PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10156874-B2
Application Number: US-201615146825-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Thermal features of an electronic device and method for forming an electronic device including thermal features

Abstract:
This application relates to thermal management of a computing device using various features that can dissipate and direct thermal energy. In some embodiments, a thermal insert is set forth for separating a component from a cover glass of the computing device. The thermal insert can be attached to a frame of the computing device by insert molding the thermal insert to the frame. In other embodiments, a graphite strip can be disposed across different surfaces within the computing device in order to direct thermal energy away from a component of the computing device. In yet other embodiments, a thermal spreader and thermally conductive adhesive can be disposed over different surfaces of the computing device. For example, the thermal spreader and thermally conductive adhesive can be used to direct thermal energy away from a backlight of the computing device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computing device having a camera component that outputs thermal energy, the computing device comprising:
 a frame comprising an opening; 
 a thermal insert that at least partially closes the opening and is secured to the frame; and 
 a cover glass coupled to the frame, 
 wherein the thermal insert is disposed between the camera component and the cover glass and configured to direct the thermal energy away from the cover glass. 
 
     
     
       2. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal insert is at least partially composed of molybdenum. 
     
     
       3. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal insert at least partially extends into the frame. 
     
     
       4. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal insert includes at least one hole through which an interlocking portion of the frame extends. 
     
     
       5. The computing device of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one hole includes a chamfered edge. 
     
     
       6. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal insert includes at least one tab that extends into the frame. 
     
     
       7. The computing device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a stiffener layer disposed between the thermal insert and the camera component that is arranged to secure the camera component to a housing of the computing device. 
 
     
     
       8. The computing device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a gap over which a portion of the thermal insert extends. 
     
     
       9. A thermal management system for a computing device, the thermal management system comprising:
 a thermal spreader configured to absorb thermal energy emitted by a component of the computing device; and 
 an adhesive disposed between the thermal spreader and an internal surface of the computing device, wherein the thermal spreader and the adhesive are arranged to direct the thermal energy away from the component. 
 
     
     
       10. The thermal management system of  claim 9 , wherein the component comprises a backlight component of a display assembly of the computing device, the thermal management system further comprising:
 a flexible connector configured to connect to a surface of a light emitting diode (LED) included in the backlight component, wherein the surface of the LED opposes a cover glass of the computing device. 
 
     
     
       11. The thermal management system of  claim 10 , wherein the flexible connector extends between the surface of the LED and the thermal spreader. 
     
     
       12. The thermal management system of  claim 9 , wherein the thermal management system includes at least two thermal spreaders that extend across different non-coplanar surfaces of the computing device. 
     
     
       13. The thermal management system of  claim 9 , wherein the adhesive is a graphite infused adhesive. 
     
     
       14. A method for assembling a computing device, the method comprising:
 attaching a thermal insert to a frame of the computing device; and 
 attaching a cover glass to the frame such that a component of the computing device is at least partially separated from the cover glass by the thermal insert. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein attaching the thermal insert includes inserting the thermal insert into a cavity of the frame. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the thermal insert is insert molded into the frame after the thermal insert is inserted into the cavity of the frame. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the thermal insert is at least partially composed of molybdenum, and attaching the thermal insert to the frame includes laying the thermal insert at least partially over a gap of the frame. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 applying a graphite infused adhesive to a surface of the computing device. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 disposing a thermal spreader over the graphite infused adhesive to bond the thermal spreader to the surface of the computing device. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 connecting a flexible connector to a light emitting diode (LED) array of the computing device such that the flexible connector at least partially extends between the thermal spreader and the LED array.

