PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8576569-B2
Application Number: US-98797311-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic devices having multi-purpose cowlings and co-axial cable grounding and fixture brackets

Abstract:
Retention structures are provided to guide and secure a co-axial cable from an upper portion to a lower portion of a logic board having a bend region. In one embodiment, a retention structure can guide, retain, and electrically ground the co-axial cable at multiple locations. In another embodiment, a retention structure can provide route a co-axial cable around the bend region of the logic board, while providing strain relief and the ability to accommodate co-axial cables of different lengths, due to manufacturing tolerances. Multi-purpose cowling structures are also provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A board assembly, comprising:
 a logic board having an edge region that extends from an upper portion to a lower portion of the logic board; 
 circuitry mounted to a surface of the logic board; 
 a EMI shield fence disposed around a perimeter of the circuitry, the shield fence including at least one retention region that extends away from an edge of the shield fence into the edge region; and 
 a co-axial cable that extends from the upper portion to the lower portion and is retained by and electrically grounded by the at least one retention region. 
 
     
     
       2. The board assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a EMI shield mounted on top of the circuitry and the EMI shield fence. 
     
     
       3. The board assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one retention region comprises two overhangs and a bottom hook. 
     
     
       4. The board assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the overhangs apply downward pressure on the cable to assist in retaining the cable. 
     
     
       5. The board assembly of  claim 3 , wherein cable comprises at least one barrel that is electrically coupled top a grounding wire of the cable, and wherein the bottom hook is coupled to the barrel. 
     
     
       6. The board assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the overhangs are positioned on both sides of the bottom hook and the cable is interleaved between the overhangs and bottom hook. 
     
     
       7. The board assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one retention feature is a first retention feature, the EMI shield fence comprising a second retention feature that extends away from the edge of the shield fence into the edge region. 
     
     
       8. The board assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the second retention feature comprises two overhangs and a bottom hook, wherein the bottom hook electrically grounds the cable. 
     
     
       9. The board assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the second retention feature comprises a bottom hook that retains and guides the cable around a curved pathway in the edge region. 
     
     
       10. The board assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the cable is connected to the board in the upper portion and is connected to the board in the lower portion. 
     
     
       11. A board assembly, comprising:
 a logic board having an L shape, the board having a bend region; 
 a co-axial cable that is surface mounted to the logic board at a first connection, wherein the co-axial cable can range in length between a short length and a long length; 
 a bracket mounted to the board near the bend region, the bracket constructed to:
 guide the co-axial cable through the bend region; 
 provide strain relief to ease strain on the first connection; and 
 accommodate any length co-axial cable. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The board assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the bend region is a 90 degree bend. 
     
     
       13. The board assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the co-axial cable is soldered to the board at the first connection. 
     
     
       14. The board assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the bracket is soldered to the board. 
     
     
       15. The board assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the bracket comprises:
 a floorplate having a cable accommodation area defined by first, second, and third members, wherein 
 the first member extends along a first axis of the floorplate and has a first predetermined height, 
 the second member extends along a second axis of the floorplate and has a second predetermined height, and 
 the third member extends along an angled portion of the floorplate and has a third predetermined height; 
 a retaining member stemming from the third member and spans across a portion of the cable accommodation area. 
 
     
     
       16. The board assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the first and second predetermined heights are the same. 
     
     
       17. The board assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the third predetermined height is greater than the first and second predetermined heights. 
     
     
       18. The board assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the retaining member applies a downward force to the cable. 
     
     
       19. The board assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the first and second axes are orthogonal to each other. 
     
     
       20. The board assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the first member extends along the entire length of the floorplate. 
     
     
       21. The board assembly of  claim 20 , wherein the first member extends beyond a periphery of the floorplate and includes a curved portion. 
     
