Circuit board grounding and support structure
AssigneeMicron Electronics, Inc.
InventorsDean A. Klein, Michael V. Leman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides for an apparatus for grounding and supporting a circuit board such as a motherboard in the chassis of a computer. The apparatus enables use of either a specially manufactured motherboard or an off-the-shelf motherboard in a standardized chassis. Embodiments of the apparatus provided for use with specially manufactured motherboards allow for grounding and support of the motherboard without the use of conventional fasteners such as screws that require tools for installation and removal.
Claims23
A circuit board grounding and support structure comprising:
- a bracket coupled to a circuit board for supporting the circuit board wherein said bracket includes:
- a tab having a first end, the tab for coupling said bracket to the circuit board, the first end of the tab for deforming to create a fixed coupling between the tab and the circuit board, and
- a notch in a first surface of said bracket;
- and
- a mounting boss around which said bracket slidably engages, said mounting boss to support said bracket and said circuit board, wherein said mounting boss is generally cylindrically shaped and includes:
- an intermediate portion of reduced diameter for accepting the notch of said bracket in sliding engagement,
- a first end that contacts the circuit board to provide an electrical connection between said mounting boss and the circuit board, and
- a hole in the first end for accepting a screw;
- wherein said mounting boss is located on only one side of the circuit board when said mounting boss is engaged with said bracket.
A circuit board grounding and support structure comprising:
- a bracket with a notch, said bracket coupled to a circuit board for supporting the circuit board;
- and
- a mounting boss around which said bracket slidably engages in the notch of said bracket;
- wherein said mounting boss is located on only one side of the circuit board when said mounting boss is engaged in said bracket.
A circuit board grounding and support structure comprising:
- a means for coupling a circuit board to a bracket;
- a means for slidably engaging the bracket with a mounting boss to support the bracket and circuit board;
- and
- a means for attaching the mounting boss to a computer chassis to provide mechanical support and electrical connectivity for the mounting boss.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.