Description:
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/214,614, entitled “THERMAL FEATURES OF A MOBILE DEVICE” filed Sep. 4, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to features of a mobile device that promote heat dissipation and reduce hot spots at the mobile device. More particularly, some of the embodiments herein relate to structural features that manage and direct heat emitted from a camera and a display backlight of the mobile device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A mobile device can incorporate a variety of electrical components that can generate heat, which can travel throughout the mobile device and reach external surfaces of the mobile device. When heat builds up within a mobile device, the mobile device may be programmed to throttle certain functions of the mobile device, thereby limiting the performance of the mobile device. If heat is not managed adequately within the mobile device, throttling can occur more often than necessary, which can diminish the user experience because of a lack of reliability of the mobile device. Moreover, if heat is not mitigated at certain locations of the mobile device, external surfaces of the mobile device may cause discomfort for any user that is touching the mobile device. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to features for improving thermal management of a computing device. In some embodiments, a computing device is set forth as having a component that outputs thermal energy. The computing device can include a frame that has an opening. Additionally, the computing device can include a thermal insert that at least partially closes the opening and is secured to the frame. Furthermore, the computing device can include a cover glass coupled to the frame, and the thermal insert can be configured to direct the thermal energy away from the cover glass. The thermal insert can be at least partially composed of molybdenum and extend at least partially into a surface of the frame. 
     In other embodiments, a thermal management system is set forth. The thermal management system can include a thermal spreader configured to absorb thermal energy emitted by a component of the computing device. Additionally, the thermal management system can include an adhesive disposed between the thermal spreader and an internal surface of the computing device. The thermal spreader and the adhesive can be arranged to direct thermal energy away from the component. In some embodiments, the thermal management system can include a flexible connector configured to connect to a surface of a light emitting diode (LED). The surface of the LED can be arranged to oppose a cover glass of the computing device. 
     In yet other embodiments, a method for assembling a computing device is set forth. The method can include the steps of attaching a thermal insert to a frame of the computing device, and attaching a cover glass to the frame such that a component of the computing device can be at least partially separated from the cover glass by the thermal insert. The thermal insert can be incorporated into a cavity of the frame and thereafter insert molded into the cavity. The method can further include steps of applying a graphite infused adhesive to a surface of the computing device and disposing a thermal spreader over the graphite infused adhesive to bond the thermal spreader to the surface of the computing device. Furthermore, the method can include connecting a flexible connector to a light emitting diode (LED) array of the computing device such that the flexible connector at least partially extends between the thermal spreader and the LED array. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate perspective views of a computing device that includes a cover glass and a camera. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a section of a frame of the computing device near the camera. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate cross sectional views and of the computing device discussed herein, and how thermal energy can be handled in different embodiments of the computing device. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate perspective views of steps for attaching a thermal insert to a frame that can be included in the computing device. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate perspective views of steps for attaching a thermal insert to a frame that can be included in the computing device. 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate an embodiment of a frame that can interlock with the thermal insert prior to the thermal insert being insert molded to the frame. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate exploded views of embodiments of thermal spreaders and adhesives that can be used to direct heat away from a cover glass of a computing device. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a method for assembling a computing device to have a thermal insert between a component and a cover glass of the computing device. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a method for incorporating a thermal spreader and thermally conductive adhesive into a computing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     Many mobile devices incorporate heat generating components such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), cameras, and processors, which provide some of the most frequently used features of mobile device. Because such heat generating components are actively outputting heat during much of the lifetime of a mobile device, controlling the flow of heat within the mobile device can be essential to ensuring a comfortable user experience. For example, when heat is not adequately controlled within a mobile device, hot spots can form on external surfaces of the mobile device, rendering the mobile device uncomfortable to touch. Additionally, when heat builds up within a mobile device, certain subsystems and components within the mobile device may be programmed to throttle when the temperature of the mobile device is elevated. As a result, performance of the mobile device may be intentionally limited as the temperature of the mobile device increases, thereby briefly hindering the utility of the mobile device. The embodiments discussed herein are provided as features for better managing thermal energy within a mobile device. 
