Patent Description:
A containment enclosure in which a detecting module is arranged is known from <CIT> or from <CIT>.

In accordance with a first example, a method as claimed in appended claim <NUM> is provided.

In accordance with a second example, an apparatus as claimed in appended claim <NUM> is provided.

In accordance with a third example, a system as claimed in appended claim <NUM> is provided.

In further accordance with the foregoing first, second, and/or third examples, an apparatus and/or method may further include or comprise any one or more of the following:.

In an example, forming the receptacle includes or comprises forming a plurality of receptacles in the end portion of the first panel and coupling the magnet within the receptacle includes or comprises coupling a magnet in each of the plurality of receptacles.

In another example, further including or comprising forming a pair of dowel bores at the end face of the second panel, coupling a dowel within each of the dowel bores, and forming a master dowel bore and a slave dowel bore in an end face of the first panel. The master dowel bore and the slave dowel bore being adapted to each receive a respective one of the dowels.

In another example, further including or comprising a dowel joint formed between the first panel and the second panel when the magnetic lap joint is formed between the first panel and the second panel.

In another example, the dowel joint includes or comprises a pair of dowels, a master dowel bore, and a slave dowel bore.

In another example, the dowels extend from the second panel on either side of the pocket of the second panel, the master dowel bore is defined on one side of the pocket of the first panel, and the slave dowel bore is defined on another side of the pocket of the first panel.

In another example, the first panel defines a plurality of receptacles including or comprising the receptacle, each of the plurality of receptacles includes a corresponding magnet disposed therein.

In another example, the receptacles are positioned in a staggered arrangement.

In another example, the pocket of the first panel and the pocket of the second panel are similar to one another.

In another example, the enclosure substantially restricts ingress and egress of light through the enclosure.

In another example, the magnetic panel joint substantially restricts ingress and egress of light through the magnetic panel joint.

In another example, an inward facing ferromagnetic shield surface of the ferromagnetic shield is substantially flush with an inward facing second panel surface of the second panel.

In another example, an inward facing first panel surface is substantially flush with the inward facing ferromagnetic shield surface when the ferromagnetic shield is coupled within the first pocket via the magnet.

In another example, further including or comprising an alignment dowel bore defined by one of the first panel or the second panel and a corresponding alignment dowel carried by the other one of the first panel or the second panel.

In another example, the first panel defines a receptacle receiving the magnet, the alignment dowel bore is defined by the first panel and is coplanar with the receptacle, and the alignment dowel includes or comprises a ferromagnetic material.

In another example, the alignment dowel bore includes or comprises a master dowel bore. Further including or comprising a slave dowel bore defined by the first panel or the second panel and a corresponding alignment dowel carried by the other of the first panel or the second panel.

In another example, the first panel and the second panel include or comprise end faces. One of the end faces carries a face magnet and the other of the end faces carries a corresponding face ferromagnetic segment.

In another example, exterior surfaces of the first panel and the second panel are substantially flush or otherwise visually contiguous.

The following detailed description is to be construed as examples only and does not describe every possible example, as describing every possible example would be impractical, if not impossible.

The examples disclosed herein relate to enclosures for sequencing platforms, array platforms, etc. The enclosures include panel joints that are secure, substantially light-tight, shielded, serviceable, and/or cosmetically un-intrusive. While the present examples are described relative to certain applications, the panel joints described herein can be implemented in any type of enclosure (e.g., a vehicle panel, an appliance panel, etc.). Moreover, the panel joints described herein are not limited to implementation in enclosures, but can be utilized for any low-profile joint. For example, the enclosures and/or the associated couplings may be used in any light-tight, no-tools joints.

