PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9282652-B2
Application Number: US-201414568936-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Portable computing device with a housing secured by a magnetic element and related method

Abstract:
Magnetic elements and attractors may be employed to secure a top case and a bottom case of a housing of a personal computing device. The magnetic elements may include a magnet that produces a magnetic field and a shunt. The shunt may direct the magnetic field through an opening to a pocket in which the magnet is received. Accordingly, flux leakage may be reduced and the bottom case may be secured to the top case. Magnetic elements and attractors may also be employed to secure a lid portion of the portable computing device to the housing thereof. These magnetic elements and attractors may be centered with respect to proximal and distal edges thereof

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A housing for a portable computing device, the housing comprising:
 a top case having a pocket protruding from an inner surface of the top case, the pocket positioned within a central region of the top case and having a shape and size for accommodating a magnetic element configured to produce a magnetic field; and 
 a bottom case that cooperates with the top case when in a secured configuration to define a volume for accommodating components of the portable computing device, the bottom case including a magnetic attractor that magnetically couples with the magnetic element of the top case aligning the top case relative to the bottom case and maintaining a shape of the top case and the bottom case when in the secured configuration. 
 
     
     
       2. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein edges of the top case are aligned with edges of the bottom case when the magnetic attractor is magnetically coupled with the magnetic element. 
     
     
       3. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to be hingedly coupled to a lid portion of the portable computing device. 
     
     
       4. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein a peripheral region of the top case is secured to the bottom case by a fastener when top case is secured to the bottom case. 
     
     
       5. The housing of  claim 4 , wherein the fastener is positioned proximate to a clutch assembly of the portable computing device, the clutch assembly configured to pivotally couple a lid portion of the portable computing device to the housing. 
     
     
       6. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein a peripheral region of the top case is secured to the bottom case by a plurality of fasteners positioned proximate one or more edges of the bottom case. 
     
     
       7. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic attractor defines a surface area that is larger than a surface area of the pocket. 
     
     
       8. The housing of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is part of a wall of the top case. 
     
     
       9. The housing of  claim 8 , wherein the wall separates at least two components within the volume, wherein the wall limits an amount of the magnetic field reaching the at least two components. 
     
     
       10. A portable computing device, comprising:
 a housing configured to be hingedly coupled to a lid portion of the portable computing device, the housing comprising:
 a first section having perimeter walls defining an interior region configured to accommodate internal components of the portable computing device, the first section having an internal wall positioned within the interior region, wherein the internal wall includes a magnetic element positioned therein configured to produce a magnetic field, and 
 a second section configured to couple with the first section and enclose the interior region, the second section including a magnetic attractor that magnetically couples with the magnetic element of the first section aligning the first section relative to the second section. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The portable computing device of  claim 10 , wherein the first section is secured to the second section by a fastener. 
     
     
       12. The portable computing device of  claim 11 , wherein fastener is within a peripheral region of the second section. 
     
     
       13. The portable computing device of  claim 10 , wherein the first section is shaped to accommodate one or both of a keyboard module and a touch sensitive device. 
     
     
       14. The portable computing device of  claim 10 , wherein the second section includes a plurality of fasteners that cooperate to mechanically couple the second section with the first section. 
     
     
       15. The portable computing device of  claim 14 , wherein a first portion of the plurality of fasteners is positioned proximate a first edge of the second section, and a second portion of the plurality of fasteners is positioned proximate a second edge of the second section opposite the first edge. 
     
     
       16. The portable computing device of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of fasteners is positioned at corner regions of the second section. 
     
