Abstract: A touch and force sensitive rocker switch or button array for a portable electronic device can include multiple dome switches or force sensors, as well as a capacitive sensing surface that can detect finger location and swipes. A cosmetic surface can cover the entire elongated switch/button and portions of device housing proximate the button, and can be configured to transfer each of multiple types of input there through to the button and also provide a seal to the device housing interior. The cosmetic surface can be a flexible polymer to allow local deformation, and/or the entire surface can tilt or bend to permit inputs to transfer there through. The elongated button/switch can be raised from a surface of the device, and can be located along a side of the device, with a front face of the device being a touchscreen, such as for a smart phone or watch.

Abstract: An input mechanism for a portable electronic device includes a rotational manipulation mechanism, such as a cap or shaft. The input mechanism also includes a sensor having first capacitive elements coupled to the manipulation mechanism, second capacitive elements, and a dielectric positioned between the first and second capacitive elements. Movement of the manipulation mechanism alters the positions of the first and second capacitive elements with respect to each other and is determinable based on capacitance changes resulting therefrom. In some implementations, the second capacitive elements may be part of an inner ring or partial ring nested at least partially within an outer ring or partial ring.

Abstract: An auxiliary electronic device attachable to a wearable electronic device. The auxiliary device includes a housing, electronic circuitry within the housing, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach the auxiliary electronic device to the wearable device while the device is being worn by a user. In some embodiments the electronic circuitry includes a power transmitting unit that can wirelessly transmit power to charge a rechargeable battery within the wearable electronic device. In some embodiments the attachment mechanism includes a pair of lugs that extend, from opposite ends of the housing, above the housing towards a center of the auxiliary device and are adapted to fit within corresponding recesses of the wearable electronic device.

Abstract: Capacitive sensor assemblies for electronic devices, and methods of forming capacitive sensor assemblies. The capacitive sensor assembly may include a top component having an intermediate layer formed on the top component, a bottom component positioned opposite the top component, a silicone layer positioned between the top component and the bottom component, and a first electrical trace positioned adjacent the silicone layer.

Abstract: An auxiliary electronic device attachable to a wearable electronic device. The auxiliary device includes a housing, electronic circuitry within the housing, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach the auxiliary electronic device to the wearable device while the device is being worn by a user. In some embodiments the electronic circuitry includes a power transmitting unit that can wirelessly transmit power to charge a rechargeable battery within the wearable electronic device. In some embodiments the attachment mechanism includes a pair of lugs that extend, from opposite ends of the housing, above the housing towards a center of the auxiliary device and are adapted to fit within corresponding recesses of the wearable electronic device.

Abstract: A touch and force sensitive rocker switch or button array for a portable electronic device can include multiple dome switches or force sensors, as well as a capacitive sensing surface that can detect finger location and swipes. A cosmetic surface can cover the entire elongated switch/button and portions of device housing proximate the button, and can be configured to transfer each of multiple types of input there through to the button and also provide a seal to the device housing interior. The cosmetic surface can be a flexible polymer to allow local deformation, and/or the entire surface can tilt or bend to permit inputs to transfer there through. The elongated button/switch can be raised from a surface of the device, and can be located along a side of the device, with a front face of the device being a touchscreen, such as for a smart phone or watch.

Abstract: An electronic device has a concealed external electrical connector that may be activated by a pin of a mating connector. When the pin applies a force to an electrically conductive and flexible region of an exterior housing of an electronic device the electrically conductive region deflects inwards coupling to a contact within the electronic device. A bi-directional communications path is then established from the pin of the connector, through the conductive portion of the housing, to the contact and to circuitry within the housing of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a sealing element between a protective cover and a housing of the electronic device. The sealing element may provide a seal between the protective cover and the enclosure, as well as monitor or detect a force to the protective cover. Also, one or more support members may surround the sealing element to provide protection against a material (such as liquid) entering an opening between the protective cover and the enclosure. Alternatively, or in combination, the sealing element may include several openings, each of which may include a restraining element to limit movement of the sealing element. Also, a blocking element may be placed at or near an edge of the enclosure to provide additional reinforcement if the sealing element is laterally displaced. The blocking element may include an operational component of the electronic device, such as an antenna.

Abstract: Electrical components such as integrated circuits and other components may be mounted on a substrate such as a printed circuit substrate. A molded plastic cap may cover the components and a portion of the printed circuit substrate to form a packaged electrical device. Metal structures such as springs, posts, and other metal members may be insert molded within the plastic cap. A metal layer on the surface of the cap may be patterned to from electromagnetic shielding, signal paths, contact pads, sensor electrodes, antennas, and other structures. Multiple substrates each with a respective set of mounted electrical components may be joined using a flexible printed circuit. The flexible printed circuit may be covered with a rigid cap portion or an elastomeric material or may be left uncovered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting the fit of a wearable electronic device are disclosed. In many embodiments, a tensioner associated with a wearable electronic device can control one or more actuators that are mechanically coupled to either the housing or to a band attached to the wearable electronic device. In one example, in response to a signal to increase the tightness of the band, the tensioner can cause the actuator(s) to increase the tension within the band.

