PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10701845-B2
Application Number: US-201916262763-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Shield assembly for an electronic component

Abstract:
A shield assembly can enclose an electronic component in a chamber of a mobile communication device. The shield assembly can include a chassis having a slot and a conductive rail adjacent to the slot. A covering can be mounted over the electronic component and coupled to the chassis via a spring contact disposed in the slot. The covering can include a shield element configured to cover a chamber enclosing the electronic component. The covering can further include a first tab connected to the shield element, and a second tab connected to the shield element and spaced apart from the first tab by a gap. A spring contact can be disposed in the gap and electrically connected to the shield element via at least one of the first tab and the second tab.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A covering for enclosing an electronic component in a chamber of a mobile communication device, the covering comprising:
 a shield element configured to cover the chamber; 
 a first tab connected to the shield element; 
 a second tab connected to the shield element and spaced apart from the first tab by a gap, wherein the first tab and the second tab are insertable into a slot to retain the shield element over the chamber; and 
 a spring contact disposed in the gap and electrically connected to the shield element via at least one of the first tab or the second tab, wherein the spring contact is configured to contact a rail adjacent to the slot to electrically ground the shield element. 
 
     
     
       2. The covering of  claim 1 , wherein the spring contact is part of a metal plate having a sheet thickness less than a sheet thickness of each of the first tab and the second tab. 
     
     
       3. The covering of  claim 1 , wherein the spring contact is part of an electrical contact attachment that includes a first portion attached to the first tab and a second portion attached to the second tab. 
     
     
       4. The covering of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the first tab has a first tab bottom surface and a first tab top surface opposite to the first tab bottom surface; 
 the second tab has a second tab bottom surface and a second tab top surface opposite to the second tab bottom surface; 
 the first portion of the electrical contact attachment is welded to the first tab bottom surface; 
 the second portion of the electrical contact attachment is welded to the second tab bottom surface; and 
 the spring contact extends from a plane defined by the first tab bottom surface and the second tab bottom surface through a plane defined by the first tab top surface and the second tab top surface. 
 
     
     
       5. The covering of  claim 1 , wherein the first tab and the second tab are configured to slide within a slot fixed to a wall of the chamber. 
     
     
       6. The covering of  claim 1 , wherein the shield element is a metal covering having an edge, and wherein the first tab and the second tab protrude from the edge. 
     
     
       7. The covering of  claim 6 , wherein the edge is a first edge and the covering further comprises a fastener attached to a second edge of the metal covering opposite the first edge. 
     
     
       8. A covering comprising:
 a conductive plate having an edge; 
 a first tab and a second tab protruding from the edge and spaced apart from each other by a gap; and 
 a spring contact disposed in the gap and electrically connected to the conductive plate. 
 
     
     
       9. The covering of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a screw loop fixed to the edge of the conductive plate, 
 wherein the first tab and the second tab protrude from a first side of the conductive plate, and 
 wherein the screw loop is fixed to a second side of the conductive plate different from the first side. 
 
     
     
       10. The covering of  claim 8 , wherein each of the first tab and the second tab is implemented as a stamped conductive tab having an L-shaped cross sectional shape. 
     
     
       11. The covering of  claim 8 , wherein the spring contact is formed of a bent portion of a metal plate in which the metal plate has a sheet thickness less than a sheet thickness of each of the first tab and the second tab. 
     
     
       12. The covering of  claim 11 , wherein the metal plate comprises a first protrusion attached to the first tab and a second protrusion attached to the second tab, wherein the bent portion is positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion and extends through the gap. 
     
     
       13. The covering of  claim 11 , wherein the metal plate is gold plated. 
     
     
       14. A mobile communication device, comprising:
 a chassis having a slot and a rail adjacent to the slot; 
 a first electronic component mounted to the chassis; 
 a covering enclosing the first electronic component within a chamber, the covering having multiple tabs inserted into the slot and a shield element electrically connected to the rail via a spring contact in the slot; and 
 one or more second electronic components mounted to the chassis outside the chamber. 
 
     
     
       15. The mobile communication device of  claim 14 , wherein the first electronic component comprises a camera. 
     
     
       16. The mobile communication device of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more second electronic components comprise an antenna. 
     
     
       17. The mobile communication device of  claim 14 , wherein the chassis comprises at least one wall at least partially surrounding the chamber. 
     
     
       18. The mobile communication device of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one wall comprises a first wall on one side of the chamber and a second wall on a different side of the chamber, wherein the slot and the rail are fixed to the first wall, wherein the multiple tabs are slidably inserted into the slot, and wherein the covering is fixed to the second wall via a fastener. 
     
     
       19. The mobile communication device of  claim 14 , wherein spring contact is formed of a metal plate welded to the multiple tabs and having a bent portion between the multiple tabs, wherein the metal plate has a sheet thickness less than a sheet thickness of each of the multiple tabs. 
     