     
       17. A method of forming a housing of a portable computer, the housing comprising a top case and a bottom case, the method comprising:
 positioning a magnetic element within a pocket of the top case, the pocket protruding from an inner surface of the top case and positioned within a central region of the top case, the magnetic element configured to produce a magnetic field; and 
 aligning the bottom case relative to the top case by magnetically coupling the magnetic element to a magnetic attractor of the bottom case, wherein when the bottom case and top case are aligned, the bottom case cooperates with the top case to define a volume configured to accommodate components of the portable computer. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein magnetically coupling the magnetic element to the magnetic attractor maintains a shape of the top case and the bottom case when in a secured configuration. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 securing the top case to the bottom case using a fastener. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , wherein the fastener is positioned within a peripheral region of the bottom case.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/492,725 filed Jun. 8, 2012 entitled “PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE WITH A HOUSING SECURED BY A MAGNETIC ELEMENT AND RELATED METHOD”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to portable computing device with a magnetic element, and more particularly to a portable computing device including a top case and a bottom case secured by a magnetic element and related method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable computing devices often employ housings formed at least in part by top and bottom cases. Various components of the portable computing devices may be stored therein. In this regard, the housing may provide the portable computing device with structure, define an ergonomic form factor, protect the internal components and/or or perform a variety of related functions. 
     The top case and the bottom case may be configured to be separable such that the internal components of the portable computing device may be serviced, replaced, upgraded, or otherwise accessed. Various embodiments of fasteners and attachment mechanisms may be employed to secure the top case and the bottom case together. However, existing embodiments of attachment mechanisms may be difficult to use. 
     Accordingly, improved portable computing devices and attachment mechanisms for housings thereof may be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Magnetic fastener arrangements are provided. The magnetic fasteners may comprise magnetic elements and attractors. The magnetic elements may be received in a pocket in a top case of a housing for a personal computing device. The attractors may be attached to, or integral with a bottom case for the personal computing device. The magnetic elements may include at least one magnet and a shunt. The magnet may produce a magnetic field configured to attract the attractor. The shunt may direct the magnetic field through an opening in the pocket such that the magnetic field may attract the attractor while reducing flux leakage. A Hall Effect sensor may be employed to detect when there is a change in the magnetic field associated with opening the rear cover. 
     Magnetic elements and attractors may also be employed to releasably secure a housing to a lid portion of a portable computing device. Magnetic elements and attractors may be respectively coupled to one of the lid portion and the housing. The magnetic elements and the attractors may be positioned substantially centered between the proximal and distal edges thereof such that the moment arm associated with the magnetic force is reduced. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with 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, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed apparatuses, assemblies, methods, and systems. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device in an open (lid) state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows the portable computing device of  FIG. 1  in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover and logo according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of the portable computing device in an open state according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows an external view of the bottom case of the portable computing device of  FIG. 1  or  3  according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  schematically illustrates a side view of a mechanical fastener according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a top case according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the alignment between an attractor and a magnetic element according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic element comprising one magnet and one shunt and an attractor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic element comprising a Halbach array and one shunt and an attractor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic element comprising two magnets and one shunt and an attractor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic element comprising one magnet sandwiched between two shunts and an attractor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  schematically illustrates a side view through a magnetic element comprising one magnet with an alternate polarization configuration and one shunt and an attractor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  schematically illustrates a side view through the magnetic element and attractor of  FIG. 8  further comprising a spring according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  schematically illustrates a side view through the magnetic element and attractor of  FIG. 8  further comprising a Hall