Patent Application
20230139537
The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to wearable electronic devices.
Electronic devices are increasingly being designed with device portability in mind, for example to allow users to use these devices in a wide variety of situations and environments. In the context of wearable devices, these devices can be designed to include many different functionalities and to be operated in many different locations and environments. The components of an electronic device, for example, the processors, memory, antennas, display, and other components can partially determine a level of performance of the electronic device. Further, the arrangement of these components with respect to one another in the device can also determine the level of performance of the electronic device.
Continued advances in electronic devices and their components have enabled considerable increases in performance. Existing components and structures for electronic devices can, however, limit the levels of performance of such devices. For example, while some components can achieve high levels of performance in some situations, the inclusion of multiple components in devices sized to enhance portability can limit the performance of the components, and thus, the performance of the device. Consequently, further tailoring and arrangement of components for electronic devices to provide additional or enhanced functionality, without introducing or increasing undesirable device properties, can be desirable.
According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic device can comprise a housing defining an aperture, a display assembly at least partially positioned in the aperture, the display assembly comprising a substrate comprising a conductive portion, a display layer comprising pixels, the display layer positioned on a first side of the substrate, a touch sensitive layer positioned on the first side of the substrate, an operational component positioned on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side, a flexible electrical connector in electrical communication with the conductive portion and the operational component, the flexible electrical connector comprising an electromagnetic antenna, and a transparent cover overlying the display assembly and secured to the housing.
In some examples, the flexible electrical connector comprises a first flexible electrical connector, and the electronic device further comprises a second flexible electrical connector, comprising a display contact portion in electrical communication with the display layer, and a touch contact portion in electrical communication with the touch sensitive layer, the display contact portion and the touch contact portion joined together at an end portion of the second flexible electrical connector. The second flexible electrical connector has an L-shape. The second flexible electrical connector is in electrical communication with the display layer and the touch sensitive layer through the substrate. The second flexible electrical connector is positioned on the second side of the substrate, and the display assembly further comprises a portion of conductive material overlying the display contact portion and spanning an entire width thereof, the conductive material electrically grounding the display contact portion. The portion of conductive material has a thickness of about 100 microns or less. The portion of conductive material comprises a conductive pressure sensitive adhesive. The antenna comprises an NFC antenna.
According to some aspects, a housing assembly of an electronic device can comprise a housing component at least partially defining an exterior surface and an internal volume of the electronic device, the housing component further defining an aperture, a first planar surface at least partially surrounding a periphery of the aperture, and a housing sidewall adjacent to at least a portion of a periphery of the first planar surface opposite the aperture, a sealing component adhered to the first planar surface and surrounding the aperture, and a transparent cover overlying the aperture and defining a second planar surface adhered on the sealing component opposite the first planar surface, and a cover sidewall oriented perpendicular to the first planar surface and spaced apart from the housing sidewall by a distance.
In some examples, the sealing component comprises a first adhesive layer adhered to the first planar surface, a second adhesive layer adhered to the second planar surface, and a compliant layer disposed between the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. The compliant layer comprises silicone rubber. The housing assembly can further comprise a first polymer layer disposed between the compliant layer and the first adhesive layer, and a second polymer layer disposed between the compliant layer and the second adhesive layer. The compliant layer has a Shore A hardness of between 5 and 15. The sealing component has a thickness of between 200 microns and 600 microns. The compliant layer has a thickness of between 50 microns and 500 microns. The sealing component prevents ingress of liquids into the internal volume at locations between the housing component and the transparent cover.
According to some aspects, an electronic device can comprise a housing at least partially defining an exterior surface and an internal volume of the electronic device, the housing further defining an aperture, a sealing surface at least partially surrounding a periphery of the aperture, and a datum surface offset from the mounting surface and at least partially surrounding the periphery of the aperture, an electromagnetically transparent cover at least partially occluding the aperture and secured to the housing, the electromagnetically transparent cover defining a planar surface having a shape corresponding to a shape of the periphery of the aperture, the planar surface contacting the datum surface and offset from the sealing surface, and a sealing component disposed between and contacting the sealing surface and the planar surface.
