Screwless engagement assembly

Abstract

To provide one or more elements configured to screwlessly and removably engage a component of a device with a housing of the device.SOLUTION: In one aspect, a device includes one or more elements configured to screwlessly and removably engage a component of the device with a housing of the device. The device may include the component itself.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following disclosure relates to technically inventive and unconventional solutions that result in specific technical improvements. In particular, the following disclosure relates to threadless engagement assemblies for electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] As recognized herein, removable battery packs are sometimes used in laptop computers and other devices. However, when these battery packs are removed and reinstalled in the device in the field, the relatively small screws used to secure the pack to the device can become dislodged and fall into the device's chassis. In such cases, the screws may not be retrievable and may still become pinched between the battery pack and the rest of the device when the pack is reinstalled. This not only interferes with proper placement of the battery pack within the device, but can also create a pressure point between the battery pack and the chassis at the location of the pinched screw. This, in turn, can create a safety hazard and render the device inoperable due to potential battery pack rupture caused by the pressure point. No adequate solution currently exists for the aforementioned problem. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] Thus, in one embodiment, the device includes one or more elements configured to threadlessly and removably engage a component of the device with a housing of the device.

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more elements can include one or more enclosures into which each protrusion on the component can slide. If desired, the one or more enclosures can include a first enclosure in the housing, where the first enclosure can be configured to receive a first protrusion on the component. The one or more elements can also include a slider in the housing configured to slide into a second enclosure on the component.

[0005] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the one or more elements can include one or more protrusions configured to engage with respective clips on the component. In some particular examples, the one or more protrusions can be one or more first protrusions, and the one or more elements can include one or more receptacles into which respective second protrusions on the component can slide. Furthermore, in some examples, the device can include a component, and each respective clip on the component can be at least partially established by a U-shaped member. The U-shaped member can be configured to flex inward to disengage each clip from the respective protrusion.

[0006] Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment, one or more elements may include a first tooth configured to mesh with a second tooth of the component. In some particular examples, the device may include a component, wherein the first and second teeth can be disengaged from one another via a first opening on the housing and a second opening on the component. Each respective opening can be independently used to disengage the first and second teeth from one another. Additionally, if desired, each opening can be configured to receive a tool manually inserted therein. Each opening can have a respective major axis that is orthogonal to one another.

[0007] Further, in exemplary embodiments, one or more elements can include a socket. In one particular example, a ball on the component can be received within the socket. In another particular example, a member on the component is receivable within the socket, and the socket in this particular example includes a first region configured to receive a convex surface of the member and a second region configured to receive a rectangular protrusion of the member.

[0008] Further in an exemplary embodiment, one or more elements may include a fastener configured to receive a retainer on the component.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more elements can include first and second convex members configured to engage respective ramps on the component. If desired, the first and second convex members can be established by respective first and second leaf springs that engage the respective ramps under spring bias.

[0010] In various examples, the device may include a component, which may be a battery and / or a memory card.

[0011] In another aspect, a method includes providing a device and providing one or more elements to the device, the one or more elements configured to threadlessly and removably engage a component of the device to a housing of the device.

[0012] In some examples, the method may also include threadlessly and removably engaging the component with the housing with one or more elements.

[0013] In another aspect, the assembly configured to engage the housing of the device includes one or more elements configured to removably engage the assembly with the housing of the device without threads.

[0014] The details of the present principles, both as to their structure and operation, can best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system consistent with the present principles; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an exemplary laptop computer consistent with the present principles. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 illustrates a second exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 4B] FIG. 10 illustrates a second exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 illustrates a third exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 illustrates a third exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 5D] FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 illustrates a seventh exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 illustrates a seventh exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 illustrates an eighth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 illustrates an eighth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 10A] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 10B] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 11A] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 15A] FIG. 19 illustrates a tenth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 15B] FIG. 19 illustrates a tenth exemplary threadless embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 16] 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method consistent with the present principles. [Figure 17] 1A-1C are two side views of an exemplary round screw illustrating another embodiment consistent with the present principles. [Figure 18] 1A-1C are top views of various screw head designs that may be used on round screws consistent with the present principles. [Figure 19] 1A-1C are top and side views of an exemplary round screw with various symbols to illustrate round screw mechanisms consistent with the present principles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In particular, the detailed description below provides screwless fastening solutions for batteries and other components of devices, such as network cards, SID cards, peripheral devices, modular USB ports, etc. For batteries in particular, the following principles can enhance battery safety by providing an improved mechanical strength solution that further eliminates the use of screws, provides device integrity, and also provides serviceability for replacement or recycling. The exemplary embodiments described below can also conserve space within a device that could otherwise be used to fasten components to the device. The exemplary screwless embodiments described below can be combined with and interchangeable with each other, consistent with the present principles.