Effect sensor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  schematically illustrates a method for magnetically coupling a top case and a bottom case according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to the presently described embodiments are provided 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 presently described embodiments can 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 presently described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     The following relates to a portable computing device such as a laptop computer, net book computer, tablet computer, etc. The portable computing device can include a multi-part housing having a top case and a bottom case joining at a reveal to form a base portion or housing. The portable computing device can have an upper portion (or lid) that can house a display screen and other related components whereas the housing can house various processors, drives, ports, battery, keyboard, touchpad and the like. The top case and the bottom case can each be joined in a particular manner at an interface region such that the gap and offset between top and bottom cases are not only reduced, but are also more consistent from device to device during the mass production of devices. These general subjects are set forth in greater detail below. 
     In a particular embodiment, the lid and housing can be pivotally connected with each other by way of what can be referred to as a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly can be arranged to pivotally couple the housing to the lid. The clutch assembly can include at least a cylindrical portion that in turn includes an annular outer region, and a central bore region surrounded by the annular outer region, the central bore suitably arranged to provide support for electrical conductors between the housing and electrical components in the lid. The clutch assembly can also include a plurality of fastening regions that couple the clutch to the housing and the lid of the portable computing device with at least one of the fastening regions being integrally formed with the cylindrical portion such that space, size and part count are minimized. 
     The top case can include a cavity, or lumen, into which a plurality of operational components can be inserted during an assembly operation. In the described embodiment, the operational components can inserted into the lumen and attached to the top case in an “top-bottom” assembly operation in which top most components are inserted first followed by components in a top down arrangement. For example, the top case can be provided and shaped to accommodate a keyboard module. The keyboard module can include a keyboard assembly formed of a plurality of keycap assemblies and associated circuitry, such as a flexible membrane on which can be incorporated a switching matrix and protective feature plate. Therefore, following the top-bottom assembly approach, the keyboard assembly is first inserted into the top case followed by the flexible membrane and then the feature plate that is attached to the top case. Other internal components can then be inserted in a top to bottom (when viewed from the perspective of the finished product) manner. 
     In one embodiment, the keyboard module can be configured in such a way that a keycap assembly can be used to replace a power switch. For example, in a conventional keyboard each of a top row of keycaps can be assigned at least one function. However, by re-deploying one of the keycaps as a power button, the number of operational components can be reduced by at least eliminating the switch mechanism associated with the conventional power button and replacing it with the already available keycap assembly and associated circuitry. 
     In addition to the keyboard, the portable computing device can include a touch sensitive device along the lines of a touch pad, touch screen, etc. In those embodiments where the portable computing device includes a touch pad the touch pad can be formed from a glass material. The glass material provides a cosmetic surface and is the primary source of structural rigidity for the touchpad. The use of the glass material in this way significantly reduces the overall thickness of the touchpad compared to previous designs. The touchpad can include circuitry for processing signals from a sensor associated with the touchpad. In one embodiment, the circuitry can be embodied as a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB can be formed of material and placed in such a way that provides structural support for the touchpad. Thus, a separate touchpad support is eliminated. 
     In one embodiment, the top case can be formed from a single billet of aluminum that is machined into a desired shape and size. The top case can include an integrated support system that adds to the structural integrity of the top case. The integrated support system can be continuous in nature in that there are no gaps or breaks. The integrated support system can be used to provide support for individual components (such as a keyboard). For example, the integrated support system can take the form of ribs that can be used as a reference datum for a keyboard. The ribs can also provide additional structural support due to the added thickness of the ribs. The ribs can also be used as part of a shield that help to prevent light leaking from the keyboard as well as act as a Faraday cage that prevents leakage of extraneous electromagnetic radiation. 
