Antenna

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna. An electronic watch is disclosed that may include a housing sidewall defining an interior volume. The electronic watch may include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the interior volume. The electronic watch may include a conductive connector that contacts the PCB. The electronic watch may include an elongated conductive member disposed along a portion of a perimeter of the housing sidewall. The elongated conductive member may include a first contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the conductive connector at a first location along a length of the elongated conductive member. The first contact feature may include a protrusion. The elongated conductive member may include a second contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the housing sidewall at a second location along the length of the elongated conductive member.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 578,661, filed on August 24, 2023, and entitled “ANTENNA,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and more particularly to wearable electronic devices. Background Art

[0004] When designing electronic devices, the portability of the devices is increasingly taken into account so that users can use these devices in a variety of situations and environments. In the context of wearable devices, these devices can be designed to include many different functions and operate in many different locations and environments. The components of the electronic device (e.g., processor, memory, antenna, display, and other components) can partially determine the performance level of the electronic device. In addition, the arrangement of these components relative to each other in the device can also determine the overall performance level of the electronic device.

[0005] Continuous advancements in electronic devices and their components have resulted in substantial performance improvements. However, existing components and structures for electronic devices may limit the performance levels of such devices. For example, while some components may achieve very high performance levels in some circumstances, including multiple components in a device sized to improve portability may limit the performance of the components, and thus the performance of the device. Therefore, it may be desirable to further adjust the arrangement of components of electronic devices to provide additional or enhanced functionality without introducing or increasing undesirable device properties. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one example of the present disclosure, an electronic watch may include a housing sidewall defining an internal volume. The electronic watch may include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the internal volume. The electronic watch may include a conductive connector that contacts the PCB. The electronic watch may include an elongated conductive member disposed along a portion of a periphery of the housing sidewall. The elongated conductive member may include a first contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the conductive connector at a first position along the length of the elongated conductive member. The first contact feature may include a protrusion. The elongated conductive member may include a second contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the housing sidewall at a second position along the length of the elongated conductive member.

[0007] In at least one example, the protrusion extends toward the PCB.

[0008] In at least one example, the elongated conductive member further comprises a third contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the electrical connector at a third position along the length of the elongated conductive member. The elongated conductive member further comprises a fourth contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the housing sidewall at a fourth position along the length of the elongated conductive member.

[0009] In at least one example, the elongated conductive member includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end are coupled to the housing sidewall.

[0010] In at least one example, the elongated conductive member is coupled to the housing sidewall at a third location along the length of the elongated conductive member.

[0011] In at least one example, the housing sidewall includes a conductive upper portion, a conductive lower portion, and an insulating middle portion between the conductive upper portion and the conductive lower portion.

[0012] In at least one example, the electronic watch also includes an antenna having a radiating element and a grounding element. The radiating element includes a conductive upper portion. The grounding element includes a conductive lower portion.

[0013] In at least one example, the conductive upper portion defines an opening. The electronic watch also includes a display assembly disposed within the opening. The conductive upper portion surrounds a periphery of the display assembly and extends above the display assembly.

[0014] In at least one example, the electronic watch further includes a seal disposed around a perimeter of the housing sidewall between the conductive lower portion and the display assembly. The seal may define a recess at a first location corresponding to the first contact feature.

[0015] In one example of the present disclosure, an antenna assembly may include a housing defining an interior volume. The housing may include an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion electrically isolated by an intermediate housing portion. The antenna assembly may include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the interior volume. The antenna assembly may include an elongated conductive member disposed along a portion of an inner periphery of the upper housing portion. The elongated conductive member may include a first protrusion that electrically contacts the PCB at a first position along the length of the elongated conductive member. The first protrusion may include a tensioning arm. The elongated conductive member may also include a second protrusion that contacts the upper housing portion at a second position along the length of the elongated conductive member.

[0016] In at least one example, the antenna assembly can also include an electrical conductor that creates a conductive path that is coupled to the PCB and contacts the first protrusion at the first location.

[0017] In at least one example, the first protrusion further includes a projection extending toward the PCB and away from the housing.

[0018] In at least one example, the first protrusion and the second protrusion extend in opposite directions from the elongated conductive member.

[0019] In at least one example, the antenna assembly also includes a seal disposed around a perimeter of the housing and defining a recess corresponding to the first protrusion.

[0020] In at least one example, the antenna assembly also includes a display module coupled to the PCB and disposed within an opening defined by the upper housing portion, wherein the elongated conductive member is disposed between the upper housing portion and the display module.

[0021] In at least one example, the antenna assembly further includes a radiating element including an upper housing portion. The antenna assembly further includes a grounding element including a lower housing portion.

[0022] In one example of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a conductive housing defining an internal volume. The electronic device may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the internal volume. The electronic device may also include a spacer disposed along a first portion of an inner periphery of a side wall of the conductive housing. The electronic device may also include a conductive tape disposed along a second portion of an inner periphery of the side wall of the conductive housing. A first end of the conductive tape is removably coupled to the conductive housing side wall at a first position along the spacer. A second end of the conductive tape is removably coupled to the conductive housing side wall at a second position along the spacer.

[0023] In one example, the spacer includes a first feature that receives a first end of the conductive tape and a second feature that receives a second end of the conductive tape.

[0024] In one example, the conductive strip includes a first plurality of protrusions disposed along the length of the conductive strip and forming an electrical connection with the PCB. The conductive strip also includes a second plurality of protrusions disposed along the length of the conductive strip and forming an electrical connection with the sidewall of the conductive housing.

[0025] In one example, the electronic device further comprises an antenna having a radiating element and a grounding element. The radiating element comprises an upper portion of the conductive housing sidewall. The grounding element comprises a lower portion of the conductive housing sidewall. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like structural elements, and in which:

[0027] Figure 1AAn example of an electronic device according to an example is shown;

[0028] Figure 1B An electronic device (e.g., a smart watch or electronic watch) is illustrated, which may be substantially similar to the devices described herein (including Figure 1A The electronic device shown, but without the strap) and may include some or all of the features of the device described herein;

[0029] Figure 1C A bottom perspective view of the electronic device is shown.