     In some embodiments, a thermal insert is incorporated near a component of the mobile device for capturing and spreading thermal energy that is generated by the component, and to avoid the thermal energy being incident upon an exterior surface the mobile device. In some embodiments, the thermal insert is disposed between a cover glass of the mobile device and a camera of the mobile device, such that the thermal insert absorbs and spreads some of the thermal energy away from the camera. The thermal insert can be attached to a frame of the mobile device that holds the cover glass when the mobile device is assembled. The frame can initially include an opening for the thermal insert, which can be hooked into the frame using one or more hooks provided in the thermal insert. The thermal insert can at least partially extend through a cross section of the frame in order to secure thermal insert to the frame, as well as brace the camera against the frame and a housing of the mobile device. The thermal insert can have a thickness suitable for dispensing enough thermal energy so as to not promote throttling of the camera or other component to which the thermal insert is proximate. In some embodiments, the thermal insert can be 0.15 to 0.2 millimeters thick. However, in other embodiments, the thermal insert can be less than 0.15 millimeters thick or greater than 0.2 millimeters thick. The thermal insert can be made from a metal such as molybdenum or a metal alloy that includes molybdenum. However, it should be noted that the thermal insert can be made from any material suitable for dissipating and/or directing thermal energy output by a component of a computing device. When connected to the frame, the thermal insert can appear flush with the frame using chamfered openings of the thermal insert, which can be used to connect the thermal insert to the frame. Furthermore, the thermal insert can include angled edges and/or one or more non-coplanar surfaces in order to connect the thermal insert to the frame while providing additional space for the camera or other component from which the thermal insert is absorbing thermal energy. 
     In some embodiments, a graphite strip is disposed between the cover glass and the camera in order to spread heat that is generated by the camera. In this way, less heat is absorbed by the cover glass. The graphite strip can be a die cut piece of graphite that can be connected to the frame of the mobile device and/or to the thermal insert discussed herein. In some embodiments the graphite strip is connected to a ceramic layer of a camera assembly of the mobile device. The camera assembly can include one or more graphite layers and one or more ceramic layers that are stacked in an alternating arrangement. In this way, a thermally conductive material (e.g., graphite) would be exchanging heat with an insulating material (e.g., ceramic) as a way to better direct and manage thermal energy generated by the camera of the camera assembly. In some embodiments, the camera assembly can also include a stiffener layer for holding the camera in place. The graphite strip can be disposed between the stiffener layer and the frame, and/or between the stiffener layer and a sensor of the camera. 
     The display of the mobile device can also generate heat that can travel to the cover glass, given the purpose of the display is to project light through the cover glass. When a display incorporates a backlight, the backlight can generate heat that can localize according to where the backlight is within the mobile device. For backlights that include light emitting diodes (LEDs) on one or more sides of the display, the LEDs can be a substantial source of thermal energy that is absorbed by the cover glass. The LEDs can receive power from flexible connectors, which can also absorb thermal energy generated by the LEDs. However, in order to mitigate the amount of thermal energy traveling from the LEDs to the cover glass, the flexible connectors can be arranged on a side of the LEDs that is opposite the cover glass. In this way, the flexible connectors will avoid collecting thermal energy between the cover glass and LEDs, and, rather, distribute the thermal energy to another region of the mobile device. In order to further help distribute and dissipate thermal energy generated by the LEDs, thermal spreaders can be incorporated in the mobile device. The thermal spreaders can be connected to one or more surfaces of the mobile device by a thermally conductive adhesive. The thermally conductive adhesive can be any adhesive incorporating thermally conductive particles. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive can be a graphite infused adhesive. 
     During assembly of the mobile device, the thermally conductive adhesive can be applied to an internal surface of the mobile device near the LEDs of the backlight. A thermal spreader can be disposed over the adhesive to collect thermal energy from the LEDs. In order to dissipate the heat generated from the LEDs, additional thermal spreaders and thermally conductive adhesive can be incorporated into the mobile device to create a path for heat to travel. For example, the heat spreaders and thermally conductive adhesive can extend across one or more surfaces of the mobile device, away from the cover glass. The path of the thermally conductive adhesive and the thermal spreaders can be in a similar direction as the flexible connectors for the LEDs. In this way, the thermal conductivity of the flexible connectors can be leveraged in order to further help dissipate and redirect the thermal energy generated by the LEDs. Improvements in the dissipation of thermal energy can be exhibited when the backlight is operating at maximum brightness. By improving heat dissipation of the backlight, a user is able to operate the mobile device at a higher brightness for a longer period of time without causing the mobile device to throttle certain subsystems of the mobile device based on the temperature of the mobile device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-9 ; 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. 