Abstract:
A chassis for a ruggedized modular electronics system is disclosed. The chassis includes an open support structure that is configured to support ruggedized electronics modules. The open support structure allows ambient airflow around the exterior of the ruggedized electronics modules. A first electrical connector is supported by the support structure and a second electrical connector is supported by the support structure. The second electrical connector is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application relates to the following group of applications filed on the same day herewith. Each application in the group relates and incorporates by reference, each other application in the group. The invention of each application is assigned to the assignee of this invention. The group of applications includes the following: 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/198,520, entitled “MODULAR ELECTRONICS SYSTEM PACKAGE”, and having inventor Steve I. Lebo; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/198,361, entitled “RUGGEDIZED ELECTRONICS SUB-SYSTEM MODULE”, and having inventor Steve I. Lebo; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/197,737, entitled “RUGGEDIZED ELECTRONIC MODULE COOLING SYSTEM”, and having inventors Steve I. Lebo and Scott J. Sellner; 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/198,473, entitled “ELECTRONIC MODULE RESTRAINT APPARATUS”, and having inventors Steve I. Lebo and Scott J. Sellner; and 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/198,522, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,117 on Jun. 3, 2003, entitled “RESTRAINT APPARATUS FOR AN ELECTRONICS MODULE”, and having inventor Steve I. Lebo. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter disclosed relates to ruggedized modular electronics systems. Further, the subject matter disclosed relates to a chassis for a ruggedized modular electronics system. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed relates to a ruggedized modular radio system chassis for use in military vehicles and the like. 
     Many electronics systems exist for providing radio communications to and from vehicles. Such conventional electronics systems may be ruggedized for use in situations that are exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as dirty conditions, vibrational conditions, etc. 
     Although ruggedized electronics systems have been developed, these systems do not conventionally include options for reconfiguration of the systems via an exchange of modular components. Conventionally, ruggedized systems use a line replaceable unit(LRU), which is a sealed box containing a plurality of shop replaceable units (SRUs), which are typically electronics cards that may be inserted into the LRU when the sealed LRU is opened. 
     Conventionally, SINCGARS VHF frequency hopping radios have been used in military and rugged applications. SINCGARS radios are conventionally a single package system in which electronic components are fit into a ruggedized chassis. SINCGARS, however, have the disadvantage of not being easily reconfigurable with a plurality of ruggedized modular components, each having their own ruggedized package. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a mechanical packaging system solution for electronics that use a minimum number of electronic sub-systems including a ruggedized chassis. There is also a need for a ruggedized chassis for modular electronics that performs in rugged environments including but not limited to military environments and may be fully immersed. Further still, there is a need for a ruggedized chassis for modular electronics that performs in both ground and airborne applications. Yet further still, there is a need for a ruggedized chassis which may be reconfigured with various electronic modules to provide a plurality of platform and waveform configurations. Still further, there is a need for a ruggedized chassis for modular electronics that enables flexibility and scalability and allows for multiple end configurations to be assembled with a minimum subset of electronic sub-system types. And further still, there is a need for a ruggedized chassis for modular electronics that allows for heat removal associated with the electronic sub-systems. 
     It would be desirable to provide a system and/or method that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present specification. The teachings disclosed extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the aforementioned needs. 
     SUMMARY 
     One example of the invention relates to a chassis for a ruggedized modular electronics system. The chassis includes an open support structure configured to support ruggedized electronics modules. The open support structure allows ambient airflow around the exterior of the ruggedized electronics modules. A first electrical connector is supported by the support structure and a second electrical connector is supported by the support structure. The second electrical connector is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector. 
     Another example of the invention relates to a chassis for a ruggedized module electronics system. The chassis includes a means for supporting a first ruggedized electronics module and a second ruggedized electronics module. The means for supporting allows ambient airflow around the exterior of the first and second ruggedized electronics modules. The chassis also includes a first means for connecting a first ruggedized electronics module to a second ruggedized electronics module. The first means is supported by the means for supporting. The chassis also includes a second means for connecting a second ruggedized electronics module to the first ruggedized electronics module. The second means for connecting is supported by the means for supporting. 