[0030] Figure 2A illustrates a right perspective view of an electronic watch including a housing having a housing sidewall according to one example;

[0031] Figure 2B illustrates a left perspective view of an electronic watch including a housing having a housing sidewall according to one example;

[0032] Figure 2C An example is illustrated according to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B An exploded view of an electronic watch;

[0033] Figure 2D illustrates an exploded view of a housing and display assembly of an electronic watch according to one example;

[0034] Figure 3A illustrates a housing sidewall and an elongated conductive member (ECM) of an electronic device according to one example;

[0035] Figure 3B illustrates an ECM including a contact feature according to one example;

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates contact points between an ECM and a housing sidewall and contact points between an ECM and a PCB of an electronic device according to one example;

[0037] Figure 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic device at a first location where an ECM electrically contacts an upper portion of a housing sidewall according to one example;

[0038] Figure 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic device at a second location where an ECM electrically contacts a PCB according to an example;

[0039] Figure 5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a third position (where the ECM does not electrically contact the upper housing portion nor the PCB) according to an example;

[0040] Fig. 6Aillustrates a portion of an ECM of an electronic device according to an example;

[0041] Figure 6B illustrates a first perspective view of a protrusion of an ECM of an electronic device according to an example;

[0042] Figure 6C illustrates a second perspective view opposite to the first perspective view of a protrusion of an ECM of an electronic device according to an example;

[0043] Fig. 7A illustrates a portion of an ECM of an electronic device according to an example;

[0044] Figure 7B illustrates a first perspective view of a protrusion of an ECM of an electronic device according to an example;

[0045] Figure 7C illustrates a second perspective view opposite to the first perspective view of a protrusion of an ECM of an electronic device according to an example;

[0046] Fig. 8A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device having a spacer coupling an ECM to a sidewall of a housing of the electronic device according to one example;

[0047] Figure 8B illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the region of the electronic device according to one example;

[0048] Figure 8C illustrates an enlarged top view of the region of an electronic device according to an example;

[0049] Fig. 9A illustrates a first perspective view of a spacer of an electronic device according to an example;

[0050] Fig. 9B illustrates a second perspective view of a spacer of an electronic device according to an example;

[0051] Fig. 10A illustrates a first perspective view of a spacer of an electronic device according to an example;

[0052] Fig. 10B illustrates a second perspective view of a spacer of an electronic device according to an example;

[0053] Fig.11A illustrates an exploded view of an electronic device including an ECM and a seal according to one example;

[0054] Fig. 11B illustrates a top view of an electronic device including a seal according to one example; and

[0055] Fig. 11C A top view of a cutout (eg, a cutout in a seal or adhesive layer of an electronic device) is illustrated according to one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover substitutions, modifications and equivalents that may be included in the essence and scope of the described embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0057] The following disclosure generally relates to electronic devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to wearable electronic devices. The wearable electronic devices of the present disclosure include a customized arrangement of components to provide additional or enhanced functionality without introducing or adding undesirable device properties or performance. In this way, more functions and components can be included in the wearable device for users to wear and operate in any condition or during any activity without limiting the functionality and durability of the device.

[0058] In one example, an electronic watch may include a housing sidewall defining an internal volume. The electronic watch may include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the internal volume. The electronic watch may include a conductive connector that contacts the PCB. The electronic watch may include an elongated conductive member disposed along a portion of the periphery of the housing sidewall. The elongated conductive member may include a first contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the electronic connector at a first position along the length of the elongated conductive member. The first contact feature may include a protrusion. The elongated conductive member may include a second contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the housing sidewall at a second position along the length of the elongated conductive member. In one example, such an arrangement may allow the upper portion of the housing to act as a radiating element of the antenna and the lower portion of the housing to act as a grounding element of the antenna. The increased vertical distance between the radiating element and the grounding element may improve antenna performance and stability. The elongated conductive member may electrically couple these elements of the antenna formed by the structural housing (e.g., the upper portion and the lower portion described above), thereby improving antenna performance, durability, and compactness of the device.

[0059] The following will refer to Figures 1 to Fig. 11CTo discuss these embodiments and other embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In addition, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature comprising at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood to refer to a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that may include one of each listed option (e.g., only one first option, only one second option, only one third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more first options), two options at the same time (e.g., one first option and one second option), or a combination thereof (e.g., two first options and one second option).

[0060] Figure 1A An example of an electronic device 100 according to one example is shown. Figure 1A The electronic device shown may be a watch, such as a smart watch or an electronic watch. Figure 1A The electronic device 100 is merely a representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. For example, the electronic device 100 may correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, portable media player, media storage device, portable digital assistant ("PDA"), tablet computer, computer, mobile communication device, GPS unit, remote control device, or other electronic device. The electronic device 100 may also be referred to as a consumer device. In some examples, the electronic device 100 may include a housing 102, which may, for example, carry operating components in an interior volume at least partially defined by the housing 102. An elongated conductive member (ECM) 126 may be disposed within the housing 102, as will be described in detail herein. The electronic device 100 may also include a strap 104, or other retaining component capable of securing the electronic device 100 to the user's body as desired. Reference is made below to Figure 1B Further details of the electronic equipment are provided.

[0061] Figure 1B An electronic device 100 (eg, a smart watch or electronic watch) is illustrated, which may be substantially similar to the devices described herein (including Figure 1A The electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1 , but without the strap 104, and may include some or all of the features of the devices described herein. The device 100 may include a housing 102 and a display assembly 106 attached to the housing 102. The housing 102 may substantially define at least a portion of an exterior surface of the device 100.

[0062] Display assembly 106 can be a display module. Display assembly 106 can include a display cover. The display cover can be glass, plastic, or any other substantially transparent outer layer, material, component, or assembly. As described herein, display assembly 106 can include multiple layers, each of which provides a unique function. Therefore, display assembly 106 can be an interface component or a part of an interface component. Display assembly 106 can define a front exterior surface of electronic device 100, and as described herein, the exterior surface can be considered an interface surface. In some examples, the interface surface defined by display assembly 106 can receive input from a user, such as touch input.

[0063] In some examples, the housing 102 can be a substantially continuous or unified component and can define one or more openings to receive components of the electronic device 100. In some examples, the electronic device 100 can include input components, such as one or more buttons 108 and / or a crown 110 that can be disposed in the opening. In some examples, a material can be disposed between the button 108 and / or the crown 110 and the housing 102 to provide an airtight and / or watertight seal at the location of the opening. The housing 102 can also define one or more openings or apertures, such as an aperture 112, which can allow sound to pass into or out of the internal volume defined by the housing 102. For example, the aperture 112 can be in communication with a microphone component disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, the housing 102 can define or include a feature, such as an indentation for removably coupling the housing 102 to a strap or retaining component.

[0064] Figure 1C A bottom perspective view of electronic device 100 is shown. Electronic device 100 may include a back cover 114, which may be attached to housing 102, for example, relative to display assembly 106. Back cover 114 may include ceramic, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. In some examples, back cover 114 may include at least partially electromagnetically transparent components 116. Electromagnetically transparent components 116 may be transparent to electromagnetic radiation (such as visible light, infrared light, radio waves, or a combination thereof) of any desired wavelength. In some examples, electromagnetically transparent components 116 may allow sensors and / or transmitters disposed in housing 102 to communicate with an external environment. Housing 102, display assembly 106, and back cover 114 may define the internal volume and external surface of device 100 together.

[0065] As described above, portable and / or wearable electronic devices can be designed to be used in many different environments and during any kind of activities throughout the day by the user. For example, wearable electronic watches, headphones, and phones can be carried by users during exercise, sleep, driving, riding, hiking, swimming, diving, in the rain, in the sun, etc. The wearable electronic devices described herein are configured to withstand a variety of and usually harsh conditions in various environments, including changing environments and humid environments. Humid environments can include, for example, wearing the device in the rain or when immersed in water during bathing or swimming. Such devices transmit and / or receive signals via antennas of the electronic devices. Therefore, the antennas need to work consistently and reliably. As described herein, ECM 126 can provide such functionality.

