Devices and methods for attaching components to computer housings
OwnerEric A. Knopf, David P. Tarkington +1inventors
InventorsEric A. Knopf, David P. Tarkington, Houtan R. Farahani
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An aesthetically pleasing small form factor desktop computer is described. The small form factor desktop computer can be formed of a single piece seamless housing that in the described embodiment is machined from a single billet of aluminum. In some embodiments, the housing includes a fastening system for securing and electrically grounding internal components to the housing. Fewer components and less time and effort can be required for assembly of the small form factor desktop computer and the absence of seams in the single piece housing can provide good protection against environmental contamination of internal components as well as EM shielding.
Claims20
A fastening system for mechanically securing and electrically grounding an internal component to a metal housing of a computer, the metal housing including a notch having a contact surface within the notch, the fastening system comprising:
- a bracket coupled with the internal component, the bracket having a boss portion suitably sized for receiving and coupling with a conductive insert, the conductive insert sized and shaped in accordance with and positioned within the notch thereby securing the bracket to the metal housing, wherein the conductive insert includes a coupling surface that is electrically coupled with the contact surface within the notch;
- and
- a flexible conductive member positioned between the bracket and the conductive insert electrically coupling the conductive insert with the bracket.
A fastening system for mechanically securing and electrically grounding a component to a housing for an electronic device, the housing having a notch forming a contact surface within the notch, the fastening system comprising:
- an insert having fitted portion and a protruding portion, the fitted portion having a shape and a size suitable for fitting within the notch and mechanically securing the insert to the housing, the insert including a coupling surface electrically coupled with the contact surface of within the notch;
- a bracket configured to couple with the component and having a boss portion coupled with the protruding portion of the insert;
- and
- a conductive film positioned between and electrically coupling the bracket with the insert such that the component is mechanically secured and electrically grounded to the housing when coupled with the bracket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.