PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11388826-B2
Application Number: US-202017033419-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Surface modifications for enhanced adhesion between components

Abstract:
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a display or desktop computing device with a display. The electronic device may be part of a system that includes a stand designed to support the electronic device, and further allow the electronic device to rotate to different positions. In order to control the relative rotational movement of the electronic device, a friction member is secured with the electronic device by an adhesive. The rotation, however, exerts shear forces on the friction member and the adhesive. In order to prevent delamination of the friction member from the housing due to the shear forces, the housing is modified to include protruding elements that penetrate, or extend into, the adhesive. The protruding elements can mechanically interlock with the adhesive to offset the shear forces, and also created additional surface with which the adhesive can bond.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a display; 
 a housing coupled with the display, the housing comprising:
 a back wall formed from a first type material, and 
 protruding elements extending from the back wall; 
 
 an adhesive layer disposed on the back wall, wherein the protruding elements extend into the adhesive layer; and 
 a friction member formed from a second type material different than the first type material, the friction member secured with the back wall by the adhesive layer. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the back wall defines a first surface texture and the protruding elements define a second surface texture different from the first surface texture. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the back wall defines a recess, and the protruding elements are disposed on the back wall at the recess. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the recess comprises a circular recess having a center, and the protruding elements comprise:
 a first row of protruding elements extending radially from the center; and 
 a second row of protruding elements extending radially from the center. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the first row of protruding elements comprise:
 a first protruding element comprising a first tip oriented in a first direction; and 
 a second protruding element comprising a second tip oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the friction member comprises a circular friction member positioned on the back wall at the circular recess. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a magnet disposed in the housing and aligned with the friction member. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plate secured to the adhesive layer, wherein the friction member is disposed on the plate. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device, comprising:
 a display; 
 a housing coupled with the display, the housing comprising:
 sidewalls, 
 a back wall that combines with the sidewalls to define an internal volume, the back wall comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, 
 protruding elements disposed on the back wall and extending from the first surface, 
 
 an adhesive layer disposed on the first surface, the adhesive layer covering the protruding elements; 
 a magnet disposed in the internal volume and secured with the second surface, the magnet configured to magnetically couple with a magnet of a stand; and 
 a friction member secured with the back wall by the adhesive layer, the friction member configured to engage at least one of the magnet or the stand. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the protruding elements extend into the adhesive layer. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the first surface defines a circular recess, 
 the protruding elements are disposed on the first surface at the circular recess, and 
 the friction member comprises a circular friction member disposed on the first surface at the circular recess. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the circular recess defines a center, and the protruding elements comprise:
 a first row of protruding elements extending radially from the center; and 
 a second row of protruding elements extending radially from the center. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the protruding elements are arranged in a first circular pattern and a second circular pattern that surrounds the first circular pattern. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the protruding elements in the first circular pattern comprise:
 a first protruding element comprising a first tip oriented in a first direction; 
 a second protruding element comprising a second tip oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the protruding elements extend into the friction member. 
     
     
       16. An electronic device, comprising:
 a display; 
 a housing coupled with the display, the housing comprising:
 a back wall, 
 a first protruding element extending from the back wall, the first protruding element comprising a first tip oriented in a first direction; 
 a second protruding element extending from the back wall and adjacent to the first protruding element, the second protruding element comprising a second tip oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction; 
 
 an adhesive layer disposed on the back wall, wherein the first protruding element and the second protruding element extend into the adhesive layer; 
 a plate secured with the back wall by the adhesive layer; and 
 a friction member secured with the plate. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the first protruding element and the second protruding element at least partially define a row of protruding elements. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the first protruding element and the second protruding element at least partially define a circular pattern of protruding elements. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 16 , further comprising a magnet disposed in the housing and aligned with the friction member. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the plate comprises a metal layer.