In some examples, the sealing component comprises a metallic ring having a shape corresponding to a shape of the periphery of the aperture, and a polymer material surrounding the metallic ring. The sealing surface comprises a region that is sloped relative to the sealing surface. The sealing component has a round cross-sectional shape.
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:
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.
The architecture and components of the electronic devices described herein can allow for configurations and designs that can maximize the available space or volume in an internal volume defined by a housing of the device that is available to be occupied by one or more components. For example, certain aspects of device performance, such as battery life, can be improved by increasing the size or volume of the battery of the device. Additionally, or alternatively, the device itself could be reduced in size while achieving similar or even improved levels of performance.
In addition to saving space or providing other useful or desirable features, the architectures and components described herein can also present challenges to traditional techniques for grounding or tuning antennas present in the device. Accordingly, the devices and components described herein can include configurations and features that allow for the optimization and improvement of the performance of one or more antennas contained in such a device. For example, one or more components can act as both operational components and antenna radiating elements. The grounding of various components of the device, as well as the antennas, can also be controlled, tuned, or designed in order to achieve desired levels of performance.
These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to
The display assembly 210 can include a glass, a plastic, or any other substantially transparent exterior layer, material, component, or assembly. The display assembly 210 can include multiple layers, with each layer providing a unique function, as described herein. Accordingly, the display assembly 210 can be, or can be a part of, an interface component. The display assembly 210 can define a front exterior surface of the device 200 and, as described herein, this exterior surface can be considered an interface surface. In some examples, the interface surface defined by display assembly 210 can receive inputs, such as touch inputs, from a user.
In some examples, the housing 202 can be a substantially continuous or unitary component and can define one or more openings to receive components of the electronic device 200. In some examples, the device 200 can include input components such as one or more buttons 224 and/or a crown 222 that can be disposed in the openings. In some examples, a material can be disposed between the buttons 224 and/or crown 222 and the housing 202 to provide an airtight and/or watertight seal at the locations of the openings. The housing 202 can also define one or more openings or apertures, such as aperture 204 that can allow for sound to pass into or out of the internal volume defined by the housing 202. For example, the aperture 204 can be in communication with a microphone component disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, the housing 202 can define or include a feature, such as an indentation 206 to removably couple the housing 202 and a strap or retaining component.
The housing 302 can be a substantially continuous or unitary component, and can define one or more openings 304, 306, 308 to receive components of the electronic device 300 and/or to provide access to an internal portion of the electronic device 300. In some examples, the device 300 can include input components such as one or more buttons 348 and/or a crown 344 that can be disposed in the openings 306, 308. A microphone 346 can be disposed in the internal volume in communication with the external or ambient environment through the opening 304.
The display assembly 310 can be received by and can be attached to the housing 302. The display assembly can include a cover 314 including a transparent material, such as plastic, glass, and/or ceramic. The display assembly 310 can also include a display stack 312 that can include multiple layers and components, each of which can perform one or more desired functions. For example, the display stack 312 can include a display layer 312 that can include a touch detection layer 965 or component and one or more display layers or components that can include one or more pixels and/or light emitting portions to display visual content and/or information to a user. In some examples, the display layer or component 312 can include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and/or any other form of display. The display layer 312 can also include one or more electrical connectors (e.g., conductive portions 955 and 957 shown in
In some examples, the device 300 can include a gasket or seal 316 that can be disposed between the display assembly 310 and the housing 302 to substantially define a barrier to the ingress of liquids or moisture into the internal volume from the external environment at the location of the seal 316. As described herein, the seal 316 can include polymer, metal, and/or ceramic materials. The device 300 can also include a seal 334 that can be disposed between the housing 302 and the back cover 330 to substantially define a barrier to the ingress of liquids or moisture into the internal volume from the external environment at the location of the seal 334. In some examples, the display assembly 310 can optionally include a force sensitive layer or component. For example, the force sensitive layer can be located near or adjacent to the seal 316, although the force sensitive component can be located or positioned at any desired location of the display assembly 310. Further, in some examples, the gasket 316 can be compliant and can allow for a desired amount of deformation to enable the cover 314 or other portions of the display assembly 310 to move relative to the housing 302. In some examples, this amount of movement can be used by a force sensitive layer of the display assembly 310 to detect an amount of force applied to the cover 314. In some examples, and as described herein, this movement can serve to dissipate force applied to the cover 314 during high force events. As described herein, the seal 334 can include polymer, metal, and/or ceramic materials. The seal 334 can be substantially similar to and can include some or all of the features of the seal 316.
