Connection module for a portable electronic device
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsCharles A. Schwalbach, Liane Fang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A connection module for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The connection module includes a mating structure that is configured to attach to a mating structure interface of the portable electronic device. The mating structure includes a fixed alignment projection disposed on a first end of the mating structure, a retractable alignment projection disposed on a second end of the mating structure, and a retractable electrical connector disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection. The retractable electrical connector and the retractable alignment projection are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the fixed alignment projection.
Claims20
A connection module for a portable electronic device, the connection module comprising:
- a mating structure configured to attach to a mating structure interface of the portable electronic device, wherein the mating structure comprises:
- a fixed alignment projection disposed on a first end of the mating structure;
- a retractable alignment projection disposed on a second end of the mating structure;
- and
- a retractable electrical connector disposed between the fixed alignment projection and the retractable alignment projection, wherein the retractable electrical connector and the retractable alignment projection are fixed relative to each other and movable relative to the fixed alignment projection.
A method of connecting a connection module to a portable electronic device, the method comprising:
- sliding a mating structure of connection module into a mating structure interface of the portable electronic device until a first alignment projection of the mating structure abuts the portable electronic device;
- electrically connecting an electrical connector of the connection module to contact pads of the portable electronic device by moving the electrical connector from a retracted position to an extended position;
- and
- locking the portable electronic device in position relative to the connection module by a second alignment projection that abuts the portable electronic device opposite the first alignment projection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.