阅读说明：本技术 用于设备外壳的数据端口的结构支撑构件 (Structural support member for data port of equipment enclosure ) 是由 L·M·阿米斯 L·E·布朗宁 M·J·奥克莱尔 R·C·李 P·U·洛特伊瑟尔 张遥程 于 2019-05-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明题为“用于设备外壳的数据端口的结构支撑构件”。本公开描述了用于便携式电子设备的数据端口的形成的特征结构和方法。该便携式电子设备包括具有限定数据端口开口的壁的设备外壳。锚定特征结构沿限定数据端口开口的壁的一部分形成。结构支撑构件定位在数据端口开口内并加固数据端口开口。聚合物材料填充结构支撑构件和限定数据端口开口的壁的一部分之间的间隙。聚合物材料与锚定特征结构接合以使结构支撑构件保持在数据端口开口内。(The invention provides a structural support member for a data port of an equipment enclosure. The present disclosure describes features and methods for the formation of a data port for a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a device housing having a wall defining a data port opening. An anchoring feature is formed along a portion of a wall defining the data port opening. The structural support member is positioned within and reinforces the data port opening. The polymeric material fills a gap between the structural support member and a portion of the wall defining the data port opening. The polymeric material engages the anchoring feature to retain the structural support member within the data port opening.)

1. A portable electronic device, comprising:

an equipment enclosure including a wall defining a data port opening extending therethrough;

a first anchoring feature formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening;

a structural support member positioned within the data port opening and spaced apart from the portion of the wall defining the data port opening by a gap, the structural support member including a second anchoring feature;

a polymeric material filling the gap and engaging the first and second anchoring features to retain the structural support member within the data port opening; and

a data port receptacle disposed within the device housing and aligned with the data port opening, the data port receptacle including an electrical contact.

2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the polymer material is in direct contact with both the device housing and the structural support member.

3. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the structural support member is recessed rearward from an outer surface of the wall.

4. The portable electronic device defined in claim 1 wherein the first anchoring feature comprises a channel that extends along a perimeter of the data port opening and wherein the polymeric material fills the channel.

5. The portable electronic device defined in claim 4 wherein the second anchoring feature protrudes from the structural support member and into the polymer material to resist movement of the structural support member relative to the polymer material.

6. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a display assembly configured to provide a user interface to a user of the portable electronic device, the display assembly being at least partially supported by a portion of the polymeric material.

7. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a display assembly having an active display area, a distance between an edge of the active display area and a portion of the wall defining the data port being less than 5 mm.

8. The portable electronic device defined in claim 1 wherein the data port receptacle is in contiguous contact with the polymeric material.

9. The portable electronic device defined in claim 1 wherein the first attachment feature comprises a ridge.

10. The portable electronic device defined in claim 1 wherein the polymeric material comprises a first material positioned at an exterior surface of the device housing and a second material that is adjacent to the first material and separates the first material from an interior of the device housing.

11. A data port, comprising:

a wall defining a data port opening extending therethrough;

a first anchoring feature formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening;

a structural support member positioned within the data port opening, the structural support member including a second anchoring feature; and

a polymeric material filling a gap between the structural support member and the portion of the wall defining the data port, the polymeric material engaging the first and second anchoring features to retain the structural support member within the data port opening and form a water-tight seal between the portion of the wall defining the data port opening and the structural support member.

12. The data port of claim 11, wherein the first anchoring feature comprises a channel extending around a perimeter of the data port opening, and wherein the polymeric material extends into the channel.

13. The data port of claim 11, wherein the polymeric material electrically isolates the structural support member from the wall.

14. The data port of claim 11, wherein the gap between the structural support member and the portion of the wall defining the data port opening is a uniform distance.

15. The data port of claim 11, wherein the structural support member is formed of stainless steel and the wall is formed of an aluminum alloy.

16. A portable electronic device, comprising:

an equipment enclosure including a wall defining a data port opening;

a first anchoring feature extending along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening;

a structural support member supported by a polymeric material and secured in place within the data port opening;

a polymeric material engaging the first anchoring feature; and

a data port receptacle comprising an electrical contact, the data port receptacle aligned with the data port opening and in abutting contact with the polymer material.