[0017] Before delving further into the details of the present technique, it should be noted that with respect to any computer system discussed herein, the system may include a server component and a client component connected via a network to enable data exchange between the client and server components. The client component may include one or more computing devices, including televisions (e.g., smart TVs, Internet-enabled TVs, etc.), computers such as desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, so-called convertible devices (e.g., having tablet and laptop configurations), and other mobile devices, including smartphones. These client devices may use operating systems from, by way of non-limiting example, Apple Inc. of Cupertino, CA, Google Inc. of Mountain View, CA, or Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, WA. A Unix or similar Linux operating system may be used, as well as Chrome, Android, Windows, or macOS operating systems. These operating systems may run one or more browsers, such as those made by Microsoft, Google, Mozilla, or another browser program, that can access web pages and applications hosted by Internet servers over a network, such as the Internet, a local intranet, or a virtual private network.

[0018] As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps for processing information in a system. Instructions may be implemented in software, firmware, or hardware, or a combination thereof, and may include any type of program step performed by a component of the system; thus, exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are sometimes described in terms of their functionality.

[0019] A processor can be any single-chip or multi-chip processor capable of executing logic via various lines, such as address lines, data lines, and control lines, and capable of implementing registers and shift registers. Furthermore, any logical blocks, modules, and circuits described herein can be implemented or performed using a system processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor can also be implemented by a controller or state machine, or a combination of computing devices. Thus, the methods herein can be implemented as software instructions executed by a processor, a suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or field programmable gate array (FPGA) module, or in any other convenient manner understood by one skilled in the art. When used, software instructions can also be implemented in non-transitory devices sold and / or provided, i.e., not transient, but carrying signals and / or being signals in nature. For example, a non-transitory device can be or include a hard disk drive, solid state drive, or CD-ROM. A flash drive can also be used to store instructions. Additionally, software code instructions can also be downloaded over the Internet (e.g., as part of an application ("app") or as a software file). Thus, while a software application for carrying out the present principles may be sold with a device such as system 100 described below, it should be understood that such an application can also be downloaded to a device from a server over a network such as the Internet.The application may also run on a server, and the associated presentation may be displayed via a browser (and / or via a dedicated companion app) on a client device that communicates with the server.

[0020] Software modules and / or applications depicted by flowcharts and / or user interfaces herein may include various subroutines, procedures, etc. Without limiting the disclosure, logic described as being performed by a particular module may be redistributed among other software modules and / or combined together in a single module and / or made available in a shareable library. Additionally, the user interfaces (UIs) / graphical UIs described herein may be integrated and / or extended, and UI elements may be mixed and matched between UIs.

[0021] If implemented in software, the logic may be written in a suitable language, such as, but not limited to, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)-5, Java / JavaScript, C#, or C++, and may be stored on or transmitted from a computer-readable storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), hard disk drive or solid-state drive, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical disk storage such as a digital versatile disk (DVD), magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage device, including a removable thumb drive.

[0022] In an example, the processor can access information from a data storage device, such as a computer-readable storage medium, via its input lines, and / or the processor can access information wirelessly from an Internet server by activating a wireless transceiver to transmit and receive data. Data is typically converted from an analog signal to digital by circuitry between the antenna and the processor's registers when received, and from digital to analog when transmitted. The processor then processes the data through its shift registers and outputs calculated data on its output lines to cause the calculated data to be displayed on the device.

[0023] Components included in one embodiment may be used in other embodiments in any suitable combination, for example, any of the various components described herein and / or illustrated in the figures may be combined, substituted for one another, or removed from other embodiments.

[0024] The term "a" or "an" in reference to an entity refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" or "an," "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0025] "A system having at least one of A, B, and C" (and similarly "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" and "a system having at least one of A, B, and C") includes systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.

[0026] The terms "circuit" or "circuitry" may be used in the abstract, description, and / or claims. The term "circuitry" includes all levels of available integration, from discrete logic circuits to higher levels of circuit integration such as VLSI, and includes programmable logic components that are programmed to perform the functions of an embodiment, as well as processors (e.g., special purpose processors) that are programmed with instructions to perform those functions.

[0027] 1, an exemplary block diagram of information handling system and / or computer system 100 is shown, which is understood to have housing for the components described below. In some embodiments, system 100 may be a desktop computer system such as one of the ThinkCentre® or ThinkPad® series of personal computers sold by Lenovo (US) of Morrisville, NC, or a workstation computer such as a ThinkStation® sold by Lenovo (US) of Morrisville, NC, although it should be noted that, as will become apparent from the description herein, a client device, server, or other machine in accordance with the present principles may include other functions, or only some of the functions of system 100. Furthermore, system 100 may be, for example, a gaming console such as an XBOX®, and / or may include a mobile telephone, a mobile communication device such as a laptop, and / or other portable computerized device.

