Wedgelock posts in electronic circuit enclosures

Abstract

To provide an electronic circuit chassis improved in the structure and manufacturability.SOLUTION: An electronic circuit chassis includes a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The electronic chassis also includes a first set of wedge lock support columns machined on the first side, and a second set of wedge lock support columns machined on the second side. Each wedge lock support column of the first set of wedge lock support columns and the second set of wedge lock support columns is machined as a continuous shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 003,458, filed April 1, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Exemplary embodiments relate to the art of electronic packaging, and more particularly, to wedgelock posts within electronic enclosures.

[0003] In many applications, a large number of electronic components are disposed and interconnected on a printed wiring board (PWB) assembly. A large number of such PWB assemblies may then be mounted within an electronics enclosure. Wedgelocks are used to secure the PWB assembly in place within the electronics enclosure. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one embodiment, the electronics housing includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The electronics housing also includes a first set of wedgelock posts machined on the first side and a second set of wedgelock posts machined on the second side. Each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts and the second set of wedgelock posts are machined into a continuous shape.

[0005] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, each wedgelock strut in the first set of wedgelock struts has a corresponding mirror image in the second set of wedgelock struts.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the distance from the third side of the electronics housing to each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts is equal to the distance from the third side of the electronics housing to a corresponding symmetrical structure on the second side.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the third side is between the first side and the second side and is perpendicular to the first side and the second side.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the continuous shape of each wedgelock post is a square wave shape.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts protrudes from a fillet area on the first side into the volume of the electronics housing.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, each wedgelock post of the second set of wedgelock posts protrudes from a fillet area on the second side into the volume of the electronics enclosure.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the minimum and maximum distances between adjacent wedgelock posts are defined by the wedgelocks that are inserted into the electronics housing.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the number of the first set of wedgelock posts and the number of the second set of wedgelock posts define the number of printed wiring boards that are inserted into the electronics enclosure.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the thickness of each wedgelock support structure is based on structural requirements.

[0014] In another embodiment, a method includes forming a first set of wedgelock posts machined on a first side of an electronics housing. The method also includes forming a second set of wedgelock posts machined on a second side of the electronics housing. Each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts and the second set of wedgelock posts are machined into a continuous shape.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, forming the first set of wedgelock struts and forming the second set of wedgelock struts includes forming a symmetrical structure in the second set of wedgelock struts for each wedgelock strut in the first set of wedgelock struts.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, forming the first set of wedgelock posts and forming the second set of wedgelock posts includes forming each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts such that a distance from a third side of the electronic circuit housing to each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts is equal to a distance from the third side of the electronic circuit housing to a corresponding symmetrical structure on the second side.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the third side is between the first side and the second side and is perpendicular to the first side and the second side.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, forming each wedgelock post includes forming each continuous shape of each wedgelock post into a square wave shape.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, forming the first set of wedgelock posts includes having each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts protrude from a fillet area on the first side into a space of the electronic circuit housing.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, forming the second set of wedgelock posts includes having each wedgelock post of the second set of wedgelock posts protrude from a fillet area on the second side into a space of the electronic circuit housing.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, forming the first set of wedgelock posts and the second set of wedgelock posts includes defining a minimum distance and a maximum distance between adjacent wedgelock posts by a wedgelock that is inserted into the electronic circuit housing.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, forming the first set of wedgelock posts and the second set of wedgelock posts includes defining a number of printed wiring boards to be inserted into the electronic circuit enclosure by a number of wedgelock posts on the first side and the second side.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, forming the first set of wedgelock struts and the second set of wedgelock struts includes a thickness of each wedgelock support structure based on structural requirements.

[0024] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way.With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary electronics enclosure having wedge locking posts in accordance with one or more embodiments. [Diagram 2] 2 is another isometric view of the example electronics enclosure of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary printed wiring board (PWB) assembly in an electronics enclosure with wedgelock posts, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4]4 illustrates a top view of the exemplary PWB assembly shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an exemplary wedgelock and corresponding wedgelock post configuration. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an exemplary wedgelock and corresponding wedgelock post configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an electronics housing having wedge locking posts according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the drawings.