Description:
FIELD 
     The following description relates to surface modifications that receives an adhesive. In particular, the following description relates to enhancements of a substrate surface that increases the bond/adhesion strength between an adhesive and the substrate, thus improving retention of a structure adhered to the substrate by the adhesive. The substrate surface may include modifications, such as a barbed surface or otherwise textured surface, that increases the surface energy of the substrate, thereby increasing the bond between the adhesive and the substrate. The techniques described herein improve the bond between two parts, particularly when the parts are made dissimilar materials. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Adhesives can be used to secure together two parts. Ideally, the parts provide sufficient surface energy such that the adhesive is well-bonded to each part. However, the material makeup of some parts may not provide sufficient surface energy, particularly when one of the parts is exposed to a shear force. As a result, the shear force, applied repeatedly over time, overcomes bond between the adhesive and the (relatively low) surface energy part, and the two parts become disassembled. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may further include a housing coupled with the display. The housing may include a back wall formed from a first type material, such as a metal (including aluminum, as a non-limiting example). The housing may further include protruding elements extending from the back wall. The electronic device may further include an adhesive layer disposed on the back wall. The protruding elements may extend into the adhesive layer. The electronic device may further include a friction member formed from a second type material different than the first type material. For example, the friction member may include a polymer (e.g., rubber) or some other non-metal. The friction member can be secured with the back wall by the adhesive layer. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may further include a housing coupled with the display. The housing may include sidewalls. The housing may further include a back wall that combines with the sidewalls to define an internal volume. The back wall may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The housing may further include protruding elements disposed on the back wall. The protruding elements may extend from the first surface. The electronic device may further include an adhesive layer disposed on the first surface. The adhesive layer may cover the protruding elements. The electronic device may further include a magnet disposed in the internal volume and secured with the second surface. The magnet may be configured to magnetically couple with a magnet of a stand. The electronic device may further include a friction member secured with the back wall by the adhesive layer. The friction member may be configured to engage at least one of the magnet or the stand. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device is described. The electronic device may include a display. The electronic device may further include a housing coupled with the display. The housing may include a back wall. The housing may further include a first protruding element extending from the back wall. The first protruding element may include a first tip oriented in a first direction. The housing may further include a second protruding element extending from the back wall and adjacent to the first protruding element. The second protruding element may include a second tip oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. The electronic device may further include an adhesive layer disposed on the back wall, wherein the first protruding element and the second protruding element extend into the adhesive layer. The electronic device may further include a plate secured with the back wall by the adhesive layer. The electronic device may further include a friction member secured with the plate. 
     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 stand; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the stand shown in  FIG. 3 , showing an exemplary movement of the stand; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device connected to the stand, showing exemplary movement of the electronic device using the stand; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing additional features of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device, showing the features used to secure the friction member with the housing; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 6 , taken along line  8 - 8 , showing the friction member secured with the housing; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the housing, showing several protruding elements and their associated orientations; 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate cross sectional views of the electronic device, showing the orientation of the protruding elements and the associated benefits; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of the back wall, showing the layout of the protruding elements; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a back wall, showing an alternate layout for protruding elements; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a back wall, showing yet another layout for protruding elements; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a back wall, showing protruding elements with a different shape; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing protruding elements extending into a friction member; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an electronic device, showing a housing with an alternate layout of protruding elements; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing friction members located on a base portion of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device, showing friction members located on a stand of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an embodiment of an accessory device; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a cross sectional view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 20 , taken along line  21 - 21 , showing a substrate with protruding elements; and 
         FIG. 22  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 enhancements to an electronic device to improve the retention of a structure with a housing of the electronic device. The structure may include a friction member, or friction pad, bonded to the housing by an adhesive. The housing can be modified to include a textured surface, or barbed surface, defined by several protruding elements that increase the surface energy of the housing and provide additional surface area with which the adhesive can bond. In this regard, the adhesive can bond and mechanically interlock with the protruding elements, in addition to bonding with the flat surrounding surface of the housing. In some instances, the protruding elements (defining features that extend from the housing) are oriented, or pointed, in different directions, and as a result, provide additional support to the adhesive by countering forces exerted on the friction member in different directions. 
     The electronic device and the stand are formed from one type of material (e.g., metal(s)), and the friction member may include a different type of material, such as a polymer material (e.g., rubber). In this regard, the friction member may provide a generally scratch-resistant buffer between the electronic device and the stand. Additionally, the friction member allows the electronic device to rotate on a stand (e.g., to a “portrait” or “landscape” orientation). When the display is orientated according to the user&#39;s desired orientation, the friction member provides sufficient frictional engagement with the stand such that the display remains in the desired orientation and will not rotate until the user applies a rotational force to the electronic device. In this regard, the friction member may be in constant contact with the stand, thus controlling the rotation of the electronic device while remaining frictionally engaged with the stand. 