The device 300 can also include internal components, such as a haptic engine 324, a battery 322, and a logic board 340, also referred to as a main logic board 340 that can include a system in package (SiP) 342 disposed thereon, including one or more integrated circuits, such as processors, sensors, and memory. The SiP can also include a package.
In some examples, internal components can be disposed below the main logic board 340 and can be disposed at least partially in a portion of the internal volume defined by the back cover 330. For example, the device 300 can include an electromagnetic shielding component, otherwise referred to as an e-shield 352 that can shield other components in the device 300 from electromagnetic radiation from the ambient environment and/or as emitted by other components in the device 300. The device 300 can also include a second logic board 350 that can be in communication with one or more sensors or emitters of the device 300, for example to receive information or signals from an external environment. In some examples, the second logic board 350 can also include a SiP. In some examples, the device 300 can include one or more wireless antennas, such as the antenna 354 that can be in electrical communication with one or more other components of the device 300. In some examples, the antenna 354 can receive and/or transmit wireless signals at one or more frequencies and can be, for example, one or more of a cellular antenna such as an LTE antenna, a Wi-Fi antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, a GPS antenna, a multifrequency antenna, and the like. The antenna 354 can be communicatively coupled to one or more additional components of the electronic device 300
The internal components can be disposed within the internal volume defined at least partially by the housing 302, and can be affixed to the housing 302 via adhesives, internal surfaces, attachment features, threaded connectors, studs, posts, or other features, that are formed into, defined by, or otherwise part of the housing 302 and/or the cover 318 and/or back cover 330.
Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein, and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding their use can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device components including some having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to
In order to maximize the size of the battery 422, and thus maximize the performance of the device, it can be desirable to have as large a battery as possible and to arrange the components of the device to allow for a relatively large battery volume. In some examples, the battery 422 is rechargeable. In some examples, the battery can be greater than about 240 milliamp hours (mAh), greater than about 250 mAh, greater than about 260 mAh, greater than about 270 mAh, or greater than about 280 mAh, or more. The battery 422 can be any type of battery desired, such as a lithium-ion battery, lithium polymer battery, metal-air battery, nickel-containing battery, or any form of battery developed in the future.
Further, the position of the battery 422 and the volume or space between the battery and adjacent components can influence the performance of one or more antennas of the device. In some examples, a distance between the exterior of the battery 422 and an adjacent component can be at least about 0.3 mm, at least about 0.4 mm, at least about 0.5 mm, or at least about 0.6 mm. Accordingly, the battery can be fixed in a desired location by one or more components. For example, the battery 422 can be fixed to the housing 402 or another component of the device by adhesives, such as pressure sensitive adhesives, by fixtures such as screws that can mate with or pass through features defined by a flange located on the battery 422. Further, the location of the battery 422 can be fixed with the use of brackets, shims, foams, or combinations thereof.
In some examples, the haptic feedback module 424 can be secured or affixed to the housing or other structure by a bracket 430. In some examples, the bracket 430 can define one or features to receive one or more retention components 432. In some examples, a retention component 432 can pass through an aperture defined by the bracket 430 to be received and/or retained by a corresponding retention feature 431 defined by the housing or another structural component of the device. In some examples, the retention component 432 can comprise a screw, bolt, or rivet. In some examples, the retention component 432 can define threads and the retention feature 431 can define corresponding threads.
In some examples, the bracket 430 can be secured by one, two, three, four, or even more retention components 432. For example, the bracket 430 can be secured by two retention components 432. In some examples, the retention components 432 can be disposed at a single end or region of the bracket 430 so that the bracket 403 is cantilevered.