     
       22. The board assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the second member extends along a distal end portion of the floorplate such that a window exists between the first member and the second member.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The connection of a co-axial cable to one or more locations within an electronic device such as on a printed circuit board (“PCB”) should be done in a way that is rapid and efficient and produces strong and reliable electrical and mechanical connection of that cable. Especially for products where cable connections can be subject to “use” stress and “manufacturing” stress where sufficient grounding connections are needed to reduce interference with other components in the device, it is desirable to have connections that do not fail under the stress to provide adequate grounding for the cable. Improvements in cable retention and grounding technology are therefore always being sought. 
     SUMMARY 
     Retention structures are provided to guide and secure a co-axial cable from an upper portion to a lower portion of a logic board having a bend region. In one embodiment, a retention structure can guide, retain, and electrically ground the co-axial cable at multiple locations. In another embodiment, a retention structure can route a co-axial cable around the bend region of the logic board, while providing strain relief and the ability to accommodate co-axial cables of different lengths, due to manufacturing tolerances. Multi-purpose cowling structures are also provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device that can be provided with mechanical and electrical features in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device structure taken along the device width in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device taken along the device length in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a bottom view of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows an illustrative perspective view of a board assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a partially exploded view of a board assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-C  and  6  show magnified views of various retention regions in accordance with various embodiments according to the invention; 
         FIG. 7  show an illustrative partial view of a board assembly having a bracket in accordance with embodiment of the invention; 
       FIGS.  8  and  9 A-F illustrate various views of a bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 10A-E  illustrate several different views of a multi-purpose cowling  1000  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  shows an illustrative partial cross-sectional view of a device having a cowling mounted therein in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An electronic device can be provided with mechanical and electrical components for providing different functionalities to a user. In some cases, components of an electronic device can be constructed to provide mechanical features that improve the performance, aesthetics, robustness and size of the electronic device. 
     Electronic devices that may be provided with these components can include desktop computers, computer monitors, computer monitors containing embedded computers, wireless computer cards, wireless adapters, televisions, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, routers, portable electronic devices such as laptop computers, tablet computers, and handheld devices such as cellular telephones and media players, and small devices such as wrist-watch devices, pendant devices, headphone and earpiece devices, and other wearable and miniature devices. Portable devices such as cellular telephones, media players, and other handheld electronic devices are sometimes described herein as an example. 
       FIG. 1  shows an illustrative electronic device  10  according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , device  10  can include storage and processing circuitry  12 . Storage and processing circuitry  12  can include one or more different types of storage such as hard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically-programmable-read-only memory), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random-access-memory), or combinations of these. Storage and processing circuitry  12  may be used in controlling the operation of device  10 . Processing circuitry in circuitry  12  can be based on processors such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, dedicated processing circuits, power management circuits, audio and video chips, and other suitable integrated circuits. 
     Storage and processing circuitry  12  can be used to run software on device  10 , such as internet browsing applications, voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) telephone call applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, antenna and wireless circuit control functions, or combinations of these. Storage and processing circuitry  12  can be used in implementing suitable communications protocols. Communications protocols that may be implemented using storage and processing circuitry  12  can include internet protocols, wireless local area network protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11 protocols—sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi®), protocols for other short-range wireless communications links such as the Bluetooth® protocol, protocols for handling cellular telephone communications services, or other such communications protocols. 
