PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9411380-B2
Application Number: US-201514642677-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Portable computing system

Abstract:
A portable electronic device having several features is disclosed. The device can include a retention member that retains flexible circuits extending from a top portion to a bottom portion of the device, thereby allowing some components to be moved from a top portion of the device to a bottom portion. The device may include a cover plate can be secured with a display in the top portion to cover the retention member and other internal components. The device can include an omni-directional port designed to receive a connector different orientations and provide power to the device. The device can include a flexible keyboard having butterfly keycaps. The device can include an array of openings for an audio driver, with some of the array including through holes and blind holes. The device can also include a touch pad having a force feedback sensor and a haptic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable computing system, comprising:
 a lid portion, comprising a display assembly; 
 a top case pivotally coupled with the lid portion and comprising:
 sidewalls that enclose and define a cavity and edges of the sidewalls that define a keyboard opening leading into the cavity, and 
 a data port comprising:
 a receptacle region defined entirely by one of the sidewalls and having a size and shape configured to receive an electrical connector arranged to pass power and data to and from the portable computing system, 
 a through hole defined by the sidewall and connecting the cavity to the receptacle region, and 
 a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the cavity and comprising an edge connector protruding from one side of the PCB, the edge connector extending into the receptacle region by way of the through hole; 
 
 
 a keyboard assembly disposed at least partially within the cavity, the keyboard assembly having a lateral dimension greater than a lateral dimension of the keyboard opening; and 
 a touch-sensitive user interface assembly comprising an actuator that provides vibratory feedback at the touch-sensitive user interface assembly, and a force sensor arranged to detect an amount of force applied to the touch-sensitive user interface assembly. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable computing system of  claim 1 , wherein the keyboard assembly comprises a key mechanism, comprising:
 a keycap that includes a transparent material; 
 a hinge coupled with the keycap via a first keycap assembly pin and a second keycap assembly pin, the hinge including a first wing that pivots about a first pivot pin, the hinge further including and a second wing that pivots about a second pivot pin; and 
 a light guide panel disposed below the keycap, the light guide panel directing light from a light source to the transparent material of the keycap. 
 
     
     
       3. The portable computing system of  claim 2 , wherein the key mechanism further comprises:
 a switch housing disposed under the keycap, the switch housing having a recess, wherein the light source is disposed within the recess. 
 
     
     
       4. The portable computing system of  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible connector electrically coupled with the data port, the flexible connector further electrically coupled with:
 a first integrated circuit coupled with the top case, and 
 a second integrated circuit coupled with a bottom case, wherein the flexible connector allows the bottom case to rotate with respect to the top case during an assembly operation. 
 
     
     
       5. The portable computing system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a flexible circuit, comprising a polymeric film with a plurality of electrical traces printed thereon that electrically couples the display assembly to display circuitry coupled with the top case. 
 
     
     
       6. The portable computing system of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a chin cover coupled with the lid portion proximate a region of the lid portion pivotally coupled with the top case and covering a portion of the flexible circuit extending from the display assembly. 
 
     
     
       7. The portable computing system of  claim 6 , wherein the chin cover comprises:
 a substrate; 
 a first layer disposed on the substrate, the first layer having a void region; 
 a second layer disposed on the void region; and 
 a third layer disposed on the first layer and the second layer, wherein the chin cover allows transmission of electromagnetic waves to and from internal components covered by the chin cover. 
 
     
     
       8. A portable computing system, comprising:
 a lid portion comprising a display assembly; and 
 a base portion pivotally coupled with the lid portion, the base portion comprising:
 a top case defining a speaker grill comprising a number of speaker holes that include a combination of blind holes extending partially through a wall of the top case and through holes extending entirely through the wall of the top case, the through holes being positioned proximate speakers disposed within an interior volume defined by the base portion, and 
 a bottom case coupled with the top case to define the interior volume, the bottom case comprising:
 an interior facing surface comprising a first terraced region having a first thickness and a second terraced region having a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, 
 an exterior facing cosmetic surface defining a number of recesses, and 
 a device foot disposed within each of the recesses defined by the exterior facing cosmetic surface. 
 
 
 
     
     
       9. The portable computing system of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a keyboard assembly comprising a keycap; 
 a switch housing coupled with the keycap, the switch housing having a recess and a light source within the recess; and 
 a light guide panel positioned between the keycap and the switch housing, wherein the light guide panel directs light from the light source to the keycap. 
 
     
     
       10. The portable computing system of  claim 8 , the base portion further comprising:
 a sensor; 
 a first metallic structure surrounding the sensor; and 
 a second metallic structure, wherein the first metallic structure and the second metallic structure combine to form a magnetic shield for the sensor. 
 
     
     
       11. The portable computing system of  claim 10 , wherein the lid portion further comprises a magnet, wherein the sensor is a magnetic sensor, and wherein the magnetic shield allows the magnetic sensor to detect the magnet when the lid portion is proximate to the base portion. 
     
     
       12. The portable computing system of  claim 8 , further comprising a data port that i) provides transmission of i) data from an external source to an internal component disposed in the base portion, and ii) electrical power to a battery disposed in the base portion. 
     
     
       13. The portable computing system of  claim 8 , further comprising a flexible circuit assembly extending from the base portion to a lid portion pivotally coupled with the base portion. 
     
     
       14. The portable computing system of  claim 13 , further comprising a retention member secured with the flexible circuit assembly in the lid portion, the retention member comprising a first hook feature and a second hook feature, the first hook feature and the second hook feature securing the retention member with the lid portion. 
     
     
       15. A portable computing system, comprising:
 a base portion, comprising:
 a keyboard assembly disposed within the base portion and comprising a number of keycaps extending through corresponding openings defined by a top wall of the base portion, each of the keycaps being supported by a low travel support structure and associated with a discrete LED; 
 a sidewall defining an opening through which a connector of a printed circuit board extends, the connector being configured to receive electrical power and transmit and receive high-speed data transmissions when a plug is engaged within the opening and electrically coupled with the connector; and 
 
 a lid portion pivotally coupled with the base portion, the lid portion comprising:
 a display, and 
 a retention member securing one end of a flexible circuit extending between the lid portion and the base portion. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The portable computing system of  claim 15 , wherein the base portion comprises a top case coupled with a bottom case, the bottom case comprising:
 a first terraced region defined by a first elevation; and 
 a second terraced region defined by a second elevation different from the first elevation, wherein the first terraced region and the second terraced region receive one or more internal components. 
 
     
     
       17. The portable computing system of  claim 16 , wherein the top case comprises the top wall, and wherein the keyboard assembly is secured to an interior-facing surface of the top wall. 
     
     
       18. The portable computing system of  claim 15 , wherein the keyboard assembly comprises:
 a flexible circuit board having a first dimension, wherein the flexible circuit board is deformed to reduce the first dimension of the flexible circuit board from the first dimension to a second dimension less than the first dimension to insert the keyboard assembly through a keyboard opening defined by the base portion, the keyboard opening having a third dimension less than the first dimension and greater than the second dimension. 
 
     
     
       19. The portable computing system of  claim 18 , wherein the low travel support structure of each of the keycaps gives the keycaps a travel of between 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm. 
     