In some examples, one or more of the retention components 432 can be at least partially disposed below at least a portion of the battery 422. This design can allow for the haptic feedback module 424 to be securely fastened to the device with a bracket 430 while still allowing for the haptic feedback module 424 to be positioned close or adjacent to the battery 422. For example, the battery 422 can define a curved region or edge 421 and the retention component 432 can be positioned below and/or adjacent to the curved region 421. In some examples, the curved region 421 can have a two-dimensional curvature or a three-dimensional curvature. In some examples, the retention component 432 can have a top portion that defines a curved surface. In some examples, the curved surface of the retention component 432 can allow for the retention component 432 to be nested or positioned at least partially below the battery 422, such as below the curved region 421. Further details of a haptic feedback module are described below with reference to
The haptic feedback module 524 can also include an electrical connector 528 that can be in electrical communication with, and can provide signals to and from, other components of the device. In some examples, the flexible connector 528 can be attached to a connection portion 529. In some examples, the bend radius of the flexible electrical connector 528 can be selected to have a relatively small radius of curvature and to allow the haptic feedback module 524 to be positioned near or adjacent to the other components, such as a battery, or the housing of the device.
Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device components including those having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to
As shown, one or more components or modules can be disposed at the aperture 604, such as a speaker module 626 that can be in communication with the ambient environment, and that can also act as a seal or a barrier between the ambient environment and the internal volume. In some example situations, such as when the device 600 is submerged in water, the relatively large area of the speaker module 626 that is exposed to the environment can be subjected to relatively high amounts of water pressure, shown as arrows in
In some examples, the support member 642 can be formed by any combination of additive and/or subtractive manufacturing processes. For example, the support member 642 can be a metal injection molded (MIM) part. In some examples, the support member can also be subjected to one or more processes to achieve a desired level of flatness. For example, a MIM support member 642 can be restruck in a stamping process to achieve a desired level of flatness. In some examples, the support member 642 can have a flatness of less than about 0.05, less than about 0.04, or even less than about 0.03 or smaller. Further, the speaker module 626 can have a width Wi that is less than about 4 mm, less than about 3.5 mm, less than about 3.2 mm, or less than about 3.1 mm or smaller. As used herein, the term flatness can refer to the separation distance between two imaginary parallel planes that bound the uppermost and lowermost points of the surface being measured.
The acoustic and support component 632 can further include one or more magnets, such as magnets 644, 646, and 648 that are affixed or bonded directly to the support member 642. In some examples, the magnets 644, 646, 648 can be bonded to the support member 642 by any desired method, such as welding, brazing, an adhesive, or combinations thereof. The magnets 644, 646, 648 can be used to drive the diaphragm 636 to produce acoustic signals or sounds. The magnets 644, 646, 648 can include any desired magnetic material and can be permanent, semi-permanent, or electromagnets, as desired. The acoustic and support component 632 can further include a ring or a plate 645 that can also be bonded or affixed to the magnets 644, 646, 648, for example, in the same or a similar manner as the support member 642. The ring 645 can include any desired material, such as polymeric and/or metallic materials, including steel. The ring 645 can then be affixed to the enclosure 634, as desired. Accordingly, in some examples, the integrated acoustic and support component 632 can provide sufficient stiffness and robustness to the speaker module 626 to provide water resistance for the device 600 to a depth of at least about 25 m, at least about 50 m, or at least about 75 m or more.
As shown, one or more components or modules can be disposed at the aperture 704, such as a microphone module 746, that can be in communication with the ambient environment, and that can also act as a seal or barrier between the ambient environment and the internal volume.
In some examples, the microphone module includes an enclosure 750 that can include any desired material, such as polymeric materials or plastics. The enclosure can retain the other components of the microphone module 746 which can be affixed thereto. In some examples, a seal 754 can be affixed, bonded, or otherwise secured to the enclosure 750. The seal 754 can include a compliant material, such as a polymeric material like rubber or plastic. In some examples, the seal 754 can include silicone or silicone rubber. In some examples, the seal 754 can be overmolded onto the enclosure 750 and can directly contact the enclosure and the housing 702 to provide a seal or barrier between the ambient environment and the internal volume of the device 700.