     Input-output devices  14  may be used to allow data to be supplied to device  10  and to allow data to be provided from device  10  to external devices. Examples of input-output devices  14  that may be used in device  10  include display screens such as touch screens (e.g., liquid crystal displays or organic light-emitting diode displays), buttons, joysticks, click wheels, scrolling wheels, touch pads, key pads, keyboards, microphones, speakers and other devices for creating sound, cameras, sensors, or combinations of these. A user can control the operation of device  10  by supplying commands through devices  14  or by supplying commands to device  10  through an accessory that communicates with device  10  through a wireless or wired communications link. Devices  14  or accessories that are in communication with device  10  through a wired or wireless connection may be used to convey visual or audio information to the user of device  10 . Device  10  may include connectors for forming data ports (e.g., for attaching external equipment such as computers, accessories, etc.). 
     Various components of electronic device  10  may be contained in housing  16 . Housing  16  can protect the internal components and may help keep the internal components in their assembled positions within device  10 . Housing  16  may also provide aesthetics for device  10  (e.g., an ornamental appearance). The shape and construction of housing  16  can vary widely to accommodate different device  10  configurations. For example, housing  16  can be a multi-piece assembly of different parts that interconnect together to hold electronics and/or components (e.g., glass) in place. The parts may be constructed from the same or different materials. A more detailed example of multi-part assembly for housing  16  is discussed below in connection with  FIG. 2 . As another example, a portion of housing  16  can include a translucent/transparent portion through which internal components may optically communicate to the outside world. 
     Device  10  can include one or more optical systems  18 . Each optical system  18  can include, for example, optical components that transmit and/or receive visual and/or non-visual spectrums of light through window or opening  22  in the housing  16 . The optical components can, for example, correspond to one or more camera modules, proximity sensors, or ambient light sensors. For example, a camera module, which is situated inside housing  16 , may be configured to capture image data outside the device  10  via window  22  by a line of sight that passes through window  22 . Device  10  can include one or more alignment structures for ensuring proper mounting and operation of optical system  18 . 
     A housing member of an electronic device (e.g., housing  16  of electronic device  10  of  FIG. 1 ) can provide a variety of attributes to the electronic device including, for example, structural attributes, functional attributes, cosmetic attributes, or combinations thereof. In some cases, a housing member can form an external component of the electronic device, and therefore provide the mechanical structure for the device. A housing member can be provided in any suitable form. In some embodiments, the housing member can include an outer periphery member.  FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device structure having an outer periphery member taken along the device width in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2B  is an exploded cross-sectional view of an illustrative electronic device having an outer periphery member taken along the device length in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2C  is a top view of an illustrative electronic device having an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2D  is a bottom view of an illustrative electronic device having an outer periphery member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device  200  can include any suitable type of electronic device including, for example, one or more of the types of electronic devices described above in connection with device  10  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Electronic device  200  can have any suitable shape including, for example, a shape delimited by front surface  210 , back surface  212 , left surface  214 , right surface  216 , top surface  218  (not shown in the cross-sections of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) and bottom surface  219  (not shown in the cross-sections of  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Each surface can be substantially planar, curved, or combinations of these. The surfaces can include one or more chamfers, detents, openings, dips, extensions, or other features modifying the smoothness of the surfaces. 
     Electronic device  200  can be constructed using any suitable structure, including for example using outer periphery member  220 . Outer periphery member  220  can form a loop that surrounds or wraps around some or all of the electronic device. The loop formed by outer periphery member  220  can define internal volume  222  into which electronic device components can be placed. For example, outer periphery member  220  can wrap around the device such that the external surfaces of outer periphery member  220  define some or all of left surface  214 , right surface  216 , top surface  218  and bottom surface  219  of the device. To provide a desired functionality to a user, the electronic device can include several components placed within the device such as, for example, within volume  222 . 