     
       20. The portable computing system of  claim 19 , wherein the low travel support structure comprises:
 a first wing coupled with a first pin; 
 a second wing coupled with a second pin; and 
 a switch between the first wing and the second wing, in a depressed position of the low travel support structure;
 the switch is actuated, 
 the first wing rotates about the first pin, and 
 the second wing rotates about the second pin.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to: 
     (i) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/101,826, to Shi et al., filed Jan. 9, 2015, and titled “TREATMENT OF A SUBSTRATE SUB-SURFACE”; 
     (ii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/101,838, to Robinson et al., filed Jan. 9, 2015, and titled “ENCLOSURE FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE”; 
     (iii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/104,597, to Farahani et al., filed Jan. 16, 2015, and titled “LOGO FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; 
     (iv) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/104,611, to Sweet et al., filed Jan. 16, 2015, and titled “HYBRID ACOUSTIC EMI FOAM FOR USE IN A PERSONAL COMPUTER”; 
     (v) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/106,667, to Sweet et al., filed Jan. 22, 2015, and titled “HYBRID ACOUSTIC EMI FOAM FOR USE IN A PERSONAL COMPUTER”; 
     (vi) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/106,687, to Farahani et al., filed Jan. 22, 2015, and titled “ENCLOSURE FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; 
     (vii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/111,036, to Farahani et al., filed Feb. 2, 2015, and titled “ENCLOSURE FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; 
     (viii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/106,689, to Reid et al., filed Jan. 22, 2015, and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; 
     (ix) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/111,042, to Reid et al., filed Feb. 2, 2015, and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; 
     (x) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/128,955, to Andre et al., filed Mar. 5, 2015, and titled “CHIN PLATE FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE”; 
     (xi) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/058,081, to Hendren, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY”; 
     (xii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/058,074, to Hendren, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY”; 
     (xiii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/058,087, to Hendren, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY”; 
     (xiv) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/101,854, to Blum et al., filed Jan. 9, 2015, and titled “FEATURES OF A FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR IN A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE”; 
     (xv) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,692, to Farahani et al., filed Mar. 6, 2015 and titled “PORTABLE COMPUTING SYSTEM”; 
     (xvi) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,692, to Hendren et al., filed Mar. 7, 2015 and titled “KEY FOR KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY”; 
     (xvii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,842, to Hendren et al., filed Mar. 7, 2015 and titled “VENTING SYSTEM FOR KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY”; and 
     (xviii) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/129,843, to Hendren et al., filed Mar. 7, 2015 and titled “LIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY”, the contents of each is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     This application is related to the following cases: 
     (i) International Application PCT/US2013/00086, to Parivar et al., with an international filing date of Mar. 15, 2013, and titled “VARYING OUTPUT FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE BASED ON TRACKING WINDOWS”; 
     (ii) U.S. Pat. No. 8,633,916, to Bernstein et al., and titled “TOUCH PAD WITH FORCE SENSORS AND ACTUATOR FEEDBACK”; 
     (iii) U.S. Ser. No. 14/499,209, to Leong et al., filed Sep. 28, 2014, and titled “LOW-TRAVEL KEY MECHANISM USING BUTTERFLY HINGES”; 
     (iv) U.S. Ser. No. 14/058,316, to Leong et al., filed Oct. 21, 2013, and titled “MULTI-FUNCTIONAL KEYBOARD ASSEMBLIES”; 
     (v) U.S. Ser. No. 14/543,748 to Amini et al., filed Nov. 17, 2014, and titled “CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE HAVING A TONGUE”; and 
     (vi) U.S. Ser. No. 14/641,216, to Farahani et al., filed Mar. 6, 2015 and titled “PORTABLE COMPUTING SYSTEM”, the contents of each is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to portable computing systems. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to enclosures of portable computing systems and methods of assembling portable computing systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The outward appearance of a portable computing system, including its design and its heft, is important to a user of the portable computing system, as the outward appearance contributes to the overall impression that the user has of the portable computing system. At the same time, the assembly of the portable computing system is also important to the user, as a durable assembly will help extend the overall life of the portable computing system and will increase its value to the user. 
     One design challenge associated with the manufacture of portable computing systems is the design of the outer enclosures used to house the various internal computing components. This design challenge generally arises from a number conflicting design goals that include the desirability of making the outer enclosure or housing lighter and thinner, of making the enclosure stronger, and of making the enclosure aesthetically pleasing, among other possible goals. Lighter housings or enclosures tend to be more flexible and therefore have a greater propensity to buckle and bow, while stronger and more rigid enclosures tend to be thicker and carry more weight. Unfortunately, increased weight may lead to user dissatisfaction with respect to reduced portability, while bowing may damage internal parts or lead to other failures. Further, few consumers desire to own or use a device that is perceived to be ugly or unsightly. Due to such considerations, portable computing system enclosure materials are typically selected to provide sufficient structural rigidity while also meeting weight constraints, with any aesthetic appeal being worked into materials that meet these initial criteria. 
     As such, outer enclosures or housings for portable computing systems are often made from aluminum, steel and other inexpensive yet sturdy metals having a suitable thickness to achieve both goals of low weight and high structural rigidity. The use of metal enclosures is also convenient from the standpoint of providing a ready electrical ground and/or a ready radio frequency (“RF”) or electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shield for the processor and other electrical components of the computing device, since a metal enclosure or outer housing can readily be used for such functions. 
     Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide portable computing system that is aesthetically pleasing and lightweight, and durable. It would also be beneficial to provide methods for assembling the portable computing system. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to a portable computing system. 
     A portable computing system includes at least the following: a lid portion that includes a display assembly; a top case pivotally coupled with the lid portion and including sidewalls that enclose and define a cavity and edges of the sidewalls that define a keyboard opening leading into the cavity, and a data port including: a receptacle region defined entirely by one of the sidewalls and having a size and shape configured to receive an electrical connector arranged to pass power and data to and from the portable computing system, a through hole defined by the sidewall and connecting the cavity to the receptacle region, and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the cavity and including an edge connector protruding from one side of the PCB, the edge connector extending into the receptacle region by way of the through hole. The portable computing system also includes a keyboard assembly disposed at least partially within the cavity, the keyboard assembly having a lateral dimension greater than a lateral dimension of the keyboard opening; and a touch-sensitive user interface assembly that includes both an actuator that provides vibratory feedback at the touch-sensitive user interface assembly, and a force sensor arranged to detect an amount of force applied to the touch-sensitive user interface assembly. 
     In one aspect of the described embodiments, a portable computing system can include at least the following elements: a lid portion including a display assembly; and a base portion pivotally coupled with the lid portion. The base portion includes a top case defining a speaker grill that defines a number of speaker holes. The speaker holes can include a combination of blind holes extending partially through a wall of the top case and through holes extending entirely through the wall of the top case. The through holes can be positioned proximate speakers disposed within an interior volume defined by the base portion. The base portion also includes a bottom case coupled with the top case to define the interior volume, the bottom case including an interior facing surface that includes a first terraced region having a first thickness and a second terraced region having a second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, an exterior facing cosmetic surface defining a number of recesses, and a device foot disposed within each of the recesses defined by the exterior facing cosmetic surface. 
     In another aspect of the described embodiments, a portable computing system includes at least the following elements: a base portion, that includes a keyboard assembly disposed within the base portion and including a number of keycaps extending through corresponding openings defined by a top wall of the base portion, each of the keycaps being supported by a low travel support structure and associated with a discrete LED. The base portion also includes a sidewall defining an opening through which a connector of a printed circuit board extends, the connector being configured to receive electrical power and transmit and receive high-speed data transmissions when a plug is engaged within the opening and electrically coupled with the connector; and a lid portion pivotally coupled with the base portion. The lid portion includes a display, and a retention member that secures one end of a flexible circuit extending between the lid portion and the base portion. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIGS. 1-2  illustrate front facing perspective views of a portable computing system in an open (lid) state; 
         FIGS. 3-4  illustrate a portable computing system in a closed (lid) state; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of the rear cover shown in  FIG. 3 , with a cosmetic logo secured with the logo support; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric front view of the cover plate, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a top portion of the portable computing system, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of the retention member secured with the top portion; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the central region of the retention member, taken along Section B in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of the first end region of the retention member, taken along Section C in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an isomeric view of an interior facing surface of a bottom case of a portable computing system, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bottom case shown in  FIG. 11 , taken along section line D-D; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bottom case shown in  FIG. 11 , taken along section line E-E; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of an interior facing surface of the bottom case having several adhesive structures secured with the terraced regions of the bottom case; 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a number of electrical components secured to bottom case; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom view showing an exterior facing cosmetic surface of a bottom case having several recesses configured to receive support feet; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an isometric view of a corner region of a bottom case prior to receiving a first one of support feet; 
         FIG. 18  shows an interior facing surface of a top case, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  shows a top view of an exterior cosmetic surface of a top case and how an array of speaker holes can extend across a substantial portion of the top case, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  shows a cross-sectional view of the area depicted in the close up view in  FIG. 19  and how the blind holes can be made to look more like the through holes; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a bottom view of the material handling feature carrying the keyboard assembly over the top case, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a side view of the material handling feature, the keyboard assembly, and the top case shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a side view of the material handling feature partially inserting the keyboard assembly into the top case, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a side view of the material handling feature fully inserting the keyboard assembly into the top case, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates an isometric view of a key mechanism in accordance with the described embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  illustrates shows an illustrative cross-sectional view of the key mechanism of  FIG. 25 , in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 27  illustrates illustrative perspective view of a butterfly hinge and support structure in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a side view of a key assembly of a low-travel keyboard assembly, according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates cross-section front view of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a switch housing taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 28 , according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 30  illustrates an exploded view of several layers defining a keyboard shield used with the keyboard assembly, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 31  illustrates an isometric view of an interior portion of an electronic device with a touch pad showing the touch pad having force sensors and an actuator for providing feedback, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 32  illustrates an enlarged top plan view of a touch pad including haptic device, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 33  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the haptic device of  FIG. 32 , taken along line  33 - 33  in  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates a plan view of an interior portion of the bottom case, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a protrusion engaged with a securing member, the protrusion and the securing member designed to secure the top case to the bottom case; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates a plan view of an interior portion of the bottom case having securing members disposed on an outer peripheral portion of the bottom case, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the retention feature having a grooved region defined by an additional material removal region, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a retention feature including a tab member integrally formed with the retention feature; 
         FIG. 39  shows a cross-sectional view of one end of a top case and a bottom case that includes metallic structures that shield a magnetic field sensor from magnetic fields originating from below the bottom case; 
         FIG. 40A  shows a close up view of a left side of a portable computing system and a data port, in accordance with the described embodiments; 
         FIG. 40B  shows a perspective view of an exemplary plug suitable for use with the data port depicted in  FIG. 40A ; 
         FIGS. 40C-40D  show cross-sectional views of the data port shown in  FIG. 40A ; 
         FIGS. 41A-41B  show partial cross-sectional views of alternative data port embodiments; 
         FIGS. 42 and 43  show various perspective views of a flexible connector suitable for routing power and data from the data port shown in  FIG. 40A ; 
         FIG. 44  shows how a flexible connector can be utilized to electrically couple two electrical components within a portable computing system, such as a main logic board and I/O board; and 
         FIG. 45  illustrates a flowchart showing a method for forming a portable computing system, in accordance with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following relates to a portable computing system such as a laptop computer, net book computer, tablet computer, etc. The portable computing system can include a multi-part housing having a top case and a bottom case joining at a reveal region to form a base portion. The portable computing system can have an upper portion (or lid) that can house a display screen and other related components whereas the base portion can house various processors, drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touch pad and the like. The base portion can be formed of numerous housing components that can include top and bottom outer housing components each of which can be formed in a particular manner at an interface region such that the gap and offset between these outer housing components are not only reduced, but are also more consistent from device to device during the mass production of devices. These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below. 
     In a particular embodiment, the lid portion and base portion can be pivotally connected with each other by way of a pair of hinges. In some embodiments, communication can be routed between the lid and base portions by flexible cables extending between the base portion and the lid portion. In one particular embodiment, circuitry configured to drive operations of the display within the lid can be positioned within the base portion and proximate to a location where the lid and base portions are pivotally coupled. 
     The multipart housing can be formed of a strong and durable yet lightweight material. Such materials can include composite materials and or metals such as aluminum. Aluminum has a number of characteristics that make it a good choice for the multipart housing. For example, aluminum is a good electrical conductor that can provide good electrical ground and it can be easily machined and has well known metallurgical characteristics. Furthermore, aluminum is not highly reactive and non-magnetic which can be an essential requirement if the portable computing system has radio frequency (RF) capabilities, such as WiFi (including dual stream 802.11 ac WiFi), AM/FM, etc. In some embodiments, the multipart housing can be formed by a subtractive machining operation in which portions of a single block of metal are machined away to create one or more housing components with integrally formed features to form the multipart housing. In order to both protect the multipart housing and provide an aesthetically appealing finish (both visual and tactile), a protective layer can be placed or formed on an external surface of the multipart housing. The protective layer can be applied in such a way to both enhance the aesthetic appeal of the housing and to protect the appearance of the portable computing system. In one embodiment, when the multipart housing is formed of aluminum, an exterior surface of the aluminum can be anodized to form the protective layer. 
     The top case can include a cavity, or lumen, into which a number of operational components can be inserted during an assembly operation. In the described embodiment, the operational components can be inserted into the lumen and attached to the top case in a “top-bottom” assembly operation in which top most components are inserted first followed by components in a top down arrangement. For example, the top case can be provided and shaped to accommodate a keyboard module. The keyboard module can include a keyboard assembly formed of a number of keycap assemblies and associated circuitry, such as a flexible membrane on which can be incorporated a switching matrix. In one embodiment, the keyboard module can be slightly larger than an opening leading into the lumen. In one particular embodiment, the keyboard module can be angled into the lumen and/or bent to accommodate the opening leading into the lumen. 
