Magnetic docking

Abstract

Various configurations are presented for an electronic device having a battery housing and a tablet computer system having an electronic device having a battery housing. The electronic device may include an electronic display and an enclosure that houses the electronic display. The electronic device may include one or more batteries that supply power to one or more components of the electronic device. The electronic device includes a first plurality of magnets. The first plurality of magnets are arranged to magnetically couple with a second plurality of magnets of a dock. The battery housing houses one or more batteries and separates the one or more batteries from the first plurality of magnets. The battery housing defines one or more openings, and the first plurality of magnets are disposed in the one or more openings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This PCT patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 364,479, filed on May 10, 2022, entitled "DOCKABLE AND UNDOCKABLE MULTI - PURPOSE ELECTRONIC TABLET DEVICE", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Background Art

[0002] Tablet computing devices, sometimes also called tablets or tablet computers, are generally flat, lightweight devices that include a touch - screen display. Tablets are battery - powered and can be plugged in to charge the tablet's battery.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various embodiments are described with respect to an electronic device comprising a battery housing having a magnet disposed within an opening of the battery housing and isolated from a battery housed by the battery housing. In some embodiments, a tablet computer system including a tablet computer having a battery housing is described. The electronic device may comprise an electronic display and an enclosure that houses the electronic display. The electronic device may further include one or more batteries that supply power to one or more components of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a first plurality of magnets. The first plurality of magnets are arranged to magnetically couple with a second plurality of magnets of a dock. The battery housing houses one or more batteries, and the battery housing separates the one or more batteries from the first plurality of magnets. The battery housing defines one or more openings, and the first plurality of magnets are disposed in the one or more openings.

[0004] Embodiments of such electronic devices may include one or more of the following elements. One or more batteries may extend across a battery housing that includes one or more openings. An intermediate layer may extend between the one or more batteries and the one or more openings. The intermediate layer may extend beyond the edges of the one or more openings. The intermediate layer may comprise Mylar®. The intermediate layer may extend across a first plurality of magnets disposed within the one or more openings. In various embodiments, each of the first plurality of magnets is grouped in pairs. In further embodiments, the electronic device includes a plurality of electrical contacts arranged to transmit an electrical signal between the dock and the electronic device when magnetically docked to the dock. The plurality of electrical contacts have one or more pogo pins. In some embodiments, the battery housing is coupled to the enclosure using an adhesive. The battery housing may further include one or more clips for managing cables within the enclosure and one or more screw bosses for facilitating alignment of the battery housing.

[0005] In various embodiments, a tablet computer system includes a dock and a tablet computer that can be removably docked to the dock. The tablet computer includes an electronic display and an enclosure that houses the electronic display. The tablet computer may further include one or more batteries that supply power to one or more components of the electronic device and a first plurality of magnets. The first plurality of magnets are arranged to magnetically couple with a second plurality of magnets of the dock. The tablet computer includes a battery housing that houses one or more batteries. The battery housing defines one or more openings, and the first plurality of magnets are disposed in the one or more openings. The battery housing includes an intermediate layer that extends between the one or more batteries and the one or more openings. In some embodiments, the battery housing is formed from a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion and the second portion are separated by a central channel. In at least some embodiments, the tablet computer system includes a first set of electronic wires, and the central channel is configured to house the first set of electronic wires along a first side of the central channel. In at least some embodiments, the tablet computer system includes a second set of electronic wires associated with a touch screen display, and the central channel is configured to house the second set of electronic wires along a second side of the central channel.

[0006] Embodiments of such a tablet computer system may include one or more of the following elements. The one or more batteries may extend across a battery housing that includes one or more openings. The intermediate layer may comprise Mylar. The one or more batteries are coupled to the battery housing using an adhesive. The battery housing may further include one or more clips for managing cables inside the enclosure and one or more screw bosses for facilitating alignment of the battery housing.

