PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11886235-B2
Application Number: US-202017112904-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device with a thermal and EMI shield

Abstract:
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a shield that provides thermal and electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shielding benefits. The shield is secured with fan assemblies by airtight seals to prevent air leakage and promote a pressured volume when the fan assemblies are running. Further, the shield can direct airflow from the fan assemblies to one or more thermally conductive components, where the airflow can convectively cool the thermally conductive components and exit the electronic device. The shield is made from a metal, and when the shield covers a circuit board, the shield protects an EMI barrier for integrated circuits located on the circuit board. Moreover, the shield can provide a single-piece, monolithic body that provides advantages over multiple shields, such as eliminating gaps in the shield for air leakage and EMI intrusion, increasing air circulation efficiency, and decreasing costs.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a display; 
 a housing coupled with the display, the housing defining an internal volume and a grill with openings formed in a sidewall of the housing, wherein the openings define:
 a first air intake section, 
 a second air intake section separate from the first air intake section, and 
 an air output section separate from the first air intake section and the second air intake section; and 
 
 components disposed within the internal volume, the components comprising:
 a first fan assembly comprising a first fan housing, 
 a second fan assembly comprising a second fan housing, 
 a circuit board comprising an integrated circuit, and 
 a shield covering the circuit board and coupled between the first fan housing and the second fan housing, wherein the shield i) blocks electromagnetic interference from the integrated circuit and ii) directs airflow from the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly through the first air intake section and the second air intake section, respectively, and to the air output section. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first sealing structure adhered to at least one of the first fan housing or the shield; and 
 a second sealing structure adhered to at least one of the second fan housing or the shield. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure define a first airtight seal and a second airtight seal, respectively. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a sealing structure that partially covers the grill, thereby defining a covered section and an uncovered section of the grill, wherein the airflow is directed through the grill at the uncovered section, and the airflow is blocked from passing through the grill at the covered section. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , further comprising a thermally conductive assembly disposed within the internal volume, wherein the thermally conductive assembly is i) positioned between the integrated circuit and a housing wall of the housing, and ii) aligned with the uncovered section. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 5 , further comprising a standoff that separates the circuit board from the housing wall, wherein:
 the circuit board comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and 
 the airflow from the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly passes over the first surface, the second surface, and the thermally conductive assembly. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 ,
 wherein the air output section is positioned between the first air intake section and the second air intake section. 
 
     
     
       8. An electronic device, comprising:
 a display; 
 a housing coupled with the display, the housing defining an internal volume and a grill that defines openings; 
 a first sealing structure that covers a first portion of the openings; 
 a second sealing structure that covers a second portion of the openings, wherein the openings define a first air intake section, a second air intake section separate from the first air intake section, and an air output section separate from the first air intake section and the second air intake section; and 
 components disposed within the internal volume, the components comprising:
 a first fan assembly configured to receive air from the first air intake section, the first fan assembly comprising a first fan housing, 
 a second fan assembly configured to receive air from the second air intake section, the second fan assembly comprising a second fan housing, and 
 a shield coupled between the first fan housing and the second fan housing, wherein the shield is configured to block electromagnetic interference and directs airflow from the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly through the first and second air intake sections respectively and output through the air output section. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a circuit board positioned between the shield and the housing; and 
 an integrated circuit positioned on the circuit board, wherein the shield is configured to block the electromagnetic interference from reaching the integrated circuit. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , further comprising a flexible circuit connected with the display and the circuit board, wherein the shield defines an indentation, and the flexible circuit passes through the shield at the indentation. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , a sealing structure secured with the flexible circuit and the shield at the indentation. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a third sealing structure that seals the first fan housing with the shield, 
 a fourth sealing structure that seals the second fan housing with the shield. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 12 , wherein the first sealing structure, the second sealing structure, the third sealing structure, and the fourth sealing structure define a first airtight seal, a second airtight seal, a third airtight seal, and a fourth airtight seal, respectively. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 8 , further comprising a heat sink aligned with the air output section. 