Abstract: Content can be using an input device without a touch-sensitive surface. In some examples, touch-down and lift-off on a non-touch-sensitive surface can be monitored by a force sensor of the input device. The position and/or motion of the input device can be tracked according to various methods including one or more of a motion and orientation sensor, a camera, or an electromagnetic- or sound-based triangulation scheme. The force data and position/motion data can be processed to generate content, including textual character input and three-dimensional objects. In some examples, the content can be generated based on tracking position and/or motion of the input device without requiring contact with a surface.

Abstract: An input mechanism for a portable electronic device includes a rotational manipulation mechanism, such as a cap or shaft. The input mechanism also includes a sensor having first capacitive elements coupled to the manipulation mechanism, second capacitive elements, and a dielectric positioned between the first and second capacitive elements. Movement of the manipulation mechanism alters the positions of the first and second capacitive elements with respect to each other and is determinable based on capacitance changes resulting therefrom. In some implementations, the second capacitive elements may be part of an inner ring or partial ring nested at least partially within an outer ring or partial ring.

Abstract: An electronic device may include surface mount technology components mounted to a printed circuit board. The surface mount technology components may include electrical components such as resistors, inductors, and capacitors. In order to reduce the size of the electronic device, surface mount technology components may be stacked. A surface mount technology component may be mounted to metal members that electrically connect the surface mount technology component to contact pads on a printed circuit board. A surface mount technology component may be provided with integral standoff portions, and a second surface mount technology component may be mounted to the integral standoff portions. A single surface mount technology component may be used to implement different circuits depending on which face of the surface mount technology component is mounted to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A force sensor includes compliant material that is configured to stay within a maximum uncompressed dimension in a first direction when compressed in a second direction. The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. The compliant material may stay within the maximum uncompressed dimension when compressed by expanding into one or more gaps defined in the compliant material. Such gaps may be defined on an external surface of the compliant material and/or internal to the compliant material. The gaps may be formed using a variety of different processes during or after formation of the compliant material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a securement apparatus, such as a lanyard, that has increased tensile strength and shear strength when compared with a conventional securement apparatus. The securement apparatus includes a connector extending from a connector body, a strap coupled to the connector body, and a structural component. The structural component has a tapered geometry such that a first end that is contained within the connector body has a first width and/or height and a second end that transitions from the connector body into the strap has a second width and/or height that is less than the first width and/or height.

Abstract: An electrical board-to-board connector including a flexible cable assembly having a low profile or dimensionally reduced configuration. The connector body of a cable assembly may be widened to provide the structural rigidity sufficient to support an array of solder lead connections. Other support elements may be omitted from the cable assembly, which results in a reduced height dimension. The flexible cable assembly may also include a cowling used to retain the cable assembly against a circuit board. The cowling may also be configured to reduce the dimensions or dimensional footprint of the connection.

Abstract: This application relates to inductive charging coil configurations. In particular, the wireless charging coil configurations are arranged in a shape and size suitable for utilizing available space within a device housing. In some embodiments, wires making up the charging coil have varying diameters configured to optimize the size and shape of the charging coil so that available space can be fully utilized.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically adjusting the fit of a wearable electronic device are disclosed. In many embodiments, a tensioner associated with a wearable electronic device can control one or more actuators that are mechanically coupled to either the housing or to a band attached to the wearable electronic device. In one example, in response to a signal to increase the tightness of the band, the tensioner can cause the actuator(s) to increase the tension within the band.

Abstract: Board-to-board connectors that may provide durable and reliable connections, may save board space, and may be easy to manufacture. One example may provide board-to-board connectors that provide durable connections by providing a seal between board-to-board plugs and receptacles. The seal may be an O-ring, gasket, or other seal. The seal may protect contacts on the board-to-board connectors from exposure to fluids, such as water or other corrosive fluids. This seal may provide a level of redundancy with one or more seals protecting a device from external fluids, such as a seal at or in the device enclosure.

Abstract: A bracket assembly suitable for use with an electronic device is described. The bracket assembly may include a bracket body having a channel. The bracket assembly may further include a membrane embedded in the bracket body and designed to allow air, but not liquid (such as water), to pass through the membrane. The membrane may be at least partially surrounded by a membrane support molded to the membrane. The membrane and the membrane support may be disposed in a molding tool to receive a material used to mold the bracket body over the membrane and the membrane support. During the molding operation, the membrane support may act as a buffer to shield the membrane from temperature and pressure increases associated with the molding operation of the bracket body. The bracket assembly may improve the ability of the electronic device to prevent liquid ingress.