[0066] Examples of electronic devices disclosed herein include components, features, arrangements, and configurations that are resistant to damage and corrosion due to exposure to moisture. Some aspects of the devices described herein may include gaps between components through which moisture, water, or other fluids may enter. Gaps may exist for aesthetic purposes or for functional purposes. However, one or more components of the devices described herein, including seals (such as pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs)), insulating materials, and frames, as well as other components, may be configured to prevent such moisture from entering the interior volume of the device, where sensitive electronic components may be damaged.

[0067] Figures 1A to 1C Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in Figures 1A to 1C The following reference will be made to the examples of devices, features, components and parts shown. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B Provide additional details of the electronic device.

[0068] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The right and left perspective views of an electronic watch 200 including a housing 202 having a housing sidewall 228 according to one example are respectively illustrated. In some examples, the electronic device 200 may be a smart watch. The sidewall 228 may define an opening in which the display cover 222 is disposed. The electronic watch 200 may include a fixed strap 204 configured to secure the electronic watch 200 to an appendage of a user.

[0069] The side wall 228 may define an upper peripheral edge of the electronic watch 200, which surrounds the display cover 222. Specifically, the side wall 228 may include an upper portion 232, a lower portion 234, and a middle portion 236. The upper portion 232 may define an upper peripheral edge surrounding the display cover 222. The middle portion 236 may be disposed between the upper portion 232 and the lower portion 234.

[0070] In at least one example, the display cover 222 defines a top surface disposed in a plane. The plane can be flush with the upper peripheral edge of the side wall 228 or can be disposed lower than the upper peripheral edge of the side wall 228. In this way, when the wearable electronic device 200 contacts a surface or object at or near the upper surface of the display cover 222 and / or the upper peripheral edge of the side wall 228, contact and potential damage to the display cover 222 can be reduced. In one example, the display cover 222 is disposed flush with or lower than the upper peripheral edge of the side wall 228 to protect the display cover 222 from damage.

[0071] In at least one example, Figure 2A As shown, the side wall 228 can define a first side of the electronic watch 200 having a recessed feature, in which the crown 210 is positioned. The crown 210 can be part of a rotating dial button or other functional knob configured to be manipulated by a user. The crown 210 can be disposed in the recess, as described above, so that the first side of the side wall 228 extends outward and at least partially around the crown 210. In this way, contact and collision of other objects with the first side of the side wall 228 during use can contact the side wall 228 without pressing or turning the crown 210. In this way, the recess of the first side of the side wall 228 prevents unintentional manipulation of the crown 210. Figure 2A The illustrated button 209 may also be at least partially surrounded by an outwardly extending portion of the side wall 228 such that the button 209 is disposed within a recess thereof to protect the button 209 from accidental contact.

[0072] In at least one example, Figure 2B As shown, the side wall 228 may define Figure 2AThe second side opposite to the first side shown. In such examples, the wearable electronic device 200 may include a first speaker opening 247, a second speaker opening 249, and a button 208 disposed between the first speaker opening 247 and the second speaker opening 249. The first speaker opening 247 and the second speaker opening 249 may provide fluid communication from a common speaker volume behind the side wall 228 (e.g., within an interior volume defined by the side wall 228) to the external environment. The button 208 may be disposed between the first speaker opening 247 and the second speaker opening 249 to save space and provide a compact design without interrupting the function of one or more speakers communicating with the external environment through the first speaker opening 247 and the second speaker opening 249.

[0073] The electronic watch 200 includes a display assembly 206, which includes a display cover 222. The electronic watch 200 includes a housing 202, a back cover 214, and an electromagnetically transparent component 216. The housing 202, the back cover 214, the electromagnetically transparent component 216, and the display cover 222 can define an interior volume 203. In at least one example, the housing sidewall 228 defines the interior volume 203.

[0074] in addition, Figure 2C The exploded view of the electronic watch 200 illustrates various internal components that may be disposed within the internal volume 203. For example, the electronic watch 200 may include one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 218 ​​and one or more antenna components 220 disposed within the internal volume 203, as well as electrical connectors and electrical flexures, buttons, seals, gaskets, memory components, processors, sensors, dial keys, batteries, etc.

[0075] Figure 2D 2 illustrates an exploded view of a housing 202 and a display assembly 206 of an electronic watch 200 according to one example. Figure 2D As depicted in , the display assembly 206 is further exploded to illustrate the display cover 222 and the display layer 224. In addition, Figure 2D An ECM 226 is illustrated. In at least one example, the ECM 226 is a wave ring. A wave ring may refer to an example of an ECM in which electrical contact may be made between a housing and a PCB due to undulations or circumferential changes (e.g., waves). The ECM 226 will be described and discussed in more detail below with reference to other figures.

[0076] The housing 202 defines an opening 230 and at least partially defines an interior volume. Specifically, an upper portion 232 of the side wall 228 can define the opening 230. When assembled, the display assembly 206 and / or one of the components of the display assembly 206 can be disposed in the opening 230 to form an outer surface of the electronic watch 200 and at least partially define the interior volume.

[0077] In at least one example, the sidewall 228 can include an upper portion 232 and a lower portion 234. The upper portion 232 and the lower portion 234 can be separated by a middle portion 236 disposed between the upper portion 232 and the lower portion 234. In at least one example, the upper portion 232 and the lower portion 234 of the sidewall 228 can include one or more conductive materials, and the middle portion 236 can include one or more non-conductive materials (e.g., insulating materials). The middle portion 236 can be molded to or otherwise adhered to the upper portion 232 and / or the lower portion 234, such that the upper portion 232, the lower portion 234, and the middle portion 236 form a single, integral sidewall 228 of the housing 202, as shown.

[0078] As will be described with respect to ECM 226 , electronic device 200 may include an antenna in which upper portion 232 of conductive housing 228 forms a radiating element of the antenna and lower portion 234 of the conductive housing forms a ground element of the antenna.

[0079] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown. Additional details of the display assembly 206 are provided with reference to FIG.

[0080] Figure 3A Illustrated are housing sidewall 228 and ECM 326 of electronic device 300 according to one example. Although not all components are shown, electronic device 300 may be substantially similar to electronic watch 200 of FIG. 2 and other electronic devices described herein, as labeled by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0081] The housing sidewall 228 may include an upper housing portion 232, a lower housing portion 234, and an intermediate housing portion 236. The upper housing portion 232 and the lower housing portion 234 may be electrically isolated by the intermediate housing portion 236. In other words, the housing sidewall 228 includes a conductive upper portion (upper housing portion 232), a conductive lower portion (lower housing portion 234), and an insulating intermediate portion (intermediate housing portion 236) between the conductive upper portion and the conductive lower portion.