     
     
       15. An electronic device, comprising:
 a display; 
 a housing coupled with the display, the housing defining an internal volume and a grill with openings that defines a first air intake section and a second air intake section; and 
 components disposed within the internal volume, the components comprising:
 a first fan assembly configured to receive air from opening on the first air intake section, the first fan assembly comprising a first fan assembly housing, 
 a second fan assembly configured to receive air from opening on the second air intake section, the second fan assembly comprising a second fan assembly housing, 
 a circuit board positioned between the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly, 
 a shield configured to block electromagnetic interference from the circuit board and coupled with the first fan assembly housing and the second fan assembly housing, the shield defining an indentation, 
 a flexible circuit connected with the display and the circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit passes through the shield at the indentation, and 
 a sealing structure secured with the flexible circuit and the shield at the indentation, 
 wherein the sealing structure covers at least some of the openings to define the first air intake section, the second air intake section, and an air output section. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising an integrated circuit located on the circuit board, wherein the shield protects the integrated circuit from electromagnetic interference. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the shield directs airflow from the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly through the grill. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a first sealing structure that covers a first portion of the grill; and 
 a second sealing structure that covers a second portion of the grill. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure define the first air intake section, the second air intake section, and the air output section. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 19 , wherein the shield directs airflow from the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly through the air output section.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/064,372, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A THERMAL AND EMI SHIELD,” filed Aug. 11, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to electronic devices. In particular, the following description relates to shields integrated with electronic devices. Shields described herein are sealed with fan assemblies, and form a pressurized enclosure that directs air from the fan assemblies, thereby enhancing thermal energy dissipation in an electronic device. Additionally, shields described herein are made from metal and when covering components that generate electromagnetic energy, the shields can block the electromagnetic energy from interfering with other components of the electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices may include multiple cans, each of which designed to cover a respective component of the electronic device. The use of discrete cans, however, form a seam (or seams) between adjacent cans through which energy can pass. The energy may include thermal energy and/or electromagnetic energy. Sufficient thermal energy leaking through the seam(s) can damage, or at least reduce performance, of other components, while electromagnetic energy leaking through the seam(s) can create electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) that affects the performance of components. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may further include a housing coupled with the display. The housing may define an internal volume and a grill. The electronic device may further include components disposed within the internal volume. The components may include a first fan assembly that includes a first fan housing. The components may further include a second fan assembly that includes a second fan housing. The components may further include a circuit board that carries an integrated circuit. The components may further include a shield covering the circuit board and coupled with the first fan housing and the second fan housing. In some embodiments, the shield i) blocks electromagnetic interference from the integrated circuit and ii) directs airflow from the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly through the grill. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may further include a housing coupled with the display. The housing may define an internal volume and a grill that defines openings. The electronic device may further include a first sealing structure that covers a first portion of the grill. The electronic device may further include a second sealing structure that covers a second portion of the grill. In some embodiments, the openings, based upon the first sealing structure and the second sealing structure, define a first air intake section, a second air intake section separate from the first air intake section, and an air output section separate from the first air intake section and the second air intake section. The electronic device may further include components disposed within the internal volume. The components may include a first fan assembly configured to receive air from the first air intake section. The first fan assembly may include a first fan housing. The components may further include a second fan assembly configured to receive air from the second air intake section. The second fan assembly may include a second fan housing. The components may further include a shield coupled with the first fan housing and the second fan housing. In some embodiments, the shield directs airflow from the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly through the air output section. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may further include a housing coupled with the display. The housing may define an internal volume and a grill that defines a first air intake section and a second air intake section. The electronic device may further include components disposed within the internal volume. The components may include a first fan assembly configured to receive air from the first air intake section. The first fan assembly may include a first fan assembly housing. The components may further include a second fan assembly configured to receive air from the second air intake section. The second fan assembly may include a second fan assembly housing. The components may further include a circuit board positioned between the first fan assembly and the second fan assembly. The components may further include a shield coupled with the first fan assembly housing and the second fan assembly housing. The shield may define an indentation. The components may further include a flexible circuit connected with the display and the circuit board. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit passes through the shield at the indentation. The components may further include a sealing structure secured with the flexible circuit and the shield at the indentation. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       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: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device shown in  FIG.  1   , showing additional features of the electronic device; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing additional internal features of the electronic device; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device, showing the shield prior to assembly; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the electronic device, showing the circuit board positioned between the housing and the shield; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device, showing additional sealing structures covering the grill; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the electronic device, showing modifications to the shield; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the electronic device, showing additional seals between the shield and the fan assembly; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing airflow from the fan assemblies passing though the electronic device; 
         FIG.  10 A  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing a shield modified to form a grill; 
         FIG.  10 B  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing an additional structure integrated to form a grill; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an explode view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing a shield and fan assemblies integrated with the shield; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing a different number of fans used in the electronic device; 
         FIGS.  13  and  14    illustrate an alternate embodiment of a shield, showing multiple components integrated with the shield; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing a shield and a thermal component integrated with the electronic device; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing a shield modified to form a thermal component; and 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with some 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 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     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 disclosure relates to an electronic device with enhancements to a shield of the electronic device. The shield may include a metallic cover designed to provide the electronic device with thermal and electromagnetic shielding benefits. In some exemplary embodiments, an electronic device described herein includes a display and a housing secured to the display. In order to dissipate thermal energy, the electronic device includes one or more fan assemblies. When integrated with the electronic device, the shield can be secured with the housing and the fan assemblies (e.g., respective fan housings of the fan assemblies) by airtight seals, resulting in a continuous, pressurized internal air volume when fan assemblies drive airflow. As a result, the air volume (defined by the shield, the fan assemblies, and the housing) is generally controlled. Moreover, based upon the airtight seals, airflow generated by the fan assemblies will not leak into other areas of the housing. Accordingly, the (heated) airflow will not increase the temperature of the electronic device in other locations. In this manner, when the fan assemblies drive air to cool heat-generating components and other thermally conductive components, the air (now heated) can be controlled/directed by the shield to flow out of the electronic device in a particular location, such as a grill formed in the enclosure. Using a shield described herein may increase thermal energy dissipation. 