     Yet another example of the invention relates to a support structure for a ruggedized modular electronics system. The support structure includes a base portion, two opposing side portions extending from the base portion, and a rear portion extending from the base portion. The rear portion supports more than one electrical connector. The support structure also includes a power supply supported by the rear portion and configured to provide power to ruggedized electronics modules coupled to the electrical connectors. 
     Alternative examples of the invention relate to other features and combination of features as may be generally recited in the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a modular electronic systems package supported on a chassis and having electronic modules installed thereon; 
     FIG. 2 is an exemplary depiction of the chassis and mount of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an exemplary depiction of a modular electronics system including an active air movement module; 
     FIG. 4 is an exemplary front elevation view of a modular electronics system including two power amplifiers, three transceivers, and a PIM; 
     FIG. 5 is an exemplary front elevation view of an alternative configuration of electronic modules including a single power amplifier, four transceivers, and a PIM; 
     FIG. 6 is another exemplary front elevation view of an alternative configuration of electronic modules including four transceivers and a PIM. 
     FIG. 7 is yet another exemplary front elevation view of an alternative configuration of electronic modules including a single power amplifier, three transceivers, and a PIM; 
     FIG. 8 is still yet another exemplary front elevation view of an alternative configuration of electronic modules including two power amplifiers, two transceivers, and a PIM; 
     FIG. 9 is yet still another exemplary front elevation view of an alternative configuration of electronic modules including a single power amplifier, two transceivers, and a PIM; 
     FIG. 10 is an exemplary rear perspective view of a modular electronic system package supported by a chassis; 
     FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view of a modular electronic system installed in the cab of a vehicle; and 
     FIG. 12 is an exemplary embodiment of an electronic module chassis having an air mover module installed. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of an electronics system, for example, a modular electronic radio system  100 , is depicted. Modular radio system  100  includes a chassis  110  (platform adapter or vehicular adapter) which supports a plurality of modular electronic components  120 . Chassis  110  includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a power source  130  having a plurality of cooling fins  140  extending from a power source housing  135 . Power source  130  provides power to the plurality of electronic modules  120 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, chassis  110  may be coupled to a mount  150  that provides for attachment to a vehicle, or other surface, and may be configured with damping devices to provide for vibration suppression and damping of vibrations which may be imparted from the mounting surface, such as a vehicle, to electronic modules  120 . In the exemplary embodiment depicted, chassis  110  may be coupled to mount  150  via any of a plurality of means including, but not limited to, clamps  155  and further secured by screws and/or other fasteners through apertures  160  for securing mount  150  and chassis  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, chassis  110  may be formed of any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, aluminum. Chassis  150  may alternatively be formed of other adequately rigid materials, such as, but not limited to, metals, metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, and composite materials. 
     In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, a plurality of electronic components  120  are coupled to chassis  110 . Electronic modules  120  include, but are not limited to, power amplifiers  170 , transceivers  175 , and a Platform Interface Module (PIM)  180 . Each of modular electronic components  120  is provided in a ruggedized housing formed of aluminum, or other adequately rigid materials and is sealed such that the casing or housing is impermeable by water and/or other liquids. Further, the housings of electronic modules  120  are configured such that they are resistant to chemical attack and/or penetration as well as resistant to dirt and vibrations. Further still, each of electronic modules  120  includes a plurality of cooling pins  190  formed on at least one and typically two outer surfaces of electronic modules  120  to provide for disposal of thermal energy created by electronic components inside each electronics module. Such pins  190  may be configured in such a manner that they are not easily broken off from the exterior surface of the electronic modules, i.e. the cooling pins have ruggedized characteristics due to their size and geometry, and further, in a preferred embodiment pins  190  allow for cooling through natural convective currents, i.e. using cooling pins  190 , active cooling modules, e.g. a fan module, may not be required to maintain electronic modules  120  at or below a desired operating temperature. 
     System  100  is a flexible and adaptable electronic packaging system that allows for various combinations of ruggedized electronic modules  120 . System  100  includes a ruggedized modular electronic platform adaptor or chassis  110  and a plurality of ruggedized electronic modules  120 . In an exemplary embodiment, a single module mounting position and chassis may not have to be dedicated to a single modular function, but rather may be configured such that it may be equipped with different module functions as required. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, system  100  may be configured to meet environmental conditions, for example, those required for military applications, including immersion. In an exemplary embodiment, modules  120  perform radio system functions; however, the concepts disclosed are not limited to radio systems alone, but may be applied to any of a variety of electronics systems. In an exemplary embodiment, electronic modules  120  may be configured to provide 2-channel to 4-channel communications. 
