PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10877517-B2
Application Number: US-201916250966-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Assembly for portable electronic device

Abstract:
Electronic devices, such as mobile communication devices, may include several enhancements and modification not found on traditional electronic devices. Parts of the electronic device can be welded together to provide structural support and or functional connections between operating components of the electronic device. Within a band, a back plate can support multiple operable components of the electronic device. The band, the welds, and/or the back plate can provide electrical connections between components. Conductive pathways provided by the welds can be provided with adequate strength and durability to reduce and avoid breakage so that sensitive components, such as a compass module, can operate without alterations that would cause interference. The welds can be provided in a sequence that mitigates the effects of heating during the welding process.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device comprising:
 a band defining an outer periphery of the electronic device; 
 a back plate connected to the band with multiple welds, wherein the back plate comprises cladded layers of different metal materials, wherein each of the welds extends through the layers; 
 a circuit board on a first side of the back plate; 
 a dock for receiving a connector and being electrically connected to the circuit board via the back plate, the welds, and the band; and 
 an electronic component adjacent to the welds, on a second side of the back plate, and operatively connected to the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the back plate provides a ground return path for the circuit board, the dock, and the electronic component. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the welds form multiple weld sets, wherein each of the weld sets is spaced apart from a corresponding pair of adjacent weld sets and each weld set comprises a same pattern of welds. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein cladded layers comprise outer layers of a first metal material and an inner layer of a second metal material. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a front cover comprising glass and coupled to the band; and 
 a back cover comprising glass and coupled to the back plate. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic component is a compass module. 
     
     
       7. An electronic device comprising:
 a band defining an outer periphery of the electronic device; and 
 a back plate welded to the band with multiple weld sets, wherein each of the weld sets is spaced apart from a corresponding pair of adjacent weld sets and each weld set comprises a same pattern of welds, wherein each of the pattern of welds forms a spiral shape or a serpentine shape. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the back plate comprises cladded layers of different metal materials, wherein each of the welds extends through the layers. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein cladded layers comprise outer layers of a first metal material and an inner layer of a second metal material. 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a circuit board; 
 a dock for receiving a connector and being electrically connected to the circuit board via the back plate, the weld sets, and the band; and 
 a compass module adjacent to the weld sets. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the back plate provides a ground return path for the band. 
     
     
       12. A method comprising:
 welding a back plate to a band of an electronic device with multiple first welds; and 
 after welding with the multiple first welds, welding the back plate to the band with multiple second welds, each of the second welds being between a corresponding pair of the first welds, wherein the first welds are formed at a first temperature, and the second welds are formed while the first welds are at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein each of the first welds and second welds forms a spiral shape. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , wherein each of the first welds and second welds forms a serpentine shape. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the back plate comprises cladded layers of different metal materials, wherein each of the welds extends through the layers. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein cladded layers comprise outer layers of a first metal material and an inner layer of a second metal material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/729,946, entitled “ASSEMBLY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed Sep. 11, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to an electronic device, and, more particularly, to portable electronic device (e.g., smartphone) having various features and enhancements. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices are known to include a housing and a cover glass that combines with the housing to enclose components such as a circuit board, a display, and a battery. Also, portable electronic devices are known to communicate over a network server to send and receive information, as well as communicate with a network carrier to send and receive voice communication. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , with the display assembly and the protective cover removed. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the protective cover and the display assembly, as well as several additional components of the electronic device (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
         FIGS. 5-7  illustrate a back plate and side walls of a device with a cladded back plate. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded view of the back assembly of the electronic device (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front view of the back assembly of the electronic device. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a sectional view of the back assembly of the electronic device. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a sectional view of the back plate. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a front view of the electronic device providing a first electrical pathway. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a front view of the electronic device providing a second electrical pathway. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a view of a set of welds. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a view of another set of welds. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a front view of a portion of the electronic device. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a front view of a portion of the electronic device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various implementations and is not intended to represent the only implementations in which the subject technology may be practiced. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described implementations may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     The following disclosure relates to an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device that takes the form of a smart phone or a tablet computer device. The electronic device may include several enhancements and modification not found on traditional electronic devices. 
     The electronic device may include a back plate having cladded layers such that a railing structure can be welded to the back plate and attached to a band of the electronic device. The back plate and the band can form conductive pathways for connecting components of the electronic device. 