     The metallic nature of the shield provides additional benefits. In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic device includes a circuit board on which several integrated circuits are located. When the circuit board is covered by the shield, the shield can block transmission of electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) generated by the integrated circuits. As a result, other components (including components internal and external to the electronic device) are not affected by the EMI. Alternatively, the integrated circuits can be protected by the shield from EMI generated by other components in the electronic device, such as wireless communication integrated circuits. As a result, the integrated circuits located on the circuit board are not subject to decreased performance due to EMI. 
     Contrary to traditional shielding techniques that employ multiple shield designed to protect a single component, the shields described herein are single-piece shields designed to cover multiple components. The single-piece nature not only reduces the number of required parts, but also enhances the performance of electronic devices reducing the number of air leak locations and EMI ingress locations. Moreover, the single-piece nature of the shield provides a larger thermally conductive body, which promotes heat transfer away from heated parts and components. Further, a shield formed by a single body may decrease manufacturing times and associated costs to assemble the electronic device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 17   . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, electronic device  100  is a laptop computing device. In other embodiments, electronic device  100  is a standalone display. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , electronic device  100  is a desktop computing device. As shown, electronic device  100  include a housing  102 , or enclosure, that provides an internal volume or space in which multiple components are disposed, such as processing circuits (integrated circuits, central processing units, graphics processing units), memory circuits, audio speakers, microphones, batteries, fan assemblies, and flexible circuitry to couple the components together. 
     Electronic device  100  may further include a display  104  coupled with housing  102 . Display  104  may include a liquid crystal display or a light-emitting diode (including an organic light-emitting diode) display, as non-limiting examples. Display  104  is designed to present visual information in the form of textual information, still images, and/or motion picture (video) images. Electronic device  100  may further include a transparent layer  106  that covers display  104 . Transparent layer  106  may generally include any rigid transparent substrate, such as glass, plastic, or sapphire, as non-limiting examples. 
     In order to adjust the position of display  104 , electronic device  100  includes a stand  108  coupled with housing  102 . Housing  102  and stand  108  can be rotationally coupled together, thereby allowing housing  102  (and display  104 ) to rotate to different positions, based upon user preferences. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a rear isometric view of electronic device  100  shown in  FIG.  1   , showing additional features of electronic device  100 . As shown, electronic device  100  includes a fan assembly  110   a  and a fan assembly  110   b . Fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  are designed to drive air within the internal volume defined by housing  102 . In this manner, fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  may cool (by convention) components within electronic device  100  that generate thermal energy during use and/or bodies designed to absorb thermal energy. In this regard, fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , during operation, can force ambient air (external to electronic device  100 ) into housing  102 , and subsequently drive the air (once heated) out of housing  102  in a desired manner. This will be shown and described further. 
     Additionally, electronic device  100  may include port  112  (representative of one or more ports). Port  112  is designed to provide a connection/communication point between electronic device  100  and other devices (not shown in  FIG.  2   ). Accordingly, port  112  may include an industry standard connection, such as Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), including USB-C, connection or a THUNDERBOLT® connection, as non-limiting examples. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a plan view of electronic device  100 , showing additional internal features of electronic device  100 . The various internal features are located in an internal volume  114  defined by housing  102 . For purposes of illustration, display  104  and transparent layer  106  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) are removed. As shown, electronic device  100  includes a shield  116 . Shield  116  can provide electronic device  100  with several benefits, such as increased thermal energy dissipation efficiency and reduced electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) transmission. Shield  116  can be coupled with fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , and in particular, shield  116  is coupled with a fan housing  111   a  and a fan housing  111   b  of fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , respectively, by sealing structures, including airtight sealing structures. Each of fan housings  111   a    111   b  may be referred to as a fan assembly housing. Additionally, shield  116  is coupled with housing  102 , by sealing structures, including airtight sealing structures. Additionally, flexible circuits, such as a flexible circuit  118   a  and a flexible circuit  118   b , are coupled with, and surrounded by, sealing structures, including airtight sealing structures. The sealing structures will be shown and described below. Fan assemblies  110   a  and fan assemblies  110   b  are positioned such that ambient air drawn in by fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  is directed through the air volume enclosed by housing  102 , fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , and shield  116 . As a result, a continuous air volume enclosed by housing  102 , fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , and shield  116  is relatively airtight, as air leak paths between the aforementioned components is limited or prevents, and airflow into and out of the air volume is limited to predefined locations. 