     The keyboard module of the portable computing system can include any number of advancements to form an advanced low-profile keyboard module. One advancement that can be utilized to reduce a travel distance of each key is a butterfly hinge. The butterfly hinge can be arranged to provide positive actuation of each key over a short travel distance for each key. In some embodiments, one or more of the keys of the keyboard module can include discrete circuitry that support various functionality associated with one or more of the keys of the keyboard module. In some embodiments, the individual circuitry can include discrete lighting elements so that individual keycaps can be selectively illuminated. In some embodiments, the circuitry under each keycap can serve other purposes such as for example force sensing for distinguishing an amount of force exerted upon a particular key. In some embodiments, circuitry in the keycaps can serve to support other functionality that might not otherwise fit within the space provided by the lumen defined by the multipart housing. 
     In addition to the keyboard, the portable computing system can include a touch sensitive device along the lines of a touch pad, touch screen, etc. In those embodiments where the portable computing system includes a touch pad, the touch pad can be formed from a glass material. The glass material provides a cosmetic surface and is the primary source of structural rigidity for the touch pad. The use of the glass material in this way significantly reduces the overall thickness of the touch pad compared to previous designs. The touch pad can include circuitry for processing signals from sensors associated with the touch pad. The touch pad can include any one or more of a number of sensors including touch and force sensitive sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors can be configured to react in different ways depending how or in what manner the portable computing system is being used. For example, the touch and or force sensing can be more or less sensitive depending upon the amount of sensitivity appropriate for a given application or control. 
     In the embodiments where at least one of the top case and bottom case are formed of conductive material, such as aluminum, a good electrical ground plane or electrical ground can be provided. The ability to provide a good ground plane can be particularly advantageous due to the close proximity of the operational components to one another in the portable computing system. Due to this close proximity, it is desirable to isolate sources of significant RF radiation (such as a main logic board, or MLB) from those circuits, such as wireless circuits, that are sensitive to RF interference. In this way, at least the conductive top and/or bottom case be used to provide a good chassis ground that, in turn, can be used to electromagnetically isolate the circuits that produce RF energy from those components that are sensitive to RF energy. Moreover, by forming both top and bottom case with conductive material, the top and bottom case can be joined to form a base portion that can act as a Faraday cage that can effectively shield the external environment from EMI generated by the portable computing system. The Faraday cage like attributes of the base portion can also protect RF sensitive components from externally generated EMI. 
     In order to provide a pleasing aesthetic to the user, the shape of the portable computing system can have a profile that is pleasing to the eye and to the touch. In the described embodiments, the multipart housing can have a tapered or asymmetrically shaped geometry. The tapered shape can be one in which one end is thicker than the other end such that when the bottom surface of the portable computing system is placed upon a flat supporting surface, such as a table or desk, the angle presented by the tapered shaped housing (in particular the tapered shaped upper portion of the multipart housing) can present an easy to use keyboard arrangement and touch pad. In contrast to conventional portable computing systems such as laptop computers having a uniformly shaped housing with little or no angularity, the tapered shape of the portable computing system can improve user interaction with the touch pad and keyboard by presenting the touch pad surface and the keycaps in a more natural alignment with a user&#39;s fingers. In this way, improved ergonomics can help reduce an amount of stress and strain placed upon the user&#39;s wrists. The tapered design can also help to reduce an amount of material utilized in areas of the portable computing system where extra space or room is not required. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the tapered or asymmetric shaped geometry of the multipart housing may not result in the user interface being angled towards the user and may only serve to reduce weight and an overall volume of the housing. 
     Due at least in part to the strong and resilient nature of the material used to form the multipart housing, the multipart housing can include a number of openings having wide spans that do not require additional support structures. Such openings can take the form of ports that can be used to provide access to internal circuits. The ports can include, for example, data ports suitable for accommodating cables (USB, Ethernet, FireWire, etc.) connecting external circuits. The openings can also provide access to an audio circuit, video display circuit, power input, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the amount and number of ports arranged though the multi-part housing may be substantially reduced. For example, numerous types of input/output ports and power connectors can be combined into a single connector, which can take sole responsibility for receiving power and high-speed data. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-45 ; 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. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show various views of portable computing system  100  in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIGS. 1-2  show front facing perspective views of portable computing system  100  in an open (lid) state whereas  FIGS. 3-4  shows portable computing system  100  in a closed (lid) state. Portable computing system  100  can include base portion  102  formed of top case  104  fastened to bottom case  106 . Base portion  102  can be pivotally connected to lid portion  108  by way of hinges that are hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Base portion  102  can have an overall tapered shape having a first end sized to accommodate the hinged connection that pivotally couples base portion  102  to lid portion  108 . In the described embodiment, the overall tapered shape of base portion  102  can be created by the tapered shape of top case  104 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, bottom case  106  is tapered to provide a similar result. In some embodiments, bottom case  106  and top case  104  can cooperate to define the tapered shape of base portion  102 . Top case  104  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as keyboard  110  and touch pad  112 . Keyboard  110  can include a number of keycaps  114 . In some embodiments, keycaps  114  are low-profile keycaps. In some embodiments, a travel distance of each of keycaps  114  can be minimized so that a volume within base portion  102  is not taken up to accommodate the travel of each of keycaps  114 . 
     Each of keycaps  114  can have a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying a key input associated with the particular keycaps  114 . Keyboard  110  can be arranged to receive a discrete input at each of keycaps  114  using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each of keycaps  114  can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of portable computing system  100 . Touch pad  112  can be configured to receive a user&#39;s finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such as a swipe or a tap. In some embodiments, touch pad  112  can be configured with force detection sensors configured to determine how much pressure is received at touch pad  112 . In this way, applications running on portable computing system  100  can be configured to respond in different ways to varying levels of pressure applied when performing tapping or gesturing actions. Furthermore, in some embodiments touch pad  112  can be configured to provide haptic feedback to a user interacting with touch pad  112  in the form of vibration of touch pad  112 . 
     Lid portion  108  can include display  116  and rear cover  118  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 ) that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion  108  and also provide structural support to at least display  116 . In the described embodiment, lid portion  108  can include display trim  120  that surrounds display  116 . In some embodiments, both display  116  and display trim  120  can be overlaid by a transparent substrate along the lines of high strength glass or plastic. Lid portion  108  can be moved with the aid of a number of hinges that pivotally couple the lid portion to the base portion, from the closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Display  116  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. Display  116  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portable computing system  100  can also include image capture device  122  located on display trim  120 . Image capture device  122  can be configured to capture both still and video images. Display trim  120  can be supported by structural components (not shown) within lid portion  108  but attached to rear cover  118 . Display trim  120  can enhance the overall appearance of display  116  by hiding operational and structural components as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display  116 . In some embodiments, display trim  120  can be colored to blend seamlessly in with display  116  when display  116  is not illuminated. In addition to display trim  120 , lid portion  108  can also include a chin cover  124  that covers a region of lid portion  108  below display  116 . Chin cover  124  can be formed from a thin layer of plastic or glass and colored to blend pleasingly in with the rest of portable computing system  100 . In some embodiments, chin cover  124  can be configured to mask the appearance of data cables descending from a bottom edge of display  116 . Chin cover  124  can also include markings to help identify a type or brand associated with portable computing system  100 . Top case  104  can also define data port  126  and audio port  128 , which can both be used to transfer data between an external circuit(s) and portable computing system  100 . In some embodiments, data port  126  can be configured to receive power and transmit data. Lid portion  108  can be formed to have unibody construction that can provide additional strength and resiliency to lid portion  108  which is particularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, the unibody construction of lid portion  108  can reduce overall part count by eliminating separate support features. Top case  104  can also define an array of speaker holes  130  through which speakers coupled to bottom case  106  can transmit audio content. Top case  104  can also define microphone openings  132  that are configured to provide a conduit through which microphones within base portion  102  can record audio content. 
       FIGS. 3-4  show top and bottom perspective views of portable computing system  100 . More specifically,  FIG. 3  shows a top view of portable computing system  100  showing rear cover  118  of lid portion  108  that partially defines an outward cosmetic appearance of portable computing system  100 . Rear cover  118  also defines an opening within which cosmetic logo  134  can be retained. In some embodiment, cosmetic logo  134  can take the form of an at least partially transparent window that can be illuminated by light emitted by display  116 . In other embodiments, the opening can take the form of a recess that accommodates cosmetic logo  134  when cosmetic logo  134  takes the form of a metallic logo. The metallic logo can be finished in a way manner that contrasts with the cosmetic surface of rear cover  118 .  FIG. 4  shows a bottom perspective view of portable computing system  100  in which a protruding end  135  of lid portion  108  conceals a back end of portable computing system  100  where lid portion  108  is coupled with base portion  102 . Also, as shown, lid portion  108  includes protruding end  135  capable of pivoting with respect to base portion  102 .  FIG. 4  also shows how support feet  136  can be arranged along bottom case  106  to provide support to portable computing system  100 . Support feet  136  can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as plastic, silicone or rubber. In some embodiments, support feet  136  can be mounted to bottom case  106  in a manner similar to the way in which cosmetic logo  134  is mounted to rear cover  118 . In some embodiments, a portion of support feet can extend through an opening defined by bottom case  106  and then be heat staked to an interior facing surface of bottom case  106 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , the enclosure of portable computing system  100  includes lid portion  108 , including rear cover  118  and protruding end  135 , and base portion  102 , defined by top case  104  and bottom case  106 . In some embodiments, top case  104 , bottom case  106 , lid portion  108 , rear cover  118 , and protruding end  135  are formed from a metal, such as aluminum. Accordingly, in those embodiments, portable computing system  100  can include an all-metal enclosure, which refers to a portable computing system having an entire outer peripheral portion, with the exception of support feet  136 , that includes metal. This allows for a rigid, protective enclosure surrounding the components of portable computing system  100  (see  FIG. 3 , for example). 
     Generally, radio frequencies sent and received from a radio antenna from devices such as WiFi or Bluetooth radios cannot permeate through a metal enclosure. Accordingly, traditional portable computing systems may include a plastic or non-metal structure that allows for transmission of the radio frequencies for wireless communication with an external radio. However, portable computing system  100  having an all-metal enclosure may nonetheless include various radios and radio antennas integrated within the all-metal enclosure and disposed in regions other than protruding end  135  to accommodate the all-metal enclosure. For example, in some embodiments, one or more radio antennas are disposed behind chin cover  124  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) which is designed to allow radio frequencies to permeate through chin cover  124 . Also, one or more radio antennas may remain disposed proximate to protruding end  135  and rely on openings, such as speaker holes  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), for transmission of radio frequencies. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross sectional view of rear cover  118  shown in  FIG. 4 , with cosmetic logo  134  secured with logo support  518 . As shown, cosmetic logo  134  is secured with logo support  518  via adhesive layer  542 . Also, logo support  518  may be part of a substrate, such as rear cover  118 . Also, indention region  546  ensures the cosmetic logo  134  is not disturbed by tapered region  544  of rear cover  118 . Further, darkened region  548  disguises surface  528  of relief section  524  as well as a portion of indention region  546 . In this manner, a user viewing cosmetic logo  134  may not be able to view surface  528  through gap  536 . 
     Logo support  518  of rear cover  118  is generally flat. That is, logo support  518  is generally parallel to exterior region  506  of rear cover  118 . This ensures cosmetic logo  134 , when secured with logo support  518 , is also flat. In order to ensure logo support  518  is flat, a cutting tool (not shown) may include certain cutting techniques. The formation of the logo support  518  and cutting techniques used to form the logo support  518  are described and explained in U.S. Provisional Application 62/104,597, to Farahani et al., and titled “LOGO FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric front view of chin cover  124 , in accordance with the described embodiments. Chin cover  124  may include several features. For example, chin cover  124  may include substrate  632 . In some embodiments, substrate  632  is formed from plastic. In other embodiments, substrate  632  is formed from carbon fiber. Further, in other embodiments, substrate  632  is formed from fiberglass. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , substrate  632  is formed from glass. Accordingly, substrate  632  may be formed from a transparent material. Generally, the substrate  632  can be formed by any material or materials that include a relatively high stiffness-to-thickness ratio, while also allowing electromagnetic waves (such as RF) to pass through substrate  632 . In this manner, an internal component such as an antenna (not shown) can be positioned in lid portion  108  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and also behind substrate  632 , and the internal component still send and receive electromagnetic waves passing through substrate  632 . In other embodiments, substrate  632  is formed from stainless steel sufficiently thin to allow electromagnetic waves to pass. 
     Also, in order to increase the stiffness of substrate  632 , substrate  632  may undergo a chemical process designed to chemically strengthen substrate  632 . This may include submerging substrate  632  in a chemical bath that includes potassium nitrate at a relatively high temperature (for example, 300 degrees Celsius or greater). In addition, substrate  632  undergoes additional processes to alter the texture or roughness. For example, substrate  632  may undergo a blasting process (for example, sand blast) and/or chemical etching process to obtain a surface roughness similar to that of track pad  124  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In addition, in some embodiments, substrate  632  includes an anti-reflective coating. In this manner, chin cover  124  may include an appearance substantially similar to that of the display  116  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     As shown, substrate  632  includes first surface  634 . First surface  634 , when assembled, is associated with a surface that extends away from display  116  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or a cover glass disposed over display  116 . In other words, first surface  634  is a surface that is visible when installed on display  116  or the cover glass. It will be appreciated that the first surface  634  may undergo or include the previous processes (such as the blasting process, chemical etching, and the anti-reflective coating). Along with substrate  632 , chin cover  124  may include several features. For example, chin cover  124  may include first layer  642 . In some embodiments, first layer  642  is an ink layer. Generally, first layer  642  is an opaque layer applied to substrate  632 . Accordingly, first layer  642  may be formed from a relatively dark material, such as black ink. However, alternatively, an opaque material including a lighter color may be applied. Also, in some embodiments, first layer  642  is applied by screen printing onto a second surface of substrate  632 . The second surface may be referred to as a surface that is opposite first surface  634 . This will be discussed below. Accordingly, as shown in the enlarged view, first layer  642  may be located behind substrate  632  and therefore positioned between substrate  632  and display  116  when chin cover  124  is installed. However, when substrate  632  is formed from a transparent material such as glass, first layer  642  is still visible when chin cover  124  is installed. 
     Chin cover  124  can also include second layer  652 . In some embodiments, the second layer  652  defines an indicium, which can include letters, words, symbols, shapes, or a combination thereof. As shown in  FIG. 6 , second layer  652  includes several letters. Like first layer  642 , second layer  652  may also be applied to the second surface of substrate  632 . Further, first layer  642  may be applied to substrate  632  such that certain voids in first layer  642  define an outer perimeter of second layer  652 . In other words, first layer  642  may not be fully applied to the second surface, and in those regions, second layer  652  is applied to the second surface of substrate  632 . Second layer  652  may include any material or materials used to form first layer  642 , and may be applied to the second surface in any manner used to apply first layer  642 . However, second layer  652  may include an appearance different from that of first layer  642 . For example, first layer  642  may be black while second layer  652  is selected from a color consisting of gray, red, blue, green, yellow, or a combination thereof. Also, in some embodiments, second layer  652  has a color or general appearance similar to that of touch pad  112  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), such as gray. 