     The continuous nature of the integrated support system can result in a more even distribution of an external load applied to the multi-part housing resulting in a reduced likelihood of warping, or bowing that reduces risk to internal components. The integrated support system can also provide mounting structures for those internal components mounted to the multi-part housing. Such internal components include a mass storage device (that can take the form of a hard disk drive, HDD, or solid state drive, SSD), audio components (audio jack, microphone, speakers, etc.) as well as input/output devices such as a keyboard and touch pad. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-15 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIGS. 1-15  show various views of the portable computing device in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 1  shows a front facing perspective view of an embodiment of the portable computing device in the form of portable computing device  100  in an open (lid) state. Portable computing device  100  can include base portion or “housing”  102  formed of bottom case  104  fastened to top case  106 . Housing  102  can be pivotally connected to lid portion  108  by way of clutch assembly  110  hidden from view by a cosmetic wall. Housing  102  can have an overall uniform shape sized to accommodate clutch assembly  110  and inset portion  112  suitable for assisting a user in lifting lid portion  108  by, for example, a finger. Top case  106  can be configured to accommodate various user input devices such as keyboard  114  and touchpad  116 . Keyboard  114  can include a plurality of low profile keycap assemblies each having an associated key pad  118 . In one embodiment, an audio transducer (not shown) can use selected portions of keyboard  114  to output audio signals such as music. In the described embodiment, a microphone can be located at a side portion of top case  106  that can be spaced apart to improve frequency response of an associated audio circuit. 
     Each of the plurality of key pads  118  can have a symbol imprinted thereon for identifying the key input associated with the particular key pad. Keyboard  114  can be arranged to receive a discrete input at each keypad using a finger motion referred to as a keystroke. In the described embodiment, the symbols on each key pad can be laser etched thereby creating an extremely clean and durable imprint that will not fade under the constant application of keystrokes over the life of portable computing device  100 . In order to reduce component count, a keycap assembly can be re-provisioned as a power button. For example, key pad  118 - 1  can be used as power button  118 - 1 . In this way, the overall number of components in portable computing device  100  can be commensurably reduced. 
     Touch pad  116  can be configured to receive finger gesturing. A finger gesture can include touch events from more than one finger applied in unison. The gesture can also include a single finger touch event such as a swipe or a tap. The gesture can be sensed by a sensing circuit in touch pad  116  and converted to electrical signals that are passed to a processing unit for evaluation. In this way, portable computing device  100  can be at least partially controlled by touch. 
     Lid portion  108  can be moved with the aid of clutch assembly  110  from the closed position to remain in the open position and back again. Lid portion  108  can include display  120  and rear cover  122  (shown more clearly in  FIG. 2 ) that can add a cosmetic finish to lid portion  108  and also provide structural support to at least display  120 . In the described embodiment, lid portion  108  can include mask (also referred to as display trim)  124  that surrounds display  120 . Display trim  124  can be formed of an opaque material such as ink deposited on top of or within a protective layer of display  120 . Display trim  124  can enhance the overall appearance of display  120  by hiding operational and structural components as well as focusing attention onto the active area of display  120 . 
     Display  120  can display visual content such as a graphical user interface, still images such as photos as well as video media items such as movies. Display  120  can display images using any appropriate technology such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), OLED, etc. Portable computing device  100  can also include image capture device  126  located on a transparent portion of display trim  124 . Image capture device  126  can be configured to capture both still and video images. Lid portion  108  can be formed to have uni-body construction that can provide additional strength and resiliency to lid portion  108  which is particularly important due to the stresses caused by repeated opening and closing. In addition to the increase in strength and resiliency, the uni-body construction of lid portion  108  can reduce overall part count by eliminating separate support features. 
     Data ports  128 - 132  can be used to transfer data and/or power between an external circuit(s) and portable computing device  100 . Data ports  128 - 132  can include, for example, input slot  128  that can be used to accept a memory card (such as a FLASH memory card), data ports  130  and  132  can take be used to accommodate data connections such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, and so on. In some embodiments, speaker grid  134  can be used to port audio from an associated audio component enclosed within housing  102 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the portable computing device  100  in a closed (lid) configuration that shows rear cover  122  and logo  202 . In one embodiment, logo  202  can be illuminated by light from display  120 . It should be noted that in the closed configuration, lid portion  108  and housing  102  form what appears to be a uniform structure having a continuously varying and coherent shape that enhances both the look and feel of portable computing device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  shows another embodiment in the form of portable computing device  300  that is smaller than portable computing device  100 . Since portable computing device  300  is smaller in size than portable computing device  100 , certain features shown in  FIG. 1  are modified, or in some cases lacking, in portable computing device  300 . For example, housing  302  can be reduced in size such that separate speakers (such as speaker grid  134 ) are replaced with an audio port embodied as part of keyboard  114 . However, bottom case  304  and top case  306  can retain many of the features described with regards to portable computing device  100  (such as display  120  though reduced to an appropriate size). 