[0007] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the various embodiments can be realized by referring to the following figures. In the accompanying figures, similar components or functions may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type can be distinguished by attaching a dash after the reference label and a second label that differentiates the similar components. If only the first reference label is used herein, this description applies to any of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Various embodiments are described in relation to an electronic device. The electronic device may include an electronic display. The electronic device may include one or more batteries that supply power to one or more components of the electronic device. The electronic device may further include a first set of magnets. The first set of magnets is arranged to magnetically couple with a second set of magnets of a dock. The electronic device may include electrical contacts arranged to transmit electrical signals between the dock and the electronic device when the electronic device can be magnetically docked with the dock. In some embodiments, a tablet computer system is described. The system may include a tablet computer and a dock to which the tablet computer can be removably docked. The tablet computer may include an electronic display.

[0010] A magnet can be used to couple and align a tablet to a charging dock. The placement of the battery and magnet within the tablet needs to be carefully considered such that the battery and magnet optimize the spacing and design constraints of the electronic device. As detailed herein, magnets can be used to couple two devices, such as coupling a tablet computer to a dock. The attractive force between the magnets of the tablet and the dock may need to be strong enough to couple the electronic device to the dock and prevent unwanted separation when the electronic device is accidentally struck. The electronic device can include a rechargeable battery that is recharged when coupled to the dock. The battery is at risk of damage when the electronic device is dropped, struck, bent, or otherwise affected by misuse. For example, upon impact, the battery may be punctured at the corner of the magnet or otherwise damaged. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for the placement of the battery and magnet within an electronic device that protects the battery upon impact.

[0011] When the tablet is attached to the dock, a first plurality of magnets included within the electronic device can magnetically couple with a second plurality of magnets present within the dock. The magnets can function not only to hold the device in a predetermined position on the dock but also to align a plurality of contact pads of the device with contact pins of the dock. Electrical signals, which can include data, power, or both, can be exchanged between the dock and the device via the contact pads.

[0012] The embodiments detailed herein focus on an electronic device having a battery housing that defines one or more openings. In various embodiments, the magnet is disposed within the opening and separated from the battery housed by the battery housing. The battery housing protects the battery of the electronic device from impact, but since the magnet is disposed within the opening of the battery housing, the thickness of the electronic device can be reduced compared to the case where the magnet is disposed outside the battery housing. In some embodiments, the electronic device is a tablet computer that is a component of a tablet computer system. Specifically, the tablet computer can function as a home assistant device and / or hub for managing smart home devices within the environment. The tablet computer may be capable of recording video, communicating with a remote server system, and interacting with a user via voice communication. For example, the home assistant device can provide automatic or voice control of devices, appliances, and systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (「HVAC」) systems, lighting systems, home theaters, entertainment systems, security systems, and the like. The smart home network may include a control panel that can be used for a person to input settings, preferences, and schedule information that the smart home network uses to provide automatic control of various devices, appliances, and systems within the home. For example, a person may input a schedule indicating the time when they will be away from home, and the smart home network uses this information, along with information obtained from various devices within the home, to detect unauthorized entry when the user is away. Leaving the tablet computer connected to the dock allows the battery to be charged and other functions of the dock, such as the built-in speaker, to be used. The tablet computer may be removed from the dock for convenience of use or display in another location. When not in use (either docked, undocked, or both), a photo or photo album selected by the user may be presented by the tablet.

[0013] Many other types of electronic devices can benefit from a battery housing that safely and efficiently positions a battery and a magnet within the electronic device. For example, smartphones, gaming devices, electronic readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital paper tablets, and smart picture frames can benefit from various embodiments of the battery housing detailed herein. Further, the electronic device can be an assistant device (e.g., Google (TM) Nest (TM) Hub (TM), Google (TM) Nest (TM) Hub Max (TM)), a home automation controller (e.g., a controller for an alarm system, thermostat, lighting system, door lock, electric door, etc.), a gaming device (e.g., a game system, game controller, data glove, etc.), a communication device (e.g., a smartphone such as Google (TM) Pixel (TM) Phone, a cellular phone, mobile phone, wireless phone, portable phone, cordless phone, etc.), and / or other computing devices (e.g., a tablet computer, phablet computer, notebook computer, laptop computer, etc.).

