Abstract: Embodiments can provide reversible or dual orientation USB plug connectors for mating with standard USB receptacle connectors, e.g., a standard Type A USB receptacle connector. Accordingly, the present invention may be compatible with any current or future electronic device that includes a standard USB receptacle connector. USB plug connectors according to the present invention can have a 180 degree symmetrical, double orientation design, which enables the plug connector to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two intuitive orientations. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may reduce the potential for USB connector damage and user frustration during the incorrect insertion of a USB plug connector into a corresponding USB receptacle connector of an electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide reversible or dual orientation USB plug connectors for mating with standard USB receptacle connectors, e.g., a standard Type A USB receptacle connector. Accordingly, the present invention may be compatible with any current or future electronic device that includes a standard USB receptacle connector. USB plug connectors according to the present invention can have a 180 degree symmetrical, double orientation design, which enables the plug connector to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two intuitive orientations. Some embodiments of the present invention may be used with or require a non-standard USB receptacle connector. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may reduce the potential for USB connector damage and user frustration during the incorrect insertion of a USB plug connector into a corresponding USB receptacle connector of an electronic device.

Abstract: A plug connector module that includes a metal frame having a base portion, an insertion end and a cavity that extends from the base portion into the insertion end. The insertion end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a corresponding receptacle connector. A substrate extends through the base portion of the frame and into the insertion end. A first plurality of external contacts is positioned in a first opening and a second plurality of contacts positioned within a second opening. One or more electronic components is coupled to the substrate, and a first encapsulant that covers and environmentally seals the one or more electronic components. A second encapsulant covers and environmentally seals a metal shield and at least a portion of a leg that extends from the shield.

Abstract: Electrical components are mounted on a printed circuit in an electronic device housing. Shielding can structures may include a sheet metal shield can layer with a conductive gasket. The printed circuit may have an opening. A screw passes through the opening in the printed circuit and openings in the conductive gasket and sheet metal shield can layer to secure the shielding can structures to the housing. When secured, a lip in the gasket lies between the printed circuit substrate and the housing. The gasket may be formed from conductive elastomeric material. A shield can lid and a flexible printed circuit may be embedded within conductive elastomeric material that provides a thermal conduction path to dissipate heat from electrical components under the lid. Shield can members that are located on opposing sides of a bend in a flexible printed circuit substrate may be coupled by a conductive elastomeric bridging structure.

Abstract: Protection structures may be provided to protect connectors, printed circuits, and other internal device components from damage. Components may shift within a device if the device is unexpectedly dropped. Protection structures can shield printed circuit connectors and other structures so that component movement during a drop event does not dislodge a printed circuit connector or otherwise damage a device. A cowling can be used to hold a board-to-board connector or other connector together. The cowling may have a protruding portion that is bent to form a protective wall. Plastic structures may be molded onto the cowling to form protective walls. Protection structures for printed circuit connectors and other internal device components may be formed from spring-based structures that clip onto the edge of a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic device has a housing in which components are installed. The components contain audio components having audio ports and terminals. Elastomeric material is molded over the surface of an audio component so that the leads attached to the terminals protrude through the elastomeric material. The protruding portions of the leads are bent back to lie flush with the surface of the elastomeric material. The elastomeric material are configured to form elastomeric structures with an opening that is aligned with the audio port in a component. The housing of an electronic device has one or more openings that form an audio port. The opening in the elastomeric structures that are molded onto the audio component is aligned with the audio port in the housing and the audio port in the audio component. Mesh structures cover the audio port in the housing.

Abstract: A plug connector module that includes a metal frame having a base portion, an insertion end and a cavity that extends from the base portion into the insertion end. The insertion end is configured to be inserted into a cavity of a corresponding receptacle connector. A substrate extends through the base portion of the frame and into the insertion end. A first plurality of external contacts is positioned in a first opening and a second plurality of contacts positioned within a second opening. One or more electronic components is coupled to the substrate, and a first encapsulant that covers and environmentally seals the one or more electronic components. A second encapsulant covers and environmentally seals a metal shield and at least a portion of a leg that extends from the shield.

Abstract: A method of forming a part includes uni-directionally injecting a mold with material to form a molded part, removing the molded part from the mold, and forming at least one cavity in the molded part, the at least one cavity being defined by a machining process separate from a molding process.