17. The portable electronic device defined in claim 16 wherein a curvature of a portion of the polymeric material at an outer surface of the device housing matches a curvature of an exterior portion of the device housing adjacent the data port opening.

18. The portable electronic device defined in claim 16 wherein a portion of the polymeric material forms a seal with the data port receptacle to prevent moisture within the data port from intruding into other portions of the device housing.

19. The portable electronic device defined in claim 16 wherein the anchoring feature extends around a perimeter of the data port opening.

20. The portable electronic device defined in claim 16 wherein the polymeric material and the structural support member cooperatively define a chamfered opening that leads to a central opening defined by the structural support member.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to data ports for electronic devices. In particular, methods and apparatus for supporting a structural support member within a data port with an insert injection molded polymeric material are described.

Background

User demand for higher performance and functionality of their portable electronic devices has prompted device manufacturers to continually look for other ways to push additional performance into devices that remain portable. One way to improve performance is to increase the area over which the effective display area of the display assembly extends. Unfortunately, various components disposed around the edges of the device may prevent the display assembly from extending to the edges of the device. Therefore, a way to secure these components in place without obstructing the placement of the display assembly is desirable.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure describes various methods that may use polymeric materials to support structural support members within I/O port openings.

A portable electronic device is described, comprising the following components: an equipment enclosure including a wall defining a data port opening extending therethrough; a first anchoring feature formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening; a structural support member positioned within the data port opening and spaced apart from the portion of the wall defining the data port opening by a gap, the structural support member including a second anchoring feature; a polymeric material filling the gap and engaging the first and second anchoring features to retain the structural support member within the data port opening; and a data port receptacle disposed within the device housing and aligned with the data port opening, the data port receptacle including an electrical contact.

A data port is described, the data port comprising the following components: a wall defining a data port opening extending therethrough; a first anchoring feature formed along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening; a structural support member positioned within the data port opening, the structural support member including a second anchoring feature; and a polymeric material filling a gap between the structural support member and the portion of the wall defining the data port, the polymeric material engaging the first and second anchoring features to retain the structural support member within the data port opening and form a water-tight seal between the portion of the wall defining the data port opening and the structural support member.

A portable electronic device is described, comprising the following components: an equipment enclosure including a wall defining a data port opening; a first anchoring feature extending along a portion of the wall defining the data port opening; a structural support member supported by a polymeric material and secured in place within the data port opening; a polymeric material engaging the first anchoring feature; and a data port receptacle comprising an electrical contact, the data port receptacle aligned with the data port opening and in abutting contact with the polymer material.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the embodiments.

Drawings

The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

1A-1C illustrate an exemplary electronic device suitable for use with the described embodiments;

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of the data port according to section line A-A as shown in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the data port shown in FIGS. 1B and 2A;

3A-3H illustrate a process for manufacturing a data port;

4A-4F illustrate another process by which a structural support member may be installed within a data port opening;

5A-5E illustrate another process by which a structural support member may be installed within a data port opening; and

fig. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating a method for mounting a structural support member within a data port.

Detailed Description

Representative applications of the methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be considered as limiting.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in accordance with the embodiments. While these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, it is to be understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments.

Portable electronic devices may be formed from relatively soft materials such as polymers and aluminum so that they may be easily scratched or dented when used to line up the interior of a data port receptacle. Thus, a material with more robust material properties may be used to line up the interior of the data port receptacle. For example, stainless steel structural support members may be used to line the interior of the data port receptacles. Positioning the structural support member within the opening of the device housing of the portable electronic device may require installation of hardware that occupies valuable space within the device housing.

One solution to this problem is to secure the structural support member within the data port receptacle using insert molded material. The positioning apparatus can be used to accurately position the structural support member within a data port opening defined by the apparatus housing. Once positioned within the opening by the positioning device, molten polymeric material may be injected between the structural support member and the portion of the device housing defining the data port opening. Once the polymer material is cured, the positioning apparatus can be removed and the structural support member effectively floats within the data port opening supported only by the cured polymer material.