     With regard to system  100 , varying types of electronic modules  120  may be installed in different combinations on chassis  110  to create various end-item configurations. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1, chassis  100  includes two power amplifiers  170 , three transceivers  175 , and a PIM  180 . However, chassis  110  may be configured with more or less modular component sites and, further, may include any of a variety of electronic modules. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, a front elevation view of a system  400  is depicted. System  400  includes two power amplifiers  410 , three transceivers  420 , and a PIM  430 . Electronic modules  410 ,  420 , and  430  are ruggedized modules having ruggedized housings and are sealed to prevent infiltration of water, dirt, and the like. In a particular exemplary embodiment, modules  410 ,  420 , and  430  may be approximately 7.0 to 7.5 inches high and vary in width from 1.35 to 2.6 inches. However, individual modules  410 ,  420 , and  430 , are not limited to the dimensions recited; the dimensions recited are merely exemplary of a particular embodiment. Each of modules  410 ,  420 , and  430  may include, for example, on the front face, control knobs, buttons, or any other input devices. Rear face  1220  may, for example, include input devices and/or connectors. Further, modules  410 ,  420 , and  430  may include input connectors, such as pinned connectors  440  and the like, coaxial connectors  450  and the like, and/or other types of electrical connectors. 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, a system  500  is depicted forming an alternative electronics system configuration. System  500  includes a single power amplifier  510 , four transceivers  520 , and a PIM  530 . 
     Similarly, referring now to FIG. 6, a system  600  is formed by another alternative configuration of electronic modules, including four transceivers  620  and a PIM  630 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, a system  700  is depicted. System  700  is an alternative configuration of electronic modules, including a single power amplifier  710 , three transceivers  720 , and a PIM  730 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, a system  800  is depicted. System  800  is yet another exemplary embodiment of an alternative configuration of electronic modules, including two power amplifiers  810 , two transceivers  820 , and a PIM  830 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 9, a system  900  is depicted. System  900  includes a power amplifier  910 , two transceivers  920 , and a PIM  930 . Thus, it is abundantly clear that the ruggedized electronics systems depicted may be configured in any of a variety of manners and may further be reconfigured using a different combination of electronic modules. Further, it should be noted that each of the electronic modules is individually ruggedized, having a ruggedized housing and including ruggedized components and further being sealed from infiltration by water and other contaminants. The systems described above form radio systems, however, the modular ruggedized electronics systems may be used form other types of electronics systems. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, chassis  110  is depicted. Chassis  110  includes a power supply  130  having a plurality of fins  140  for disposing of thermal energy from chassis  110  and generated by power source  130 . Chassis  110  also includes a platform  250  for supporting electronic modules  120 . Chassis  110  may also include side portions  260  which may partially encase the entire electronics package and also may provide rigidity and strength to chassis  110 . Side portions  260  may be a solid panel as depicted, or further may be a panel including a plurality of apertures and/or openings as depicted in FIGS.  3  and  10 - 12 . Chassis  110  may be an open frame chassis that is designed or configured for installation on existing end platform mounts, for example, an MT-6352 mount  150  depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     Further, chassis  110  includes a plurality of connectors and/or interfaces  270  and  275  that are used to interface a variety of electronic modules. In an exemplary embodiment, five of the connectors  270  are identical with one connector  275  being different to support a PIM. However, any of a variety of connector configurations may be used depending on the end use. Chassis  110  is preferably formed of a cast aluminum material, but may be formed of any of a variety of rigid materials, including, but not limited to, other metal and metal alloys, polymers, ceramics, composite materials, and the like. When electronic modules are installed, signaling between each of the electronic modules is distributed in the modular electronics platform adapter  110 . In a particular embodiment, each of the electronic subsystem module positions in chassis  110  includes a signal interface and connector  270 , which are interconnected for communicating with each other. The rugged electronic subsystem modules may share a common universal signaling interface and connector type. A unique modular position having a unique modular connector  275  may be used to act as a hub for signals from all of the common module positions. 