     Chin cover  124  may further include third layer  662  disposed on first layer  642  and second layer  652 . Third layer  662  may be formed from any material used to form first layer  642  and second layer  652 , and may be applied to the second surface in any manner used to apply first layer  642  and second layer  652 . In some embodiments, third layer  662  includes a relatively dark appearance similar to that of first layer  642 . 
     Chin cover  124  may include first dimension  672  representative of a lengthwise dimension of chin cover  124 . First dimension  672  may be approximately similar to a lengthwise dimension of display  116  or the cover glass. However, in other embodiments, first dimension  672  can be increased or decreased to a desired dimension. Also, chin cover  124  can include extended region  680  having second dimension  682  than first dimension  672 . Generally, second dimension  682  is approximately greater than a dimension of a recessed portion of the top case  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) that allows for top case  104  to receive a portion of a clutch assembly (not shown). In this manner, extended region  680  of chin cover  124  may hide or cover additional internal components when portable computing system  100  is in an open configuration (shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ). Further, first layer  642  and third layer  662  may also be applied to extended region  680 . 
     Chin cover  124  may include thickness  688  that accounts for the combined thickness of substrate  632 , first layer  642 , second layer  652 , and third layer  662 . In some embodiments, thickness  688  is less than 1 millimeter (“mm”). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , thickness  688  is less than 0.4 mm. It will be appreciated that some features or dimensions are not drawn to scale and may be exaggerated to show certain details. Various texturing techniques for substrate  632  are described and explained in U.S. Provisional Application 62/128,955, to Andre et al., and titled “CHIN PLATE FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE”, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of lid portion  108  of a portable computing system, in accordance with the described embodiments. Lid portion  108  may also be referred to as a display housing. Display  116  of lid portion  108  is removed to show certain structural features of the lid portion  108 . Lid portion  108  can include part of flexible circuit assembly  702  that includes one or more flexible circuits electronically coupled to components in another location of the portable computing system (not shown). Flexible circuit assembly  702  may also extend into base portion  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and electrically connect with one or more components, such as a processor circuit and/or a battery pack. In this manner, the top portion  704  can receive electrical power (from the battery pack) and/or data communication (from the processor circuit) from base portion  102  via flexible circuit assembly  702 . As shown, flexible circuit assembly  702  is coupled with connector  756  that may be connected to an integrated circuit or another flexible circuit (not shown). However, as lid portion  108  may be pivotally coupled with base portion  102 , some moving parts can exert a force on flexible circuit assembly  702 . In some cases, after several cycles of rotating or pivoting lid portion  108  with respect to base portion  102 , the force exerted on flexible circuit assembly  702  can cause flexible circuit assembly  702  to decouple from connector  756 . As a result, flexible circuit assembly  702  no longer relays power and/or data communication to lid portion  108 . 
     Lid portion  108  can be modified to receive a feature designed to counter the forces exerted on flexible circuit assembly  702  previously described. Before installing the feature, lid portion  108  may undergo several material removal processes by a cutting tool (such as a T-cutting tool). For example, the material removal processes can define first undercut region  706  and second undercut region  708 , both of which can be designed to receive a portion of the feature, which will be described below. Also, lid portion  108  can including first mounting hole  712  and second mounting hole  714  designed to secure the feature with lid portion. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an isometric view of retention member  820  secured with lid portion  108 . As shown, first mounting structure  832  and second mounting structure  834  receive first fastener  852  and second fastener  854 , respectively, to secure retention member  820  with lid portion  108 . However, prior to using first fastener  852  and second fastener  854 , first extension  826  and second extension  828  are first inserted, or hooked, into first undercut region  806  and second undercut region  808 , respectively. In this configuration, first extension  826 , second extension  828 , central region  840 , and a compressible member (not shown) combine to define a counteracting force such that flexible circuit assembly  802  remains relatively immobile in a location proximate to connector  856 . 
     In some embodiments, retention member  820  is formed from a metal (such as aluminum). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , retention member  820  is formed from a polycarbonate material, which may include glass fiber. Further, in some embodiments, the materials used to form retention member  820  are injection-molded into a cavity (not shown) that defines the size and shape of retention member  820 . This allows for retention member  820  having both a lightweight and custom design that fits into a relatively small space. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of central region  840  of retention member  820 , taken along Section B in  FIG. 8 . As shown, compressible member  842  in central region  840  engages flexible circuit assembly  802  such that flexible circuit assembly  802  is engaged with lid portion  108 , thereby limiting the overall movement of flexible circuit assembly  802  in a location proximate to connector  856 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of first end region  822  of retention member  820 , taken along Section C in  FIG. 8 . As shown, first extension  826  engages first undercut region  806  of lid portion  108  to provide part of the counteracting force of retention member  820 . It will be appreciated that second extension  828  and second undercut region  808  include substantially similar features and configurations. 
     Retention member  820  is described and explained in: (i) U.S. Provisional Application 62/106,687, to Farahani et al., and titled “ENCLOSURE FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; (ii) U.S. Provisional Application 62/111,036, to Farahani et al., and titled “ENCLOSURE FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; (iii) U.S. Provisional Application 62/106,689, to Reid et al., and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; and (iv) U.S. Provisional Application 62/111,042, to Reid et al., and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of first end region  822  of retention member  820 , taken along Section C in  FIG. 8 . As shown, first extension  826  engages first undercut region  806  of the lid portion  108  to provide part of the counteracting force of retention member  820 . It will be appreciated that the second extension  828  and the second undercut region  808  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) include substantially similar features and configurations. The retention member  820  is described and explained in: (i) U.S. Provisional Application 62/106,687, to Farahani et al., and titled “ENCLOSURE FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; (ii) U.S. Provisional Application 62/111,036, to Farahani et al., and titled “ENCLOSURE FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; (iii) U.S. Provisional Application 62/106,689, to Reid et al., and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”; and (iv) U.S. Provisional Application 62/111,042, to Reid et al., and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an isomeric view of interior facing surface  1102  of bottom case  106  of portable computing system  100 , in accordance with the described embodiments. Bottom case  106  provides a base upon which portable computing system  100  rests (shown in  FIG. 1 ). As shown, bottom case  106  has undergone multiple material removal processes to define several terraced regions and structural support features throughout bottom case  106 . For example, bottom case  106  includes first terraced region  1104  and second terraced region  1106 , both of which are positioned at a substantially similar vertical elevation within bottom case  106 . Also, bottom case  106  may further include third terraced region  1108  and fourth terraced region  1110 , both of which are positioned at a substantially similar vertical elevation within bottom case  106 . However, third terraced region  1108  and fourth terraced region  1110  are positioned at an elevation higher than that of first terraced region  1104  and second terraced region  1106 . Also, bottom case  106  may further include fifth terraced region  1112  and sixth terraced region  1114 , both of which are positioned at a substantially similar vertical elevation within bottom case  106 . Fifth terraced region  1112  and sixth terraced region  1114  are positioned at an elevation higher than that of third terraced region  1108  and fourth terraced region  1110 . The terraced regions previously described provide additional space for a portable computing system in order to compensate for a smaller form factor of the portable computing system. For example, the terraced regions can receive one or more battery packs having geometry complementary to that provided by bottom case  106 . This allows for additional volume for the one or more battery packs as opposed to a bottom case having a substantially planar interior-facing surface. While bottom case  106 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , includes a generally symmetric design, in other embodiments, bottom case  106  is asymmetric. For example, first terraced region  1104  may include a surface area greater than that of second terraced region  1106 . 
     Bottom case  106  can further include additional regions defined by the material removal processes. For example, as shown, bottom case  106  includes a number of structural ribs taking the form of ribs  1116 ,  1118  and  1120 . Because the nature of the subtractive machining operation allows for the structural ribs to be arranged in any geometry, portions of the ribs  1116 ,  1118  and  1120  can include spline shaped or non-conical curves. Ribs  1116 ,  11118  and  1120  can provide support to bottom case  106  by, for example, engaging top case  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) when top case  104  and bottom case  106  are coupled together and also by increasing a rigidity of bottom case  106 . Furthermore, ribs  1116 ,  1118  and  1120  further define an area in which an internal component (e.g., integrated circuit) can be received by bottom case  106 . In some embodiments, various structural ribs can constrain motion of one or more internal components in contact with bottom case  106 . In some embodiments, the formation of bottom case  106  can include an additional material removal process that defines cavity  1122  or recess designed to receive an additional internal component. 
     In some embodiments, a single material removal process with a particular cutting tool is used is applied to a block of material. In some embodiments, the block of material can take the form of an extruded aluminum alloy. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , a first cutting process is performed to bottom case  106 . The first cutting process uses a first cutting tool. Also, the first cutting process can be referred to a rough cut as a substantial portion of the bottom case  106  is removed. The pattern taken by the first cutting process can be performed in a raster scan operation, or alternatively, in a spiral pattern. Then, a second subsequent cutting process can be performed. The second cutting process can include a second cutting tool with a larger radius than that of the first cutting tool. In this manner, the edges defined by the second cutting tool are generally smoother and reduce the probability of sharp edges that can cut internal components, such as the battery packs. Moreover, a two-part cutting process can reduce manufacturing times of the bottom case  106  when compared with a more traditional, single cutting operation. 
     Also, the corner regions of bottom case  106  include a pair of openings designed to receive a foot that engages a surface on which bottom case  106  can be positioned. For example, first corner region  1140  includes first cavity  1142  and second cavity  1144  that include openings that extend entirely through bottom case  106 . These will be described in detail below. Portable computing system  100  having bottom case  106  with terraced regions previously described allows for portable computing device  100  having no fan assembly, which is often found in traditional portable computing systems. Accordingly, portable computing device  100  may operate with less noise, as noise due to the fan assembly is no longer present. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  are cross-sectional views of  FIG. 11  and illustrate the various elevations of bottom case  106  defined by the two-part material removal process.  FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bottom case shown in  FIG. 11 , taken along section line D-D. As shown, in the z-dimension, first terraced region  1104  is below third terraced region  1108 , which in turn is below fifth terraced region  1112 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the bottom case shown in  FIG. 11 , taken along section line E-E. Ribs  1118  and  1120  are higher in elevation in a z-dimension than a region between ribs  1118  and  1120 . Also, cavity  1122  is lower in the z-dimension as compared to cross-sectional regions of bottom case  106  shown in  FIG. 12 , specifically fifth terraced region  1112 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of interior facing surface  1102  of bottom case  106  having several adhesive structures secured with the terraced regions of bottom case  106 . For instance, first terraced region  1104  and second terraced region  1106  include first adhesive ring  1402  and second adhesive ring  1404 , respectively. Also, central region  1406  of the bottom case  106  includes third adhesive ring  1408  and fourth adhesive ring  1410 . The adhesive rings previously described may be used to secure internal components (for example, battery packs) with bottom case  106 . In some embodiments, the adhesive rings are formed from a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Also, the adhesive rings can have a size and a shape that provides sufficient adhesive force to retain the internal components in place. Moreover, the adhesive rings are not excessively large to provide unnecessary adhesion forces. In this manner, a portable computing system  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) can be made with a reduced weight based on the size and shape of the adhesive rings. Further, internal components secured with bottom case  106  may include a terraced design corresponding to the terraced regions of bottom case  106 . For example, one or more battery packs may include a shape or contour corresponding to first terraced region  1104 , third terraced region  1108 , and/or fifth terraced region  1112  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). In this manner, the spaces or voids defined by the terraced regions of bottom case  106  may be occupied by the one or more contoured battery packs. Accordingly, portable computing system  100  can include greater battery capacity which can lead to longer usage of portable computing system  100  between consecutive charges of the contoured battery packs. Also, the terraced designed of the battery packs can be chosen to include a shape corresponding to the terraced regions of bottom case  106  even in those embodiments in which bottom case  106  is asymmetric. For example, one or more contoured battery packs disposed over second terraced region  1106 , fourth terraced region  1110 , and/or sixth terraced region  1114  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) may include a size and shape different (smaller or larger) than that of the one or more battery packs covering to first terraced region  1104 , third terraced region  1108 , and/or fifth terraced region  1112 . 
     Bottom case  106  may include other adhesive structures. For example, first adhesive structure  1412  is located between ribs  1116 ,  1118 , and  1120  while additional adhesive structures  1414 ,  1416  and  1418  are disposed forward of rib  1120 . In some embodiments, the first adhesive structure  1412  secures an internal component, such as an integrated circuit on a printed circuit board to bottom case  106  while the additional adhesive structures can be used for mounting speaker modules and display circuitry to bottom case  106 . Also, cavity  1122  may include second adhesive structure  1420  designed to secure another internal component with bottom case  106 . The adhesive structures can take the form of strips of pressure sensitive adhesive. By securing rigid internal components to bottom case  106 , the overall structural rigidity of bottom case  106  can be increased and therefore compensates bottom case  106  in instances when bottom case  106  that is relatively thin. In some embodiments, the adhesive structures can be formed of electrically conductive pressure sensitive adhesive so that the internal components can be grounded to bottom case  106  through the adhesive structure. It should be noted that in some embodiments components can alternatively be fastened to bottom case  106  by a number of fasteners. It should be noted that additional details regarding the formation and structure of bottom case  106  can be found in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/111,042, to Reid et al., filed Feb. 2, 2015, and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”. 
       FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a number of electrical components secured to bottom case  106 . The electrical components can include assemblies  1500  that include speaker and antenna components. Display circuitry  1550  can also be attached to bottom case  106 . Assemblies  1500  are configured to electrically isolate speaker components disposed within speaker housing  1502 . Speaker housing  1502  can be at least partially coated with a layer of conductive material to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) from entering or leaving speaker housing  1502 . Each of assemblies  1500  also includes conductive gaskets  1504  that provide a conduit for routing audio signals from within speaker housing  1502  out of base portion  102 . When bottom case  106  is joined to top case  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), conductive gaskets  1504  are compressed against an interior facing surface of top case  104 . Once conductive gaskets  1504  are compressed they can create a grounding path between each of assemblies  1500  and top case  104 . In some embodiments, conductive gaskets  1504  can be made up of a windowed block of closed cell foam surrounded by a layer of conductive fabric. The windowed block of closed cell foam can include a number of conductive pathways running through the windowed block of closed cell foam. In this way, any EMI not blocked by the conductive fabric can be blocked by a faraday cage formed through the conductive pathways defined within the windowed block of closed cell foam. The closed cell foam is also operative to prevent audio from escaping through the conductive gaskets  1504 . Assemblies  1500  can also include antennas  1506  disposed along an exterior surface of speaker housing  1502 . Antennas  1506  are positioned to transmit and receive wireless signals through an opening defined by a gap between top case  104  and bottom case  106  that is at least partially covered by lid portion  108  and a radio frequency transparent cosmetic cover (such as chin cover  124 , shown in  FIG. 6 ). Assemblies  1500  can also include flex connectors extending through speaker housing  1502 . In some embodiments, speaker housing  1502  can be formed from two housing components and the flex connector can be configured to extend through an interface between the housing components. In this way audio data can be routed into speaker housing  1502 . As mentioned above, bottom case  106  can also support display circuitry  1550 . Display circuitry  1550  can include video processors and circuit boards configured to drive operations of display  116 . Flexible circuits  1552  can be configured to route the instructions generated by display circuitry  1550  into lid portion  108  as previously described in  FIGS. 7-10 . In some embodiments, display circuitry  1550  can be attached first to top case  104  and simply compressed against an interior facing surface of bottom case  106 . It should be noted that additional details regarding the combined speaker and antenna assembly can be found in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/104,611, to Sweet et al., filed Jan. 16, 2015, and titled “HYBRID ACOUSTIC EMI FOAM FOR USE IN A PERSONAL COMPUTER”. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a bottom view showing an exterior facing cosmetic surface of bottom case  106  having several recesses  1602  configured to receive support feet  136 . Recesses  1602  can have size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of support feet  136 . In this way, when support feet are positioned within corresponding recesses  1602 , support feet  136  can be prevented from shifting in the X and Y axes by walls defining recesses  1602 . Due to the spacing limitations created by the terraced regions previously described, a particular process is developed to secure support feet  136  to bottom case  106 . In some embodiments, recesses  1602  can be quite shallow so that no more than a slight lip is defined by bottom case  106 . The slight lip can be just tall enough to constrain lateral motion of support feet  136  along the exterior facing cosmetic surface during an installation operation. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an isometric view of a corner region of bottom case  106  prior to receiving a first one of support feet  136 . As shown, first cavity  1142  and second cavity  1144  of bottom case  106  include openings  1702  designed to receive protrusions  1704  of support foot  136 . Using multiple protrusions makes support foot  136  more robust. For example, if one or more of protrusions  1704  breaks off of support foot  136  the remaining protrusions  1704  are capable of securing support foot  136  with bottom case  106 . It should be noted that while four protrusions  1704  and corresponding openings  1702  are depicted that other configurations with a greater or lesser number of protrusions and openings are certainly possible. 
     Recesses  1602  disposed across the exterior facing surface shown in  FIG. 16  can be defined at least in part by a laser ablation process depicted by the circular dashed region  1602  in  FIG. 17 . The laser ablated portion that defines a periphery of each of recesses  1602  can be used to define a further material removal process in which recesses  1602  are formed. Also, although not shown, an adhesive, such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), can be positioned within the recesses  1602 , and can be used to further secure support feet  136  to bottom case  106 . 
     Once support feet  136  are placed within recesses  1602  and the protrusions of support feet  136  extend through openings  1702  of bottom case  106  a heat deforming member can engage the protrusions of foot  136 . The heat deforming member can define a heat staking process designed to melt each of the protrusions  1704 . Once the melting process is finished, the heat deforming member can be removed. After protrusions  1704  are deformed by the melting process, protrusion  1704  define mechanical interlocks in first cavity  1142  and second cavity  1144 . In this manner, support feet  136  can be secured with bottom case  106  by the resulting mechanical interlocks and an adhesive layer (not shown). Also, first cavity  1142  and second cavity  1144  are designed such that the mechanical interlocks are sub-flush, or below, the surrounding surfaces of the bottom case. In this manner, the mechanical interlocks do not disturb other internal components, such as a battery pack, proximate to first and second cavities  1142  and  1144 . 
       FIG. 18  shows an interior facing surface of top case  104 . Top case  104  may further include several side rails used to create space between top case  104  and bottom case  106  (not shown). For example, top case  104  can include side rails  1802 . Also, top case  104  may include several cavities proximate to or defined by side rails  1802 . For example, side rails  1802  include end cavities  1804  that can take the form of threaded apertures for receiving fasteners in the form of screws. In some embodiments, end cavities  1804 , shown as dotted lines are positioned at least partially within an undercut region defined by side rails  1802  (from a bottom view). In the depicted embodiment, some of end cavities  1804  are positioned completely within the undercut region defined by side rails  1802 . End cavities  1804  may be designed and positioned to provide further securing means for various internal components, such as for example a keyboard assembly. Also, although not shown, the interior facing surface of top case  104  can receive an adhesive, along the lines of a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive (“PSA”). Moreover, the PSA can be applied in various locations along a keyboard rib structure  1816  of top case  104 , with keyboard rib structure  1816  defined as a web region to receive keycaps  114  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In this manner, a keyboard assembly (not shown) can be secured to top case  104  by the layer of PSA prior to securing the keyboard assembly to top case  104  with several fasteners secured to the central cavities of top case  104 . 
     The interior-facing surface of top case  104  also includes a material removal region defined by an indention region  1806 . Indention region  1806  is designed to allow space for moving parts of other components, such as for example display circuitry  1550  (shown in FIG.  15 ). Also, the top case  104  includes an opening  1808  defined in part by side rails  1802 . The opening  1808  allows top case  104  to receive several internal components. The opening  1808  includes a dimension  1810  which may be defined as a length of opening  1808 . It should be noted that additional details regarding top case  104  can be found in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/111,042, to Reid et al., filed Feb. 2, 2015, and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”. It should be noted that speaker holes shown in top case  104  have been omitted from this particular drawing for simplicity sake. It should also be noted that speaker holes are not required in all cases and can be routed out of top case  104  in other manners. 
       FIG. 19  shows a top view of an exterior cosmetic surface of top case  104  and how array  1900  of speaker holes  130  can extend across a substantial portion of top case  104 . Array  1900  can provide a cosmetically pleasing and uniform grid even though many of the holes are located nowhere near a speaker. Unfortunately, if each of speaker holes  130  extended entirely through top case  104  certain lighting conditions could cause internal components to be visible through some of speaker holes  130 . One way to overcome this problem is to form those speaker holes  130  not immediately above internal speakers as blind holes that do not extend completely through top case  104 . Regions  1902  indicate locations of array  1900  where speaker holes  130  are positioned directly above conductive gaskets  1504  of combined speaker and antenna assemblies  1500  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). Close up view  1904  shows how speaker holes  130  can be through holes  130 - 1  and speaker holes  130  can be blind holes  130 - 2 . It should be noted that in addition to creating a more uniform cosmetic appearance, blind holes  130 - 2  can also help top case  104  to maintain its structural integrity, as the blind holes do not result in as much material removal as through holes  130 - 1  do. Unfortunately, simply forming blind holes  130 - 2  with no further actions would look strange as the bottom surface of the blind holes would still be bright aluminum, causing blind holes  130 - 2  to be substantially different from through holes  130 - 1 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a cross-sectional view of the area depicted in close up view  1904  in  FIG. 19  and how the blind holes  130 - 2  can be made to look more like the through holes  130 - 1 . A perforated portion of top case  104  is depicted after having undergone a selective ink coverage process, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, top case  104  is anodized prior to or after forming through holes  130 - 1  and blind holes  130 - 2 . Through holes  130 - 1  and blind holes  130 - 2  can be formed using any suitable method, including drilling (e.g., mechanical or laser drilling). In some embodiments, the holes are formed using computer numerical control (CNC) methods. The size and shape of each of through holes  130 - 1  and blind holes  130 - 2  can vary depending on design requirements and on manufacturing processes. In some embodiments, blind holes  130 - 2  have curved or non-planar terminal surfaces, which can be a product of the drilling process. For example, if a mechanical drill is used to form blind holes  130 - 2 , terminal surfaces  2002  can be associated with a shape of the drill bit that is used. In some embodiments, through holes  130 - 1  and blind holes  130 - 2  are drilled using a drilling machine with drill bit point angle of approximately 130 degrees or 150 degrees. In other embodiments, terminal surfaces  2002  have a different shape, such as a substantially flat shape that can be formed using, for example, a laser drilling process. In some cases, it is found that shallower or flatter terminal surfaces  2002  result in better ink coverage and improved darkening of blind holes  130 - 2 . 
     In some embodiments, each of through holes  130 - 1  has substantially the same diameter and each of blind holes  130 - 2  has substantially the same diameter. In some embodiments, an average diameter of through holes  130 - 1  is substantially the same as average diameter of blind holes  130 - 2 . In other embodiments, an average diameter of through holes  130 - 1  is substantially different than an average diameter of blind holes  130 - 2 . In a particular embodiment, an average diameter of through holes  130 - 1  and average diameter of blind holes  130 - 2  are each around 0.35 mm. The average depth of blind holes  130 - 2  can vary depending on design requirements as well as a desired average thickness of the wall. In some embodiments, blind holes  130 - 2  have substantially the same depth while in other embodiments blind holes  130 - 2  have varying depths. A thickness of top case  104  can vary depending on design. In some embodiments, blind holes  130 - 2  are formed about halfway through a thickness of top case  104 . In some embodiments, a depth of blind holes  130 - 2  is at least about 100 micrometers. In one particular embodiment, a wall thickness of top case  104  can be about 600 micrometers, and a depth of blind holes  130 - 2  range between about 200 micrometers and 300 micrometers, resulting in a remaining support portion having a thickness  1908  ranging between about 300 micrometers and 400 micrometers. 
       FIG. 20  shows substrate after ink coating  2004  is selectively deposited onto surfaces of inner walls that define blind holes  130 - 2 , such as terminal surfaces  2002 . If a printing process is used, the selective coating operation can be referred to as a selective printing process. Note that in some embodiments ink coating  2004  can also cover portions of other surfaces within blind holes  130 - 2 , such as the sidewalls. In some embodiments, the selective depositing avoids depositing ink coating  2004  onto an exterior cosmetic surface of top case  104 . This can be accomplished using an ink printer that is designed to accurately dispense ink in predetermined two-dimensional locations. For example, ink-dispensing nozzles of an inkjet type printer can be scanned or passed over the cosmetic surface and through holes to selectively deposit ink coating only within blind holes  130 - 2 . 
     The method used to deposit ink coating  2004  can depend in part on the size (i.e., diameters) of blind holes  130 - 2 . For example, the deposition technique should be able to form droplets of ink that are small enough to fit within blind holes  130 - 2 . If blind holes  130 - 2  have small diameters, some spraying techniques may not be able to form ink droplets small enough to provide adequate displacement of air from blind holes  130 - 2  during the deposition process, resulting in the ink not getting deposited within blind holes  130 - 2 . Thus, the method used should be able to provide ink droplets sufficiently small to overcome any surface tension created when deposited within blind holes  130 - 2  and allow dislocation of air trapped within blind holes  130 - 2  during the depositing. In some embodiments, the ink droplet size is less than about 100 microliters, and in a particular embodiment, between about 10 and 100 microliters. In some embodiments, this involves the use of ink jet dispenser systems where small droplets of ink are propelled through a nozzle. Examples of suitable equipment include flatbed printers, such those manufactured by Canon Inc. (Japan), Fujifilm (Japan), and Roland DG Corporation (Japan), which can produce droplets in the scale of picoliters. Other equipment can include piezoelectric style jet dispensers, such as PICO® Piezoelectric jet dispensing systems manufactured by Nordson Corporation (headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, U.S.), which can produce droplets as small as 2 nanoliters. 
     In some embodiments, ink coating  2004  is a dark colored and opaque ink, such as black ink. The black ink can be made either from a pure black ink (e.g., black  265 ) or from a mixture of colors, such as a CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and key) mixture. In some embodiments, other combinations of inks with different colors are used. In some embodiments, the ink is mixed with a filler or binder material that provides more volume to ink coating  2004  to ensure full coverage of terminal surfaces  2002 . The filler or binder material can itself have a color or can be substantially colorless. If an inkjet printer is used, the filler or binder material can be dispensed at the same time as the black ink using a separate ink jet nozzle so that a thicker layer of ink can be deposited per pass. In some embodiments, the filler or binder material is a clear colored ink, such as clear inks used to provide glossy appearance to prints. In a particular embodiment, a black colored ink is mixed with a clear colored ink. The viscosity of the ink should be sufficient to form small enough droplets of ink, as described above, but also to provide a good opaque color. Note that ink coating  2004  can have any color and is not limited to black or dark colored ink material. For example, ink coating  2004  can have a predetermined color to match a color of an object positioned on or near an interior surface of top case  104  and visible through holes  130 - 1 . 
       FIG. 20  also depicts an optionally deposited protective coating  2006  that can prevent ink coating  2004  from being dislodged from blind holes  130 - 2  or prevent ink coating  2004  from exposure to chemicals, such as chemicals used to clean top case  104 , and that can lead to loss or discoloration of ink coating  2004  within blind holes  130 - 2 . In some embodiments, protective coating  2006  can also reduce point reflection of ink coating  2004 , thereby providing a darker color to blind holes  130 - 2 . In some embodiments, protective coating  2006  is substantially water resistant. Protective coating  2006  can be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, protective coating  2006  is made of a clear ink, such as the clear ink that is mixed with a black ink for depositing ink coating  2004  in some embodiments described above. It should be noted that additional information regarding formation of the blind speaker holes can be found in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/101,826, to Shi et al., filed Jan. 9, 2015, and titled “TREATMENT OF A SUBSTRATE SUB-SURFACE”. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a bottom view of material handling feature  2102  carrying keyboard assembly  2110  over the top case  104 , in accordance with the described embodiments. Material handling feature  2102  is designed to carry keyboard assembly  2110  in an assembly process and install keyboard assembly  2110  in the top case  104 . Keyboard assembly  2110  may include a flexible printed circuit board that includes several keys defining a keyboard, such as keyboard  110  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The flexible circuit board is capable of bending to some degree without damaging keyboard assembly  2110 . In this manner, a lateral dimension of keyboard assembly  2110  may be larger than a lateral dimension of an opening of the top case  104 , and the keyboard assembly  2110  may bend or deform to fit into the opening of top case  104 . 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a side view of material handling feature  2102 , keyboard assembly  2110 , and the top case  104  shown in  FIG. 21 . As shown, material handling feature  2102  actuates first arm  2104 , second arm  2106 , and third arm  2108  to deform keyboard assembly  2110  so that a lateral dimension of keyboard assembly  2110  is reduced to second dimension  2174 , which is less than dimension  2172  of opening  2170  of top case  104 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a side view of material handling feature  2102  partially inserting keyboard assembly  2110  into top case  104 , in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, material handling feature  2102  actuates first arm  2104  and second arm  2106  to position a portion of keyboard assembly  2110  below first side rail  2132  of top case  104 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a side view of material handling feature  2102  fully inserting keyboard assembly  2110  into top case  104 , in accordance with the described embodiments. Keyboard assembly  2110  and circuit board  2120  are now in an unbent configuration. As shown, material handling feature  2102  actuates first arm  2104 , second arm  2106 , and third arm  2108  such that portions of keyboard assembly  2110  are under first side rail  2132  and second side rail  2134 . Also, material handling feature  2102  can position keyboard assembly  210  such that some of the openings of the keyboard assembly  2110  align with some of the end cavities of the top case  104 . For example, first end opening  2440  and second end opening  2450  of the keyboard assembly  2110  are aligned with first end cavity  2140  and second end cavity  2150 , respectively, of top case  104 . This allows the end openings and the end cavities to receive a fastener (not shown) to secure keyboard assembly  2110  to top case  104 . It will be appreciated that the remaining end openings of keyboard assembly  2110  are aligned with the remaining end cavities of top case  104  in a similar manner. 
       FIGS. 25-27  show various illustrative views of another key mechanism, in accordance with the described embodiments. In particular,  FIG. 25  shows an illustrative perspective view of key mechanism  2512  in a non-depressed position.  FIG. 26  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line  26 - 26  in  FIG. 25 . And  FIG. 27  shows an illustrative perspective view of key mechanism  2512  without a keycap assembly. As shown in  FIG. 25 , key mechanism  2512  can include keycap  2514 , laminate layer  2516 , substructure  2520 , switch  2540 , butterfly hinge  2550 , and support structure  2570 . Key mechanism  2512  exhibits many of the same attributes of the key mechanism described and explained in U.S. Ser. No. 14/499,209, to Leong et al., filed Sep. 28, 2014, and titled “LOW-TRAVEL KEY MECHANISM USING BUTTERFLY HINGES”. 
     Butterfly hinge  2550  can form a support structure that includes wings  2551 ,  2552 . Wing  2551  can include pivot pin  2555  and keycap assembly pin  2554 . Wing  2552  can include pivot pin  2556  and keycap assembly pin  2557 . Keycap assembly pins  1754 ,  1757  are coupled to substructure  2520  and pivot pins  2555 ,  2556  are coupled to support structure  2570 . Pivot pins  2555 ,  2556  are secured within slots  2575 ,  2576 , respectively, of support structure  2570 . Slots  2575 ,  2576  may be cavities in support structure  2570  that are covered by laminate layer  2516 . In effect, laminate layer  2516  locks pivot pins  2555 ,  2556  in place within support structure  2570 . In this embodiment, pivot pins  2555 ,  2556  and keycap assembly pins  2554 ,  2557  all extend away from butterfly hinge  2550 . 
