Apparatus for providing electronics unit with clamp for attachment to panel

Abstract

An electronics unit includes a plurality of electronics positioned therein that generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and / or thermal energy. The electronics unit may include: a housing defining a plurality of openings positioned on a first side thereof; and a plurality of clips, the plurality of clips being attached to the housing. A corresponding clamp of the plurality of clamps is positioned in a corresponding opening of the plurality of openings for attachment to the vehicle. The plurality of clamps enable thermal energy to be transferred from the plurality of electronics to a first portion of the vehicle and mitigate the EMI when the electronics unit is attached to the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various aspects disclosed herein generally relate to a clamp for, among other things, establishing a mechanical hold and improving EMC and thermal contact of an electronic device unit. These and other aspects will be discussed in more detail below. Background Art

[0002] As vehicle architecture and overall functionality evolve over time, increasing in complexity, more advanced electronic capabilities are required. Therefore, it is desirable to find innovative ways to house and secure electronic modules (e.g., to the vehicle) in order to reduce the space occupied by the module in the vehicle and also protect and enhance the overall module functionality. Summary of the invention

[0003] In at least one aspect, an apparatus is provided. According to certain embodiments, the apparatus may include an electronics unit including a plurality of electronic devices positioned therein that generate thermal energy. The electronics unit may also include: a housing defining a plurality of openings positioned on a first side thereof; and a plurality of clamps attached to the housing, wherein corresponding clamps of the plurality of clamps are positioned in corresponding openings of the plurality of openings for attachment to the vehicle, and wherein the plurality of clamps enable thermal energy to be transferred from the electronic device to a first portion of the vehicle.

[0004] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided. According to certain embodiments, the apparatus may include an electronics unit including a plurality of electronic devices that generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) positioned therein. The electronics unit may also include: a housing defining a plurality of openings positioned on a first side thereof; and a plurality of clamps attached to the housing, wherein corresponding clamps of the plurality of clamps are positioned in corresponding openings of the plurality of openings for attachment to the vehicle, and wherein when the electronics unit is attached to the vehicle, the plurality of clamps mitigate EMI.

[0005] In another aspect, an electronics unit is provided. According to certain embodiments, the electronics unit may include: a plurality of electronic devices positioned therein to generate electromagnetic interference (EMI); a housing defining a plurality of openings positioned on a first side thereof; and a plurality of clamps attached to the housing, wherein corresponding clamps of the plurality of clamps are positioned in corresponding openings of the plurality of openings to attach to the vehicle, and wherein the plurality of clamps (i) enable heat energy to be transferred from the plurality of electronic devices to a first portion of the vehicle; and (ii) mitigate the EMI when the electronics unit is attached to the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1An electronics unit according to one embodiment is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 A top view of an electronics unit assembled with a clamp mounted on a sheet metal panel is shown according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a device mounted on a sheet metal panel according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 2 Bottom view of the electronic device unit.

[0009] Figure 4 A riveting process for installing a locking fastener into a fixture is shown according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 Shows Figures 1 to 3 A metal clamp and a clamp according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an electronics unit equipped with a clamp according to one embodiment is shown.

[0012] Figure 7 A method for mounting a clamp-equipped electronics unit to a sheet metal panel is shown according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 An alternative embodiment of an electronics unit equipped with a fixture according to one embodiment is shown.

[0014] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a device mounted on a sheet metal panel according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 8 Top view of an electronics unit.

[0015] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a device mounted on a sheet metal panel according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 8 Bottom view of the electronic device unit.

[0016] Fig.11 A side view of a portion of an electronics unit having, for example, a die-cast based housing including a clamp mounted on a sheet metal panel according to one embodiment is shown.

[0017] Fig.12 A side view of a portion of an electronics unit having a sheet metal based housing including a clamp mounted on a sheet metal panel is shown according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of an electronics unit having a die-cast based housing including a clamp is shown according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present invention that may be embodied in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present invention in different ways. It should be recognized that one or more of the drawings may include references to similar figure numerals, and that these figure numerals may be similar to each other unless otherwise specified. Similarly, if figure numerals are introduced in one or more figures, these figure numerals may not be cited in other figures in which they appear if their respective functions and / or structures are not changed.