     Outer periphery member  220  can have a particular height (e.g., the device height h) that serves to define an amount of volume  222 . In particular, volume  222 , or individual measurable quantities of outer periphery member  220  (e.g., height, thickness, length, or width) can be selected to provide at least a minimum volume amount required for receiving and securing electronic device components. In some embodiments, other criteria can instead or in addition drive the measurable quantities of outer periphery member  220 . For example, the thickness (e.g., outer periphery member thickness t as shown in  FIG. 2B ), length (e.g., device length l as shown in  FIG. 2A ), height (e.g., device height h as shown in  FIG. 2D ), and cross-section of the outer periphery member can be selected based on structural requirements (e.g., stiffness, or resistance to bending, compression, tension or torsion in particular orientations). As another example, the measurable quantities of outer periphery member  220  can be selected based on a desired device size or shape, which may be driven by industrial design considerations. 
     In some embodiments, outer periphery member  220  can serve as a structural member to which other electronic device components can be mounted. In particular, it may be desirable to secure individual electronic device components placed within device  200  to ensure that the components do not move and break, which could adversely affect the functionality of the device. Outer periphery member  220  can include any suitable feature for securing a device component. For example, outer periphery member  220  can include one or more depressions, recesses, channels, protrusions, or openings for receiving or engaging electronic device components. In some embodiments, outer periphery member  220  can instead or in addition include features for retaining internal structural device components to which other components can be secured. For example, an internal structure such as an internal platform (described below in more detail) can be coupled to an internal surface of outer periphery member  220 , such that other electrical components can be mounted to the internal platform. In some embodiments, outer periphery member  220  can include one or more openings to provide access to one or more internal components retained within volume  222 . 
     Outer periphery member  220  (or device  200 ) can have any suitable cross-section. For example, outer periphery member  220  can have a substantially rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments, outer periphery member  220  can instead or in addition have a cross-section in a different shape including, for example, a circular, oval, polygonal, or curved cross-section. In some embodiments, the shape or size of the cross-section can vary along the length or width of the device (e.g., an hourglass shaped cross-section). 
     Outer periphery member  220  can be constructed using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, outer periphery member  220  can be constructed by connecting several distinct elements together. For example, outer periphery member  220  can be constructed by connecting three distinct elements together. 
     The elements can be formed from any suitable material including, for example, a metal. The individual elements can also be formed using any suitable approach. For example, an element can be formed using cold work. As another example, an element can instead or in addition be formed using a forging process, an annealing process, a machining process, or any other suitable process or combination of processes. In some embodiments, the elements can be included in one or more electrical circuits (e.g., as part of an antenna assembly, or as a heart-rate monitor). 
     Any suitable approach may be used to connect the individual elements of outer periphery member  220 . In some embodiments, a fastener or adhesive can be used to connect the individual elements. In other embodiments, individual elements can be connected to each other or to other electronic device components using a braising process (e.g., connecting a ceramic material to an individual component serving as part of an antenna). In further embodiments, intermediate elements can instead or in addition be placed between adjacent individual elements to securely connect the individual elements together. For example, an intermediate element can be formed from a material (e.g., a plastic material) that can change from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the material of the intermediate element can flow in a gap between adjacent individual elements. In the second state, the material can adhere to the adjacent individual elements, and provide a structural bond between the individual elements such that the individual elements and the intermediate element form an integral component. 
     In some embodiments, the individual elements can be formed from a conductive material, while the intermediate elements can be formed from an insulating or dielectric material. This can ensure that different electrical circuits that include individual elements do not interfere with one another. In addition, the dielectric material in gaps between individual elements can help control capacitance, radio frequency energy, and other electrical transfers across the gaps. 
     Connecting individual elements together using an intermediate element can create artifacts or other imperfections along the interfaces between the individual elements and the intermediate element. For example, excess material of the intermediate element can flash or spill beyond a boundary of the interface, and onto an external surface of one of the individual elements. To ensure that the resulting component is aesthetically pleasing and satisfies industrial design requirements, the component can be processed to remove excess material from one or more of the individual elements and the intermediate element. For example, a single process or tool can be used to finish the different elements. The single process can be applied at a single setting including, for example, a setting corresponding to the softest material of the individual elements and the intermediate element used to form a component. 