The panel joints may be formed using a magnet and a shielding plate. The magnet may be carried by a first panel and the shielding plate may be carried by and extend from a second panel in a manner that allows the shielding plate to also be receivable by the first panel. To allow the panels to carry the magnet and to receive the shielding plate, the panels may define pockets and/or one or more receptacles. As a result, when the shielding plate is received within the pockets of the panels to form the panel joint, the panel joint may be formed within the nominal thickness of the panels and without consuming significant real estate of the enclosure and/or space defined therein.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of an example system <NUM> in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The system <NUM> can be used to perform an analysis on one or more samples of interest. The sample may include one or more DNA clusters that have been linearized to form a single stranded DNA (sstDNA). Thus, the system <NUM> may be a sequencing platform. In the example shown, the system <NUM> includes, in part, an enclosure <NUM>, a drive assembly <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, an imaging system <NUM>, and a waste reservoir <NUM>. The system <NUM> is adapted to receive a reagent cartridge <NUM>. In some implementations, the waste reservoir <NUM> may not be in the system <NUM> and may instead be part of the reagent cartridge <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is electrically and/or communicatively coupled to the drive assembly <NUM> and to the imaging system <NUM> and is adapted to cause the drive assembly <NUM> and/or the imaging system <NUM> to perform various functions as disclosed herein.

The enclosure <NUM> may be adapted to shield against dust, light, and/or electromagnetic emissions and, in the example shown, includes a first panel <NUM> and a second panel <NUM> that are coupled by magnetic panel joints <NUM> (an example of the magnetic panel joint <NUM> is more clearly shown in <FIG>). The first panel <NUM> may be referred to as a front enclosure panel and the second panel <NUM> may be referred to as a rear enclosure panel. The magnetic panel joints <NUM> may also be referred to as magnetic lap joints.

The magnetic panel joints <NUM> may be adapted to allow an inward facing first panel surface <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> to be substantially flush or otherwise visually contiguous with an inward facing second panel surface <NUM> of the second panel <NUM>. As set forth herein, the phrase "substantially flush" means that the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are within +/- <NUM>% of their thickness with one another including being exactly coplanar. Thus, the magnetic panel joints <NUM> may be referred to as zero thickness joints. The inward facing first panel surface <NUM> may be referred to as an exterior surface of the first panel <NUM> and the inward facing second panel surface <NUM> may be referred to as an exterior surface of the second panel <NUM>. Moreover, in some examples, the magnetic panel joints <NUM> may form a coupling that deters lasers and/or light from passing therethrough. Put another way, the enclosure <NUM> and/or the magnetic panel joint <NUM> may substantially restrict the ingress and egress of light. Thus, the magnetic panel joints <NUM> may prove suitable in preventing or otherwise deterring laser/light emissions from the system <NUM> and/or may deter against radiative emissions from the system <NUM> and/or through magnetic panel joint <NUM>. The magnetic panel joints <NUM> will be further described below.

Referring now to the reagent cartridge <NUM>, in the example shown, the reagent cartridge <NUM> can carry the sample of interest to be flowed onto a flow cell <NUM> and/or the sample can be provided via another mechanism to the flow cell <NUM>. The drive assembly <NUM> interfaces with the reagent cartridge <NUM> to flow one or more reagents that interact with the sample at the flow cell <NUM> through the reagent cartridge <NUM>.

In an example, a reversible terminator with an identifiable label can be attached to a detection nucleotide to allow a single nucleotide to be incorporated by the sstDNA per cycle. In some such examples, one or more of the nucleotides has a unique fluorescent label that emits a color when excited. The color (or absence thereof) is used to detect the corresponding nucleotide. In the example shown, the imaging system <NUM> can be adapted to excite one or more of the identifiable labels (e.g., a fluorescent label) and thereafter obtain image data for the identifiable labels. The labels may be excited by incident light and/or a laser and the image data may include one or more colors emitted by the respective labels in response to the excitation. The image data (e.g., detection data) may be analyzed by the system <NUM>. The imaging system <NUM> may be a fluorescence spectrophotometer including an objective lens and/or a solid-state imaging device. The solid-state imaging device may include a charge coupled device (CCD) and/or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

After the image data is obtained, the drive assembly <NUM> interfaces with the reagent cartridge <NUM> to flow another reaction component (e.g., a reagent) through the flow cell <NUM> that is thereafter received by the waste reservoir <NUM>, which can be located in the system <NUM> and/or in the reagent cartridge <NUM> itself, and/or otherwise exhausted by the reagent cartridge <NUM>. Some reaction components perform a flushing operation that chemically cleaves the fluorescent label and the reversible terminator from the sstDNA. The sstDNA is then ready for another cycle.

