Apparatus and methods for providing controlled shapes during stamping process of computer system enclosures

Abstract

Disclosed are novel methods and apparatus for provision of controlled shapes during the stamping process of sheet metal, for example, used as a computer system enclosure. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing an irregular shape on a computer panel is disclosed. The method includes: creating a plurality of openings in the computer panel, the plurality of openings tracing a pattern that forms the irregular shape, each of the plurality of openings having a substantially straight edge adjacent to the pattern; and applying force onto the computer panel along the plurality of openings to provide the irregular shape without warping or twisting the computer panel.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of providing an irregular shape on a computer panel, the method comprising: 
 creating a plurality of openings in the computer panel, the plurality of openings tracing a pattern that forms the irregular shape, each of the plurality of openings having a substantially straight edge adjacent to the pattern; and    applying force onto the computer panel along the plurality of openings to provide the irregular shape,    wherein the plurality of openings reduce warping and twisting of the computer panel during the application of force.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the shape is formed by one or more items selected from a group comprising an extrusion and a protrusion.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of openings have a geometric shape.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the geometric shape is selected from a group comprising a circle, a square, an ellipse, a hexagon, a rectangle, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the force is applied onto the computer panel at an equal distance from each of the plurality of openings.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the equal distance is about 5 mm.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of openings provide a thermal exchange medium for a computer system utilizing the computer panel.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the computer panel is constructed from material selected from a group comprising sheet metal, Aluminum, galvanize steel, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the application of force is performed by a device selected from a group comprising a press machine and a computer-controlled press machine.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the irregular shape forms an item selected from a group comprising a logo and a channel for airflow.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the substantially straight edge may have a curvature following a same curvature of the pattern.  
     
     
         12 . A computer system comprising: 
 a computer chassis;    a side panel attachably coupled to the computer chassis; and    an irregular shape formed on the side panel, the side panel including a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings tracing a pattern that forms the irregular shape, each of the plurality of openings having a substantially straight edge adjacent to the pattern.    
     
     
         13 . The computer system of  claim 12  further including one or more central processing units (CPUs), wherein the side panel provides access to the CPUs.  
     
     
         14 . The computer system of  claim 13  wherein the plurality of openings guide airflow.  
     
     
         15 . The computer system of  claim 13  wherein the CPUs are adjacent to a plurality of memory banks, each memory bank corresponding to one of the CPUs.  
     
     
         16 . The computer system of  claim 12  further including a power supply and one or more peripheral component interconnect (PCI) devices.  
     
     
         17 . The computer system of  claim 12  wherein the irregular shape forms an item selected from a group comprising a logo and a channel for airflow.  
     
     
         18 . The computer system of  claim 12  wherein the computer system is selected from a group comprising a set-top box, a blade computer, and an electronic gaming apparatus.  
     
     
         19 . An article of manufacture for providing an irregular shape on a computer panel, the article comprising: 
 a machine readable medium that provides instructions that, if executed by a machine, will cause the machine to perform operations including: 
 creating a plurality of openings in the computer panel, the plurality of openings tracing a pattern that forms the irregular shape, each of the plurality of openings having a substantially straight edge adjacent to the pattern; and  
 applying force onto the computer panel along the plurality of openings to provide the irregular shape.  
   
     
     
         20 . The article of  claim 19  wherein the irregular shape forms an item selected from a group comprising a logo and a channel for airflow.