Portions of the cured polymeric material and the device housing positioned along an exterior of the portable electronic device may be co-finished during the machining operation such that the polymeric material seamlessly blends with an exterior surface of the device housing. The polymeric material also provides a seal between the equipment enclosure and the structural support member to help prevent water from seeping between the structural support member and the equipment enclosure into the equipment enclosure. Excess portions of the polymeric material positioned within the interior region of the device housing may be shaped to make room for other components. For example, a portion of the polymer material adjacent to a display assembly of the portable electronic device may be removed to allow the active area of the display assembly to extend as close as possible to the edge of the device housing.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to fig. 1-6. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be taken as limiting.

Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of an exemplary portable electronic device 100 suitable for use with the described embodiments. In particular, the portable electronic device 100 includes a device housing 102, which may be formed of a metal or polymer material. For example, the device housing 102 may be formed from an aluminum alloy and/or stainless steel. Also shown is a display component 104 that can be configured to display a touch-sensitive user interface configured to receive commands from a user interacting with the portable electronic device 100. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device 100 may include a push button 106, which may be configured to assist a user in navigating a user interface displayed by the display assembly 104. In some embodiments, the push button 106 may also include a sensor for identifying the user of the portable electronic device 100. The device housing 102 may define an opening to receive the data port 108 of the portable electronic device 100. The data port 108 may take a variety of forms, including various types of USB connectors or lightning connectors. The structure for supporting and positioning the data port 108 may be disposed adjacent to the perimeter of the opening defined by the device housing 102 and in some cases around the perimeter of the opening defined by the device housing 102.

FIG. 1B illustrates a portable electronic device 150 suitable for use with the described embodiments. In particular, the display assembly 104 may extend over a larger portion of the portable electronic device 100 and closer to the data port 108. To this end, the support structure 108 associated with the data port should be adjusted to accommodate the circuitry and components associated with the display assembly 104. For example, components associated with the display assembly 104 can protrude toward the data port 108, thereby limiting the amount of space that can be occupied by any support structure associated with the data port 108. In some embodiments, the support structure associated with the data port 108 may also be used to support an end of the display assembly 104.

Fig. 1C shows the device housing 102 with the display assembly 104 removed. As shown, the device housing 102 may include four side walls 110 and a rear wall 112. In some embodiments, the rear wall 112 may be integrally formed with the side wall 110. In some embodiments, the back wall 112 may be coupled to the side walls 110 and formed at least in part from a radio transparent material that allows wireless signals or inductive charging through the back wall 112. For example, the rear wall 112 may be formed of both a metal reinforcement layer for structural support and a glass panel. In some embodiments, the metal reinforcement layer may be a steel lattice that includes one or more openings that accommodate the passage of wireless transmissions through the back wall 112.

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of the data port 108 according to section line A-A shown in FIG. 1B. Data port 108 includes a structural support member 202 disposed within or behind an inner surface of the data port opening defined by sidewall 110. The structural support member 202 floats within the data port opening and is supported by the polymeric material 204. The polymeric material 204 includes a portion 206 that helps to retain the polymeric material 204 within the data port opening by interacting with an anchoring feature in the form of a groove 208 defined by the sidewall 110. The polymeric material 204 conforms to the anchoring features of the structural support member 202 in the form of ridges 209. In this way, the ridges/protrusions 209 may interlock with portions of the polymeric material 204 to help prevent the structural support member 202 from moving relative to the polymeric material 204. In some embodiments, the structural support member 202 may be completely supported and retained by the polymeric material 204. The structural support member 202 and the polymeric material 204 also cooperate to define a chamfered open area for receiving and guiding a data plug into the data port 108. The outward facing end of the polymeric material 204 prevents water intrusion between the structural support member 202 and the sidewall 110 and in this manner acts as a waterproof seal at the exterior surface of the device.