[0082] The ECM 326 may be disposed along a portion of the perimeter of the housing sidewall 228. More specifically, the ECM 326 may be disposed along a portion of the inner perimeter of the upper housing portion 232. In at least one example, the ECM 326 includes a gap such that the ECM 326 is only partially disposed along the inner perimeter of the upper housing portion 232. As used herein, a gap indicates a discontinuity such that the ECM 326 does not form a continuous ring.

[0083] In at least one example, the first end 305 and the second end 307 of the ECM 326 are coupled to the housing sidewall 228. The first end 305 and the second end 307 can be mechanically coupled to the inner periphery of the upper housing portion 232 at a first contact point 309(1) and a second contact point 309(2). The first end 305 and the second end 307 can be coupled via a welding process or other mechanism (snap-fit ​​connection or other non-permanent connection). In at least one example, at the first contact point 309(1), the first end 305 of the ECM 326 is electrically coupled to the upper housing portion 232; and at the second contact point 309(2), the second end 307 of the ECM 326 is electrically coupled to the upper housing portion 232. In yet another example, the ECM 326 and the upper housing portion 232 can be mechanically and electrically coupled at additional contact points (e.g., via a weld or other mechanism). For example, the ECM 326 can be coupled to the housing sidewall 228 along a third location along the length of the ECM 326. The third location may be another weld or other type of coupling between the first contact point 309 ( 1 ) and the second contact point 309 ( 2 ) and along the ECM 326 .

[0084] According to an example, Figure 3B An ECM 326 including a contact feature 320 is illustrated. The ECM 326 may include a contact feature 320(1) that electrically couples the ECM 326 and the housing sidewall 228. Specifically, the contact feature 320(1) may electrically contact the upper housing portion 232 of the housing sidewall 228. Figure 3B , ECM 326 includes contact features 320(1)-320(14). However, in other examples, ECM 326 may have a different number of contact features. In one example, ECM 326 has no contact features and makes electrical contact with upper housing portion 232 only at contact points 309(1) and 309(2) at first end 305 and second end 307 of ECM 326, respectively. In other examples, ECM 326 may have between one and thirteen contact features. In other examples, ECM 326 may have more than fourteen contact features. In at least one example, contact features 320 are substantially evenly spaced along ECM 326.

[0085] The contact features 320 may be protrusions in the ECM 326 that protrude toward the housing sidewall 228. In at least one example, the contact features 320 may be bumps or dimples and may be referred to as micro-dimples. In one example, the contact features 320 may have a substantially hemispherical profile. In other examples, the contact features 320 may have a conical profile, a rectangular profile, or other suitable profile that protrudes toward the housing sidewall 228 to make electrical contact with the housing sidewall 228 at a given location. In at least one example, some or all of the contact features 320 may be permanent (e.g., the contact features 320 may be welded to the housing sidewall 228). In at least one example, permanently welding the contact features 320 to the housing sidewall 228 may help ensure that the ECM 326 is grounded to the housing sidewall 228 at each contact point.

[0086] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Examples of devices, features, components and parts are shown. Figure 4 Provides additional detail of contact points between the ECM and other components of an electronic device.

[0087] According to an example, Figure 4Contact points 411(1) to 411(10) between the ECM 426 and the housing sidewall 428 and contact points 413(1) to 413(8) between the ECM 426 and the PCB 418 of the electronic device 400 are illustrated. In one example, the contact point 413 is located between the ECM 426 and a conductive member in contact with the PCB 418. The PCB 418 can be disposed within the interior volume of the electronic device 400. The contact point 411 corresponds to a location where the ECM 426 and the housing sidewall 428 are electrically coupled. Specifically, the contact point 411 corresponds to a location where the ECM 426 and the upper housing portion (e.g., the upper housing portion 232) of the sidewall 428 are coupled. The contact point 413 corresponds to a location where the ECM 426 and the PCB 418 are electrically coupled. In at least one example, ECM 426 may include a first plurality of protrusions (at contact point 413) that form an electrical connection with PCB 418; and ECM 426 may include a second plurality of protrusions (at contact point 411) that form an electrical connection with conductive housing sidewall 428. In at least one example, the ECM may have undulations and / or circumferential variations (e.g., undulations) to form an electrical connection with PCB 418 and / or conductive housing sidewall 428, rather than including protrusions. In additional or alternative examples, the ECM may have both undulations and protrusions. In this way, electronic device 400 includes an antenna, wherein an upper portion of housing sidewall 428 forms a radiating element of the antenna and a lower portion of housing sidewall 428 forms a grounding element of the antenna.

[0088] The following is relative to Figure 5B Details of the coupling of the ECM 426 to the sidewall 428 are provided below with respect to Figure 5C Details of the coupling of ECM 426 to PCB 418 are provided below. Figure 5A An area is provided where the ECM 426 is not coupled to the sidewall 428 or the PCB 418 .

[0089] In at least one example, contact points 411 and contact points 413 at least partially alternate such that they are substantially evenly distributed along ECM 426. Figure 43, some of the contact points, such as contact point 411(1), contact point 413(1), contact point 411(2), and contact point 413(2), are arranged in an alternating pattern. Other contact points, such as contact point 411(2), contact point 413(2), contact point 413(3), contact point 411(3), contact point 411(4), and contact point 413(4), are arranged in a bi-alternating pattern. In general, contact points 411 and contact points 413 may be arranged in any suitable distribution pattern. Contact point 411 may be formed by contact feature 320 of FIG. 3. Contact point 413 may be formed by contact features similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0090] In at least one example, the ECM 426 includes a first contact feature that electrically couples the ECM 426 and a conductive connector at a first location 413 (1). The conductive connector can be a wire, a pin, or other conductive path. The conductive path created by the conductive connector can be coupled to the PCB and can contact the first contact feature (protrusion) at the first location 413 (1). The first contact feature can be a protrusion, as described in FIG. 5. The ECM 426 can include a second feature that electrically couples the ECM and a housing sidewall 428 at a second location 411 (1) along the length of the ECM 426. In at least one example, the ECM 426 includes a third contact feature that electrically couples the ECM and the conductive connector at a third location along the ECM 426. The ECM includes a fourth contact feature that electrically couples the ECM 426 and the housing sidewall 428 at a fourth location along the length of the ECM.

[0091] Figure 4 Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in Figure 4 Examples of devices, features, components and parts are shown. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Provides additional detail of contact points between the ECM and other components of an electronic device.

[0092] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The side wall 528 and the ECM 526 of the electronic device 500 are shown along the Figure 4A cross-sectional view of line 415a, line 415b, and line 415c. The wearable electronic device described herein may include an antenna configured to send and receive electromagnetic signals during use. It may be challenging to incorporate an effective antenna into a small, compact device such as a wearable electronic watch because, among other factors, the greater the distance between the resonant plane of the antenna and the ground plane, the better the performance of the antenna will be. However, space is typically limited to produce the required Z distance required in a compact wearable electronic device. In the device described herein, the housing and side walls of the device may be electrically separated into multiple parts to produce a resonant element and a ground element of the antenna, and the resonant element has sufficient spacing (Z distance) from the ground element to allow the housing itself to act as an antenna. However, this design has its own challenges, including electrically connecting the resonant element to a PCB, a processor, or other electronic device without reducing the Z distance of the antenna. The wearable electronic device described herein is configured to overcome these challenges, as described below.