     
       20. The mobile communication device of  claim 14 , wherein the covering has a concave surface conforming to an exterior profile of the first electronic component.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/736,319, entitled “SHIELD ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT,” filed Sep. 25, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to an electronic device, and, more particularly, to a shield assembly for an electronic component in a mobile communication device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices can include a housing to enclose electronic components such as, for example, a circuit board, a display, a battery, a camera, and/or other sensors. Increasingly, portable electronic devices are made thinner and smaller for improved portability and/or aesthetic design. At the same time, additional components and larger components are increasingly being integrated into portable electronic devices to allow for new functionalities and/or to provide for improved functionality. However, the desire for thinner and smaller devices, new functionalities, and/or improved functionalities makes it challenging to integrate the various components within a common device housing or assembly while maintaining optimum performance of the various components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front isometric view of an example of an electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , with the display component and the front protective cover removed. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the front protective cover and the display component of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , as well as several additional components of the electronic device. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate isometric views of a shield assembly that can be included in the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate enlarged views of components of the shield assembly of  FIGS. 5A-5C , in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various implementations and is not intended to represent the only implementations in which the subject technology may be practiced. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described implementations may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     The following disclosure relates to an electronic device, such as a mobile communication device that takes the form of a smart phone or a tablet computer device. According to some embodiments, the electronic device can include multiple operative electronic components mounted to a chassis or assembled within a common enclosure. The electronic device can utilize a shield assembly to shield an electronic component, such as a camera, to block or reduce electric fields that could emanate to or from the electronic component and cause electrical interference with respect to other electronic components included in a region or area nearby or proximate to the shielded component. 
     The shield assembly can include a covering mounted to a conductive chassis and mounted over the electronic component. A retention feature on the covering can cooperate with a mounting fixture of the chassis to provide for mechanical and electrical coupling that serves to retain the covering and the electronic component in place, while also maintaining a grounding condition on the covering based on electrical coupling contact at the retention feature and mounting fixture interface. 
     The retention feature can utilize a spring contact disposed between a pair of tabs so that, when the tabs are inserted into a complementary slot of the mounting fixture, the tabs can provide structural retention of the shield against the electronic component, while the spring contact can provide for a mechanically robust way to maintain electrical coupling contact to the chassis via a conductive rail surrounding or otherwise adjacent to the slot. By positioning the spring contact between the tabs using a relatively thinner conductive plate welded to the tabs, the tabs can be made sufficiently thick while the spring contact plate can be made sufficiently thin within what may be a constrained thickness or Z-height in the device. The relatively thicker tabs can provide for mechanical retention while the relatively thinner spring plate can provide for electrical connection without an unduly high spring stiffness that would result from the thickness of the mechanical retention tabs. Thus, a grounded shield assembly can be provided for an electronic component in what may be a relatively small or thin overall electronic device structure. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6B . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front isometric view of an example of an electronic device  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. The electronic device  100  generally includes multiple electronic components mounted to a chassis within an enclosure. According to some embodiments, one or more of the electronic components can be mounted to the chassis using a shield assembly that can serve to mitigate electromagnetic field interference, as further described below. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is implemented as a mobile communication device (a smartphone, for example). However, it is contemplated that teachings relating to the mobile communication device can be applied to any of a variety of electronic devices. Examples of electronic devices include tablet computers, laptop computers, cellular phones, portable music players, video game consoles, digital media players, smart speakers, and wearable electronic devices (such as smart watches and activity trackers). 
     The electronic device  100  can include a sidewall  102  that defines an outer perimeter of the electronic device  100 . The sidewall  102  can include conductive materials, non-conductive materials (also referred to herein as “insulating” or “dielectric” materials), or combinations thereof. For example, the sidewall  102  can include a conductive metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or an alloy that includes at least one of aluminum or stainless steel. Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall  102  can include non-conductive materials, such as glass, ceramic, plastic, resin, or any combination thereof. 
     With reference to the illustrated example shown in  FIG. 1 , the sidewall  102  can be composed of multiple sidewall components, such as a first sidewall component  104 , a second sidewall component  106 , a third sidewall component  108  (positioned opposite the first sidewall component  104 ), and a fourth sidewall component  110  (positioned opposite to the second sidewall component  106 ). The aforementioned sidewall components may include any material(s) previously described for the sidewall  102 . In some embodiments, some of the sidewall components form part of an antenna assembly. As a result, a non-conductive material, or materials, may separate conductive sidewall components of the sidewall  102  from each other in order to electrically isolate the sidewall components. 
