Abstract:
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) blocking component is set forth for a computing device. The computing device can include a housing formed of non-conducting material and an overlaying display assembly supported by the housing. The display assembly can further include a plurality of display elements such as thin film transistors (TFTs) interconnected by corresponding metallic traces. The ESD block is used to block static charges associated with an ESD event so that essentially no ESD event related static charge is accumulated on the metallic traces thereby preventing ESD related damage to the plurality of TFTs.
Abstract:
This application relates to ring-shaped adhesives for use during the manufacturing of a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can have a small form factor, such as being a tablet computer or a mobile phone. A printable adhesive is dispensed on a release liner in a shape that conforms with a surface of the portable electronic device. The shape of the printable adhesive follows a path characterized by a continuous closed curve and encloses an area on the release liner without printable adhesive dispensed therein. The width of the printable adhesive along the continuous closed curve can vary to conform to features in one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device. The features can have dimensions of less than one millimeter. The printable adhesive can be can be applied to the release liner by a screen printing process or by dispensing the printable adhesive through a nozzle.
Abstract:
An electronic device having several modifications designed to prevent liquid ingress into an opening (or openings) of the electronic device is disclosed. For example, the electronic device includes a SIM tray having a sealing element designed to provide a seal at an opening that receives the SIM tray. The sealing element may include a first section and a second section extending from the first section, with the first section designed to bend with respect to (and in some cases collapse onto) the second section. The electronic device may further include an audio module fitted with a sealing element. The sealing element may include extensions extending away from a main body of the sealing element, with some extension designed to engage the audio module, and other extensions designed to engage an audio module interface. The sealing element provides a seal against liquid ingress into the audio module.
Abstract:
This application relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for welding switches to a bracket for placement inside of a computing device. Each switch can include a metal region that can be welded to a metal surface of a bracket. The metal region of the switch can be a cover that is formed around a body of the switch, or an inserted molded region that is provided on a surface of the switch. The bracket can include recesses that can be used to identify when a switch is abutting the bracket before welding the switch to the bracket. Multiple welds can be provided on each switch to ensure a rigid connection exists between the bracket and switch. Welding can be performed in batches by loading multiple brackets and switches onto a pallet, and thereafter loading the pallet into a welding machine.
Abstract:
Electronic devices and accessory devices designed for communication with electronic devices are disclosed. An accessory device suitable for use with an electronic device can receive the electronic device. Subject to authentication, the electronic device can read information stored on the accessory device through respective wireless communication circuitry of the electronic device and the accessory device. For example, the accessory device can store information related to the material makeup of the accessory device, dimensional information of the accessory device, and other integrated features. This information can be read and received by the electronic device. As a result, the electronic device can adjust a control system (that regulates thermal energy generation) by increasing a set point temperature that allows one or more processors to operate in a manner consistent with additional thermal energy generation. However, the accessory device protects the user from exposure to the additional thermal energy, thereby preventing injury.
Abstract:
Electronic devices and accessory devices designed for communication with electronic devices are disclosed. An accessory device suitable for use with an electronic device can receive the electronic device. Subject to authentication, the electronic device can read information stored on the accessory device through respective wireless communication circuitry of the electronic device and the accessory device. For example, the accessory device can store information related to the material makeup of the accessory device, dimensional information of the accessory device, and other integrated features. This information can be read and received by the electronic device. As a result, the electronic device can adjust a control system (that regulates thermal energy generation) by increasing a set point temperature that allows one or more processors to operate in a manner consistent with additional thermal energy generation. However, the accessory device protects the user from exposure to the additional thermal energy, thereby preventing injury.
Abstract:
An electronic device having liquid-resistant modifications that prevent liquid ingress into an opening (or openings) in an enclosure of the electronic device is disclosed. For example, the electronic device may include a coating formed from a liquid-resistant material that is applied internally to the enclosure. The electronic device may further include a frame that carries a protective transparent layer designed to cover a display assembly. In order to secure the frame with the enclosure, the electronic device may include an adhesive assembly disposed over an outer perimeter of the coating. The adhesive assembly may include several adhesive parts initially separate from one another. However, with the adhesive parts between the frame and the enclosure, the adhesive parts can be compressed by the frame and the enclosure, causing the adhesive parts to expand and engage each other. As a result, the coating and the adhesive parts provide a seal against liquid.
Abstract:
A device configured to determine the location and magnitude of a touch on a surface of the device. The device includes a transparent touch sensor that is configured to detect a location of a touch on the transparent touch sensor. The device also includes a force-sensing structure disposed at the periphery of the transparent touch sensor. The force sensor includes an upper capacitive plate and a compressible element disposed on one side of the upper capacitive plate. The force sensor also includes a lower capacitive plate disposed on a side of the compressible element that is opposite the upper capacitive plate.
Abstract:
Electronic devices are provided with a protective housing having one or more housing components. A housing component can be formed from a single sheet of material to appear as if the housing component had been formed from a hollowed out solid block of material. The sheet of material may be deep drawn, forged, and machined to form the housing component. One or more holes may be formed through a portion of the housing component to provide an I/O interface.
Abstract:
This application relates to a portable electronic device that includes an integrated pressure sensor. The portable electronic device includes a housing that defines a cavity with a number of components disposed therein. The cavity is sealed to form a volume of air within the cavity that is vented to the external environment through a barometric vent fluidly coupled to a first opening in the housing. A sensor measures a characteristic of a second volume of air within an isolated chamber that is vented to the external environment through a second opening in the housing. The second volume of air is isolated from the first volume of air within the housing of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device is a mobile phone and the sensor is a pressure transducer.