[0020] A clamp is provided herein for holding a unit in position on a panel so that fasteners can be tightened to secure the unit to the panel. In one example, the panel can be used in conjunction with a panel used in a vehicle. The clamp can be made of, for example, metal, including but not limited to metal plates, etc. The clamp can provide a spring and / or similar clip function that connects any housing or body attached to the clamp to the vehicle. In one example, an electronic device-based module (or electronic device unit) can include the disclosed clamp. The clamp can also provide a stable electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and thermal contact between the electronic device-based module and the panel.

[0021] As described above, the clamp can hold or secure an electronic device unit to a panel. Non-limiting examples of electronic device units can include an infotainment head unit, an instrument panel module (or instrument panel control unit), a navigation module (or navigation control unit), an audio control unit, an onboard charging device, and the like. It should be appreciated that the type of electronic device unit that includes the disclosed clamp can vary based on the desired criteria of a particular implementation. In general, the disclosed clamp can be used in conjunction with any electronic device unit that emits electromagnetic energy and thermal energy. In addition, the disclosed clamp can be arranged to secure an electronic device unit of any size to one or more panels of a vehicle.

[0022] Typically, conventional electronic device units that do not use a fixture may be difficult to install on a panel based on gravity and / or the accessibility of the installer. Fixtures purchased from external suppliers may be bulky and may not be cost-effective due to their attachment features. The disclosed fixture may be integrated into the housing of the electronic device unit and may include a snap-fit ​​feature that can be easily inserted into the panel without any additional tools. The housing may also be referred to as a "chassis". The housing or chassis may be formed as a single piece or multiple parts that can be assembled together. Typically, the housing or chassis may consist of two parts. The fixture may be used in a space-constrained situation, and the fixture may include a flexible (or spring-like) tab to provide a stable hold for mechanical retention on the panel. When compared with existing fixtures, the fixture may have a reduced total footprint. In addition, the disclosed fixture may temporarily hold the electronic device unit to the panel, and the primary fastener is used to further couple the electronic device unit to the panel. As described above, the fixture may also help to securely attach the unit to the panel while improving heat dissipation and providing EMI protection.

[0023] Some specific implementations of various clamps include one or more blades that are bent in a particular orientation, which can leave an opening in the housing of the electronics unit that exposes the unit to the environment. This opening allows dust or other particles to enter through the housing and come into contact with the various electronic devices in the electronics unit, which can degrade the performance of the electronics unit. The clamps described herein eliminate this opening, thereby protecting the electronics in the unit from dust and other environmental particles or contaminants.

[0024] Figure 1 A bottom view of an electronic device unit 100 including a plurality of clamps 102a to 102d (or "102") is shown, as will be further described herein. Although the electronic device unit 100 generally includes a total of four clamps (102a to 102d), it should be appreciated that the disclosed electronic device unit 100 may include any number of clamps 102. Each clamp 102 may be formed of metal or the like. The electronic device unit 100 generally includes a housing 101. In one example, the housing 101 may be subjected to die casting and formed of metal. In addition, the housing 101 may be formed of various non-ferrous metals, such as but not limited to zinc, copper, aluminum, magnesium, lead, pewter, tin-based alloys, etc. The housing 101 may alternatively be formed of ferrous metal or plastic. The electronic device unit may also include an electronic device 200 positioned in the electronic device unit 100 that generates heat and is prone to generating electromagnetic interference. The electronic device may be positioned within the housing 101.

[0025] It should be appreciated that the housing 101 may include a plurality of grooves 107a to 107d ("107") on any side thereof. The grooves 107a to 107d may receive corresponding clamps 102a to 102d, respectively. Each clamp 102 includes a base 103 having a hole 104. A fastener (not shown) may be received by the hole 104 to fasten the clamp 102 to the outer surface of the housing 101. In one example, the fastener may be a locking nut or other similar mechanism. Alternatively, the clamp 102 may be formed without the hole 104, and a fastener (not shown) may be driven into the clamp 102 to secure the clamp 102 to the outer surface of the housing 101. In one example, a locking nut and a screw may be used to secure the clamp 102 to the housing 101.

[0026] Each clamp 102 further includes a support member 105 extending outwardly from the base 103. Generally, the support member 105 and the base 103 may be formed on different planes from each other.

