Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for mounting a motherboard to a chassis of a personal computer using only a single screw. A number of standoffs snap into the base of the chassis, electrically contacting the chassis. Each standoff includes a projection. The motherboard includes apertures for accepting the projections such that when an ramp and shelf of each projection is aligned with the motherboard, the motherboard is positioned a fixed distance from the chassis. A mounting bracket also includes a number of projections. Apertures provided in the motherboard correspond to the projections of the mounting bracket. The surface of each side of the motherboard surrounding each aperture is plated with an electrically conductive material to form a conductive path between the motherboard and the standoffs and the bracket. The projections of the bracket are inserted into the corresponding apertures in the motherboard. A screw is inserted through a wall of the chassis and into a threaded hole in the bracket. As the screw is tightened, the bracket is drawn toward the wall of the chassis. This firmly engages the motherboard to the stand-offs and to the bracket, firmly maintaining the motherboard in a fixed position relative to the chassis and forming a solid electrical ground connection between the motherboard and the chassis. Also, as the screw is tightened, input and output connectors, which are coupled to the motherboard, are drawn toward the wall of the chassis making firm contact with a plate or gasket.

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First Claim