     While the friction member provides multiple benefits, externally applied forces (e.g., shear forces or torsional forces) exerted on the friction member during rotation of the electronic device may cause the friction member to fall off over time. Also, when the electronic device is pulled apart from the stand, the friction member (having been engaged with the stand) may be at least partially adhered to the stand, creating yet another force acting to remove the friction member from the electronic device. Also, metals generally provides sufficient surface energy for adhesive bonding, non-metals may not. For instance, the polymer material that forms the friction member may include a relative low surface energy. However, the protruding elements can overcome the low surface energy of the friction member. As a result, the manufacturer is generally free to select from several different materials for the electronic device housing and/or the friction member. In to further improve the bonding, in some exemplary embodiments, the friction member is over molded to a sheet metal layer, and the sheet metal layer (having higher surface energy than that of the friction member) is bonded to the adhesive. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-22 . 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  includes a desktop computing device. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  100  includes a standalone display designed to communicate with an external electronic device (not shown), such as a desktop computing device or laptop computing device, as non-limiting examples. 
     Electronic device  100  may include a housing  102 , or enclosure. Housing  102  may include several sidewalls (such as a sidewall  104 , representative of additional sidewalls) and a back wall (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The back wall and sidewalls combine to define an internal volume, or space, that holds components, such as processing circuitry (e.g., central processing unit, graphics processing unit, integrated circuits), memory circuits, fans, audio speakers, microphones, cameras, batteries, and flexible circuitry to electrically couple together the components. Housing  102  may include a metal, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, as non-limiting examples. 
     Electronic device  100  may further include a display  106 . Display  106  may include a liquid crystal display or a light-emitting diode display, as non-limiting examples. Display  106  is designed to provide visual information in the form of textual information, still images, and/or motion (video) images. In order to support electronic device  100 , a stand  108  can couple with housing  102 . Stand  108  is designed to support electronic device  100  in different orientations. This will be shown and described below. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing additional features of electronic device  100 . As shown, housing  102  includes a back wall  110  that is designed to connect to stand  108 . Back wall  110  and sidewall  104  (as well as other sidewalls) may be integrally formed from a monolithic material. Electronic device  100  includes a port  112  aligned with an opening of back wall  110 . Port  112  (representative of additional ports) is designed to electrically couple electronic device  100  with an external electronic device. Port  112  may be designed in accordance with an industry standard, such as Universal Serial Bus (“USB”), including USB-C, as non-limiting examples. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of stand  108 . As shown in the enlarged view, stand  108  includes a connection module  114  designed to couple with back wall  110  of electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Connection module  114  may include a magnet  116  designed to magnetically couple with a magnet of electronic device  100 . Magnet  116  may be an exposed magnet, or alternative, magnet  116  may be covered by a structure (e.g., plate) of connection module  114 . Connection module  114  may further include a latch mechanism  118   a , a latch mechanism  118   b , and a latch mechanism  118   c . Each of latch mechanisms  118   a ,  118   b , and  118   c  are designed to mechanically couple with electronic device  100 . In this regard, stand  108  can be attached to, and removed from, electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of stand  108  shown in  FIG. 3 , showing an exemplary movement of stand  108 . As shown, stand  108  includes a column  120  that is coupled with connection module  114  by a pivot mechanism  122 . Pivot mechanism  122  allows connection module  114  to move in directions defined by the arrows. Accordingly, when electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is connected to stand  108  by connection module  114 , electronic device  100  is capable of moving in the directions defined by the arrows. 