The microphone module 746 can further include a grill 752 that can be positioned at or near the aperture 704. The grill 752 can be secured to the enclosure 750 and can act as a physical barrier to prevent objects, such as dust or rocks, from entering the aperture 704 and damaging the microphone module 746. The grill 752 can be permeable to air or liquid, and acoustic signals can pass therethrough to the membrane or diaphragm 758. The diaphragm can be coupled to one or more electronic components 756 that can convert the movement of the diaphragm in response to acoustic signals into electrical signals that can be communicated to other components of the device 700 through an electrical connector 760.
Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding its use can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device input components including those having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to
In some examples, the bracket 856 can define a groove 857 that can be positioned in line with the flange 823 of the battery 822. Further, a flexible electrical connector 860 that can provide electrical communication between other components of the device 800, such as a display and a processor, can be routed to pass over the bracket 856. In some examples, the flexible connector 860 can be secured to the bracket 856, for example, by an adhesive 858, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, to maintain a desired position of the flexible connector 860. The retention of the flexible connector 860 in this desired location can boost or assist with the performance and/or tuning of one or more antennas of the device 800.
Additionally, during a drop event or the exertion of a high force on the device 800, the battery 822 can shift or move slightly relative to the housing 802 and the bracket 856. The groove 857 is positioned and sized such that any such shift of the battery 822 will cause the flange 823 to merely deflect the flexible connector 860 into the groove 857, rather than compressing the flexible connector 860 between the flange 823 and the bracket 856, potentially causing damage. As such, the architecture of the bracket 856 and battery 822 can provide for increased reliability in the device 800.
Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding the use and functionality thereof can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device antenna and display components including having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to
Additionally, as can be seen in
In some examples, this configuration, where the electrical connections between the display assembly 910 and the other components of the device 900 are aligned along a single side, can allow for the device 900 to include antennas having higher bandwidths than might be efficiently achieved using other connector configurations. In some examples, the ability to efficiently radiate and receive signals at high bandwidths can be at least partially due to the ability to radiate and/or receive signals from all or substantially all of the other sides or regions of the housing 902 that are not adjacent to the flexible electrical connectors 950 and the conductive component 960. In some examples, this configuration of the flexible electrical connectors 950 and the conductive component 960 can enable the device 900 to include one or more antennas that operate at frequencies up to about 2000 MHz, up to about 2700 MHz, up to about 3000 MHz, up to about 5000 MHz, up to about 7500 MHz, up to about 8000 MHz, up to about 8.25 MHz, or up to about 8500 MHz or even higher.
As can be seen, the flexible electrical connector 950 can include a first end that connects to the logic board 940, for example, at a connection point, and a second end that can pass through one or more apertures defined by the housing 902, whereupon additional connection points can be connected to the display assembly (not shown). In some examples, the flexible electrical connector can act as a radiating element of an antenna, and can be driven by one or more components disposed on the logic board 940 and/or the display assembly 910. In some examples, the flexible electrical connector 950 can act as a radiating element to radiate signals in the direction of the display assembly. Further, the flexible electrical connector 950 can be substantially L-shaped, or bent, and can include two portions that can be connected at the second end, but separate at the first end of the flexible electrical connector 950.
In some examples, the size, width, and/or number of portions of the flexible electrical connector 950 can be reduced by locating as many components as possible on the logic board 940, for example in a SiP disposed thereon. In some examples, one or more antennas, such as a near-field communication (NFC) antenna can be located on the logic board 940, and thus may not require a flexible electrical connector to be in electrical communication with a processor on the logic board 940.
