Mechanism for self-alignment of communications elements in a modular electronic system
US7206194B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2201/02
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A mechanism that automatically achieves alignment of the communications elements during assembly of a modular computer system, without the need for human intervention. The mechanism comprises an alignment frame provided with bumps and depressions. The bumps in the alignment frames mate with the depressions on adjacent alignment frames. Each depression comprises an entrance opening that is wider than the diameter of the bumps. The diameter of the entrance opening is determined by the expected accuracy of the alignment of subsystems or bricks within the modular electronic system. When it is desired to align the communication elements, the alignment frames are brought into engagement by causing alignment guides to slide past each other, and to guide the bumps in the alignment frames into the depressions in the adjacent alignment frames. The mechanism further comprises a set of springs that force the allow the alignment frames to be retained securely by the communications elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.