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, entitled "DOCKABLE AND UNDOCKABLE MULTI-PURPOSE ELECTRONIC TABLET DEVICE", filed on May 10, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Art

[0002] A tablet computing device, sometimes also referred to as a tablet or a tablet computer, is generally a flat, lightweight device that includes 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 relating to an electronic device comprising a battery housing having a magnet disposed within an opening of the battery housing and isolated from a battery accommodated by the battery housing. In some embodiments, a tablet computer system is described that includes a tablet computer having a battery housing. An 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 power 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 accommodates 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 is 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 one or more batteries and one or more openings. The intermediate layer may extend beyond the edges of one or more openings. The intermediate layer may comprise Mylar®. The intermediate layer may extend across a first plurality of magnets positioned within 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 electrical signals between the dock and the electronic device when magnetically docked with the dock. The plurality of electrical contacts have one or more pogo pins. In some embodiments, the battery housing is bonded to the enclosure using 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.

[0005] In various embodiments, a tablet computer system includes a dock and a tablet computer that can be docked detachably from the dock. The tablet computer includes an electronic display and an enclosure housing the electronic display. The tablet computer may further include one or more batteries that power one or more components of an 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 arranged in one or more openings. The battery housing includes an intermediate layer extending between one or more batteries and one or more openings. In some embodiments, the battery housing is formed from a first part and a second part, and the first part and the second part 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 touchscreen display, and the central channel is configured to accommodate the second set of electronic wires along a second side of the central channel.

[0006] Embodiments of such tablet computer systems 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 comprise Mylar; one or more batteries may be bonded to the battery housing using 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] Further understanding of the properties and advantages of various embodiments can be achieved by referring to the following figures. In the accompanying figures, similar components or functions may have the same reference label. Furthermore, various components of the same kind may be distinguished by adding a dash after the reference label and adding a second label to distinguish similar components. Where only the first reference label is used herein, this description applies to any similar component having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows one embodiment of a device that can dock with a docking station or "dock" using magnets, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a rear view of one embodiment of a device that is magnetically docked with a dock, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a side view of one embodiment of a device that is magnetically docked with a dock, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a device showing the positions of the magnet and battery housing according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a device showing the positions of the magnet and battery housing according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a device showing the positions of the magnet and battery housing according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] This is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] This is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a device showing the position of a magnet according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of the device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] This is a cross-section of one embodiment of the device according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of a process according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of a method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Various embodiments are described in relation to electronic devices. 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 the dock. The electronic device may include electrical contacts that can be 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 detachably docked. The tablet computer may include an electronic display.

[0010] Magnets can be used to connect and align a tablet to a charging dock. The placement of the battery and magnets within the tablet must be carefully considered so that the battery and magnets optimize the spacing and design constraints of the electronic devices. As detailed herein, magnets can be used to connect two devices, such as connecting a tablet computer to a dock. The attractive force between the magnets in the tablet and the dock may need to be strong enough to connect the electronic device to the dock and prevent unwanted separation if the electronic device is accidentally bumped. The electronic device may include a rechargeable battery that is recharged when docked. The battery is at risk of damage when the electronic device is dropped, bumped, bent, or otherwise subjected to misuse. For example, an impact could cause the corner of the magnet to puncture the battery or otherwise damage it. Therefore, in the art, there is a need for the placement of the battery and magnets within the electronic device to protect the battery in the event of impact.

[0011] When the tablet is docked, a first set of magnets contained within the electronic device can magnetically couple with a second set of magnets present within the dock. These magnets not only hold the device in place on the dock but can also align the device's contact pads with the dock's contact pins. The contact pads allow electrical signals, which may include data, power, or both, to be exchanged between the dock and the device.

[0012] The embodiments detailed herein focus on electronic devices having a battery housing defining one or more openings. In various embodiments, magnets are placed within the openings and separated from the battery housed by the battery housing. The battery housing protects the electronic device's battery from impact, but because the magnets are placed within the openings of the battery housing, the thickness of the electronic device can be reduced compared to when the magnets are placed outside the battery housing. In some embodiments, the electronic device is a tablet computer, which 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 in the environment. The tablet computer may be capable of recording video, communicating with a remote server system, and interacting with the user via voice communication. For example, a 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, and security systems. A smart home network may include a control panel that a person can use to input settings, preferences, and schedule information, which the smart home network uses to provide automatic control of various devices, appliances, and systems within the home. For example, a person may enter a schedule indicating the times they will be away from home, and the smart home network uses this information, along with information obtained from various devices in the home, to detect unauthorized intrusions while the user is away. Leaving the tablet computer connected to the dock allows for battery charging and the use of other dock functions, such as the built-in speaker. The tablet computer may be detached from the dock for convenience of use or viewing elsewhere. When not in use (docked, undocked, or both), the tablet may present a user-selected photo or photo album.