[0093] In at least one example, electronic device 500 can include sidewall 528 defining interior volume 503. In at least one example, sidewall 528 includes conductive upper portion 532, conductive lower portion 534, and insulating middle portion 536. Insulating middle portion 536 can be disposed between conductive upper portion 532 and conductive lower portion 536. In other words, housing 502 defines interior volume 503 and includes upper housing portion 532 and lower housing portion 534 electrically isolated by middle housing portion 536. In at least one example, middle portion 536 can be bonded to upper portion 532 and lower portion 534 to electrically isolate lower portion 534 from upper portion 532. Upper portion 532 can define opening 530.

[0094] In at least one example, the electronic device 500 can also include a display assembly 506 disposed within an opening 530 defined by a conductive upper portion 532. In at least one example, the conductive upper portion 532 extends around a perimeter of the display assembly 506 and over the display assembly 506. The display assembly 506 can include a display cover 522 and one or more other display layers 524 disposed below the display cover 522. The display assembly 506 can be disposed in the opening 530 such that a gap 568 is formed between the display assembly and the sidewall 528. The gap 568 is the space between the display assembly 506 and the sidewall 528.

[0095] In at least one example, the electronic device 500 further includes an insulating material 576, a seal 538, and an adhesive layer 578 disposed between the insulating material 576 and the seal 538. The intermediate portion 536, the display cover 522, the insulating material 576, the seal 538, and the adhesive layer 578 can define a cavity 570. The cavity 570 can extend along at least a portion of the perimeter of the electronic device 500. Specifically, the cavity 570 can extend along at least a portion of the inner perimeter of the sidewall 528. The cavity 570 can be in fluid communication with the external environment 550 via the gap 568.

[0096] The seal 538 can be bonded to other layers and components including the adhesive layer 578, the middle portion 536, the lower portion 534, and / or the insulating material 576 to prevent moisture, dust, and / or other contaminants from entering the interior volume 503 from the external environment 550. In some examples, the seal 538 can be an adhesive layer or adhesive seal, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In at least one example, one or more other components (e.g., the adhesive layer 578) can be disposed or stacked between the seal 538 and the display assembly 506. In at least one example, an epoxy layer can be stacked below the seal 538, opposite the display assembly. Additionally, the insulating material 576 can support the PCB 574 (e.g., a PCB 574 disposed within the interior volume 503) to prevent moisture, dust, and / or other contaminants from entering the interior volume 503 from the external environment 550. Figure 5B shown).

[0097] In at least one example, electronic device 500 includes a device similar to FIG. 1 to FIG. Figure 4 The ECM 526 of the ECM 126 to 426 is a corrugated ring. The ECM 526 is disposed in the cavity 570. The ECM 526 may be Figure 4 The ECM 526 can make electrical contact with various points of the upper housing portion 532 at the contact points 411. Figure 4 The contact point 413 is connected to the PCB ( Figure 5C In some locations, the ECM 526 does not contact the upper housing portion 532 or the PCB 574.

[0098] Figure 5A 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 500 at a first position 415a where the ECM 526 electrically contacts the upper portion 532 of the housing sidewall 228 according to one example. Specifically, Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of electronic device 500 at contact point 411 including contact feature 320 of FIG. 3 is illustrated.

[0099] At location 415a, the ECM 526 can include a contact feature 320. The contact feature 320 can electrically couple the ECM 526 and the housing sidewall 528 at location 415a along the length of the ECM 526. In at least one example, the contact feature 320 can be a protrusion or an indentation (e.g., a micro-indentation) that protrudes from the ECM 526 toward the external environment 550 to contact the upper portion 532 of the housing sidewall 528.

[0100] In at least one example, ECM 526 can include additional contact features 320 electrically coupling ECM 526 and housing sidewall 528 at additional locations along the length of ECM 526. ECM 526 can include multiple contact features 320 electrically coupling ECM 526 and housing sidewall 528, as shown by contact point 411.

[0101] Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of an electronic device 500 at a second location 415b where an ECM 526 electrically contacts a PCB 574 according to one example is illustrated. The electronic device 500 includes a PCB 574 disposed within an interior volume 503. In at least one example, the electronic device 500 can include a conductive connector 572 extending through an insulating material 576 between a gap 568 and the PCB 574. The conductive connector 572 can contact the PCB 574.

[0102] In at least one example, upper portion 532 of side wall 528 can be electrically isolated from lower portion 534 via intermediate and non-conductive middle portion 536. In this manner, upper portion 532 can be a resonant element of an antenna for electronic device 500, with lower portion 534 of side wall 528 acting as an electrical ground plane relative to the resonant plane of upper portion 532. As described above, upper portion 532 can be electrically connected to PCB 574 of device 500 such that signals received and transmitted by resonant upper portion 532 can be directed to PCB 574 and can be processed by one or more processors or other electronic components of device 500 (including any processors or other electronic components mounted on the PCB).

[0103] At location 415b, ECM 526 includes contact feature 540. Contact feature 540 can electrically couple ECM 526 and conductive connector 572 at location 415b along the length of ECM 526. In at least one example, contact feature 540 can be a protrusion or projection that protrudes from ECM 526 toward interior volume 503 to contact conductive connector 572. Specifically, the projection or projection can extend from housing 502, housing sidewall 528, and toward PCB 574. In this way, upper housing portion 532 can be electrically connected to PCB 574 through ECM 526.

[0104] In at least one example, the ECM 526 can include additional contact features 540 that electrically couple the ECM 526 and the conductive connector 572 at additional locations along the length of the ECM 526. The ECM 526 can include a plurality of contact features 540 that electrically couple the ECM 526 to the conductive connector 572 and, therefore, to the PCB 574, as shown by the contact points 413. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B As shown, the protrusion 540 and the protrusion 320 may extend from the ECM 526 in opposite directions.

[0105] Figure 5C A cross-sectional view of the electronic device 500 at a third position 415c, wherein the ECM 526 does not electrically contact either the upper housing portion 532 or the PCB 574, is illustrated according to one example. At the position 415c, the ECM 526 does not have any contact features and is disposed within the cavity 570. However, due to the conductive nature of the ECM 526, the upper housing portion 532 and the PCB 574 are electrically coupled such that the upper housing portion 532 (e.g., the conductive upper portion) forms a radiating element of the antenna, and the lower housing portion 534 (e.g., the conductive portion) forms a grounding element of the antenna. In other words, the sidewall 228 at least partially forms an antenna assembly, wherein the radiating element of the antenna of the electronic device 500 includes the upper housing portion 532, and the grounding element of the antenna of the electronic device 500 includes the lower housing portion 534.