     Additionally, electronic device  100  may include a circuit board (not shown in  FIG.  3   ) covered by shield  116 , with one or more heat-generated components (e.g., integrated circuits) located on the circuit board. Also, electronic device  100  may further include a thermally conductive assembly (not shown in  FIG.  3   ) covered by shield  116 , which may include heat sinks and/or fin stacks. As a result, the airflow from fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  is directed over the heated bodies (e.g., integrated circuits and thermally conductive assembly). Moreover, the airtight sealing structures provide a more efficient cooling process by not only focusing the airflow (cool air) over the heated bodies, but also by limiting or preventing the air, when heated, from extending into other locations of internal volume  114 . Regarding the latter, the heated air (carrying thermal energy) can be directed out of housing  102  via a grill (not shown in  FIG.  3   ). Also, in some instances, a connector (not shown in  FIG.  3   ) is sufficiently large enough to otherwise contact shield  116 . In this manner, shield  116  may include an opening  120  (shown as a dotted line) to accommodate the connector. In order to limit or prevent air leakage through opening  120 , a cover  122  is applied to shield  116  at opening  120 . Cover  122  may include tape, including an electrically conductive tape. 
     In addition to controlling the airflow from fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , shield  116  may include a metal (e.g., sheet metal, stainless steel, or an alloy with stainless steel, as non-limiting examples) and accordingly, can block, or provide a barrier, for electromagnetic interference (“EMI”). For example, integrated circuits covered by shield  116  may generate EMI that can otherwise interfere with other components within internal volume  114  or external to electronic device  100 . However, EMI is prevented from passing through shield  116 . Alternatively, shield  116  can block EMI transmission so as to prevent integrated circuits located on the circuit board from exposure to EMI. Also, due in part to its electrically conductive properties, cover  122  can also block EMI transmission. 
     Accordingly, shield  116  provides electronic device  100  with thermal and EMI benefits. These benefits are further enhanced by shield  116  being a single-piece body, as opposed to multiple discrete structures. For example, as shown, shield  116  includes a unitary structure that extends from fan assembly  110   a  to fan assembly  110   b , including some overlap onto fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b . As a result of the single-piece nature, shield  116  provides fewer air leaking and EMI leaking locations, as opposed to an assembly of shields. Moreover, shield  116  is easier to install and may require fewer connection points, and accordingly, may reduce the overall manufacturing costs of electronic device  100 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an exploded view of electronic device  100 , showing shield  116  prior to assembly. As shown, electronic device  100  includes a circuit board  124  positioned between fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b . Circuit board  124  may carry a number of integrated circuits, such as an integrated circuit  126 , each of which providing processing capabilities for electronic device  100 , while also generating thermal energy during operation. 
     In some embodiments, housing  102  is an anodized aluminum. As a result, housing  102 , while metal, provides a substantially reduced electrical grounding pathway. In this regard, housing  102  includes an etch region  128   a  and an etch region  128   b , each of which representing a material removal in housing  102  based upon laser etching, as a non-limiting example. When shield  116  is secured with housing  102 , shield  116  is in contact with etch region  128   a  and etch region  128   b , and housing  102  provides an electrical grounding path for shield  116 , as etch region  128   a  and etch region  128   b  each provides a contact location for electrical grounding. 
