Patent Application
20160200037
The present disclosure relates in general to information handling systems, and more particularly to forming structural parts for information handling systems, including chasses and other structural components.
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Many structural components of information handling systems, such as chasses, and in particular such structural components visible from the exterior of information handling systems, may be manufactured with materials and processes intended to be aesthetically pleasing to a consumer. For example, carbon fiber material thermoset in plastic is often used in information handling system chasses. However, current processes for manufacturing such components is often hampered with inefficiency and lower-than-desired yields.
For example, in existing approaches, an information handling system chassis is often manufactured by forming a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer which is then subject to an insertion molding process in which features of a chassis are formed on the carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (e.g., mechanical components for coupling other components of the information handling system to the chassis) using a resin adhesive. One problem with the insertion molding process is that as the resin cools, it may shrink or distort the carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, requiring a step of flattening the part after insertion molding. Excessive distortion may lead to large gaps in the final assembly, and a poor aesthetic.
As another example, in existing approaches, a painting process may be used to improve aesthetics of the carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (e.g., to cover surface defects of the carbon-fiber laminate). Surface painting adds time and cost to manufacturing, and defects in the painting process (e.g., particle contamination) may lead to decreased yields.
In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with manufacturing chassis components may be reduced or eliminated.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for forming a structural member may include providing a sheet of structural material and compression molding an in-mold decoration film to a side of the sheet of structural material.
In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for forming a structural member may include providing a sheet of structural material and adhesively bonding a chassis attachment frame to the sheet of structural material, the chassis attachment frame having one or more attachment features for mechanically coupling the structural member to other one or more other components.
In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for forming a structural member may include providing a sheet of structural material and molding a chassis attachment frame comprising sheet molding compound to the structural material.
Technical advantages of the present disclosure may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, description and claims included herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claims set forth in this disclosure.
A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:
Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to
For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (“CPU”) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input/output (“I/O”) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between the various hardware components.
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As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as “coupled” to one another, such term indicates that such two or more elements are in electronic communication or mechanical communication, as applicable, whether connected indirectly or directly, with or without intervening elements.
This disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.
All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