Fig. 2A also shows how a first portion of the polymeric material 204 facing the outer end is co-trimmed with the sidewall 110 to have a curvature that matches and is continuous with an adjacent portion of the sidewall 110. A second portion of the polymeric material 204 facing the exterior end has a flat chamfered geometry that facilitates introduction of a plug into the data port 108 and matches the flat chamfered geometry of the front of the structural support member 202. The inwardly facing end of the polymeric material 204 abuts a portion of the data port receptacle 210 and seals to prevent any water that intrudes into the data port 108 from separating the data port 108 and intruding into a water sensitive area within the portable electronic device 100 or 150. Electrical contacts 212 within data port receptacle 210 may be waterproof such that any moisture placed within data port 108 does not adversely affect the operation of electrical contacts 212. The display assembly 214 may take the form of an LCD display, OLED display, micro led display, or other display suitable for use with portable electronic devices. As shown, display assembly 214 is attached to an interior facing surface of cover glass 216 and is at least partially supported by a surface of polymer material 204. As such, the polymer material 204 provides structural support for the structural support member 202 and the display assembly 214. Because the structural support member 202 is entirely supported by the polymeric material 204, no protruding flange features are required between the sidewall 110 and the display assembly 214, allowing the display assembly 214 to extend almost all the way to the sidewall 110. In this way, the active display area of the display assembly 214 may extend almost completely to the outer edge of the portable electronic device. For example, the distance between the active display area and the sidewall 110 may be less than 5 mm. In addition, the polymeric material 204 forms a decorative surface that creates an aesthetic transition between the sidewall 110 and the structural support member 202. The polymeric material 204 may be formed from a material having robust material properties, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), such that it retains its shape and surface consistency through anodization or other surface finishing processes.

Fig. 2B shows a top view of data port 108. In particular, fig. 2B illustrates how the lateral portions of the structural support member 202 also include a series of ridges that help the structural support member 202 remain engaged with and secured by the polymeric material 204. Fig. 2B also shows how the grooves 208 extend along opposite lateral sides of the data port opening 108 defined by the sidewalls 110. A regular distribution of electrical contacts 212 is shown; however, it should be noted that other non-uniform distributions of electrical contacts 212 are also possible and may be arranged in such a way as to be compatible with a particular connector plug type.

Fig. 3A-3H illustrate a process for manufacturing the data port 108. Fig. 3A shows a two-piece positioning device 300 including a bracket 302 and a threaded receiver 304. Bracket 302 defines a fastener opening sized to receive a fastener for coupling bracket 302 to threaded receiver 304. The bracket 302 includes an elongated protruding end that is sized to extend through a portion of the central opening defined by the structural support member 202. Likewise, the threaded receiver 304 is also sized to extend through a portion of the central opening defined by the structural support member 202.

Fig. 3B illustrates how the structural support member 202 can be secured between the bracket 302 and the threaded receiver 304. The fastener 306 is shown aligned with the fastener opening of the bracket 302. Arrow 308 illustrates how the fastener 306 may be inserted into the fastener opening of the bracket 302 to engage the threads defined by the thread receiver 304.

Fig. 3C illustrates how the fastener 306 fully engaged with the threaded opening of the threaded receiver 304 couples the bracket 302 and the threaded receiver 304 together, thereby preventing any undesired movement of the structural support member 202 relative to the two-piece positioning apparatus 300. Fig. 3C also shows an arrow 311 indicating how the pointing device 300 can be inserted into the data port opening 312. Fig. 3D illustrates how the positioning apparatus 300 may be positioned within the data port opening 312 and how the outer surface of the sidewall 110 interacts with the cradle 302 to precisely position the structural support member 202 relative to the data port opening 312.

Fig. 3E illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a portion of the device housing 102 showing how the fasteners 314 may engage threaded openings defined by sacrificial portions of the sidewall 110 of the device housing to prevent movement of the two-piece positioning device 300 due to forces exerted by the pressurized molten polymer material during an injection molding operation. During the injection molding operation, the fastener 314 may oppose the force exerted on the bracket 302 by the pressurized molten polymer material 204. The polymer material 204 is shown after being injected into the cavity 110 defined by the sidewalls 315. The polymeric material 204 is shown extending between the sidewall 110 and the structural support member 202, thereby securing the position of the structural support member 202 horizontally centered within the data port opening 312.