     For example as shown in  FIG. 1 , a first insulating divider  112  can separate the first sidewall component  104  from the second sidewall component  106 , and a second insulating divider  114  can separate the second sidewall component  106  from the third sidewall component  108 , where each of the first sidewall component  104 , the second sidewall component  106 , and the third sidewall component  108  are made from or otherwise include conductive materials that act as an antenna or part of an antenna. However, while the example is described with reference to conductive sidewall components that may form part of an antenna assembly or otherwise provide an electrical function of the electronic device  100 , other implementations are contemplated in which non-conductive materials are used for any one or more of the sidewall components. Additionally or alternatively, implementations are contemplated in which any two or more of the sidewall components can be integrally formed of a single piece. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  may further include a display component  116  (shown as a dotted line) that is covered by a front protective cover  118 . The front protective cover  118  may be formed from a transparent material, such as glass, plastic, sapphire, or the like. In this regard, the front protective cover  118  may be referred to as a transparent cover, a transparent protective cover, or a cover glass (when the front protective cover  118  includes glass). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the front protective cover  118  can include an opening  124  to facilitate transmission of acoustical energy (in the form of audible sound) into the electronic device  100 , which may be received by an audio component such as microphone of the electronic device  100 . Additionally or alternatively, the opening  124  may facilitate transmission of acoustical energy (in the form of audible sound) out the electronic device  100 , which may be generated by an audio component such as speaker of the electronic device  100 . 
     The display component  116  may include a display panel, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic-light emitting diode (OLED), microLED panel, or any other appropriate electronic display panel or display device capable of presenting a graphic on or through the front protective cover  118 . The display component  116  can include multiple layers, such as supporting substrates, thin-film transistor (TFT) layer(s), pixel circuits, capacitive or touch sensing layers, optical layers such as polarizers, light emitting diode(s) or other light emitters, and/or other electronic, optical, and/or structural components that can provide an operative display interface or touch screen display interface. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the display component  116  is partially covered by a border  120 , or frame, that extends along an outer edge of the front protective cover  118  and partially covers an outer edge of the display component  116 . The border  120  can be positioned to hide or obscure any electrical and mechanical connections between the layers of the display component  116  and flexible circuit connectors. Alternatively, other implementations are contemplated in which, for example, the border  120  does not overlap with the display component  116 , or in which the border  120  is omitted to provide for a display component  116  that can be viewed at or around the sidewall  102 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the display component  116  also includes a notch  122 , which is a void in the display component  116 . The notch  122  may accommodate other electronic components, such as one or more audio components and/or optical components. Alternatively, other implementations are contemplated in which the notch  122  is omitted, such as, for example, implementations where the other electronic components are instead included in a thicker border region or hidden behind the display component  116 . 
     The electronic device  100  can further include a port  126 . The port  126  can provide an interface for an internal connector component that is configured to receive an external connector of a cable to allow for transfer of power and/or data signals to and/or from the electronic device  100 . For example, the port  126  can be configured to communicate data information from the electronic device  100  to an external electronic device (send), to communicate data information from an external electronic device to the electronic device  100  (receive), to provide electrical energy from an external power source to the electronic device  100  (e.g., to charge a battery of the electronic device  100 ), and/or to provide electrical energy from a battery of the electronic device  100  to charge an external battery of an external electronic device. Accordingly, the port  126  can include or be coupled to a connector interface having one or more terminals that electrically couple to the external connector. 
     The electronic device  100  can further include one or more other openings. For example as shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  can include one or more speaker openings  128  that allow a speaker component of the electronic device  100  to emit acoustical energy out of the electronic device  100 . Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device  100  can include one or more microphone openings  132  that allow an additional microphone component of the electronic device to receive acoustical energy. Also, the electronic device  100  may include one or more fastener openings, such as a first fastener opening  134  and a second fastener opening  136  designed to permit a screw or other fastener to secure with a rail (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) that is coupled to the front protective cover  118 . In this regard, the first fastener opening  134  and the second fastener opening  136  are designed to facilitate coupling of the front protective cover  118  with the sidewall  102 . 
     The electronic device  100  can further include one or more control inputs designed to provide a command to the electronic device  100 . For example as shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  can include a first control input  142  and a second control input  144 . The aforementioned control inputs may be used to adjust the visual information presented on the display component  116  or the volume of acoustical energy output by an audio component, as non-limiting examples. The controls may include one of a switch or a button designed to generate a command to a processor circuit (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The control inputs may at least partially extend through openings in the sidewall components. For example, the second sidewall component  106  may include an opening  146  that receives the first control input  142 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown, a third insulating divider  152  can separate the first sidewall component  104  from the fourth sidewall component  110 , and a fourth insulating divider  154  separates the fourth sidewall component  110  from the third sidewall component  108 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a rear protective cover  158  that couples with the sidewall  102 . In this regard, the sidewall  102  may combine with the rear protective cover  158  and the front protective cover  118  to form an enclosure of the electronic device  100 , with the enclosure (sidewall  102 , front protective cover  118 , and rear protective cover  158 ) defining an internal volume that encloses several internal electronic components, such as one or more batteries, circuit boards, and/or cameras, as non-limiting examples. The rear protective cover  158  may include any material(s) previously described. 