     Electronic device  100  further includes a grill  130  formed in housing  102 . Grill  130  may include openings, or through holes. Further, while grill  130  may form a consistent pattern in housing  102 , grill  130  can be partitioned into multiple sections, with each section defined by airflow passing through grill  130 . For example, grill  130  includes a section  132   a  and a section  132   b . During operations, fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  can force ambient/environmental air into electronic device  100  through sections  132   a  and  132   b , respectively. Accordingly, sections  132   a  and  132   b  may each be referred to as an air intake section. The air is driven by fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , where the air is forced over circuit board  124 , including integrated circuit  126 , as well as other heated structures (which will be shown and described below). As a result, the air convectively cools integrated circuit  126  and the heated structures. Grill  130  further includes a section  132   c . When the air passes over the heated bodies, the temperature of the air increases by acquiring thermal energy. In this regard, the heated air can exit electronic device  100  through section  132   c . Accordingly, section  132   c  may be referred to as an air output section. Based on sections  132   a ,  132   b , and  132   c , ambient air can flow into electronic device  100 , cool components of electronic device  100 , and exit electronic device  100 . Due in part to shield  116 , the airflow by fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  is limited or prevented from extending to other regions of housing  102 , thereby preventing unwanted temperature increases throughout housing  102 . 
     While some sections of grill  130  permit the free flow of air, other sections of grill  130  are covered to prevent airflow. For example, grill  130  includes a section  132   d  and a section  132   e . In order to bias the airflow from fan assembly  110   a  to a particular location, section  132   d  can be covered by a sealing structure (not shown in  FIG.  4   ), including an airtight sealing structure. Accordingly, the airflow from fan assembly  110   a  will not exit housing  102  through section  132   d , but rather through  132   c . As a result, the air driven into housing  102  can flow over the heated bodies that are closer to fan assembly  110   b  and positioned above section  132   c  of grill  130 . In order to prevent unwanted air circulation of heated air back into housing  102 , section  132   e  is also covered by a sealing structure, including an airtight sealing structure. As a result, fan assembly  110   b  is less likely to drive, or prevented from driving, heated air exiting through section  132   c  of grill  130  back into housing  102  through section  132   b  of grill  130 . Accordingly, sections  132   a ,  132   b , and  132   c  may each be referred to as an uncovered section in which air is permitted to pass into or out of housing  102  through sections  132   a ,  132   b , and  132   c , while sections  132   d  and  132   e  may each be referred to as a covered section in which air is blocked from passing into or out of housing  102  through sections  132   d  and  132   e.    
       FIG.  5    illustrates a partial cross sectional view of electronic device  100 , showing circuit board  124  positioned between housing  102  and shield  116 . As shown, shield  116  is secured with a housing wall  134 , or simply wall, of housing  102  by a fastener  136 . Also, in order to separate circuit board  124  from housing wall  134 , electronic device  100  further includes a standoff  138 . Fastener  136  may couple with standoff  138 . In some embodiments, fastener  136  and standoff  138  are each made from an electrically conductive material, such as a metal (e.g., copper or steel). In this regard, shield  116  and circuit board  124  may be electrically grounded to housing  102  by way of fastener  136  and standoff  138 . Although not shown, several fasteners and standoffs may be incorporated into electronic device  100  in a similar manner. 
     As shown, circuit board  124  is separated from not only housing wall  134 , but also shield  116 . As a result, air (represented by an arrow) driven by fan assembly  110   a  passes over both a surface  140   a  and a surface  140   b  of circuit board  124 , and heated components located on surfaces  140   a  and  140   b  can be convectively cooled by fan assembly  110   a . Fan assembly  110   b  (not shown in  FIG.  5   ) can also drive air over surfaces  140   a  and  140   b . Further, a sealing structure  142   a  covers a portion of grill  130 . Sealing structure  142   a  may include an airtight sealing structure with an adhesive feature to secure with grill  130 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an isometric view of electronic device  100 , showing additional sealing structures covering grill  130 . As shown in an enlarged view  144   a , a sealing structure  142   b  partially covers grill  130 , and in an enlarged view  144   b , a sealing structure  142   c  partially covers grill  130 . Sealing structures  142   b  and  142   c  may include any features previously described for sealing structure  142   a  (shown in  FIG.  5   ). Accordingly, sealing structures  142   b  and  142   c  may include airtight sealing structures. Based upon the placement of sealing structures  142   b  and  142   c , section  132   b  (an air intake location) is defined. Further, based upon the placement of sealing structure  142   c , section  132   c  (an air output location) at least partially defined. 
     Also, electronic device  100  includes a thermally conductive assembly. The thermally conductive assembly includes one or more thermally conductive components designed to draw heat away from one or more heat-generating components (not shown in  FIG.  6   ). As shown, the thermally conductive assembly includes a heat sink  146 , as well as a fin stack  148   a  and a fin stack  148   b . The heat sink  146  draw thermal energy, by thermal conduction, from one or more heat-generating components located on circuit board  124 , such as integrated circuit  126  (shown in  FIG.  4   ). The thermally conductive assembly further includes a thermal conduit  150  that can provide a thermal path for thermal energy received by heat sink  146 . Thermal conduit  150  can transfer thermal energy from heat sink  146  to fin stacks  148   a  and  148   b.    
