PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11309649-B2
Application Number: US-201916586603-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Floating connector assembly

Abstract:
An electronic device includes a housing having a front wall and a floating connector assembly coupled to the front wall. The connector assembly includes a panel and a connector. The connector includes a frame attached to the panel and defines first and second alignment openings. A sleeve extends from the frame and extends through the front wall. A removable cover for the electronic device includes first and second connector alignment pins that align with the first and second alignment openings to align the connector sleeve with a connector aperture defined by the cover. The first and second connector alignment pins and the first and second alignment openings can each include tapered portions to move the connector assembly into alignment with the connector aperture as the cover is attached with the housing.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing including a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the front wall defines first and second apertures; 
 a connector assembly including a panel and an electrical connector, the electrical connector having a frame attached to the panel and a sleeve extending from the frame, wherein the sleeve is configured to receive a mating connector and the frame defines first and second alignment openings; 
 a compliant coupling attaching the panel to the housing and positioning the first and second alignment openings in alignment with the first and second apertures, respectively, wherein the compliant coupling allows the panel to move parallel to the front wall; and 
 an outer cover removably attached to the front wall and including first and second connector alignment pins that extend through the first and second apertures and through the first and second alignment openings aligning the sleeve with a connector aperture defined by the outer cover such that the sleeve can receive the mating connector through the connector aperture. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the outer cover includes first and second cover alignment pins that are aligned with and positioned within first and second alignment apertures defined by the front wall such that the outer cover is aligned with the housing. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2  wherein the first and second cover alignment pins extend a first distance from the outer cover, the first and second connector alignment pins extend a second distance from the outer cover, and wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the first alignment opening is a hole and the second alignment opening is a slot. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is a first sleeve and the connector assembly includes a second sleeve extending from the frame. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the frame includes a plurality of pins that extend from the frame and attach the frame to the panel. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the panel is a circuit board. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1  wherein the compliant coupling includes a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of respective mounting holes defined by the panel and wherein a diameter of the plurality of fasteners is less than a diameter of the mounting holes. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing including a front wall that defines first and second apertures; 
 a panel attached to the housing with a compliant coupling; 
 a connector including a frame attached to the panel and defining first and second alignment openings that are aligned with first and second apertures; and 
 an outer cover removably attached to the front wall and including first and second connector alignment pins that extend through the first and second alignment openings and through the first and second apertures aligning a portion of the connector with a connector aperture defined by the outer cover such that the connector can receive a mating connector through the connector aperture. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the connector includes a pair of sleeves that extend from the frame. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the outer cover includes first and second cover alignment pins that align with first and second alignment apertures defined by the front wall such that the outer cover is aligned with the housing. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the first alignment opening is a hole and the second alignment opening is a slot. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the frame includes a plurality of pins that extend from the frame and attach the frame to the panel. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the panel is a circuit board. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 9  wherein the compliant coupling includes a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of respective mounting holes defined by the panel and wherein a diameter of the plurality of fasteners is less than a diameter of the mounting holes. 
     
     
       16. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing including a front wall having an exterior surface opposite an interior surface and defining first and second apertures; 
 a panel positioned proximate the interior surface and attached to the housing with a compliant coupling; 
 a connector including a frame and a sleeve, wherein the frame defines first and second alignment openings that are aligned with first and second apertures and the frame is positioned between the panel and the interior surface, and wherein the sleeve extends from the frame through a connector opening defined by the front wall; and 