     Stand  108  can promote additional movement for electronic device  100 . For example,  FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of electronic device  100  connected to stand  108 , showing exemplary movement of electronic device  100  using stand  108 . As shown, stand  108  allows electronic device  100  to rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise as indicated by an arrow  124   a  (representing two different directions), and vertically (e.g., up and down) as indicated by an arrow  124   b  (representing two different directions). Accordingly, electronic device  100 , and in particular display  106 , can be oriented in several different ways. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of electronic device  100 , showing additional features of electronic device  100 . In order to mechanically couple with latch mechanism  118   a ,  118   b , and  118   c  of connection module  114  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), electronic device  100  may include an undercut region  126 . Also, electronic device  100  includes a friction member  128 , or friction pad, secured with back wall  110  of housing  102 . Friction member  128  may include a polymer, such as rubber, or some other non-metal material(s) with a relatively high coefficient of friction. Accordingly, housing  102  may include a first type material (e.g., aluminum) and friction member  128  may include a second type material. While electronic device  100  can rotate relative to stand  108 , friction member  128  provides frictional engagement with connection module  114  such that electronic device  100  remains in a desired position/orientation when a rotational force is no longer applied. Additionally, friction member  128  provides some control of the rotational movement of electronic device  100 , as friction member  128  may be in constant contact (and thus frictional engagement) with stand  108 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of electronic device  100 , showing the features used to secure friction member  128  with housing  102 . In order to secure friction member  128  with housing  102 , an adhesive layer  130  can bond with friction member  128  and housing  102 . Friction member  128  may be disposed on a metal layer (shown later), or plate, with greater surface energy than that of friction member  128 , thus improving the retention force of friction member  128  with housing  102  by using a surface of the metal layer as an adhesive bonding surface with adhesive layer  130 . 
     Additionally, back wall  110  includes a recess  132  that provides a sub-flush surface for friction member  128  and adhesive layer  130 . As shown, recess  132  includes a circular recess that generally matches the size and shape as that of friction member  128 . In this regard, the design (e.g., size and shape) of recess  132  can change to match that of friction member  128 . 
     While adhesive layer  130  provides bonding strength to hold friction member  128 , housing  102  can be modified to increase the retention of friction member  128 . For example, housing  102  may include several protruding elements  134  extending from back wall  110  of housing  102 . As shown, protruding elements  134  include a protruding element  136   a , a protruding element  136   b , and a protruding element  136   c  (representative of additional protruding elements). Protruding elements  136   a ,  136   b , and  136   c  may be referred to as a first protruding element, a second protruding element, and a third protruding element, respectively. Collectively, protruding elements  134  may define a textured surface or a barbed surface. In this regard, protruding elements  134  define a surface texture that is rougher than the remaining surface texture of back wall  110 . For example, back wall  110  may primarily include a surface texture defined by an anodized aluminum surface, as a non-limiting example. However, protruding elements  134  are generally raised/elevated surface features as compared to the remaining surface features of back wall  110 . Accordingly, the surface texture defined by protruding elements  134  is substantially different than the remaining surface texture of back wall  110 . 
     Based on their location, protruding elements  134  are covered by adhesive layer  130  when friction member  128  is assembled with back wall  110  by adhesive layer  130 . When assembled, protruding elements  134  extend into adhesive layer  130 . In this regard, protruding elements  134  provide mechanical features that assist adhesive layer  130  in countering or offsetting forces exerted on friction member  128 . For example, shear forces exerted on friction member  128  during rotation of electronic device  100  (exemplified in  FIG. 5 ) in the direction of arrow  124   a . Additionally, protruding elements  134  may provide additional surface area with which adhesive layer  130  bonds. 
     Protruding elements  134  may be formed in several ways. For example, a tool (not shown) with several pins can engage back wall  110 , and when the tool is twisted, the pins can dig into back wall  110  can extract material from back wall  110  (without fully penetrating through back wall  110 ) to form protruding elements  134 . Alternatively, protruding elements  134  can be formed during the cutting operation for housing  102 . As another example, protruding elements  134  may be formed as part of a modified mold cavity and mold core used to create housing  102 . These methods should be construed as exemplary and not limiting. Also, it should be noted that based on the formation of protruding element  134 , protruding elements  134  may be integrally formed with (e.g., from the same substrate as) housing  102 , and in particular, back wall  110 . 