     In some embodiments, the rear protective cover  158  includes a non-conductive material to support wireless charging. For example, the electronic device  100  can include a wireless power receiving component  160  (represented by a dotted line) covered by the rear protective cover  158 . The wireless power receiving component  160  is configured to receive an induced current when exposed to an alternating electromagnetic field. Also, the front protective cover  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be referred to as a “front protective cover” and the rear protective cover  158  may be referred to as a “rear protective cover,” because it is contemplated that in the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the display component  116  (which is covered by the front protective cover  118 ) can provide a primary graphical user interface viewed by the user through the front protective cover  118  and with which the user can interact, while the rear protective cover  158  may face away from the user during this interaction and support ancillary functions, such as photo capture and/or wireless charging. However, it is contemplated that numerous other arrangements and configurations are possible, and teachings relating to the enclosure can be applicable to implementations where the electronic device  100  is curved, flexible, and/or foldable, the electronic device  100  is provided with a wraparound and/or 360-degree display, or a display component is omitted entirely. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the electronic device  100  can further include a camera component  170 , which is an electronic component that can be included in the electronic device to provide for image capture functionality (e.g., capture of photographs and/or videos). The camera component  170  can include an image sensor, such as a silicon integrated circuit (IC) having an array of photodiodes or other light-sensitive pixels. The camera component  170  can also include a lens assembly configured to focus an image onto the image sensor. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , the camera component  170  is implemented as a rear-facing dual camera module which includes a first camera module  172 , a second camera module  174 , and a light emitter  176  positioned between the first camera module  172  and the second camera module  174 . The first camera module  172  can, for example, include a first respective image sensor and respective lens, while the second camera module  174  can include a second respective image sensor and respective lens. The light emitter  176  is configured to provide additional lighting during an image capture event by the first camera module  172  and/or the second camera module  174 . Also, the camera component  170  can further include a protective cover  178  formed from a transparent material that covers the first camera module  172 , the second camera module  174 , and/or the light emitter  176 . Although the camera component  170  is shown with a rear-facing and dual camera arrangement, it will be appreciated that the teachings relating to a camera component are applicable to any of a variety of other configurations or arrangements, such as, for example, single camera implementations, front facing implementations or implementations facing other directions, and/or implementations in which the light emitter is omitted from the camera component or provided separately. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a front plan view of the electronic device  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 , with the display component  116  and the front protective cover  118  removed. An example of a layout of several electronic components that can be disposed in the internal volume is shown. For purposes of simplicity and illustration, electronic interconnection components, such as flexible circuits, wires, cables, etc., that can be provided to provide to interconnection between various internal components are removed. As seen in  FIG. 3 , various electronic components may be assembled together in the electronic device  100  in proximity to one another, which may result in electromagnetic interference among the various components. As such, one or more of the electronic components can be mounted to the chassis using a shield assembly that can serve to mitigate the electromagnetic field interference, as further described below. 
     As shown, the electronic device  100  may include a vision component  410  and a bracket assembly  440  used to carry the vision component  410 . The vision component  410  may provide the electronic device  100  with information related to object recognition, such as facial recognition. The bracket assembly  440  is designed to maintain a fixed distance between the optical components of the vision component  410 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a chassis  306 . The chassis  306  can generally provide a structural support and a mounting structure for one or more components of the electronic device  100  to secure the components in place with respect to the chassis  306 . The chassis  306  can, for example, have a unibody construction formed of a single integral piece, or be formed of multiple discrete pieces fixedly attached together, for example. In some embodiments, chassis  306  can be implemented as the enclosure or part of the enclosure that also serves to define an internal volume and house internal components therein. For example, in some embodiments the chassis  306  can include the sidewall  102  or one or more of the sidewall components described above. Additionally or alternatively, the chassis  306  can be attached to the enclosure directly or indirectly. The chassis  306  or any constituent components of the chassis  306  can be made from or may otherwise include a rigid material, such as a metal. Also, the chassis  306  can provide an electrical grounding path for components electrically connected to the chassis. For example, the chassis  306  may include or be electrically connected to the sidewall  102  or to a conductive component of the sidewall  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the chassis  306  can include an interior wall  308 . The interior wall  308  may combine with the sidewall  102  to surround the camera component  170  and enclose the camera component  170  within a chamber  307 . Walls of the chassis  306 , including the interior wall  308  and/or the sidewall  102  may provide a conductive shielding element, such as a grounded structure, that provides an electromagnetic field blocking structure to mitigate electromagnetic field interference that can affect the camera component  170  