 an outer cover removably attached to the front wall and including first and second connector alignment pins that extend through the first and second alignment openings and through the first and second apertures aligning a portion of the sleeve with a connector aperture defined by the outer cover such that the sleeve can receive a mating connector through the connector aperture. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16  wherein the sleeve is a first sleeve and the connector includes a second sleeve extending from the frame. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 16  wherein the outer cover includes first and second cover alignment pins that align with first and second alignment apertures defined by the front wall such that the outer cover is aligned with the housing. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 16  wherein the first alignment opening is a hole and the second alignment opening is a slot. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 16  wherein the compliant coupling includes a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of respective mounting holes defined by the panel and wherein a diameter of the plurality of fasteners is less than a diameter of the mounting holes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/855,753, for “FLOATING CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY” filed on May 31, 2019 which is hereby incorporated by reference in entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices that include one or more externally accessible connectors. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to an electronic device that includes a removable cover and a connector assembly that aligns with an aperture formed in the removable cover when the cover is attached to the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently there are a wide variety of electronic devices that include one or more electrical connectors positioned at an exterior surface of the electronic device. Some electronic devices have one or more exterior covers that are detachable from the electronic device allowing a user to access components within an interior of the electronic device. In some electronic devices the exterior covers are fitted over the same surface of the electronic device that is equipped with the one or more electrical connectors. The interface between the electrical connectors and the cover can be difficult to align which may adversely affect the aesthetics of the electronic device as well as a user&#39;s access to the electrical connectors. Additionally, as electrical connectors reduce in size, these challenges may become more difficult. New features are needed to improve the alignment of electrical connectors with corresponding apertures formed in covers of electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     In some embodiments an electronic device comprises a housing including a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the front wall and the rear wall, wherein the front wall defines first and second apertures. A connector assembly includes a panel and an electrical connector, the electrical connector having a frame attached to the panel and a sleeve extending from the frame, wherein the sleeve is configured to receive a mating connector and the frame defines first and second alignment openings. A compliant coupling attaches the panel to the housing and positions the first and second alignment openings in alignment with the first and second apertures, respectively, wherein the compliant coupling allows the panel to move parallel to the front wall. A cover is removably attached to the front wall and includes first and second connector alignment pins that are aligned with and positioned within the first and second alignment openings and within the first and second apertures such that the sleeve is aligned with a connector aperture defined by the cover. 
     In some embodiments the cover includes first and second cover alignment pins that are aligned with and positioned within first and second alignment apertures defined by the front wall such that the cover is aligned with the housing. In various embodiments the first and second cover alignment pins extend a first distance from the cover, the first and second connector alignment pins extend a second distance from the cover, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. In some embodiments the first alignment opening is a hole and the second alignment opening is a slot. In various embodiments the sleeve is a first sleeve and the connector assembly includes a second sleeve extending from the frame. 
     In some embodiments the frame includes a plurality of pins that extend from the frame and attach the frame to the panel. In various embodiments the panel is a circuit board. In some embodiments the compliant coupling includes a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of respective mounting holes defined by the panel and wherein a diameter of the plurality of fasteners is less than a diameter of the mounting holes. 
     In some embodiments an electronic device comprises a housing including a front wall that defines first and second apertures and a panel attached to the housing with a compliant coupling. A connector includes a frame attached to the panel and defines first and second alignment openings that are aligned with first and second apertures. A cover is removably attached to the front wall and includes first and second connector alignment pins that are aligned with and positioned within the first and second alignment openings and within the first and second apertures such that a portion of the connector is positioned within a connector aperture defined by the cover. 
     In some embodiments the connector includes a pair of sleeves that extend from the frame. In various embodiments the cover includes first and second cover alignment pins that align with first and second alignment apertures defined by the front wall such that the cover is aligned with the housing. In some embodiments the first alignment opening is a hole and the second alignment opening is a slot. In various embodiments the frame includes a plurality of pins that extend from the frame and attach the frame to the panel. In some embodiments the panel is a circuit board. In some embodiments the compliant coupling includes a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of respective mounting holes defined by the panel and wherein a diameter of the plurality of fasteners is less than a diameter of the mounting holes. 
     In some embodiments an electronic device comprises a housing including a front wall having an exterior surface opposite an interior surface and defining first and second apertures. A panel is positioned proximate the interior surface and is attached to the housing with a compliant coupling. A connector includes a frame and a sleeve, wherein the frame defines first and second alignment openings that are aligned with first and second apertures and the frame is positioned between the panel and the interior surface, and wherein the sleeve extends from the frame through a connector opening defined by the front wall. A cover is removably attached to the front wall and includes first and second connector alignment pins that are aligned with and positioned within the first and second alignment openings and within the first and second apertures such that a portion of the sleeve is positioned within a connector aperture defined by the cover. 
