Abstract: A guide assembly an enclosure-based device such as a computer provided in a rack-mountable chassis. The guide assembly is configured to facilitate blind connector mating such as electrical interconnection between a receiving connector on a previously-mounted board and an edge connector on a circuit board supported in a housing of a module that is slid or inserted into the interior space of the enclosure or chassis. The guide assembly (and devices that include a guide assembly) address the two design challenges discussed above of increasing numbers of circuits in devices that need to be connected and of decreasing pitch between the connectors. The guide assembly is configured, with its mechanical features, to decouple the degrees of freedom (DOFs) between the module being inserted into the chassis and the receiving/mating connector on the previously-mounted board. The guide assembly constrains five out of the six DOFs, which effectively ensures proper connector mating.

Abstract: A guide assembly an enclosure-based device such as a computer provided in a rack-mountable chassis. The guide assembly is configured to facilitate blind connector mating such as electrical interconnection between a receiving connector on a previously-mounted board and an edge connector on a circuit board supported in a housing of a module that is slid or inserted into the interior space of the enclosure or chassis. The guide assembly (and devices that include a guide assembly) address the two design challenges discussed above of increasing numbers of circuits in devices that need to be connected and of decreasing pitch between the connectors. The guide assembly is configured, with its mechanical features, to decouple the degrees of freedom (DOFs) between the module being inserted into the chassis and the receiving/mating connector on the previously-mounted board. The guide assembly constrains five out of the six DOFs, which effectively ensures proper connector mating.

Abstract: A computer enclosure with a mounting assembly for accurately positioning, attaching, and supporting a circuit board within an enclosure or module without tools or fasteners. The mounting assembly includes a number of components and features that act as low-cost, tool-less mechanisms for mounting and fastening a circuit board within an enclosure with accurate locating of the board for later mating with other boards and/or electrical connectors. The mounting assembly allows for a circuit board to be installed and securely mounted to an enclosure without hardware, fasteners, and tools. This is accomplished through components that were designed and engineered to provide accurate positioning of the board within the enclosure when the board is snapped into place with a single hand of the installer and without the use of tools for fastening the board in a predefined location within the enclosure.