     Also, the thermally conductive components of the thermally conductive assembly are generally aligned with section  132   c , and vice versa. In this regard, airflow from fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b , and in particular, fan assembly  110   a  (shown in  FIG.  4   ), is biased to the thermally conductive assembly, as the sealing structure  142   b  covers grill  130  in a location where the airflow would otherwise exit electronic device  100 . As a result, the amount of airflow over thermally conductive assembly increases, thereby increasing the cooling efficiency within electronic device  100 . This may enhance the overall user experience of electronic device  100 , as the components of electronic device  100  are less susceptible to damage through overheating, and the processing components (not shown in  FIG.  6   ) may not sufficiently increase in temperature so as to cause the processing components to reduce their processing capabilities until the temperature of the processing components decrease. 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    show additional sealing structures used to form airtight seals between shield  116  and housing  102 , as well as between shield  116  and other components.  FIG.  7    illustrates an enlarged isometric view of electronic device  100 , showing modifications to shield  116 . As shown in the enlarged view, shield  116  includes an indentation  152   a  and an indentation  152   b . Indentations  152   a  and  152   b  defined a bend formed in shield  116  to accommodate flexible circuits in electronic device  100 . For example, indentation  152   a  provides additional space for flexible circuit  118   a  and a flexible circuit  118   c  to pass under shield  116  to electrically couple with circuit board  124  (shown in  FIG.  4   ). Indentation  152   b  provides additional space for a flexible circuit  118   d  to pass under shield  116  to electrically couple with circuit board  124 . In order to prevent air leaking out of shield  116 , electronic device  100  further include a sealing structure  142   d  that fills a gap between shield  116  and flexible circuits  118   a ,  118   c , and  118   d . As a result, airflow from fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) is less susceptible to (or prevent from) leaking through shield  116 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates an enlarged isometric view of electronic device  100 , showing additional seals between shield  116  and fan assembly  110   b . As shown, a gasket assembly  158  is secured with fan assembly  110   b  and shield  116 . Gasket assembly  158  may provide an airtight seal between fan assembly  110   b  and shield  116 . Further, gasket assembly  158  may include a conductive gasket  160   a  and a conductive gasket  160   b . Conductive gaskets  160   a  and  160   b  may each include an electrically conductive material, and accordingly, fan assembly  110   b  can be electrically grounded to shield  116  by gasket assembly  158 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a plan view of electronic device  100 , showing airflow from the fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  passing through electronic device  100 . As shown, fan assemblies  110   a  and  110   b  drive air (represented by arrows), in the form of ambient air, into housing  102  through sections  132   a  and  132   b , respectively, of grill  130 . The air subsequently passes over circuit board  124  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) and the thermally conductive assembly (shown in  FIG.  6   ), such that the air convectively cools the components on circuit board  124  and thermally conductive assembly. Then, the air leaves housing  102  via section  132   c  of grill  130 . The sealing structures  142   b  and  142   c  (shown in  FIG.  6   ) can bias the components that contain a relatively high amount of thermal energy, such as integrated circuit  126  (shown in  FIG.  4   ) and the aforementioned thermally conductive assembly. Further, the aforementioned sealing structures limit or prevent the heated air from extending to other locations of housing  102 . As a result, the heated air is confined to a predetermined location (defined in part by shield  116 ), and efficiently passes out of housing  102 . 
       FIG.  10 A  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  200 , showing a shield  216  modified to form a grill  230 . Electronic device  200  may include any features previously described for an electronic device. As shown, electronic device  200  includes a housing  202  and shield  216  coupled with housing  202 , with shield  216  combining with housing  202  to surround a circuit board  224 . Contrary to the prior embodiment, shield  216  is modified to form grill  230 . In this regard, shield  216  is extended and bent to couple housing  202 , with grill  230  defining several openings in shield  216 . By modifying shield  216  to form grill  230 , grill  230  can be formed without modifications to housing  202 . 