Referring to the example shown, the reagent cartridge <NUM> is receivable within a cartridge receptacle <NUM> of the system <NUM> and may include reagent reservoirs <NUM>, a body <NUM>, one or more valves <NUM>, and/or fluidic lines <NUM>. The reagent reservoirs <NUM> may contain fluid (e.g., reagent and/or another reaction component) and the valves <NUM> may be selectively actuatable to control the flow of fluid through the fluidic lines <NUM>. One or more of the valves <NUM> may be implemented by a rotary valve, a pinch valve, a flat valve, a solenoid valve, a check valve, a piezo valve, etc. The body <NUM> may be formed of solid plastic using injection molding techniques and/or additive manufacturing techniques. In some examples, the reagent reservoirs <NUM> are integrally formed with the body <NUM>. In other examples, the reagent reservoirs <NUM> are separately formed and coupled to the body <NUM>. In another example, the reagent cartridge <NUM> may not be included and the one or more valves <NUM> and other associated components may be integral to the system <NUM>. In such an example, the reagent reservoirs <NUM> may be fluidly coupled to the one or more valves <NUM> via, for example, fluidic lines.

The reagent cartridge <NUM> is in fluid communication with a flow cell <NUM>. In the example shown, the flow cell <NUM> is carried by the reagent cartridge <NUM> and is received via a flow cell receptacle <NUM>. Alternatively, the flow cell <NUM> can be integrated into the reagent cartridge <NUM>. In such examples, the flow cell receptacle <NUM> may not be included or, at least, the flow cell <NUM> may not be removably receivable within the reagent cartridge <NUM>. As a further alternative, the flow cell <NUM> may be separate from the reagent cartridge <NUM>, such as insertable into the system <NUM> separately or integrated into the system <NUM>.

To draw reagent through the flow cell <NUM>, the reagent cartridge <NUM> may include a pump <NUM> in fluid communication with the flow cell <NUM> and the waste reservoir <NUM>. The waste reservoir <NUM> may be selectively receivable within a waste reservoir receptacle <NUM> of the system <NUM> and/or may be a part of the reagent cartridge <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may be implemented by a syringe pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, etc. While the pump <NUM> as shown may be positioned between the flow cell <NUM> and the waste reservoir <NUM>, in other examples, the pump <NUM> may be positioned upstream of the flow cell <NUM>, downstream of the waste reservoir <NUM>, or omitted entirely.

Referring now to the drive assembly <NUM>, in the example shown, the drive assembly <NUM> includes a pump drive assembly <NUM> and a valve drive assembly <NUM>. The pump drive assembly <NUM> is adapted to interface with the pump <NUM> to pump fluid through the reagent cartridge <NUM>. The valve drive assembly <NUM> is adapted to interface with the valve <NUM> to control the position of the valve <NUM>. In an example, the valve <NUM> is implemented by a rotary valve having a first position that blocks flow to the flow cell <NUM> and a second position that allows flow from one or more of the reagent reservoirs <NUM> to the flow cell <NUM>. However, the valve <NUM> may be positioned in any number of positions to flow any one or more of a first reagent, a buffer reagent, a second reagent, etc. to the flow cell <NUM>.

Referring to the controller <NUM>, in the example shown, the controller <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM>, a communication interface <NUM>, one or more processors <NUM>, and a memory <NUM> storing instructions executable by the one or more processors <NUM> to perform various functions including the disclosed examples. The user interface <NUM>, the communication interface <NUM>, and the memory <NUM> are electrically and/or communicatively coupled to the one or more processors <NUM>.

In an example, the user interface <NUM> is adapted to receive input from a user and to provide information to the user associated with the operation of the system <NUM> and/or an analysis taking place. The user interface <NUM> may include a touch screen, a display, a keyboard, a speaker(s), a mouse, a track ball and/or a voice recognition system. The touch screen and/or the display may display a graphical user interface (GUI).