[0027] As shown, each clamp 102 includes a plurality of protrusions 108a to 108c ("108"). It should be appreciated that the number of protrusions 108 positioned on the housing 101 may vary based on the desired criteria of a particular implementation. The plurality of protrusions 108a to 108c extend outwardly away from the outer surface of the base 103 and / or the support 105 to be inserted into the panel 106. For example, the protrusion 108a extends outwardly from the end of the support 105 and is angled to extend toward the base 103, wherein the outer end of the protrusion 108a is positioned directly above the base 103. Similarly, the protrusions 108b and 108c extend outwardly from the end of the base 103 and are angled to extend toward the support 105, wherein the outer ends of the protrusions 108b and 108c are positioned directly above the support 105. Each protrusion 108 is spring-like and is configured to be able to bend when inserted into the panel. As also shown, protrusion 108a is positioned on support 105 offset from the location of protrusions 108b and 108c on support 105. Thus, in this regard, protrusion 108a is not positioned directly opposite protrusions 108b and 108c.

[0028] As shown, the housing 101 of the electronic device unit 100 may include a plurality of extensions 109a to 109d ("109"). Each extension 109a to 109d may include a hole 110a to 110d ("110"), respectively. A fastener (not shown) may be received by the hole 110 to fasten the electronic device unit 100 to the panel 106 (not shown). It should be appreciated that the housing 101 may also be formed without the extension 109, and the hole 110 for fastening the electronic device unit 100 to the panel 106 may alternatively be formed on the body of the housing 101 instead of on the extension 109. The housing 101 also includes a plurality of indexing pins 111a, 111b ("111") extending outwardly from the bottom surface of the housing 101, which may be used as a guide to align the electronic device unit on the panel 106 (not shown).

[0029] Figure 2 A top view of an electronic device unit 100 including a fixture 102 according to one embodiment is shown. The electronic device unit 100 is shown aligned on a panel 106. According to various embodiments, the panel 106 may have a shape and size suitable for receiving the shape and size of the electronic device unit 100 including the fixture 102. In addition, the panel 106 may be formed of metal. For example, the panel 106 may be formed of a metal sheet. Alternatively, the panel 106 may be formed of plastic. As depicted, the housing 101 may be a die casting. For example, the housing 101 may be formed by aluminum casting. As shown, the housing 101 may be formed into two parts, a top shell 112 and a bottom shell 113. The top shell 112 and the bottom shell 113 may be formed separately and subsequently assembled together. The fixture 102 may be fastened to the bottom shell 113 via a locking fit mechanism. The top shell 112 may be fastened to the bottom shell 113 via a plurality of fasteners 114a to 114d ("114"). After the clamp 102 has been fastened to the bottom housing 113, and after the electronics unit 100 has been assembled into the housing 101, the top housing 112 may be fastened to the bottom housing 113. Alternatively, the top housing 112 may be fastened to the bottom housing 113 via an interference fit.

[0030] Still reference Figure 2 , the bottom housing 113 may include a plurality of extensions 109a to 109d (“109”) having holes 110a to 110d (“110”). The holes 110 may receive fasteners (not shown) to fasten the bottom housing 113 to the panel 106.

[0031] Figure 3 The panel 106 is shown mounted on the Figure 2A bottom view of the electronics unit 100 is depicted. As shown, the protrusions 108a-108d ("108") of the clamp 102 protrude through the bottom of the panel 106. The outer ends of the protrusions 108 can be compressed inwardly when inserted into the panel 106. The protrusions 108 can retract or rebound in response to being fully received into the panel 106, thereby retaining the clamp 102 and thus securing the housing 101 to the panel 106. The indexing pins 111a-111b extend from the bottom housing 113 (see Figure 2 ) extends outward through the panel 106. Pins 111 can be used as guides to align the housing 101 on the panel 111. The clamp 102 can then be inserted through the panel 106 so that the electronic device unit 100 will remain aligned on the panel 106. Fasteners (not shown) can then be inserted through the holes 109 on the housing 101 and through the holes 115a to 115d ("115") on the panel 106. The holes 115 on the panel 106 can be aligned with the holes 109 on the bottom shell 113 of the housing 101.

[0032] Figure 4 An example of a process in which a fixture 102 can be mounted to a bottom housing 113 of a housing 101 according to one embodiment is shown. The process can be a locking process. In one example, a fastener (not shown) can be placed in a hole 104 and drilled through the base 103 of the fixture 102. The fastener can be a locking nut or other similar mechanism. As shown, when parallel pressure is applied to the locking nut 116, the locking nut 116 can displace the material 117 around the hole 104 on the base 103 of the fixture 102, thereby causing the material 117 to flow into the groove 118 of the locking nut 116 to keep the locking nut 116 in place. The fastener can then be used to fix the fixture 102 to the bottom surface of the bottom housing 113 of the electronic device unit 100. Alternatively, the fixture 102 can be joined to the bottom housing 113 of the housing 101 by rivets or screws.

