PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10216233-B2
Application Number: US-201514843004-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Forming features in a ceramic component for an electronic device

Abstract:
A three-dimensional feature is formed in a surface of a component. Material is removed from the component by rotating an abrading tool about a first axis. While the abrading tool is rotated, the component (and/or a shaft coupled to the abrading tool) is rotated on a second axis. The second axis may be transverse to the first axis and may run through a center of the three-dimensional feature. The abrading tool may correspond to the three-dimensional feature. For example, the abrading tool may be configured to contact an entirety of an exterior of the three-dimensional feature during the removal operation, fill the three-dimensional feature during the removal operation, and/or have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the three-dimensional feature in two planes that are normal to each other.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for forming a three-dimensional feature in a surface of a cover for an electronic device, comprising:
 removing material from the cover by rotating a spherical bristle brush including multiple abrasive bristles about a first axis, the outer periphery of the multiple abrasive bristles defines a spherical shape; and 
 while rotating the spherical bristle brush about the first axis, rotating the cover about a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis; wherein 
 the spherical bristle brush contacts an entirety of the three-dimensional feature during the operations of removing the material and rotating the cover. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the operation of removing the material abrades a portion of an exterior of the three-dimensional feature in a first direction and then abrades the portion of the exterior of the three-dimensional feature in a second direction. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the operation of removing the material forms the three-dimensional feature in a flat area of the surface. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional feature has a concave dome shape and the spherical bristle brush has a convex shape matching the concave dome shape. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the operation of rotating the cover comprises rotating the cover at least 90 degrees. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the operation of removing the material comprises polishing the three-dimensional feature. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , further comprising polishing the surface of the cover, wherein the surface is planar. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the operation of polishing the surface of the cover comprises polishing the surface of the cover using a flat rotary brush. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second axis runs through a center of the three-dimensional feature.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to forming features in components for an electronic device. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to forming recessed features in a ceramic component for an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Materials such as metal or glass, sapphire, or other ceramics may be finished using a variety of different abrading or other material removal processes. For example, polishing may rub a surface of a part using a tool (such as a bristle brush) to achieve a particular surface finish. In many cases, polishing is performed on flat or planar surfaces using flat rotatory brushes. Such a process may work well for polishing flat surfaces, but may not create as uniform a polished finish for three-dimensional features. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to finishing three-dimensional features using abrading and/or other processes that remove material. A three-dimensional feature may be formed in a surface of a component. Material may be removed from the component by rotating an abrading tool about a first axis. While the abrading tool is rotated, the component may be rotated on a second axis. The second axis may be transverse to the first axis and may run through a center of the three-dimensional feature. The abrading tool may correspond to the three-dimensional feature. For example, the abrading tool may be configured to contact an entirety of an exterior of the three-dimensional feature during the removal operation, fill the three-dimensional feature during the removal operation, and/or have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the three-dimensional feature in two planes that are normal to each other. In this way, material may be removed from portions of the three-dimensional feature in a first direction and subsequently material may be removed from the same portions in one or more additional directions. This may prevent, reduce, and/or ameliorate streaks, brush lines or other artifacts related to the material removal. 
     In various embodiments, a method for forming a three-dimensional feature in a surface of a cover for an electronic device may include removing material from the cover by rotating an abrading tool about a first axis and, while rotating the abrading tool about the first axis, rotating the cover (through an angle such as at least 90 degrees) about a second axis (which may run through a center of the three-dimensional feature) that is transverse to the first axis. The abrading tool may contact an entirety of an exterior of the three-dimensional feature during the operation of removing the material. 
     In some examples, the operation of removing the material may include polishing the three-dimensional feature. The method may also include polishing the surface of the cover. The surface may be planar. The operation of polishing the surface of the cover may include polishing the surface of the cover using a flat rotary brush. 
     In some examples, the operation of removing the material may form the three-dimensional feature in a flat area of the surface. In various examples, the three-dimensional feature may have a concave dome shape and the abrading tool may have a convex shape matching the concave dome shape. In some examples, the three-dimensional feature may be a dish. 