[0028] 1, system 100 may include a so-called chipset 110. A chipset refers to a group of integrated circuits, or chips, designed to work together. Chipsets are typically marketed as a single product (e.g., chipsets marketed under the brand names INTEL®, AMD®, etc.).

[0029] 1, chipset 110 has a particular architecture that may vary somewhat depending on the brand or manufacturer. The architecture of chipset 110 includes a core and memory control group 120 and an I / O controller hub 150, which exchange information (e.g., data, signals, commands, etc.) via, for example, a direct management interface, or direct media interface (DMI) 142, or a link controller 144. In the example of FIG. 1, DMI 142 is a chip-to-chip interface (sometimes referred to as being the link between the "northbridge" and the "southbridge").

[0030] Core and memory control group 120 includes a processor assembly 122 (e.g., one or more single-core or multi-core processors) and a memory controller hub 126 that exchange information via a front-side bus (FSB) 124. A processor assembly such as assembly 122 may therefore include one or more processors acting independently or in cooperation with each other to execute algorithms, whether these processors are in one device or multiple devices. Further, as described herein, various components of core and memory control group 120 may be integrated onto a single processor die, such as to create a chip that replaces a “northbridge” style architecture.

[0031] Memory controller hub 126 interfaces with memory 140. For example, memory controller hub 126 may provide support for DDR SDRAM memory (e.g., DDR, DDR2, DDR3, etc.). Generally, memory 140 is a type of random access memory (RAM). It is often referred to as "system memory."

[0032] Memory controller hub 126 may further include a low-voltage differential signaling interface (LVDS) 132. LVDS 132 may be a so-called LVDS display interface (LDI) for supporting display devices 192 (e.g., CRTs, flat panels, projectors, touch-enabled light-emitting diode (LED) displays, or other video displays). Block 138 includes some examples of technologies that may be supported by LVDS interface 132 (e.g., serial digital video, HDMI / DVI, display port, etc.). Memory controller hub 126 also includes one or more PCI Express interfaces (PCI-E) 134, for example, to support discrete graphics 136. Discrete graphics using a PCI-E interface have become an alternative to accelerated graphics ports (AGP). For example, memory controller hub 126 may include a 16-lane (×16) PCI-E port for external PCI-E-based graphics cards (e.g., including one or more GPUs). An exemplary system may include either an AGP or PCI-E interface for graphics support.

[0033] In the example used, I / O hub controller 150 may include a variety of interfaces. 1 includes a SATA interface 151, one or more PCI-E interfaces 152 (optionally one or more legacy PCI interfaces), one or more universal serial bus (USB) interfaces 153, a local area network (LAN) interface 154 (more generally, a network interface for communicating across at least one network under the direction of processor 122, such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a Bluetooth network using Bluetooth 5.0 communications, etc.), a general-purpose I / O interface (GPIO) 155, a low pin count (LPC) interface 170, a power management interface 161, a clock generator interface 162, an audio interface 163 (e.g., for a speaker 194 to output audio), a total cost of operation (TCO) interface 164, a system management bus interface (e.g., a multi-master serial computer bus interface, etc.) 165, and a serial peripheral flash memory / controller interface (SPI flash) 166, which, in the example of FIG. 1, includes a basic input / output system (BIOS) 168 and boot code 190. For network connectivity, I / O hub controller 150 may include an integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller line multiplexed with the PCI-E interface port. Other network mechanisms may operate independently of the PCI-E interface. Exemplary network connections include wide area networks (WANs) such as WiFi and 4G and 5G cellular networks.

[0034] The interfaces of I / O hub controller 150 can provide communication with various devices, networks, etc. For example, SATA interface 151 and / or PCI-E interface 152, if used, provide for reading, writing, or reading and writing information to one or more drives 180, such as HDDs, SSDs, or a combination thereof; in either case, drive 180 is understood to be a non-transitory, signal-transmitting, e.g., tangible, computer-readable storage medium. I / O hub controller 150 can also include an Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) to support one or more drives 180. PCI-E interface 152 enables wireless connection 182 to devices, networks, etc. USB interface 153 provides for input devices 184, such as a keyboard (KB), mouse, and various other devices (e.g., a camera, a phone, a storage device, a media player, etc.).