[0014] Further details are provided with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an electronic device 100 configured to dock with a dock using a magnet and, in some embodiments, contact pads. The electronic device 100 can be a tablet computer or, more specifically, a tablet computer that functions as a home assistant device or hub as detailed previously. One or more magnets can be hidden behind the rear surface 102 within the electronic device 100. The device 100 includes a plurality of conductive contact pads 120 (e.g., metal pads) used to transfer data to and / or obtain power from the dock when in the docked position. As shown, there are four contact pads 120. In other embodiments, there can be a greater or fewer number of contact pads 120. The arrangement of the contact pads 120 can also vary by embodiment. In other embodiments, instead of using contact pads, some other form of electrical contact, such as pins or a combination of pads and pins, can be used. Other components, such as a camera 130, may be present on the rear surface 102 or may be accessible through the rear surface 102.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of a system 200 including an electronic device 202 docked with a dock 204. The dock 204 connects to the electronic device 202 via one or more magnets of the dock 204 that magnetically connect to corresponding magnets of the electronic device 202. When coupled, the electronic device 202 can be lifted from the surface 206 on which the pedestal 208 of the dock 204 is placed. Thus, the edge 210 may not contact the surface 206 when the electronic device 202 is docked with the dock 204.

[0016] The dock 204 magnetically couples with the electronic device 202 within the area of the rear surface 212. Since the connection is magnetic, the user may pull the electronic device 202 away from and remove it from the dock 204. To mate, the user may move the electronic device 202 near the dock 204. As it approaches, the magnets of the electronic device 202 and the dock 204 help guide the electronic device 202 to the proper position on the dock 204. When docked, the contact pads (such as contact pad 120 in FIG. 1) contact corresponding pins (or other forms of electrical contacts) present on the mating surface of the dock 204.

[0017] In some embodiments, one or more electromagnets may be present within the dock 204 that can be engaged or disengaged. When engaged, such magnets may prevent the electronic device 202 from being easily removed by the user from the dock 204. When disengaged, it may be relatively easy for the user to remove the electronic device 202 from the dock 204 (compared to when engaged).

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of a system 300 including one embodiment of an electronic device. As can be seen from the side view, the electronic device 202 is docked with the dock 204. The mating surface 302 indicates where the rear surface 212 of the electronic device 202 contacts the dock 204.

[0019] Within region 304, the first plurality of magnets are present within the electronic device 202. At corresponding positions within region 306, the second plurality of magnets are present within the dock 204. The magnets, when brought into proximity, are arranged such that the magnets of the electronic device 202 are attracted to the magnets of the dock 204 to help properly align and position the dock 204 relative to the electronic device 202 and hold the electronic device 202 in the correct orientation on the dock 204. In other embodiments, regions 304 and 306 may extend further upward on the dock 204 and / or may extend the length of the dock 204 that contacts the electronic device 400. For example, regions 304 and 306 may be of any size and may be located at any position on the electronic device 400 and / or the dock 204.

[0020] FIG. 4A is a rear cross-sectional view of the electronic device 400. The electronic device 400 may be a tablet computer configured to dock using magnets. In particular, the electronic device 400 may be the smart home assistant device detailed above. The electronic device 400 includes a battery housing 402 that houses one or more batteries (not shown) that provide power to one or more components of the electronic device 400. The battery housing 402 may include plastic or other insulating material. The battery housing 402 preferably defines a substantially flat surface for attaching and housing one or more batteries. The battery housing 402 defines one or more openings 404. The electronic device 400 includes a first plurality of magnets 406 disposed within the one or more openings 404.

[0021] In various embodiments, one or more batteries extend across the battery housing 402 that includes the one or more openings 404. For example, the electronic device 400 includes at least two batteries, and each battery extends across half of the battery housing 402.

