foam blocks  252 ,  254  and  256  can be part of a single foam block that surrounds an emitter and a detector, corresponding to cavities  232  and  234 , respectively. 
     Electronic device  200  can include foam block  256  placed in ledge  245  of side wall  242  such that foam block  256  provides an interface between side wall  242  and cover  210  around a portion of the periphery of region  216 . Foam block  254 , placed over center wall  246 , can extend over center wall  246  such that different sides of foam block  254  provide interfaces between center wall  246  and cover  210  for each of regions  214  and  216 . Similar to region  214 , foam blocks  256  and  254 , alone or in addition with other foam blocks, can surround a periphery of region  216  adjacent to cover  210  to improve the performance of detector  224 . In some cases, as shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , foam blocks  252 ,  254  and  256  can be part of a single foam block. 
     Each of the foam blocks can be secured within electronic device  200  using any suitable approach. In some cases, a foam block can be retained by compression forces applied to the foam block by cover  210  and a side wall or center wall (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2D ). For example, a foam block can be placed in a ledge of a side wall, or on an upper surface of a center wall, and be at least partially compressed such that it is press fit between the side wall or center wall and cover  210  when cover  210  is placed on the device. In such cases, each foam block can be sized such that the height of the foam block is larger than the height of a ledge (e.g., a distance between a portion of a wall on which the foam block will lie and a cover). The height selected for the foam block can be determined from one or more of the type of material used for the foam block, the elasticity or sponginess of the foam block material, the space in the device for the foam block, properties of the sensor (e.g., the type of light emitted), or combinations of these. 
     In other cases, an adhesive or other securing mechanism can be used to secure a foam block to one or more of a wall and the cover. For example, a heat sensitive, pressure sensitive, or other adhesive can be used to secure a foam block to a ledge in a side wall, or to a top surface of a center wall. As another example, tape can be used to secure a foam block to any exposed surface of a wall (e.g., a top or side surface of a side wall) or of the cover. As still another example, a mechanical fastener can be used. 
     The performance of sensor  220  may, in some cases, depend on the distance between foam blocks  252  and  254 , and on the distance between foam blocks  254  and  256 . More specifically, the performance of sensor  220  may depend on the size of regions  214  and  216  in cover  210 , where the dimensions of the regions may be defined by the distance between the foam blocks within cavity  232  in which emitter  222  is placed, the distance between the foam blocks within cavity  234  in which detector  224  is placed, or both. Therefore, the particular dimensions and shape of each foam block can be critical to the performance of sensor  220 . 
     When electronic device  200  is constructed, each foam block can be individually placed adjacent to a wall. Because the material used for each foam block may be compliant, some blocks may be deformed or damaged as they are assembled, which can adversely affect the performance of sensor  220 . In addition, to test the performance of sensor  220 , it may be desirable to test different sizes of regions  214  and  216 . Accordingly, foam blocks having different sizes can be defined and used to test different sizes of open regions through which light or other radiation associated with sensor  220  can be transmitted. The process of creating of each foam block may be expensive, and due to the fragile nature of each foam block, testing results may be unreliable or costly. 
     To improve the reliability of the foam blocks used for sensor  220 , and to facilitate testing different attributes of sensors, a sheet of material can be embedded on a surface of one or more foam blocks. For example, a sheet of material can be provided on an upper or top surface of a foam block such that the sheet of material is between the foam block and cover  210 . In the example of  FIG. 2B , electronic device  200  can include sheet  262  placed adjacent to foam block  252 , and sheet  264  placed adjacent to foam block  254 . In some cases, a sheet can instead or in addition be provided adjacent to foam block  256 . Electronic device  200  can include several distinct sheets, for example corresponding to different foam blocks, or a single sheet extending continuously around a periphery of region  214  and  216 . In the example of  FIGS. 2C and 2D , sheet  262  and  264  correspond to different portions of a single sheet that covers the entirety of the foam block used for the sensor. 
     Each sheet can have any suitable size. In some cases, a sheet can be larger than a surface of a foam block (e.g., larger than a top surface of a foam block) such that a boundary of the sheet extends beyond a boundary of a foam block. The boundary of the sheet can then define a periphery for one of regions  214  and  216 . The sheet may, in some embodiments, be no smaller than a surface of a foam block on which it is placed (e.g., the sheet is at least as big as a top surface of the foam block). The sheet can have any suitable height or thickness including, for example, a thickness selected to ensure suitable mechanical properties while limiting the size of the sheet. In some cases, the sheet thickness may be substantially smaller than a height of a foam block adjacent to the sheet. 