     In some embodiments the sleeve is a first sleeve and the connector includes a second sleeve extending from the frame. In various embodiments the cover includes first and second cover alignment pins that align with first and second alignment apertures defined by the front wall such that the cover is aligned with the housing. In some embodiments the first alignment opening is a hole and the second alignment opening is a slot. In various embodiments the compliant coupling includes a plurality of fasteners that extend through a plurality of respective mounting holes defined by the panel and wherein a diameter of the plurality of fasteners is less than a diameter of the mounting holes. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present disclosure. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an electronic device including a floating connector assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a portion of the electronic device that includes the floating connector assembly shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  in the region of the floating connector assembly, with the cover removed; 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  in the region of the floating connector assembly with the cover attached; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric view of a connector insert for the floating connector assembly shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded isometric view of the connector shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the connector shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified plan view of the connector shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified isometric view of the connector shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of the present disclosure, further context for the disclosure is provided in the following section by discussing one particular implementation of an electronic device that includes one or more electrical connectors that are aligned with corresponding alignment apertures formed in an exterior cover of the electronic device. In further embodiments the electrical connectors can remain functional whether or not the cover is attached to the electronic device, according to embodiments of the disclosure. These embodiments are for explanatory purposes only and other embodiments may be employed in other electronic devices. For example, embodiments of the disclosure can be used with any device that receives or transmits audio, video or data signals. In some instances, embodiments of the disclosure are particularly well suited for use with computing devices because of their use of one or more electronic connectors that are accessible at an exterior of the computing device. 
     For example, in some embodiments an electronic device includes a housing that has a detachable cover that when detached enables a user to access components within the housing. The cover can be positioned over a portion of the housing that includes an electrical connector that is accessible through the cover when the cover is attached, and is accessible at a surface of the housing when the cover is detached. The connector can be a part of a floating connector assembly that is attached to the housing with a compliant coupling. When the cover is attached to the housing a connector alignment mechanism positions the connector in alignment with a connector aperture formed through the cover such that a user can access to the connector with the cover attached, providing an aesthetically appealing exterior appearance for the electronic device. 
     In another example the alignment mechanism includes alignment pins attached to the cover and corresponding alignment apertures formed in the housing that align the connector to the cover when the cover is attached to the housing. In a further example the floating connector assembly can include a frame that includes alignment holes and electrically and mechanically couples the connector to a floating circuit board. 
     In order to better appreciate the features and aspects of connector alignment features for electronic devices according to the present disclosure, further context for the disclosure is provided in the following section by discussing one particular implementation of an electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. These embodiments are for example only and other embodiments can be employed in other electronic devices such as, but not limited to computers, watches, media players and other devices. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a simplified isometric view of an electronic device  100 , according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  100  includes a housing  105  having a detachable front cover  110 , attached to a front wall  115  of the housing. Housing  105  further includes a rear wall  120  opposite front wall  115 , and four side walls  125 ,  130 ,  135 ,  140  extending between the front wall and rear walls. Electronic device  100  can be any type of computing device including, but not limited to, a stationary computer, a portable computer, a portable media device, a gaming device, a printer, a peripheral electronic device or a camera. Computing device  100  can also have any suitable shape including, but not limited to, a cube, a cuboid, a cylinder or a rectangular prism. 
     Electronic device  100  further includes a power button  145  and first and second receptacle connectors  150   a ,  150   b  positioned at exterior surface  155  of front cover  110 . In other embodiments electronic device  100  may have other connectors, indicator lights, buttons or other interface devices at exterior surface  155  of front cover  110 . In some embodiments first and second receptacle connectors  150   a ,  150   b  are aligned with corresponding first and second apertures  160   a ,  160   b  of cover  110  such that the first and second receptacle connectors are accessible by a user (with and without cover attached) and enabling electronic device  100  to have an appealing exterior appearance, as described in more detail below. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2  a simplified partial view of front surface  115  of housing  105  with cover  110  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) removed is illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 2 , front surface  115  includes first and second electrical connectors  150   a ,  150   b  coupled to a floating connector assembly  205  (shown in hidden lines) such that a portion of first and second sleeves  210   a ,  210   b  of each corresponding connector protrude through first and second corresponding penetrations  215   a ,  215   b  formed through housing  105 . First and second penetrations  215   a ,  215   b  are larger than first and second electrical connector sleeves  210   a ,  210   b  enabling first and second electrical connectors  150   a ,  150   b  to move in-plane with floating connector assembly  205 . More specifically, floating connector assembly  205  is attached to housing  105  with a compliant coupling  220  that allows the floating connector assembly to move in-plane (e.g., parallel with front surface  115 ) such that first and second electrical connectors  150   a ,  150   b  can be positioned to align with first and second apertures  160   a ,  160   b  (see  FIG. 1 ) in cover  110 , as described in more detail below. In other embodiments first and second penetrations  215   a ,  215   b  may be replaced by a larger penetration accommodating both first and second electrical connectors  150   a ,  150   b.    
