Method and system for integrated personal computer components

• US 6,317,316 B1
• Filed: 10/06/1999
• Issued: 11/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Sedmak, Jon Jr., Peñate, Ricardo, Smith, Malcolm S., Ozias, Orin M., Titzler, David H., Bentley, Thomas L., Lenart, Christopher N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): DUONG, HUNG V
• Application Number:
  US09/413,559
• Time in Patent Office: 769 Days
• Field of Search: 361/681, 361/724-727, 361/682, 248/917-925, 312/223.1, 312/223.6, 345/169, 345/905
• US Class Current: 361/679.22
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/181 Enclosures for portable computers G06F1/1613
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/182 with special features, e.g. for use in industrial environments; grounding or shielding against radio frequency interference [RFI] or electromagnetical interference [EMI]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 248/917 Video display screen support
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 345/905 Display device with housing structure

Abstract

A method and system integrates personal computer components to in an efficient manner that accommodates footprint and EMI demands. A base structure supports a flat panel display and enhances the stability of the display by placing the personal computer on the base structure. A support housing provides an attachment point for the display and also forms a cable cavity to enhance cable management for cables that interface external components with the personal computer. The personal computer has an inner casing with a mother board segment coupled in a hinged manner to a housing segment. The inner casing opens along the hinge to allow access to internal personal computer components, and closes during operation of the personal computer to meet EMI specifications. An outer casing encases the inner casing to enhance integration of the personal computer with other system components, such as by having a shape that conforms to the shape of a recess formed in the base structure. A CDROM drive support assembly attaches to the upper part of the inner casing and includes a support tongue that moves in cooperation with a CDROM drive door to minimize the risk of damage to the door. An interposer assembly communicates commands from the outer casing to the CDROM drive door to allow opening a closing of the door.

Claims

1. A system for supporting a flat panel display associated with a personal computer, the system comprising:

a base structure having a recess having a shape, the base structure further having a support extending upwards, the support adapted to couple with the flat panel display; and

a personal computer having a base with a shape that substantially conforms with the shape of the base structure recess, the personal computer resting in the recess to enhance the stability of the base structure.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the personal computer comprises an inner casing and an outer casing.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the inner casing comprises:

a mother board segment adapted to accept a mother board component of the personal computer; and

a housing segment coupled in a hinged manner to the mother board segment, the housing segment adapted to accept personal computer components.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein the outer casing forms a shape that conforms with the shape of the recess of the base structure.

5. The system of claim 2 further comprising a CDROM drive support assembly coupled to the upper portion of the inner casing.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the CDROM drive support assembly comprises:

a support housing coupled to the inner casing;

a support tongue slidingly engaged with the support housing; and

a CDROM drive coupled to the support housing, the CDROM drive having a door for accepting a CD, the door coupled to the support tongue.

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising an interposer assembly coupled to the support tongue and in communication with the CDROM dive to translate user inputs from the outer casing to the CDROM drive.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the interposer assembly comprises:

a button for translating an open command to the CDROM drive; and

an emergency eject pin for translating an emergency eject command to the CDROM drive.

9. A personal computer comprising:

an inner casing having a mother board segment and housing segment, the mother board and housing segments coupled together by a hinge; and

an outer casing having plural sections that interconnect to encase the inner casing, the outer casing providing an enhanced appearance for the personal computer.

10. The personal computer of claim 9 wherein the outer casing further provides a shape for integrating the personal computer with a base structure.

11. The personal computer of claim 9 wherein the inner casing comprises at least one chamfered edge.

12. The computer system of claim 9 wherein the inner casing and outer casing are coupled with pin and slot hinge assembly that enhances ease of separation of the mother board segment from the housing segment.

13. A method for supporting a flat panel display associated with a personal computer, the method comprising:

coupling the flat panel display to a support extending from a base structure, the base structure having an upper surface; and

enhancing the stability of the base structure by placing the personal computer on the upper surface of the base structure.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the enhancing step further comprises placing the personal computer in a recess formed in the base structure, the personal computer having a shape that substantially conforms to the shape of the recess.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

managing cables associated with the personal computer by routing the cables through the base structure.

16. A method for enhancing the strength of a CDROM door comprising:

coupling a support tongue to the CDROM door; and

engaging the support tongue with the personal computer casing in a sliding manner, the support tongue moving freely with the CDROM door.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the engaging step further comprises:

coupling a housing support to the personal computer casing, the housing support having a guide groove; and

engaging the guide groove with a slot associated with the support tongue.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising:

coupling an interposer assembly to the support tongue; and

communicating commands to the CDROM door through the interposer assembly.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the interposer assembly comprises an emergency eject pin, the method comprising:

communicating an emergency eject command to the CDROM door through the emergency eject pin of the interposer assembly.

20. A method for supporting a flat panel display associated with a personal computer, the method comprising:

coupling the flat panel display to a base structure;

enhancing the stability of the base structure by placing the personal computer on top of the base structure; and

managing cables associated with the personal computer by routing the cables through the base structure.