     In some cases, the process can instead or in addition dynamically adjust the manner in which the process is applied based on the material or element being processed. For example, the force, speed or tool type used can vary based on the element being processed. The resulting component can include a continuous surface across an interface between an individual element and an intermediate element. For example, the resulting component can include a smooth surface across a seam between two elements. 
     Electronic device components can be placed within volume  222  using any suitable approach. For example, electronic device  200  can include components  230  and  232  inserted into volume  222 . Each of components  230  and  232  can include individual components, or several components assembled together as a component layer or stack, or include several distinct layers of components to insert within volume  222 . In some embodiments, components  230  and  232  can each represent several components stacked along the height of the device. The component layers can be electrically coupled to each other to enable data and power transfers, as required for the proper operation of electronic device  200 . For example, the component layers can be electrically coupled using one or more of a PCB, flex, solder, SMT, wires, connectors, or combinations of these. The component layers can be inserted into outer periphery member  220  using any suitable approach. For example, components  230  and  232  can all be inserted from front surface  210  or from back surface  212  (e.g., back to front, front to back, or middle to front and back). Alternatively, the components can be inserted from both front surface  210  and back surface  212 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the components can serve as a structural element. Alternatively, electronic device  200  can include a distinct structural element placed within volume  222  and coupled to outer periphery member  220 . For example, electronic device  200  can include one or more internal members or platforms  240 , which can serve as a mounting points or regions for helping to secure, hold or pack one or more component layers (e.g., attaching component  230  to the back surface of internal platform  240 , and component  232  to the front surface of internal platform  240 ). Internal platform  240  can be coupled to outer periphery member  220  using any suitable approach including, for example, using snaps, fasteners, flexures, welds, glue, or combinations of these. Alternatively, internal platform  240  may even be part of outer periphery member  220  (e.g., machined, extruded, or cast, or integrally formed as a single unit). Internal platform  240  can have any suitable size including, for example, a size that is smaller than the internal volume of outer periphery member  220 . 
     Internal platform  240  can be positioned at any suitable height within outer periphery member  220  including, for example, substantially at half the height of outer periphery member  220 . The resulting structure (e.g., outer periphery member  220  and internal platform  240 ) can form an H-shaped structure that provides sufficient stiffness and resistance to tension, compression, torsion and bending. 
     Internal platform  240 , inner surfaces of outer periphery members  220 , or both can include one or more protrusions, depressions, shelves, recesses, channels, or other features for receiving or retaining electronic device components. In some cases, internal platform  240 , outer periphery member  220  or both can include one or more openings for coupling components located in the front and back regions of internal platform  240 . The size of each region can be selected based on any suitable criteria including, for example, operational needs of system, numbers and types of electrical components in device  200 , manufacturing constraints of internal platform  240 , or combinations of these. Internal platform  240  can be constructed as a distinct component from any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal or both), or instead defined from an existing electronic device component placed within volume  222  defined by outer periphery member  220 . For example, internal platform  240  can be formed by a printed circuit board or chip used by the device. 
     In some embodiments, internal platform  240  can include one or more electrically conductive elements for providing electrical connections between the components. For example, internal platform  240  can include one or more PCB, flex, wire, solder pad, cable, connector, or other electrically conductive mechanism for connecting components within the device. 
     Electronic device  200  can include front cover assembly  250  and back cover assembly  260  defining the front and back surfaces, respectively, of device  200 . The front and back cover assemblies  250  and  260  can include one or more components, or can include at least a front member and a back member that form some or all of the outer front and back surfaces of the device. Front and back cover assemblies  250  and  260  can be flush, recessed or protruding relative to the front and back surfaces of outer periphery member  220 . In the example of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , front cover assembly  250  and back cover assembly  260  can be proud or protrude above front and back edges of outer periphery member  220  (e.g., such than an interior surface of cover assemblies  250  and  260  is flush with a front or back surface of outer periphery member  220 ). 
     Alternatively, one or both of cover assemblies  250  and  260  can be flush or sub-flush relative to outer periphery member  220  in order, for example, to prevent the edges from engaging other surfaces (e.g., at least a portion of cover assemblies  250  and  260  can be included within volume  222 ). In some embodiments, one or both of front cover assembly  250  and back cover assembly  260  can include one or more windows. Any suitable information or content can pass through the windows. For example, a cover assembly can include a window through which a camera can capture images. 