[0022] The first plurality of magnets 406 are arranged to magnetically couple with a second plurality of magnets of the dock. In various embodiments, the first plurality of magnets 406 are grouped (e.g., arranged) in pairs as shown. For example, pairs of magnets within the first plurality of magnets 406 face opposite north and south directions in a plane with respect to the surface of the electronic device 400. Such an arrangement of opposite polarities concentrates the magnetic field and can facilitate alignment when the electronic device 400 is docked to the dock. In other embodiments, the first plurality of magnets 406 are arranged in three sets. Pairs of the first plurality of magnets 406 may have polarities such as to magnetically attract corresponding magnets within the dock. For example, the magnets within the first plurality of magnets 406 are oriented within the electronic device 400 such that corresponding magnets within the dock have opposite polarities to the magnets within the first plurality of magnets 406. With such an arrangement, the first plurality of magnets 406 within the electronic device 400 can be attracted to the second plurality of magnets of the dock. The arrangement and number of the first plurality of magnets 406 may be varied. For example, the electronic device 400 shows 16 magnets for the first plurality of magnets 406. Thus, the second plurality of magnets may include 16 magnets corresponding to the first plurality of magnets 406. In other embodiments, any number of magnets may be arranged within the opening. For example, one magnet, three magnets, two pairs of magnets, etc. may be arranged within the opening. In yet another example, the number of magnets within the opening may vary (e.g., one magnet in one opening, two magnets in a second opening, etc.).

[0023] In various aspects, the battery housing 402 includes one or more screw bosses 408. The one or more screw bosses 408 may be arranged along the outer periphery of the battery housing 402. The one or more screw bosses 408 facilitate alignment of the battery housing 402 within the electronic device 400. The one or more screw bosses 408 further fix the battery housing 402 within the electronic device 400. The one or more screw bosses 408 within the housing of the electronic device 400 may be used to align and fix the battery housing 402 to the enclosure of the electronic device 400.

[0024] Advantageously, one or more screw bosses 408 enable a user to easily remove and replace the battery housing 402 and the corresponding one or more batteries. For example, a user may experience difficulty in replacing a battery in a conventional electronic device system that does not include these additional alignment and fixing features. Further, conventional electronic devices do not include a battery housing and, instead, one or more batteries are attached to the enclosure of the electronic device during manufacture. In contrast, the battery housing 402 provided herein simplifies the alignment of replacement batteries and enables reworkability of the internal components of the electronic device 400. In particular, the battery housing 402, in combination with the screw bosses 408, enables serviceability of the batteries within the electronic device, which otherwise would be limited to skilled technicians and / or require complex template tools to properly align the batteries within the electronic device.

[0025] In a further aspect, the battery housing 402 includes one or more clips 410. The one or more clips 410 may be disposed along the outer periphery of the battery housing 402. The one or more clips may be used to manage a cable 411 or other wiring that is internal to the electronic device 400. The clips 410 enable a smaller layout of components, if desired, by providing additional space management within the electronic device 400. The clips 410 also facilitate serviceability of the internal components of the electronic device by allowing a user to visualize where the wiring passes before and after replacing a battery or other component.

[0026] In various aspects, the electronic device 400 further includes a plurality of electrical contacts within a pin block 412 arranged to transmit electrical signals between the dock and the electronic device 400 when magnetically docked. The pin block 412 can include one or more pins, such as spring pins (e.g., pogo pins), that make electrical contact with electrical pads or contacts on the installed device. In one embodiment, four pogo pins are arranged within the pin block 412, although more or fewer pogo pins can be used in various designs. The pin block 412 also includes corresponding electrical pads or contacts that make electrical contact with corresponding contacts or pads of the dock when docked. Thus, the pin block 412 functions as an electrical path through between the device and the dock for electrical signals that can include data and / or power. In other embodiments, there may be no electrical contacts, or some other form of electrical contact other than pads and pins may be used.