[0033] Figure 5 Shows Figures 1 to 3 The clamp 102 of the present invention and the alternative embodiment of the clamp 119 disclosed in the text. The thickness of the base 103 can be 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm. The width of the base 103 can be 7.5 mm to 11.5 mm. The width of the protrusion can be 0.8 mm to 4.5 mm. For example, Figure 5The depicted clamp 102 has a base with a thickness of 0.3 mm and a width of 10.5 mm. The protrusion 108a has a width of 3.0 mm. The protrusions 108b, 108c have a width of 2.5 mm. Alternatively, the clamp 119 has a base with a thickness of 0.3 mm and a width of 8.5 mm. The protrusion 108a has a width of 3.0 mm, and the protrusions 108b, 108c have a width of 1.5 mm. The base 103 may have at least one hole 104 through which a fastener may be inserted to fasten the clamp 102 / 119 to the surface of the housing 101 of the module. For example, the clamp 102 is depicted as having one hole 104, while the clamp 119 is depicted as having five holes.

[0034] One or more of the clamps 102, 119 may be used to secure the electronics unit 100 to the panel 106. It should be appreciated that the number of clamps 102, 119 used may vary depending on the size, shape, and / or weight of the unit to be secured. The number of clamps 102, 119 implemented may also vary depending on the needs of the particular electronics unit 100 for support. For example, a smaller, lighter unit that requires little support may require only one clamp. In an alternative, a larger, heavier unit may require four, five, six, etc. clamps.

[0035] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an electronic device unit 100 including a fixture 102 according to one embodiment is shown. The electronic device unit 100 includes a top housing 112 and a bottom housing 113. The electronic device unit 100 may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) 120 disposed between the top housing 112 and the bottom housing 113. The electronic device unit 100 may also include an integrated circuit (IC) 121a to 121c ("121") that communicates electronically with the PCB 120. The IC 121 may be connected to the PCB via welding, etc. The electronic device unit 100 may also include a thermal interface or thermal gap filler 122. In addition, a curing or non-curing fluid or viscous material (such as a polymer-based material, a putty pad, a viscoelastic material, etc.) may be used to form a thermal interface or thermal gap filler 122. It should be appreciated that the type and number of circuit boards and / or circuits may vary depending on the specific application.

[0036] Figure 7 A method for mounting an electronic device unit 100 including a fixture 102 according to an embodiment to a panel 106 is shown. As depicted, similar to Figure 6The electronics unit 100 is aligned to the panel 106. As shown, the panel 106 is a vehicle panel 106. The indexing pins 111a, 111b on the bottom surface of the bottom housing 113 and the clamp 102 are inserted through the vehicle panel 106 to secure the electronics unit 100 to the panel 106. Fasteners (not shown) can then be inserted through the holes 110 in the housing 101 and the holes 115 in the panel 106 to secure the electronics unit 100 to the panel 106.

[0037] It should be appreciated that the electronics unit 100 may be removable from the panel 106. For example, the electronics unit 100 may need to be removed from the panel 106 to repair the electronics unit 100. In order to remove the electronics unit 100 from the panel 106, the fasteners inserted through the holes 110 in the housing 101 and the holes 115 in the panel may be removed. Next, the fixture 102 may be separated from the panel 106 by applying a pulling force. The pulling force required to separate the fixture 102 from the panel 106 may be between 30 Newtons and 50 Newtons. For example, the force required to pull the fixture 102 from the panel 106 may be 30 Newtons, or 35 Newtons, or 40 Newtons, or 45 Newtons, or 50 Newtons. The required force may vary depending on the materials of the fixture 102, the housing 101, and the panel 106, and the size of the protrusion 108.

[0038] Figure 8 A bottom view of an electronic device unit 100 including a fixture 102 according to another embodiment is shown. As shown, the electronic device unit 100 has a housing 101. The housing 101 may have a top housing 112 and a bottom housing 113. As depicted, the top housing 112 and the bottom housing 113 are formed of sheet metal. The bottom 113 may include extensions 109a, 109b ("109") having holes 110a, 110b ("110"). The holes 110 may receive fasteners 123a, 123b to secure the electronic device unit 100 to the panel 106. The bottom housing 113 of the housing 101 may also include indexing pins 111a, 111b ("111") extending outward from the bottom housing 113. When the fasteners 123 a , 123 b are applied to the electronics unit 100 to secure the electronics unit 100 to the panel 106 , the indexing pins 111 may be used as guides to align the housing 101 on the panel 106 .

