Configurable module guides for modular electronic system
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a frame comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and sides defining an opening for receiving a plurality of removable electronic modules, a guide slidably insertable into the frame to partition an upper or lower portion of the opening when inserted into the frame, wherein the guide comprises a first edge for slidable engagement with the top wall or the bottom wall, and a lead screw extending from an opening in the guide spaced from a front end of the guide, to a back end of the guide for connecting the guide to the frame.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a frame comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and sides defining an opening for receiving a plurality of removable electronic modules;
a guide slidably insertable into the frame to partition an upper or lower portion of the opening when inserted into the frame, wherein the guide comprises a first edge for slidable engagement with the top wall or the bottom wall; and
a lead screw extending from an opening in the guide spaced from a front end of the guide, to a back end of the guide for connecting the guide to the frame.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a guide support member connected to at least one of the bottom wall and the top wall of the frame and comprising an opening for receiving the lead screw.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide comprises a longitudinal groove for receiving the lead screw.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the guide comprises a plate extending over said groove for retaining the lead screw on the guide while allowing rotation of the lead screw within said groove.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said opening extends through the guide for receiving a head of the lead screw.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the guide comprises a groove extending from said front end of the guide to said opening for insertion of a tool to tighten or loosen the lead screw.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second guide comprising a first edge for slidable engagement with the top wall or the bottom wall and a second edge for slidable engagement with the other guide.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide partitions said opening for receiving two of said plurality of removable electronic modules when the guide is inserted into the frame and wherein the guide may be removed from the frame for receiving a larger width electronic module.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an L-shaped module inserted into the opening.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide extends longitudinally generally equidistant from the sides of the frame defining said opening.
11. An apparatus comprising:
a frame comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and sides defining an opening for receiving removable electronic modules;
a guide extending longitudinally in the frame and partitioning at least a portion of said opening, wherein the guide is adjacent to one of the top wall and the bottom wall and spaced from the other of the top wall and the bottom wall; and
a lead screw extending longitudinally within a groove formed in a side of the guide for attaching the guide to a guide support member connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom wall.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the guide comprises an opening spaced from a front end of the guide for receiving a head of the lead screw.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the guide comprises a groove extending from said front end of the guide to said opening for insertion of a tool to tighten or loosen the lead screw.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a second guide, wherein the guides are stacked on one another.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the guide partitions said opening for receiving at least two of said plurality of removable electronic modules when the guide is inserted into the frame and wherein the guide may be removed from the frame for receiving a larger width electronic module.
16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the guide support member extends between the top wall and the bottom wall and comprises an opening for receiving the lead screw.
17. A modular electronic system comprising:
a frame comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and sides defining an opening for receiving a plurality of removable electronic modules;
at least two guides extending generally parallel with the sides of the frame, each of the guides comprising an edge for slidable engagement with another of said at least two guides; and
at least two lead screws for connecting the guides to the frame;
wherein the guides partition said opening for receiving said plurality of removable electronic modules and wherein the guides are removable to configure said opening for receiving a different number of the removable electronic modules or different sizes of the removable electronic modules.
18. The modular electronic system of claim 17 wherein each of the guides comprises an opening spaced from a front end of the guide and a longitudinal groove along one side of the guide, wherein the lead screw is positioned within said groove with a head of the lead screw positioned within said opening.
19. The modular electronic system of claim 17 wherein said at least two guides comprises two guides dividing said opening into two openings, each of said openings configured to receive one line card or two line cards having a height generally half of the height of the one line card, each of the line cards comprising the same width.
20. The modular electronic system of claim 17 wherein said at least two removable guides each comprises a first edge for slidable engagement with the top wall or the bottom wall and a second edge for slidable engagement with another of said at least two guides.