     In some embodiments, switch  2540  is formed from a metal, such as stainless steel. Switch  2540  can fit in a cavity existing between wings  2551 ,  2552 , as shown. In this particular embodiment, the base of switch  2540  can reside on support structure  2570 , as opposed to being fixed to substructure  2520 . When key mechanism  2512  is in its non-depressed position, switch  2540  is in its unbuckled state and props or biases the keycap assembly up. When key mechanism  2512  is in its depressed position, switch  2540  will be buckled and wings  2551 ,  2552  will be pressed down in a log shaped position, with all keycap assembly pins  2554 ,  2557  and pivot pins  2555 ,  2556  in substantially the same plane. Each wing can include upstops  2710 , which are operative to limit the up-travel of the wings when the key mechanism is in its undepressed position. Upstops  2710  may engage laminate layer  2516  in the non-depressed position. Upstops  2710  may be shaped at an angle to enable flush interfacing with the laminate layer. In some embodiments, travel of the keycaps can be limited to between about 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm for a full keystroke. 
       FIG. 28  shows an illustrative side view of a portion of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800  of a portable computing system, according to some embodiments. Specifically,  FIG. 28  shows a side view of a single key assembly of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800 . The top case is omitted from  FIG. 28  for clarity. 
     Key mechanism  2801 , representative of remaining keycaps of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800 , may include several retaining members, such as first retaining member  2804  and second retaining member  2806 , both of which are positioned on key mechanism  2801 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 28 , key mechanism  2801  may include first retaining member  2804  positioned on first side  2808  of key mechanism  2801 , and second retaining member  2806  positioned on a second side  2810  of key mechanism  2801 , opposite first side  2808 . First retaining member  2804  and second retaining member  2806  may be formed on an underside region of key mechanism  2801  adjacent to switch housing  2820  of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800 . The underside region is generally associated with a region of key mechanism  2801  not visible to a user when key mechanism  2801  is assembled with first retaining member  2804  and second retaining member  2806 . Also, as shown, switch housing  2820  includes dome switch opening  2824  that houses dome switch  2826  and LED recess  2828  adjacent to dome switch opening  2824 . 
     The first retaining member  2804  and second retaining member  2806  may be utilized to couple key mechanism  2801  within low-travel keyboard assembly  2800 , and specifically, to a hinge mechanism  2822  coupled to PCB  2830 . Hinge mechanism  2822 , as shown in  FIG. 28 , may include any suitable hinge mechanism  2822  capable of moving key mechanism  2801  from an uncompressed state to a compressed state, including but not limited to: a butterfly hinge mechanism, a scissor hinge mechanism, a telescoping hinge mechanism or a sliding hinge mechanism. Hinge mechanism  2822  may be coupled to and/or positioned within recess  2832  of PCB  2830 . PCB  2830  may be coupled with keyboard shield  2840  via adhesive  2842 . In some embodiments, adhesive  2842  is a conductive adhesive. 
       FIG. 29  shows a front cross-sectional view of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800  taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 28 . Low-travel keyboard assembly  2800  may include switch housing  2820  positioned between key mechanism  2801  and PCB  2830 . In a non-limiting example, switch housing  2820  may be positioned within recess  2832  of PCB  2830 , and may be coupled to PCB  2830  adjacent to key mechanism  2801 . Switch housing  2820  may include dome switch opening  2824  formed through switch housing  2820 , and LED recess  2828  formed through a portion of switch housing  2820 . As shown in  FIG. 29 , dome switch opening  2824  may receive and/or house dome switch  2826 , which may be compressed by key mechanism  2801  to form an electrical connection to interact with a portable computing system. Additionally as shown in  FIG. 29 , LED recess  2828  of switch housing  2820  may receive LED assembly  2850 , which may include a light source that emits a light through switch housing  2820  to key mechanism  2801  to provide a light around the perimeter of key mechanism  2801  and a transparent glyph (not shown) formed through key mechanism  2801 . The transparent glyph may be formed from a light-transparent material (e.g., plastic) defined by a letter, number, or a symbol, any of which may be found on a keycap known in the art to allow light to pass. 
     As shown in  FIG. 29 , LED assembly  2850 , and specifically contacts, or leads, of LED assembly  2850 , may be in electrical contact with LED contact  2852  formed through PCB  2830 . LED contact  2852  may be in communication with an LED driver  2854  positioned on second surface  2862  of PCB  2830 . PCB  2830  may have a number of LED drivers positioned on second surface  2862 , where each LED driver  2584  corresponds to, and is in electronic communication with LED assembly  2850  of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800 . LED driver  2854  positioned on second surface  2862  of PCB  2830  may be configured to provide power and/or control to LED assembly  2850  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800  included in the portable computing system  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 29 , switch housing  2820  may include body portion  2872 , and a light guide panel (LGP) portion  2874  formed integrally and molded to body portion  2872 . Body portion  2872  of switch housing  2820  may include dome switch opening  2824  and LED recess  2828  formed adjacent dome switch opening  2824 . Body portion  2872  may be directly coupled to PCB  2830  within recess  2832 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . Body portion  2872  and LGP portion  2874  of switch housing  2820  may be formed from distinct materials. That is, body portion  2872  may be formed from a first material having substantially rigid properties for supporting key mechanism  2801  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800  and/or protecting the various components (e.g., dome switch  2826 , LED assembly  2850 ) included within switch housing  2820 . The first material forming body portion  2872  of switch housing  2820  may also include transparent properties for allowing light emitted by the LED assembly  2850  to pass through body portion  2872  toward key mechanism  2801 , as discussed herein. Additionally, the first material of body portion  2872  may include reflective properties for reflecting the light emitted by the LED assembly  2850  to be redirected toward key mechanism  2801 . 
     Several features described for key mechanism  2801  of keyboard assembly  2800  shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29  may be incorporated into the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 25-27 . For instance, the key mechanism  2512  can include a switch housing (such as switch housing  2820  and its described features), an LED assembly (such as LED assembly  2850 ), and/or an LGP portion (such as LGP portion  2874 ). 
     LGP portion  2874  of switch housing  2820  may be formed integrally with body portion  2872 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 29 , LGP portion  2874  may be molded to and formed integrally with body portion  2872 , and may cover dome switch opening  2824  formed in body portion  2872 . LGP portion  2874  may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material forming body portion  2872 , and may be substantially flexible or deformable. As discussed herein, LGP portion  2874  may substantially flex and protect dome switch  2826  when key mechanism  2801  is compressed. In addition to being flexible, the second material forming LGP portion  2874  may include: substantially transparent properties for allowing light to pass through LGP portion  2874  to key mechanism  2801 , and/or substantially reflective properties to redirect light toward key mechanism  2801 . 
     LGP portion  2874  may be formed over dome switch opening  2824  to redirect light toward key mechanism  2801 , as discussed herein, and to substantially protect dome switch  2826  from undesired wear from key mechanism  2801  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800 . That is, when a force is applied to key mechanism  2801  to compress key mechanism  2801 , key mechanism  2801  may contact LGP portion  2874  of switch housing  2820 , which may subsequently deform and compress dome switch  2826  to form an electrical connection. By providing a barrier between key mechanism  2801  and dome switch  2826 , LGP portion  2874  may reduce the wear on dome switch  2826  over the operational life of low-travel keyboard assembly  2800 . 
     Switch housing  2820  may also include roof portion  2836  formed over LED recess  2828 . More specifically, body portion  2872  of switch housing  2820  may include a roof portion  2836  positioned over LED recess  2828  and LED assembly  2850  positioned within LED recess  2828 . As shown in  FIG. 29 , roof portion  2836  of switch housing  2820  may be formed integrally with switch housing  2820 , and specifically body portion  2872  of switch housing  2820 . However, it is understood that roof portion  2836  of switch housing  2820  may be formed from a distinct component or material that may be coupled to body portion  2872  of switch housing  2820 . Roof portion  2836  of switch housing  2820  may be substantially opaque to prevent the light of LED assembly  2850  from being emitted through roof portion  2836 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates an exploded view of several layers defining keyboard shield  3000  used with the keyboard assembly, in accordance with the described embodiments. Keyboard shield  3000  may include several layers offering several features. For example, keyboard shield  3000  may include first layer  3002 . In some embodiments, first layer  3002  is formed from a non-electrically conductive material. For example, in some embodiments, first layer  3002  is formed from Mylar. First layer  3002  is designed to seal with a rear portion of circuit board  2120  of keyboard assembly  2110 . Also, first layer  3002  is designed to prevent ingress of contaminants from entering the portable computing system via the openings in keyboard rib structure  1816  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) and extending to internal components susceptible to damage from the contaminants. Also, first layer  3002  includes several openings in locations corresponding to the locations of the central openings of the circuit board, with the openings of the circuit board designed to receive a fastener in order to secure the circuit (and the keyboard assembly) with the top case. In this manner, a portion of the fasteners and alignment pins used to secure and align keyboard assembly  2110  to a top case (not shown) can extend through the openings of first layer  3002 . Further, in some embodiments, first layer  3002  includes a dark color or finish, such as matte black. 
     Also, in some embodiments, first layer  3002  is formed from a unitary layer. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 30 , first layer  3002  is formed from first section  3012  and second section  3014 . Further, first section  3012  and second section  3014  may be applied to circuit board  2120  by an embossing procedure. In this manner, first section  3012  and second section  3014  can accommodate some of the keys of the keyboard assembly  2110 , in particular keys in the central region, which may exert a force to circuit board  2120  causing the central region of circuit board  2120  to be non-coplanar with respect to remaining regions of circuit board  2120 . 
     Keyboard shield  3000  further includes second layer  3004 . In some embodiments, second layer  3004  is formed from an electrically conductive material. For example, in some embodiments, second layer  3004  is formed from aluminum, including aluminum foil. Second layer  3004  may be electrically connected to circuit board  2120  via conductive adhesive  3010  disposed on circuit board  2120 . In this manner, second layer  3004  can define part of an electrical grounding path for components electrically connected to second layer  3004 , as circuit board  2120  is electrically connected the top case (not shown) via metal fasteners (not shown), both of which may be formed from electrically conductive materials. Also, similar to first layer  3002 , second layer  3004  includes several openings in locations corresponding to the locations of the central openings of circuit board  2120  and first layer  3002 , thereby allowing a portion of the fasteners and alignment pins to extend through the openings of second layer  3004 . Also, although not shown, second layer  3004  may be formed as a first section and a section in a manner similar to that of first layer  3002 . 
     Keyboard shield  3000  may further include third layer  3006 . In some embodiments, third layer  3006  is formed from a non-electrically conductive material, such as Mylar. As shown, third layer  3006  includes first custom opening  3016  and second custom opening  3018 . First custom opening  3016  and second custom opening  3018  allow internal components of a portable computing device to engage second layer  3004  such that the internal components (not shown) are electrically grounded. Although shown in  FIG. 30  in specific locations, first custom opening  3016  and second custom opening  3018  may be formed anywhere through third layer  3006  in order to electrically connect an internal component to second layer  3004 . In other embodiments, third layer  3006  includes three or more custom openings. 
     With the exception of first custom opening  3016  and second custom opening  3018 , third layer  3006  is free of openings. Accordingly, first layer  3002  and second layer  3004  can combine with third layer  3006  to define several blind holes. In this manner, a portion of the fasteners extending through first layer  3002  and second layer  3004  are generally shielded via third layer  3006  and therefore not visible. Also, in some embodiments, third layer  3006  includes a dark color or finish, such as matte black. Also, although not shown, third layer  3006  may be formed as a first section and a section in a manner similar to that of first layer  3002 . 
     Keyboard shield  3000  may further include tail member  3020 . When keyboard shield  3000  is secured with the keyboard assembly  2110  and when the keyboard assembly  2110  is secured with the top case (not shown) in a manner previously described, tail member  3020  is disposed in indention region  1806  of top case  104  (shown in  FIG. 18 ). In some embodiments, tail member  3020  includes TEFLON. In this manner, the tail member  3020  provides a relatively smooth surface for a moving part of, for example, lid portion  108  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). As shown, tail member  3020  is secured with third layer  3006 . However, tail member  3020  may be secured with first layer  3002  and/or second layer  3004 . 
     Also, although not shown, additional layers may be included with keyboard shield  3000 . For example, in some embodiments, a graphite layer is integrated with first layer  3002 . The graphite layer provides improved thermal properties. For example, the graphite layer absorbs heat generated by some internal components to spread the heat throughout the graphite layer. In addition, other layers including materials such as steel, carbon fiber, and/or glass fiber can be used. These layers provide additional protection to, for example, a battery pack that may otherwise be susceptible to rupturing if contacted by an internal component. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates an isometric view of an interior portion of device portable computing system with touch pad  112  showing the touch pad  112  having force sensors and actuator  3136  for providing feedback, in accordance with the described embodiments. The location of the user&#39;s finger(s) or other external object(s) in the X-Y plane of touch pad  112  can be sensed using the touch sensor of touch pad  112 . Downwards and upwards motion along the Z-axis can be detected using force sensors. As shown in  FIG. 31 , touch pad  112  may have a touch pad member  3124  (sometimes referred to as a track pad member). The touch sensor array can be used to measure the position of external objects such as finger  3126  with respect to the X and Y lateral dimensions of touch pad member  3124 . As indicated by dots  3132 , there may be more than one external object (i.e., more than one finger) touching touch pad member  3124  (e.g., when a user is making a multi-touch gesture command). Arrangements in which a single object is touching touch pad member  24  are sometimes described herein as an example. This is, however, merely illustrative. One object, two objects, three objects, or more than three objects may simultaneously contact touch pad member  3124  if desired. 
     In addition to touching touch pad member  3124  at one or more locations, a user may generate button actuation events. Button actuation events involve press events in which a user presses downwards in direction  3188  along the Z axis (see, e.g., coordinate system  3122 ). Button actuation events also involve release events. In a release event, the user reduces the amount of downwards force that is being applied to touch pad member  3124  and stops moving finger  3126  in direction  3188  (e.g., by lifting finger  3126  upwards in direction  3192 ). 
     Button actuation actions, which are sometimes referred to as force application events, can be sensed using force sensors. As shown in  FIG. 31 , touch pad  112  may include first force sensor  3152 , second force sensor  3154 , and third force sensor  3156 , all of which, as shown, engage touch pad member  3124 . In some embodiments, touch pad  112  includes four or more force sensors. These force sensors are generally responsive to forces that are applied vertically (along the Z-axis). The force sensors may be placed under the four corners of a rectangular touch pad structure such as touch pad member  3124  as shown in  FIG. 31  (as an example). In configurations with two sensors, sensors can be positioned at opposing edges of touch pad member  3124 . In configurations with three sensors, the sensors can be distributed so as to form a tripod-type configuration. If only a single sensor is used, the sensor may be located beneath the center of touch pad member  3124  or along an edge of touch pad member  3124  (e.g., the leading edge). 
     An advantage of placing force sensors at all four corners of touch pad member  3124  is that this allows force signals from multiple sensors to be gathered and processed in parallel. The force sensor signals may be averaged, may be processed to help confirm the location of finger  3126  on touch pad member  3124 , or may be processed to determine what type of action should be taken by a portable computing system. 
     Button actuation activity or other activity (e.g., certain touch events) may result in force feedback. For example, when the user presses downwards on touch pad member  3124  in direction  3188 , one or more of first force sensor  3152 , second force sensor  3154 , and third force sensor  3156  may compress slightly and may detect the resulting force on touch pad member  3124 . If a sufficient downwards force is detected, actuator  3136  may be used to impart movement (tactile feedback) to touch pad member  3124 . With the illustrative arrangement shown in  FIG. 31 , actuator  3136  is coupled to touch pad member  3124  by laterally extending arm  3140 . Arm  3140  may be, for example, a strip of metal or other structure that is rigidly connected between the output of actuator  3136  and touch pad member  3124 . 