     Front surface  115  of housing  105  also defines first and second holes  225   a ,  225   b  that are formed through the housing and are portions of a connector alignment mechanism that enables first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  to align with first and second corresponding apertures  160   a ,  160   b  in cover  110  when the cover is attached to housing  105 , as described in more detail below. First and second holes  225   a ,  225   b  allow access to first and second alignment openings  230   a ,  230   b  of floating connector assembly  205  that aligns first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  with first and second apertures  160   a ,  160   b  in cover  110  when the cover is attached to housing  105 , as described in more detail below. 
     Front surface  115  further defines first and second alignment apertures  235   a ,  235   b  that are formed through housing  105  and are portions of a cover alignment mechanism that enables the cover to be aligned with the housing when the cover is attached to the housing, as described in more detail below. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a simplified partial cross-sectional view of cover  110  detached from housing  105 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , cover  110  includes first and second cover alignment pins  305   a ,  305   b  protruding from an interior surface  310  of the cover and positioned to engage with first and second alignment apertures  235   a ,  235   b  formed in housing  105 . In some embodiments first and second cover alignment pins  305   a ,  305   b  can each have tapers at a distal end, and similarly first and second alignment apertures  235   a ,  235   b  can have tapers to enable easier initial alignment of cover  110  to housing  105 . In various embodiments first alignment aperture  235   a  is a circular hole that is slightly larger than first alignment pin  305   a  and second alignment aperture  235   b  is a slot that has a width that is slightly larger than second alignment pin  305   b  and a length that is at least 1.5 times a diameter of the second alignment pin. In some embodiments first alignment pin  305   a  and first alignment aperture  235   a  are both circular and provide planar positioning of cover  110  to housing  105 , and second alignment aperture  235   b  is a slot that provides rotational positioning of the cover to the housing, but enables the second pin greater horizontal positioning tolerance so the first cover alignment pin and the second cover alignment pin do not bind (as may be the case if second alignment aperture  235   b  were a circular hole of a similar size as second cover alignment pin  305   b ). 
     Cover  110  also includes first and second connector alignment pins  315   a ,  315   b  protruding from interior surface  310  of the cover and positioned to pass through first and second holes  225   a ,  225   b  in cover  110  and engage with first and second alignment openings  230   a ,  230   b  formed in floating connector assembly  205 . More specifically, as first and second connector alignment pins  315   a ,  315   b  align with first and second alignment openings  230   a ,  230   b , floating connector assembly  205  moves in-plane such that first and second connector sleeves  210   a ,  210   b  align with first and second connector apertures  160   a ,  160   b  in cover  110 , as described in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments first and second connector alignment pins  315   a ,  315   b  can each have tapers and similarly first and second alignment openings  230   a ,  230   b  and first and second holes  225   a ,  225   b  can also have tapers to enable easier initial alignment of floating connector assembly  205  to first and second connector apertures  160   a ,  160   b  in cover  110 . In various embodiments first alignment opening  230   a  is a circular hole that is slightly larger than first connector alignment pin  315   a  and second alignment opening  230   b  is a slot that has a width that is slightly larger than second connector alignment pin  315   b  and a length that is at least 1.5 times a diameter of the second connector alignment pin. In some embodiments first connector alignment pin  315   a  and first alignment opening  230   a  are both circular and provide planar positioning of floating connector assembly  205  to cover  110 , and second alignment opening  230   b  is a slot that provides rotational positioning of the connector assembly to the cover, but enables second connector alignment pin  315   b  greater horizontal positioning tolerance so first connector alignment pin  315   a  and the second connector alignment pin do not bind (as may be the case if second alignment opening  230   b  were a circular hole of a similar size as second connector alignment pin  315   b ). 
     In some embodiments first and second alignment pins  305   a ,  305  be can be longer than first and second connector alignment pins  315   a ,  315   b  such that cover  110  is first aligned with housing  105 , then connector assembly  205  is aligned with connector apertures  160   a ,  160   b.    
