Track pad acoustic features related to a portable computer
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsWilliam F. Leggett, David M. Rockford, Gavin J. Reid, Matthew P. Casebolt, Changsoo Jang
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal and external components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure, wherein the internal components comprise at least one external interface, such as, for example, a track pad interface.
Claims40
A track pad, comprising:
- a cover extending from a first end to a second end, the first end of the cover configured to pivotally couple to a case of a portable computing device with the second end decoupled from the case;
- a touch sensor;
- a printed circuit board in communication with the touch sensor and coupled to the second end of the cover, the printed circuit board configured to support the second end of the cover;
- and
- a switch coupled to the touch sensor and configured to actuate upon pivoting the cover about the first end;
- and
- a support member configured to actuate the switch through an opening in the printed circuit board.
A method for assembling a track pad in a portable computing device, the method comprising:
- providing a cover extending from a first end to a second end in the portable computing device;
- coupling a touch sensor to the cover;
- coupling a dome switch to the touch sensor;
- coupling a printed circuit board to the second end of the cover to support the second end of the cover, the printed circuit board being proximal to the dome switch;
- and
- coupling a support member to actuate the dome switch.
A method for attaching a ground tab coupled to a touch sensor, to a printed circuit board, the method comprising:
- receiving the touch sensor and ground tab, wherein a first end of the ground tab is coupled to the touch sensor;
- bending a second end of the ground tab to form an acute angle between the second end of the ground tab and the touch sensor;
- arranging the printed circuit board to contact the ground tab in a contact region;
- heating the contact region, wherein the heating forms a mechanical and electrical bond between the printed circuit board and the ground tab, and
- folding the ground tab to configure the printed circuit board to contact the touch sensor.
A track pad, comprising:
- a cover extending from a first end to a second end, the first end of the cover configured to pivotally couple to a case of a portable computing device with the second end decoupled from the case;
- a touch sensor;
- a printed circuit board in communication with the touch sensor and coupled to the second end of the cover, the printed circuit board configured to support the second end of the cover;
- a dome switch coupled to the touch sensor and configured to actuate upon pivoting the cover about the first end;
- and
- at least one acoustic transmission member configured to guide acoustic energy within the track pad.
A portable computing device, comprising:
- a lid portion configured to include a display;
- a base portion including a top case and bottom case, pivotably coupled to the lid portion, the top case comprising:
- a palm rest zone,
- a keyboard zone, and
- a track pad zone configured to support a track pad, wherein the track pad comprises a cover extending from a first end to a second end, the first end of the cover pivotally coupled to the top case with the second end decoupled from the top case, a touch sensor, a printed circuit board in communication with the touch sensor and coupled to the second end of the cover, the printed circuit board configured to support the second end of the cover, and at least one acoustic transmission member configured to guide acoustic energy within the track pad.
A method for assembling a track pad, the method comprising:
- providing a cover extending from a first end to a second end in a portable computing device;
- coupling a touch sensor to the cover;
- coupling a dome switch to the touch sensor;
- and
- coupling a printed circuit board to the second end of the cover to support the second end of the cover, the printed circuit board being proximal to the dome switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.