[0027] FIG. 4B shows an insertion of a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 400 including a first plurality of magnets 406 and a battery housing 402 defining one or more corresponding openings 404. As shown, each pair of the first plurality of magnets 406 is disposed within a corresponding opening 404, although individual magnets of the first plurality of magnets 406 may be disposed within the corresponding openings 404. As shown in FIG. 4B, the upper surface of each of the first plurality of magnets 406 is recessed below the surface of the battery housing 402. In other aspects, the first plurality of magnets 406 are at the same height as the surface of the battery housing 402. In yet other aspects, the plurality of first magnets 406 protrude (e.g., bulge) with respect to the surface of the battery housing 402.

[0028] FIG. 4C shows a cross-section of the electronic device 400 including a battery 414 disposed in the battery housing 402 and extending across the battery housing 402. The magnets of the first plurality of magnets 406 extend through the openings 404 defined by the battery housing 402.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the electronic device 400 includes an intermediate layer 416 that extends between the battery 414 and the opening 404. The intermediate layer 416 also extends between the battery 414 and the magnets of the first plurality of magnets 406 disposed on the enclosure 418 of the electronic device. In various embodiments, the intermediate layer 416 includes Mylar. In various embodiments, the intermediate layer 416 separates one or more batteries 414 from the first plurality of magnets 406. In various embodiments, the intermediate layer 416 insulates one or more batteries 414 from the first plurality of magnets 406 such that the performance of each of the battery and the magnet is not affected by the other (e.g., the battery does not interfere with the magnet and the magnet does not interfere with the battery). The intermediate layer 416 may also physically separate one or more batteries 414 from the first plurality of magnets 406. Further, the intermediate layer 416 provides additional protection to one or more batteries 414 and / or the first plurality of magnets 406 during impact. For example, the intermediate layer 416 including Mylar has been shown to significantly reduce damage to the battery and magnet during a drop test. The intermediate layer 416 further prevents the battery from puncturing during impact or a drop.

[0030] Advantageously, the battery housing 402 separates the battery 414 from the first plurality of magnets 406. Separating the battery 414 from the first plurality of magnets 406 can include physically separating (e.g., mechanically insulating via an air gap) and / or electrically insulating the battery 414 and the first plurality of magnets 406, such that these components can be disposed close to each other in any desired arrangement. In stark contrast, in the design of conventional electronic devices that include a magnet and a battery, it is necessary to sufficiently separate the magnet and the battery from each other to minimize harmful effects. Thus, conventional electronic devices require a relatively much larger surface area to dispose the magnet and the battery, and the corresponding dock must have a correspondingly large surface area to dispose its corresponding magnet (e.g., the second plurality of magnets described herein, etc.). Accordingly, the battery housing 402 provided herein enables battery and magnet arrangements and shapes that were not previously available in electronic devices.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, the intermediate layer 416 is disposed within one or more openings 404 and extends across each pair of the first plurality of magnets 406 disposed on the enclosure 418 of the electronic device. For example, the intermediate layer 416 extends across a pair of the first plurality of magnets 406 within one or more openings but does not extend to the edge 420 of the one or more openings 404.

[0032] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, the foam layer 422 can be disposed between the intermediate layer 416 and each of the first plurality of magnets 406 disposed within one or more openings 404. Further, in various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, the battery housing 402 is coupled to the enclosure 418 of the electronic device 400 using an adhesive 424 such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 5B, in other embodiments, the intermediate layer 416 is disposed within one or more openings 404 and extends across a first plurality of magnets 406 disposed on the enclosure 418 of the electronic device 400. For example, the intermediate layer 416 extends beyond the edge 420 of one or more of the openings 404. A single foam layer 422 may be disposed between the intermediate layer 416 and each pair of the first plurality of magnets 406 disposed within the one or more openings 404. Further, in various aspects, as shown in FIG. 5B, the battery housing 402 is coupled to the enclosure 418 of the electronic device 400 using an adhesive 424 such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0034] In another aspect, the intermediate layer 416 may be a single sheet that extends along the length of the battery housing 402, the length of the battery 414, or both battery lengths (e.g., if the electronic device 400 includes at least two batteries 414).