     The amount by which a sheet extends beyond a boundary of a foam block can be tuned to improve or enhance the performance of sensor  220 . For example, several sheets having different dimensions can be coupled to a single size foam block for testing. This approach may be beneficial, as manufacturing a variety of foam blocks may be a complex, time consuming, or expensive process, while cutting sheets in different sizes may be quick and cheaper. 
     The sheets can be constructed from any suitable material. In some cases, the material can be selected based on mechanical or material properties. For example, a material can be selected to have a particular robustness, stiffness or resistance to forces applied during assembly. As another example, a material can be selected based on its rigidity (e.g., to maintain its shape once sensor  220  is assembled). As still another example, the material can be selected based on absorption, transmission, or reflectivity properties corresponding to the type of radiation or light emitted by sensor  220 . A suitable material can include, for example, a polyester film, a polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., Mylar), a polymer, or any other material. The material selected for the sheets can be more robust or resistant to damage than the material selected for foam blocks. In such cases, when sensor  220  is assembled, the person placing a foam block and sheet in the sensor may manipulate the sheet instead of the foam block, which may protect the foam block from damage. 
     A sheet can be coupled to a foam block using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, an adhesive or tape can be used to couple a sheet to a foam block. Alternatively, a heat or pressure based approach can be used to couple the components. As another example, a lamination process can be used to couple a sheet to a foam block. In some cases, the sheet and foam block can instead be separate, and simply held together by a press fit between a side wall and the device cover. 
     The sheet and foam block can be coupled at any suitable time. In some cases, each of the sheet and foam block can be independently constructed, and subsequently coupled for assembly in sensor  220  or device  200 . Alternatively, the sheet and foam block can first be coupled to each other, and subsequently defined using an appropriate process. The particular approach used may depend, in part, on manufacturing processes used for each of the sheet and foam block. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for constructing a sensor in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  300  can begin at step  302 . At step  304 , a body that includes a first cavity can be provided. The body can include an outer surface in which the cavity is defined, such that a wall forming a closed loop extends around an opening in the outer surface to define sides for the cavity. At step  306 , an emitter can be secured in the first cavity. In some cases, other types of sensors can be placed in the first cavity. At step  308 , a block can be placed adjacent to the wall. The block can extend around at least a portion of the opening. In some cases, the block can include a foam block providing a seamless interface between the body and a cover placed over the body. At step  310 , a sheet can be coupled to a surface of the block. The particular surface of the block to which the sheet is coupled can include, for example, a surface that is co-planar with the outer surface of the body (e.g., a surface facing out of the cavity), as shown in  FIG. 2B . In some cases, the sheet can be constructed from a material that is more resistant to damage than a material used for the block. Process  300  can end at step  312 . 
     The electronic device can include several sensors for capturing information from a device environment. In some cases, the electronic device can include a camera.  FIG. 4A  is a sectional view of an illustrative device enclosure that includes a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 4B  is a front view of the illustrative electronic device enclosure of  FIG. 4A  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Enclosure  400  can include body  402  forming an external component of the device. For example, enclosure  400  can include a cover (e.g., cover glass), housing, band, or other component providing structure to the device. Body  402  can be constructed from any suitable material including, for example, a metal, glass, plastic, or combination of these (e.g., glass secured to a metal, or metal overmolded with plastic). 
     To protect the camera lens from damage, camera  420  can be recessed relative to body  402 . In some cases, camera  420  can be placed below bottom surface  403  of body  402 , such that camera  420  captures images from light passing through opening  405  in body  402 . The size of opening  405  can be selected based on properties of the camera including, for example, lens type, sensor size, camera processor, or other properties of the camera. 
     Although camera  420  may be recessed relative to body  402 , it may be desirable to further protect the camera by providing cover  430  coupled to body  402  and positioned over opening  405 . Cover  430  can be positioned within cavity  410  created by side walls  408  of body  402 , where cavity  410  extends from opening  405  away from camera  420  towards an outer surface of enclosure  400 . Cavity  410  can be sized such that the entirety of opening  405  falls within cavity  410  (e.g., walls  408  are offset from a periphery of opening  405 ). In some cases, cavity  410  can be substantially centered relative to opening  405  to enhance optical or cosmetic attributes of camera  420 . The height of cover  430  can substantially match the height of cavity  410  (e.g., the height of walls  408 ) such that top surface  432  of cover  430  can be substantially flush or co-planar with top surface  409  of walls  408 , or with an outer surface of enclosure  400  (e.g., co-planar with a glass cover placed on surface  407  of body  402 ). 
