Configurationally variable computer chassis/EMI shield apparatus and associated fabrication methods

A computer apparatus comprising:

• a chassis structure within which a selected one of a first circuit board and a second circuit board may be operatively installed, the first and second circuit boards having mutually different external through-chassis connection access opening requirements for components mounted thereon, said chassis structure including an external chassis wall having an inner side and an outer side, and a plurality of connection openings extending through said external chassis wall, said connection openings being configured and arranged to provide external connection access to the components of said selected one of the first and second circuit boards;
• and
• first and second plate members respectively useable in conjunction with the first and second circuit boards and each having an inner side securable against said outer side of said external chassis wall over said connection openings therein, said first and second plate members respectively having first and second opening means therein,
• said first and second opening means being differently configured and respectively operative, when their associated plate member is operatively secured to said external chassis wall, to provide component connection access to the first and second circuit board components only via at least one of the connection openings needed by such components, whereby either of the first and second circuit boards may be installed in said chassis structure without modification of said connection openings.

A method of constructing a computer comprising the steps of:

• providing a chassis having an interior space and an exterior wail with a spaced plurality of connection openings extending therethrough;
• providing a plurality of circuit boards, any selected one of which may be operatively installed in the interior space of said chassis, the plurality of circuit boards having mutually different through-chassis component connection access opening requirements, said connection openings in said exterior chassis wall being configured and arranged to provide component connection access to any selected one of said plurality of circuit boards operatively installed in the interior space of said chassis;
• providing a plurality of plate members having differently configured opening means therein, each of said plurality of plate members being associated with a different one of said plurality of circuit boards and having a first side securable to an outer side of said exterior chassis wall over said connection openings therein,
• the opening means in each plate member, when the plate member is operatively secured to said exterior chassis wail, being configured and arranged to provide component connection access to its associated circuit board when the associated circuit board is installed within said chassis only via at least one of the exterior chassis wall connection openings needed by the associated circuit board when installed;
• installing a selected one of said plurality of circuit boards in the interior space of said chassis;
• and
• operatively securing to the outer side of said exterior chassis wall, over said connection openings therein, the plate member associated with the selected circuit board.