       FIG. 4  shows an external view of bottom case  104  showing relative positioning of support feet  402 , insert  112 , and cosmetic wall  404  that can be used to conceal clutch assembly  110 . Fasteners may extend through holes  406  to secure the bottom case  104  and the top case  106  together. Support feet  402  can be formed of wear resistant and resilient material such as plastic. Also in view are multi-purpose front side sequentially placed vents  408  and  410  that can be used to provide a flow of outside air that can be used to cool internal components. In the described embodiment, vents  408  and  410  can be placed on an underside of top cover  106  in order to hide the vents from view as well as obscure the view of an interior of portable computing device  100  from the outside. Vents  408  and  410  can act as a secondary air intake subordinate to primary air intake vents located at a rear portion of portable computing device  100  (described below). In this way, vents  408  and  410  can help to maintain an adequate supply of cool air in those situations where portions of the rear vents are blocked or otherwise have their air intake restricted. 
     Vents  408  and  410  can also be used to output audio signals in the form of sound generated by an audio module (not shown). In one embodiment, a selected portion (such as portions  412  and  414 ) can be used to output sound at a selected frequency range in order to improve quality of an audio presentation by portable computing device  100 . Vents  408  and  410  can be part of an integrated support system in that vents  408  and  410  can be machined from the outside and cut from the inside during fabrication of top case  106 . As part of the machining of vents  408  and  410 , stiffener ribs  416  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) can be placed within vent openings  408  and  410  to provide additional structural support for portable computing device  100 . Stiffener ribs  416  can be formed using what is referred to as a T cutter that removes material subsequent to the formation of the vent openings during the fabrication of top case  106 . 
     Moreover, trusses  418  can be formed between vents  408  and  410  in combination with ribs  416  can add both structural support as well as assist in defining both the cadence and size of vents  408  and  410 . The cadence and size of vents  408  and  410  can be used to control air flow into portable computing device  100  as well as emission of RF energy in the form of EMI from portable computing device  100 . Accordingly, stiffener ribs  416  can separate an area within vents  408  and  410  to produce an aperture sized to prevent passage of RF energy. As well known in the art, the size of an aperture can restrict the emission of RF energy having a wavelength that can be “trapped” by the aperture. In this case, the size of vents  408  and  410  is such that a substantial portion of RF energy emitted by internal components can be trapped within portable computing device  100 . Furthermore, by placing vents  408  and  410  at a downward facing surface of top case  106 , the aesthetics of portable computing device  100  can be enhanced since views of internal components from an external observer are eliminated. 
     The portable computing device may include additional features configured to enhance use thereof. In this regard, the housing  102 ,  302  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) may comprise the top case  106 ,  306  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) and the bottom case  104 ,  304  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ). Thus, the portable computing device may include features configured to facilitate attachment of the bottom case  104 ,  304  to the top case  106 ,  306 . 
     In one embodiment mechanical fasteners may be employed to secure the bottom case  104 ,  304  to the top case  106 ,  306 , as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 5 . For example, a protrusion  508  may extend from the bottom case  104 ,  304  and a corresponding receptacle  510  may extend from the top case  106 ,  306 . As illustrated, the protrusion  508  may include a tip  512  that is larger than a stem  514  to which the tip is coupled. The receptacle  510  may include corresponding tip  516  and stem  518  portions respectively configured to receive the tip  512  and stem  514  of the protrusion  508 . Accordingly, the tip  512  of the protrusion  508  may secure to the tip portion  516  of the receptacle  510  via interference fit when inserted therein. 
     However, use of mechanical fasteners may not be ideal. In this regard, mechanical fasteners may require a relatively large amount of height along the Z-axis. Further, mechanical fasteners may not provide compliance along the X and Y-axes. In this regard, screws or other fasteners may be employed to secure outer edges of the top case  106 ,  306  and the bottom case  104 ,  304  together after initially securing the top case and the bottom case together with the mechanical fasteners. Accordingly, if the protrusion  508  is improperly positioned with respect to the bottom case  104 ,  304  or if the receptacle  510  is improperly positioned with respect to the top case  106 ,  306 , the top case and the bottom case may be misaligned when the protrusion and the receptacle are coupled together and thereby it may be difficult to secure the edges of the top case to the edges of the bottom case with additional fasteners. 