     To ensure that the operation of camera  420  is not adversely affected, cover  430  can be constructed from a material that is substantially transparent or translucent. For example, cover  430  can be constructed from a plastic, glass, or composite material. In some cases, the material selected can be resistant to scratching, denting, cracking, or other forms of failure that may affect the quality of images captured through cover  430 , the integrity of camera  420  or of the device, the aesthetic appeal of the device, or combinations of these. Some materials can be treated, for example using a coating, a manufacturing process, or by including additives to improve particular mechanical properties of the cover (e.g., an oleophobic coating, an anti-smudge coating, or a heat hardening process). 
     Cover  430  can be secured to any suitable portion of body  402 . Because cover  430  should provide a clear path for light to reach camera  420 , however, center region  432  of cover  430  that is aligned with opening  405  should remain unobstructed. This may result in that the amount of cover  430  remaining that may be obstructed by a securing mechanism, or region  434 , may be substantially reduced. Region  434  may contact different portions of body  402 . For example, region  434  can contact surface  412  of side walls  408 . As another example, region  434  can contact edge  406  of body extending between side walls  408  and opening  405 . In some cases, the sise and disposition of opening  405  can define the width and shape of edge  406 . Edge  406  may provide a platform on which cover  430  can rest due to the offset of walls  408  relative to opening  405 . 
     Different approaches can be used to secure cover  430  to one or more of surface  412  and edge  406 , or to other portions of body  402 . Although the following discussion will describe securing cover  430  to edge  406 , it will be understood that some or all of the embodiments described can apply to surface  412  or other surfaces of body  402  that contact cover  430 . To reduce the space required to secure cover  430  to body  402 , one approach can include using an adhesive. 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed section view of an interface between a cover and an edge in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Body  502  can include wall  508  and edge  506  extending at an angle from wall  508  (e.g., vertically from wall  508 ). Cover  530  can be positioned such that region  532  is not obstructed by edge  506 , while region  534  is placed adjacent to edge  506 . Bottom surface  536  of cover  530  can be in part secured to surface  507  of edge  506  (i.e., portions of surface  536  that correspond to region  534 ). In some cases, side surface  538  of cover  530  can instead, or in addition, be at least in part secured to surface  509  of wall  508 . 
     In one approach, a single layer of adhesive can be placed between surfaces  507  and  536  to secure cover  530  to edge  506  (not shown). For example, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or heat sensitive adhesive can be applied to one or both of surfaces  507  and  536 , and cover  530  can be placed in contact with edge  506 . In some cases, a fixture can apply pressure to bring the two components together. This approach, however, may have limited effectiveness based on the materials used for cover  530  and edge  506 . In particular, a PSA may provide a more fragile bond when cover  530  is constructed from glass and body  502  is constructed from metal. 
     In some cases, several overlapping layers of materials can be provided on surface  536  of cover  530 , as described in more detail below. It will be understood, however, that one or more of the layers can be omitted, or that the order in which the layers are applied can be changed. Some layers of material applied to one or both of cover  530  and edge  506  can improve the performance of a camera may further modify the bond created by a PSA. For example, infrared (IR) layer  542  can be provided on surface  536  to filter infrared light from the camera. As another example, an ultraviolet (UV) filter or other type of filter or material can be applied to surface  536 . The layer (e.g., layer  542 ) can be provided over the portions of surface  536  that correspond to one or both of regions  532  and  534  (not shown). The material used for layer  542 , the method of application (e.g., physical vapor deposition, PVD), or other attributes of layer  542  can interact with pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)  540  and affect the bond created between layer  542  and edge  506 . 
     It may be important, therefore, to improve the bond provided by PSA  540  between layer  542  and edge  506 . One approach can include providing ink layer  550  between IR layer  542  and PSA  540 . Ink layer  550  can be deposited over IR layer  542  or PSA  540  using any suitable approach including, for example, pad printing or silk screen printing. Properties of the ink used in the ink layer can enhance the bond between IR layer  542  and PSA  540 , and thus improve the bond between IR layer  542  and edge  506 . The particular pigment or material used for ink layer  550  can be selected based on its effect on PSA  540 . In some cases, ink layer  550  may be a black ink layer. 