     In various examples, the operation of removing the material may abrade a portion of the exterior of the three-dimensional feature in a first direction and then abrade the portion of the exterior of the three-dimensional feature in a second direction. 
     In some embodiments, an abrading apparatus may include a controller, an abrading tool, a first movement mechanism operatively coupled to the controller and configured to rotate the abrading tool about a first axis, and a second movement mechanism operatively coupled to the controller and configured to cause relative rotation between the abrading tool and a ceramic component about a second axis transverse to the first axis. The controller may be configured to synchronize rotation of the first and second movement mechanisms to form a three-dimensional feature in a planar surface of the ceramic component, such as a curved depression in the planar surface. The abrading tool (which may be a spherical brush) may fill the three-dimensional feature. 
     In some examples, the second movement mechanism may be configured to cause relative rotation between the abrading tool and the ceramic component on the second axis by rotating the ceramic component about the second axis. In other examples, the second movement mechanism may be configured to cause relative rotation between the abrading tool and the ceramic component on the second axis by rotating a shaft coupled to the abrading tool about the second axis. 
     In various examples, the abrading tool may be a brush with multiple bristles having at least one of multiple bristle dimensions, multiple bristle materials, or multiple bristle hardnesses. 
     In various embodiments, a component (such as ceramic or metal) may include a flat surface and a concave depression formed in the flat surface. The concave depression may have a polished finish formed by rotating a polishing tool on a first axis while rotating the flat surface on a second axis transverse to the first axis. The polishing tool may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the concave depression in two planes that are normal to each other. 
     In some examples, the component may form a cover for an electronic device. In various examples, the concave depression may form a user input region for an electronic device. 
    
    
     
       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. 
         FIG. 1  shows a device having a three-dimensional feature formed in the flat or planar surface of a cover. 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  show performance of an example abrading process on the three-dimensional feature formed in a flat or planar surface of the cover. 
         FIG. 3  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the example abrading process illustrated in  FIG. 2A , taken along line A-A of  2 A. 
         FIG. 4  shows an apparatus for performing an example abrading or other material removal operation on a three-dimensional feature formed in a planar surface. 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  show formation of another three-dimensional feature using an abrading process in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6-8  show formation of other three-dimensional features using an abrading process in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows an example method of forming a three-dimensional feature in a surface of a component. Such a process may be used in forming three-dimensional features  203  and/or  403 - 803  of  FIGS. 1-8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The following disclosure relates to finishing three-dimensional features using abrading and/or other processes that remove material, such as polishing, lapping, and grinding. A three-dimensional feature may be formed in a surface of a component. Material may be removed from the component by rotating an abrading tool about a first axis. While the abrading tool is rotated, the component (and/or a shaft coupled to the abrading tool) may be rotated on a second axis. The second axis may be transverse to the first axis and may run through a center of the three-dimensional feature. The abrading tool may correspond to the three-dimensional feature. For example, the abrading tool may be configured to contact an entirety of an exterior of the three-dimensional feature during the removal operation, fill the three-dimensional feature during the removal operation, and/or have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the three-dimensional feature in two planes that are normal to each other. In this way, material may be removed from portions of the three-dimensional feature in a first direction and subsequently material may be removed from the same portions in one or more additional directions. This may prevent, reduce, and/or ameliorate streaks, brush lines or other artifacts related to the material removal. 
     The material removal may be a polishing process. In such embodiments, this process may result in a more uniform polished finish than processes that polish in a single direction. Using the process to produce a uniform polished finish may remove defects such as micro cracks formed by previously performed processes that were used to form and/or process the three-dimensional feature, increasing the strength of the three-dimensional feature. Further, this process may prevent formation of streaks, grooves, and/or other defects as the three-dimensional feature is being formed. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 . 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. 