In an example, the communication interface <NUM> is adapted to enable communication between the system <NUM> and a remote system(s) (e.g., computers) via a network(s). The network(s) may include the Internet, an intranet, a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), a coaxial-cable network, a wireless network, a wired network, a satellite network, a digital subscriber line (DSL) network, a cellular network, a Bluetooth connection, a near field communication (NFC) connection, etc. Some of the communications provided to the remote system may be associated with analysis results, imaging data, etc. generated or otherwise obtained by the system <NUM>. Some of the communications provided to the system <NUM> may be associated with a fluidics analysis operation, patient records and/or a protocol(s) to be executed by the system <NUM>.

The one or more processors <NUM> and/or the system <NUM> may include one or more of a processor-based system(s) or a microprocessor-based system(s). In some examples, the one or more processors <NUM> and/or the system <NUM> includes one or more of a programmable processor, a programmable controller, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a reduced-instruction set computer (RISC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a field programmable logic device (FPLD), a logic circuit and/or another logic-based device executing various functions including the ones described herein.

The memory <NUM> can include one or more of a semiconductor memory, a magnetically readable memory, an optical memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical storage drive, a solid-state storage device, a solid-state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory, a compact disc (CD), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) system, a cache and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., permanently, temporarily, for extended periods of time, for buffering, for caching).

<FIG> is a cross-sectional top view of an example of an enclosure <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG>. In the example shown, the enclosure <NUM> includes the magnetic panel joint <NUM> formed by the first panel <NUM> carrying a magnet <NUM> and including a first pocket <NUM>. The magnet panel joint <NUM> is also formed by the second panel <NUM> having a second pocket <NUM> including adhesive <NUM>. The first pocket <NUM> and the second pocket <NUM> can be beneficial by providing a recessed space for a connecting component or shield. In some implementations, another coupling component, such as another magnet, recessed screws or bolts, a weld, etc. can be used instead of or in addition to the adhesive <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> or other coupling component can be beneficial by securing the connecting component or shield within the second pocket <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> may be an electromagnetic compatible (EMC) tape or another type of tape such as, for example, double-sided tape, adhesive-transfer tape, single-sided over the top tape, etc. Other adhesives or couplings may prove suitable. The first and/or second pockets <NUM>, <NUM> may be referred to as lap pockets or shield pockets.

The magnetic panel joint <NUM> also includes a ferromagnetic shield <NUM> coupled within the second pocket <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM>. The shield <NUM> is configured to be coupled within the first pocket <NUM> via the magnet <NUM>. The magnetic coupling can be beneficial by providing a selectively attachable and/or detachable interface between the shield <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> and the magnet <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. The shield <NUM> may be referred to as a ferromagnetic lap or a ferrous shielding plate. In examples in which the panels <NUM>, <NUM> are metal, the shield <NUM> may provide a path to ground and may deter against radiative emission. The panels <NUM>, <NUM> may have a thickness of approximately <NUM> millimeters. However, the panels <NUM>, <NUM> may have any other thickness.

The shield <NUM> may include a material that is conductive (e.g., electrically coupled) to the panels <NUM>, <NUM>. As an example, the panels <NUM>, <NUM> may include a zinc or nickel plated steel or <NUM>-series stainless steel or another corrosion resistant ferrous backing material. Other materials may prove suitable. In another example, the shield <NUM> may be integral to the second panel <NUM>. In such an example, the second panel <NUM> may not include the second pocket <NUM> and the adhesive <NUM>.

In the example shown, an inward facing ferromagnetic shield surface <NUM> is substantially flush with the inward facing second panel surface <NUM>. Additionally, in the example shown, the inward facing first panel surface <NUM> is substantially flush with the inward facing shield surface <NUM> when the ferromagnetic shield <NUM> is coupled within the first pocket <NUM> via the magnet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a detailed expanded isometric view of another example of a magnetic panel joint <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG> including the first panel <NUM>, the second panel <NUM>, and the shield <NUM>. The first panel <NUM> includes an end portion <NUM> defining the pocket <NUM> and a plurality of the receptacles <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> terminates at an end face <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. In the example shown, the pocket <NUM> is defined along a majority of the height H of the first panel <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> may have alternative dimensions.