and/or surrounding electronic components disposed within the internal volume  300 . More generally, the conductive shielding elements that enclose or surround the chamber  307  can serve to block electromagnetic field interference between the camera component  170  or other electronic component mounted within the chamber, and one or more electronic components mounted outside the chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the interior wall  308  may provide a light blocking structure that limits or prevents light generated from the light emitter  176  from further entering an internal volume  300 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a battery component  310  disposed in the internal volume. In various implementations, the battery component  310  can include a single battery or multiple batteries. In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the battery component  310  includes multiple batteries including a first battery  312  coupled with a second battery  314  by coupling member  316 . The coupling member  316  may include an adhesive material. Both the first battery  312  and the second battery  314  are designed to generate electrical energy that can be used by several aforementioned electronic components in the internal volume  300 . 
     The shape of the battery component  310  may accommodate other components. For example, the electronic device  100  may further include a circuit board component  320 . The circuit board component  320  may include a single circuit board or multiple circuit boards in a stacked configuration. The circuit board component  320  may include several active components (such as integrated circuits) that provide the processing for the electronic device  100 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a dock component  332  in a location corresponding to the port  126  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The dock component  332  may include terminals and other electrical connection points (not visible in  FIG. 1 ). The dock component  332 , in conjunction with the port  126 , can receive an external connector (e.g., on a cable), thereby allowing the electronic device to send and/or receive power and/or data transmission. Also, the dock component  332  can receive electrical energy used to recharge the battery component  310 . 
     Moreover, the electronic device  100  may further include a wireless power receiving component  160  designed to provide electrical energy to the battery component  310 . The wireless power receiving component  160  may include a receiver coil (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) designed to receive an induced current by an alternating electromagnetic field generated by a transmitter coil (not shown) that is external with respect to the electronic device  100 . Also, the chassis  306  may include an opening  336  (defined by a void in the chassis  306 ) such that the chassis  306  does not impede the alternating electromagnetic field. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a first audio component  342 , such as a speaker component designed to generate acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. The electronic device  100  may further include a second audio component  344 , such as a microphone component designed to receive acoustical energy. Also, the electronic device may further include several rail clips designed to receive rails secured to the front protective cover  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the electronic device  100  may include a first rail clip  352 , a second rail clip  354 , a third rail clip  356 , and a fourth rail clip  358 . The rails can be designed to couple with the aforementioned rail clips, as will be shown below. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of the front protective cover  118  and the display component  116 , as well as several additional components of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). It will be appreciated from the example shown in  FIG. 4  that various electronic components may not only be laid out adjacent to each other two-dimensionally (along the X-Y plane), but may also be stacked on top of or overlying each other three-dimensionally (along the Z-axis). According to some embodiments, a shield assembly as further described herein may be used to mitigate electromagnetic interference between components assembled next to or in proximity to each other in a two-dimensional layout (e.g., along the X-Y plane shown in  FIG. 4 ). Additionally or alternatively, the shield assembly may be used to mitigate electromagnetic interference between components assembled on top of or in proximity to each other in a three-dimensional stack up (e.g., along the Z-axis shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
     As shown, the front protective cover  118  may include several rails designed to secure the front protective cover  118 . For example, the front protective cover  118  may include a first rail  552 , a second rail  554 , a third rail  556 , and a fourth rail  558  designed to couple with the first rail clip  352 , a second rail clip  354 , a third rail clip  356 , and a fourth rail clip  358 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 3 . Also, the front protective cover  118  may further include a fifth rail  562  designed to receive fasteners, such as screws (e.g., through the first fastener opening  134  and the second fastener opening  136  shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The border  120  may secure with a surface (such as an internal surface) of the front protective cover  118 . In addition to the border  120  hiding or obscuring electrical and mechanical connections to the display component  116 , additional layers may be used to hide or obscure some features. For example, an electronic device described herein may include a masking layer  570  designed to at least partially hide or obscure the vision component  410  and the bracket assembly  440 . The masking layer  570  may include an opaque material designed to block light, including visible light, UV light, and IR light. The opaque material may include an ink material that is adhered to a surface of the front protective cover  118 . Also, the masking layer  570  may include an appearance, in terms of color and reflectivity, designed to match that of the border  120 . For example, when the border  120  includes a black or white appearance (as non-limiting examples), the masking layer  570  may include a black or white appearance, respectively. 