     In some embodiments, different components of electronic device  200  can be substantially made of glass. For example, portions of the electronic device housing can have at least 75% of its exterior as glass. In one implementation, one or both of cover assemblies  250  and  260  can include a glass element providing a substantial portion of the cover assembly. In particular, front and back surfaces  210  and  212  of the device can include substantial amounts of glass, while left, right, top and bottom surfaces  214 ,  216 ,  218 , and  219  of the device can include substantial amounts of a metal (e.g., steel). 
     In some embodiments, the housing of portable electronic device  200  can be banged or rubbed against various surfaces. When plastic or softer metal housing surfaces are used, the surfaces tend to become scratched. On the other hand, glass housing surfaces (e.g., glass cover assemblies) can be more scratch resistant. Moreover, glass housing surfaces can offer radio transparency, while metal housing surfaces can disturb or hinder radio communications. In one embodiment, an electronic device housing can use glass housing members (e.g., glass cover assemblies) for front surface  210  and back surface  212  of the electronic device housing. For example, front surface  210  formed from a glass housing member can be transparent to provide visual access to a display device positioned behind the glass housing member at the front surface, while back surface  212  formed from a glass housing member can be transparent or non-transparent. Non-transparency, if desired, can conceal any interior components within the electronic device housing. In one embodiment, a surface coating or film can be applied to the glass housing member to provide non-transparency or at least partial translucency. Such a surface coating or film can be provided on an inner surface or an outer surface of the glass housing member. 
       FIG. 3  shows an illustrative perspective view of board assembly  300  and  FIG. 4  shows a partially exploded view of board assembly  300  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Board assembly  300  includes logic board  302 , which has several attached components including co-axial cable  310 , EMI shield fence  320 , EMI shield  330 , and bracket  340 . Logic board  302  is shown to exhibit an L-shape, but it is understood that any suitable board shape may be used. The L-shape does provide a relatively lengthy expanse that is traversed by co-ax cable  310 . 
     Co-axial cable  310  can include any suitable cable for transmitting power and/or data from one location to another. Cable  310  is attached to board  300  at surface mount connection  312  (located near the top of board  302 ) and at surface mount connection  314  (located near the bottom of board  302 ). The surface mount connection may be a solder connection. Cable  310  may have barrels  316  placed at various locations along the length of the cable. Barrels  316  are electrically coupled to the grounding wire (typically the outer most conductive sheath) of co-axial cable  310  and provide a means to physically ground cable  310  at each barrel location. 
     Cable  310  is routed from connection  312  through bracket  340  along a top surface near an edge of board  302  to connection  314 . The portion of cable  310  routed along the edge of board  302  is guided by, retained, and grounded by EMI shield fence  320  at one or more locations such as retention regions  322 ,  324 ,  326 , and  328 . Retention regions  322 ,  324 ,  326 , and  328  are shown in more detail in  FIGS. 5A-C , and a magnified view of retention region  328  is shown  FIG. 6 . Referring collectively to  FIGS. 3-6 , cable  310 , EMI shield fence  320 , and EMI shield  330  are discussed. 
     EMI shield fence  320  and EMI shield  330  are mounted around and on top of circuitry  304  mounted on logic board  302 . During assembly, shield fence  320  is first mounted to board  302  and shield  330  is mounted on top of shield fence  320 . Shield fence  320  and shield  330  can shield circuitry  304  from electromagnetic interference emanating from other sources with a device containing assembly  300  and/or can prevent or at least limit any electromagnetic interference being generated by circuitry  304  from affecting other circuitry or components contained in the device. Shield fence  320  can provide “horizontal” EMI protection as it provides shielding in a plane parallel to the plane of logic board  302 . Shield  330  can provide “vertical” EMI protection as it provides shielding in space perpendicular to the plane of logic board  302 . 
     Shield fence  320  can include retention regions  322 ,  324 ,  326 , and  328  that extend away from an edge of shield fence  320  towards the edge of board  302 . Only four such retention regions are shown, but it is understood that any number of retention regions may be included. Retention regions can include a bottom hook, an overhang, or a combination of both a bottom hook and overhang. Referring specifically to  FIG. 6 , retention region  328  includes overhangs  602  and bottom hook  604 . Overhangs  602  apply downward pressure on cable  310 , whereas bottom hook  604  assists in retention of cable  310 . Because overhangs  602  are spaced on opposite ends of bottom hook  604 , this forces cable  310  to be interleaved there-between during assembly, thereby providing a stable and relatively secure connection that will endure during use of a device using assembly  300 . Retention region  326  is an example of a retention region having bottom hook  606  that provides cable guidance and at least partial retention. As shown, regions  326  can guide cable  310  around a partial loop. 
