| 摘要 |
A means and method of constructing electronic housing modules in sections and joining the sections together in modular fashion. A coupler for joining the sections of the module housing can be constructed in a variety of ways allowing the module to take on various housing configurations. For instance, the module can be constructed as a rectangular or triangular box using the coupler. The coupler is preferably comprised of a longitudinal member including at least one groove. Each groove comprises an upper and lower extending lip. To construct the housing module, the sections, or housing walls, of the module are inserted into the groove between the upper and lower lips. The lower lip acts as a support for the inserted housing wall. The upper lip includes a flared portion at the extending end of the upper lip. A ledge secured to and protruding from the bottom plane of the upper lip. The ledge is located close to the inner portion of the groove. The walls of the housing module are made of malleable or extrudable materials. When the housing wall is inserted into the groove of the coupler, the end of the extrudable housing member slips underneath the ledge and butts against the end of the groove. This insures proper alignment of the extrudable housing member with the coupler. The upper lip is then crimped down onto the inserted housing wall. The flare of the upper lip causes the material of the housing wall to flow into the cavity areas of the groove. By constructing the housing module in modular fashion, the housing can be made easily and inexpensively.
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