     Parts of the electronic device can be welded together to provide structural support and or functional connections between operating components of the electronic device. Within a band, a back plate can support multiple operable components of the electronic device. The band, the welds, and/or the back plate can provide electrical connections between components. Conductive pathways provided by the welds can be provided with adequate strength and durability to reduce and avoid breakage so that sensitive components, such as a compass module, can operate without alterations that would cause interference. The welds can be provided in a sequence that mitigates the effects of heating during the welding process. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . 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  illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a tablet computer device. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is a mobile wireless communication device (a smartphone, for example). The electronic device  100  may include a band  102  that defines an outer perimeter of the electronic device  100 . The band  102  may include a metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or an alloy that includes at least one of aluminum or stainless steel. The band  102  may be composed of several sidewall components, such as a first sidewall component  104 , a second sidewall component  106 , a third sidewall component  108  (opposite the first sidewall component  104 ), and a fourth sidewall component (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The aforementioned sidewall components may include any material(s) previously described for the band  102 . 
     In some instances, some of the sidewall components form part of an antenna assembly (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). As a result, a non-metal material, or materials, may separate the sidewall components of the band  102  from each other in order to electrically isolate the sidewall components. For example, a first composite material  112  separates the first sidewall component  104  from the second sidewall component  106 , and a second composite material  114  separates the second sidewall component  106  from the third sidewall component  108 . The aforementioned composite may include an electrically inert, or insulating, material(s), such as plastics and/or resin, as non-limiting examples. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a display assembly  116  (shown as a dotted line) that is covered by a front cover  118 . The display assembly  116  may include multiple layers (discussed below), with each layer providing a unique function. The display assembly  116  may be partially covered by a border  120 , or frame, that extends along an outer edge of the front cover  118  and partially covers an outer edge of the display assembly  116 . The border  120  can be positioned to hide or obscure any electrical and mechanical connections between the layers of the display assembly  116  and flexible circuit connectors. This will be shown below. Also, the border  120  may include uniform thickness. For example, the border  120  may include a thickness that generally does not change in the X- and Y-dimensions. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the display assembly  116  may include a notch  122 , representing an absence of the display assembly  116 . The notch  122  may allow for a vision system (discussed below) that provides the electronic device  100  with information for object recognition, such as facial recognition. In this regard, the electronic device  100  may include a masking layer with openings (shown as dotted lines) designed to hide or obscure the vision system, while the openings allow the vision system provide the object recognition information. This will be further discussed below. Also, the front cover  118  may be formed from a transparent material, such as glass, plastic, sapphire, or the like. In this regard, the front cover  118  may be referred to as a transparent cover, a transparent protective cover, or a cover glass (when the front cover  118  includes glass). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the front cover  118  includes an opening  124 , which may represent a single opening of the front cover  118 . The opening  124  may allow for transmission of acoustical energy (in the form of audible sound) into the electronic device  100 , which may be received by a microphone (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device  100 . Further, the opening  124  may allow for transmission of acoustical energy (in the form of audible sound) out the electronic device  100 , which may be generated by an audio module (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device  100 . Also, the electronic device  100  may not include a button, such as “home button,” commonly found in electronic devices, as the front cover  118  does not include additional openings. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a port  126  designed to receive a connector of a cable assembly. The port  126  allows the electronic device  100  to communication data information (send and receive), and also allows the electronic device  100  to receive electrical energy to charge a battery assembly (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the port  126  may include terminals (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that electrically couple to the connector. 
     Also, the electronic device  100  may include several openings. For example, the electronic device  100  may include openings  128  that allow an additional audio module (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device to emit acoustical energy out of the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may further include openings  132  that allow an additional microphone (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device to receive acoustical energy. Also, the electronic device  100  may include a first fastener  134  and a second fastener  136  designed to secure with a rail (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that is coupled to the front cover  118 . In this regard, the first fastener  134  and the second fastener  136  are designed to couple the front cover  118  with the band  102 . 