     When actuator  3136  is driven by a control signal, actuator  3136  drives arm  3140  toward and/or away from touch pad member  3124  (e.g., in lateral directions  3138  parallel to the X-axis, shown in the  FIG. 31  as an example). The movement imparted by actuator  3136  is sometimes referred to as tactile feedback, because this type of movement may be provided in response to a button actuation event. Users tend to expect that button actuation events will result in a clicking feel and sound. By driving actuator  3136  appropriately, vibrations or other movement in touch pad member  3124  may produce a desired tactile experience for the user (e.g., in the tips of finger  3126 ). For example, it may feel to the user as if touch pad member  3124  moved downwards and engaged a conventional mechanical switch, when in actuality, one or more of first force sensor  3152 , second force sensor  3154 , and third force sensor  3156  allowed relatively little vertical movement of touch pad member  3124 , because touch pad member  3124  is mounted in a substantially fixed location within a base portion of the portable computing system. If desired, actuator  3136  can impart force to arm  3140  and therefore touch pad member  3124  in response to other criteria (e.g., when certain software conditions arise, when the user makes certain gestures that are sensed using the touch sensor portion of touch pad  112 , etc.). 
     Touch pad  112  may be formed from a layered stack of structures. For example, touch pad member  3124  may include a printed circuit board or other substrate on which an array of touch sensor electrodes are formed. The array of electrodes may be substantially equal in size to the size of touch pad member  3124 , so that touch pad member  3124  and the array extend across all of the active surface of the touch pad  112 . 
     Stiffeners, smooth glass cover layers, and layers of ink and adhesive may also be incorporated into touch pad member  3124 . If desired, size and weight may be minimized by implementing touch pad  112  with fewer layers. For example, touch pad  112  may be implemented using a glass or ceramic layer with integrally formed capacitive electrodes and no stiffener, provided that touch pad  112  is still rigid. The stiffness of touch pad member  3124  ensures that button actuation activity by a user will be detectable by the aforementioned force sensors, regardless of the location at which the user presses the surface of touch pad member  3124 . Touch pad  112  having a touch pad member  3124  that is relatively rigid also helps ensure that a single actuator, such as actuator  3136 , or other suitable number of actuators is able to effectively generate tactile feedback over the entire surface of touch pad member  3124  (i.e., global actuator-induced motion). If the ceramic, glass, plastic, or other layers of touch pad member  3124  that are used to form the contact surface and touch sensor array for touch pad member  3124  are flexible, a stainless steel stiffener or other suitable stiffening structure may be incorporated into touch pad member  3124 . Touch pad member  3124  may also be stiffened by using sufficiently thick layers of glass, ceramic, plastic, or composite materials without using an extra stainless steel stiffening layer (e.g., by forming some of the layers of touch pad member  3124  from glass, ceramic, plastic, or composite material that is 1 mm thick or more, 2 mm thick or more, 3 mm thick or more, or 4 mm thick or more, as examples). A rectangular shape is typically used for touch pad member  3124 , because this corresponds to the rectangular shape of display  116  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Other shapes may, however, be used if desired. These are merely illustrative examples. Any suitable touch pad structures may be used in forming touch pad  112  if desired. Various features of touch pad  112  are described and explained in U.S. Pat. No. 8,633,916, to Bernstein et al., and titled “TOUCH PAD WITH FORCE SENSORS AND ACTUATOR FEEDBACK”, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     In some cases, a portable computing system may include a touch pad with additional features. For example,  FIG. 32  illustrates an enlarged top plan view of touch pad  3200  including haptic device  3202 , in accordance with the described embodiments.  FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of haptic device  3202  of  FIG. 32  taken along line  33 - 33  in  FIG. 32 . Haptic device  3202  selectively provides output or feedback to a user by moving, vibrating, or otherwise alternating feedback surface  3228  of touch pad  3200 . Feedback surface  3228  may be associated with a surface of a touch pad member  3124  (in  FIG. 31 ) designed to receive an input or gesture from a user. Haptic device  3202  may include actuator  3224  operably connected to feedback surface  3228 . Additionally, haptic device  3202  incorporates the input sensors which may include one more force sensors such as first force sensor  3230 A, second force sensor  3230 B, third force sensor  3230 C, and fourth force sensor  3230 D. Also, haptic device  3202  may further include position sensors  3227  and one or more acceleration sensors (not shown). The haptic device  3202  may also include one or more biasing supports, such as first biasing support  3234 A and second biasing support  3234 B. Although not shown, haptic device  3202  may include a third biasing support positioned below third force sensor  3230 C and fourth biasing support positioned below  3230 D. The biasing supports combine to secure and support haptic device  3202  to a portable computing system. 
     Haptic device  3202 , when included within the portable computing system, may be substantially surrounded by enclosure  3206 , which may be similar to that of base portion  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Haptic device  3202  may include feedback surface  3228  that may be supported by the one or more biasing supports, such as first biasing support  3234 A and second biasing support  3234 B, above substrate  3236  or other support surface for the portable computing system. Also, one or more acceleration sensors (not shown) in electrical connection with, for example, feedback surface  3228 , actuator  3224 , and position sensors  3227 . The input sensors may be positioned beneath, adjacent, or on top of feedback surface  3228 . In some embodiments, the input sensors may be integrated into feedback surface  3228 . 
     Haptic device  3202  may further be operably connected to actuator  3224 . Actuator  3224 , which will be discussed in more detail below, selectively moves feedback surface  3228  to provide feedback to a user. Actuator  3224  may be operably connected to feedback surface  3228  by one or more connection members  3238 . 
     Actuator  3224  may receive one or more electrical signals from the a processor (not shown) within the portable electronic device or other controlling element, and those electrical signals may be converted into mechanical movement by actuator  3224 . For example, in some embodiments, actuator  3224  is a solenoid actuator including a wire wound around a moveable iron core, and as a current passes through the wire coil, the iron core may move correspondingly. Specifically, the electric current through the wire may create a magnetic field. The magnetic field may then apply a force to the core or plunger, to either attract the core. In these embodiments, the actuator may also include a spring or biasing member which may return the core to its original position after the magnetic field is removed. In other embodiments, actuator  3224  is an electromagnet, or a series of magnets that are selectively energized to attract or repeal feedback surface  3228 . 
     In embodiments where actuator  3224  is a solenoid or electromagnet it may be configured to respond to one or more waveforms, which may vary the mechanical output of actuator  3224 . For example, the various waveforms may vary the current through the wire, and thus may vary the magnetic field created. By changing the magnetic field different types of linear mechanical movements may be created. 
     It should be noted that in other embodiments, actuator  3224  is a mechanism for creating mechanical movement other than a solenoid actuator. For example, actuator  3224  may be a motor, servo, series of magnets, or the like. As a specific example, actuator  3224  may be a series of bar electromagnets with alternating poles that may be used to mechanically move feedback surface  3228 . 
     In some embodiments, actuator  3224  selectively moves feedback surface  3228  linearly, e.g., along the X axis and/or the Y axis illustrated in  FIG. 32 . In other words, feedback surface  3228  may translate horizontally but may not move vertically with respect to enclosure  3206 . In other embodiments, actuator  3224  may move feedback surface  3228  vertically or a combination of vertically and linearly. However, in embodiments where actuator  3224  may move feedback surface  3228  linearly, a user in contact with feedback surface  3228  may perceive the movement of feedback surface  3228  as being vertical in nature. This is because feedback surface  3228  may move linearly a small distance or may move very quickly. In some embodiments, sufficiently small lateral displacements can be experienced by the user as vertical movement of surface  3228 . Such embodiments may have a thinner height than a haptic device employing vertical displacement. 
     Furthermore, because feedback surface  3228  may move linearly, the height required for haptic device  3202  may be reduced, as compared with haptic devices that require movement to produce feedback. This is because a height of enclosure  3206  may not have to accommodate a vertical travel distance for feedback surface  3228 . Further, in these embodiments, enclosure  3206  may extend over a portion of feedback surface  3228  to better protect internal components of the portable computing system from debris or other elements. This is possible because feedback surface  3228  may only need to translate beneath enclosure  3206  (and not above it) to provide feedback to a user. In yet other embodiments, actuator  3224  moves feedback surface  3228  in the vertical direction or a combination of vertical and linear directions. 
     Actuator  3224  may provide a force to feedback surface  3228  (or other portions of the haptic device  3202 ) to move feedback surface  3228  a predetermined distance in a direction parallel with respect to feedback surface  3228 . The travel length in the first direction may depend on the desired feedback. In some embodiments, actuator  3224  moves feedback surface  3228  in more than one direction. For example, actuator  3224  may displace feedback surface  3228  and then provide a second force to return feedback surface  3228  to its original position. However, in other embodiments, the biasing supports, which include first biasing support  134 A and second biasing support  134 B, may provide a biasing force that may return feedback surface  3228  to its original position. 
     It should be noted that in other embodiments, actuator  3224  can be configured to move feedback surface  3228  in other manners, e.g., vertically. In yet other embodiments actuator  3224  may move feedback surface  3228  both in the vertical and horizontal directions. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , in some embodiments, feedback surface  3228  may be a relatively rectangular shape or square shape, and force sensor  3230 A, second force sensor  3230 B, third force sensor  3230 C, and fourth force sensor  3230 D may be positioned beneath each corner or adjacent each corner of feedback surface  3228 . In these embodiments, the aforementioned force sensors may determine a force input applied to substantially any portion of feedback surface  3228 . 
     In other embodiments, feedback surface  3228  is shaped differently. Further, in some embodiments, there are three or fewer force sensors. For example, haptic device  3202  may include a single force sensor positioned at a center of feedback surface  3128  and/or may include multiple force sensors positioned around a perimeter of feedback surface  3128 . The location and number of the force sensors may be determined based on the desire sensitivity of force input desired to be captured by haptic device  3202 . Thus, if haptic device  3202  is relatively more force-sensitive, in those embodiments, haptic device  3202  includes five or more force sensors. 
     The force sensors may be substantially any type of sensor capable of detecting an exerted force. In some embodiments, the force sensors are strain gauges. Generally, the force sensors are any other type of sensor known in the art that are configured to detect changes in force applied to a surface. 
     Position sensors  3227  (or touch sensors) may be configured to detect an input location on feedback surface  3228 . In some embodiments, position sensors  3227  include one or more capacitive sensors. For example, haptic device  3202  may include a grid of electrodes operably connected to feedback surface  3228  and configured to detect an input signal, such as a change in capacitance or other electrical change. Capacitive sensing grids for sensing are generally known in the art, and by using a scanning technique the capacitive sensing grids can detect multiple touches on a surface substantially simultaneously. However, in other embodiments, other position sensors are used, such as a light sensors that detect disruption in light signals, piezoelectric sensors positioned on feedback surface  3228 , or acoustic sensors which detect position based on sound waves, and so on. 
     Acceleration sensor  3232  may detect an acceleration of a user input. For example, acceleration sensor  3232  may be an accelerometer that detects how quickly a user may press on feedback surface  3228  based on an acceleration of feedback surface  3228  (to which it may be operably connected). Further, although actuator  3224  may move the feedback surface  228  vertically, the biasing supports, including first biasing support  134 A and second biasing support  134 B, may have some resiliency so that acceleration sensor  3232  may move slightly due to an input force in order to better detect the acceleration of the input force. 
     With reference to  FIG. 33 , first biasing support  3234 A and second biasing support  3234 B may support and operably connect the feedback surface  3228  to the substrate  3236  or other support surface of the portable computing system. In some embodiments, haptic device  3202  may include four biasing supports, such as first biasing support  3234 A and second biasing support  3234 B, and two additional biasing supports (not shown), which each may be operably connected to a respective corner of feedback surface  3228 . In these embodiments, the biasing supports may be operably connected to feedback surface  3228  at a location substantially adjacent to the location of the force sensors, such as first force sensor  3230 A, second force sensor  3230 B, third force sensor  3230 C, and fourth force sensor  3230 D. 
     The biasing supports previously described provide a biasing force to feedback surface  3228  to return feedback surface  3228  to a normal or first position. The biasing supports may be substantially any member capable of providing a biasing or return force to feedback surface  3228 . In some embodiments, the biasing supports include a relatively flexible and resilient member, such as a gel. In this example, the gel may be a silicon based gel, that may be positioned around the sides of feedback surface  3228 . In other embodiments, the biasing supports may be one or more springs spanning between substrate  3236 , feedback surface  3228 , and/or other types of flexible yet resilient materials. In yet other embodiments, haptic device  3202  may use a magnetic force from one or more magnets to return feedback surface  3228  to its original position. 
     Although the biasing supports described include four separate members, in some embodiments, the biasing supports may be a single integral member. In other embodiments, haptic device  3202  includes three or less biasing supports. 
     It should be noted that the concepts and devices disclosed herein may be used or otherwise incorporated into components other than track pads or moving elements. For example, the force sensors may be used to sense force inputs as applied to a cover glass of a display (such as a touch sensitive display) and/or to an enclosure of a device. In these instances, certain elements of the disclosure, discussed in more detail below, may be implemented although the select device or mechanism may not have a haptic or user output component. As a specific example, the force sensors may be incorporated into a cover glass for a capacitive touch display (such as for a tablet or smartphone), and may be used to determine one or more forces correlating to one or more user inputs. However, in this example, the cover glass may not provide haptic output to the user; for instances, the cover glass may not move or vibrate. Thus, although the term feedback surface is described with respect to a haptic device, in some embodiments, the surface may be incorporated into non-moving or other non-haptic devices. The haptic device  3202  is described and explained in International Application PCT/US13/00086, to Parivar et al., with an international filing date of Mar. 15, 2013, and titled “VARYING OUTPUT FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE BASED ON TRACKING WINDOWS”, the contents of each is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates a plan view of interior portion  3460  of bottom case  106 , in accordance with the described embodiments. The “interior portion” is generally associated with a region or surface not visible to a user when a portable electronic device is assembled. As shown, first retention feature  3452  and second retention feature  3454  are located on first side region  3472  and second side region  3474 , respectively, of bottom case  106 . However, it will be appreciated that first retention feature  3452  and/or second retention feature  3454  could be located anywhere along bottom case  106 , such as the third side region  3476  or fourth side region  3478 . Further, in some embodiments, bottom case  106  includes three or more retention features. 
     Each retention feature is designed to receive a protrusion (discussed below) that is part of an interior portion of a top case (such as top case  104  shown in  FIG. 1 ). Each protrusion of the top case is generally located in positions corresponding to the location of first retention feature  3452  and second retention feature  3454 . As such, the number of protrusion is equal to the number of retention features. Also, each retention feature and protrusion can replace a fastener (for example, a threaded screw) used in traditional portable computing systems. Accordingly, this allows the top case to couple with bottom case  106  without forming an opening in bottom case  106  previously used to receive the fastener. Also,  FIG. 34  shows first retention feature  3452  and second retention feature  3454  including first securing member  3462  and second securing member  3464 , respectively. This will be discussed below. 
     In order to provide a retention force between the top case and the bottom case, each retention feature may include a securing member designed to receive and retain a protrusion. The securing member may include certain flexible properties designed to allow the securing member to deform such that a protrusion, and in particular a tapered region of the protrusion, may be secured within the securing member. However, the securing member is also designed to return to its original shape (prior to engaging a protrusion or receiving some external force) in order to retain the protrusion. 
       FIG. 35  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of protrusion  3532  engaged with securing member  3562 . Protrusion  3532  and securing member  3562  are designed to secure a top case with bottom case  106 . Protrusion  3532  may include features previously described for a protrusion associated with a top case. Also, retention feature  3552  includes features similar to those of first retention feature  3452  (shown in  FIG. 34 ), and securing member  3562  may include features similar to those of first securing member  3462  (shown in  FIG. 34 ). Also, retention feature  3552  may be designed to receive tab member  3582 . Tab member  3582  is designed to provide a tension to securing member  3562  such that securing member  3562  remains tensioned with (and positioned within) retention feature  3552 . Also, tab member  3582  may include extension  3584  that may bend or curve around securing member  3562  to further secure securing member  3562  with retention feature  3552 . 