     In order to allow the vision component  410  to provide object recognition, the masking layer  570  may include several openings (not labeled). However, at least some of the openings may be covered or filled by a material that is semi-opaque. For example, an electronic device described herein may include a layer  572  that covers an opening of the masking layer  570 , a layer  574  that covers an additional opening of the masking layer  570 , and a layer  576  that covers another additional opening of the masking layer  570 . In some embodiments, the layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  include an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the masking layer  570  (and accordingly, an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the border  120 ). However, the layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  may be designed to filter out some light in some frequencies while selectively transmitting light in other frequencies. For example, the layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  may block visible light (as well as other light), and allow IR light to permeate. As a result, the layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  may be referred to as visible light filters. The layer  572 , the layer  574 , and the layer  576  may cover components of the vision component  410  designed to transmit/emit IR light or receive IR light. A light component  624  may also be aligned with a visible light filter. 
     Further, an electronic device described herein may include a layer  578  that covers an additional opening of the masking layer  570 , and a layer  582  that covers another additional opening of the masking layer  570 . In some embodiments, the layer  578  and the layer  582  include an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the masking layer  570  (and accordingly, an appearance, in terms of color and/or reflectivity, similar to that of the border  120 ). However, the layer  578  and the layer  582  may be designed to filter out some light in some frequencies while selectively transmitting light in other frequencies. For example, the layer  578  and the layer  582  may block IR light (as well as other light), and allow visible light to permeate. As a result, the layer  578  and the layer  582  may be referred to as IR light filters. The layer  578  and the layer  582  may cover components of the vision component  410  designed to receive visible light. An ambient light sensor component  626  may also be aligned with an IR light filter. 
     In some instances, the bracket assembly  440  and the vision component  410  are not affixed in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the bracket assembly  440  (along with the vision component  410 ) may be placed in the internal volume  300  and allowed to generally move freely with respect to, for example, the chassis  306  and the sidewall  102 . However, as the front protective cover  118  is coupled with the sidewall  102  (by way of the rails securing with the rail clips), the position of the bracket assembly  440  and the vision component  410  can be adjusted to a desired location in the internal volume  300 , and compressive forces can retain the bracket assembly  440  and the vision component  410  in a desired location. 
     In this regard, an electronic device described herein may include an alignment module  610  that is coupled with the front protective cover  118 . In some instances, the masking layer  570 , along with the light filter layers described above, is positioned between the front protective cover  118  and the alignment module  610 . The alignment module  610  may be coupled with the front protective cover  118  in a location such when the front protective cover  118  is assembled with the enclosure (or with the remaining portion of an electronic device), the alignment module  610  guides the modules of the vision component  410  such that the modules align with a desired light filter layer described above. 
     An electronic device described herein may further include an audio component  622  designed to generate acoustical energy. The audio component  622  may be seated on the alignment module  610  such that the audio component  622  is aligned with the opening  124  of the front protective cover  118 . 
     An electronic device described herein may further include light component  624  designed to generate light, such as IR light. The light component  624  may be part of or be used in conjunction with the vision component  410 . For example, the light component  624  may provide additional IR light under conditions of relatively low light. The alignment module  610  may align the light component  624 . An electronic device described herein may further include an ambient light sensor component  626  designed to detect an amount of light external with respect to the electronic device. In some instances, the ambient light sensor component  626  provides light conditions (such as low-light conditions) that can be used to activate the light component  624 . The alignment module  610  may include a rail  628  used to align the ambient light sensor component  626 . Also, an electronic device described herein may further include a microphone component  632  designed to receive acoustical energy. The microphone component  632  may be at least partially aligned with the opening  124  of the front protective cover  118 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the notch  122  (in the display component  116 ) is used to accommodate the alignment module  610 , as well as the vision component  410 . Also, the chassis  306  or a portion of the chassis  306  may be positioned below the display component  116  (in the Z-dimension). Accordingly, the chassis  306  may provide support to the display component  116  as well as other components. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  show an example of a shield assembly  700 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 5A  shows the shield assembly  700  in an unassembled configuration,  FIG. 5B  shows the shield assembly  700  in an intermediate stage of an assembly process, and  FIG. 5C  shows the shield assembly  700  in an assembled configuration. 
     The shield assembly  700  can be used for shielding electric field lines to and/or from an electronic component, such as a camera component  170 , to mitigate electrical interference that can degrade performance of the electronic component and/or of one or more electronic components that may be disposed in a region around or near the electronic component. For example, it has been discovered that the camera component  170  can emit electric fields that can interfere with other electronic components, such as antennas, that can be disposed in an area or region near or proximate to the camera component  170 . However, while examples are described with respect to camera component  170 , it will be appreciated that teachings of the shield assembly  700  can generally be applied to any other feasible electronic component of an electronic device where the electronic component can create or be susceptible to electric field interference. For example, the teachings of the shield assembly  700  can be applied to any of the other electronic components described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the shield assembly  700  can include a covering  705  and chassis  306 , which can be assembled together to provide ground shielding around an electronic component. For example, the shield assembly  700  can include covering  705  mounted to the chassis  306  on or over the camera component  170 . The covering  705  can generally be implemented as any conductive structure with any appropriate size or shape that permits the covering  705  to cover all or a substantial portion of the camera component  170  and/or the chamber  307 . For example, the covering  705  can be assembled to cover the entire areal footprint of camera component  170  as shown in the illustrated example, or it can cover a substantial portion of camera component  170 , such as a majority of the areal footprint of the camera component  170 , depending on considerations such as the desired shielding or electric field interference that is permissible, or the relative position of other electronic components with respect to which shielding is desired. The areal footprint in this example is defined with respect to the area in the X-Y plane shown in  FIG. 5A . The covering  705  can be implemented as a removable metal cowling or housing that covers the camera component  170  or other electronic component and serves to enclose the camera component  170  in the chamber  307  together with a wall or other structure of the chassis  306 , such as the interior wall  308  and/or sidewall  102 . 