[0013] Many other types of electronic devices may benefit from battery housings that safely and efficiently house batteries and magnets within the electronic device. For example, smartphones, gaming devices, e-readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital paper tablets, and smart picture frames may benefit from the various embodiments of battery housings detailed herein. Furthermore, electronic devices may include assistant devices (e.g., Google® Nest® Hub®, Google® Nest® Hub Max®), home automation controllers (e.g., controllers for alarm systems, thermostats, lighting systems, door locks, electric doors, etc.), gaming devices (e.g., game systems, game controllers, data globes, etc.), communication devices (e.g., smartphones such as Google® Pixel® Phone, mobile phones, wireless phones, portable phones, wireless telephones, etc.), and / or other computing devices (e.g., tablet computers, phablet computers, notebook computers, laptop computers, etc.).

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

[0015] Figure 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of system 200 including a dock 204 and an electronic device 202 docked to it. The dock 204 connects to the electronic device 202 via one or more magnets on the dock 204 that magnetically connect to the corresponding magnets of the electronic device 202. When docked, the electronic device 202 can be raised above the surface 206 on which the base 208 of the dock 204 rests. Thus, the edge 210 may not be in contact with the surface 206 when the electronic device 202 is docked to the dock 204.

[0016] The dock 204 is magnetically coupled to the electronic device 202 within the region of the rear surface 212. Since the connection is magnetic, a user may pull the electronic device 202 away from the dock 204 to detach it. For mating, the user may move the electronic device 202 close to the dock 204. When brought close, the magnet of the electronic device 202 and the magnet of the dock 204 help guide the electronic device 202 to an appropriate position on the dock 204. When docked, a contact pad (such as the contact pad 120 in FIG. 1) contacts a corresponding pin (or other form of electrical contact) present on the mating surface of the dock 204.

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

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of a system 300 including an 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 the location where the rear surface 212 of the electronic device 202 contacts the dock 204.

[0019] In the region 304, the first plurality of magnets is located within the electronic device 202. At corresponding positions in the region 306, the second plurality of magnets is located within the dock 204. When the magnets are brought close to each other, the magnets of the electronic device 202 are attracted to the magnets of the dock 204, which helps correctly position and align the dock 204 with respect to the electronic device 202, and holds the electronic device 202 in the correct position on the dock 204. In other aspects, the 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, the regions 304 and 306 may be of any size and may be disposed at any position on the electronic device 400 and / or the dock 204.

[0020] Figure 4A is a rear cross-sectional view of an electronic device 400. The electronic device 400 may be a tablet computer configured to dock with a 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 accommodates one or more batteries (not shown) that provide power to one or more components of the electronic device 400. The battery housing 402 may comprise plastic or other insulating materials. The battery housing 402 preferably defines a substantially flat surface for mounting and accommodating 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 aspects, the 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 over half of the battery housing 402.

[0022] The first plurality of magnets 406 are arranged to magnetically couple with the second plurality of magnets in 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 in the first plurality of magnets 406 are oriented in opposite north and south directions in a plane relative to the surface of the electronic device 400. Such an arrangement of opposite polarities concentrates the magnetic field and facilitates alignment when the electronic device 400 is docked. 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 that magnetically attract the corresponding magnets in the dock. For example, the magnets in the first plurality of magnets 406 are oriented in the electronic device 400 such that the corresponding magnets in the dock have opposite polarity to the magnets in the first plurality of magnets 406. Such an arrangement allows the first plurality of magnets 406 in the electronic device 400 to be attracted to the second plurality of magnets in the dock. The arrangement and number of the first set of magnets 406 may be changed. For example, the electronic device 400 has 16 magnets in the first set of magnets 406. Therefore, the second set of magnets may include 16 magnets corresponding to the first set of magnets 406. In other embodiments, any number of magnets may be placed in the opening. For example, one magnet, three magnets, two pairs of magnets, etc., may be placed in the opening. In yet another example, the number of magnets in the opening may vary (for example, one magnet in one opening, two magnets in a second opening, etc.).