     In some embodiments, protrusion  3532  is integrally formed with an interior region of a top case. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 35 , protrusion  3532  is a separate structure mounted in an interior region of keyboard rib structure  1816  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) and, in particular, mounted into a “blind hole” formed in keyboard rib structure  1816 . A blind hole refers to a partial opening in a structure, with the opening not completely extending through the structure. Also, in some embodiments, protrusion  3532  is formed from a metal injection molding (“MIM”) process. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 35 , protrusion  3532  is formed from a material removal process similar to that of a screw. Also, protrusion  3532  includes tapered region  3536 , which includes first tapered portion  3537  and second tapered portion  3538 . First tapered portion  3537  and second tapered portion  3538  may include an angle with respect to imaginary horizontal line  3592  that is parallel to bottom case  106 . The angles of first tapered portion  3537  and second tapered portion  3538  may be approximately in the range of 30 to 60 degrees with respect to imaginary horizontal line  3592 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 35 , the angles formed by first tapered portion  3537  and second tapered portion  3538  is approximately 45 degrees with respect to imaginary horizontal line  3592 . The angle of first tapered portion  3537  and second tapered portion  3538  may be adjusted to increase or decrease the retention force defined by the force created between tapered region  3536  and securing member  3562 . For example, by lowering the angle of second tapered portion  3538 , the retention force between tapered region  3536  and securing member  3562  increases, and a force required to overcome the retention force to remove protrusion  3532  from securing member  3562  must be increased. Also, bottom case  106  may cavity  3594  that receives at least a portion of protrusion  3532 . 
     In some embodiments, the retention feature  3552  is adhesively secured to bottom case  106 . In other embodiments, the retention feature  3552  is welded to the bottom case  35   n  the embodiment shown in  FIG. 35 , retention feature  3552  is integrally formed with the bottom case  106 . Accordingly, retention feature  3552  is formed from the same material as that of the bottom case  106 . 
     In some embodiments, securing member  3562  is formed from a metal (e.g., steel, carbon steel). Generally, securing member  3562  may be formed from any material having relatively high yield strength. In this manner, forces applied to securing member  3562  may cause some deformation to securing member  3562 , yet securing member  3562  will return to its original wire form shape when the force is no longer applied to the securing member  3562 . As shown in  FIG. 35 , securing member  3562  is generally defined by a U-shape wire form. However, securing member  3562  may be defined by other wire form shapes. For example, securing member  3562  may include a semi-circular region along with one or more linear regions (or linear extensions). In some embodiments, securing member  3562  includes nickel plating. Further, the nickel plating may be a relatively dark color, such as black. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 35 , securing member  3562  is designed to extend beyond retention feature  3552  such that securing member  3562  is capable of retaining protrusion  3532 , and in particular, tapered region  3536 . The portion of securing member  3562  extending beyond retention feature  3552  may be defined by first extension  3566  and second extension  3568 . As shown, first extension  3566  and second extension  3568  engage tapered region  3536 . 
     In some embodiments, tab member  3582  is formed form a metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum). Also, tab member  3582  may be independently formed with respect to retention feature  3552 . However, in other embodiments, tab member  3582  integrally formed with retention feature  3552  such that only an extension (e.g., extension  3584 ) defines tab member used to secure securing member  3562 . Further, tab member  3582  may include a thickness approximately in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 millimeters. Also, in order to maintain tab member  3582  within retention feature  3552 , tab member  3582  include first hook feature  3586  and second hook feature  3588 , as shown in  FIG. 35 . 
     It will be appreciated that the various features shown and described in  FIG. 35  may be applied to other features associated with the top case and/or the bottom case. For example, second retention feature  3454  and second securing member  3464  (both shown in  FIG. 34 ) may include any feature previously described for retention feature  3552  and securing member  3562 , respectively. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates a plan view of interior portion  3660  of bottom case  3606  having securing members disposed on an outer peripheral portion of bottom case  3606 , in accordance with the described embodiments. For example, first side  3672  includes first retention feature  3652  having first securing member  3662 . Also, second side  3674  includes second retention feature  3654  having second securing member  3664 . Further, third side  3676  and fourth side  3678  include several retentions features, each of which includes a securing member. For example, third side  3676  includes third retention feature  3656  having third securing member  3666 , and fourth side  3678  includes fourth retention feature  3658  having fourth securing member  3668 . In this configuration, bottom case  3610  may include a sufficient number of retention features and securing members such that a top case of a portable computing system that includes an equal number of protrusions as the number of retention features can be secured with the securing members of bottom case  3606 . This would allow for bottom case  3606  that does not require any fasteners (and as such, any openings to receive the fasteners) to be secured with a top case. 
       FIG. 37  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of retention feature  3752  having grooved region  3754  defined by an additional material removal region, in accordance with the described embodiments. Grooved region  3754  allow for additional movement and/or rotational positioning of structural features positioned within grooved region  3754 . For example, securing member  3762  is able to pivot or rotate about retention feature  3752 . This allows for some flexibility or additional tolerance for placement of a protrusion (not shown) of a top case. In other words, securing member  3762 , having additional rotational movement due in part to grooved region  3754  of retention feature  3752 , can rotate or pivot in a direction toward the protrusion to mechanically interlock with the protrusion. 
       FIG. 38  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of retention feature  3852  including tab member  3882  integrally formed with retention feature  3852 . Rather than include a separate tab member (e.g., tab member  3552  shown in  FIG. 35 ), tab member  3882  used to secure securing member  3862  within retention feature  3852  is already located on retention feature  3852 . Once securing member  3862  is positioned within retention feature  3852 , tab member  3882  may be deformed or bent to retain securing member  3862 . This allows for fewer parts in a portable computing system. Also, retention feature  3852  may be secured to a bottom case of a portable computing system (not shown) by means such as adhesive securing, soldering, or welding. Alternatively, retention feature  3852  may be integrally formed with the bottom case. 
       FIG. 39  shows a cross-sectional view of one end of top case  104  and bottom case  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) that includes metallic structures  3902  and  3904  that shield magnetic field sensor  3906  from magnetic fields originating from a bottom surface of top case  104 . Magnetic field sensor  3906  may be designed to detect a magnetic field emitted by a magnet in a lid portion of a portable computing system  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). As shown, metallic structure  3904  is generally below metallic structure  3902  in a dimension (for example, a vertical z-dimension). In this manner, metallic structures  3902  and  3904  combine to define a magnetic shield such that magnetic field  3908  generated by external magnet  3952  of device  3950  is diverted in a direction away from magnetic field sensor  3906 , as depicted. Generally, metallic structures  3902  and  3904  are designed to divert or redirect any magnetic field other than the magnetic field generated by a magnet disposed within lid portion  108 . In this manner, magnetic field sensor  3906  does not generate the electrical signal (used to place portable computing system  100  in a “sleep mode”) in response to external magnet  3952  in close proximity to the portable computing system  100 . Also, an air gap  3910  defined as a void or space between metallic structure  3902  and metallic structure  3904  can further impede magnetic field  3908  from reaching magnetic field sensor  3906 . 
     The enlarged view shows third layer  3006  (of keyboard shield  3000 , shown in  FIG. 30 ) partially removed such that metallic structure  3902  is electrically connected to second layer  3004  via a first conductive adhesive layer  3912 . Metallic structure  3902  is then electrically grounded. Also, metallic structure  3904  can be adhesively secured with bottom case  106  by second conductive adhesive  3914  such that metallic structure  3904  is also electrically grounded. Metallic structures  3902  and  3904  offer a lightweight and low-cost solution. Further, magnetic field sensor  3906  can be a relatively simplistic sensor and need not include complex features. For example, a second sensor used as a “confirmation” sensor to detect a second magnet (not shown) in lid portion  108  is not required, due to the increased reliability of magnetic field sensor  3906 . It should be noted that additional details regarding the magnetic shielding can be found in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/111,042, to Reid et al., filed Feb. 2, 2015, and titled “KEYBOARD STRUCTURE AND RETENTION FEATURES OF A PORTABLE COMPUTER”. 
       FIG. 40A  shows a close up view of a left side of portable computing system  100  and data port  126 . In some embodiments, data port  126  can serve as the only physical connector port for transferring high-speed data or receiving external power. In one particular embodiment, data port  126  can take the form of a USB-C type port. Data port  126  can be an omnidirectional port configured to receive a connector plug in a number of different orientations. In some embodiments, a sidewall of base portion  102  can remove the need for a connector shell by forming all of a receptacle for receiving a plug, thereby replacing a sheet metal shell that generally supports a connector of this type. In this way, only edge connector  4002  of a printed circuit board (PCB) secured to top case  104  needs to be provided on the PCB that supports data port  126  with the contacts needed to provide the electrical coupling between the connector plug and internal components of portable computing system  100 . In one particular embodiment, edge connector  4002  can be a thin protruding portion, sometimes referred to as a tongue of the PCB with certain contacts configured to transfer and receive data and other contacts configured to receive external power. In some embodiments, the PCB can be flexibly mounted to data port  126  so edge connector  4002  of the PCB can shift in the event of a drop event that occurs when the connector plug is engaged in data port  126 . In some embodiments, the opening can be a blind hole with an opening in the rear passing entirely through the wall that is only big enough for edge connector  4002  of the PCB. In this way, the smaller through hole can define a location of edge connector  4002  within data port  126 . In some embodiments, an end of the blind hole that surrounds the opening passing through the wall of base portion  102  can include a rubber gasket or other protective layer configured to prevent scratching or wear upon the receptacle from repeated insertion and extractions of a connector plug. It should be noted that in some embodiments sidewalls defining the receptacle of for data port  126  can be conductive in nature so that a plug engaging data port  126  can be grounded to base portion  102 . In some embodiments, making these walls conductive can involve selectively removing a protective layer such as an anodization layer from the metal defining the receptacle.  FIG. 40B  shows a perspective view of an exemplary electric plug  4004  configured to engage data port  126 . 
       FIGS. 40C-40D  show cross-sectional views of data port  126  in accordance with section line F-F, as depicted in  FIG. 40A .  FIG. 40C  shows how the sidewall defines a receptacle portion of data port  126 . In these depictions, top case  104  defines the sidewall of base portion  102  that defines the receptacle portion of data port  126 .  FIG. 40C  also shows how the blind hole portion extends through a majority of the sidewall and then a smaller aperture extends completely through a remaining thickness of the sidewall. It should be noted that based upon a desired size of the receptacle and an amount of play desired for edge connector  4002  a thickness through which the smaller aperture extends may be greater or smaller. In this way, the length of the smaller rectangular aperture can be adjusted to allow edge connector  4002  to pivot within the portion of the receptacle defined by the sidewall. In this way, edge connector  4002  can make accommodations for drop events, which can reduce a risk of edge connector  4002  snapping off during a drop event.  FIG. 40D  shows another cross-sectional view in which plug  4004  is engaged within data port  126 . Because plug  4004  is a symmetric plug and data port  126  a symmetric port, plug  4004  can be inserted in at least two different orientations. Patent application Ser. No. 14/543,748, filed Nov. 17, 2014 and entitled “Connector Receptacle Having a Tongue” by Amini et. al, describes various embodiments of this unitary data and power port in greater detail and is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIGS. 41A-41B  show partial cross-sectional views of alternative data port embodiments.  FIG. 41A  shows an embodiment that includes two ground plates  4102  held in place by collar  4104 . In some embodiments, ground plates  4102  can extend through different openings than the opening through which edge connector  4002  extends.  FIG. 41B  shows an embodiment in which a grounding jacket  4106  surrounds edge connector and grounds edge connector  4002  with top case  104 . In some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts positioned on edge connector  4002  can be grounded to top case through grounding jacket  4106 . 
       FIGS. 42-43  show different views of flexible connector  4200 , which is responsible for routing power and high-speed data between data port  126  and another electrical components disposed within base portion  102  (shown in  FIG. 40A ). High-speed data can be transmitted and received using many different types of protocols. In some embodiments, data port  126  can be configured to simultaneously transmit and receive one or more protocols including one or more of the following protocol types: USB 3.0, USB 2.0, DisplayPort®, Thunderbolt®, DVI, HDMI, etc. Furthermore, flexible connector  4200  can include flexible substrate  4202  which is formed of a number of layers for transmitting the high-speed data. In some embodiments, the layers can include a discrete layer for transmitting power. In some embodiments, the layers can also include a grounding layer. 
       FIG. 42  shows how flexible connector  4200  can also include electrical component  4204  surface mounted to flexible substrate  4202 . Electrical component  4204  includes a shielding can that prevents electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electrical component from affecting other components. Furthermore, electrical component  4204  includes a layer of conductive foam atop the shielding that can allow the shielding can to be grounded to an electrically conductive internal surface of base portion  102  for electrical grounding purposes. Electrical component  4204  can be configured to boost signals routed through flexible substrate  4202 . In this way, flexible connector  4200  can be longer than would otherwise be possible in applications where high signal strength was required. Furthermore, in addition to the boosting components of electrical component  4204 , electrical component  4204  can also include multiplexing circuitry for combining and separating the various signals received through data port  126 . For example, in some embodiments, both DisplayPort® and USB 3.0 inputs can be received through electrical connector. The multiplexing circuitry can be used to separate and combine these signals as needed for use of the data by portable computing system  100 . Flexible connector  4200  also includes two board-to-board connectors disposed at opposite ends of flexible substrate  4202 . First end  4206  can include multiple bends that allow flexible substrate  4202  to more easily bend and flex to accommodate various operations during an assembly process.  FIG. 43 , which shows the opposite side of flexible connector  4200 , depicts how the multiple bends look when flexible substrate  4202  is flattened out.  FIG. 43  also shows an appearance of the board-to-board connector positioned at second end  4208 . Also visible in  FIG. 43  are stiffeners  4210  and  4212  which support the shielding and the board-to-board connector at first end  4206  respectively. 
       FIG. 44  shows how flexible connector  4200  can be utilized to electrically couple two electrical components within portable computing system  100 : main logic board  4410  and I/O board  4412 . As depicted, bend regions of flexible connector  4200  allows for translation of bottom case  106  with respect to top case  104  along axis  4414  and for rotation of bottom case  106  with respect to top case  104  about axis of rotation  4416 . Further details regarding flexible connector  4200  are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/106,667, to Sweet et al., filed Jan. 22, 2015, and titled “HYBRID ACOUSTIC EMI FOAM FOR USE IN A PERSONAL COMPUTER”. 
       FIG. 45  illustrates flowchart  4500  showing a method for forming a portable computing system, in accordance with the described embodiments. In step  4502 , a keyboard assembly is engaged with a material-handling feature that includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm may include a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature, respectively. In some embodiments, the first attachment feature and the second attachment feature are suction cups. Also, the keyboard assembly can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first dimension defined by the first end and the second end. The first dimension also defines a length of the keyboard assembly. 
     In step  4504 , the keyboard assembly is deformed or bent, using the material-handling feature, to reduce the keyboard assembly to a second dimension less than the first dimension. Although the keyboard assembly is bent, the keyboard assembly and a circuit board of the keyboard assembly are designed to withstand damage due to the aforementioned bending event. 
     In step  4506 , the keyboard assembly is inserted into a top case having a first side rail, a second side rail, and an opening having a third dimension defined by the first side rail and the second side rail. The third dimension can be defined as a length of the opening. Also, the third dimension is less than the first dimension but greater than the second dimension. The bent configuration of the keyboard assembly allows the keyboard assembly to be inserted into the top case. 
     In step  4508 , the keyboard assembly is straightened to the first dimension. This may be performed by actuating the first arm and the second arm (and in some cases a third arm) of the material-handling feature. 
     In step  4510 , the keyboard assembly is secured to the top case. This can include the use of an assembly mechanism having several fastener receivers secured to a main body of the assembly mechanism. Also, fastener receivers may be angled. Further, the circuit board of the keyboard assembly may include angled openings at the first end and second end of the keyboard assembly. Also, the top case may include angled cavities proximate to the first side rail and the second side rail. In this manner, each fastener receiver can receive a fastener that can be inserted, at an angle, into an angled opening of the keyboard assembly and angled cavity of the top case. Also, the fastener and the angled cavity may be threaded such that the fastener is in threaded engagement with the angled cavity. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150309
Publication Date: 20160809
Grant Date: 20160809
Priority Date: 20140526
Inventors: FARAHANI HOUTAN R.
LEONG CRAIG C.
BLUM MATTHEW W.
GAO ZHENG
ROBINSON KEVIN M.
HENDREN KEITH J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
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Family ID: 54556033