[0035] 1, LPC interface 170 provides for use with one or more ASICs 171, a trusted platform module (TPM) 172, a super I / O 173, a firmware hub 174, BIOS support 175, and various types of memory 176, such as ROM 177, flash 178, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) 179. With respect to TPM 172, this module may be in the form of a chip that may be used to authenticate software and hardware devices. For example, a TPM may perform platform authentication and may be used to verify that a system seeking access is the expected system.

[0036] Upon power-on, system 100 may be configured to execute boot code 190 for BIOS 168, stored in SPI flash 166, and thereafter process data under the control of one or more operating systems and application software (e.g., stored in system memory 140). The operating system may be stored in any of a variety of locations and may be accessed according to instructions in BIOS 168, for example.

[0037] Additionally, although not shown for simplicity, in some embodiments, system 100 may include a gyroscope that senses and / or measures the orientation of system 100 and provides related input to processor assembly 122, an accelerometer that senses the acceleration and / or movement of system 100 and provides related input to processor assembly 122, and / or a magnetometer that senses and / or measures the directional movement of system 100 and provides related input to processor assembly 122. Furthermore, system 100 may include an audio receiver / microphone that provides input from the microphone to processor assembly 122 based on audio detected by a user providing audible input to the microphone. System 100 may also include a camera that collects one or more images and provides the images and related input (e.g., metadata such as a timestamp of the image) to processor assembly 122. The camera may be a thermal imaging camera, an infrared (IR) camera, a digital camera such as a webcam, a three-dimensional (3D) camera, and / or a camera otherwise integrated into system 100 and controllable by processor assembly 122 for collecting still images and / or video. System 100 may further include a Global Positioning System (GPS) transceiver configured to communicate with satellites to receive / identify geographic location information and provide the geographic location information to processor assembly 122. However, it should be understood that another suitable location receiver other than a GPS receiver may be used in accordance with the present principles to determine the location of system 100.

[0038] It should be understood that an exemplary client device, or other machine / computer, may include fewer or more functionality than that shown in system 100 of Figure 1. In any case, it should be understood that, based at least on the foregoing, system 100 is configured in accordance with the present principles.

[0039] 2 shows a bottom view of the bottom of a laptop computer 200. However, it should be noted that the present principles can likewise be used to engage device components with other types (and sides) of devices, including desktop computers, smartphones, tablet computers, mixed reality headsets, smart glasses, smart watches, other wearable devices, etc. The present principles can also be used in heavy equipment implementations, automotive implementations, aerospace implementations, freight implementations, and still other implementations.

[0040] In either case, the bottom of the laptop 200 may contain a keyboard and internal computer circuitry such as a CPU, RAM, HDD, and / or SSD, while another (upper) panel of the laptop 200 may carry the laptop's display. As shown in Figure 2, the laptop 200 may include components 210 and 220. Component 210 may be a secure digital (SD) memory card, and component 220 may be a battery / battery pack that powers the laptop 200.

[0041] Consistent with the present principles, components 210, 220 may be removably and threadlessly engaged with housing 205 on the bottom of laptop 200. When engaged, components 210, 220 are tightly received within respective compartments on housing 205, with components 210, 220 then positioned flush with the remainder of the surface below the bottom. This helps prevent damage and malfunction of components / devices that might otherwise occur.

[0042] 3A and 3B, a first exemplary embodiment is shown of a threadless engagement of a battery pack component 300 with a housing 310 of a device 320 (e.g., laptop 200). As shown in these figures, device 320 can include one or more recesses into which each protrusion on component 300 can slide, including at least a first recess 330 in housing 310 that is slidable / receives a protrusion 340 on component 300. The recesses can be established by cutouts, rectangular or other openings, notches, etc., in various examples.

[0043] 3A and 3B also show that in some examples, device 320 may also include a slider 350 on housing 310. Slider 350 may be a mechanically movable tab or other element that slides along a track (not shown) on the housing and into a second storage section 360 on component 300 along a plane parallel to the outer surface of component 300 / housing 310.

[0044] 3A thus shows that as a first step in threadless engagement of component 300 with device 320, protrusion 340 can be extended into enclosure 330, with component 300 positioned at an oblique angle relative to component enclosure 370 in housing 310, as shown. Arrow 391 indicates the oblique movement that inserts protrusion 340 into enclosure 330. Component 300 can then be fully extended / pushed down into enclosure 370, as shown in FIG. 3B and indicated by movement arrow 392. Then, as a third step, slider 350 is thereafter slid into enclosure 360 ​​to threadlessly secure component 300 to device 320 (so that, in this example, a battery pack can engage electrical contacts of device 320 to power device 320).