     Also, in order to further couple housing  102  with stand  108  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), electronic device  100  includes a magnet  138 . Magnet  138  is located internally within housing  102 , and can magnetically couple with magnet  116  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of stand  108 . Magnet  138  can couple internally within housing  102  (i.e., back wall  110 ) by adhesives, fasteners, soldering, or welding, as non-limiting examples. Also, based on their relative positions, friction member  128  and adhesive layer  130  may be disposed on one (outer) surface of back wall  110  of housing  102 , while magnet  138  may be disposed on another (inner) surface of back wall  110  of housing  102 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 6 , taken along line  8 - 8 , showing friction member  128  secured with housing  102 . As shown in the enlarged view, friction member  128  is secured with back wall  110  of housing  102  by adhesive layer  130 . Also, a plate  140  is with friction member  128 . Plate  140  may include a metal layer/substrate, including a sheet metal layer. Friction member  128  can bond with plate  140  by, for example, over molding friction member  128  to plate  140 . Plate  140  can provide an increased surface area, relative to friction member  128 . As a result, plate  140 , when bonded with adhesive layer  130  (as shown), provides an increased retention force for friction member  128 , as opposed to bonding friction member  128  directly to adhesive layer  130 . 
     Also, adhesive layer  130  is bonded to protruding elements  136   a ,  136   b , and  136   c , as well as the protruding elements  134  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). As shown, protruding elements  136   a ,  136   b , and  136   c  extend into adhesive layer  130 , thus providing additional surface area for bonding. Additionally, protruding elements  136   a ,  136   b , and  136   c  each defines a body that can assist in countering shear forces exerted on friction member  128  during rotational movement of electronic device  100 . As a result, protruding elements  136   a ,  136   b , and  136   c  increase the likelihood of friction member  128  remaining secured with back wall  110  despite external forces exerted on friction member  128 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an enlarged isometric view of housing  102 , showing several protruding elements and their associated orientations. As shown, protruding elements  136   a  and  136   c  are formed in a manner such that their respective tips, or end regions, are oriented in one direction, while protruding element  136   b  is formed in a manner such that its tip, or end region, is oriented in another direction. In some embodiments, protruding elements  136   a  and  136   c  are oriented in a direction that is opposite the direction of protruding element  136   b . In this regard, protruding elements  136   a ,  136   b , and  136   c  are oriented to assist adhesive layer  130  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) in withstanding forces in different directions, such as the aforementioned shear forces provided during rotational movement in directions represented by arrow  124   a  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). For instance, protruding elements  136   a  and  136   c  can be oriented to counter shear forces in a counter-clockwise direction, while protruding element  136   b  can be oriented to counter shear forces in a clockwise direction. Referring again to  FIG. 7 , it should be noted that protruding elements  134  (representing all protruding elements of located on housing  102 ) can be oriented in one of the directions represented by protruding element  136   a  or protruding element  136   b.    
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate cross sectional views of electronic device  100 , showing the orientation of the protruding elements and the associated benefits.  FIG. 10  shows protruding element  136   a  with a tip  142   a , or end region, oriented in a direction denoted by an arrow  144   a . Based on the orientation of tip  142   a , protruding element  136   a  can counter a shear force in a direction denoted by an arrow  146   a . As shown, arrows  144   a  and  146   a  are in opposing directions. Conversely,  FIG. 11  shows protruding element  136   b  with a tip  142   b , or end region, oriented in a direction denoted by an arrow  144   b . Based on the orientation of tip  142   b , protruding element  136   b  can counter a shear force in a direction denoted by an arrow  146   b . As shown, arrows  144   b  and  146   b  are in opposing directions. Accordingly,  FIGS. 10 and 11  show protruding elements  136   a  and  136   b  with tips  142   a  and  142   b , respectively, oriented in opposing directions. Protruding elements  136   a  and  136   b  (representing protruding elements  134  in  FIG. 7 ) are designed (collectively) to counter shear forces that are exerted on friction member  128  in two different, or opposing, directions. As a result, adhesive layer  130  is less susceptible to breakdown and can hold friction member  128  despite external forces acting on friction member  128 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of back wall  110 , showing the layout of the protruding elements  134 . As shown, recess  132  includes a center  150 , or center point. Accordingly, center  150  defines a central point of recess  132 . Protruding elements  134  are arranged in rows that extend radially outward from center  150 . For example, protruding elements  136   a ,  136   b , and  136   c  (representative of the remaining protruding elements) are in a row that extends radially from center  150 . 