     The strength of the bond between cover  530  and edge  506  may be determined from the strength of the bond between edge  506  and IR layer  542 , described above, as well as the strength of the bond between cover  530  and IR layer  542 . In some cases, an IR layer may have limited adhesive with a material of cover  530 , such as glass. For example, an infrared material deposited via PVD may adhere weakly to a glass surface. To strengthen the bond between cover  530  and IR layer  542 , a second ink layer  552  can be provided between the cover and IR layer. Ink layer  552  can be deposited on one or both of surface  536  and IR layer  542 . Ink layer  552  can be provided using any of the techniques described above. The pigment or material used for ink layer  552  can be the same or different from the pigment or material used for ink layer  550 . In some cases, the particular pigment or material can be selected based on properties of the material used for cover  530  or for edge  506 . 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of several layers applied to a cover in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Cover assembly  600  can include cover  630  to be placed over a camera. Cover  630  can have any suitable shape including, for example, a cylindrical shape. In some cases, the shape of cover  630  can include features for direct light in a particular manner (e.g., an indentation, or internal features for guiding light). Cover  630  can include anti-smudge or oleophobic coating  631  applied to an exterior surface of cover  630 . 
     Ink layer  652  can be applied to a surface of cover  630  opposite the surface on which coating  631  is applied. Ink layer  652  can form any suitable shape on cover  630 . In some cases, ink layer  652  can define a ring corresponding to regions around a periphery of cover  630  that are supported by a body (e.g., portions of cover  650  that are not aligned with a lens of the camera). IR layer  642  can be applied to cover  630  over ink layer  652 . Because IR layer  642  can be applied to cover  630  to improve the performance of the camera, IR layer  642  may be applied over portions of cover  630  that allow light to reach a camera. IR layer  642  may then be applied in part over ink layer  652  and in part directly onto a surface of cover  630 . 
     Additional ink layer  650  can be applied to cover assembly  600  over IR layer  642 . Ink layer  650  can cover any suitable portion of IR layer  642 . In some cases, ink layer  650  can have substantially the same shape and size as ink layer  652  (e.g., define a ring). Ink layers  650  and  652  can include some or all of the features of ink layers  550  and  552 , described above. 
     The body and cover can be retained in a fixture during assembly.  FIG. 7  is a diagram of a fixture retaining a body and a cover in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Body  702  can be retained by fixture  760  such that cavity  710  remains exposed. Cover  730  can be placed within cavity  710  such that a surface of cover  730  is adjacent to edge  706  of body  702 . One or more layers  742  of ink, IR material, or adhesive can be placed between cover  730  and edge  706  to secure cover  730  to body  702 . To improve the adhesion of layer  742 , body  702  and cover  730  can be heated or baked (e.g., when a heat sensitive adhesive is used among layers  742 ). Fixture  760  can be constructed from a material that is compliant and that maintains its shape at high temperatures (e.g., temperatures at which layers  742  are heated). One such material can include silicon, or silicon-based composites. 
     To ensure that the coupling approach used to connect a cover to an enclosure is suitable, it may be necessary to test the bond provided between the components. For a test to be realistic, however, it should replicate expected modes of failure of devices used in the field. In some cases, when it is subject to different types of impacts. For example, the cover can become detached when a device in which the cover is placed is subject to a large drop, or when the device is subject to repeated smaller impacts. To ensure that consumers will be satisfied with the device, it may be desirable to test the bond between the cover and the body for both types of impacts. Damage from large drops or impacts can be easily tested by dropping the device from a predefined height, and verifying whether or not the cover has become detached. Testing repeated smaller impacts, however, may require a dedicated testing fixture. 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an illustrative testing apparatus for testing repeated small impacts in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Fixture  800  can include base  840  having support  842  operative to receive body  802 . For example, surface  844  of support  842  can correspond to a shape of body  802 . Support  842  can include opening  846  in which wall  808  of body  802 , and cover  830  adhered to body  802  by adhesive layer  832 , can extend. 
     Base  840  can be constructed such that opening  805  in body  802  through which light can reach surface  831  of cover  830  is exposed. To test the bond between cover  830  and body  802 , fixture  800  can include striker  850  positioned adjacent to surface  831  of cover  830  within opening  805 . Striker  850  may be operative to move along an axis perpendicular to surface  831  (e.g., axis  860 ) to apply a force to dislodge cover  830  from body  802 . Striker  850  can include striking surface  852  that substantially matches surface  831  of cover  830  so that striker  850  can apply a uniform force to cover  830 . 