[0045] 4A and 4B, these figures illustrate another exemplary embodiment of threadless engagement of a battery pack component 400 with a housing 410 of a device 420 consistent with the present principles. As shown in these figures, device 420 can include one or more protrusions configured to engage with respective clips 425 on component 400, including at least first protrusions 430 formed within housing 410 and defining walls of receptacles 440, as described in more detail below. If desired, device 420 can also include one or more receptacles 450 into which respective second protrusions 460 on component 400 can slide.

[0046] In the illustrated example, each respective clip 425 used (only one clip 425 is used in this example) can be established, at least in part, by a U-shaped member 427. The U-shaped member 427 can be configured to be manually bent laterally inward with a person's fingers, as indicated by arrow 470 shown in FIG. 4B , to disengage the clip 425 from the protrusion 430. As further shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , a distal vertical arm (distal to the component 400) of the U-shaped member 427 can have teeth 429 that extend into the receptacle 440 when the component 400 engages with the housing 410 and the clip 425 applies an outward force due to the bias of a pre-configured spring / material. The top surface of the teeth 429 thus abuts the bottom surface of the first protrusion 430 (which establishes the wall of the receptacle 440 for the teeth 429), allowing the component 400 to be secured to the device 420 without screws.

[0047] 4A , it can be seen that component 400 is secured to housing 410 without screws, with teeth 429 of clip 425 snapping into receptacle 440, locking component 400 into housing 410. Then, according to FIG. 4B , component 400 can be disengaged from housing 410 by pushing clip 425 inward to disengage teeth 429 from receptacle 440 and angle clip 425 (and component 400) up and away from first protrusion 430. The user then slides second protrusion 460 out of receptacle 450 on the other side of component 400 (with the first end of the component comprising clip 425 already free) to completely remove component 400 from housing 410.

[0048] Continuing the detailed description with reference to Figures 5A-5B, yet another exemplary embodiment for threadless snap-fit ​​release of a component with a device is shown consistent with the present principles. In particular, these figures show an enlarged cutaway side view of an exemplary component / device engagement interface using mating teeth. As shown, the device housing 500 has a vertical member 510 including a first tooth 520 configured to mate with a second tooth 530 on the housing 540 of a removable component (e.g., a battery pack).

[0049] 5A and 5B also show a single exterior entrance / opening 550 of the removable component. Teeth 520, 530 can thus disengage from one another through opening 550, which accepts a tool 560 manually inserted into opening 550 by a user, as indicated by arrow 570. Tool 560 can be a flat-head screwdriver, a frusto- or conical-tipped burr, or the like, the distal end of which can be inserted into opening 550. The distal end of tool 560 is thus extended through opening 550, and pressure is then applied to the beveled face on teeth 520, as shown, to overcome the material bias and force teeth 520 away from their interlocking position with teeth 530, thus allowing housing 510 (and thus the component itself) to be removed from the device. This operation is illustrated in Figure 5B (Figure 5A itself shows the teeth 520, 530 in a meshing configuration).

[0050] 5C and 5D show a second example in which, in addition to having opening 550 for the aforementioned purposes, housing 510 can further have its own side entry opening 580. Teeth 520, 530 can thus further disengage from one another through this second opening 580, which is further configured to receive a tool 560 when manually inserted into opening 580 by a user, as indicated by arrow 590. The distal end of tool 560 can then extend through opening 580, and pressure can then be applied to a portion of the component's teeth 530 (such as on a vertical surface as shown) to overcome the material bias and force teeth 530 away from their interlocking position with teeth 520, such that housing 510 (and thus the component itself) can be disengaged from the device.

[0051] This action is illustrated in Figure 5D (Figure 5C shows the teeth 520, 530 in an interlocking configuration). Thus, it can be seen from Figures 5C and 5D that each opening 550, 580, respectively, can be used independently to disengage the teeth 520, 530. It can also be seen that, in the non-limiting example shown, each opening 550, 580 can have respective long axes that are perpendicular to one another.

[0052] 6A and 6B, yet another exemplary embodiment for screwless snap-release of a component from a device is shown. These figures show enlarged, partial side views of component / device engagement. As shown, a housing 600 of a device 605 has a vertical member 610 including a first tooth 620 configured to mate with a second tooth 630 on the housing of a removable component 640 (e.g., a battery pack).

[0053] As shown in these figures, triangular-shaped opening 650 is accessible from outside housing 600 of device 605 itself. Using a tool such as one described above, the distal end of the tool can be inserted into opening 650 and abut against the angled upper face of tooth 620. The tool is then angled to move tooth 620 and vertical member 610 away from tooth 630, overcoming the bias of the material and unlocking teeth 620, 630 from their interlocked configuration ( FIG. 6A ), thus allowing component 640 to then disengage while member 610 is spread apart from tooth 630 ( FIG. 6B ). Note that in one non-limiting example, the threadless engagement mechanism occupies only 4 mm of space on the device while locked, and only 8 mm of space when unlocked.