       FIG.  10 B  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  300 , showing an additional structure integrated to form a grill  330 . Electronic device  300  may include any features previously described for an electronic device. As shown, electronic device  300  includes a housing  302  and a shield  316  coupled with housing  202 , with shield  316  combining with housing  302  to surround a circuit board  324 . Electronic device  300  may further include a plate  364  that defines a grill  330 . Contrary to prior embodiments, plate  364  may define an additional structure fabricated prior to assembly independently housing  302  and shield  316 . In this regard, plate  364  may decrease manufacturing times and provide a low-cost alternative. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an explode view of alternate embodiment of an electronic device  400 , showing a shield  416  and fan assemblies integrated with shield  416 . Electronic device  400  may include any features described herein for an electronic device. As shown, electronic device  400  includes a fan assembly  410   a  and a fan assembly  410   b . Fan assemblies  410   a  and  410   b  are integrated with shield  416  as a sub-assembly that can be installed with a housing  402  of electronic device  400 , and in particular, over a circuit board  424  installed in housing  402 . Fan assemblies  410   a  and  410   b  may be secured with shield  416  by similar methods previously described, such as through airtight sealing structures. By integrating fan assemblies  410   a  and  410   b  with shield  416 , the process for assembly may be more efficient as opposed to assembling individual parts with housing  402 . 
     Also, housing  402  may include a grill  430  with a different pattern of openings. As shown, grill  430  includes an opening  466   a , an opening  466   b , and an opening  466   c . Openings  466   a  and  466   b  may define air intake locations for fan assemblies  410   a  and  410   b , respectively, while opening  466   c  defines an air output location. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  500 , showing a different number of fans used in electronic device  500 . Although not shown, electronic device  500  may include several features previously described for an electronic device, including a housing and a display, as non-limiting examples. As shown, electronic device  500  includes a fan assembly  510 , representing a single fan assembly of electronic device  500 . A single fan assembly may provide several advantages. For instance, electronic device  500  may include a smaller form factor and/or fewer parts, based on fan assembly  510  being the sole fan assembly. 
     Fan assembly  510  may include similar features as prior embodiments of fan assemblies. For instance, fan assembly  510  may include a fan housing (not labeled). In this manner, electronic device  500  may include a shield  516  designed to cover a circuit board  524  and seal with fan assembly  510 . Also, shield  516  may be modified to also seal with regions of circuit board  524  such that fan assembly  510  drives air, in a closed volume, over components (partially shown) positioned on circuit board  524 . 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    illustrate an alternate embodiment of a shield  616 , showing multiple components integrated with shield  616 . As shown, shield  616  includes a housing  672  in which several components are disposed. For example, housing  672  holds a fan assembly  610   a  and a fan assembly  610   b , as well as a circuit board  624  and a thermal component  674  (positioned between fan assemblies  610   a  and  610   b ). Thermal component  674 , which may include a fin stack, is located along an opening  676  of housing  672 . Fan assemblies  610   a  and  610   b , during operation, drive ambient air into housing  672 , whereby the air flows over circuit board  624  and heat-generating components (not shown) located on circuit board  624 , and carries the thermal energy from aforementioned heat-generating components to thermal component  674 . As shown in  FIG.  13   , the air (represented arrows) pass over thermal component  674 . When thermal component  674  draws thermal energy from a heated body (not shown), the airflow from fan assemblies  610   a  and  610   b  convectively cool thermal component  674 , thereby allowing thermal component  674  to continue to draw thermal energy from the heated body. By integrating fan assemblies  610   a  and  610   b , as well as thermal component  674 , into housing  672 , the process for assembly may be more efficient as opposed to assembling individual parts with a housing of an electronic device. Additionally,  FIG.  14    shows thermal component  674  coupled to housing  672  by a base  678 . Base  678  may include a relatively low thermally conductive material, such as an adhesive (as a non-limiting example), that not only secures thermal component  674  with housing  672  but also provides a thermal barrier between thermal component  674  and housing  672 . In particular, base  678  can prevent direct contact between thermal component  674  and housing  672 . In this manner, any thermal energy received by thermal component  674  is less likely to spread into housing  672 . 
     Similar to prior embodiments, shield  616  is positioned over circuit board  624 . In this manner, while thermal component  674  can draw thermal energy from one or more integrated circuits of circuit board  624 , housing  672 , when formed from a metal, provides an EMI barrier, and prohibits transmission of EMI. Accordingly, shield  616  may provide compact sub-assembly that contributes to a more efficient assembly of an electronic device described herein. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  700 , showing a shield  716  and a thermal component  776  integrated with electronic device  700 . Electronic device  700  may include any features described herein for an electronic device. As shown, electronic device  700  includes a circuit board  724  covered by shield  716 . Further, an integrated circuit  726  is positioned on circuit board  724 , and coupled with thermal component  776 . Integrated circuit  726  and thermal component  776  may be coupled by an adhesive  778 , which may include a thermally conductive adhesive. 