     Alternatively, protruding elements  134  can be described as being arranged in circular patterns that extend around center  150 . For example, protruding element  136   a  is one of several protruding elements (not labeled) that lie on a circular pattern  148   a . Also, protruding element  136   b  is one of several protruding elements (not labeled) that lie on a circular pattern  148   b . Further, protruding element  136   c  is one of several protruding elements (not labeled) that lie on a circular pattern  148   c . Circular patterns  148   a ,  148   b , and  148   c  may define concentric circles (with respect to center  150 ), with circular pattern  148   b  surrounding circular pattern  148   c , and circular pattern  148   a  surrounding circular patterns  148   b  and  148   c . While protruding elements  134  are shown as being both aligned in a row that extends radially outward and in circular patterns, in some exemplary embodiments, protruding elements  134  may be aligned in only one of a (radially outward) row or a circular pattern. 
     Also, in some embodiments, adjacent protruding elements are oriented in the same direction. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , adjacent protruding elements are oriented in opposite directions. For example, protruding elements  136   a  and  136   b  (adjacent to each other) are in the same row but oriented in opposite directions, and protruding elements  136   b  and  136   c  are in the same row but oriented in opposite directions. Accordingly, protruding elements  136   a ,  136   b , and  136   c  are designed (collectively) to counter shear forces that are exerted on friction member  128  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) in two different such as the directions denoted by arrows  146   a  and  146   b . Similarly, a protruding element  136   d , adjacent to protruding element  136   a  along circular pattern  148   a , is oriented in the opposite direction as that of protruding element  136   a . Accordingly, adjacent protruding elements located on the same circular pattern may be oriented in opposite directions. In either event, protruding elements  134  are oriented to counter/offset forces in multiple directions. 
       FIGS. 13-17  show and describe different housings (or back walls of housings). The housings may be integrated (or substituted) with electronic devices shown and described herein. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a back wall  210 , showing an alternate layout for protruding elements  234 . As shown, protruding elements  234  are aligned in rows and extend radially outward from a center of a recess  232 . Further, each protruding element in a row of protruding elements are oriented in the same direction. For example, protruding elements  234  include a row of protruding elements  252   a  and a row of protruding elements  252   b , with each row representative of additional rows of protruding elements. However, each of the protruding elements in row of protruding elements  252   a  is oriented in one direction, while each of the protruding elements in row of protruding elements  252   b  is orientated in another, opposite direction as compared to the protruding elements in row of protruding elements  252   a . Accordingly, the layout of protruding elements  234  can counter/offset shear forces in two different directions, which may include two different rotational directions. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a back wall  310 , showing yet another layout for protruding elements  334 . As shown, protruding elements  334  are randomly distributed in terms of their respective position on back wall  310 . For example, protruding elements  334  include a protruding element  336   a  is oriented in one direction, and a protruding element  336   b  orientated in a different direction as compared to protruding element  336   a . Generally, the orientation/direction of protruding elements  336   a  and  336   b  may differ in any manner, including (but not limited to) opposing directions. Accordingly, based on the random layout of protruding elements  334 , the layout of protruding elements  334  can counter/offset shear forces in many different directions. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a  410  back wall, showing protruding elements  434  with a different shape. As shown, protruding elements  434  are aligned in rows and extend radially outward from a center of a recess  432 . Further, each protruding element is aligned in a row of protruding elements. For example, protruding elements  434  include a row of protruding elements  452  (representative of additional rows of protruding elements). However, unlike the (generally) triangular shape of protruding elements in prior embodiments, each protruding element in row of protruding elements  452  includes a cylindrical shape. As shown, protruding elements  434  are perpendicular with respect to back wall  410 . However, in some embodiments (not shown), protruding elements  434  are angled/tilted to counter/offset shear forces in a particular direction(s). Other shapes (e.g., four-sided, oblong) are also possible. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  500 , showing a protruding element  536  extending into a friction member  528 . As shown, electronic device  500  includes a back wall  510  and a friction member  528  secured with back wall  510  by an adhesive layer  530 . Further, protruding element  536  (representative of additional protruding elements, not shown, that may be oriented in a similar or different manner) extends from back wall  510 . Similar to a prior embodiment (shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ), protruding element  536  includes a tip  542 , or end region, that extends into adhesive layer  530 . However, as shown, protruding element  536  extends through adhesive layer  530  such that tip  542  extends into, or penetrates, friction member  528 . As a result, protruding element  536  may provide not only support to adhesive layer  530  in terms of countering shear forces, but may also provide direct support to friction member  528  through mechanical interlocking. Moreover, due in part to protruding element  536  extending into friction member  528 , friction member  528  may not require a plate (such as plate  140 , shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an exploded view of an electronic device  600 , showing a housing  602  with an alternate layout of protruding elements  634 . Electronic device  600  may include features previously described for an electronic device. As shown, electronic device  600  includes a friction member  628  that is secured with housing  602  by an adhesive layer  630 . Protruding elements  634  extend from a back wall  610  of housing  602 . In particular, protruding elements  634  are oriented/arranged in several directions. In this manner, protruding elements  634  can counter/offset shear forces applied to friction member  628  in multiple, different directions, including shear forces directed in rotational and linear directions. 