       FIG. 1  shows a device  101  having a three-dimensional feature  103  formed in the cover  102 . As shown, the three-dimensional feature  103  may be a concave depression (e.g., “dish,” curved, or otherwise shaped). The three-dimensional feature  103  may have a polished finish. The cover  102  may also have an additional polished finish, which may be formed using a different process than the polished finish of the three-dimensional feature  103 . For example, the polished finish on the cover  102  may be produced using flat rotary brushes whereas the polished finish on the three-dimensional feature  103  is produced using one of the example abrading and/or other material removal processes described with respect to  FIGS. 2A-4 and/or 9  below. 
     In various implementations, the three-dimensional feature  103  may form an input feature configured as part of an assembly that is operable to receive input. For example, in some implementations, a switch, touch sensor, force sensor, and/or other sensor may be positioned under the cover  102  opposing the three-dimensional feature  103 . As such, touch and/or exertion of force on the three-dimensional feature  103  may be detected and/or utilized as input. In some cases, the sensor may be configured to obtain one or more biometrics relating to a user&#39;s body part, such as the user&#39;s finger. Such biometrics may include one or more fingerprints, health data, and so on. In such an implementation, the three-dimensional feature  103  may be a thinned area of the cover  102  that facilitates the sensor in obtaining the biometric. For example, a biometric obtained through the thinner area of the three-dimensional feature  103  may be more accurate than a biometric obtained through other thicker portions of the cover  102 . 
     By way of another example, in some implementations, the three-dimensional feature  103  may be formed on an interior surface as opposed to an external surface. In such an example, the three-dimensional feature  103  may be a depression for receiving a component such as a camera, lens, button, or other protrusion. 
     Although the device  101  is illustrated as a tablet computing device, it is understood that this is an example. Three-dimensional features in a variety of different materials, components, and/or devices may be abraded and/or polished utilizing the techniques discussed herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  show performance of an example abrading and/or other material removal process on the three-dimensional feature  103  formed in a flat or planar surface  212  that forms the cover  102 . The three-dimensional feature  103  may be abraded by an abrading tool  204  on a shaft  206  that is rotated on an axis  210  in a first direction  208  while the cover  102  is rotated on a transverse axis (see  FIG. 3 ) in a second direction  207 . As shown, the abrading tool  204  may be a spherical brush with bristles  205 .  FIG. 2B  shows the planar surface  212  rotated approximately 120 degrees during the abrading from the position shown in  FIG. 2A . While  FIGS. 2A-2B  depict a rotation of approximately 120 degrees, the amount of rotation may vary. 
     Although the above describes continuous and/or intermittent rotation of the planar surface  212  in the second direction  207 , it is understood that this is an example and that other movement patterns may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some implementations, the cover  102  may be rotated in increments of at least 90 degrees in the second direction  207  with pauses in between rotation increments. By way of another example, in various implementations, the cover  102  may be rotated 180 degrees in the second direction  207  before being rotated 180 degrees in a direction opposite to the second direction  207 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the example abrading process illustrated in  FIG. 2A , taken along line A-A of  2 A. The abrading tool  204  is rotated on the first axis  210  in the first direction  208  while the cover  102  is rotated on the second axis  209  in the second direction  207 . The second axis  209  is transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to the first axis  210  and runs through a center of the three-dimensional feature  103 . The transverse relationship of the rotations allows the abrading to be performed in multiple directions. In this example, the abrading tool  204  contacts the entirety of the exterior (e.g., the outer surface) of the three-dimensional feature  103  and abrades the portions of exterior of the three-dimensional feature  103  in a first direction and then in subsequent directions, different from the first direction, as the cover  102  rotates, changing the position of the abrading tool  204  relative to those same portions. As the abrading is performed in multiple directions, a more uniform polished finish may be formed and may remove defects such as micro cracks in the three-dimensional feature  103  caused by previous processes performed on the three-dimensional feature  103  and/or the formation of the three-dimensional feature  103 . 
     Further, the abrading tool  204  has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the three-dimensional feature  103  in two planes that are normal to each other, filling the three-dimensional feature with a portion of the abrading tool  204 . This allows repeated abrading of portions of the three-dimensional feature  103  in different directions as the cover  102  rotates as the entirety of the exterior of the three-dimensional feature is contacted during material removal. This prevents streaking, brush lines, and/or other polishing artifacts that can result from single direction polishing and/or other polishing processes. 