     To apply a consistent and measured force to cover  830 , fixture  800  can include ball  860  dropping onto receiving surface  854  of striker  850 . Receiving surface  854  can be shaped to receive ball  860  in a consistent and predictable manner. For example, surface  854  can include an indentation corresponding to the curvature of ball  860 . Ball  860  can have any suitable shape. For example, ball  860  can include a sphere, a cylinder, a cube, a prism, or any other shape. 
     The particular force applied by each ball drop can be selected by tuning the weight of the ball, the size of the ball, the size of receiving surface  854 , the height from which ball  860  is dropped, or other attributes of striker  850  and ball  860 . To test the bond between cover  830  and body  802 , ball  860  can be repeatedly dropped on striker  850  from a predetermined height until cover  830  separates from body  802 . If the number of drops required to dislodge cover  830  from body  802  exceeds a threshold number, the bond between cover  830  and body  802  can be determined to be adequate. In one approach, ball  860  can be dropped from 1.2 meters at least 30 times. If the cover remains coupled to the body after the 30 drops, the process used to couple the cover to the body may be deemed satisfactory. Although this test may be destructive, it can be used to confirm that a particular process used to couple a cover to a base is satisfactory, or to spot check devices during manufacturing. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for coupling a cover to an edge of an opening in a body in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  900  can begin at step  902 . At step  904 , a cover constructed from a transparent material can be provided. The cover can define a three-dimensional shape through which light may pass to reach a camera lens. At step  906 , a body in which to mount the cover can be provided. The body can include a base having an opening, and a wall extending from the base and surrounding the opening, where the wall is offset from a periphery of the opening to define an edge between the opening and a base of the wall. At step  908 , a layer of ink can be applied to a portion of a bottom surface of the cover. At step  910 , an adhesive can be applied at least partially over the applied layer of ink. At step  912 , the cover can be mounted in the body. In some cases, the applied adhesive can come into contact with the edge when the cover is mounted in the body to secure the cover to the body. Process  900  can then end at step  914 . 
     For many electronic device components to operate properly or most effectively, the components may need to be grounded to provide a return path for signals and power. In some cases, electronic device components may need to be grounded to avoid interferences with more sensitive components, such as audio components or tuning components (e.g., antenna components). Different portions of an electronic device can serve to ground components. For example, a metal enclosure, or an internal metal frame or mid-plate can serve as a ground. As another example, a main logic board can serve as a ground. 
     Electronic device components can be connected to a ground using different approaches. For example, a wire can connect a component to a ground. Alternatively, other conductive paths can serve to ground an electronic device component. While these approaches can be adequate for grounding components that remain immobile within the device during and after assembly, it may be difficult to ground a component that moves between two positions as the device is assembled. For example, it may be more difficult to ensure that a camera that slides from an initial position during assembly to a final position as a device enclosure is closed remains grounded once the device is assembled. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a camera as it is assembled in an electronic device enclosure in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Enclosure  1000  can include midplate  1001  to which camera  1020  can be secured. In some cases, cover  1002  can be placed over midplate  1001  to close the device and secure camera  1020  within the device. Cover  1002  can be coupled to midplate  1001  using different approaches. In some cases, cover  1002  can be slid over midplate  1001  to engage a coupling mechanism of the enclosure (not shown). For example, cover  1002  can initially be placed in position  1004 , and subsequently slid in direction  1008  such that cover  1002  finishes in position  1006 . 
     As cover  1002  slides to position  1006 , some components placed on midplate  1001  may move with cover  1002  relative to midplate  1001 . For example, camera  1020  may move from initial position  1024 , corresponding to initial position  1004  of cover  1002  to final position  1026 , corresponding to final position  1006  of cover  1002 . The amount by which camera  1020  moves can correspond to the amount by which cover  1002  moves (e.g., both camera  1020  and cover  1002  move by the same amount). The amount of movement can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm such as, for example, 1 mm. 