     It is contemplated that the shield assembly  700  can facilitate an assembly process involving a toe-in installation of the covering  705  over the camera component  170 . Although a toe-in assembly process is described, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the shield assembly  700  can be applied to other types of assembly techniques. 
     As shown for example in  FIG. 5B , the covering  705  can include one or more retention features  707  disposed in a toe region of the covering  705 , and one or more mounting features  709  disposed in a heel region of the covering  705  and/or any other region of the covering  705  outside of the toe region. To form a mechanical and electrical coupling between the chassis  306  and the covering  705 , the toe-in assembly process can involve a first stage in which the covering  705  and the retention feature  707  are moved or translated in a first direction  721  with respect to the chassis  306  to slidably insert the retention feature  707  into a mounting fixture  731  of the chassis  306 . This insertion can anchor the toe region to the chassis  306  and form a pivot point about which the covering  705  and the mounting feature  709  can be rotated. 
     The covering  705  is then moved or rotated in a second direction  723  to pivot the covering  705  about the toe region and position the heel region onto a remaining portion of the chassis  306  or electronic device  100 . The covering  705  can then be further secured by affixing or attaching the mounting feature  709  to the chassis  306 . For example, the mounting feature  709  is shown in  FIG. 5A  as a screw loop configured to accommodate a screw fastener for attaching a portion of the covering  705  to the interior wall  308  of the chassis  306  to enclose the camera component  170  within the chamber  307 . Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that any other suitable fastener may be used. Examples of fasteners include adhesives, welds, and clamps. 
     With continued reference to the example shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the toe region in general can be positioned substantially anywhere with respect to the covering  705  and corresponds to a portion of the covering  705  that is inserted in or coupled to the chassis  306  at a first stage prior to coupling of a remaining portion of the covering  705  to the chassis  306 . The heel region in general can be positioned substantially anywhere with respect to the covering  705  that is opposite to the toe region and corresponds to a remaining portion of the covering  705  that is positioned on or otherwise coupled to the chassis  306  at a subsequent stage after the first stage. 
     For example as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , the toe region includes or is disposed along a first edge  713  of the covering  705 , and the heel region includes or is disposed along a second edge  717  of the covering  705  that is opposite to the first edge  713 . A shield element  719  for blocking electromagnetic fields can be disposed between the first edge  713  and the second edge  717 . The shield element  719  can be implemented as a conductive covering, such as a plate or plate-like region formed of a continuous conductive material or mesh of conductive material that extends across a substantial area so as to permit the shield element  719  to cover the camera component  170  and provide a shielding effect that blocks electromagnetic interference to and/or from the camera component  170 . 
       FIG. 5C  shows the shield assembly  700  in an assembled configuration. As shown for example in  FIG. 5C , it is contemplated that the covering  705  can be implemented as both an electrical shielding feature as well as a mounting structure that serves to securely mount the camera component  170  in place. For example, the camera component  170  may be secured between the shield element  719  of the covering  705  and the chassis  306  when in an assembled configuration. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the camera component  170  can be secured in a chamber  307  of the chassis  306  bordered by interior wall  308 , where the covering  705  including shield element  719  serves to cover and enclose the chamber  307  together with the interior wall  308 . For example, the fastener  727  can be attached to the interior wall  308  and utilized to secure the second edge  717  to the interior wall  308 , while the retention feature  707  can be attached to the sidewall  102  and utilized to secure the first edge  713  to the first wall. 
     In some instances, a thickness of an electronic device  100  can be constrained. For example, considerations such as portability, aesthetic design, and/or a need for integration of multiple functional components may provide a constraint to the Z-height of the electronic device  100  defined with respect to the frame of reference shown in  FIG. 5A . According to some embodiments, the retention feature  707  and/or the mounting fixture  731  can be implemented with a structure designed to facilitate both mechanical retention of the covering  705  and electrical coupling of the covering  705  to a grounding path in the chassis  306 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  show enlarged views of example of retention feature  707  that can be included on a covering  705 .  FIG. 6A  shows the retention feature  707  in an unassembled configuration (e.g., as configured in  FIG. 5A ), while  FIG. 7  shows the retention feature  707  in an assembled configuration as part of a shield assembly  700  (e.g., as configured in  FIG. 6B ). 
     With reference to the example shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the retention feature  707  can include multiple tabs  751  including a first tab  753  and a second tab  755  spaced apart by a gap  757 . Each of the tabs  751  including the first tab  753  and the second tab  755  can be physically and electrically connected to the shield element  719 . For example, the first tab  753  and the second tab  755  can be integrally formed with the shield element  719  as part of a common metal plate, or the first tab  753  and the second tab  755  can be part of one or more separate metal pieces that are welded to or otherwise physically and electrically attached to the shield element  719 . A spring contact  761  can be disposed in the gap  757  and electrically connected to the shield element  719  via one or more of the tabs  751 . In the example shown, the spring contact  761  is electrically connected to the shield element  719  via both the first tab  753  and the second tab  755 . Both the first tab  753  and the second tab  755  protrude from the first edge  713 , which corresponds to an edge of the shield element  719  and can be used for toe-in insertion of the tabs  751  to chassis  306 . 