[0106] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Examples of devices, features, components and parts are shown. Additional details of the contact points between the ECM and the PCB are provided below with reference to FIG.

[0107] Fig. 6A A portion of an ECM 626 of an electronic device 600 according to one example is illustrated. Although not all components of the electronic device 600 are shown, the electronic device 600 may be similar to the electronic devices 100 to 500 of FIGS. 1 to 5 , as labeled by like reference numerals.

[0108] The ECM 626 includes a contact feature 640 for electrically coupling the ECM 626 to a PCB of the electronic device 600. In at least one example, the contact feature 640 can include tension arms 642(1)-642(8). In at least one example, the tension arms 642(1)-642(8) can be torsion springs that can be twisted to allow the contact feature 640 to pivot toward the housing sidewall. Additionally or alternatively, the tension arms 642(1)-642(8) can be configured as linear springs to allow the contact feature 640 to be directed toward the housing sidewall. (In some examples, contact feature 642 may include a protrusion or projection. As used herein, a protrusion or projection refers to a formation in ECM 626 that extends within a planar surface formed by ECM 626 toward the interior volume of electronic device 600. In some examples, the raised formation may include a curved, domed, or semi-dome surface that faces inward and away from and adjacent to the housing sidewall, toward conductive member 572 and PCB of electronic device 600. In one example, the protrusion may be curvilinear. In such examples, the domed or semi-dome, curvilinear nature of the protrusion may provide a number of angled surfaces, thereby allowing sufficient contact with conductive member 572 to form an electrical connection within a wide range of assembly and manufacturing tolerances. As shown in FIG. Fig. 6A As depicted in FIG. 6 , ECM 626 has contact features 640 ( 1 ) to 640 ( 8 ). However, in other examples, ECM 626 may have fewer contact features 640 (eg, between one and seven), or ECM 626 may have more contact features 640 (eg, greater than eight).

[0109] In at least one example, the contact feature 640 includes a tensioning arm 642. The tensioning arm 642 can couple the contact feature 640 between adjacent portions of the ECM 626. When the display assembly is disposed within the opening formed by the housing sidewall, the tensioning arm 642 can allow the contact feature 640 to be displaced outward (e.g., toward the sidewall) and / or downward (e.g., away from the display assembly). In at least one example, the tensioning arm can be a torsion arm or a spring arm that can apply a restoring force when the display assembly is not disposed within the opening formed by the housing sidewall.

[0110] In at least one example, the contact feature 640 extends downward (e.g., away from the display assembly) so that when the display cover and / or the display assembly is installed, a twist along the tension arm 642 (5) indicated by arrow 629 is applied to the contact feature 640 and the tension arm 642. In at least one example, an additional contact feature (e.g., the contact feature 320 of FIG. 3 ) can be welded to the housing sidewall so that the contact feature 640 can be deflected when the display cover and / or the display assembly is installed. In this way, the tension arm 642 can allow the contact feature 640 to deflect to account for manufacturing tolerances without applying sufficient stress to the contact feature (320), which can prevent cracking or damage to the weld. In at least one example, the weld can provide grounding of the ECM 626 to the housing sidewall at all contact points of the contact feature 320.

[0111] Figure 6B A first perspective view of a contact feature 640 of an ECM 626 of an electronic device 600 is illustrated according to one example. Figure 6C A second perspective view opposite the first perspective view of contact features 640 of ECM 626 of electronic device 600 is illustrated according to one example.

[0112] As depicted, contact feature 640 can extend away from ECM 626 and toward the interior volume a distance indicated by 623. The protrusion can extend downward from tensioning arm 642 a distance indicated by 617. Contact feature 640 can have a profile with an effective diameter between the lengths indicated by 619. Thus, by varying lengths 617, 619, 621, and / or 623, the general shape of contact feature 640 can be varied. For example, contact feature 640 can be dome-shaped, pin-shaped, rectangular, oval, etc. In Figure 6B and Figure 6C In the example shown, the protrusion may include a convex shaped formation / feature including a domed, semi-dome or curvilinear surface. Figure 6B As shown, the side of the contact feature 640 that extends away from the ECM 626 can be convex to provide a continuous surface of varying angles. The varying angles of the domed convex surface of the raised contact feature 640 can provide a series of contact points to make electrical contact with a conductive portion of a PCB or PCB connected to a device within a wide range of manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

[0113] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6CAny of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Examples of devices, features, components and parts are shown below. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C Additional details are provided on the different types of contact points between the ECM and the PCB.

[0114] Fig. 7A A portion of an ECM 726 of an electronic device 700 according to one example is illustrated. Although not all components of the electronic device 700 are shown, the electronic device 700 may be similar to the electronic devices 100 to 600 of FIGS. 1 to 6 , as labeled by like reference numerals.

[0115] ECM 726 includes contact features 740 for electrically coupling ECM 626 to a PCB of electronic device 700. Contact features 740 can be functionally similar to contact features 640 of FIG. 6 , but have a different profile. In at least one example, contact features 740 are protrusions or flat projections. As depicted in FIG. 7 , ECM 726 has contact features 740 (1) to 740 (8). However, in other examples, ECM 726 can have fewer contact features 740 (e.g., between one and seven), or ECM 726 has more contact features 740 (e.g., greater than eight). In at least one example, contact features 740 include a tensioning arm 742 that is substantially similar to tensioning arm 642.

[0116] Figure 7B A first perspective view of a contact feature 740 of an ECM 726 of an electronic device 700 is illustrated according to one example. Figure 7C A second perspective view opposite the first perspective view of contact features 740 of ECM 726 of electronic device 700 is illustrated according to one example.

[0117] As depicted, the contact feature 740 can extend away from the ECM 626 and toward the interior volume a distance indicated by 723. The contact feature 740 can extend downward from the tensioning arm 742 a distance indicated by 717. The lower edge 729 of the contact feature 740 can be substantially flat (in two dimensions) or linear (in a one-dimensional projection). The width of the contact feature is illustrated by arrow 721.

[0118] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7CAny of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C Examples of devices, features, components and parts are shown below. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C Additional details of the removable coupling between the ECM and the housing are provided.

[0119] Fig. 8A A perspective view of a portion of an electronic device 800 having a spacer 844 coupling an ECM 826 to a side wall 828 of a housing of the electronic device according to one example is illustrated. Although not all components are necessarily shown, the electronic device 800 can be similar to any of the electronic devices 100 to 700 of FIGS. 1 to 7 except that the electronic device 800 includes the spacer 844. Thus, the ECM 826 does not require welding at the first end 805 or the second end 807 of the ECM 826. In at least one example, the spacer 844 can allow a user of the electronic device 800 to install or replace the ECM 826 without the need for complex equipment. For example, the user can remove the ECM 826 by hand or with simple and / or inexpensive tools to allow the user to easily repair the ECM 826.