     As described above, it may be desirable to ground camera  1020  using midplate  1001 . For example, midplate  1001  can include grounding platform  1010  which may be connected to camera  1020  by a conductive path. To ensure that camera  1020  is properly grounded, however, it may be desirable to provide a grounding assembly by which camera  1020  is connected to platform  1010  in both positions  1024  and  1026 . Several approaches can be used for providing such a grounding assembly.  FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a spring used that can be used for grounding a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Camera  1120  can be mounted on midplate  1101  such that camera  1120  moves from initial position  1124  to final position  1126 . Spring  1130  can provide an electrically conductive path between a conductive body of camera  1120  and grounding platform  1110  of midplate  1101  (e.g., provide a conductive path between the platform and the housing of the camera). Spring  1130  can be constructed from any conductive material including, for example, a metal. In some cases, spring  1130  can include a conductive coating applied to a non-conductive base. 
     Spring  1130  can include connection arm  1131  that is connected to platform  1110  for example, using a screw. Connection arm  1131  can extend along the direction of movement of camera  1120 . Base arm  1132  can extend from an end of connection arm  1131  at an angle relative to connection arm  1131 . For example, base arm  1132  can be perpendicular to connection arm  1131  such that base arm  1132  is positioned opposite a surface of camera  1120  that is substantially perpendicular to the movement of camera  1120 . In other words, base arm  1132  can be opposite a surface of camera  1120  that moves towards or away from base arm  1132 . The amount of spring force applied by base arm  1132  can therefore be tuned by rotating connection arm  1131 , and thus base arm  1132 , relative to grounding platform  1110 . 
     To improve the contact between spring  1130  and camera  1120 , base arm  1132  can include spring arms  1134  and  1136  extending from base arm  1132  towards camera  1120 . In some cases, one or more of spring arms  1134  and  1136  can be substantially parallel to connection arm  1131 , and can extend in the direction of movement of camera  1120  from initial position  1124  to final position  1126 . The number of spring arms used in spring  1130  can be selected based on a size of camera  1120 , the amount of force to apply to camera  1120 , a spring constant or deflection associated with each spring arm or with base arm  1132 , or combinations of these. In some cases, it may be desirable to provide several spring arms to ensure that spring  1130  remains in contact with camera  1120 . 
     Spring  1130  can be constructed such that, when camera  1120  is in initial position  1124 , base arm  1132 , spring arm  1134  and spring arm  1136  are all deflected to accommodate camera  1120 . When camera  1120  is moved to final position  1126 , base arm  1132 , spring arm  1134  and spring arm  1136  can all deflect less while remaining in contact with camera  1120 . In other words, the amount of deflection required from spring  1130  can change from a larger amount to a lesser amount as camera  1120  moves relative to midplate  1101  from position  1124  to position  1126 . 
       FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an illustrative grounding spring in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the grounding spring of  FIG. 12A  placed in an electronic device enclosure with a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Spring  1230  can include connection arm  1231  connected to base arm  1232 . In some cases, each of connection arm  1231  and base arm  1232  can be provided in different planes that are substantially perpendicular (such as the configuration shown in  FIG. 12A ). Connection arm  1231  can include opening  1240  through which screw  1242  ( FIG. 12B ) or another connector can be provided to secure connection arm  1231  to grounding platform  1210  of midplate  1201 . 
     Spring  1230  can include spring arms  1234  and  1236  extending from base arm  1232 . Spring arms  1234  and  1236  can be biased out of the plane of base arm  1232  towards opening  1240  (e.g., towards camera  1220  that spring  1230  will ground). Spring arms  1234  and  1236  can include indentations  1235  and  1237 , respectively, at tips of the arms to provide a contact point for the spring arms. 
     Spring  1230  can include several regions at which bending may be facilitated to allow spring  1230  to deflect. For example, base arm  1232  can include elongated region  1244  extending across base arm  1232  (e.g., extending along the axis of spring arms  1234  and  1236 ) for enabling base arm  1232  to deflect out of the plane of the arm. As another example, spring arm  1234  can include regions  1246  extending across spring arm  1234 , and spring arm  1236  can include region  1248  extending across spring arm  1236  to enable spring arms  1234  and  1236  to deflect. Regions  1246  and  1248  can include elongated regions extending along the axis of base arm  1232 . As discussed above, the amount of deflection provided by spring  1230  can be tuned by rotating spring  1230  around screw  1242  to change the orientation of spring  1230  relative to camera  1220 . 