     Further, mechanical fasteners may require increased force during insertion to fully engage, and hence a user may be unaware that a mechanical fastener is not fully engaged after attempting to insert the protrusion  508  into the receptacle  510 . Also, during a drop event, if the protrusion  508  pops out of the receptacle  510 , the protrusion may remain disengaged due to the extra force required to engage the tip  512  in the tip portion  516  of the receptacle  510 . Accordingly, the bottom case  104 ,  304  may bow outwardly from the top case  106 ,  306 , and hence the bottom case may rub on a surface on which the portable computing device is placed. Further, when the bottom case  104 ,  304  is bowed outwardly, the shock dynamics of the portable computing device associated with a drop event may be affected. Also, it may be possible to inadvertently damage internal components of the personal computing device with the protrusions  508  if they are misaligned with the receptacles  510  during attachment of the bottom case  104 ,  304  to the top case  106 ,  306 . 
     Accordingly, alternate embodiments of mechanisms for fastening the bottom case  104 ,  304  to the top case  106 ,  306  are provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment the top case  106 ,  306  may define one or more pockets  518  each respectively comprising an opening  520 . The pockets  518  may be defined in one or more walls  522  extending from an inner surface  524  of the top case  106 ,  306 . As illustrated, the top case  106 ,  306  may comprise a uni-body top case with the walls  522  comprising integral portions thereof extending from the inner surface  524 . Use of a uni-body top case may provide a relatively strong and lightweight structure with precise positioning of the portions thereof. However, in other embodiments the walls  522  and/or other components of the top case  106 ,  306  may comprise separate structures that are attached thereto. 
     A magnetic element  526  may be received in each pocket  518 . Various embodiments of magnetic elements  526  may be employed, as will be described below. Generally, however, the magnetic elements  526  may be configured to produce a magnetic field and secure the bottom case  104 ,  304  to the top case  106 ,  306 . In the illustrated embodiment the portable computing device includes two pockets  518  with magnetic elements  526  respectively received therein. In this regard, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the housing  102 ,  302  may define a rectangular configuration, with the two pockets  518  and magnetic elements  526  spaced along the longer dimension thereof to secure the housing  102 ,  302  along the length thereof. However, various other numbers of pockets  518  and magnetic elements  526  may be employed in other embodiments. 
     In this regard, in one embodiment the bottom case  104 ,  304  may comprise a ferromagnetic material or an iron-based material such as low carbon steel, which is configured to attract to the magnetic field produced by the magnetic elements  526 . Thus, in one embodiment the bottom case  104 ,  304  may itself comprise an attractor. In other words, the attractor may be integral with the bottom case  104 ,  304 . 
     However, in another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the bottom case  104 ,  304  may comprise one or more separate attractors  528  configured to attract to the magnetic field produced by the magnetic elements  526 . The attractors  528  may comprise a ferromagnetic material or an iron-based material such as low carbon steel, which is configured to attract to the magnetic field produced by the magnetic elements  526 . By way of example, the attractors may comprise plates that are secured to an inner surface  530  of the bottom case  104 ,  304  (note that  FIG. 4  illustrates an outer surface  532  of the bottom case, with the attractors  528  illustrated in phantom). 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , which schematically illustrates a bottom view through the attractor  528  when the bottom case  104 ,  304  is secured to the top case  106 ,  306 , the attractors may each define a surface area that is relatively larger than the opening  520  to a respective one of the pockets  518 . By selecting the area of the attractors  528  to be larger than the openings  520  to the pockets  518 , the attractors may define a larger area than the magnetic elements  526 . The additional area defined by the attractors  528  may provide compliance in the X and Y-axes such that the bottom case  104 ,  304  is provided with horizontal compliance relative to the top case  106 ,  306 . Accordingly, issues with respect to aligning the top case  106 ,  306  relative to the bottom case  104 ,  304  may be avoided. For example, fasteners may be directed through holes  406  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) in the bottom case  104 ,  304  into the top case  106 ,  306 . Note that in alternate embodiments additional magnetic elements may be employed in place of fasteners extending through the holes  406  in the bottom case  104 ,  304 . 