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

[0024] Advantageously, one or more screw bosses 408 allow the user to easily remove and replace the battery housing 402 and the corresponding one or more batteries. For example, users may experience difficulties replacing batteries in conventional electronic device systems that do not include these additional alignment and securing features. Furthermore, conventional electronic devices do not include a battery housing; instead, one or more batteries are attached to the enclosure of the electronic device during manufacturing. In contrast, the battery housing 402 provided herein simplifies the alignment of replacement batteries and allows for the reworkability of the internal components of the electronic device 400. In particular, the battery housing 402, in combination with the screw bosses 408, enables the serviceability of batteries within the electronic device, which otherwise requires skilled technicians and / or complex template tools to properly align batteries within the electronic device.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the battery housing 402 includes one or more clips 410. One or more clips 410 may be arranged along the outer circumference of the battery housing 402. One or more clips may be used to manage cables 411 or other wiring inside the electronic device 400. The clips 410 allow for a smaller layout of components, if necessary, by providing additional space management within the electronic device 400. The clips 410 also facilitate the serviceability of the internal components of the electronic device, allowing the user to visualize where the wiring runs before and after replacing the battery or other components.

[0026] In various embodiments, 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 with the dock. The pin block 412 may include one or more pins, such as spring-loaded pins (e.g., pogo pins), that electrically contact electrical pads or contacts on the installed device. In one embodiment, four pogo pins are arranged within the pin block 412, but more or fewer pogo pins may be used in various designs. The pin block 412 also includes corresponding electrical pads or contacts that electrically contact corresponding contacts or pads on the dock when docked. Thus, the pin block 412 functions as an electrical pass-through between the device and the dock for electrical signals that may 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] Figure 4B shows an insert of a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 400, which includes 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 positioned within the corresponding opening 404, although the individual magnets of the first plurality of magnets 406 may be positioned within the corresponding opening 404. As shown in Figure 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 embodiments, the first plurality of magnets 406 are at the same height as the surface of the battery housing 402. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of first magnets 406 protrude (e.g., are raised) from the surface of the battery housing 402.

[0028] Figure 4C shows a cross-section of an electronic device 400, which includes a battery 414 located in a battery housing 402 and extending across the battery housing 402. The magnets of the first set of magnets 406 extend through an opening 404 defined by the battery housing 402.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 4C, the electronic device 400 includes an intermediate layer 416 extending 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 located on the enclosure 418 of the electronic device. In various embodiments, the intermediate layer 416 includes Mylar. In various embodiments, the intermediate layer 416 isolates 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 so that the performance of the batteries and magnets, respectively, is not affected by the other (e.g., the batteries do not interfere with the magnets, and the magnets do not interfere with the batteries). The intermediate layer 416 may also physically isolate one or more batteries 414 from the first plurality of magnets 406. Furthermore, the intermediate layer 416 provides additional protection to one or more batteries 414 and / or the first plurality of magnets 406 in the event of impact. For example, the intermediate layer 416, which includes Mylar, has been shown to significantly reduce damage to the battery and magnets during drop tests. The intermediate layer 416 also prevents punctures in the battery during impact or drops.

[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 may include physical separation (e.g., mechanical isolation via an air gap) and / or electrical isolation of the battery 414 from the first plurality of magnets 406, so that these components can be placed close to each other in any desired arrangement. In stark contrast, in the design of conventional electronic devices including magnets and batteries, the magnets and batteries must be sufficiently spaced apart from each other to minimize harmful effects. Thus, conventional electronic devices require a relatively much larger surface area to accommodate the magnets and batteries, and the corresponding dock must have a correspondingly larger surface area to accommodate its own corresponding magnets (e.g., the second plurality of magnets described herein). Therefore, the battery housing 402 provided herein enables battery and magnet arrangements and shapes that were previously unavailable in electronic devices.

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

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

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

[0034] In another embodiment, the intermediate layer 416 may be a single sheet extending along the length of the battery housing 402, the length of the battery 414, or (for example, if the electronic device 400 includes at least two batteries 414) the length of both batteries 414.

[0035] Figure 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 embodiments, the adhesive 602 may include any other adhesive known in the art. In some embodiments, the adhesive 602 may bond the battery housing (e.g., battery housing 402) to the enclosure 418. In further embodiments, one or more batteries (e.g., one or more batteries 414) are bonded to the battery housing (e.g., battery housing 402) using the adhesive 602.

[0036] Figures 7A-7B show cross-sections 700 of the electronic device 400, particularly of the battery housing 402 of the electronic device 400. In various embodiments, 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 may be associated with one or more batteries. In various embodiments, the battery housing 402 is configured to house a butterfly battery containing two batteries. Thus, the battery housing 402 is configured to house each battery in the butterfly battery. The butterfly battery housed by the battery housing 402 connects the first portion 702 and the second portion 704 of the battery housing 402 by defining a central channel 706 between them. For example, a flexible material connects both batteries in 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 embodiments, a first set of electronic wires 708 are arranged within a central channel 706. In one embodiment, 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 embodiments, a second set of electronic wires (not shown) associated with the touchscreen display 710 of the electronic device 400 may also be arranged within the central channel 706. In some embodiments, the second set of electronic wires may be arranged 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 allows for 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 in an electronic device. Process 800 may be performed to manufacture and / or repair (e.g., replace components) an electronic device such as the electronic device 400 described in detail above.

