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Machined window undercutMachined window undercut description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080063218, Machined window undercut. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]This invention can relate to methods that improve construction of electronic devices. More specifically, this invention can relate to improving the efficiency of an electronic device stored in a closed-back housing. [0002]As products compete to be thinner and thinner, it is important to be as space efficient as possible both to make room for other components as well as to improve and ease the assembly process as much as possible. [0003]In conventional closed-back products, the window normally sits flat on the interior of the housing surface, so no space is saved. More specifically, the window flange simply sits on top of the housing's inner surface. [0004]Therefore, it would be desirable to increase the volume available for storing components in an electronic device without increasing the device size. [0005]It would also be desirable to increase the volume available for components in a closed-back electronic device. [0006]It would be yet further desirable to increase the volume available for storing electronic components in an electronic device while substantially maintaining the structural integrity of the device and attendant level of protection provided to the components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007]A trend exists in the computer industry to reduce size, weight and thickness of electronic devices. Typically, any computer part that can be made smaller is made smaller to accommodate this trend. By way of example, the wall thickness of the computer housing has been made thinner over the years. In most instances, decreased wall thickness reduces the overall thickness and weight of the computer, both of which are desired to make a portable computer more portable. [0008]Nevertheless, making the outer structure thinner to reduce computer weight and thickness has its drawbacks. As a general rule, thicker walls mean stronger walls. Thus, as the walls are thinned, the enclosure becomes more flexible. Consequently, the thinner outer structure can not offer enough support to protect the internal components of the computer. Even when the thinner outer structure is strong enough to protect the internal components, users who have come to expect rigid structures can be unsatisfied. [0009]Moreover, recently, computer housing designs have been implemented in more complex shapes. These complex designs can create structural problems that result in even more flexible outer shells. The complex shapes can be contoured or curvilinear, which generally reduces the overall strength of the computer housing. The complex shapes also make it increasingly difficult to provide any internal support to offset these problems. [0010]One embodiment of the invention may be directed to reducing the thickness in the housing in a region surrounding an opening through which a display screen may be viewed. Normally, this display screen is protected by a transparent wall. The transparent wall typically is adhered to the interior surface of the housing around the opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing around the opening is reduced in thickness so a flange of the wall can be placed in the housing. In this embodiment the transparent wall may be flush with the interior surface of the housing. In one embodiment of the invention, the transparent wall may be flush with the exterior surface of the housing as well. [0011]One purpose of the machined window undercut feature according to the invention is to maximize the space available for the electronics in the z-axis without sacrificing the strength of the housing. In fact the machined window undercut may, in certain embodiments, enhance the strength of the design. [0012]Furthermore, the undercut feature can allow for a higher capacity (thicker) battery and taller components on the main logic board. The extra space can also make assembly of the electronics into the housing simpler and more efficient. Such space is especially important in selected models of the iPod.TM. device manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. This is because all the components can be installed through the top (or bottom) of the product in this closed-back device and more space in along the z-axis--i.e., the axis that runs vertically, toward the viewer, when the viewer looks into the screen of the device--maybe necessary. [0013]The undercut window feature according to the invention can be created by machining a recess in the area where the window will mate with the inside of the housing. Because this product has a closed-back cosmetic housing, a special cutter may be needed to create this recess feature. [0014]In one embodiment of the invention, the housing for the device is extruded aluminum. The recess for the window can be cut just deep enough to allow the housing to maintain its minimum wall thickness--i.e., the wall thickness necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the device and to sufficiently protect the internal components--in that area. The window can then be adhered to the housing in this recess, thereby saving space along the z-axis. [0015]Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention can facilitate manufacturing electronic devices having certain housing designs such as closed backs. While conventional close-back device may present manufacturing issues, the housing of the electronic device may help to alleviate these issues, as described above, by allowing more space in the z-axis. [0016]A media player comprising a display screen is also provided. The media player can include a housing having an opening and an area of reduced thickness around the opening. The media player can also include a transparent wall having a flange. Alternatively, the transparent wall may not require a flange but rather can be a flat, substantially transparent piece of material. The flange can be adhered to a surface of the area of reduced thickness in order to form a transparent protective cover for the display screen. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided. The method can include forming a transparent wall having a stepped edge for placing in an opening of a media player. The method can also include adhering an adhesive to at least one surface of the stepped edge of the transparent wall and using the cutting tool to cut away a portion of the underside of a housing that surrounds an opening in a media player. The method can also include adhering the transparent wall to the housing using the adhesive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017]The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a media player that may be designed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0019]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the screen portion of a media player in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; [0020]FIG. 3 is cross-sectional taken from line A-A of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; [0021]FIG. 4 is an exploded portion taken from line B-B of the cross-sectional shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Continue reading about Machined window undercut... 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