[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 400 with the battery housing (e.g., battery housing 402) removed. As shown, an adhesive 602 may be provided. The adhesive may be a tab-type, stretch release adhesive. In various aspects, the adhesive 602 may include any other adhesive known in the art. In some aspects, the adhesive 602 may couple the battery housing (e.g., battery housing 402) to the enclosure 418. In further aspects, one or more batteries (e.g., one or more batteries 414) are coupled to the battery housing (e.g., battery housing 402) using the adhesive 602.

[0036] Figures 7A - 7B show a cross - section 700 of an electronic device 400, particularly of the battery housing 402 of the electronic device 400. In various aspects, the battery housing 402 includes a first portion 702 and a second portion 704. Each of the first portion 702 and the second portion 704 can be associated with one of one or more batteries. In various aspects, the battery housing 402 is configured to accommodate a butterfly battery including two batteries. Thus, the battery housing 402 is configured to accommodate each battery within the butterfly battery. The butterfly battery accommodated by the battery housing 402 defines a central channel 706 between the first portion 702 and the second portion 704 of the battery housing 402 and connects the first portion 702 and the second portion 704 of the battery housing 402. For example, a flexible material connects both batteries within the butterfly battery and defines the upper surface of the central channel 706 between the two portions of the battery housing 402.

[0037] In various aspects, a first set of electronic wires 708 is disposed within the central channel 706. In one aspect, the central channel 706 is configured to accommodate the first set of electronic wires 708 along a first side of the central channel 706. In various aspects, a second set of electronic wires (not shown) associated with the touch - screen display 710 of the electronic device 400 may also be disposed within the central channel 706. In some aspects, the second set of electronic wires may be disposed along a second side of the central channel 706. The first set of wires and / or the second set of wires may include ultra - wideband (UWB) wires. In various embodiments, the space provided by the central channel 706 enables efficient cable management of any wires within the electronic device.

[0038] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 800 for repairing a battery within an electronic device. Process 800 can be implemented to manufacture and / or repair (e.g., replace components of) an electronic device such as the electronic device 400 described in detail above.

[0039] At block 802, an intermediate layer 803 (such as, for example, a Mylar layer as described in detail above) can be applied to each of a first portion 702 of the battery housing 402 and a second portion 704 of the battery housing 402, resulting in block 804.

[0040] At block 806, a protective layer (not shown) can be removed from the adhesive, and each battery 414 within the butterfly battery can be adhered to a first portion 702 of the battery housing 402 and a second portion 704 of the battery housing, resulting in block 808. As shown, the butterfly battery includes two batteries 414 connected by a flexible material that defines a separation between a first portion 702 of the battery housing 402 and a second portion 704 of the battery housing 402, resulting in block 808.

[0041] At block 810, an adhesive tab 809 is applied to opposite sides of a first portion 702 of the battery housing 402 and a second portion 704 of the battery housing 402, resulting in block 812. The adhesive tab 809 can couple the battery housing 402 to an enclosure of an electronic device in at least some embodiments. In further embodiments, one or more batteries (such as, for example, one or more batteries 414) are coupled to a battery housing (such as, for example, the battery housing 402) using the adhesive tab 809.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of a method 900 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Method 900 includes step 902 of undocking an electronic device from a dock. The electronic device includes a battery housing that houses one or more batteries, and the battery housing separates the one or more batteries from a first plurality of magnets as described in detail above with respect to FIGS. 1 - 8.

[0043] Step 904 includes operating the electronic device in an undocked position. For example, the electronic device may be a tablet computer that can be used without a dock for any operation known in the art. Specifically, the electronic device is a smart home assistant, and operating the electronic device in an undocked position may include recording video, communicating with a remote server system, interacting with a user via voice communication, and the like. In other examples, the electronic device may be used as a smartphone, a gaming device, an e-reader, or the like.