     The electronic device  100  may include several control inputs designed to provide a command to the electronic device  100 . For example, the electronic device  100  may include a first control input  142  and a second control input  144 . The aforementioned control inputs may be used to adjust the visual information presented on the display assembly  116  or the volume of acoustical energy output by an audio module, as non-limiting examples. The controls may include one of a switch or a button designed to generate a command to a processor circuit (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The control inputs may at least partially extend through openings in the sidewall components. For example, the second sidewall component  106  may include an opening  146  that receives the first control input  142 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In addition to the aforementioned sidewall components, the band  102  may further include a fourth sidewall component  110 . As shown, a third composite material  152  separates the first sidewall component  104  from the fourth sidewall component  110 , and a fourth composite material  154  separates the fourth sidewall component  110  from the third sidewall component  108 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a back cover  158  that couples with the band  102 . In this regard, the back cover  158  may combine with the band  102  to form an enclosure of the electronic device  100 , with the enclosure (band  102  and back cover  158 ) defining an internal volume that carries several internal components, such as a battery assembly, circuit board, vision system, as non-limiting examples. The back cover  158  may include any material(s) previously described for the front cover  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). When the back cover  158  include a non-metal material, the electronic device  100  may provide hardware (and software) to support wireless charging. For example, the electronic device  100  may include a wireless power receiving module  160  (represented by a dotted line) covered by the back cover  158 . The wireless power receiving module  160  is designed to receive an induced current when exposed to an alternating electromagnetic field. This will be further discussed below. Also, the front cover  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be referred to as a “front protective cover” and the back cover  158  may be referred to as a “rear protective cover,” as the front of the electronic device  100  is generally associated with the display assembly  116  (which is covered by the front cover  118 ), and the back of the electronic device  100  is generally associated with a rear wall, such as the back cover  158 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a camera assembly  170 , which may include a dual camera assembly. As shown, the camera assembly  170  may include a first camera module  172 , a second camera module  174 , and a light emitter  176  positioned between the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174 . The light emitter  176  is designed to provide additional lighting during an image capture event by the first camera module  172  and/or the second camera module  174 . However, it is desired to isolate some of the light “leakage” from the light emitter into the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174 . In this regard, the camera assembly  170  may further include a trim element (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) designed to optically isolate the light emitter  176  from the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174 . In this manner, the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174  may only receive desired light from the light emitter  176 , such as light reflected from an object, the image of which is the first camera module  172  and/or the second camera module  174 ). The trim element will be further shown and described below. Also, the camera assembly  170  may further include a protective cover  178  formed from a transparent material that covers the first camera module  172 , the second camera module  174 , and the light emitter  176 . However, the protective cover  178  may include a masking layer (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) designed to at least partially obscure part of protective cover the first camera module  172 , the second camera module  174 , and the light emitter  176 . It should be noted, however, that the masking layer includes openings that allow the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174  to capture images, and that allow the light emitter  176  to emit light that exits the electronic device  100 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174  are aligned (collectively) in a manner that is parallel with respect to the second sidewall component  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and the fourth sidewall component  110 . In other words, an imaginary line can be drawn through the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174  that is parallel with respect the second sidewall component  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and the fourth sidewall component  110 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , with the display assembly and the protective cover removed. The layout of several components in the internal volume. For purposes of simplicity and illustration, electrical connections, such as flexible circuit, wires, cables, etc., between internal components are removed. As shown, the electronic device  100  may include a vision system  410  and a bracket assembly  440  used to carry the vision system  410 . The vision system  410  may provide with the electronic device  100  with information related to object recognition, including facial recognition. The bracket assembly  440  is designed to maintain a fixed distance between the optical components of the vision system  410 . The features of the vision system  410  and the bracket assembly  440  will be further discussed below. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a back plate  306  that provides structural support. The back plate  306  may include a rigid material, such as a metal. Also, the back plate  306  may be coupled to the band  102 . In this manner, the back plate  306  may also provide an electrical grounding path for components electrically coupled to the back plate  306 . Also, the back plate  306  may include a wall  308 . The wall  308  may combine with the band  102  to surround the camera assembly  170 . The wall  308  may also limit or prevent light generated from the light emitter  176  from further entering the internal volume  300 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a battery assembly  310  that includes a first battery component  312  coupled with a second battery component  314  by coupling member  316 . The coupling member  316  may include an adhesive material. Both the first battery component  312  and the second battery component  314  are designed to generate electrical energy that can be used by several aforementioned components in the internal volume  300 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the battery assembly  310  resembles an L-shape, based upon the combined shape of the first battery component  312  and the second battery component  314 . 