1A  illustrates a perspective view  100  of computing device  102  with a cover glass  108 . The computing device  102  can be any type of device including, but not limited to, a cellular phone, laptop, media player, desktop computer, watch, display, or any other suitable device that can exhibit thermal energy. The cover glass  108  can be illuminated at least in part by a backlight made up of one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that have an adjustable brightness. During operation, the LEDs can emit thermal energy, which can be absorbed by the cover glass  108  causing the cover glass  108  to heat up. When a user of the computing device  102  is touching the cover glass  108 , the heat of the cover glass  108  can be perceived by the user and cause the user much discomfort. Additionally, as heat builds up at the computing device  102 , certain features of the computing device  102  can be throttled in order to reverse the buildup of heat. In order to better manage and dissipate heat at the computing device  102 , the computing device can incorporate various heat dissipating features that can direct heat away from the cover glass  108 . Additionally, because the signals for operating the LEDs can be provided through a flexible connection within the computing device  102 , the flexible connection can connect to the LEDs on a side of the LEDs opposite the cover glass  108 . In this way, because the flexible connection can also absorb and direct heat, more heat will be directed away from the cover glass  108 . 
     Other areas where heat can build up include areas near a camera  106  of the computing device  102 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . Specifically,  FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view  104  of the camera  106  on a side of the computing device  102  that is opposite the cover glass  108 . As the camera  106  is used to capture photographs and videos, a sensor of the camera  106  can emit thermal energy, which can travel to other areas of the computing device  102  such as the cover glass  108 . In order to direct and dissipate heat away from the camera  106  and the LEDs of the backlight, the computing device  102  can include thermal spreaders that are attached to internal surfaces of the computing device  102 . The thermal spreaders can be attached to the internal surfaces of the computing device  102  using a graphite infused adhesive, which can also direct and dissipate heat away from certain components of the computing device  102 . To further collect and dissipate heat, one or more thermal inserts can be disposed between the camera  106  and the cover glass  108  in order to capture thermal energy generated by the camera  106  and direct the thermal energy away from the cover glass  108 , as further discussed herein. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view  200  of a section of a frame  202  of the computing device  102  near the camera  106 . Specifically, the  FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of the computing device  102  that includes the frame  202  having a frame region  204  disposed between the cover glass  108  and the camera  106 . The frame region  204 , illustrated as the region of the frame  202  within the dotted lines of the frame  202 , can be made from the same material as the rest of the frame  202 . In this way, some of the heat generated by the camera  106  can be received by the frame region  204 , and thereafter distributed to the rest of the frame  202  in order to help direct the heat away from the cover glass  108 . However, in order to help distribute and dissipate the heat generated by the camera  106 , the frame region  204  can be at least partially removed to create a gap that can include one or more thermally conductive layers, as discussed herein. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate cross sectional views  300  and  302  of the computing device  102  discussed herein. Specifically,  FIG. 3A  illustrates how thermal energy  322  generated from a sensor  310  of a camera assembly  314  can traverse the frame region  204  of the frame  202  and be absorbed by the cover glass  108 . The camera assembly  314  can include a lens assembly  312  that extends through a housing  304  of the computing device  102 . Furthermore, the camera assembly  314  can include a stiffener  306  for ensuring that a flexible connection  308  to the sensor  310  is secure during the lifetime of the computing device  102 . The stiffener  306  can also act to absorb and dissipate heat away from the cover glass  108 . However, it may be desirable to include one or more additional layers between the cover glass  108  and the camera assembly  314  in order to further help direct the thermal energy  322  away from the cover glass and housing  304  of the computing device  102 . For example,  FIG. 3B  illustrates a cross sectional view  302  of the computing device  102  that incorporates a thermal insert  316  and/or a thermal strip  320  for directing and dissipating the thermal energy  322  from the camera assembly  314 . Specifically,  FIG. 3B  illustrates a thermal insert  316  that can be disposed over a surface of the frame  202 , and extend partially into the frame using one or more tabs  318  of the thermal insert  316 . The thermal insert  316  can be made from any thermally conductive material that is capable of providing a rigid structure with which to support the cover glass  108  of the computing device  102 . For example, in some embodiments the thermal insert  316  can be made from molybdenum or an alloy that includes molybdenum. The thermal insert  316  can traverse a gap in the frame  202  in order to provide additional clearance for the camera assembly  314  and other parts of the computing device  102 . The thermal insert  316  can be insert molded into the frame  202  such that the thermal insert  316  appears flush with the frame  202 . The