COMPONENT PROTECTIVE OVERMOLDING
Techniques for component protective overmolding include selectively applying a protective material substantially over one or more elements coupled to a framework, forming an inner molding substantially over the framework, the one or more electrical elements coupled to the framework, and the protective material. In some examples, the inner molding is formed after the protective material has been selectively applied, forming an outer molding substantially over the inner molding and the outer molding is configured to protect the framework and to provide a surface configured to receive a pattern. Further, the outer molding may be configured to be removable if a defect is found during an inspection performed after the outer molding is formed.
1 - 27 . (canceled)
28 . A method, comprising:
selectively applying protective material substantially over one or more elements coupled to a framework; and
molding a first protective layer over the framework the one or more elements, and the protective material, after the protective material has been selectively applied, the first protective layer being configured to cover the framework and each of the one or more elements, and molding a second protective layer over the first protective layer when the first protective layer is molded over the framework, the first protective layer being configured to cover the framework and to provide a cosmetic surface configured to receive a pattern, the second protective layer being removable if a defect is yielded during an inspection.
29 . The method of claim 28 , further comprising performing an inspection after molding the first protective layer and before molding the second protective layer.
30 . The method of claim 28 , further comprising performing an inspection after molding the second protective layer.
31 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the second protective layer is removed if an inspection after molding the second protective layer yields a defect in the second protective layer.
32 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the protective material comprises an ultra violet curable material.
33 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the first protective layer comprises a thermoplastic.
34 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the first protective layer comprises a polymer.
35 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the first protective layer comprises an elastomer.
36 . The method of claim 28 , wherein the first protective layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.
37 . A method, comprising:
selectively applying protective material substantially over one or more elements coupled to a framework; and
forming a first protective layer substantially over the framework, the one or more elements, and the protective material, after the protective material has been selectively applied, and forming a second protective layer substantially over the first protective layer, the second protective layer being formed substantially simultaneously with the forming of the first protective layer, the first protective layer being configured to protect the framework and to provide a cosmetic surface, the second protective layer being removable if a defect is yielded during an inspection.
38 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the protective material comprises a metal housing configured to cover at least one of the one or more elements.
39 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the protective material comprises an epoxy.
40 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the protective material comprises an ultra violet curable material configured to prevent damage to the one or more elements when the first protective layer or the second protective layer are formed.
41 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the one or more elements comprises a structure configured to use electrical power from a battery to generate a vibration.
42 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the one or more elements comprises a printed circuit board assembly.
43 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the one or more elements comprises a memory configured to store data.
44 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the one or more elements comprises a processor.
45 . A method, comprising:
selectively applying a protective material substantially over one or more elements coupled to a framework; and
forming a molding substantially over the framework, the one or more elements coupled to the framework, and the protective material, an outer surface of the molding being configured to receive a cosmetic design.
46 . A method, comprising:
selectively applying a protective material substantially over one or more elements coupled to a framework;
forming an inner molding substantially over the framework, the inner molding being formed substantially simultaneously when selectively applying the protective material over the one or more elements, the one or more elements coupled to the framework, and the protective material, the inner molding being formed after the protective material has been selectively applied; and
forming an outer molding substantially over the inner molding, the outer molding being formed substantially simultaneously when selectively applying the protective material over the one or more elements and forming the inner molding, the outer molding being configured to protect the framework and to provide a surface configured to receive a pattern, the outer molding being removable if a defect is found during an inspection performed after the outer molding is formed.
47 . The method of claim 46 , wherein the framework comprises a metal.
48 . The method of claim 46 , wherein the framework comprises an alloy.
49 . The method of claim 46 , wherein at least one of the one or more elements is an accelerometer.
50 . The method of claim 46 , wherein at least one of the one or more elements is an analog audio plug.
51 . The method of claim 50 , wherein the analog audio plug is a TRRS.
52 . The method of claim 46 , further comprising forming another outer molding if the defect is found in the outer molding, the another outer molding being formed after the outer molding is removed.
53 . The method of claim 46 , wherein the outer molding is configured to be impermeable.
54 . The method of claim 46 , wherein the second protective material is configured to receive a pattern formed on an outer surface of the second protective material.