[0027] As previously mentioned, wedgelocks are used to secure the PWB assembly in place within the electronics housing. According to one configuration, the PWB assembly has two wedgelocks on opposing sides of the PWB assembly. When the PWB assembly is placed into the electronics housing, the wedgelocks on either side of the PWB assembly slide between posts (i.e., wedgelock posts) machined into the sides of the electronics housing. Conventional machined electronics housing posts present both structural and manufacturability problems. For example, cutouts in the machined posts, which are used to reduce the weight of the housing, present challenges to milling machines. They also result in areas of reduced structural strength. Additionally, the machined posts are not designed with specific wedgelocks in mind.

[0028] The embodiments of the system and method detailed herein relate to wedgelock posts in an electronics housing. As previously described, the wedgelocks on either side of the PWB assembly slide between the machined wedgelock posts of the electronics housing. After the wedgelock is placed between the two wedgelock posts, a screw is turned that passes through the wedgelock and along the length of the wedgelock. A torque applied to the screw, referred to as the installation torque, creates an axial load on the screw, referred to as the installation load. The wedgelocks are configured in a wedge shape that moves independently of each other, and the axial load on the screw creates a vertical load on the wedge. The vertical load applied to the wedge of the wedgelock results in the wedge exerting a compressive force that holds the PWB assembly together. The vertical load applied to the wedge of the wedgelock also results in the wedge exerting a vertical force on the machined wedgelock posts on either side of the wedgelock. This normal force creates stress in the fillet area, which is the area that represents the intersection of the wall of the electronics housing with the protrusion of the machined wedgelock post. Thus, the machined post must have sufficient structural integrity to withstand these forces. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the shape and dimensions of the wedgelock post take into account the wedges that make up the wedgelock. The shape and dimensions of the wedgelock post also promote manufacturability and structural integrity while minimizing weight.

[0029] 1 and 2 are isometric views of an exemplary electronics housing 100 having a wedgelock post 110, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 1 shows the wedgelock post 110 on one side 105a of the electronics housing 100, and also provides a close-up view of the wedgelock post 110. A fillet area 120 where the wedgelock post 110 intersects with the side 105a is shown in the close-up view. Each wedgelock post 110 is machined as a continuous shape of a given thickness. That is, machining each wedgelock post 110 does not require cutting a section out of a solid shape with a milling machine (e.g., cutting a rectangular section out of a rectangular shape as with conventional machined posts). Instead, each wedgelock post 110 is a solid shape. The thickness of the solid shape does not need to be constant over its entire length.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a wedgelock post 110 on another side 105b of the electronics housing 100 opposite the side 105a shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wedgelock post 110 protrudes from the wall of each side 105a, 105b into the space of the electronics housing 100 starting from an intersection area called a fillet area 120. The sides 105a, 105b of the electronics housing 100 having the wedgelock post 110 are generally called 105. The ends 107a, 107b are generally called 107. The sides 105 and the ends 107 form the four interior walls of the electronics housing 100. The electronics housing 100 is typically a cube with a top cover, which is not shown in the figure to expose the side 105. All the wedgelock posts 110 in the electronics housing 100 are the same shape. The electronics housing 100 (and thus the machined wedgelock posts 110) may be manufactured from an aluminum alloy. For example, 2000, 6000, or 7000 series aluminum alloys may be used.

[0031] More specifically, each wedgelock post 110 on side 105a shown in FIG. 1 is aligned with its counterpart on side 105b shown in FIG. 2. That is, for each wedgelock post 110 on one side 105a, there is a symmetrical wedgelock post 110 on the other side 105b. Furthermore, each pair of symmetrical wedgelock posts 110 are the same distance away from each end 107 of the electronics housing 100 (i.e., they are directly in front of each other). Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the PWB assembly 300 inserted into the electronics housing 100 is perpendicular to both sides 105a, 105b (i.e., the PWB assembly 300 between sides 105a, 105b forms a 90 degree angle with each side 105).