[0120] In at least one example, the electronic device 800 includes a conductive housing sidewall 828 defining an interior volume. A PCB (not shown) is disposed in the interior volume. The spacer 844 may be disposed along a first portion of the inner perimeter of the conductive housing sidewall 828 (illustrated by 825 and at FIG. 8B to FIG. 8C 828). A conductive strip (e.g., ECM 826) may be disposed along a second portion of the inner perimeter of the conductive housing sidewall 828. A first end 805 of the ECM 826 may be removably coupled to the conductive housing sidewall 828 at a first location 827(1) along the spacer 844. A second end 807 of the ECM 826 may be removably coupled to the conductive housing sidewall 828 at a second location 827(2) along the spacer 844.

[0121] In at least one example, the spacer 844 can be permanently affixed or welded to the conductive housing sidewall 828. The spacer 844 can provide electrical contact between the ECM 826 and the conductive sidewall 828.

[0122] Figure 8B An enlarged perspective view of an area 825 of an electronic device 800 is illustrated according to one example.

[0123] Figure 8CAn enlarged top view of an area 825 of an electronic device 800 is illustrated according to one example. In at least one example, a first end 805 of an ECM 826 can be mechanically coupled to a spacer 844 at a first location 827(1), and a second end 807 of the ECM 826 can be mechanically coupled to the spacer at a second location 827(2). The spacer 844 can include a first feature 846(1) to receive the first end 805 of the ECM 826. The spacer 844 can include a second feature 846(2) to receive the second end 807 of the ECM 826. In at least one example, the first end 805 and the second end 807 of the ECM 826 can include bends and / or bends, as shown, which can allow the first end 805 and the second end 807 to mate with the first feature 846(1) and the second feature 846(2) of the spacer 844, respectively.

[0124] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C Examples of devices, features, components and parts are shown below. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B Additional details are given of exemplary spacers.

[0125] Fig. 9A A first perspective view of a spacer 944 of an electronic device 900 according to one example is illustrated. Similarly, Fig. 9B A second perspective view opposite to the first perspective view of a spacer 944 of an electronic device 900 according to one example is illustrated. Although not all components are necessarily shown, the electronic device 900 may be similar to any of the electronic devices 100 to 800 of FIGS. 1 to 8 except that the electronic device 900 includes the spacer 944.

[0126] In at least one example, spacer 944 can include a first feature 946(1) and a second feature 946(2). First feature 946(1) can be configured to couple to a first end of an ECM (e.g., a wave ring). Second feature 946(2) can be configured to couple to a second end opposite the first end of the ECM.

[0127] In at least one example, the spacer 944 can include a hole 950, which can be a guide hole configured to receive a screw, weld, or other mounting component to couple the spacer 944 to the housing sidewall. In at least one example, the hole 950 can be configured to adjustably allow the spacer 944 to be coupled to the housing sidewall. In other words, the spacer 944 can be tightened or loosened against the housing sidewall, the orientation (e.g., the angle of the spacer relative to the housing sidewall) can be adjusted, etc.

[0128] In at least one example, the feature 946 of the spacer 944 can include various protrusions facing the housing sidewall, facing the interior volume, or a combination thereof. The feature 946 can be configured to receive an end of the ECM. In at least one example, the feature 946 can be configured to removably receive an end of the ECM.

[0129] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B Examples of devices, features, components and parts are shown below. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B Additional details are given for another exemplary spacer.

[0130] Fig. 10A A first perspective view of a spacer 1044 of an electronic device 1000 according to an example is illustrated. Similarly, Fig. 10B A second perspective view opposite to the first perspective view of a spacer 1044 of an electronic device 1000 according to one example is illustrated. Although not all components are necessarily shown, the electronic device 1000 can be similar to any of the electronic devices 100 to 900 of FIGS. 1 to 9 except that the electronic device 1000 includes the spacer 1044. The spacer 1044 can be substantially similar to the spacer 944 of FIG. 9 except with some variations. For example, the spacer 1044 can include additional material at the features 1046(1) and 1046(2) and the hole 1050, which can provide additional mechanical strength to the spacer 1044.

[0131] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10BExamples of devices, features, components and parts are shown below. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C Provide details of seal.

[0132] Fig.11A An exploded view of an electronic device 1100 including an ECM 1126 and a seal 1148 according to one example is illustrated. Although not all components are necessarily shown, the electronic device 1100 can be similar to any of the electronic devices 100 to 1000 of Figures 1 to 10. For example, the ECM 1126 can have any contact features and any number of contact features described herein. In addition, in at least one example, the seal 1148 can include and / or be similar to the seal 538 of Figure 5. In other examples, the seal 1148 can be a separate sealant layer not illustrated in Figure 5.

[0133] The seal 1148 can be configured to bond other layers and components (including various antenna layers, insulating layers, and portions of the sidewalls of the housing 1102) to prevent moisture, dust, and / or other contaminants from entering the interior volume of the electronic device 1100. In at least one example, the seal 1148 can be configured to be installed into the housing 1102 after the ECM 1126. Thus, the seal 1148 is disposed around the perimeter of the housing between the conductive lower portion 1134 and the display portion (such as the display portion 506, FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C The seal 1148 may define a recess or cutout corresponding to the contact feature 1140 between the ECM 1126 and the PCB.

[0134] In at least one example of electronic device 100, housing sidewall 1128 has an upper sidewall portion 1132 and a lower sidewall portion 1134, which are respectively bonded to an intermediate sidewall portion 1136 disposed between upper sidewall portion 1132 and lower sidewall portion 1134. Housing sidewall 1128 can define opening 532, and a display assembly (not shown, similar to display assembly 506) can be disposed in opening 532. In addition, in at least one example, seal 1148 can be used as a seal disposed below the display assembly and can be directly bonded to intermediate portion 1136 of sidewall 1128.

[0135] Seal 1148 can be a resin or other adhesive. In some examples, seal 1148 can be substantially resistant to degradation caused by light, weather, and / or water. In at least one example, seal 1148 can be an adhesion promoter.

[0136] Fig. 11B A top view of an electronic device 1100 including a seal 1148 is illustrated according to one example. Fig. 11BAs shown, the seal 1148 can include a recessed portion (eg, a cutout) 1131. Specifically, the seal 1148 can define the cutout 1131 at a first position corresponding to the contact feature 1140.

[0137] In at least one example, the notches 1131 correspond in position to the location of contact features (such as contact features 540 to 740 of FIGS. 5 to 7 ) 1140 that electrically contact the ECM 1126 with the PCB (or conductive connector). Thus, if there are N contact features 1140 (N), then there are N notches 1131 (N). In other examples, the number of contact features 1140 (N) and the number of notches 1131 (M) are not the same (e.g., N is different from M). Fig. 11B In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , each cutout 1131 corresponds to a contact feature 1140 . The contact features 1140 and the cutouts 1131 are distributed along the perimeter of the housing sidewall 1128 .

[0138] Fig. 11C A top view of a cutout 1131(6) (eg, a cutout 1131(6) in a seal 1148 of an electronic device 1100) is illustrated according to one example. Fig. 11C , seal 1148 may have a width that is narrowest (e.g., thinnest) at location 1135 corresponding to contact feature 1140(6) (as considered within a plane defined by the display assembly). In contrast, seal 1148 has its greatest width (e.g., thickness) at location 1133.