     The shapes of the abrading tool  204  and the three-dimensional feature  103  may correspond in a variety of ways. For example, the three-dimensional feature  103  is shown as a curved depression that has a concave dome shape (concave with respect to the planar surface  212  of the cover  102 ) whereas the abrading tool  204  has a corresponding convex dome shape. The concavity of the three-dimensional feature  103  is shown as corresponding to the convexity of the abrading tool  204  such that the abrading tool  204  is able to substantially fill the three-dimensional feature  103  during abrading. For example, as shown, the radius of the abrading tool  204  corresponds, or substantially corresponds, to a diameter of the three-dimensional feature  103 . This further allows the entirety of the exterior of the three-dimensional feature  103  to be contacted simultaneously, repeatedly abrading portions of the three-dimensional feature  103  in different directions as the cover  102  rotates. 
     However, in other implementations, the portion of the abrading tool  204  that contacts the three-dimensional feature  103  and the three-dimensional feature  103  may be sized differently. For example, the three-dimensional feature  103  may be a depression with a diameter twice as wide as the radius of the abrading tool  204 . In such an example, the abrading tool  204  may be positioned to abrade a portion of the three-dimensional feature  103  and then translated to abrade another portion until the entire exterior of the three-dimensional feature  103  is abraded. 
     As shown, the bristles  205  of the abrading tool  204  are illustrated as having the same length and thickness. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the abrading tool  204  may have bristles  205  with multiple dimensions (i.e., different lengths, thicknesses, and so on), multiple materials (such as pig hair, nylon or other synthetic materials, plant fibers, and/or other materials), multiple hardnesses (such as a Shore that may vary between approximately 20 and 85, and so on), and/or other varying bristle  205  properties. 
     A slurry may be positioned between the abrading tool  204  and the three-dimensional feature  103  during abrading. Such a slurry may include abrasive particles of various sizes such as emery, silicon carbide, diamond, and so on. The slurry may be recirculated during abrading and may aid in material removal. Movement of the slurry may be facilitated and/or caused by the motion of the abrading tool  204 . 
     In some implementations, the cover  102  may be glass or other ceramics such as sapphire. However, it is understood that this is an example. This abrading process may be performed on a variety of other materials such as metals, plastics, and so on without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Although the above describes abrading all of a three-dimensional feature  103  simultaneously, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, other processes are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some implementations, the abrading tool  204  may be oscillated to transition from abrading curved and/or other three-dimensional surfaces to abrading flat and/or otherwise planar surfaces. 
     In some implementations, the abrading tool  204  may form the three-dimensional feature  103  by abrading a flat area of the planar surface  112 . In other implementations, the abrading tool  204  may abrade a three-dimensional feature formed in the planar surface  112  to finish forming the three-dimensional feature  103 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an apparatus  400  (such as an abrading apparatus  400 ) for performing an example abrading or other material removal operation on a three-dimensional feature  403  formed in a planar surface  412  of a ceramic component  402 . The apparatus  400  may be programmed and/or controlled to perform abrading or other material removal processes that may be the same, similar, and/or different than those discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-3 . 
     The apparatus  400  includes a support  422  that supports the ceramic component  402  and a controller  420  (which may include one or more processing units, non-transitory storage media such as memories, and/or other components) that is operable to control movement mechanisms (such as motors)  421 ,  423 ,  425 , and  427  via control lines  428 A-D in order to perform the abrading operation. 
     The first movement mechanism  421 , under control of the controller  420 , may be operable to rotate a spherical brush tool  404  having a shaft  406  (such as an abrading tool) on a first axis  410  in a direction  408  such that the bristles  405  of the spherical brush tool  404  abrade the three-dimensional feature  403 . Similarly, the second movement mechanism  423  may be operable under the control of the controller  420  to rotate the support  422 , and thus the ceramic component  402 , on a second axis  409  transverse to the first axis  410  in a direction  407  (and/or otherwise cause relative rotation between the spherical brush tool  404  and the ceramic component  402 ). Thus, the controller  420  may be configured to synchronize rotation of the movement mechanisms  421  and  423  to form the three-dimensional feature  403 . 
