Method and apparatus for bonding metals and composites
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorStephen Brian Lynch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus, systems and methods for forming a structure that includes a metal and a composite material are disclosed. According to one aspect, a layer stack includes a metal layer with a first surface, the first surface including at least one protruding feature. The layer stack also includes a non-metal layer molded to the first surface of the metal layer, wherein the non-metal layer is molded over and/or around the at least one protruding feature.
Claims22
An assembly comprising:
- a substrate arrangement, the substrate arrangement including a metal substrate and a prongle component, the prongle component including at least one protruding feature;
- and
- a non-metal layer, the non-metal layer being formed over the at least one protruding feature, wherein the non-metal layer engages the at least one protruding feature.
An electronic device comprising:
- a bezel, the bezel being formed from a metal material, the bezel including at least one flange with a first surface, the first surface having at least one protruding feature formed thereon and extending therefrom;
- and
- a composite component, the composite component being formed over the at least one protruding feature and the flange, wherein the composite component engages the at least one protruding feature and the flange to engage the bezel.
A method for bonding a composite material to a metal material, the method comprising:
- obtaining a metal substrate;
- obtaining a prongle piece, the prongle piece including at least one protruding feature;
- bonding the prongle piece to the metal substrate;
- and
- forming a composite piece over the at least one protruding feature to bond the composite piece with the at least one protruding feature.
A method for bonding a composite material to a metal material, the method comprising:
- obtaining a metal substrate;
- forming a plated surface on the metal substrate, the plated surface including at least one plated feature;
- forming a prongle piece over the plated surface, the prongle piece including at least one protruding feature, the protruding feature being formed over the at least one plated feature;
- forming a composite piece over the at least one protruding feature to bond the composite piece with the at least one protruding feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.