       FIGS. 8-13  schematically illustrate cross-sectional views through the housing  102 ,  302  illustrating embodiments of the magnetic element  526  in the pocket  518  in the wall  522 . It should be understood that various other embodiments of magnetic elements may be employed, and the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 8-13  are provided for example purposes only.  FIGS. 8-10  and  13  and illustrate cross-sectional views along the Y-axis and  FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate cross-sectional views along the X-axis in terms of the axes illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The magnetic elements  526  may define substantially constant cross-sections along the lengths thereof, with the exception of the components thereof conforming to the shape of the pocket  518 . Further, when the attractor  528  is magnetically coupled to the magnetic element  526 , a gap may be defined therebetween, or the magnetic element and the attractor may contact one another. In this regard, both the magnetic element  526  and the attractor  528  may define planar surfaces configured to engage one another in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of the magnetic element  526 A comprising one magnet  534 A and one shunt  536 A. The magnets disclosed herein may comprise neodymium, although various other embodiments of magnetic materials may be employed in other embodiments. The shunts may comprise a piece of low carbon steel or other iron-based material. The shunts may be configured to divert and directionalize a magnetic field produced by the magnet in a desired direction. In this regard, the shunts may be configured to direct the magnetic field produced by the magnets associated therewith through the opening  520  to the pocket  518 . Accordingly, the magnetic field produced by the magnetic elements  526  may attract the attractor  528  while limiting the amount of magnetic field extending in other directions. Thereby, for example, issues with respect to flux leakage outside of the housing  102 ,  302  or into a mass storage device  538  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ) in the portable computing device may be avoided. 
     Returning to  FIG. 8 , the particular embodiment of the magnetic element  526 A illustrated therein includes the shunt  536 A positioned in the pocket  518  between the inner surface  524  of the top case  106 ,  306  and the magnetic element. Accordingly, the magnetic field may be directed along the Z-axis. For example, the magnetic field may be directed toward the attractor  528 , as illustrated. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment in which the magnetic element  526 B comprises a Halbach array of three magnets  534 B that form a horseshoe-shaped magnetic field. A shunt  536 B may be positioned between the magnets  534 B and the inner surface  524  of the top case  106 ,  306  as described above. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a magnetic element  526 C comprising a modified Halbach array of two magnets  534 C. This arrangement also produces a horseshoe-shaped magnetic field while employing one less magnet, which may thus reduce the cost thereof. A shunt  536 C may be positioned between the magnets  534 C and the inner surface  524  of the top case  106 ,  306  as described above. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a magnetic element  526 D comprising a magnet  534 D positioned between two shunts  536 D on opposing sides thereof along the Y-axis. The magnetic element  526 D may produce a relatively stronger magnetic force at short distances and a relatively lesser magnetic force at longer distances, as compared to the Halbach array illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a magnetic element  526 E comprising one magnet  534 E with a shunt  536 E positioned between the inner surface  524  of the top case  106 ,  306  and the magnet. However, in contrast to the embodiment of the magnetic element  526 A illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the magnetic element  526 E is polarized along the Y-axis. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a magnetic element  526 F comprising one magnet  534 F with a shunt  536 F positioned between the inner surface  524  of the top case  106 ,  306  and the magnet. Further, the magnet  534 F is polarized along the Z-axis. Accordingly, the magnetic element  526 F is substantially similar to the magnetic element  526 A illustrated in  FIG. 8 . However,  FIG. 13  differs in that a spring  540  is positioned between the magnetic element  526 F and the inner surface  524  of the top case  106 ,  306 . 
     The spring  540 , which may be included with any of the embodiments of magnetic elements  526  disclosed herein, may be configured to bias the magnetic element  526  toward the opening  520  to the pocket  518 . For example, the spring  540  may bias the magnetic element  526  outwardly therefrom or allow the magnetic element to move outwardly therefrom, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Accordingly, by displacing the magnetic element  526  toward the opening  520  to the pocket  518 , an initial separation distance between the magnetic element and the attractor  528  may be reduced such that magnetic coupling therebetween may be encouraged. In embodiments in which the attractor  528  contacts the magnetic element  526 , the spring  540  may compress after engagement therebetween (e.g., due to use of fasteners extending through the holes  406  in the bottom case  104 ,  304  to the top case  106 ,  306 ), or the magnetic element may be fully received in the pocket  518  in the unbiased configuration. The spring  540  may comprise various embodiments, such as a coil spring, or an elastomeric material such as a foam or rubber. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates the magnetic element  526 A, as described above with respect to  FIG. 8 . However, a Hall Effect sensor  542  is also provided. The Hall Effect sensor  542 , which may be employed with any of the embodiment of magnetic elements  526  disclosed herein, may be configured to detect a change in the magnetic field associated with magnetic decoupling of the magnetic element  526  from the attractor  528 . Thus, the Hall Effect sensor  542  may be configured to detect removal of the bottom case  104 ,  304  from the top case  106 ,  306 . Accordingly, for example, the Hall Effect sensor  542  may be configured to detect when a user has accessed internal components within the housing  102 ,  302  defined by the top case  106 ,  306  and the bottom case  104 ,  304 . 