     The movement mechanisms  421  and  423  may be respectively connected to third and fourth movement mechanisms  425  and  427  via arms  424  and  426 . The movement mechanisms  425  and/or  427  may thus be manipulated via the controller  420  to translate the spherical brush tool  404  and/or the ceramic component  402  with respect to each other. For example, the movement mechanisms  425  and/or  427  may be manipulated to translate the spherical brush tool  404  and the ceramic component  402  closer to each other and/or farther apart in a Z  440  direction, translate the spherical brush tool  404  along the planar surface  412  of the ceramic component  402  in X  441  and/or Y  442  directions (and/or translate the ceramic component  402  such that the spherical brush tool  404  is moved along the planar surface  412  of the ceramic component  402  in the X  441  and/or Y  442  directions), and so on. 
     Although movement mechanisms  425  and/or  427  are shown as motors in this example, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, other movement mechanisms may be utilized to translate the spherical brush tool  404  and/or the ceramic component  402  with respect to each other. In one example, the spherical brush tool  404  and/or the ceramic component  402  may be translated using a multi-axis gantry system or similar movement mechanism. In various examples, such movement mechanisms may move the spherical brush tool  404  and/or the ceramic component  402  without moving the movement mechanisms  421  and/or  423 . 
     Further, although the apparatus  400  is illustrated and described as processing a single ceramic component  402  at a time, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the apparatus  400  may include multiple spherical brush tools  404  and/or other components (and/or different support, and/or control mechanisms than those depicted) and may process multiple ceramic component  402  at a single time without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some implementations, two ceramic component  402  may be positioned with three-dimensional features  403  on opposing surfaces that are abraded by separate spherical brush tools  404  at the same time. 
     Moreover, although a single controller  420  is illustrated and described, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, multiple controllers, distributed controllers, and/or other controller configurations may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In other examples, the controller  420  may use the spherical brush tool  404  to abrade the three-dimensional feature  403  while the ceramic component  402  rotates as described above and then transition to use a flat rotary brush to polish the surface  412  while the ceramic component  402  does not rotate. 
     Furthermore, although the controller  420  is illustrated and described as causing relative rotation between the spherical brush tool  404  and the ceramic component  402  by rotating the ceramic component  402 , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the ceramic component  402  may not be rotated. In some cases of such implementations, the controller  420  may instead rotate the spherical brush tool  404  in the direction  407  while rotating the spherical brush tool  404  in the direction  408 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  show formation of another three-dimensional feature using an abrading process in accordance with further embodiments. As contrasted with the example shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B and 3 , the three-dimensional feature  103  is instead a groove  503  in the perimeter of the underside surface  512  of a cover  502 . 
     The bristles  505  of a tool  504  coupled to a shaft  506  may fill a segment of the groove  503  as the tool  504  rotates on an axis  510  in the direction  508  while the cover  502  is rotated on a transverse axis (not labelled as the transverse axis is not visible in a top down view) in the direction  507 , centered on the segment of the groove  503 . Portions of the segment of the groove  503  may thus be abraded in multiple directions before the tool  504  and/or the cover  502  is translated to move the tool  504  to an adjacent segment of the groove  503 . The whole groove  503  may be abraded in this way by repetition of the rotation of the tool  504  and the cover  502  and translation of the tool  504  and/or cover  502  to move the tool  504  around the perimeter of the groove  503 . 
     As shown, the bristles  505  of the tool  504  are illustrated as having multiple different lengths and thicknesses. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the tool  504  may have bristles  505  with all the same and/or various different dimensions, hardnesses, and/or other properties. Further, in various implementations, the tool  504  may have bristles  505  formed of the same and/or various different materials. 