     In some cases, other approaches can be used to provide a grounding path between a midplate platform and a camera housing.  FIG. 13  is a schematic view of a camera housing grounded using a clip in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Camera  1320  can be mounted on midplate  1301  such that camera  1320  moves from initial position  1324  to final position  1326 . Grounding clip assembly  1330  can provide an electrically conductive path between a conductive body of camera  1320  and grounding platform  1310  of midplate  1301  (e.g., provide a conductive path between the platform and the housing of the camera). 
     Clip assembly  1330  can include clip  1331  coupled to platform  1310 , for example using a fastener. Clip  1331  can include a base plate having an opening for securing clip  1331  to the platform, and a clip portion having a fold for securing flex  1332  of clip assembly  1330 . Clip  1331  can be constructed from any suitable conductive material to ensure that a conductive path is provided through clip assembly  1330 . 
     Clip assembly  1330  can include flex  1332  providing a conductive path between camera  1320  and clip  1331 . Flex  1332  can include several distinct sections having different properties. For example, flex  1332  can include rigid section  1334  operative to be placed in the clip portion of clip  1331 , rigid section  1338  operative to be coupled to camera  1320 , and flexible section  1336  connecting rigid sections  1334  and  1338 . Rigid section  1334  can include an exposed conductive surface such that a conductive path can be provided between rigid section  1334  and clip  1331 . Similarly, rigid section  1338  can be coupled to camera  1320  such that an electrically conductive path is provided between camera  1320  and rigid section  1338 . 
     Flexible section  1336  can provide a conductive path between rigid sections  1334  and  1338 . Because camera  1320  may move, the distance between rigid sections  1334  and  1338  may vary. To accommodate the variation in distance, flexible section  1336  can include a service loop or other excess material that enables rigid sections  1334  and  1338  to move relative to one another when camera  1320  is moved within enclosure  1300 . The length of flexible section  1336  can be selected such that flex  1332  can be secured to camera  1320  (e.g., via rigid section  1338 ) and to clip  1331  (e.g., via rigid section  1334 ) when camera  1320  is either in position  1324  or in position  1336 . The length of flexible section  1336  can be selected based on the travel of camera  1320 . Clip  1331  can secure rigid portion  1334  using any suitable approach. 
       FIG. 14A  is a schematic view of an illustrative clip for grounding a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Grounding clip  1400  can include base plate  1402  by which clip  1400  can be coupled to a grounding platform. In some cases, base plate  1402  can include an opening through which a screw may pass. Clip  1400  can include spring wall  1410  extending from base plate  1402  and folded over itself to define cavity  1414 . Wall  1410  can be biased such that end  1412  of wall  1410  comes into contact with or is adjacent to tip  1404  of base plate  1402 . In this manner, when a rigid section of a flex (such as one of rigid sections  1334  and  1338  described above) is placed in cavity  1414 , wall  1410  can ensure that at least end  1412  and tip  1404  come into contact with and retain the rigid section of the flex. 
     In some cases, a portion of the wall other than the end can close or reduce the opening of a cavity defined by the wall.  FIG. 14B  is a schematic view of another illustrative clip for grounding a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Similar to grounding clip  1400 , grounding clip  1420  can include base plate  1422  by which clip  1420  can be coupled to a grounding platform. In some cases, base plate  1422  can include an opening through which a screw may pass. Clip  1420  can include spring wall  1430  extending from base plate  1422  and folded over itself to define cavity  1434 . Wall  1430  can be biased such that point  1432  along wall  1430  can come into contact with or be adjacent to another portion of wall  1430  (e.g., point  1436 ). In this manner, when a rigid section of a flex is placed in cavity  1434 , wall  1430  can ensure that at least points  1432  and  1436  come into contact with and retain the rigid section of the flex. 
       FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of an illustrative clip for grounding a camera in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the illustrative clip of  FIG. 15A  in which a flex is placed in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 15C  is a perspective view of the illustrative clip and flex of  FIG. 15B  placed in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Grounding clip  1531  can include base plate  1540  having opening  1542  for coupling base plate  1540  to grounding platform  1510 . Wall  1544  can extend from base plate  1540  to define cavity  1546  in which a flex can be received. In particular, rigid section  1534  of flex  1532  can be received within cavity  1546  and retained by wall  1544 , as shown in  FIG. 15B . 
