Integrated snap and handling feature

摘要

An integrated snap and handling apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be capable of being assembled with and disassembled from a mating component without damage. The apparatus may include a pair of features that provide an intuitive and easy user interface for removal, handling and installation. The pair of features may allow a user to use a pinching motion to engage and disengage the apparatus from the mating component without the use of a tool. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may provide for low removal forces when the user interface is properly actuated while resisting high separation forces when the user interface is not properly actuated. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a wide variety of assemblies and devices. For example, the integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a cooling duct for the control of airflow around an electronic component.

主权项

1. An electronic component cooling duct operable to be attached to and removed from an electronic component without the use of tools comprising:
a duct member, said duct member including a plurality of duct walls, said duct walls defining a cooling medium flow path; a first grip member flexibly interconnected to said duct member, wherein said first grip member includes a first grip member actuation surface; a second grip member rigidly interconnected to said duct member, wherein said second grip member includes a second grip member actuation surface; an interconnection member, wherein said interconnection member is rigidly interconnected to said first grip member; wherein said first grip member actuation surface is oriented to face in a substantially opposite direction from said second grip member actuation surface; and a flexible member, wherein said flexible member is interconnected to and disposed between said duct member and said interconnection member, wherein said interconnection member is operable to rotate relative to said duct member, wherein said flexible member torsionally flexes when said interconnection member is rotated relative to said duct member.