       FIG. 6  shows formation of another three-dimensional feature using an abrading process in accordance with further embodiments. As contrasted with the example shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B and 3 , the three-dimensional feature  103  is instead a logo  603  in a surface  612  of a component  602 . A tool  604  coupled to a shaft  606  may fill a segment of the logo  603  as the tool  604  rotates on an axis  610  in the direction  608  while the component  602  is rotated on a transverse axis (not labelled as the transverse axis is not visible in a top down view) in the direction  607 , centered on the segment of the logo  603 . Portions of the segment of the logo  603  may thus be abraded in multiple directions before the tool  604  and/or the component  602  is translated to move the tool  604  to and adjacent segment of the logo  603 . The whole logo  603  may be abraded in this way by repetition of the rotation of the tool  604  and the component  602  and translation of the tool  604  and/or component  602  to move the tool  604  around the perimeter of the logo  603 . 
       FIG. 7  shows formation of another three-dimensional feature using an abrading process in accordance with further embodiments. As contrasted with the example shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B and 3 , the three-dimensional feature  103  is instead one of a number of dimples  703  that provide texture for a surface  712  of a component  702 . A tool  704  coupled to a shaft  706  may fill one of the dimples  703  as the tool  704  rotates on an axis  710  in the direction  708  while the component  702  is rotated on a transverse axis (not labelled as the transverse axis is not visible in a top down view) in the direction  707 , centered on the dimple  703 . The dimple  703  may thus be abraded in multiple directions before the tool  704  and/or the component  702  is translated to move the tool  704  to process another dimple  703 . Various numbers of dimples  703  may be provided in this way to texture all and/or portions of the surface  712  by repetition of the rotation of the tool  704  and the component  702  and translation of the tool  704  and/or component  702  to move the tool  704  around the surface  712 . 
       FIG. 8  shows formation of another three-dimensional feature using an abrading process in accordance with further embodiments. As contrasted with the example shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B and 3 , the three-dimensional feature  103  is instead a convex (with respect to the surface  812 ) edge  803  of a material  802 . Further in this example, the material  802  is not rotated during abrading. Instead, a tool  804  coupled to a shaft  806  is mounted on a gimbal  811  such that the shaft  806  itself is rotated on a first axis  810  (in a first direction  807 ) while the tool  804  rotates on a second axis  809  (in a second direction  808 ) that is orthogonal to the first axis  810 . In this way, abrading of portions of the convex edge  803  in multiple directions may be possible without rotation of the material  802 . 
     The tool  804  may be sufficiently soft such that the tool  804  is able to surround a segment of the convex edge  803  during abrading. Portions of the segment of the convex edge  803  may thus be abraded in multiple directions before the tool  804  and/or the material  802  is translated to move the tool  804  to an adjacent segment of the convex edge  803  despite the projecting rather than sunken configuration of the convex edge  803 . The whole convex edge  803  may be abraded in this way by repetition of the rotation of the shaft  806  and the tool  804  and translation of the tool  804  and/or the material  802  to move the tool  804  around the perimeter of the convex edge  803 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an example method  900  of forming a three-dimensional feature in a surface of a component. Such a process may be used in forming the three-dimensional features  203  and/or  403 - 803  of  FIGS. 1-8 . 
     At  910 , material may be removed from the component, such as by abrading. The material from the component may be performed by rotating an abrading tool about a first axis. 
     The abrading tool may contact an entirety of an exterior of the three-dimensional feature during removal of the material. The abrading tool may fill the three-dimensional feature during removal of the material. The abrading tool may have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the three-dimensional feature in two planes that are normal to each other. For example, the three-dimensional feature may be a curved depression that is concave with respect to the planar surface, and the abrading tool may be a spherical bristle brush that is convex with respect to the planar surface. The radius of the spherical bristle brush may correspond, or substantially correspond, to a diameter of the three-dimensional feature. 
     In some implementations, rotating the abrading tool may involve rotating the entire abrading tool, such as where the abrading tool includes a spherical brush fixedly mounted on the end of a rotatable shaft. In other implementations, rotating the abrading tool may involve rotating the abrading tool on the end of a shaft. In such implementations, the shaft coupled to the abrading tool may or may not also rotate. In cases where the shaft also rotates, the shaft may rotate in a different direction and/or on a different axis than the abrading tool. 