     The shape of the battery assembly  310  may accommodate other components. For example, the electronic device  100  may further include a circuit board  320 . The circuit board  320  may include at least two circuit boards in a stacked configuration. The stacked configuration may conserve space in the internal volume  300 , particularly in least one of the X- and Y-dimensions, X- and Y-dimensions (as well as a Z-dimension, discussed later) referring to Cartesian coordinates. The circuit board  320  may include several active components (such as integrated circuits) that provide the primary processing for the electronic device  100 . Also, similar to the battery assembly  310 , the circuit board  320  may resemble an L-shape. In this manner, both the battery assembly  310  and the circuit board  320  can be shaped to conserve space in the internal volume  300 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a dock  332  in a location corresponding to the port  126  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The dock  332  may include terminals and other electrical connection points (not shown). The dock  332 , in conjunction with the port  126 , can receive a connector (used with a cable assembly), thereby allowing the electronic device to send and receive data transmission. Also, the dock  332  can receive electrical energy used to recharge the battery assembly  310 . 
     Moreover, the electronic device  100  may further include a wireless power receiving module  160  designed to provide electrical energy to the battery assembly  310 . The wireless power receiving module  160  may include a receiver coil (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) designed to receive an induced current by an alternating electromagnetic field generated by a transmitter coil (not shown) that is external with respect to the electronic device  100 . Also, the back plate  306  may include an opening  336  (defined by a void in the back plate  306 ) such that the back plate  306  does not impede the alternating electromagnetic field. Also, the wireless power receiving module  160  may include a shielding element  338  designed to shield at least some components in the internal volume  300  from the alternating electromagnetic field. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include an audio module  342  designed to generate acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. The electronic device  100  may further include a microphone  344  designed to receive acoustical energy. Also, the electronic device may further include several rail clips designed to receive rails  404  secured to the front cover  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the electronic device  100  may include a first rail clip  352 , a second rail clip  354 , a third rail clip  356 , and a fourth rail clip  358 . The rails  404  designed to couple with the aforementioned rail clips will be shown below. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the front cover  118  and the display assembly  116 , as well as several additional components of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). As shown, the front cover  118  may include several rails designed to secure the front cover  118 . For example, the front cover  118  may include a first rail  552 , a second rail  554 , a third rail  556 , and a fourth rail  558  designed to couple with the first rail clip  352 , a second rail clip  354 , a third rail clip  356 , and a fourth rail clip  358 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 3 . Also, the front cover  118  may further include a fifth rail  562  designed to receive the first fastener  134  and the second fastener  136  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The border  120  may secure with a surface (such as an internal surface) of the front cover  118 . In addition to the border  120  hiding or obscuring electrical and mechanical connections to the display assembly  116 , additional layers may be used to hide or obscure some features. For example, an electronic device described herein may include a masking layer  570  designed to at least partially hide or obscure the vision system  410  and the bracket assembly  440 . The masking layer  570  may include an opaque material designed to block light, including visible light, UV light, and IR light. The opaque material may include an ink material that is adhered to a surface of the front cover  118 . Also, the masking layer  570  may include an appearance, in terms of color and reflectivity, designed to match that of the border  120 . For example, when the border  120  includes a black or white appearance (as non-limiting examples), the masking layer  570  may include a black or white appearance, respectively. 
     In order to allow the vision system  410  to provide object recognition, the masking layer  570  may include several openings (not labeled). However, at least some of the openings may be covered or filled by a material that is semi-opaque. For example, an electronic device described herein may include a layer  572  that covers an opening of the masking layer  570 , a layer  574  that covers an additional opening of the masking layer  570 , and a layer  576  that covers an additional opening of the masking layer  570 . In some embodiments, the layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  include an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the masking layer  570  (and accordingly, an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the border  120 ). However, the layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  may be designed to filter out some light in some frequencies while selectively transmitting light in other frequencies. For example, the layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  may block visible light (as well as other light), and allow IR light to permeate. As a result, the layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  may be referred to as visible light filters. The layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  may cover components of the vision system  410  designed to transmit/emit IR light or receive IR light. A light module  624  may also be aligned with a visible light filter. 
     Further, an electronic device described herein may include a layer  578  that covers an additional opening of the masking layer  570 , and a layer  582  that covers an additional opening of the masking layer  570 . In some embodiments, the layer  578  and the layer  582  include an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the masking layer  570  (and accordingly, an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the border  120 ). However, the layer  578  and the layer  582  may be designed to filter out some light in some frequencies while selectively transmitting light in other frequencies. For example, the layer  578  and the layer  582  may block IR light (as well as other light), and allow visible light to permeate. As a result, the layer  578  and the layer  582  may be referred to as IR light filters. The layer  578  and the layer  582  may cover components of the vision system  410  designed to receive visible light. An ambient light sensor  626  may also be aligned with an IR light filter. 