The receptacles <NUM> are positioned in a staggered arrangement. Alternative arrangements for the receptacles <NUM> may prove suitable (see, for example, <FIG>). While seven receptacles <NUM> are included in the example shown, a different number of receptacles <NUM> may be included including one (see, for example, <FIG>).

The pocket <NUM> includes an end opening <NUM> and is contiguous with the receptacles <NUM>. The end opening <NUM> is defined by the end face <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. A lateral opening <NUM> of the pocket <NUM> is defined by an inner first panel surface <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> has a rectangular cross-section and has rounded-back corners <NUM>. The rounded back-corners <NUM> may facilitate manufacturability using, for example, a milling machine.

A magnet <NUM> is disposed within each of the receptacles <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> may be disk shaped and may be rare-earth magnets. Other magnet types or removable couplings may prove suitable. The magnets <NUM> are coupled within the receptacles <NUM> via adhesive <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> may be a retaining compound (e.g., a thread-locking adhesive) or another adhesive that is adapted to cure in the absence of air. Other adhesive may prove suitable. In some other implementations, the magnets <NUM> may be press-fit into the receptacles <NUM>.

In some implementations, the end face <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> also defines a master dowel bore <NUM> and a slave dowel bore <NUM> of a dowel joint. The master dowel bore <NUM> is defined on one side of the pocket <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> and the slave dowel bore <NUM> is defined on another side of the pocket <NUM>. The master dowel bore <NUM> may have a circular cross-section and the slave dowel bore <NUM> may have an oblong cross-section. The slave dowel bore <NUM> is adapted to account for manufacturing tolerances. The dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM> are each adapted to receive one of a pair of alignment dowels <NUM> that together form the dowel joint. Receipt of the alignment dowels <NUM> within the dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM> may be beneficial to provide alignment between the panels <NUM>, <NUM> in a direction generally orthogonal to the magnetic panel joint <NUM>. In other examples, the alignment dowels <NUM> and the corresponding dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM> may not be provided or only a single dowel bore <NUM>, <NUM> and a single alignment dowel <NUM> may be provided.

The second panel <NUM> includes an end portion <NUM> having an end face <NUM> and defining the second pocket <NUM>. The alignment dowels <NUM> extend from the second panel <NUM> on either side of the second pocket <NUM>. The second pocket <NUM> terminates at the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM>. The pockets <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be masked from plating in examples in which the panels <NUM> and/or <NUM> are plated and/or the pockets <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be plated with a conductive material to provide an electrical coupling with the shield <NUM> on both sides of the magnetic panel joint <NUM>.

In the example shown, the second pocket <NUM> is defined along a majority of the height H of the second panel <NUM>. The second pocket <NUM> may have alternative dimensions. The second pocket <NUM> includes a pair of rounded-back corners <NUM>. In the example shown, the first pocket <NUM> is similar to the second pocket <NUM>. The first and second pockets <NUM>, <NUM> may be mirror images or otherwise similar to one another. Other dimensions for the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> may prove suitable.

In another example, to account for a thickness of adhesive used to adhere the shield <NUM> within the second pocket <NUM> and to the second panel <NUM>, a depth of the first pocket <NUM> may be less than a depth of the second panel <NUM>. The depth of the pockets <NUM> and/or <NUM> may be between about <NUM> millimeters (mm) and about <NUM>. Other approaches to account for the thickness of the adhesive <NUM> (the adhesive <NUM> is more clearly shown in <FIG>) may prove suitable. For example, to account for a thickness of the adhesive, the shield <NUM> may include a first shield portion <NUM> having a first thickness and a second shield portion <NUM> having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The first shield portion <NUM> may be referred to as a first lap portion and the second shield portion <NUM> may be referred to as a second lap portion. Alternatively, the thickness of the adhesive <NUM> may be ignored as negligibly affecting the flushness of the adjacent surfaces, for example.