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary PWB assembly 300 in an electronics housing 100 with wedgelock posts 110, according to one or more embodiments. The PWB assembly 300 includes a PWB 310 and several electronic components 320. A stiffening member 330 provides structural support to the PWB assembly 300 and may also act as a heat sink. A wedgelock 340 on one side 105a of the PWB assembly 300 is shown in FIG. 3. The wedgelock 340 resides between two wedgelock posts 110. A second wedgelock 340 (not shown) on the other side of the PWB assembly 300 resides between wedgelock posts 110 on the other side 105b (FIG. 2) of the electronics housing 100. Thus, the number of wedgelock posts 110 on each side defines the number of PWB assemblies 300 that can be inserted into the electronics housing 100. That is, the PWB assembly 300 cannot be inserted if adjacent wedgelock posts 110 are not available on each side 105. As will be further discussed with reference to Figures 5-7, the shape and sizing of the wedgelock posts 110 can be modified based on the particular wedgelock 340.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the exemplary PWB assembly 300 shown in FIG. 3. The top view shows the PWB 310 and the stiffening member 330. Also shown are wedgelocks 340 on either side of the PWB assembly 300. As is evident from the perspective view of FIG. 4, the ledges of the stiffening members 330 on either side of the PWB assembly 300 are supports on which each of the wedgelocks 340 is formed. Each wedgelock 340 has an opening 400 for a screw 500 (FIG. 5). Each of the wedgelocks 340 fits between a pair of wedgelock posts 110 as shown in FIG. 3. As previously mentioned, each wedgelock 340 is made up of wedges 510 (FIG. 5) that move independently of one another. The arrows shown in FIG. 4 indicate the direction in which some of the wedges 510 move in the exemplary wedgelock 340. This normal movement is caused by torque applied to the screw 500.

[0034] 5 and 6 show two example wedge locks 340 and corresponding wedge lock post 110 geometries. FIG. 5 shows an example wedge lock 340 with three wedges 510. Torque applied to the screw 500 creates an axial load that causes the screw 500 to exert a normal force on the wedges 510. As shown, the normal force on the center wedge 510 is in the opposite direction to the normal forces on the upper and lower wedges 510, causing the center wedge 510 to move out of alignment. FIG. 6 shows an example wedge lock 340 with five wedges 510. In the example wedge lock 340, the normal force applied by the screw 500 is in the same direction for every other wedge 510. The interaction of the wedges 510 with the wedge lock post 110 is further discussed with reference to FIG. 7.

[0035] 7 is a cross-sectional side view 105 of an electronics housing 100 with wedgelock posts 110, according to one or more embodiments. Essentially, most of the electronics housing 100 and PWB assembly 300 have been cut away to show only a wedgelock 340 on one side of the PWB assembly 300 supported on a ledge of a stiffener 330 between two wedgelock posts 110. The direction of the normal force on each of the wedges 510 is indicated by an arrow. A wedge 510 that receives a normal force in a direction away from the stiffener 330 will be forced into a portion 710 of an adjacent wedgelock post 110 based on the design of the wedgelock post 110.

[0036] 7 shows, the distance between adjacent wedgelock posts 110 must be the minimum distance that accommodates the depth d of the wedgelock 340 and the thickness of the portion of the stiffening member 330 that supports the wedgelock 340. However, the distance between adjacent wedgelock posts 110 must not exceed the fully deployed depth of the wedgelock 340 (i.e., the depth after a normal force is applied to the wedge 510 as shown). If adjacent wedgelock posts 110 are too far apart, the PWB assembly 300 will not be held in place by compression forces.

[0037] The unsupported portions 720 of the wedgelock posts 110 are shown. On the one hand, having these unsupported portions 720 reduces the weight of the electronics housing 100 compared to having the wedgelock posts 110 that are solid across the width w. On the other hand, the unsupported portions 720 must be sized so that the wedgelock posts 110, fillet regions 120, and electronics housing 100 meet the structural requirements in vibration and pyroshock environments. The thickness of the wedgelock posts 110 is also selected with structural requirements in mind.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the normal forces acting on each adjacent wedge 510 of the wedgelock 340 are opposite in direction. The wedgelock post 110 according to one or more embodiments is customized for the particular wedgelock 340. The wedgelock post 110 is typically shaped and sized to support the wedge 510 that is pushed away from the stiffening member 330 on which the wedgelock 340 is located, as well as to support the stiffening member 330 and the wedge 510 that is pushed toward the stiffening member 330. However, as mentioned above, the wedgelock post 110 is not a solid post with a full width w. Thus, the wedgelock post 110 is typically shaped like a square wave along the length (i.e., along the vertical axis according to some figures) of the side 105 of the electronics housing 100. This shape minimizes the effect of normal forces acting on the fillet region 120. Additionally, this shape improves heat transfer from the PWB assembly 300 to the wedge 510 and the wedgelock post 110. Thus, the shape of the wedgelock post 110 helps to meet both the structural and thermal requirements of the PWB assembly 300 that is mounted to the electronics enclosure 100.