     Thermal component  776  may include a heat pipe designed to draw thermal energy from integrated circuit  726 . In this regard, thermal energy can be transported through thermal component  776 , and in particular, an opening defined by thermal component  776 . Additionally, shield  716  is positioned over, and extends lengthwise along, thermal component  776 . As a result, in some instances, shield  716  can draw thermal energy from thermal component  776  through, for example, heat vapor transfer. By aligning thermal component  776  with shield  716  in this manner, the respective surface areas of shield  716  and thermal component  776  are more efficiently utilized for thermal energy transmission/dissipation. Alternatively, or in combination, a heat pipe (not shown in  FIG.  15   ) may be integrated with electronic device  700  between thermal component  776  and shield  616  in order to improve convective heat flow from thermal component  776  to shield  716 . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  800 , showing a shield  816  modified to form a thermal component  876 . Electronic device  800  may include any features described herein for an electronic device. As shown, electronic device  800  includes a circuit board  824  covered by shield  816 . Further, an integrated circuit  826  is positioned on circuit board  824 , and coupled with thermal component  876 . Integrated circuit  826  and thermal component  876  may be coupled by an adhesive  878 , which may include a thermally conductive adhesive. 
     Unlike prior embodiments, shield  816  includes multiple shield components. As shown, shield  816  includes a shield component  880   a  and a shield component  880   b . Further, shield component  880   b  forms a thermal component  876 , which may include a heat pipe designed to draw thermal energy from integrated circuit  826 . In this regard, thermal energy can be transported through thermal component  876 . In some instances, thermal energy can be transported shield components  880   a  and  880   b  through conduction. When shield components  880   a  and  880   b  are coupled with a housing of an electronic device (not shown in  FIG.  16   ), shield components  880   a  and  880   b  can dissipate thermal energy to the housing. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  900 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The features in electronic device  900  may be present in other electronic devices described herein. Electronic device  900  may include one or more processors  910  for executing functions of the electronic device  900 . One or more processors  910  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. Also, one or more processors  910  can refer to application specific integrated circuits. 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  900  can include a display unit  920 . Display unit  920  is capable of presenting a user interface that includes icons (representing software applications), textual images, and/or motion images. In some examples, each icon can be associated with a respective function that can be executed by one or more processors  910 . In some cases, display unit  920  includes a display layer (not illustrated), which can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode display (LED), or the like. According to some embodiments, display unit  920  includes a touch input detection component and/or a force detection component that can be configured to detect changes in an electrical parameter (e.g., electrical capacitance value) when the user&#39;s appendage (acting as a capacitor) comes into proximity with display unit  920  (or in contact with a transparent layer that covers the display unit  920 ). Display unit  920  is connected to one or more processors  910  via one or more connection cables  922 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  900  can include one or more sensors  930  capable of provide an input to one or more processors  910  of electronic device  900 . One or more sensors  930  may include a temperature sensor, a capacitive sensor, and magnetic field sensors, as a non-limiting example. One or more sensors  930  is/are connected to one or more processors  910  via one or more connection cables  932 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  900  can include one or more input/output components  940 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  940  can refer to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user. When one or more input/output components  940  are used, one or more input/output components  940  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to one or more processors  910  via one or more connection cables  942 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  900  can include a power supply  950  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of electronic device  900 . In some examples, power supply  950  can refer to a rechargeable battery. Power supply  950  can be connected to one or more processors  910  via one or more connection cables  952 . The power supply  950  can be directly connected to other devices of electronic device  900 , such as one or more input/output components  940 . In some examples, electronic device  900  can receive power from another power source (e.g., an external charging device). 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  900  can include memory  960 , which can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within memory  960 . In some cases, memory  960  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. Memory  960  can also include a Random Access Memory (“RAM”) and a Read-Only Memory (“ROM”). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the electronic device  900 . In some embodiments, memory  960  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium. One or more processors  910  can also be used to execute software applications. In some embodiments, a data bus  962  can facilitate data transfer between memory  960  and one or more processors  910 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  900  can include wireless communications components  970 . A network/bus interface  972  can couple wireless communications components  970  to one or more processors  910 . Wireless communications components  970  can communicate with other electronic devices via any number of wireless communication protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), or the like. In some examples, the wireless communications components  970  can communicate using NFC protocol, BLUETOOTH® protocol, or WIFI® protocol. 
     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 the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the 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. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20201204
Publication Date: 20240130
Grant Date: 20240130
Priority Date: 20200811
Inventors: GARELLI, ADAM T.
WANG, PAUL X.
PATEL, POOJA B.
RUNDLE, NICHOLAS A.
PRATHER, ERIC R.
LEE, SIMON S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20145", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20154", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0037", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/182", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1631", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/182", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/182", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20145", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/20", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/20154", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K9/0037", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80224100