tab  318  can be an optional portion of the thermal insert  316 , and can be used to anchor the thermal insert  316  into the frame, as well as promote a path for thermal energy  322  to move away from the cover glass  108 . The thermal strip  320  can also be provided in the computing device  102  in order to collect and dissipate heat generated by the camera assembly  314 . The thermal strip  320  can be made from graphite, a graphite composite material, or any other material suitable for dissipating heat from a source of thermal energy. The thermal strip  320  can be a strip of material that is disposed between the stiffener  306  and the flexible connection  308 , between the stiffener  306  and the frame  202 , between the thermal insert  316  and the cover glass  108 , and/or between the sensor  310  and the lens assembly  312 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate perspective views  400 ,  402 , and  404  of steps for attaching a thermal insert  406  to a frame  408  that can be included in the computing device  102 . Specifically,  FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view  400  of the thermal insert  406  before the thermal insert  406  is attached to the frame  408 . During assembly of the computing device  102 , which can include the thermal insert  406  and the frame  408 , the thermal insert  406  can be placed through each slot  410 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . Specifically,  FIG. 4B  illustrates a perspective view  402  of the thermal insert  406  disposed through the slots  410  before the thermal insert  406  is insert molded to the frame  408 . The slots  410  can be formed from the same material as the frame  408  in order that the frame  408  and the slots  410  will form around the thermal insert  406  once the insert molding process of the frame has completed, as illustrated in  FIG. 4C . Specifically,  FIG. 4C  illustrates a perspective view  404  of the thermal insert  406  insert molded into the frame  408 . Once the thermal insert  406  is insert molded into the frame  408 , insert braces  412  will extend over the thermal insert  406  to secure the thermal insert  406  to the frame  408 . The insert braces  412  are portions of the slots  410 , which are molded over the thermal insert  406  during the insert molding process. As a result, thermal energy emitted from the camera  106  will be collected at the thermal insert  406  and directed into the frame  408 , rather than the thermal energy traveling to the cover glass  108  of the computing device  102 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate perspective views  500 ,  502 , and  504  of steps for attaching a thermal insert  406  to a frame  508 . Specifically,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view  500  of the thermal insert  406  before the thermal insert  406  is attached to the frame  508 . During assembly of the computing device  102 , which can include the thermal insert  406  and the frame  508 , the thermal insert  406  can be placed through each slot  410  as well as into each cavity  506 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5B . Each cavity  506  can extend into a surface of the frame  508  at an angle that is perpendicular to the frame  508  or not perpendicular to the frame  508 . Furthermore, a width of each cavity  506  can be at least equal to a thickness of the thermal insert  406 .  FIG. 5C  illustrates a perspective view  504  of the thermal insert  406  molded to the frame  508 , such that the thermal insert  406  at least partially extends into the frame  508 . Once the thermal insert  406  is inserted into the frame  508 , insert braces  510  will extend over the thermal insert  406  to secure the thermal insert  406  to the frame  508 . In some embodiments, the slots  410  can be optional features of the frame  508  such that the cavities  506  are only relied upon to attach the frame  508  to the thermal insert  406  during the insert molding process. Furthermore, although only the thermal insert  406  is illustrated in some figures as the mechanism for collecting thermal energy from the camera, other layers and features can be included with the thermal insert  406  to further assist in dissipating thermal energy from the camera  106 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate an embodiment of a frame  616  that can interlock with the thermal insert  606  prior to the thermal insert  606  being insert molded to the frame  616 . Specifically,  FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view  600  of the thermal insert  606 , which can include one or more holes  608  for receiving an interlock  614  of a frame  616 . The interlock  614  can be incorporated onto a surface of the frame  616 , which can represent any of the frames discussed herein. For example, the interlock  614  can be incorporated onto a surface of the frame  616  where the thermal insert  606  is to be disposed. In some embodiments, the interlock  614  is disposed into a cavity discussed herein with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 5A-5C . In this way, the thermal insert  606  will extend into the cavity of the frame  616  while an interlock  614  at least partially extends through a hole  608  of the thermal insert  606 . In other embodiments, the interlock  614  is disposed on a surface of the frame  616  that is not within the cavity. The thermal insert  606  can include on or more tabs  610 , which can also include one or more holes  608 . The tabs  610  can extend into a cavity of the frame  616  and a hole  608  on a tab  610  can receive an interlock  614  of the frame  616  in order to keep the thermal insert  606  secured to the frame  616 . The thermal insert  606  can further include at least two non-coplanar surfaces separated by an inclined region  612  that can extend away from the frame  616  when the thermal insert  606  is attached to the frame  616 .  FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross sectional view  602  of an interlock  614  of the frame  616  extending through a hole  608  of the thermal insert  606 . In some embodiments, one or more holes  608  of the thermal insert  606  can be chamfered. However, in other embodiments, an edge of one or more of the holes  608  can be curved or include a right angle. During assembly of the computing device  102 , in which the frame  616  and the thermal insert  606  is to be incorporated, the interlock  614  can be molded to lock onto thermal insert  606 , as provided in  FIG. 6C . Specifically,  FIG. 6C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the interlock  614  molded to form to a portion of the hole  608  provided in  FIG. 6B . In this way, the interlock  614  will prevent the thermal insert  606  from disconnecting from the frame  616 . Additionally, the interlock  614  can act as a thermal pathway from the thermal insert  606  to the frame  616 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate exploded views  700  and  714  of embodiments of thermal spreaders  706  and adhesives  710  that can be used to direct heat away from a cover glass  108  of a computing device  708 . Specifically,  FIG. 7A  illustrates an embodiment of an LED array  702  that acts as a backlight for a display assembly  716  (shown in  FIG. 7B ). The LED array  702  can be connected to a flexible connector  704  that is arranged on a side of the LED array  702  opposite the cover glass  108 . In this way, less thermal energy emitted by the LED array  702  will be collected between the cover glass  108  and the LED array  702  compared to if the flexible connector  704  was arranged between the LED array  702  and the cover glass  108 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , the flexible connector  704  can connect to the LED array over surfaces of the LED array  702  and the display assembly  716  that oppose the cover glass  108 .  FIGS. 7A and 7B  also illustrate how thermal spreaders  706  and adhesives  710  can be used to direct thermal energy from the LED array  702  and away from the cover glass  108 . For example a thermal spreader  706  can extend over a surface of the LED array  702  that opposes the cover glass  108 . The thermal spreaders  706  can be made of any material suitable for collecting and directing thermal energy away from a source of thermal energy. For example, in some embodiments the thermal spreaders  706  can be at least partially composed of graphite. The thermal spreaders  706  can be disposed over an adhesive  710 , which can also direct heat away from a source of thermal energy. For example, in some embodiments the adhesive  710  is a graphite infused adhesive. The adhesive  710  can be disposed between various surfaces of the computing device  708  and the thermal spreaders  706 . In this way, the adhesive  710  will adhere the thermal spreaders  706  to the computing device  708  while also directing thermal energy away from a source of thermal energy. Some space can be left open on different surfaces of the computing device  708 , as illustrated by surface  712 , which includes the adhesive  710  and the thermal spreaders  706  on some, but not all, portions of the surface  712 . It should be noted that the embodiments described with respect to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  can be combined with any of the embodiments discussed with respect to  FIGS. 1A-6C . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a method  800  for assembling a computing device to have a thermal insert between a component and a cover glass of the computing device. The method  800  can be performed by any apparatus or manufacturing device suitable for assembling a computing device. The method  800  can include a step  802  of attaching a thermal insert to a frame of a computing device. The thermal insert can be attached to the frame using insert molding. Additionally, the thermal insert can be any of the thermal inserts discussed herein. For example, the thermal insert can be a molybdenum insert that is disposed within a portion of the frame. The method  800  can further include a step  804  of disposing a cover glass over the thermal insert and the frame. Additionally, the method  800  can include a step  806  of connecting a component to the computing device on a side of the thermal insert opposite the cover glass. The component can be any component capable of generating thermal energy during operation of the computing device. By including the thermal insert between the cover glass and the component, the thermal insert can limit the amount of thermal energy incident upon the cover glass from the component. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a method  900  for incorporating a thermal spreader and thermally conductive adhesive into a computing device. The method  900  can be performed by any apparatus or manufacturing device suitable for assembling a computing device. The method  900  can include a step  902  of disposing a thermally conductive adhesive onto an internal surface of a computing device. The thermally conductive adhesive can be any adhesive suitable for directing thermal energy away from a source of thermal energy. For example, the thermally conductive adhesive can be a graphite infused adhesive. The method  900  can further include a step  904  of placing a thermal spreader over the thermally conductive adhesive. The thermal spreader can also be made from any material, such as graphite, suitable for directing thermal energy away from a source of thermal energy. Additionally, the method  900  can include a step  906  of connecting a component to the computing device such that thermal energy from the component is received by the thermal spreader and adhesive. By including the thermal spreader and the thermally conductive adhesive, hot spots on external surfaces of the computing device can be avoided by directing thermal energy away from the hot spots. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160504
Publication Date: 20181218
Grant Date: 20181218
Priority Date: 20150904
Inventors: HOOTON, LEE E.
SPRAGGS, IAN A.
RAMMAH, MARWAN
REIGHTLER, SETH
KAKUDA, Tyler
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/203", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58190324