[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising", as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0040] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure, but the present disclosure is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first aspect; a second side surface opposite the first side surface; a first set of wedgelock posts machined on the first side; a second set of wedgelock posts machined on the second side; and An electronic circuit housing comprising: each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts and the second set of wedgelock posts are machined into a continuous shape; the continuous shape of each wedgelock post is a square wave shape having a plurality of recesses staggered along the length of each wedgelock post; Electronic circuit housing.

2. The electronic circuit enclosure of claim 1 , wherein each wedgelock post in the first set of wedgelock posts has a corresponding mirror image in the second set of wedgelock posts.

3. 3. The electronics enclosure of claim 2, wherein a distance from a third side of the electronics enclosure to each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts is equal to a distance from the third side of the electronics enclosure to the corresponding symmetrical structure on the second side.

4. The electronic circuit housing according to claim 3 , wherein the third side is between the first side and the second side and is perpendicular to the first side and the second side.

5. The electronics enclosure of claim 1 , wherein each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts protrudes from a fillet area on the first side into a volume of the electronics enclosure.

6. The electronics enclosure of claim 1 , wherein each wedgelock post of the second set of wedgelock posts protrudes from a fillet area on the second side into a volume of the electronics enclosure.

7. The electronics enclosure of claim 1 , wherein a minimum and maximum distance between adjacent wedgelock posts is defined by a wedgelock inserted within the electronics enclosure.

8. The electronics enclosure of claim 7 , wherein a number of the first set of wedgelock posts and a number of the second set of wedgelock posts define a number of printed wiring boards that may be inserted into the electronics enclosure.

9. The electronic circuit enclosure of claim 1 , wherein a thickness of each wedgelock support structure is based on structural requirements.

10. 1. A method of manufacturing an electronic circuit enclosure, comprising: forming a first set of machined wedgelock posts on a first side of the electronic circuit housing; forming a second set of machined wedgelock posts on a second side of the electronics housing; Including, each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts and the second set of wedgelock posts are machined into a continuous shape; the continuous shape of each wedgelock post is a square wave shape having a plurality of recesses staggered along the length of each wedgelock post; method.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the forming the first set of wedgelock struts and the forming the second set of wedgelock struts include forming a symmetrical structure in the second set of wedgelock struts for each wedgelock strut in the first set of wedgelock struts.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said forming the first set of wedgelock posts and said forming the second set of wedgelock posts comprises forming each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts such that a distance from a third side of the electronics housing to each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts is equal to a distance from the third side of the electronics housing to the corresponding symmetrical structure on the second side.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the third side is between the first side and the second side and is perpendicular to the first side and the second side.

14. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the forming the first set of wedgelock posts includes causing each wedgelock post of the first set of wedgelock posts to protrude from a fillet area on the first side into a volume of the electronic circuit housing.

15. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein forming the second set of wedgelock posts includes having each wedgelock post of the second set of wedgelock posts protrude from a fillet area on the second side into a volume of the electronic circuit housing.

16. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein forming the first set of wedgelock posts and the second set of wedgelock posts includes defining minimum and maximum distances between adjacent wedgelock posts by a wedgelock inserted into the electronic circuit housing.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said forming said first set of wedgelock posts and said second set of wedgelock posts includes defining a number of printed wiring boards to be inserted into said electronic circuit enclosure by a number of said wedgelock posts on said first side and said second side.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the forming the first set of wedgelock struts and the second set of wedgelock struts includes a thickness of each wedgelock support structure based on a structural requirement.

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