     At  920 , the component may be rotated about a second axis. The second axis may be transverse to the first axis. The component may be rotated about the second axis while the abrading tool is rotated about the first axis. Rotation of the component and the abrading tool may be synchronized. In various examples, the abrading tool may be continuously rotated while the component is continuously rotated, iteratively rotated, rotated in oscillating directions, and so on. 
     In  910 - 920 , the abrading tool may be rotated on a first axis while the component may be rotated on a second axis during material removal. The material removal may be performed in multiple directions. As the abrading tool may contact an entirety of an exterior of the three-dimensional feature during removal of the material, a portion of the three-dimensional feature may be removed in a first direction. As the component rotates, the position of the abrading tool with respect to the portion may change such that the removal of the material is subsequently performed in one or more other directions. In other words, the operation of removing the material may abrade a portion of the exterior of the three-dimensional feature in a first direction. The operation of removing the material may then abrade the portion of the exterior of the three-dimensional feature in a second direction. 
     Although the example method  900  is illustrated and described as including particular operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various orders of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example,  910 - 920  are illustrated as sequential, linear operations. However, it is understood that this is for the purposes of clarity. In various implementations, multiple of  910 - 920  may be performed at the same, or substantially the same, time without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     By way of another example,  920  describes rotating the component on the second axis. However, in various implementations, the component may not be rotated. Instead, a shaft coupled to the abrading tool may be operable to rotate on the first axis while the abrading tool rotates on the second axis. 
     By way of still another example, rotation of the abrading tool and the component are described as synchronized. However, in various implementations, such operations may be performed in steps. For example, the abrading tool may be rotated and paused while the component is rotated 5 degrees. The abrading tool may then be rotated again before pausing and rotating the component again. By way of another example, the abrading tool may be rotated without rotating the component. Rotation of the abrading tool may then continue while rotation of the component commences. Various operational orders are possible and contemplated. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that personal information data, including biometric data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the use of biometric authentication data can be used for convenient access to device features without the use of passwords. In other examples, user biometric data is collected for providing users with feedback about their health or fitness levels. Further, other uses for personal information data, including biometric data, that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure further contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure, including the use of data encryption and security methods that meets or exceeds industry or government standards. For example, personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection should occur only after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities would take any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data, including biometric data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of biometric authentication methods, the present technology can be configured to allow users to optionally bypass biometric authentication steps by providing secure information such as passwords, personal identification numbers (PINS), touch gestures, or other authentication methods, alone or in combination, known to those of skill in the art. In another example, users can select to remove, disable, or restrict access to certain health-related applications collecting users&#39; personal health or fitness data. 
     As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to finishing three-dimensional features using abrading and/or other processes that remove material, such as polishing, lapping, and grinding. A three-dimensional feature may be formed in a surface of a component. Material may be removed from the component by rotating an abrading tool about a first axis. While the abrading tool is rotated, the component (and/or a shaft coupled to the abrading tool) may be rotated on a second axis. The second axis may be transverse to the first axis and may run through a center of the three-dimensional feature. The abrading tool may correspond to the three-dimensional feature. For example, the abrading tool may be configured to contact an entirety of an exterior of the three-dimensional feature during the removal operation, fill the three-dimensional feature during the removal operation, and/or have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the three-dimensional feature in two planes that are normal to each other. In this way, material may be removed from portions of the three-dimensional feature in a first direction and subsequently material may be removed from the same portions in one or more additional directions. This may prevent, reduce, and/or ameliorate streaks, brush lines or other artifacts related to the material removal. 
     In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device, such as a computer controlled manufacture apparatus. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150902
Publication Date: 20190226
Grant Date: 20190226
Priority Date: 20150902
Inventors: FRANKLIN, JEREMY C.
BABIARZ, Kristina A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A45C3/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B29/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B29/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B19/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C3/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B29/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B19/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B29/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B19/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C3/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B29/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B24B29/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1686", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58098154