[0039] Fig. 9 The panel 106 is shown mounted on the Figure 8 1. A top view of the electronics unit 100 of FIG. 1. The hole 110 on the extension 109 of the bottom housing 113 is shown with a fastener 123. The fastener 123 can be used to secure the electronics unit 100 to the panel 106.

[0040] Fig.10The panel 106 is shown mounted on the Figure 8 106. The support 105 and the protrusion 108 of the clamp 102 protrude through the panel 106. In addition to the support 105 and the protrusion 108 of the clamp 102, the indexing pin 111 and the fastener 123 protrude through the panel to fix the electronic device unit 100 to the panel 106.

[0041] Fig.11 A side view of a portion of an electronics unit 100 is shown according to one embodiment, the electronics unit including a clamp 102 mounted on a sheet metal panel 106. The base 103 of the clamp 102 is attached to a housing 101. In this case, the housing 101 is formed of die cast metal. Supports 105 and tabs 108a and 108b protrude through the panel 106 to secure the electronics unit 100 to the panel 106. The outer ends of the tabs 108 may be compressed inwardly when inserted into the panel 106. The tabs 108 may then retract or spring back in response to being fully received into the panel 106, thereby retaining the clamp 102 and thus securing the housing 101 to the panel 106. Although combined Figure 1 is described and shown, but in Fig.11 Although not fully shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusion 108 a positioned on the support 105 is offset from the positions of the protrusions 108 b and 108 c on the support 105 .

[0042] As shown, the base 103 and the support 105 are generally formed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other. The housing 101 generally defines an elongated channel 151 that can be formed on the exterior thereof. The base 103 includes an extension member 153 for receiving in the elongated channel 151 of the housing 101. The base 103 and thus the extension member 153 are generally parallel to the panel 106. The extension member 153 can be fixed in the elongated channel 151 to attach the clamp 102 to the housing 101. The protrusion 108a includes a first member 155 extending outwardly from the support 105. After the clamp 102 is fully inserted into the panel 106, the first member 155 is generally formed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less relative to the support 105. It may be desirable to maintain an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less relative to the first member 155 and the support 105 to provide a smaller hole in the panel 106.

[0043] It should also be appreciated that the extension member 153 of the base 103 extends past the first member 155 of the protrusion 108 to ensure that the base 103 is seated or fully secured to the housing 101. This also ensures that the base 103 remains coupled or attached to the housing 101 in the event that an operator attempts to separate the clamp 102 from the housing 101 in an attempt to remove the electronic device unit 100. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the base 103 may include an extension member 153 positioned on each side thereof to further assist in retaining the clamp 102 to the housing 101. In this case, the extension member 153 may extend past the first member 155 of the protrusion 108b. It should also be appreciated that each protrusion 108 may include a first member 155.

[0044] Fig.12 A side view of a portion of an electronics unit 100 according to one embodiment is shown, the electronics unit including a clamp 102 mounted on a sheet metal panel 106. A base 103 of the clamp 102 is attached to a housing 101. As depicted, the housing 101 is formed of sheet metal. Supports 105 and tabs 108a and 108b protrude through the panel 106 to secure the electronics unit 100 to the panel 106. The outer ends of the tabs 108 may be compressed inwardly when inserted into the panel 106. The tabs 108 may retract or rebound in response to being fully received in the panel 106, thereby retaining the clamp 102 and thus securing the housing 101 to the panel 106.

[0045] Fig.13 A cross-sectional view of a clamp 102 attached to a housing 101 according to another embodiment is shown. In one example, the housing 101 can be a die casting. A pair of protrusions 157a, 157b extend outwardly from the surface of the base 103 in a direction generally opposite to the support 105. The protrusions 157a, 157b protrude through the housing 101 to attach the base 103 of the clamp 102 to the housing 101 via an interference fit. The protrusions 157a, 157b include first members 159a, 159b extending outwardly from the ends of the protrusions opposite the base 103. After the clamp 102 is attached to the housing 101, the first members 159a, 159b are typically formed at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less relative to the ends of the protrusions 157a or 157b.

