Triangular Unibody Chassis for EMI Shielding and Structural Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems require a robust and efficient chassis that provides structural integrity and EMI shielding while allowing for easy assembly and component protection from applied forces, which existing designs often fail to achieve effectively.

Innovation Solution

A unibody construction triangular chassis formed from drawn sheet metal gussets and sides with chamfered vertices, providing rigidity and EMI shielding, and incorporating a plastic chassis assembly for additional protection and ease of handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional chassis designs are used, then assembly may be simpler, but structural integrity and protection against applied forces are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidchassis construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into multiple triangular panels that are interconnected to form a rigid structure. Each panel can be manufactured separately and then assembled, providing both structural integrity through the triangular geometry and ease of assembly through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis transitions from a traditional planar or box-like structure to a three-dimensional triangular prism configuration. This dimensional change provides enhanced structural rigidity and protection against applied forces while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for portable computing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If robust chassis construction is implemented, then protection against forces is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against applied forcesVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robust chassis is segmented into pre-fabricated triangular panels with standardized connection interfaces. This allows the strong triangular structure to be assembled from manageable components rather than requiring complex monolithic construction, improving both reliability and ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. For example, the triangular panels incorporate both structural support and EMI shielding functions, and the connection mechanisms combine structural attachment with alignment features, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If triangular unibody construction is used, then EMI shielding and structural integrity are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI shieldingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The EMI shielding function is integrated into separate triangular panel components that can be manufactured using standard sheet metal forming processes. These panels are then assembled into the complete chassis, allowing EMI shielding performance to be achieved without requiring complex monolithic manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis employs composite construction combining metal triangular panels for structural integrity and EMI shielding with plastic components for additional protection and ease of handling. This composite approach allows each material to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9829934B2Unibody construction triangular chassis
Publication Date: 2017.11.28 DELL PROD LP
  • US9829934B2 patent drawing
  • US9829934B2 patent drawing
  • US9829934B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A base chassis of an information handling system with a generally triangular profile is formed by connecting a plurality of three-dimensional sheet metal structural elements, wherein at least two of the elements have the same shape and a gusset. The gusset connects two of the structural elements. A plastic chassis assembly may be fitted over the base chassis. The plastic chassis assembly formed to received side door covers on the base chassis.