Cosmetically self-centering removable module tray

Abstract

This application relates to methods and apparatus pertaining to a SIM tray that includes a deformable portion. When the SIM tray is subjected to stresses that result from tolerance stacking, the deformable portion accommodates the differences tolerance errors by allowing the non-deformable portion of the SIM tray to move substantially independently from one another. Creating the deformable portion can be accomplished by utilizing materials with lower relative moduli of elasticity, dovetails, magnets, or other means.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing that includes an internal volume, the housing having a through hole that opens to the internal volume;   a subscriber identification module (SIM) tray capable of carrying a SIM card, wherein the through hole includes a size and shape to receive the SIM tray; and   a gasket formed from a compliant material, the gasket located at an interface between the SIM tray and the through hole, wherein when the SIM tray is positioned in the through hole, the gasket forms a seal that prevents a contaminant from entering the internal volume via the through hole.   
     
     
         2 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the SIM tray comprises an external portion that is co-planar with respect to the housing when the SIM tray is inserted into the through hole. 
     
     
         3 . The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the gasket located between the external portion and the through hole. 
     
     
         4 . The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the SIM tray further comprises an internal portion secured with the external portion, the internal portion capable of carrying the SIM tray, wherein the internal portion comprises an opening. 
     
     
         5 . The electronic device of  claim 4 , further comprising electrical contacts positioned in the internal volume, wherein when 1) the SIM card is carried by the internal portion and 2) the SIM tray is inserted into the opening, the SIM card electrically couples to the electrical contacts. 
     
     
         6 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the through hole defines an internal surface, and wherein the gasket engages the internal surface when the SIM tray is positioned in the through hole. 
     
     
         7 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the compliant material comprises a rubber gasket. 
     
     
         8 . An electronic device, comprising:
 an enclosure that defines an internal volume, the enclosure further comprising a sidewall;   a slot formed in the sidewall and in communication with the internal volume;   a subscriber identification module (SIM) tray that is movable with respect to the enclosure, the SIM tray comprising an internal portion capable of carrying a SIM card, the SIM tray further comprising external portion extending from the internal portion, wherein the external portion is flush with respect to the sidewall in an inserted configuration defined by the SIM tray being positioned in the slot; and   a sealing element positioned within the slot when the SIM tray is in the inserted configuration, wherein the sealing element inhibits a contaminant from entering the slot.   
     
     
         9 . The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the external portion carries the sealing element. 
     
     
         10 . The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the sealing element comprises a compliant material. 
     
     
         11 . The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the compliant material comprises a rubber gasket. 
     
     
         12 . The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the sealing element is carried by the external portion. 
     
     
         13 . The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the sealing element comprises a rubber gasket. 
     
     
         14 . The electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the slot defines an internal surface, and wherein the sealing element engages the internal surface in the inserted configuration. 
     
     
         15 . A method for assembling an electronic device having an enclosure that defines an internal volume, the enclosure further comprising a sidewall having a slot that opens to the internal volume, the method comprising:
 providing a subscriber identification module (SIM) tray that is movable with respect to the enclosure, the SIM tray comprising an internal portion capable of carrying a SIM card, the SIM tray further comprising external portion extending from the internal portion, wherein the external portion is flush with respect to the sidewall in an inserted configuration of the SIM tray defined by the SIM tray being positioned in the slot; and   receiving a sealing element at the SIM tray, wherein the sealing element is positioned within the slot when the SIM tray is in the inserted configuration such that the sealing element inhibits a contaminant from entering the slot.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein receiving the sealing element comprises receiving a compliant material. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein receiving the compliant material comprises receiving a rubber gasket. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the internal portion includes an opening. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising electrical contacts, wherein when 1) the SIM card is carried by the internal portion and 2) the SIM tray is inserted into the opening, the SIM card electrically couples to the electrical contacts. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the sealing element engages an internal surface of the slot in the inserted configuration.