     The layout of protruding elements in a manner to protruding elements  634  may provide additional benefits to electronic devices, based on their location on the electronic device. For example,  FIGS. 18 and 19  show electronic devices with friction members in different locations. The friction members shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  can be secured using protruding elements with features similar to those described in  FIG. 17 . Accordingly, although not shown,  FIGS. 18 and 19  may each include a component with one or more sets of protruding elements, with each set similar in design and layout as that of protruding elements  634  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). Additionally, each component (e.g., housing or stand) of the electronic devices shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  may include a metal, while each friction member shown and described in  FIGS. 18 and 19  may include a polymer (e.g., rubber). 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  700 , showing friction members located on a base portion  756  of electronic device  700 . Electronic device  700  may include a laptop computing device. In this regard, electronic device  700  may include a display housing  754  rotationally coupled with base portion  756 . Display housing  754  carries a display  758  designed to present visual information. Base portion  756  includes a keyboard  760  and track pad  762 , each designed to provide inputs that alter visual information presented on display  758 . 
     Additionally, base portion  756  includes several friction members on a bottom surface. For example, base portion  756  includes a friction member  728   a  and a friction member  728   b  (representative of additional protruding members, not shown). Friction members  728   a  and  728   b  are positioned as a support or buffer between base portion  756  and a surface (e.g., desk, table). Accordingly, friction members  728   a  and  728   b  can protect base portion  756  against scratching or other damage. 
     Based on their location, friction members  728   a  and  728   b  can undergo shear forces when electronic device  700  slides across a surface. Moreover, due to electronic device  700  being able to slide in virtually any direction along a two-dimensional plane, base portion  756  may include several sets of protruding elements with a layout similar to the layout of protruding elements  634  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). Generally, one set of protruding elements is formed on base portion  756  for each friction member. Accordingly, friction members  728   a  and  728   b  are more likely to remain secured with base portion  756 , as the protruding elements can counter/offset shear force in many different directions. 
     In another example,  FIG. 19  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an electronic device  800 , showing friction members located on a stand  808  of electronic device  800 . Electronic device  800  may include a display, similar to electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, electronic device  800  may include a housing  802  that carries a display  806 . Also, electronic device  800  is adapted to couple with a stand  808  such that housing  802  can rotate relative to stand  808 . 
     Further, stand  808  includes several protruding members on a bottom surface. For example, stand  808  includes a friction member  828   a , a friction member  828   b , a friction member  828   c , and a friction member  828   d . Friction members  828   a ,  828   b ,  828   c , and  828   d  are positioned as a support or buffer between stand  808  and a surface (e.g., desk, table). Accordingly, friction members  828   a ,  828   b ,  828   c , and  828   d  can protect stand  808  against scratching or other damage. 