     When assembled within enclosure  1500 , rigid section  1538  of flex  1532  can be coupled to a body or housing of camera  1520 . For example, rigid section  1538  can include a planar element operative to be coupled to surface  1522  of camera  1520  (e.g., soldered or coupled using a conductive adhesive). Flexible section  1544  can deform based on a position of camera  1520  relative to platform  1510  (and thus relative to enclosure  1500 ). 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for grounding a component in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  1600  can begin at step  1602 . At step  1604 , a component can be placed in an initial position relative to an enclosure of an electronic device during assembly of the device. For example, a camera can be placed in an initial position when a cover is not placed over a midplate of the device. At step  1606 , a first end of a grounding component can be placed in contact with the component and a second end of the grounding component can be placed in contact with a grounding platform within the enclosure. For example, a spring can be coupled to a grounding platform such that spring arms of the spring are in contact with a component. As another example, a grounding clip can be coupled to a grounding platform, and a flex can be connected to the component at one end and placed in the clip. More generally, a base can be coupled to a grounding platform, and a connector can be coupled to the component. At step  1608 , the component can be moved from the initial position to a final position when the enclosure is closed. The grounding component can move to accommodate the change in position of the component so that a ground in maintained at all times (both during the assembly process, and after assembly has been completed). For example, the spring can deflect to accommodate the change in component position. As another example, a flexible section of the flex can deflect when the component position changes. Process  1600  can then end at step  1610 . 
     Some components of an electronic device may require damping to ensure that they operate properly. For example, a camera may operate best when vibrations of the lens are dampened.  FIG. 17A  is an exploded view of a camera assembly placed in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 17B  is a perspective view of the camera assembly of  FIG. 17A  placed in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Camera assembly  1705  can include camera  1720  operative to capture light received from outside of a device. To dampen vibrations that other electronic device components may generate and that may interfere with camera  1720 , camera assembly  1705  can include boot  1730  in which camera  1720  is placed. In particular, boot  1730  can include side wall  1732  extending around some or all of a periphery of camera  1720  to secure the camera within boot  1730 . Camera  1720  may be placed adjacent to inner surface  1734  of boot  1730 . Outer surface  1736  can be placed adjacent to an electronic device component (e.g., midplate  1710 ) when camera assembly  1700  is placed in electronic device  1700 . 
     In some cases, a camera assembly may move within an electronic device during assembly, as discussed above.  FIG. 18  is a sectional view of an illustrative camera and boot placed in an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  1800  can include midplate  1801  operative to receive camera  1820 . Camera  1820  can be placed within boot  1830  to dampen vibrations and improve the performance of the camera. When camera  1820  and boot  1830  are initially placed in electronic device  1800 , they may be provided in position  1810 . Once assembly is completed, however, the camera and boot may be displaced to position  1812 . 
     For boot  1830  and camera  1820  to slide smoothly across midplate  1801 , however, it may be necessary that the interface between boot  1830  (e.g., bottom surface  1836 ) and midplate  1801  be slippery. To ensure that camera  1820  is not removed from boot  1830  while boot  1830  slides, however, it may be desirable for the interface between boot  1830  (e.g., top surface  1834 ) and camera  1820  to be sticky or adhering. One approach for providing a boot having one slippery surface and one sticky surface may be to create a boot having two slippery surfaces, and adding an adhesive to one of the surfaces. This approach, however, can increase the size of the camera assembly. 
     Another approach can be to define boot  1830  such that surfaces  1834  and  1836  have different textures. For example, surface  1834  can have a substantially smooth texture, and therefore a high coefficient of friction, while surface  1836  can have a substantially rugged or rough texture, and therefore a low coefficient of friction. Boot  1830 , having these two different textures, can be constructed using different approaches. In some embodiments, a compression molding process can be used. The mold can be textured such that the surfaces of boots created using the mold have the desired textures. For example, one surface of the mold can be sandblasted to create a rough texture, while an opposite surface of the mold can be polished to create a smooth texture. The material used for boot  1830  can be selected based on its coefficient of friction, damping properties, ease of manufacturing, or other criteria. In some cases, boot  1830  can be constructed from silicon. 
     It is to be understood that the steps shown in the flowcharts above are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified or omitted, additional steps may be added, and the order of certain steps may be altered. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. Furthermore, the previously described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. It is understood that one or more features of an embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment to provide systems and/or methods without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110110
Publication Date: 20130917
Grant Date: 20130917
Priority Date: 20110110
Inventors: COHEN SAWYER
WITTENBERG MIKE
HILL MATTHEW
WEBER TRENT
KUNST BENJAMIN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M2250/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46455080