Rotational assembly method and apparatus
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsFabio T. Campos, Keith J. Hendren, Laura M. DeForest, Michelle R. Goldberg, Kelsey J. MacMillan, Bryan J. Licata
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Abstract
The described embodiments relate generally to methods of assembly of electronic devices. In particular, a rotationally induced pressure is used to activate a securing mechanism positioned between a component and an enclosure. The component and the securing mechanism may be located in an inaccessible region of the enclosure such that traditional, direct, assembly processes may not be feasible. The securing mechanism may take the form of a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive or a fastener between the component and an interior surface of the enclosure.
Claims20
A method for rotationally assembling an electronic device having a housing, the housing having walls that define a cavity suitable for carrying a component including a securing feature, the method comprising:
- positioning the securing feature within the cavity such that the securing feature is radially disposed from an axis of rotation about which the housing is capable of being rotated;
- and
- securing the securing feature to at least one of the walls by rotating the housing about the axis of rotation, wherein rotation of the housing causes the component to exert an amount of compressive force at the securing feature in a direction radially disposed from the axis of rotation.
An assembly apparatus for rotationally assembling a component within an enclosure for an electronic device, wherein the enclosure includes walls that define an internal cavity capable of carrying the component that includes a securing mechanism that is inaccessible from an opening of the enclosure, the assembly apparatus comprising:
- a rotary table that secures the enclosure that carries the component and the securing mechanism, wherein the securing mechanism is radially disposed from an axis of rotation of the rotary table;
- and a motor coupled to the rotary table, the motor capable of rotating the rotary table about the axis of rotation to generate a rotational compressive force at the securing mechanism in a direction that is radially disposed from the axis of rotation;
- thereby causing the component to become secured to at least one of the walls via the securing mechanism.
A system for rotationally assembling an electronic device, the system comprising:
- a controller unit that provides a control signal;
- and
- a rotary table coupled to a driving mechanism, the rotary table capable of carrying an enclosure for the electronic device, the enclosure including an internal cavity capable of carrying a component having a securing feature, wherein the driving mechanism causes the rotary table to rotate relative to an axis of rotation about which the enclosure is capable of being rotated when the control signal is received from the controller unit, thereby causing a compressive force having a direction that is radially disposed from the axis of rotation to be applied to the securing feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.