Fig. 3F shows a side view of the structural support member 202 and how the structural support member 202 is vertically centered within the data port opening 312. A portion of the polymeric material 204 is shown filling one or more channels defined by the sidewall 110 such that once the polymeric material 204 is cured, the interaction between the portion of the polymeric material 204 and the channels prevents movement of the structural support member 202 relative to the sidewall 110.

Fig. 3G shows how the bracket 302 can be removed from the data port opening 312 once the fastener 306 is disengaged from the bracket 302 and the threaded receiver 304. Dashed line 316 of fig. 3H illustrates how brace 302 helps define a chamfered entrance to the interior volume defined by structural support member 202. The geometry of the bracket 302 may be complementary to the chamfered geometry of the structural support member 202, thereby minimizing any flash buildup on the structural support member 202. Fig. 3H illustrates how a portion of the sidewall 110 may be machined to achieve the desired shape of the sidewall 110 as indicated by dashed line 316. In some implementations, once a quantity of the polymeric material 304 is machined, the threaded receiver 202 can be pulled out of the structural support member 204. Fig. 2A shows an exemplary final shape of the sidewall 110 after undergoing a machining operation similar to the profile shown by dashed line 316.

Fig. 4A-4B illustrate a manufacturing process using an alternative embodiment. Fig. 4A shows a one-piece pointing device 402. The one-piece locator device 402 includes one or more fastener openings 403 for securing the locator device 402 in place during manufacturing operations. The single piece positioning apparatus 402 is used to position a structural support member 404 including a sacrificial threaded receiving region 406 in place within a data port opening. Fig. 4B shows a fastener 408 that extends through the fastener opening 403 and engages the threads of the sacrificial thread receiving region 406, thereby securing the positioning apparatus 402 directly to the structural support member 404.

Fig. 4C illustrates how the single piece positioning apparatus 402 and the structural support member 404 may be secured together once the fasteners 408 are fully engaged with the sacrificial threaded receiving regions 406 of the structural support member 404, thereby preventing any undesired movement of the structural support member 404 relative to the single piece positioning apparatus 402. Fig. 4C also includes arrows showing how the positioning device 402 is inserted into the data port opening 312. Fig. 4D illustrates how the positioning device 402 may be positioned within the data port opening 312 and how the outer surface of the sidewall 110 interacts with the cradle 302 to precisely position the structural support member 202 relative to the data port opening 312. Although not specifically described, it should be understood that the single piece positioning device 402 may include openings that allow additional fasteners 408 to secure the single piece positioning device 402 to the sidewall 110 (see, e.g., fig. 3E).

Fig. 4E shows the structural support member 404 and its threaded receiving area 406 secured within the polymeric material 204. This embedding may be accomplished in the same manner as previously shown in fig. 3C-3G. Dashed line 410 identifies the portion of sidewall 110, sacrificial thread receiving area 406, and polymer material 204 that can be machined to complete the data port. Fig. 4F shows how the sacrificial thread receiving area 406 may be removed using a machining process. In this way, the rear end of the structural support member 404 may be opened to accommodate passage of a plug connector through the structural support member 404. The polymeric material 204 and additional portions of the sidewall 110 are then machined to complete the data port. Connector terminal assemblies, such as connector terminal assembly 210 (see fig. 2A and 2B), may also be added to provide electrical connections for plugs extending through the completed data port.

Fig. 5A-5E illustrate how the structural support member may be installed within the data port opening. Specifically, fig. 5A illustrates how an injection molded appearance finish material 502 may be embedded around one end of a structural support member 504. The appearance-modifying material 502 may have material properties, such as better structural properties, that make it more aesthetically desirable than other polymeric materials that it could otherwise have. The structural support member 504 may include a plurality of anchoring features 506 protruding from a main portion of the structural support member 504.