In the example shown, the first shield portion <NUM> is disposed within the second pocket <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> and the second shield portion <NUM> extends from the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM>. When the first shield portion <NUM> is disposed within the second pocket <NUM>, the resulting combined thickness of the first shield portion <NUM> within the second pocket <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> may be substantially the same as the thickness of the second panel <NUM> (prior to second pocket <NUM> being formed) and/or may be substantially the same. As set forth herein, the phrase "substantially" means that the panels are within +/- <NUM>% of measurement, including equal to the measurement.

In the example shown, the adhesive <NUM> is used to couple the first shield portion <NUM> within the second pocket <NUM>. The inward facing shield surface <NUM> of the shield <NUM> is substantially flush with the inward facing second panel surface <NUM>. Similarly, the inward facing shield surface <NUM> and the inward facing second panel surface <NUM> are substantially flush with the inward facing first panel surface <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> (see, for example, <FIG>) when coupled to the first panel <NUM> as described herein.

To couple the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> together, the panels <NUM>, <NUM> are slid together in-plane until the alignment dowels <NUM> enter the dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM> and the second shield portion <NUM> is fully received within the pocket <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. The interaction between the alignment dowels <NUM> and the dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM> may substantially ensure proper and repeatable alignment between the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM>. Extending the shield <NUM> between the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> may deter ingress and egress of light between the panels <NUM>, <NUM>. In examples in which the alignment dowels <NUM> and the dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM> are not provided, the interaction between the second shield portion <NUM> and the first pocket <NUM> substantially ensures proper and repeatable alignment between the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM>. The magnets <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> attract the ferromagnetic shield <NUM> to further couple the shield <NUM> to the first panel <NUM>.

In some implementations, an outer edge <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> can be formed to include a step, though this is merely optional and may be omitted. The step formed at the outer edge <NUM> may visually reduce the appearance of any discontinuities due to manufacturing tolerances by visually providing a simulated seam when the first panel <NUM> is coupled to the second panel <NUM>. In other implementations, the step may be omitted such that the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> can be coupled together to form a substantially seamless exterior appearance on the side opposite the shield <NUM>.

To uncouple the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM>, the second panel <NUM> is moved away from the first panel <NUM> such that the alignment dowels <NUM> are removed from the dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM> and the second shield portion <NUM> is slid along the magnets <NUM> until the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> are separated from each other. Thus, the panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled and uncoupled without the use of tools.

<FIG> depict an example process of forming the magnetic panel joint <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> prior to the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> being formed and including the end portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the end faces <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of the first panel <NUM> after the first pocket <NUM>, the receptacles <NUM>, and the dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM> are formed in the first panel <NUM>. <FIG> also shows an isometric view of the second panel <NUM> after the second pocket <NUM> and corresponding dowel bores <NUM> are formed. The dowel bores <NUM> are blind holes and may be sized to form an interference fit with the alignment dowels <NUM>. Other methods to form a coupling between the dowel bores <NUM> and the alignment dowels <NUM> may prove suitable, such as using an adhesive, forming threads to screw in the dowels, etc..

<FIG> is an isometric view of the first panel <NUM> after the magnets <NUM> are coupled within the receptacles <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM>. <FIG> also shows an isometric view of the second panel <NUM> after the adhesive <NUM> is applied to a surface <NUM> forming the second pocket <NUM> and after the alignment dowels <NUM> are coupled within the dowel bores <NUM>. The shield <NUM> can be attached to the adhesive <NUM> to form the assembly shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of the interior of the magnetic panel joint <NUM> formed between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> when coupled together. The first shield portion <NUM> is coupled within the second pocket <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM> and the second shield portion <NUM> extends from the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM>. The second shield portion <NUM> is disposed within the first pocket <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> and coupled therein via the attraction between the shield <NUM> and the magnets <NUM>. The attraction between the shield <NUM> and the magnets <NUM> cause the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM> to be pulled into plane with one another.