In some examples, the flexible electrical connector 950 can be electrically grounded to the display assembly (not shown), which can overlie the flexible electrical connector 950 in the orientation shown in
In some examples where the conductive material 956, 958 includes an adhesive, the conductive material 956, 958 can serve to maintain a position of the flexible connector 950 against the display assembly 910 in a desired portion. In some cases where the display assembly 910 can include an antenna, as described herein, the retention of the flexible electrical connector 950 in a desired position against the display assembly can result in reliable and improved antenna performance. Additionally, the electrical grounding provided by the conductive material 956, 958 can allow the return of a driving signal from an antenna in communication with the flexible electrical connector 950 to the ground after passing through the flexible electrical connector 950. Further detail regarding a display assembly including one or more antennas is provided below with reference to
The display assembly can also include a grounding plane 1060 that can be disposed below the display stack 1012, or in the position shown in
In some examples, in addition to providing electrical grounding for components of the display assembly 1010, as well as other components of an electronic device including the display assembly 1010, the grounding plane 1060 can act or serve as a radiating element or body for one or more antennas in communication with the grounding plane 1060. For example, one or more LTE, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB), and/or other antennas. By utilizing the grounding plane 1060, which is a substantially solid sheet or plane of conductive material that extends across all or substantially all of the area of the display assembly 1010, the display assembly 1010 can be treated as a relatively “solid block” of conductive material for the purposes of tuning the one or more antennas, thereby reducing the complexity of tuning procedures and increasing antenna performance and/or reliability. The display assembly 1010 can include one or more spring fingers 1062, 1064 that can be in electrical communication with the grounding plane 1060 and that can be electrically connector to other components in a device including the display assembly 1010 to provide an electrical path to the grounding plane 1060 as described further herein.
The display assembly can also include one or more electrical connection points 1066, 1068 that can be in communication with components of the display assembly 1010, such as the display stack 1012, and that can receive connection points of flexible electrical connectors, such as the flexible electrical connector 950 described with respect to
Thus, a separate NFC coil or component is not necessary and the amount of space taken up by the display assembly 1010 can be reduced. In some examples, the NFC coil in the flexible electrical connector 1070 is driven as a radiating element by one or more components in communication therewith.
Additional conductive components can also be provided to assist with grounding the components of the display assembly 1010 and other system components of a device including the display assembly 1010. For example, a conductive material, such as a conductive tape 1072, can be provided over one or more components (not shown) and can be electrically connected to the grounding plane. Additional tapes or conductive components can be provided to cover most or substantially all of the surface of the display assembly shown in
In some examples, the spring finger 1064 can be soldered to the grounding plane 1060 by a jet or nozzle based soldering process, whereby balls or portions of solder material can be shot or dropped towards the aperture 1076 from a nozzle. The solder can be melted by a laser after it is emitted from the nozzle, whereupon it can achieve a molten or semi-molten state and can impact the aperture 1076. The solder can then cool to provide a strong and reliable electrical connection without subjecting other components of the display assembly 1010 to excess levels of heat.
In some examples, the grounding component 1100 can include a first contact portion 1108 that can define an aperture 1110. As with the apertures 1076 defined by the spring finger 1064, solder can be placed or deposited on or in the aperture 1110 to electrically and mechanically connect the grounding component 1100 to another component, such as the grounding plane 1060. The grounding component 1100 can further include a body 1106 connected to the first contact portion 1108, and a second contact portion 1102 that can extend from the body 1106 to electrically and/or physically connect with one or more components of a device including the grounding component 1100. Although the second grounding portion 1102 is shown having a particular geometry, it can have substantially any desired shape and the shape and size of the second contact portion 1102 can be selected based on the location of the grounding component 1100 and any components with which a connection to the second contact portion 1102 is desired.
The body 1106 can be a polymeric material and can be insert molded around the contact portion 1102, 1108. The body can also carry a tuning component 1104 that can be electrically connected to the contact portions 1102, 1108. In some examples, the contact portions 1102, 1108 can be electrically isolated from one another except for their connection to the tuning component 1104. In some examples, the tuning component 1104 can include an electrical component having a desired resistance, inductance, and/or capacitance. Thus, in some examples, the tuning component 1104 can include an inductor and/or capacitor. In some examples, the tuning component 1104 can be an inductor having an inductance of between about 1 and about 10 nanohenries (nH), although the tuning component 1104 can have substantially any inductance as desired. Further, in some examples, one or more of the resistance, inductance, or capacitance of the tuning component 1104 can be selectively tuned or adjusted, as desired, after assembly or partial assembly of a device including the grounding component 1100.
