Electronic Device Having Compact Grounding Structure

An electronic device with a flexible printed circuit and a light source module mounted to a metal cowling is described in the patent application. The printed circuit is interposed between the cowling and a conductive support plate, with a ground trace coupled to the resonating element. A dimpled pad on the printed circuit presses against the support plate, forming a return path to ground for the resonating element.

Antenna with resonating element
Light source module mounted to flexible printed circuit and metal cowling
Emitting light through rear housing wall
Printed circuit interposed between cowling and support plate
Ground trace coupled to resonating element
Dimpled pad on printed circuit presses against support plate
Compressive foam exerts force on printed circuit
Dimpled pad forms return path to ground for resonating element
Occupies less height than other structures

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in various electronic devices that require antennas and light sources, such as smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices.

Problems Solved

This innovation solves the problem of efficiently integrating an antenna and a light source module in an electronic device while maintaining a compact design.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved space utilization, enhanced signal reception, and simplified manufacturing processes for electronic devices.

Potential Commercial Applications

The potential commercial applications of this technology include consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, and smart home devices.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the integration of antennas and light sources in electronic devices using separate components, which may result in a less efficient design.

Unanswered Questions

How does the compressive foam impact the overall performance of the device?

The compressive foam is used to exert a force on the flexible printed circuit, but it is not clear how this may affect the functionality or durability of the device.

What materials are used for the dimpled pad and how do they impact the performance of the device?

The materials used for the dimpled pad are not specified in the abstract, so it is unclear how they may affect the overall performance or reliability of the device.

Original Abstract Submitted

an electronic device may be provided with an antenna having a resonating element and a light source module mounted to a flexible printed circuit and a metal cowling. the module may emit light through a rear housing wall. the printed circuit may be interposed between the metal cowling and a conductive support plate in the rear housing wall. the printed circuit may include a ground trace coupled to the resonating element. a dimpled pad may couple the ground trace to the support plate. compressive foam may be used to exert a force against the flexible printed circuit that presses the dimpled pad against the conductive support plate. the ground trace and the dimpled pad may form a return path to ground for the resonating element. the dimpled pad may occupy less height within the device than other structures such as metal springs.

20240079784.Electronic Device Having Compact Grounding Structure simplified abstract (apple inc.)

Contents

Electronic Device Having Compact Grounding Structure

Organization Name

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