Snap-in slot mount RFI/EMI clips

• US 6,946,598 B1
• Filed: 02/24/2004
• Issued: 09/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Oracle America, Inc. (Oracle Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Storage Technology Corp (Oracle Corporation)
• Inventors: Konshak, Michael Vaughn
• Primary Examiner(s): Ngo, Hung V.
• Application Number:
  US10/785,603
• Time in Patent Office: 574 Days
• Field of Search: 174/35.GC, 277/920, 361/799, 361/800
• US Class Current: 174/354
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 9/0016 having a spring contact

Abstract

An EMI shielding gasket for reducing the amount of force required during the mounting process. The present invention provides an extended lip feature on the gasket to facilitate the installation process and to function as a lead-in, such that less force is required by the assembler when mounting the EMI gasket. As less manipulation may be required to install the gaskets, gaskets may be mounted correctly more often, thereby preventing the occurrence of EMI leakage. The present invention also reduces the possibility that the EMI gaskets may become damaged due to excess manipulation, and assemblers may experience fewer physical problems related to manipulating the gaskets. By reducing the amount of force required to mount the EMI gaskets, the present invention may increase productivity by decreasing assembly time, decrease rework of improperly assembled or damaged gaskets, and reduce health risks and subsequent insurance claims of assemblers during manufacturing.

Claims

1. A method for facilitating electromagnetic energy shielding, the method comprising:

positioning an electromagnetic interference gasket over a receiving device,

wherein the receiving device includes slots for receiving the electromagnetic interference gasket;

wherein the electromagnetic interference gasket includes a metal shielding component comprising a longitudinal metal plate and a plurality of first ribs and a number of second ribs corresponding to and opposing the plurality of first ribs;

wherein the plurality of first ribs and second ribs extend beyond opposite side surfaces of the metal shielding component, are symmetric about the metal shielding component, and curve back inward under themselves; and

wherein the plurality of second ribs further include an extended lip curving back outward underneath themselves; and

inserting the ribs of the electromagnetic interference gasket into the slots of the receiving device, wherein the extended lip facilitates the insertion of the electromagnetic interference gasket into the slots of the receiving device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs of the electromagnetic interference gasket include an extended lip.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving device is one of a chassis member and a module.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving device is comprised of a steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or metal-coated polymer.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal shielding component is comprised of thin beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, brass, or stainless steel.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal shielding component includes a coating of tin, tin and lead, cadmium, or zinc.

7. A storage array for shielding electromagnetic energy, comprising:

a frame;

at least one drive bay mounted within the frame;

at least one storage array module inserted into the at least one drive bay;

at least one electromagnetic interference gasket mounted onto the at least one disk array module;

wherein the at least one electromagnetic interference gasket includes a metal shielding component comprising a longitudinal metal plate and a plurality of first ribs and a number of second ribs corresponding to and opposing the plurality of first ribs;

wherein the plurality of first ribs and second ribs extend beyond opposite side surfaces of the metal shielding component, are symmetric about the metal shielding component, and curve back inward under themselves; and

wherein the plurality of second ribs further include an extended lip curving back outward underneath themselves, the extended lip facilitating the mounting of the at least one electromagnetic interference gasket onto the at least one storage array module.

8. The storage array of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first and second ribs of the electromagnetic interference gasket include an extended lip.

9. The storage array of claim 7, wherein the metal shielding component is comprised of thin beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, brass, or stainless steel.

10. The storage array of claim 7, wherein the metal shielding component includes a coating of tin, tin and lead, cadmium, or zinc.