[0054] 7A-7B then show another exemplary embodiment similar to FIGS. 6A-6B, except for the differences noted below. In particular, teeth 720, 730 form an angled, interlocking surface interface, as shown, as opposed to the perpendicular interlocking surface interface of FIGS. 6A-6B. Additionally, irregularly shaped openings 750 are shown, as opposed to precise triangular openings 650. Nevertheless, a tool can still be used, as noted above, to release teeth 720, 730 from their locked position (FIG. 7A) (FIG. 7B). Note, in a non-limiting example, that the threadless engagement mechanism occupies only 3 mm of space on the device while locked, and only 5 mm of space when unlocked.

[0055] 8A and 8B, which illustrate another exemplary embodiment for releasing a component from a device consistent with the present principles. These figures show enlarged, partial side views of component / device engagement. As shown, a housing 800 of a device 810 has a socket 820 into which a ball 830 on a component 840 (e.g., an SD memory card) can be received. As illustrated, the socket 820 can be approximately spherical, with an upper opening 850 for the ball being pressed against the upper, distal end of the socket 820, forcing these portions of the socket 820 open so that the ball 830 can pass therethrough and be positioned within the socket 820, engaging the component 840 with the device 810 without threads. Note that this action can be accomplished by inserting a tool into a recess 860 in the vertical face of a housing 870 of the component 840 and then pushing the tool downward to force the ball 830 into the socket. The ball can alternatively be pulled up with a tool to disengage it from the socket.

[0056] 9A-9B then illustrate another exemplary embodiment similar to FIGS. 8A-8B , except for the differences noted below. In particular, a socket 900 capable of receiving a member 905 of component 840 therein can be used in place of socket 820. Socket 900 can include a first concave region 910 configured to receive a convex / approximately spherical surface 920 on member 905. Socket 900 can also include a second region 930 configured to receive a rectangular protrusion 940 on member 905. This configuration of mating socket 900 and member 905 provides stability from both horizontal and vertical compression in the locked configuration ( FIG. 9A ). A tool can then be extended into opening 950 created between the faces of socket 900 and member 905 to pull housing 870 away from device 810, or vice versa, to release component 840 from device 810.

[0057] Note that in one non-limiting example, in both the locked and unlocked states, only 3 mm of space on the device is occupied by the threadless engagement mechanism of Figures 8A-9B.

[0058] Reference is now made to Figures 10A and 10B, which illustrate another exemplary embodiment for screwless release of a component from a device consistent with the present principles. These figures show enlarged side views of an exemplary retainer clip-type example. As shown in these figures, a housing 1000 of a device (e.g., a smartphone) has a retainer 1010. The retainer 1010 has a base 1012. The retainer 1010 also has a vertical post 1015 with a horizontally extending protrusion 1020 thereon. The post 1015 is thus configured to receive a reciprocal retainer 1030 of a component (e.g., a battery pack, etc.).

[0059] Figure 10A thus shows the elements 1010, 1030 prior to threadless engagement. Figure 10B then shows the components 1010, 1030 then pressing together to threadlessly securely engage themselves so that the post 1015 extends into and through the opening 1040 of the retainer 1030 until the protrusion 1020 snaps / locks into the horizontal opening 1050 of the retainer 1030. Thus, a shield retainer / fixator rivet clip / retainer clip style configuration can be used to threadlessly engage the device with the component itself.

[0060] 11A and 11B also show this embodiment in a partial side view, and FIGS. 12A-12B show this embodiment in an enlarged partial view. FIGS. 11A-12B show component 1100 engaged without threads ( FIGS. 11A and 12A ) and disengaged from housing 1000 of laptop 1110 ( FIGS. 11B and 12B ). Note that to remove component 1100 from laptop 1110, a specially adapted release tool 1120 can be manually inserted through opening 1040 and into the top of retainer 1030. This enlarges the distance between openings 1050 to free post 1015, so that receiver / notch 1130 in the distal end segment of tool 1120 can then be forced into the top of the distal end segment of post 1015. Tool 1120 can then be used to depress post 1015, as shown by arrow 1140, away from retainer 1030, allowing component 1100 to be removed from laptop 1110 without the screws.

[0061] 13A and 13B illustrate an example where fastener 1010 and retainer 1030 are used in an existing threaded hole 1300, with FIG. 13A showing components 1010 / 1030 in the field before component 1100 and housing 1000 are engaged. Post 1015 can then be glued or otherwise coupled into the bottom of the existing threaded hole 1300 formed by housing 1000. Retainer 1030 can be glued or otherwise coupled to component 1100. Once this is done, retainer 1030 can then be slid into threaded hole 1300 and over post 1015, as shown in FIG. 13B, to engage device housing 1000 and component 1100 without threads.

