Silicon Graphics, Incorporated

Jeffrey Scott Cogner

Stephen A Bowen

Stephen Cermak, Iii

Rodney A Ruesch

David Paul Gruber

Thomas Alex Crapisi

Bonnie Kay Dobbs

Apparatus and methods for reducing circuit board flexing is presented. The apparatus is fastened to a printed circuit board to provide rigid support for reducing bending and flexing. In one embodiment, a rigid frame is provided that is adapted to be fastened to one or more components and to be fastened to a printed circuit board. The frame is adapted to elevate the attached component from the PCB surface allowing components to be mounted on the PCB therewith. The frame is adapted to occupy minimal printed circuit board surface area so as not to displace electronic components. In another embodiment, an elongated truss-like stiffener is provided that is adapted to be fastened to one side of the printed circuit board and adapted to span the printed circuit board. The elongated stiffener is adapted to have an open structure to minimize cooling flow disturbance and weight. The elongated stiffener includes a plurality of legs forming a truss-like structure. The stiffener supports the printed circuit board to resist bending and flexing stresses. In yet another embodiment, a combination of one or more stiffeners and one or more frames are provided such that the printed circuit board resists bending and flexing stresses.

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Eau Claire, WI, United States of America

Jeffrey Scott Cogner