     Floating connector assembly  205  includes a panel  320  that is substantially parallel to front surface  115  of housing  105  and is coupled to housing with compliant couplings  220 . In one embodiment, each compliant coupling  220  includes a mounting hole  227  formed through panel  320 . A body  325  of a fastener  330  extends through mounting hole  227  and is coupled to housing  105  with a thread or other retention mechanism. Fastener  330  includes a head  335  that has a larger diameter than body  325  such that a spring washer  337  can be captured by body  325  and by head  335  to be held in contact with panel  320 . In some embodiments spring washer  337  may be what is commonly referred to as a belleville washer, a curved disk washer, a wave washer or any other type of suitable washer having a spring-like feature. Fastener  330  can be inserted in housing  105  an appropriate amount such that spring washer  337  exerts a force between panel  320  and head  335  such that the panel can move horizontally, but is held in place vertically (as oriented in  FIG. 3 ) by forces exerted by one or more spring washers  337 . 
     In another embodiment, compliant coupling  220  can include one or more elastomeric supports that affix panel  320  to housing  105 . Elastomeric supports can enable floating connector assembly  205  to move and align first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  with first and second connector apertures  160   a ,  160   b . In further embodiments the elastomeric supports can be electrically conductive and provide a ground path between panel  320  and housing  105 . 
     In some embodiments panel  320  is a circuit board and provides electrical routing from first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  to circuitry within electronic device  100 . In one embodiment panel  320  includes ground features that electrically couple to a housing ground through spring washer  337  to panel  320 . 
     In some embodiments floating connector assembly  205  further includes a frame  340  that is mechanically coupled to panel  320  with one or more pins  345 . Frame  340  is coupled to first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  such that mechanical forces applied to the connectors are supported through frame  340  to panel  320  such that electrical connections  343  between the first and second connectors and the panel are not damaged. More specifically, in some embodiments a force applied to a mated connector (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) is transferred from the mated connector to connector sleeves  210   a ,  210   b  of frame  340 . Frame  340  then transfers the force through one or more pins  345  to panel  320  which can absorb the force or can transfer the force to connector alignment pins  315   a ,  315   b  and to cover  110  that can absorb the force. During force transfer, electrical connections  343  are protected from the applied force, improving the reliability of first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b.    
     In some embodiments cover  110  can include one or more electromagnetic gaskets and/or shields  350  that are positioned to electrically and mechanically couple to first and second connector sleeves  210   a ,  210   b  of frame  340 . Frame  340  can provide a ground contact for electromagnetic gaskets and/or shields  350  via spring washers  337  and/or electrical connections  343  to circuitry within housing  105 . In further embodiments frame  340  can function as an electromagnetic shield for first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  and can be coupled to a ground via spring washers  337  and/or electrical connections  343  to circuitry within housing  105 . 
     In some embodiments first and second cover alignment pins  305   a ,  305   b  can be longer than first and second connector alignment pins  315   a ,  315   b  such that when cover  110  is installed on housing  105 , the cover first aligns with the housing via the cover alignment pins, then the connector alignment pins engage floating connector assembly  205  and align first and second connector  150   a ,  150   b  with first and second connector apertures  160   a ,  160   b  in cover  110 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a simplified partial cross-sectional view of cover  110  attached to housing  105 , according to embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4 , first and second cover alignment pins  305   a ,  305   b  are engaged with first and second alignment apertures  235   a ,  235   b  formed in housing  105 . Similarly, first and second connector alignment pins  315   a ,  315   b  of cover  110  are engaged with first and second alignment openings  230   a ,  230   b  formed in floating connector assembly  205 , positioning first and second connector sleeves  210   a ,  210   b  in alignment with connector first and second connector apertures  160   a ,  160   b . In some embodiments first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  can be USB-C connectors having relatively small features and the use of the connector alignment mechanism and methods disclosed herein can enable alignment of first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  with first and second connector apertures  160   a ,  160   b  providing a user unrestricted access to the first and second connectors and also providing electronic device  100  (see  FIG. 1 ) with an aesthetically appealing appearance. In other embodiments first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  can be any type of suitable connector, including but not limited to, USB-A, USB-B, HDMI or optical. 