[0062] FIG. 14 then shows another example in which components 1010 / 1015 and 1030 are not glued together as described above, but rather can be made integral with the material of the housing of component 1100 and the material of the housing 1000 of the device, respectively.

[0063] Continuing the detailed description with reference to Figures 15A and 15B, yet another exemplary screwless embodiment is shown. As shown, a housing 1500 of a device (e.g., a laptop) can have a receptacle 1505 for receiving a component such as a battery pack 1510. As shown, the housing 1500 can include first and second convex members 1520, 1530, which can be clip fasteners / leaf springs, configured to engage with respective sloped surfaces 1540, 1550 on the outer surface / housing of the battery pack 1510 that are oblique to the vertical.

[0064] As shown, the ramps 1540, 1550 can be angled downward and outward. Thus, the battery pack 1510 can be pushed into the receptacle 1505, such that the bottom of the ramps mentioned above is pushed past the clip / spring 1530, which provides a spring bias against the push. As shown in FIG. 15B , after being fully pushed into the receptacle, the first and second convex members 1520, 1530 can engage with the ramps under the bias of the springs to securely hold the battery pack 1510 in the receptacle 1505 without screws. To accomplish this, the members 1520, 1530 can be made from spring-memory plastic, metal, and / or hard polymer. To remove the pack 1510, the members 1520, 1530 can then be pushed against the spring bias with a flat-head screwdriver, releasing the pack 1510.

[0065] It will now be appreciated that exemplary embodiments have been described above for threadless engagement mechanisms that can be used to engage components with devices (e.g., electrical connections, mechanical connections, fluid connections, etc.). Assembly on the components, and of the device housing itself, can thus be used to provide relatively quick and easy threadless engagement and disengagement of components from the device housing. Elements used to do so can be rigid, unless a flexible feature is described above, and can be made from materials such as aluminum and / or other metals, plastics and other polymers, or other suitable materials.

[0066] Methods using such mechanisms are also contemplated consistent with the present principles. Thus, and referring now to the flow chart of FIG. 16 , an exemplary method can include providing a device (step 1600) and providing one or more elements on the device configured to threadlessly and removably engage a housing of the device with a component of the device (step 1610). In some examples, the method can also include threadlessly and removably engaging the component with the housing using one or more elements according to one or more examples above (step 1620). The method can be performed by a device manufacturer, an end user, a field technician, or the like.

[0067] 17 and 18, it should be understood that while the threadless embodiments described above can be used to minimize damage to removable device components, as previously mentioned, in other instances, specialized screws can be used in place of standard thread types to engage components to the device. FIG. 17 thus illustrates that a screw 1700 having a rounded head 1710 and a rounded shaft end 1720 can be used. Thus, if the screw 1700 were to be lost and become wedged between the component and a socket in the device housing, the rounded nature of the thread reduces the chance of the screw drilling into the component or device housing, which could cause device damage and a safety hazard.

[0068] FIG. 18 shows a top plan view of a head 1710 with various exemplary tool hole receptacles / central drive recesses for receiving a complementary distal tip of a screwdriver or other tool. Note that the top surface shown in each example in FIG. 18 does not extend to the lateral outer periphery of the head 1710; otherwise, this could create a non-circular edge on the top of the head 1710, which could damage the device when the screw 1700 is driven in as described above. As shown in FIG. 18, various types of Phillips receptacles can be used (A, B), Torx (C), splined (D), slotted / countersunk (E), and square / Robertson (F).

[0069] 19 further illustrates and represents the advantages of the configuration of screw 1700. In particular, if the length L of the screw shaft is 65% or more of the maximum lateral diameter of the screw head 1710, it becomes much more difficult for the round screw 1700 to penetrate the mylar of a battery pack or other device components.

[0070] Before concluding, it should be noted that elements included in one embodiment may be used in other embodiments in any suitable combination. For example, some of the various elements described herein and / or shown in the figures may be combined, substituted, or omitted from other embodiments.