     The portable computing device may include additional features configured to facilitate use thereof. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the lid portion  308  and the housing  302  may be hingedly coupled at respective proximal edges  602 ,  604  and respectively extend to distal edges  606 ,  608 . In order to assist in releasably retaining the lid portion  308  in a closed configuration with respect to the housing  302 , the lid portion and the housing may respectively include magnetic elements  610  and attractors  612 . Various embodiments of magnetic elements and attractors may be employed as described above. Further, the magnetic elements  610  may be positioned at the lid portion  308  and the attractors  612  may be positioned at the housing  302  in an alternate embodiment. 
     The magnetic elements  610  may attract the lid portion  308  such that it may be releasably retained in a closed configuration. As illustrated, the magnetic elements  610  and attractors  612  may be positioned near the distal edges  606 ,  608  of the housing  302  and the lid portion  308 . However, by placing the magnetic elements  610  and attractors  612  at these locations, it may be difficult for a user to open the lid portion  308 . In this regard, the user may open the lid portion  308  by grasping the lid portion at the distal edge  608  thereof. Accordingly, the user may have to overcome the full magnetic force produced at the distal edge  608  of the lid portion  308 , which has a relatively large moment arm. 
     Accordingly, as further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , magnetic elements  614  and attractors  616  may be respectively positioned on the housing  302  and the lid portion  308  (or vice versa) at an alternate location. In particular, as illustrated, the magnetic elements  614  and the attractors  614  may be substantially centered with respect to the proximal edges  602 ,  604  and the distal edges  606 ,  608  thereof. Accordingly, a user may not have to directly overcome the magnetic force, and the moment arm of the magnetic force may be reduced. 
     Further, by securing the lid portion  308  between the proximal  602 ,  604  and distal  606 ,  608  edges, the center of the lid portion may not tend to bow outwardly relative to the housing  302 , as may occur when they are magnetically secured at the distal edges. Additionally, positioning the magnetic elements  614  and the attractors  616  between the proximal edges  602 ,  604  and the distal edges  606 ,  608  of the housing  302  and the lid portion  308 , and substantially in alignment with the center of gravity of the personal computing device may assist the magnetic elements and the attractors in retaining the lid portion  308  in a closed configuration during a drop event. Accordingly, positioning the magnetic elements  614  and the attractors  616  between the proximal edges  602 ,  604  and the distal edges  606 ,  608  of the housing  302  and the lid portion  308  may be preferable. Note that this arrangement may be employed in other embodiments of the personal computing device described herein. 
     In some embodiments the magnetic elements disclosed herein may be configured in accordance with the disclosure provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,486,165 to Ligtenberg et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,583,500 to Ligtenberg et al., which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     A related method is also provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the method may include providing a top case defining a pocket with an opening and providing a bottom case with an attractor positioned at an inner surface thereof at operation  700 . Further, the method may include inserting a magnetic element in the pocket in the top case at operation  702 . The magnetic element may comprise a magnet configured to produce a magnetic field and a shunt configured to direct the magnetic field through the opening to the pocket. The method may additionally include securing the bottom case to the top case by magnetically coupling the magnetic element to the attractor at operation  704 . 
     In some embodiments the method may further comprise coupling the attractor to the inner surface of the bottom case. The method may also include fastening the bottom case to the top case with a plurality of fasteners. Additionally, the method may include positioning a Hall Effect sensor proximate the magnetic element. The Hall Effect sensor may be configured to detect a change in the magnetic field associated with magnetic decoupling of the magnetic element from the attractor during removal of the bottom case from the top case. 
     Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20141212
Publication Date: 20160308
Grant Date: 20160308
Priority Date: 20120608
Inventors: ANDRE BARTLEY K.
DEGNER BRETT W.
HAMEL BRADLEY J.
LEGGETT WILLIAM F.
LIGTENBERG CHRISTIAAN A.
SCHWALBACH CHARLES A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2001/0035", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49947", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0226", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0004", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0226", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1679", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49947", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49947", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0086", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0217", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2200/83", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "F16B2200/83", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 49715140