     In some instances, the bracket assembly  440  and the vision system  410  are not affixed in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Rather, the bracket assembly  440  (along with the vision system  410 ) may be placed in the internal volume  300  and are allowed to generally move freely with respect to, for example, the back plate  306  and the band  102 . However, as the front cover  118  is coupled with the band  102  (by way of the rails  404  securing with the rail clips), the position of the bracket assembly  440  and the vision system  410  can be adjusted to a desired location in the internal volume  300 , and compressive forces can retain the bracket assembly  440  and the vision system  410  in a desired location. 
     In this regard, an electronic device described herein may include an alignment module  610  that is coupled with the front cover  118 . In some instances, the masking layer  570 , along with the light filter layers described above, is positioned between the front cover  118  and the alignment module  610 . The alignment module  610  may be coupled with the front cover  118  in a location such when the front cover  118  is assembled with the enclosure (or with the remaining portion of an electronic device), the alignment module  610  guides the modules of the vision system  410  such that the modules align with a desired light filter layer described above. This will be further shown and discussed below. 
     An electronic device described herein may further include an audio module  622  designed to generate acoustical energy. The audio module  622  may be seated on the alignment module  610  such that the audio module  622  is aligned with the opening  124  of the front cover  118 . An electronic device described herein may further include a light module  624  designed to generate light, such as IR light. The light module  624  may be used in conjunction with the vision system  410 . For example, the light module  624  may provide additional IR light under conditions of relatively low light. The alignment module  610  may align the light module  624 . An electronic device described herein may further include an ambient light sensor  626  designed to detect an amount of light external with respect to the electronic device. In some instances, the ambient light sensor  626  provides light conditions (such as low-light conditions) that can be used to activate the light module  624 . The alignment module  610  may include a rail  628  used to align the ambient light sensor  626 . Also, an electronic device described herein may further include a microphone  632  designed to receive acoustical energy. The microphone  632  may be at least partially aligned with the opening  124  of the front cover  118 . 
     The notch  122  (in the display assembly  116 ) is used to accommodate the alignment module  610 , as well as the vision system  410 . Also, the back plate  306  may be positioned below the display assembly  116  (in the Z-dimension). Accordingly, the back plate  306  may provide support to the display assembly  116  as well as other components. 
     Electronic devices may include support plates or back plates  306  that are constructed of dissimilar metal materials, such as the electronic device as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The back plate  306  is cladded constructed of stainless steel layer, followed by a copper layer, followed by another stainless steel layer (e.g., SS-Cu-SS). The side walls  2104  may be constructed of aluminum. The rails  404  which mount the back plate  306  to the side walls  2104  may be constructed of stainless steel. The rails  404  may be of an L shape with a bottom portion toward the back plate  306  and a top portion toward the side walls  2104 . By choosing the materials as set forth above, the bottom portion of the rail  404  may be welded from the back plate  306  underside (e.g., rear side of the back plate) to form a secure attachment with improved joint strength (e.g., the cladded back plate is not welded directly to the aluminum). Put alternatively, fewer materials are involved in the welding process, resulting in a more reliable attachment between the side walls and the back plate  306 . 
     Additional interposer structures  406  may be utilized in accordance with dissimilar welding as set forth above. For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a portion of the back plate is removed for space utilization. Inserted in the cut out space, for example, is a stainless steel portion, but may be a copper portion or other materials suitable for welding to the cladded back plate  306 . The removed portion of the back plate  306  may be cut with a dove-tail configuration or other mating configurations adapted for interference fitting. A lip  402  from the bottom portion of the rail  404  may be positioned over the outer perimeter of the inserted portion, which may be welded for additional secure attachment. 