In some examples where the grounding component 1100 is electrically connected to an antenna, the electrical properties of the tuning component 1104, such as the resistance, inductance, and/or capacitance, can be selected to tune or shift the resonant frequency of the antenna or an electrical circuit including the antenna, as desired. This tuning or shifting can have the effect of making the antenna appear “shorter” or “longer,” thus effectively making it appear as though the antenna is grounded at different locations from the point of view of the antenna. In this way, the grounding location of an antenna can be chosen based on design considerations other than the path length to ground, such as the position of other components, and the grounding component 1100 can then be tuned to provide an effective grounding “location” that achieves optical antenna performance, as desired.
Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding their use and operation can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device sealing and cover components including those having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to
In some examples, the width of the seal 1216 and/or the width of the adhesive bond of between the seal 1216 and the housing 1202 and/or cover 1214 can be important for increasing the chemical resistance of the seal 1216 and preventing corrosion of the seal 1216 and/or ingress of liquid or contaminants into the internal volume therethrough. As shown, the housing 1202 and the cover 1214 can define a gap 1205 therebetween. In some examples, this gap can provide for a certain amount of sway or movement of the cover 1214 relative to the housing 1202, such as during high force events or drop events. This sway and/or compression of the seal 1216 can reduce the risk forces being transmitted directly through the housing 1202 to the cover 1214, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the cover 1214. In some examples, the seal 1216 can include a relatively low modulus, such as less than about 20 MPa, less than about 15 MPa, less than about 10 MPa, less than about 5 MPa, or even less than about 1 MPa, so as to not transmit load to the cover 1214. In this manner, the seal 1216 can act as a shock absorber for the cover 1214 relative to the housing 1202. In some examples, the seal 1216 can be compliant enough that the cover 1214 can move laterally and/or vertically with respect to the housing 1202. In some examples, this amount of movement can be desirable even though the device may not contain a force sensor or other component that may need to rely on movement of the cover 1214 relative to the housing 1202 to function.
In some examples, liquids, particles, contaminants, and/or corrosive materials can inadvertently enter the gap 1205, however, and come in contact with the seal 1216. Thus, it can be desirable for the seal 1216 to be corrosion resistant and for the bond length between the seal 1216 and the housing 1202 and cover 1214 to be relatively large.
Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding its function and operation can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device input components including those having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to
The crown module 1346 can include a dial or a button 1350 that can generally be a flange shaped member that can have a cylindrical body and a rounded or flat top. The button 1350 includes an outer surface that is configured to receive a user input and a stem that extends from an interior surface of the button 1350. The button 1350 can also include a ring component 1352 that can at least partially define an exterior surface of the button 1350 and that can include an electrically insulating material, for example, to electrically insulate two or more portions of the button 1350. In some examples, one or more sealing members 1356, such as an O-ring, a cup seal, or a membrane, can be received around the shaft of the button 1350 to seal against the sleeve 1354.
The crown module 1346 can also include an electrically conductive grounding component 1358 that can be in electrical communication with one or more portions of the crown module and that can provide electrical grounding thereto. In some examples, the grounding component 1358 can include a metal or metals and can be formed by a metal injection molding (MIM) process in a desired shape. The grounding component 1358 can further be in electrical communication with a conductive component 1368 that can be electrically connected to other components of an electronic device containing the crown module 1346. By using a metallic part to provide grounding, rather than a separate electrical connector, the overall size of the crown module 1346 can be reduced by eliminating the need for a connection point and/or solder for the electrical connector. The crown module 1346 can include one or more bushings, such as an insert molded bushing 1360. This bushing 1360 can include any material as desired. Further, because it is insert molded, it can be shaped and size as desired, for example, to reduce the overall size of the crown module 1346.
A tactile switch mechanism 1364 can be disposed in contact with the stem of the button 1350 and can be secured to a support structure or bracket 1370. The tactile switch mechanism 1364 can be depressed when a user presses on the button 1350 and can transmit one or more signals upon the occurrence of such an event. The bracket 1370 can further support one or more operational components of the crown module 1346, such as one or more electrical and/or electronic components. In some examples, an overmold material 1362 can be provided around these components in a SiP configuration in order to reduce the overall size of the crown module, as described herein. A shear plate can also be attached to the bracket to prevent shearing forces from being transmitted to the tactile switch mechanism 1364 or other components. In some examples, the shear plate can be laser welded to the bracket 1370 or to one or more other components of the crown module 1346. The crown module 1346 can also include one or more sensors 1366, such as one or more rotation sensors, to detect a rotational input on the button 1350.