[0071] While the present principles have been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that these are not intended to be limiting and that various alternative configurations can be used to practice the subject matter claimed herein. Thus, while particular techniques and devices have been shown and described in detail herein, it should be understood that the subject matter encompassed by this application is limited only by the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 100 systems 110 chipset 120 Core / Memory Control Group 122 processor assembly 124 Front Side Bus 126 Memory Controller Hub 132 Low Voltage Differential Signal Interface 134 PCI Express interface 136 Discrete Graphics 138 blocks 139 blocks 140 memory 142 Direct Media Interface 144 Link Controller 150 I / O Controller Hub 151 SATA interface 152 PCI-E interface 153 Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface 154 Local Area Network (LAN) Interface 155 General Purpose I / O Interface (GPIO) 161 Power Management Interface 162 Clock Generator Interface 163 Audio Interface 164 Total Cost of Operation (TCO) Interface 165 System Management Bus Interface 166 Serial Peripheral Flash Memory / Controller Interface (SPI Flash) 168 Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) 170 Low Pin Count (LPC) interface 171 ASIC 172 Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 173 Super I / O 174 Firmware Hub 175 BIOS support 176 memory 177 ROM 178 Flash 179 Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) 180 Drive 182 Wireless Connection 184 Input Devices 190 Boot Code 192 Display Devices 194 Speaker 200 laptop computers 205 Housing 210 Components 220 Components 300 Battery Pack Components 310 Housing 320 devices 330 First Storage Area 340 Protrusion 350 slider 360 Second Storage 370 Component Storage 391 Arrow 392 Action Arrow 400 Battery Pack Components 410 Housing 420 devices 425 clips 427 U-shaped member 429 teeth 430 First protrusion 440 Storage Unit 450 Storage Unit 460 Second protrusion 470 Arrow 500 Housing 510 Vertical Members 520 First Tooth 530 Second Tooth 540 Housing 550 Entrance / Opening 560 Tools 570 Arrow 580 Side entrance opening 590 Arrow 600 Housing 605 devices 610 Vertical Members 620 First Tooth 630 Second Tooth 640 components 650 opening 720 teeth 730 teeth 750 opening 800 Housing 810 Devices 820 socket 830 balls 840 Components 860 recess 870 Housing 900 sockets 905 Materials 910 First concave area 920 Convex / near-spherical surface 930 Second Area 940 rectangular protrusion 950 opening 1000 Housing 1010 Fixtures 1012 base 1015 Post 1020 Protrusion 1030 Mutual retainer 1040 Opening 1050 opening 1100 Components 1110 Laptop 1120 Tools 1130 Receiving part / notch 1140 Arrow 1300 screw holes 1500 Housing 1505 Underbite 1510 Battery Pack 1505 Underbite 1510 Battery Pack 1520 Convex member 1530 Convex member 1540 Slope 1550 Slope 1700 Screw 1710 Round Head 1720 round shaft end L screw length

Claims

1. A device, A device comprising one or more elements configured to threadlessly and removably engage a component of the device with a housing of the device.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more elements comprise one or more receptacles into which each protrusion on the component can pivot.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the one or more enclosures comprise a first enclosure in the housing, the first enclosure configured to receive a first protrusion on the component, and the one or more elements further comprise a slider in the housing, the slider configured to slide into a second enclosure on the component.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more elements comprise one or more protrusions configured to engage respective clips on the component.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the one or more protrusions are one or more first protrusions, and the one or more elements comprise one or more receptacles into which respective second protrusions on the component can slide.

6. 5. The device of claim 4, comprising the components, wherein each respective clip on the component is at least partially established by a U-shaped member, the U-shaped member configured to flex inwardly to disengage the each clip from the respective protrusion.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more elements comprise first teeth configured to intermesh with second teeth of the component.

8. 8. The device of claim 7, comprising the component, wherein the first tine and the second tine can be disengaged from one another via a first opening on the housing and a second opening on the component, each respective opening being independently usable to disengage the first tine and the second tine from one another.

9. The device of claim 8 , wherein each opening is configured to receive a tool that is manually inserted into the respective opening.

10. The device of claim 8 , wherein the openings have respective major axes that are perpendicular to one another.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more elements comprise a socket capable of receiving a ball on the component therein.

12. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more elements comprise a socket capable of receiving a member on the component therein, the socket comprising a first region configured to receive a convex surface of the member and a second region configured to receive a rectangular protrusion of the member.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more elements comprise a fastener, the fastener configured to receive a retainer on the component.

14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more elements comprise first and second convex members configured to engage respective beveled surfaces on the component.

15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the first and second convex members are established by respective first and second leaf springs engaging the respective ramps under spring bias.

16. The device of claim 1 , comprising the component, the component being a battery.

17. The device of claim 1 , comprising the component, the component being a memory card.

18. 1. A method comprising: providing a device; providing one or more elements to the device, the one or more elements configured to threadlessly and removably engage a component of the device with a housing of the device; A method comprising:

19. 20. The method of claim 18, comprising using the one or more elements to threadlessly and removably engage the component with the housing.

20. 1. An assembly configured to engage a housing of a device, comprising: An assembly comprising one or more elements configured to threadlessly and removably engage the assembly with a housing of the device.

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