     The retention feature  707  including the tabs  751  and spring contact  761  can be configured for insertion into a complementary feature of the mounting fixture  731  so that, when the tabs  751  and spring contact  761  are inserted into the mounting fixture  731 , the tabs  751  can serve to provide mechanical retention of the covering  705  with respect to the chassis  306 , while the spring contact  761  can serve to maintain electrical coupling contact between the covering  705  and the chassis  306 . For example, the mounting fixture  731  can include a slot  771  surrounded by or otherwise adjacent to a rail  773 , which can be a conductive structure of the chassis  306  that provides or is electrically connected to a grounding path, such as any suitable system ground, earth ground, or pseudo-ground plane. The mounting fixture  731 , including the slot  771  and the rail  773 , can be fixed to a wall of the chamber, such as sidewall  102  or interior wall  308 . Both first tab  753  and the second tab  755  can be configured for insertion into the slot  771  so that the first tab  753  and the second tab  755  cooperate with and abut against the rail  773  to provide a mechanically robust coupling attachment between the retention feature  707  and the mounting fixture  731 . The spring contact  761  disposed in the gap  757  between the tabs  751  can also be configured for insertion into the slot  771  so that the spring contact  761  cooperates with and contacts the rail  773  in a tensioned manner to maintain electrical contact between the retention feature  707  and the mounting fixture  731 . 
     Although it is contemplated that other implementations may utilize any suitable arrangement in which a spring contact  761  cooperates with tabs  751  to form a mechanical and electrical coupling feature, the example shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B  utilizes an arrangement that allows the tabs  751  to maintain a sufficiently high sheet thickness for mechanical strength while the spring contact  761  can be formed sufficiently thin to maintain flexibility and avoid an overly stiff spring. In the illustrated example, the spring contact  761  is provided as part of a separate electrical contact attachment  781  that is attached to portions of the covering  705  to form the retention feature  707 , where a sheet thickness  791  of a metal plate or structure of the tabs  751  is greater than a sheet thickness  793  of a metal plate or structure of the contact attachment  781 . 
     The spring contact  761  and the contact attachment  781  can be implemented as a gold plated metal plate, or another conductive structure, that can be welded to or otherwise electrically and mechanically attached to the tabs  751 . As used herein, “sheet thickness” refers to the thickness of a metal or conductive sheet from which the component is formed and can be further bent into a larger overall shape or size. For example, exemplary sheet thicknesses are shown in  FIG. 6B , in which the sheet thickness of the bent portion of a metal sheet that forms the spring contact  761  is less than a sheet thickness of a stamped portion of the tabs  751 , even though the metal sheet that forms the spring contact  761  is bent so that the spring contact  761  has an overall greater height or total vertical dimension relative to the tabs  751 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 6A-6B , the contact attachment  781  can include a first portion  741  welded or otherwise attached to the first tab  753 , such as a first protrusion extending from the spring contact  761  in a first direction, and a second portion  743  welded or otherwise attached to the second tab  755 , such as a second protrusion extending from the spring contact  761  in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The contact attachment  781  can be secured to the tabs  751  in a manner that permits the spring contact  761  to extend through the gap  757  or portions of the gap  757 . For example, each of the tabs  751  can have a top surface and a bottom surface with respect to the orientation of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  (which can be any arbitrary frame of reference), and the contact attachment  781  can be attached to a bottom side of the tabs to permit the spring contact  761  to extend through the gap  757  from the bottom side to the top side. 
     In particular, the first tab  753  can include a first tab bottom surface  803  and a first tab top surface  801  opposite to the first tab bottom surface, and the second tab  755  can include a second tab bottom surface  811  and a second tab top surface  813  opposite to the second tab bottom surface  811 . The first portion  741  can be welded to the first tab bottom surface  803  and the second portion  743  can be welded to the second tab bottom surface  811 , with the spring contact  761  between the first portion  741  and the second portion  743  oriented to extend upward through the gap  757  in a direction extending from a plane defined by the first tab bottom surface  803  and second tab bottom surface  811  towards and through a plane defined by the first tab top surface  801  and the second tab top surface  813 . 
     It is contemplated that the covering  705  can be provided with a desired size, shape, or construction, as previously mentioned. In the example shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the covering  705  includes a stamped metal plate or structure having a concave surface  799  configured to accommodate the camera component  170 , or a portion of the camera component  170 , therein, such that the concave surface  799  is recessed relative to the tabs  751  so that the concave surface  799  conforms to an exterior profile of the camera component  170 . The tabs  751  can be implemented as stamped conductive tabs with an L-shaped cross-sectional shape  797  and disposed on an edge of the covering  705  in an area around or adjacent to the concave surface  799 . 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and magnets are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190130
Publication Date: 20200630
Grant Date: 20200630
Priority Date: 20180925
Inventors: SCHMITT, GRIFFIN L.
BUSTLE, BENJAMIN S.
FROESE, KEVIN M.
BROWNING, LUCY E.
ZHANG, ZHIPENG
BARNEY, JADEN A.
LI, NAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K9/0037", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/026", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0264", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0007", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0007", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69883832