<FIG> illustrates a detailed expanded isometric view of another example of a magnetic panel joint <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG> including the first panel <NUM>, the second panel <NUM>, and the shield <NUM>. The magnetic panel joint <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the magnetic panel joint <NUM> of <FIG>. In contrast, the magnet panel joint <NUM> of <FIG> includes receptacles <NUM> that are not staggered and includes a plurality of alignment bores <NUM>. Each of the alignment bores <NUM> is coupled to and, thus, contiguous and/or coplanar with one of the receptacles <NUM>. The second panel <NUM> includes a plurality of alignment dowels <NUM> that correspond to the alignment bores <NUM>. The alignment dowels <NUM> may be made of a ferromagnetic material. As a result, when the alignment dowels <NUM> are received within the alignment bores <NUM>, a magnetic coupling is formed between the alignment dowels <NUM> and the corresponding magnet <NUM> that may create a nesting force that draws the panels <NUM>, <NUM> together. The magnetic coupling of the alignment dowels <NUM> to the corresponding magnets <NUM> may be beneficial to provide planar coupling between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>, planar alignment between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>, and/or retention force between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>. In another example, the alignment dowels <NUM> may not be made of the ferromagnetic material.

The magnetic panel joint <NUM> of <FIG> may also include a plurality of face magnets <NUM> carried by the first panel <NUM>. The face magnets <NUM> may be coupled within blind bores <NUM> at the end face <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. The face magnets <NUM> may be small magnets and/or ferrous striker plates. The face magnets <NUM> may be coupled to the first panel <NUM> via adhesive. Other methods of coupling the face magnets <NUM> may prove suitable.

The second panel <NUM> may carry a plurality of corresponding face ferromagnetic segments <NUM>. As a result, when the panels <NUM>, <NUM> abut one another, a magnetic coupling is formed between the face magnets <NUM> and the face ferromagnetic segments <NUM>. The magnet coupling between face magnets <NUM> and the face ferromagnetic segments <NUM> may assist in coupling the panels <NUM>, <NUM> together and may create a nesting force that draws the panels <NUM>, <NUM> together. That is, the face magnets <NUM> and ferromagnetic segments <NUM> and/or other magnets may be beneficial to provide planar coupling between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>, planar alignment between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>, and/or retention force between the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>.

The face ferromagnetic segments <NUM> may be coupled within face bores <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> via, for example, adhesive. In the example shown, the face magnets <NUM> are substantially flush with the end face <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> and the face ferromagnetic segments <NUM> are substantially flush with the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM>. In some examples, the magnetic coupling between the face magnets <NUM> and the face ferromagnetic segments <NUM> may be sufficient to form the coupling between the first and second panels <NUM>, <NUM>. As a result, in some examples, the shield <NUM> may be made of a non-ferromagnetic material. Regardless of the type of material that the shield <NUM> is formed of, the shield <NUM> may be provided as a light shield and/or as a conductive shield for emissions.

<FIG> illustrates a detailed expanded isometric view of yet another example of a magnetic panel joint <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG> including the first panel <NUM>, the second panel <NUM>, and the shield <NUM>. The magnetic panel joint <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the magnetic panel joint <NUM> of <FIG>. In contrast, the magnet panel joint <NUM> of <FIG> includes a single receptacle <NUM> carrying a single magnet <NUM> and does not include the alignment dowels <NUM> and corresponding dowel bores <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart for a method of forming an example of a magnetic panel joint <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG>. In the flow chart of <FIG>, the blocks surrounded by solid lines may be included in an example process <NUM> while the blocks surrounded in dashed lines may be optional in the example process. However, regardless of the way the border of the blocks is presented in <FIG> and <FIG>, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, combined and/or subdivided into multiple blocks.

The process <NUM> of <FIG> begins at block <NUM> by forming the first pocket <NUM> and the receptacle <NUM> in the end portion <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. The first pocket <NUM> includes the end opening <NUM> and is contiguous with the receptacle <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> is coupled within the receptacle <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM> (block <NUM>) or any other suitable coupling for the magnet <NUM> within the receptacle, such as an interference fit. In some examples, forming the receptacle <NUM> includes forming a plurality of receptacles <NUM> in the end portion <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> and coupling the magnet <NUM> within the receptacle <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM> includes coupling a magnet <NUM> in each of the plurality of receptacles <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM>.

