Mobile device and assembly process

Abstract

A mobile computing device includes: a front housing having a first sidewall defining a first opening, and a first flange extending into the first opening from an inner surface of the first sidewall; a retaining frame having a second sidewall defining a second opening, and a second flange extending into the second opening from an inner surface of the second sidewall; a display assembly between the first flange and the second flange, the display assembly including a perimeter coupled to a rear surface of the first flange; a first adhesive layer bonding the display assembly with the inner surface of the first sidewall; and a second adhesive layer bonding an outer surface of the second sidewall with the inner surface of the first sidewall.

1 . A method of assembling a mobile device, the method comprising:
 coupling a perimeter of a display assembly to a rear surface of a first flange, the first flange extending from an inner surface of a first sidewall of a front housing into an opening defined by the first sidewall;   applying a first adhesive layer between the display assembly and the inner surface of the first sidewall to bond the display assembly with the inner surface;   placing a retaining frame, having (i) a second sidewall defining a second opening, and (ii) a second flange extending into the second opening from an inner surface of the second sidewall, over a rear surface of the display assembly; and   applying a second adhesive layer between an outer surface of the second sidewall, and the inner surface of the first sidewall, to bond the retaining frame to the front housing.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the perimeter of the display includes applying a third adhesive layer to the first flange, and placing the display assembly perimeter against the third adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the third adhesive layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying the first adhesive layer includes applying a continuous bead of the first adhesive between the display assembly and the inner surface of the first sidewall. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein placing the retaining frame includes pressing the second sidewall into the first opening defined by the first sidewall to engage a hook on the second sidewall with a recess in the first sidewall. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying the first adhesive layer includes applying the first adhesive layer between the display assembly and a forward portion of the inner surface. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein applying the second adhesive layer includes applying the second adhesive layer between the retaining frame and a rear portion of the inner surface. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: coupling a rear housing to the front housing.