       FIGS. 5-9  illustrate various simplified isometric views of one embodiment of first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  and frame  340  (see  FIG. 3 ) that are used to make a portion of floating connector assembly  205 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , electrical connector  150   a  includes first and second leadframe assemblies  505   a ,  505   b  that each include a plurality of leads  510  that can be insert molded within dielectric carriers  515 . A ground plate  520  can be positioned between first and second leadframe assemblies  505   a ,  505   b  to minimize cross-talk between the first and second leadframe assemblies. 
     First and second leadframe assemblies  505   a ,  505   b  and ground plate  520  can be inserted within a connector tongue  530 . In some embodiments connector tongue  530  can be metallic and can be cast, machined, metal injection molded or formed by any other suitable process. Connector tongue  530  can include a distal tab portion  533 . After insertion within connector tongue  530 , first and second leadframe assemblies  505   a ,  505   b  can be potted in place with a dielectric potting material that at least partially encapsulates the first and second leadframe assemblies within the tongue. A grounding shell  535  can be fitted over and coupled to connector tongue  530  and first and second leadframe assemblies  505   a ,  505   b . An optional cosmetic ring  540  can be affixed to tongue  530 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  can each be fitted with corresponding first and second ground springs  605   a ,  605   b  and inserted within frame  340 . In some embodiments frame  340  can be metallic and can be cast, machined, metal injection molded or formed by any other suitable process. First and second ground springs  605   a ,  605   b  can be positioned within frame  340  to make electrical contact with a mating connector when it is received within sleeves  210   a ,  210   b  of frame  340 . As described above, frame  340  can include first and second alignment openings  230   a ,  230   b  (only first alignment opening  230  a is shown) that enable floating connector assembly  205  (see  FIG. 3 ) to be aligned with cover  110 . Frame  340  can also include one or more pins  345  that can electrically and mechanically couple frame to panel  320  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments an alignment fixture  705  can be inserted within sleeve  210   a  of frame  340  to position distal tab portion  533  of connector tongue  530  within the sleeve. A portion of alignment fixture can emulate a mating connector and can be slidably engaged with the connector. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , with alignment fixture  705  (see  FIG. 7 ) engaged, first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b , can be attached to frame  340 . In one embodiment one or more laser welds  805  are formed between ground shell  535  and frame  340  to secure first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  within the frame. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a completed connector and frame assembly  905  is shown. Connector and frame assembly  905  can then be fastened to panel  320  that may be a circuit board. One or more electrical connections  343  of first and second connectors  150   a ,  150   b  can be electrically coupled to panel  320 . One or more pins  345  can be positioned within mounting holes in panel and secured via fasteners, riveting or any other suitable process. In some embodiments one or more pins  345  can provide mechanical coupling and ground coupling to a circuit board and one or more electrical connections  343  can couple electrical signals to circuitry within electronic device  100 . 
     Although electronic device  100  (see  FIG. 1 ) is described and illustrated as one particular electronic device, embodiments of the disclosure are suitable for use with a multiplicity of electronic devices. For example, any device that receives or transmits audio, video or data signals can be used with embodiments of the disclosure. In some instances, embodiments of the disclosure are particularly well suited for use with electronic devices having one or more exterior electrical connectors. As used herein, an electronic media device includes any device with at least one electronic component that can be used to present human-perceivable media. Such devices can include, for example, portable music players (e.g., MP3 devices and Apple&#39;s iPod devices), portable video players (e.g., portable DVD players), cellular telephones (e.g., smart telephones such as Apple&#39;s iPhone devices), video cameras, digital still cameras, projection systems (e.g., holographic projection systems), gaming systems, PDAs, as well as tablet (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPad devices), laptop or other mobile computers. Some of these devices can be configured to provide audio, video or other data or sensory output. 
     For simplicity, various internal components, such as the control circuitry, graphics circuitry, bus, memory, storage device and other components of electronic device  100  (see  FIG. 1 ) are not shown in the figures. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to numerous specific details that can vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the disclosure, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the disclosure, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. The specific details of particular embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the disclosure. 
     Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as “bottom or “top” and the like can be used to describe an element and/or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a “bottom” surface can then be oriented “above” other elements or features. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190927
Publication Date: 20220419
Grant Date: 20220419
Priority Date: 20190531
Inventors: Harper, James E.
AMINI, MAHMOUD R.
ZHOU, RUI
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K5/15", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/187", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0247", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1401", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3893", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3882", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3897", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3825", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3893", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0247", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3897", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/187", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3825", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3882", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/1401", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/187", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3897", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 73549660