[0046] The housing 101 includes a groove 107 for receiving the clamp 102. In one example, the groove 107 includes a first flange 161, a second flange 163, and a tab 165. The tab 165 is positioned between the first flange 161 and the second flange 163. A portion of the first flange 161 and the tab 165 define a first opening 167 for receiving the first protrusion 157a. Another portion of the second flange 163 and the tab 165 define a second opening 169 for receiving the second protrusion 157b. To couple the clamp 102 to the groove 107 (or the housing 101), the first protrusion 157a is spring-like and is compressed against the first flange 161 when the clamp 102 is inserted into the housing 101. Similarly, the second protrusion 157b is spring-like and is compressed against the second flange 163 when the clamp 102 is inserted into the housing 101. Once each of the first protrusions 157a and the second protrusions 157b moves past the first flange 161 and the second flange 163, respectively, the first protrusions 157a and the second protrusions 157b bounce outward past the first flange 161 and the second flange 163 (e.g., in opposite directions), wherein the upper portions 171a, 171b of the first protrusions 157a and the second protrusions 157b abut the lower side of the housing 101 to keep the clamp 102 attached to the housing 101.

[0047] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the present invention. On the contrary, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it should be understood that multiple changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the features of the various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: An electronics unit including a plurality of electronic devices positioned therein that generate heat energy, the electronics unit further comprising: a housing defining a plurality of openings positioned on a first side thereof; and a plurality of clamps attached to the housing, wherein corresponding ones of the plurality of clamps are positioned in corresponding ones of the plurality of openings for attachment to a vehicle, Wherein the plurality of clamps enable thermal energy to be transferred from the electronic device to the first portion of the vehicle. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of clamps, when attached to the first portion of the vehicle, reduce electromagnetic interference generated by the plurality of electronic devices.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each clamp comprises at least one protrusion (108) protruding from the corresponding opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each clamp comprises a base and a support, and wherein the support extends outwardly from the base.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a first one of the at least one protrusion extends outwardly from the support and is angled relative to the support, and a second one of the at least one protrusion extends outwardly from the support and is angled relative to the support.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a first member that forms an angle of 45 degrees or less relative to the support when the clamp is fully seated in the opening of the panel.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first protrusion positioned on the support is offset from the second protrusion positioned on the support.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein outer ends of the first and second protrusions compress inwardly when inserted into the panel and retract or rebound in response to being fully received in the panel, thereby maintaining the plurality of clamps and the housing secured to the panel.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of clamps has a width of about 7.5 mm to about 11.5 mm and a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm.

10. A device, comprising: An electronic device unit including a plurality of electronic devices generating electromagnetic interference (EMI) positioned therein, the electronic device unit further comprising: a housing defining a plurality of openings positioned on a first side thereof; and a plurality of clamps attached to the housing, wherein corresponding ones of the plurality of clamps are positioned in corresponding ones of the plurality of openings for attachment to a vehicle, Wherein the plurality of clamps mitigate the EMI when the electronics unit is attached to the vehicle.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of electronic devices generate thermal energy, and wherein the plurality of clamps enable the thermal energy to be transferred from the electronic devices to the first portion of the vehicle.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each clamp comprises at least one protrusion (108) protruding from the corresponding opening.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each clamp comprises a base and a support, and wherein the support extends outwardly from the base.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a first one of the at least one protrusions extends outwardly from the support and is angled relative to the support, and a second one of the at least one protrusions extends outwardly from the support and is angled relative to the support.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a first member that forms an angle of 45 degrees or less relative to the support when the clamp is fully seated in the opening of the panel.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first protrusion positioned on the support is offset from the second protrusion positioned on the support.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein outer ends of the projections compress inwardly when inserted into a panel and retract or spring back in response to being fully received in the panel, thereby retaining the plurality of clips and the housing secured to the panel.

18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of clamps has a width of about 7.5 mm to about 11.5 mm and a thickness of about 0.1 mm to about 0.4 mm.

19. An electronic device unit, comprising: a plurality of electronic devices positioned therein, the plurality of electronic devices generating electromagnetic interference (EMI); a housing defining a plurality of openings positioned on a first side thereof; and a plurality of clips attached to the housing, wherein corresponding ones of the plurality of clips are positioned in corresponding ones of the plurality of openings for attachment to a vehicle, and wherein the plurality of clamps (i) enable thermal energy to be transferred from the plurality of electronic devices to a first portion of the vehicle; and (ii) mitigate the EMI when the electronic device unit is attached to the vehicle.

20. The electronics unit of claim 19, wherein the plurality of clips are latched to the housing to secure the plurality of clips to the housing.

Images