I/O connector with integrated adjustable set screw

• US 9,461,390 B2
• Filed: 05/02/2014
• Issued: 10/04/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Blum, Matthew W., Jayanathan, Stephen V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wilson, Adrian S
• Application Number:
  US14/269,027
• Publication Number:
  US 20150316090A1
• Time in Patent Office: 886 Days
• Field of Search: 439/131, 439/135, 439/136, 439/142, 439/143
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 23/0038 substantially prismatic with up to six edges, e.g. triangular, square, pentagonal, Allen-type cross-sections
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 35/005 Set screws; Locking means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/44 Means for preventing access to live contacts making use of a switch actuated by engagement of counterpart H01R13/7036
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/04 Mounting of components , e.g. of leadless components
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0004 comprising several parts forming a closed casing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49131 by utilizing optical sighting device

Abstract

An externally accessible component in an electronic device is described. The component may be installed within an enclosure without being properly aligned with an opening of the enclosure. A tool external to the electronic device may be inserted into the component and into a rear member located behind the component. The tool may actuate the rear member in a manner that actuates the component to move in a direction toward the opening, in order to align the component with the opening. A method of aligning the component is also described.

Claims

1. A self-aligning component for an enclosure of an electronic device, the self-aligning component comprising:

a body defining a cavity extending from a first end of the component to a second end of the component; and

a rear member;

wherein the second end is engaged with the rear member in the electronic device; and

wherein the body traverses from a first position to a second position when a tool engages and actuates the rear member.

2. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the enclosure is a uni-body enclosure.

3. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the body is an audio jack.

4. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the rear member includes an internal shape corresponding to the tool.

5. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the rear member engages an internal component of the electronic device other than the body.

6. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the first end is partially engaged with an opening of the enclosure.

7. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the second end includes a shape that corresponds to a shape of the rear member such that a portion of the second is received by the rear member.

8. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the tool is selected from a T5 screwdriver, a Philips screwdriver, or an Allen wrench.

9. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the body is positioned on a first substrate, the first substrate include a first rail that guides the body from the first position to the second position.

10. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 9, wherein:

the body includes a first protrusion;

the first substrate includes a first slot; and

the first slot receives the first protrusion.

11. The self-aligning component as recited in claim 1, wherein the rear member is a set screw.

12. A method of aligning a component in an enclosure of an electronic device, the method comprising:

inserting the component within a portion of the enclosure, the component having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end having a first opening that opens to a cavity;

engaging a tool with a rear member proximate to the second end;

actuating the tool, wherein the actuating the tool actuates the rear member; and

actuating the component in a direction toward the enclosure.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising removing the tool.

14. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the tool is initially exterior with respect to the electronic device, and wherein the inserted into an opening of the enclosure.

15. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising aligning the first opening of the component with an opening of the enclosure, wherein the first opening is smaller than the opening of the enclosure.

16. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising locking the rear member subsequent to the actuating the component in a direction toward the enclosure.

17. An electronic device having a movable member configured to align after the movable member is installed, the electronic device comprising:

a component comprising;

a first end;

a second end opposite the first end; and

a cavity extending between the first end and the second end;

an enclosure having an opening that receives a portion of the first end;

a rear member engaged with the second end; and

wherein the component moves along a substrate in the electronic device when a rotary tool rotates the rear member.

18. The electronic device as recited in claim 17, wherein the rear member comprises internal threads.

19. The electronic device as recited in claim 17, wherein:

the first end includes a first opening;

the second end includes a second opening; and

the first opening is larger than the second opening.

20. The electronic device as recited in claim 17, wherein the cavity is concentric with respect to an opening of an enclosure of the electronic device.