     Shield fence  320  and shield  330  may be electrically grounded to other ground sources (not shown) in the device, or shield fence  320  and shield  330  may independently serve as a ground source. Shield fence  320  can electrically ground different locations of ground cable  310  with its retention regions such as regions  322 ,  324 ,  326  and  328 . That is, each of the overhangs and bottom hooks may be electrically grounded and to the extent any of the overhangs and bottom hooks couple to barrels  316 , cable  310  may be grounded at those couplings. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , bottom hook  604  is in electrical contact with barrel  316  and thus cable  310  is grounded at that location. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , bracket  340  is discussed in more detail. As shown, bracket  340  is mounted near an L-shaped region of board  302 . That is, board  302  may have a 90 degree bend in its shape, and as a result, cable  310  has to be secured in place so it can be routed around this bend. It is understood that although an L-shaped region is shown in  FIG. 7 , any board configuration that requires cable  310  to be bent at an angle of 45 degrees or more during construction may exist. In some embodiments, bracket  340  may be soldered to board  302 . 
     Bracket  340  may function as a retaining member and a strain gauge for cable  310 . For example, bracket  340  may function as a retaining member by holding cable  310  in place. In addition, bracket  340  may function as a strain gauge by bearing stress caused by bending of cable  310 . The strain gauge function helps reduce the load applied to connection  312 . 
     In addition to the retaining and strain functions, bracket  340  is constructed to accommodate for manufacturing tolerance differences of cable  310 , which can result in cables of varying length. Since it is undesirable for cable  310  to bunch up near connection  312 , bracket  340  can “accommodate” the slack if cable  310  is on the longer side of its manufacturing tolerance, yet is able to retain cable  310  and provide strain relief if the cable is on the shorter side of its manufacturing tolerance. Bracket  340  can be constructed from any suitable material such as, for example, a metal or plastic. 
     Referring now to FIGS.  8  and  9 A-F, an isometric view of bracket  340  according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 8  and respective top view, right side view, top side view, left side view, bottom side view, and bottom view are shown in  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B,  9 C,  9 D,  9 E, and  9 F, respectively. Bracket  340  includes floorplate  701  having a corner  702 . Bracket  340  includes x-axis member  710 , y-axis member  720 , angled member  730 , and retention member  740 . Cable accommodation area  703  exist within members  710 ,  720 , and  730  and is the area in which a cable is routed. A long cable may follow member  710 , turn at corner  702  and follow member  720 . A short cable may follow member  730 . Cables having a length that falls between that of long and short cables may follow any path through area  703 . 
     X-axis member  710  can extend along the entire x-axis portion of floorplate  701  and have a predetermined height extending in the z-axis direction. As shown, member  710  can extend beyond the periphery of floorplate  701  and have curved portion  712 . 
     Y-axis member  720  can extend along a portion of y-axis portion of floorplate  701  and have a predetermined height extending in the z-axis direction. As shown, member  720  exists at a distal end of the y-axis portion of floorplate  701 , thereby leaving a window adjacent to member  720 . In one embodiment, the heights of members  710  and  720  can be the same. In another embodiment, the heights of members  710  and  720  can be different. 
     Angled member  730  can extend along angled portion of floorplate  701  and have a predetermined height extending in the z-axis direction. The predetermined height of member  730  can be same as or different (e.g., either greater or less) than the heights of members  710  and  720 . 
     Retention member  740  stems from the top of angled member  730  and spans across a portion of area  703 . Retention member  740  may apply a downward force to the cable when it is routed through bracket  340 . During assembly, the cable can be looped around retention member  740  through the window existing on the y-axis and then pulled through. The length of the cable will dictate which path through area  703  it will take. 
     As electronic devices are assembled, various physical and electrical connections are necessary to ensure proper operation of the device. Some of these connections can be grounding connections that provide an electrical pathway between one component (e.g., a logic board) and another component (e.g., chassis ground plane). Other connections may secure a logic board to a device housing (e.g., internal platform  240  of  FIG. 2B ). Yet other connections can secure a co-axial cable, flex circuit, or other signal and/or power conducting medium to a predetermined location within the device. 
     The physical coupling of these connections can be attained by solder connections, threaded screw connections, heat weld connections, pressure connections (i.e., where force such as a spring force makes the connection), or any other suitable connection. Some of these connections provide stronger, more secure, physical connections than others. For example, a threaded screw connection may be a more secure connection than a solder connection. The stronger, more secure connections (e.g., threaded connections) are generally more desirable. However, inclusion of such connections typically command higher space premiums and more limited placement options than their less robust connection counterparts. 