[0044] Step 906 includes docking the electronic device to the dock. The first plurality of magnets magnetically couple to the second plurality of magnets of the dock. The first plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets can be used to dock the electronic device to the dock according to any of the aspects described in detail above. Leaving the electronic device docked allows the battery to be charged or other functions of the dock, such as a built-in speaker, to be used. The electronic device may be removed from the dock for convenience of use or display in another location. When not in use (docked, undocked, or both), a photo or photo album selected by the user may be presented by the tablet.

[0045] Note that the methods, systems, and devices discussed above are intended to be merely examples. It must be emphasized that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as necessary. For example, in alternative embodiments, it should be understood that the method may be executed in an order different from the described order, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Also, the functions described with respect to specific embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology is evolving, and thus, many of the elements are examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0046] To fully understand the embodiments, specific details are set forth in the description. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known processes, structures, and techniques are shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description is merely provided to illustrate exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing description of the embodiments provides those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the embodiments of the present invention. Various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0047] Also, note that the embodiments can be described as a process shown as a flowchart or block diagram. Each may be described as a sequential process of operations, but many of the operations can also be performed in parallel or simultaneously. It is also possible to change the order of the operations. The process may have additional steps not included in the figures.

[0048] Although several embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, alternative structures, and equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above elements may merely be components of a larger system, and other rules may take precedence over or modify the application of the present invention. Also, several steps may be performed before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device, an electronic display, an enclosure for housing the electronic display, one or more batteries for supplying power to one or more components of the electronic device, a first plurality of magnets arranged to magnetically couple with a second plurality of magnets of a dock, the first plurality of magnets, and a battery housing for housing the one or more batteries, wherein the battery housing separates the one or more batteries from the first plurality of magnets, the battery housing defines one or more openings, and the first plurality of magnets are disposed in the one or more openings. An electronic device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more batteries extend across the battery housing including the one or more openings.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate layer extends between the one or more batteries and the one or more openings, and the intermediate layer extends beyond an edge of the one or more openings.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate layer includes Mylar.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer extends across the first plurality of magnets disposed in the one or more openings.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of magnets is grouped in pairs.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of electrical contacts arranged to transmit an electrical signal between the dock and the electronic device when the electronic device is magnetically docked with the dock.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts includes one or more pogo pins.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the battery housing is coupled to the enclosure using an adhesive.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the battery housing includes one or more clips for managing cables inside the enclosure.

11. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the battery housing includes one or more screw bosses to facilitate alignment of the battery housing.

12. A tablet computer system, comprising: a dock; a tablet computer removably dockable to the dock, the tablet computer comprising: an electronic display; an enclosure housing the electronic display; one or more batteries for supplying power to one or more components of the electronic device; and a first plurality of magnets arranged to magnetically couple with a second plurality of magnets of the dock, the tablet computer further comprising: a battery housing housing the one or more batteries; the battery housing defining one or more openings, the first plurality of magnets being disposed in the one or more openings; the battery housing including an intermediate layer extending between the one or more batteries and the one or more openings. A tablet computer system.

13. The tablet computer system according to claim 12, wherein the one or more batteries extend across the battery housing including the one or more openings.

14. The tablet computer system according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate layer includes Mylar.

15. The tablet computer system according to claim 12, wherein the one or more batteries are coupled to the battery housing using an adhesive.

16. The tablet computer system according to claim 12, wherein the battery housing includes one or more clips for managing cables inside the enclosure.

17. The tablet computer system according to claim 12, wherein the battery housing includes one or more screw bosses to facilitate alignment of the battery housing.

18. The tablet computer system according to claim 12, wherein the battery housing is formed from a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being separated by a central channel.

19. The tablet computer system according to claim 18, further comprising a first set of electronic wires, the central channel being configured to house the first set of electronic wires along a first side of the central channel.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, further comprising a second set of electronic wires associated with the touch screen display, wherein the central channel is configured to accommodate the second set of electronic wires along a second side of the central channel.

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