Fig. 5B illustrates how a plug 508 may be inserted through an opening defined by the structural support member 504. The plug 508 may be complementary in shape or slightly larger than the opening defined by the structural support member 504. In this way, the plugs 508 may cover and mask the inner walls defining the openings in the structural support members 504. As shown, the base of the plug 508 may also mate with the outer periphery of the structural support member 504. Fig. 5C shows how the plug 508 may be inserted into a cavity defined by the housing material 510. The cavity may be sized to form an interference fit with the plug 508 to prevent accidental movement of the plug 508.

Fig. 5D illustrates how the polymeric material 512 may fill the space separating the structural support member 504 and the enclosure material 510. The pressure exerted by the molten polymer material 512 against the appearance-modifying material 502 and the structural support member 504 may securely attach the structural support member 504 within the cavity defined by the outer shell material 510. The shell material 510 includes a groove 513 that locks the polymer material 512 in place relative to the shell material 510 when filled with the cured polymer material 512. Similarly, the anchoring features 506 help prevent the structural support member 504 from moving relative to the polymeric material 512. After undergoing the insert injection molding operation, fig. 5E illustrates how excess housing material 510, appearance finishing material 502, and polymer material 512 may be machined to achieve the desired shape and size of the data port area. In this way, the desired external geometry of the housing 514 may be achieved, and the curvature of the housing 514 may match the curvature of the cosmetic finishing material 502. The polymer material 512 is also shaped to define a recessed region 516 configured to receive a perimeter of the display assembly. In some embodiments, the polymer material 512 is shaped and positioned to support the display components. Fig. 5F shows the plug 508 removed, leaving the jack opening 518 free of polymeric material and configured to receive a connector plug. In some embodiments, the receptacle opening 518 may be sized to receive a plug connector, such as a micro USB connector, a lightning connector, or a USB-C connector.

Fig. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating a method for mounting a structural support member within a data port. At 602, the structural support member is machined from a strong material. In some embodiments, the structural support member may be formed of a stainless steel substrate, while in other embodiments, the structural support member may be formed of other strong materials, such as carbon fiber, ceramic materials, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or titanium alloys. Generally, the structural support member is designed to be at least as strong as the material used for the device housing. For example, a stainless steel structural support member mounted in an aluminum enclosure would be more wear resistant than a simple opening defined by the aluminum equipment enclosure itself. In some embodiments, the structural support member may be formed as part of a stamping operation. At 604, the structural support member may undergo an optional Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) operation that improves an appearance property and/or a structural property of the structural support member. At 606, the structural support member can be assembled with the support structure. The support structure may act as a fixture to hold the structural support member in place relative to the equipment enclosure.

At 608, the structural support member and at least a portion of the support structure are pressed or inserted into a data port opening defined by a sidewall of the device housing. The support structure may be attached to the equipment enclosure in various ways, thereby preventing movement of the structural support member relative to the enclosure. The support structure may also be configured to inhibit intrusion of the polymeric material into the opening defined by the structural support member. Alternatively, the structural support member itself may include a sacrificial portion that prevents intrusion of the polymeric material into the central opening defined by the structural support member. In some embodiments, the support structure may be fastened to the device housing with screws that engage sacrificial portions of the device housing (see fig. 3E). In other embodiments, the support structure may be positioned within a sacrificial cavity defined by the device housing (see fig. 5C-5D). At 610, a molten polymeric material may be injected into a gap between the structural support member and a portion of the device housing wall defining the data port. At 612, a machining operation can be applied to the device housing to achieve a final exterior geometry of the device housing. At 614, a surface finish may be applied to the exterior of the device housing. In some embodiments, the polymeric material may also undergo a surface modification operation. The surface modification operation may take the form of a polishing operation or an anodizing operation.

Various aspects, embodiments, implementations, or features of the described embodiments may be used alone or in any combination. Various aspects of the described implementations may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The embodiments may also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling the manufacturing or assembly operations described herein. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

It is well known that the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be specified to the user.