Interlock features of a portable electronic device

A method for making an enclosure for an electronic device, the method comprising:

• forming micro-features in side walls of a first metal housing part, wherein the side walls define an internal volume, and the first metal housing part is coupled to a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to emit a RF signal;
• forming a bottom wall in a second metal housing part, wherein the bottom wall includes an edge having an indention;
• coupling the first metal housing part to the second metal housing part, wherein the indention and at least one of the side walls define a channel, and the first and second metal housing parts are separated by the channel;
• and
• filling the channel and the micro-features with a dielectric element such as to interlock and electrically isolate the first and second metal housing parts, the dielectric element including a first dielectric element and a second dielectric element, wherein the first dielectric element mechanically interlocks with the first and second metal housing parts, and the second dielectric element partially fills the channel and defines an exterior surface of the housing.

A housing for a portable electronic device, the housing comprising:

• a corner housing part having side walls that (i) include micro-features, and (ii) define an internal volume, wherein the corner housing part is coupled to a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to radiate a RF signal;
• a bottom housing part having a bottom wall, the bottom wall including an edge having an indention that together with at least one of the side walls defines a channel, wherein the corner and bottom housing parts are separated by the channel;
• and
• a dielectric element that fills the channel and the micro-features to interlock and electrically isolate the corner and bottom housing parts, the dielectric element including a first dielectric element and a second dielectric element, wherein the first dielectric element mechanically interlocks with the corner and bottom housing parts, and the second dielectric element partially fills the channel and defines an exterior surface of the housing.