     Similar to friction members  728   a  and  728   b  (shown in  FIG. 18 ), friction members  828   a ,  828   b ,  828   c , and  828   d  can undergo shear forces when electronic device  800  slides across a surface. Also, stand  808  may include several sets of protruding elements with a layout similar to the layout of protruding elements  634  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). Generally, one set of protruding elements is formed on stand  808  for each friction member. Accordingly, friction members  828   a ,  828   b ,  828   c , and  828   d  are more likely to remain secured with stand  808 , as the protruding elements can counter/offset shear force in many different directions. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an embodiment of an accessory device  960 . As shown, accessory device  960  is designed for use with portable electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablet computing devices. In this regard, accessory device  960  may include an internal volume  962 , or space, to hold a portable electronic device. Accessory device  960  may include a back wall  964  and sidewalls (including a sidewall  966   a  and a sidewall  966   b ) that define internal volume  962 . 
     Accessory device  960  may be formed from two or more materials. For example,  FIG. 21  illustrates a cross sectional view of accessory device  960  shown in  FIG. 20 , taken along line  21 - 21 , showing a substrate  968  with protruding elements. In some embodiments, substrate  968  includes a polymer material, such as a polycarbonate or other rigid plastic. Also, accessory device  960  may include an outer layer  970  that covers multiple surfaces of substrate  968 , including back wall  964  and sidewalls  966   a  and  966   b . Outer layer  970  may include silicone, as a non-limiting example. Accordingly, substrate  968  and outer layer  970  can be formed from different materials. 
     As shown in the enlarged view, substrate  968  includes a protruding member  936   a  (representative of additional protruding elements) located on one surface of substrate  968 , as well as a protruding member  936   b  (representative of additional protruding elements) located on another surface of substrate  968 . Protruding members  936   a  and  936   b  are designed to provide additional surface area with which outer layer  970  bonds. Accordingly, the retaining force provided to outer layer  970  (to remain with substrate  968 ) may be increased based on protruding members  936   a  and  936   b . Although not shown, protruding member (similar to protruding members  936   a  and  936   b ) may be formed along any regions of back wall  964  and/or sidewalls  966   a  and  966   b.    
       FIG. 22  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  1000 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The features in electronic device  1000  may be present in other electronic devices described herein. Electronic device  1000  may include one or more processors  1010  for executing functions of the electronic device  1000 . One or more processors  1010  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  1010  can refer to application specific integrated circuits. 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  1000  can include a display unit  1020 . Display unit  1020  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  1010 . In some cases, display unit  1020  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  1020  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  1020  (or in contact with a transparent layer that covers the display unit  1020 ). Display unit  1020  is connected to one or more processors  1010  via one or more connection cables  1022 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  1000  can include one or more sensors  1030  capable of provide an input to one or more processors  1010  of electronic device  1000 . One or more sensors  1030  may include a temperature sensor, a capacitive sensor, and magnetic field sensors, as a non-limiting example. One or more sensors  1030  is/are connected to one or more processors  1010  via one or more connection cables  1032 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  1000  can include one or more input/output components  1040 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  1040  can refer to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user. When one or more input/output components  1040  are used, one or more input/output components  1040  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to one or more processors  1010  via one or more connection cables  1042 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  1000  can include a power supply  1050  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of electronic device  1000 . In some examples, power supply  1050  can refer to a rechargeable battery. Power supply  1050  can be connected to one or more processors  1010  via one or more connection cables  1052 . The power supply  1050  can be directly connected to other devices of electronic device  1000 , such as one or more input/output components  1040 . In some examples, electronic device  1000  can receive power from another power sources (e.g., an external charging device). 
     According to some embodiments, the electronic device  1000  can include memory  1060 , 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  1060 . In some cases, memory  1060  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. Memory  1060  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  1000 . In some embodiments, memory  1060  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium. One or more processors  1010  can also be used to execute software applications. In some embodiments, a data bus  1062  can facilitate data transfer between memory  1060  and one or more processors  1010 . 
     According to some embodiments, electronic device  1000  can include wireless communications components  1070 . A network/bus interface  1072  can couple wireless communications components  1070  to one or more processors  1010 . Wireless communications components  1070  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  1070  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: 20200925
Publication Date: 20220712
Grant Date: 20220712
Priority Date: 20200925
Inventors: LEE, SIMON S.
FARRELL, Lauren M.
HAQUE, RAISUL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "F16M11/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16M11/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1631", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1601", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80821974