     Parts of the electronic device can be welded together to provide structural support and or functional connections between operating components of the electronic device. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the electronic device  100  can include a band  102  that defines at least a portion of an outer periphery of the electronic device  100 . The back plate  306  can be provided along a side of the band  102 , and a back cover  158  can be provided over the back plate  306  to define an outer surface of the assembled electronic device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the back plate  306  can be connected to the band  102  by multiple welds  420  along overlapping portions of the back plate  306  and the band  102 . For example, as discussed further herein, the band  102  can include or be connected to one or more rails  404  that extend inwardly from the outer boundary defined by the band  102 . Such rails  404  can be provided along one or more inner sides of the band  102 , and the back plate  306  can be welded to each of the rails  404 . Multiple welds  420  can be provided along each of the rails  404 , as discussed further herein. The welds  420  or sets of welds  420  can be separated from each other or overlapping, as discussed further herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the back plate  306  can be welded to the band  102  (e.g., the rail  404 ) at an outer portion thereof. The weld  420  can have a depth that extends through an entire thickness (e.g., height) of the back plate  306  and into the band  102  (e.g., rail  404 ). For example, the weld  420  can have a depth of about 0.1-0.5 mm (e.g., 0.2 mm). The weld  420  can extend into the band  102  (e.g., rail  404 ) to a depth of about 0.01-0.10 mm (e.g., 0.05 mm). The weld  420  can be wider at the back plate  306  and taper to a point within the band  102 . For example, the weld  420  can have a width of about 0.1-0.5 mm (e.g., 0.3 mm) at the back plate  306  and about 0.01-0.10 mm (e.g., 0.05 mm) at the interface between the back plate  306  and the band  102  (e.g., rail  404 ). 
     An inner portion of the back plate  306  can be bonded (e.g., with an adhesive  438 ) to the back cover  158 . The back plate  306  can be non-planar to form an inner portion  306   a  and an outer portion  306   b . The inner portion  306   a  of the back plate  306  can protrude relative to the outer portion  306   b , so the weld  420  can be provided within a space that will be between the back plate  306  and the back cover  158  when assembled. This clearance allows the parts to be assembled without interference between the weld  420  and the back cover  158 . Additionally or alternatively, the back cover  158  can be bonded directly to the band  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the back plate  306  can include layers of cladded materials. For example, the back plate  306  can include outer layers  1302  and  1306  and an inner layer  1304  that provide both rigidity and electrical conductivity. For example, the outer layers  1302  and  1306  can include stainless steel or another material (e.g., metal) that has high rigidity (e.g., higher than a material of the inner) for structural support. The inner layer  1304  can include aluminum, copper, or another material (e.g., metal) that has high electrical conductivity (e.g., higher than a material of the outer layers). The inner layer  1304  can be of a same material as the band  102 . The outer layers  1302  and  1306  can be of a different material than the band  102 . As such, different materials can be provided at the location of the welds  420 . The welds  420  can be provided in a manner that bonds dissimilar materials. The welds  420  can provide structural connections and electrical connections between the band  102  and the inner layer of the back plate  306 . 
     Within the band  102 , the back plate  306  can support multiple operable components of the electronic device. The band  102 , the welds  420 , and/or the back plate  306  can provide electrical connections between components. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the electronic device  100  can include a circuit board  320  that may include several active components (such as integrated circuits) that provide the primary processing for the electronic device  100 , as discussed above. The electronic device  100  can further include a dock  332  that can receive a connector, thereby allowing the electronic device  100  to send and receive data transmission, as discussed above. The circuit board  320  and the dock can be connected to each other via the band  102 , the welds  420 , and/or the back plate  306 . For example, the band  102 , the welds  420 , and/or the back plate  306  can provide a ground return path for components electrically connected thereto. For example, the back plate  306  can provide a ground return path for the circuit board  320 , the dock  332 , and the compass module  408 . An example of an electrical pathway is shown in  FIG. 12 , in which the dock is electrically connected to the circuit board  320  via the welds  420 , inter alia. While an electrical current path  430   a  is shown along welds  420  on one side of the electronic device  100 , it will be understood that, additionally or alternatively, the current path  430   a  can extend through welds  420  on another (e.g., opposite) side of the electronic device  100 . 
     The electronic device  100  can further include a compass module  408  that is separate from the circuit board  320 . The compass module  408  can include a magnetometer for detecting a presence and direction of a magnetic field. The compass module  408  can be configured to detect a magnetic field of the Earth, and thereby provide information that can be used to determine the orientation of the electronic device  100  with respect to magnetic poles of the Earth. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the circuit board  320  can be on a first side of the electronic device  100 , and the compass module  408  can be on a second side of the electronic device  100 , opposite the first side. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 12 , at least one current path  430   a  can extend through welds  420  on a side of the electronic device  100  that is adjacent to the compass module  408 . For example, the current path  430   a  can extend around, past, and/or adjacent to the compass module  408 . While the current path  430   a  is maintained, the magnetic fields generated by the current path  430   a  can remain substantially constant. As such, the compass module  408  can be calibrated to account for these magnetic fields during a calibration operation. Thereafter, the compass module  408  can be sensitive to the magnetic field of the Earth and output information relating to corresponding detections. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the current path  430   a  is altered if one or more welds  420  are broken. In such an event, another current path  430   b  can be provided through the back plate  306 . For example, where a weld  420  is broken or becomes otherwise disconnected on a side of the electronic device  100 , a discontinuity is created. Current can flow through an alternate path. However, such a rearrangement of current flow can alter the magnetic fields that are generated. As such, the detections performed by the compass module  408  can be somewhat altered until a new calibration operation is performed. Where the current paths  430   a  in the vicinity of the compass module  408  are altered, the alteration of the magnetic field can be significant. 