     Because of the modularity of system  100 , rugged modular electronics platform adapter  110  allows for a large potential number of end user configurations which may be tailored to the specific end user requirements. Further, because of the modularity of system  100 , there are lower life cycle costs, and less costs of maintaining such systems is enabled because fewer total package assembly types need to be stocked. 
     In a particular exemplary embodiment, multiple modular electronics platform adapters (chassis  110 ) may be used together in a single installation on a vehicle or other installation site, rather than producing a single new chassis and new modules when larger systems are required. Further, the modularity of system  100  provides for the ability for an existing electronic subsystem module to be replaced with a newer technology or upgraded technology version. Further still, an advantage to using the modular electronics platform adapter  110  with electronic modules  120  is that when a single module fails, the module may be simply interchanged without having to remove the entire system  100  from the vehicle and sent out for repair. Also, some of the functionality of system  100  may be maintained even while certain modules are being repaired. 
     Because of the open and modular design of system  100 , either passive natural convection cooling or active forced air cooling techniques may be utilized with the same set of electronic modules  120 . Also, having a modular electronics mounting system approach provides benefits over a single monolithic one box approach in the area of channel-to-channel isolation. Because multiple radios may be used in a single housing, there may be significant channel-to-channel interference concerns with conventional systems. Utilizing a modular approach solves the isolation problem by isolating each radio module from each other and utilizing only a digital interface to the other radio system components (excluding power amplifiers, etc.). Although the disclosed system  100  may be utilized in military applications on military vehicles, the concepts disclosed and designs disclosed may be applied to other areas that include commercial products. 
     Referring now to FIG. 10, a rear view of system  100  is depicted including chassis  110 , power supply  130 , with rear fins  140 . Further, the rear electronic connector  190  is depicted. Connector  190  is configured to connect to a mating connector on the vehicle. Connector  190  is in communication with module  180  and power supply  130 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 11, system  100  is depicted in a vehicle  1100 . System  100  is mounted on a mount  150  that is coupled to vehicle  1100 . Chassis  110  is coupled to mount  150 . Chassis  110  holds a plurality of ruggedized electronic modules  120 . In the exemplary embodiment depicted, system  100  includes a hand set  195  for voice communications that is coupled to a PIM  160 . In the exemplary embodiment depicted, vehicle  1100  is a Humvee. However, vehicle  1100  may be any of a variety of military or other vehicles including, but not limited to, tanks, jeeps, as well as airborne vehicles such as, but not limited to, helicopters, airplanes, and the like. In further alternative embodiments, system  100  may be mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, for example, the vehicle rear end, and therefore, be subjected to harsh environmental conditions such as, but not limited to, dirt, dust, water, chemicals, submersion in liquids, and the like. 
     Referring now to FIG. 12, an exemplary embodiment of chassis  110  is depicted. Chassis  110  is depicted having an air mover module  1200  coupled thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, air mover module  1200  has a plurality of openings configured on the unseen side of module  1200  that are used to bring ambient air into module  1200  in direction  1210 . The inclusion of an air mover module  1200  may be used particularly in airborne applications. Air entering in direction  1210  will exit via a slit on surface  1220  which is facing chassis  110  in direction  1230 . Air from air mover module  1200  moves air in direction  1230  and chassis  110  directs the air in direction  1235 , as well as in many other directions. Air from air mover module  1200  will exit chassis  110  through apertures  1245  in direction  1250  and will be dispersed and blown past modules which may be installed on chassis  110 . For example, referring now to FIGS.  3  and  10 - 12 , chassis  110  is depicted having a plurality of modules  120  installed thereon and including an air mover module  1200  and showing apertures  1240  for receiving air in direction  1210  depicted in FIG.  12 . Air mover module  1200  is configured to be nested in a PIM  1250  which is formed to surround air mover module  1200  within chassis  110 . 
     While the detailed drawings, specific examples and particular formulations given describe preferred and exemplary embodiments, they serve the purpose of illustration only. The inventions disclosed are not limited to the specific forms shown. The hardware configurations shown and described may differ depending on the chosen performance characteristics and physical characteristics of the electronic devices. For example, the type of electronic device, electronic system, or materials and structures used may differ. The systems and methods depicted and described are not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed. Furthermore, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.