[0039] In block 802, an intermediate layer 803 (for example, a Mylar layer as described in detail above) may be added to the first portion 702 and the second portion 704 of the battery housing 402, respectively, to obtain block 804.

[0040] In block 806, a protective layer (not shown) may be removed from the adhesive, and each battery 414 in the butterfly battery may be bonded to a first portion 702 and a second portion 704 of the battery housing 402, respectively, to obtain block 808. As shown in the figure, block 808 is obtained by the butterfly battery including two batteries 414 connected by a flexible material that defines the separation between the first portion 702 and the second portion 704 of the battery housing 402.

[0041] In block 810, adhesive tabs 809 are added to the opposite sides of the first portion 702 and the second portion 704 of the battery housing 402, resulting in block 812. In at least some embodiments, the adhesive tabs 809 can bond the battery housing 402 to the enclosure of an electronic device. In further embodiments, one or more batteries (e.g., one or more batteries 414) are bonded to the battery housing (e.g., the battery housing 402) using the adhesive tabs 809.

[0042] Referring here to Figure 9, a flowchart of Method 900 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Method 900 includes step 902, which includes undocking an electronic device from a dock. The electronic device includes a battery housing that houses one or more batteries, the battery housing separating one or more batteries from a first plurality of magnets, as described above in detail with respect to Figures 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. More specifically, the electronic device may be a smart home assistant, and operating the electronic device in an undocked position may include recording video, communicating with a remote server system, and interacting with the user via voice communication. In other examples, the electronic device may be used as a smartphone, a gaming device, an e-reader, etc.

[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 may be used to dock the electronic device to the dock according to any of the embodiments described in detail above. Leaving the electronic device docked allows the battery to be charged and other functions of the dock, such as the built-in speaker, to be used. The electronic device may be removed from the dock for convenience of use or display elsewhere. When not in use (docked, undocked, or both), a user-selected photo or photo album may be presented by the tablet.

[0045] It should be noted 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 needed. For example, in alternative embodiments, the method may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, the functions described in relation to a particular embodiment may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in similar ways. It should also be emphasized that technology is evolving, and therefore many elements are examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0046] The description includes specific details to allow for a full understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be carried out 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 to provide exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description of embodiments provides a useful explanation for carrying out embodiments of the invention for those skilled in the art. Various modifications can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be noted that embodiments may be described as processes shown as flowcharts or block diagrams. While each may be described as a sequential process, many operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. The order of operations can also be changed. Processes may have additional steps not shown in the diagrams.

[0048] While 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 invention. For example, the elements described above may be merely components of a larger system, and other rules may take precedence over the application of the invention, or the application of the invention may be altered. Furthermore, several steps may be taken before, during, or after the consideration of the elements described above. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. It is an electronic device, Electronic displays and An enclosure housing the aforementioned electronic display, One or more batteries that supply power to one or more components of the electronic device, A first plurality of magnets, which are arranged to be magnetically coupled with a second plurality of magnets of the dock, The battery housing comprises one or more of the aforementioned batteries, The battery housing separates one or more batteries from the first plurality of magnets, The battery housing defines one or more openings, The first plurality of magnets are arranged in one or more openings in 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 the intermediate layer extends between the one or more batteries and the one or more openings, and the intermediate layer extends beyond the edges 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 arranged in 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 electrical signals 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 comprises one or more pogo pins.

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

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

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

12. A tablet computer system, Dock and, The system comprises a tablet computer that can be docked detachably from the dock, and the tablet computer is Electronic displays and An enclosure housing the aforementioned electronic display, One or more batteries that supply power to one or more components of an electronic device, The tablet computer further comprises a first plurality of magnets, the first plurality of magnets being arranged to magnetically couple with a second plurality of magnets of the dock, The battery housing comprises one or more of the aforementioned batteries, The battery housing defines one or more openings, and the first plurality of magnets are arranged in the one or more openings. A tablet computer system wherein the battery housing includes an intermediate layer extending between one or more batteries and one or more openings.

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 one or more batteries are bonded to the battery housing using an adhesive.

16. The tablet computer system according to claim 12, wherein the battery housing comprises 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 the alignment of the battery housing.

18. 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. The battery housing is configured to house a butterfly battery including two of the batteries. The tablet computer system according to claim 12, wherein the butterfly battery housed in the battery housing defines the central channel between the first portion and the second portion of the battery housing.

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

20. The tablet computer system according to claim 19, further comprising a second set of electronic wires relating to a touchscreen 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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