     Accordingly, it can be beneficial to improve the strength and durability of welds  420  so that, when subjected to external forces, the welds  420  maintain mechanical connections to support the components and electrical connections to facilitate accurate operation of the components, such as the compass module  408 . 
     The welds  420  can be provided in one or more patterns that provide durable connections. As previously illustrated, the welds  420  can be provided in discrete sections of along the back plate  306  and band  102 . Individual welds  420  can overlap to create continuous weld sets. Individual weld sets can be spaced apart from each other or overlapping each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , a set of individual welds  420  can be provided in a spiral pattern. Each individual weld  420  can be overlapping to some extent with one or more adjacent welds  420 . The welds  420  can be formed in sequence by starting at a center and moving outwardly in a spiral pathway. Additionally or alternatively, the welds  420  can be formed in sequence by starting at an outer periphery and moving inwardly in a spiral pathway. Individual spiral shapes can be separate from each other and/or overlapping with each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , a set of individual welds  420  can be provided in a serpentine pattern. Each individual weld  420  can be overlapping to some extent with one or more adjacent welds  420 . The welds  420  can be formed in sequence by starting at one end and moving along a desired pathway. The pathway can be in one or more of a variety of shapes, including serpentine, sinusoidal, undulating, square wave, triangle wave, saw tooth, meander, and combinations thereof. Individual patterns can be separate from each other and/or overlapping with each other. 
     The welds  420  can be provided in a sequence that mitigates the effects of heating during the welding process. For example, as shown in  FIG. 16 , after one or more first welds  420   a  are provided in a first region, one or more second welds  420   b  can be provided in another region that is remote from the first region. Such an approach avoids the application of a second weld  420   b  in close proximity to a first weld  420   a  while heat from the first weld  420   a  remains in the target region of the second weld  420   b . Accordingly, the target locations are welded prior to heating or after heat has been dissipated sufficiently. As such, the first welds  420   a  can be formed at a first temperature, and the second welds  420   b  can be formed while the first welds  420   a  are at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. 
     In one example of a sequence, as shown in  FIG. 16 , a back plate  306  is welded to a band  102  of an electronic device  100  with multiple first welds  420   a . The back plate  306  can also be welded to the band  102  with multiple second welds  420   b . The first welds  420   a  can be on a first side opposite and the second welds  420   b  can be on a second side, opposite the first side. The sequence can alternate between the first welds  420   a  and the second welds  420   b , so that neither is formed until its neighboring weld has cooled. 
     In one example of a sequence, as shown in  FIG. 17 , a back plate  306  is welded to a band  102  of an electronic device  100  with multiple first welds  420   a . Thereafter, the back plate  306  is welded to the band  102  with multiple second welds  420   b . Each of the second welds  420   b  can be positioned between a corresponding pair of the first welds  420   a . Accordingly, none of the welds are formed immediately after its neighboring weld is formed, but rather at a time after its neighboring weld has cooled. 
     It will be appreciated that this can be repeated for any number of welds, which can be distributed in space and applied at different times to mitigate the effects of heat during the welding process. Accordingly, the welds can be stronger and more durable for having been provided under more favorable conditions that would be present if provided immediately after and immediately adjacent to (or overlapping) a preceding weld. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and magnets are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190117
Publication Date: 20201229
Grant Date: 20201229
Priority Date: 20180911
Inventors: BAKER, JOHN J.
ZHANG, Yaocheng
CARSON, ROBERT T.
WALKER, MATTHEW D.
AUCLAIR, MARTIN J.
LEUTHEUSER, PAUL U.
DURNING, CHRISTOPHER J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0249", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/11", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0215", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1605", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0215", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/0215", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1605", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/11", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69719563