[0139] In at least one example, cutout 1131 is configured to allow seal 1148 to be installed along housing sidewall 1128 after ECM 1126 is installed. Specifically, cutout 1131 can be configured to prevent seal 1148 from interfering with contact features 1140 of ECM 1126 during installation of seal 1148.

[0140] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B Any of the features, components and / or parts shown (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in any of the other examples of devices, features, components and parts shown in other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components and / or parts shown in other figures (including their arrangements and configurations) may be included alone or in any combination in FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B Examples of devices, features, components, and portions are shown.

[0141] To the extent applicable to the present technology, the collection and use of data obtained from various sources may be used to improve the delivery of inspirational content or any other content that may be of interest to users. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, such collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, ID, home address, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0142] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology can be used to benefit users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that users are more interested in. Therefore, the use of such personal information data enables users to have planned control over the content delivered. In addition, the present disclosure also anticipates other uses of personal information data that benefit users. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall health status, or can be used as positive feedback to individuals who use technology to pursue health goals.

[0143] The disclosure anticipates that entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage or other purposes of such personal information data will comply with sound privacy policies and / or privacy measures. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to the use of privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding the industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easy for users to access and should be updated as changes in the collection and / or use of data occur. Personal information from users should be collected for legal and reasonable entity purposes and should not be shared or sold outside these legal purposes. In addition, such collection / sharing should be carried out after receiving the informed consent of the user. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data, and ensure that other entities with access to personal information data comply with their privacy policies and procedures. In addition, such entities can subject themselves to third-party assessments to prove that they comply with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted to specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including considerations of special jurisdictions. For example, in the United States, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy measures should be advocated for different types of personal data in each country.

[0144] Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes in which users selectively block the use or access of personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates hardware elements and / or software elements to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with respect to an advertising delivery service, the technology of the present invention may be configured to allow a user to choose to "opt in" or "opt out" to participate in the collection of personal information data at any time during or after registration for the service. In another example, a user may choose not to provide emotion-related data for a target content delivery service. In another example, a user may choose to limit the length of time that emotion-related data is retained, or completely prohibit the development of basic emotional conditions. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure also contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application, and then the user may be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

[0145] In addition, it is the intention of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once the data is no longer needed, the risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting the data. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. De-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than at the address level), controlling how the data is stored (e.g., aggregating data between users), and / or other methods when appropriate.

[0146] Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may also be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology will not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content may be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to a content delivery service, or publicly available information.

[0147] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the embodiments. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are feasible.

Claims

1. An electronic watch, comprising: a housing sidewall, the housing sidewall defining an interior volume; a printed circuit board (PCB), the printed circuit board (PCB) being disposed within the interior volume; a conductive connector, the conductive connector contacting the PCB; an elongated conductive member disposed along a portion of a periphery of the housing side wall, the elongated conductive member comprising: a first contact feature electrically coupling the elongated conductive member and the conductive connector at a first location along the length of the elongated conductive member, the first contact feature comprising a protrusion; and A second contact feature electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the housing sidewall at a second location along the length of the elongated conductive member. The electronic watch according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion extends toward the PCB.

3. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein the elongated conductive member further comprises: a third contact feature that electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the electrical connector at a third location along the length of the elongated conductive member; and A fourth contact feature electrically couples the elongated conductive member and the housing sidewall at a fourth location along the length of the elongated conductive member.

4. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein: The elongated conductive member includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end; The first end and the second end are coupled to the housing sidewall. 5 . The electronic watch of claim 4 , wherein the elongated conductive member is coupled to the housing sidewall at a third location along the length of the elongated conductive member.

6. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein the housing side wall comprises: a conductive upper portion; a conductive lower portion; and An insulating middle portion is located between the conductive upper portion and the conductive lower portion.

7. The electronic watch according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic watch also includes an antenna, which has a radiation element and a ground element; The radiating element comprises the conductive upper portion; and The ground element includes the conductive lower portion.

8. The electronic watch according to claim 6, wherein: The conductive upper portion defines an opening; The electronic watch also includes a display assembly disposed in the opening; and The conductive upper portion surrounds a perimeter of the display assembly and extends over the display assembly.

9. The electronic watch of claim 8, further comprising a seal disposed between the conductive lower portion and the display assembly around the perimeter of the housing sidewall, the seal defining a recess at the first location.

10. An antenna assembly, comprising: a housing defining an interior volume, the housing comprising an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion electrically isolated by an intermediate housing portion; a printed circuit board (PCB), the printed circuit board (PCB) being disposed within the interior volume; an elongated conductive member disposed along a portion of an inner periphery of the upper housing portion, wherein the elongated conductive member comprises: a first protrusion that electrically contacts the PCB at a first location along the length of the elongated conductive member, the first protrusion comprising a tensioning arm; and A second protrusion contacts the upper housing portion at a second location along the length of the elongated conductive member. 11 . The antenna assembly of claim 10 , further comprising a conductive path coupled to the PCB and contacting the first protrusion at the first location. 12 . The antenna assembly of claim 10 , wherein the first protrusion further comprises a projection extending toward the PCB and away from the housing.

13. The antenna assembly of claim 10, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion extend from the elongated conductive member in opposite directions.

14. The antenna assembly of claim 10, further comprising a seal disposed around a periphery of the housing and defining a recess corresponding to the first protrusion.

15. The antenna assembly according to claim 10, further comprising: A display module is coupled to the PCB and disposed within an opening defined by the upper housing portion, wherein the elongated conductive member is disposed between the upper housing portion and the display module.

16. The antenna assembly according to claim 10, further comprising: a radiating element, said radiating element comprising said upper housing portion; and A grounding element includes the lower housing portion.

17. An electronic device, comprising: a conductive housing sidewall defining an interior volume; a printed circuit board (PCB), the printed circuit board (PCB) being disposed within the interior volume; a spacer disposed along a first portion of an inner periphery of a side wall of the conductive housing; a conductive strip disposed along a second portion of the inner periphery of the conductive housing sidewall, wherein: a first end of the conductive tape removably coupled to the conductive housing sidewall at a first location along the spacer; and A second end of the conductive tape is removably coupled to the conductive housing sidewall at a second location along the spacer.

18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the spacer comprises: a first feature portion, the first feature portion being configured to receive the first end portion of the conductive tape; and A second feature portion is configured to receive the second end portion of the conductive tape.

19. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the conductive tape comprises: a first plurality of protrusions disposed along a length of the conductive tape and forming an electrical connection with the PCB; and A second plurality of protrusions are disposed along the length of the conductive strip and in electrical connection with the conductive housing sidewall.

20. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein: The electronic device also includes an antenna having a radiating element and a ground element; The radiating element comprises an upper portion of the conductive housing side wall; and The grounding element includes a lower portion of the conductive housing sidewall.

Images