Any number or variety of components in any of the configurations described herein can be included in an electronic device, as described herein. The components can include any combination of the features described herein and can be arranged in any of the various configurations described herein. The structure and arrangement of components of a device, as well as the concepts regarding the function and operation thereof can apply not only to the specific examples discussed herein, but to any number of embodiments in any combination. Various examples of electronic devices and electronic device components including having various features in various arrangements are described below, with reference to
In some examples, the back cover 1430 can carry a number of components thereon, such as a second logic board 1450, an e-shield 1460, and an antenna element 1454. In some examples, a seal 1434 can be disposed between the back cover 1430 and the housing 1402 to provide or define a barrier between the internal volume and the ambient environment, as described herein. In some examples, as shown, a shape of the seal 1434 can correspond to a shape of the logic board 1440 and/or antenna element 1454. This design can allow for an increased area of the logic board 1440 to provide room for additional components, as well as for an increased area or size of the antenna element 1454.
In some examples, the e-shield component 1460 can be sized and shaped to correspond to a size and shape of one or more components of the device or back cover 1430, such as the logic board 1450. In some examples, the e-shield can include one or more metals and can provide shielding from electromagnetic radiation to one or more components of the device. In some examples, however, the e-shield 1460 can be electrically connected to an antenna to additionally act as a radiating element for the antenna. In some examples, the e-shield 1460 can provide an auxiliary short point for the antenna and/or can be used to increase the length of the radiating element of the antenna. Further, in some examples, some or all of the e-shield 1460 can be disposed below the radiating element 1454 and can be capacitively coupled therewith to enhance antenna performance.
In some examples, polymer layers 1523 and 1525 can be disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the compliant layer 1520. These polymer layers 1523, 1525 can be the same or different materials, and in some examples, can include polyimide. In some examples, the polymer layers 1523, 1525 can be transparent or translucent. In some examples, the polymer layers 1523, 1525 can be a colored translucent material, such as a translucent amber colored material. In some examples, the polymer layers 1523, 1525 can be the same or different thicknesses. The polymer layers 1523, 1525 can have thicknesses between about 25 microns and about 150 microns, or between about 50 microns and about 100 microns, for example about 75 microns.
In order to secure the back cover 1430 to the housing 1402, as shown in
Thus, in some examples, the entire seal 1516 can have a thickness of between about 200 microns and about 600 microns, or between about 300 microns and about 600 microns, for example about 400 microns. Further, the seal can have a width of between about 500 microns and about 1500 microns, or between about 750 microns and about 1250 microns, for example about 900 microns.
Referring again to
The seal 1716 can also include a core 1722 that can include one or more metals and/or polymers, such as stainless steel and that can be overmolded with a polymer material 1720, such as silicone. As shown, the seal 1716 can have a substantially X-shaped cross-section, for example, defining one or more indentations or divots that can extend partially or entirely along one or more surfaces of the seal 1716. In some examples, the shape of the seal 1716 can allow for desired levels of compression or deformation of the seal 1716 to effectively dissipate energy and to provide a desired level of sealing between components. Further details regarding components carried by the back cover 1430, such as a logic board, are provided below with reference to
Any of the features or aspects of the devices and components discussed herein can be combined or included in any varied combination. For example, the design and shape of the components or devices is not limited in any way and can be formed by any number of processes, including those discussed herein. As used herein, the terms exterior, outer, interior, and inner are used for reference purposes only. An exterior or outer portion of a composite component can form a portion of an exterior surface of the component, but may not necessarily form the entire exterior of outer surface thereof. Similarly, the interior or inner portion of a composite component can form or define an interior or inner portion of the component, but can also form or define a portion of an exterior or outer surface of the component.
Various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including:” and “having” come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “including.”
To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID's, home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.
The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user's general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.
The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.
Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.
Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods.
Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information.
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 target 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.
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/019,151, filed 11 Sep. 2020, and entitled “ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/037,987, filed 11 Jun. 2020, and entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63037987 | Jun 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17019151 | Sep 2020 | US |
| Child | 18147568 | US |