       FIGS. 10-12  discuss in more detail embodiments of multi-purpose cowlings that leverage a strong, secure connection such as a threaded connection to enable the cowling to provide another connection and structural support for a less secure connection. In particular, cowlings according to embodiments of this invention are of single piece construction that provides a grounding connection as well as structural support for a connection that is not part of the cowling. The cowlings are shaped to minimize impact on board space requirements while simultaneously maximizing functional efficiency. This helps to satisfy design constraints that limit available board space while also providing strong connections such as threaded connections. 
       FIGS. 10A-E  illustrate several different views of a multi-purpose cowling  1000  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular,  FIG. 10A  shows an isometric view of cowling  1000  and includes a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate legend to help identify which direction various features of cowling  1000  extend.  FIGS. 10B-E  show top view, right-side view, bottom view, and front-side view, respectively, of cowling  1000 . Cowling  1000  can include top and bottom planar members  1010  and  1020 , which are folded on top of each other such that through-holes  1015  and  1025  are substantially co-axially aligned. Cowling  1000  can also include diving-board member  1030  and spring member  1040 . Planar member  1010  is shaped to accommodate the head portion of a screw (not shown). Thus, this is the portion that enables cowling  1000  to be securely connected to a logic board (not shown) or other suitable structure by the screw. 
     Diving-board member  1030  extends a predetermined distance in the y-axis direction away from planar member  1020 . Member  1030  can exist in the same plane as planar member  1020  and is positioned under spring member  1040 . The distal end of member  1030  (the portion opposite through-hole) can be biased to exert a force in the negative z-axis direction. Member  1030  may be manufactured to achieve this bias or it may be bent down in the negative z-axis direction by spring member  1040  when cowling  1000  is assembled in a device. 
     Spring member  1040  can extend a predetermined distance away from planer member  1010  in both the y-axis and z-axis directions. The distal end of member  1040  may be curved to promote, for example, interfacing potential to a ground plane. Spring member  1040  can apply a force in the z-axis direction. 
       FIG. 11  shows a simplified illustrative cross-sectional view of a device  1100  using cowling  1000  according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, device  1100  includes housing member  1110 , cowling  1000 , co-axial cable  1120 , conductor connection  1122 , screw  1130 , standoff  1140 , and logic board  1150 . Housing member  1110  can be, for example, a backplate housing assembly such as back cover assembly  260  of  FIG. 2A . Housing member  1110  may be constructed with a combination of plastic and metal materials. The metal materials may provide a ground plane for device  1100 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , housing member  1110  has ground plane interface  1112 , which is a metal component connected to the ground plane. 
     Logic board  1150  has its own ground plane (not shown), which may be distributed in one or more layers throughout the board. In order to provide desired grounding in device  1100 , the ground plane of logic board  1150  is electrically coupled to ground plane  1112  of housing member  1110 . Cowling  1000  provides this electrical coupling. As shown, screw  1130  passes through the through-holes of cowling  1000  and engages standoff  1140  to physically secure cowling  1000  to logic board  1150 . In some embodiments, the screw/standoff/board connection can also electrically couple the ground plane of board  1150  to cowling  1000 . 
     When cowling  1000  is secured to board  1150 , diving board  1040  is mounted flush against conductor  1121  and spring arm  1030  extends up towards housing member  1110 . When housing member  1110  is installed, spring arm  1030  engages ground plane interface  1112 . This completes a ground-to-ground coupling between housing member  1110  and logic board  1150 . In addition, when spring arm  1030  is compressed, it applies a pre-load downforce to diving board  1040  to reinforce the coupling between conductor  1121  and logic board  1150 . 
     Cowling  1000  advantageously provides both electrical grounding between logic board  1150  and housing member  1110  and a pre-load force as added insurance for securing a logic board connection. 
     The previously described embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. It is understood that one or more features of an embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment to provide systems and/or methods without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110110
Publication Date: 20131105
Grant Date: 20131105
Priority Date: 20110110
Inventors: MALEK SHAYAN
JARVIS DAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K2201/10356", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10356", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0032", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0032", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10371", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/2027", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10371", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/2027", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46455077