The second pocket <NUM> is formed within the second panel <NUM> that terminates at the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> (block <NUM>). The pair of dowel bores <NUM> are formed at the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> (block <NUM>), though in some implementations, the dowel bores <NUM> may be omitted. One of the alignment dowels <NUM> is coupled within each of the dowel bores <NUM> (block <NUM>). The alignment dowels <NUM> may be coupled within the dowel bores <NUM> via an interference fit or adhesive, for example. The master dowel bore <NUM> and the slave dowel bore <NUM> are formed in the end face <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> (block <NUM>), though in some implementations, the master dowel bore <NUM>, slave dowel bore <NUM>, and/or both may be omitted. The master dowel bore <NUM> and the slave dowel bore <NUM> are adapted to receive one of the alignment dowels <NUM>.

The first shield portion <NUM> of the shield <NUM> is coupled within the second pocket <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM> in a manner that allows the second shield portion <NUM> to extend from the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> (block <NUM>). When the first shield portion <NUM> is coupled within the second pocket <NUM>, the inward facing shield surface <NUM> can be substantially flush with the inward facing second panel surface <NUM>.

The second shield portion <NUM> is disposed within the first pocket <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> via the end opening <NUM> to form the magnetic lap joint <NUM> (block <NUM>). The inward facing shield surface <NUM> and the inward facing second panel surface <NUM> can be substantially flush with the inner first panel surface <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flowchart for a method of forming another example of a magnetic panel joint <NUM> of the system <NUM> of <FIG>. A process <NUM> of <FIG> begins at block <NUM> by forming the first pocket <NUM> and the receptacle <NUM> in the end portion <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>. The first pocket <NUM> includes the end opening <NUM> and is contiguous with the receptacle <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> is coupled within the receptacle <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM> (block <NUM>).

The second pocket <NUM> is formed within the second panel <NUM> that terminates at the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> (block <NUM>). The first shield portion <NUM> of the shield <NUM> is coupled within the second pocket <NUM> via the adhesive <NUM> in a manner that allows the second shield portion <NUM> to extend from the end face <NUM> of the second panel <NUM> (block <NUM>). When the first shield portion <NUM> is coupled within the second pocket <NUM>, the inward facing shield surface <NUM> is substantially flush with the inward facing second panel surface <NUM>.

The second shield portion <NUM> is disposed within the first pocket <NUM> of the first panel <NUM> via the end opening <NUM> to form the magnetic lap joint <NUM> (block <NUM>). The inward facing shield surface <NUM> and the inward facing second panel surface <NUM> are substantially flush with the inner first panel surface <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. While the subject technology has been particularly described with reference to the various figures and configurations, it should be understood that these are for illustration purposes only.

Furthermore, references to "one implementation" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, implementations "comprising," "including," or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements whether or not they have that property. Moreover, the terms "comprising," including," having," or the like are interchangeably used herein.

The terms "substantially," "approximately," and "about" used throughout this Specification are used to describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>), comprising:
forming (<NUM>) a pocket and a receptacle in an end portion of a first panel, the pocket having an end opening and being contiguous with the receptacle;
coupling (<NUM>) a magnet within the receptacle;
forming (<NUM>) a pocket within a second panel that terminates at an end face of the second panel;
coupling (<NUM>) a first shield portion of a ferromagnetic shield in the pocket of the second panel such that a second shield portion of the ferromagnetic shield extends from the end face of the second panel, an inner shield surface of the ferromagnetic shield being substantially flush with an inner second panel surface of the second panel; and
disposing (<NUM>) the second shield portion of the ferromagnetic shield within the pocket of the first panel via the end opening to form a magnetic lap joint, wherein the inner shield surface and the inner second panel surface are substantially flush with an inner first panel surface of the first panel.