Precision Wedge Locks for Conduction-Cooled Chassis

Mechanical Retention and Thermal Interface Hardware for VPX, CPCI, and ATR Modules

Perseus wedge locks, also known as card retainers, provide the mechanical-to-thermal interface for conduction-cooled VPX, CPCI, VME, ASAAC, and ATR chassis. Configurations include 3-segment, 5-segment, multi-segment, and tool-free designs with aerospace aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium alloy options by program requirement.

Mechanical Retention and Thermal Interface Hardware for VPX, CPCI, and ATR Modules

Perseus wedge locks, also known as card retainers, provide the mechanical-to-thermal interface for conduction-cooled VPX, CPCI, VME, ASAAC, and ATR chassis. Configurations include 3-segment, 5-segment, multi-segment, and tool-free designs with aerospace aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium alloy options by program requirement.

Core Technical Features

Mechanical-to-Thermal Interface:

Wedge locks clamp modules into chassis rails while helping reduce air gaps at the conduction path to the cold wall.

Configurable Segment Profiles:

3-segment, 5-segment, multi-segment, and tool-free designs support common rugged chassis architectures.

Material and Finish Options:

Aerospace aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium alloy options can be paired with hard anodize or chemical film finishes.

VITA-Compatible Integration:

Selection should be reviewed against VPX, CPCI, VME, ASAAC, ATR, and other chassis rail interfaces before release.

Typical Applications

Airborne VPX Processor Modules

Shipboard Electronics Cabinets

Ground Vehicle Electronics

Field-Deployable Chassis

Series Selection Guide

Wedge Lock Selection Guide

Parameter	Available Configuration	Engineering Notes
Configurations	3-segment / 5-segment / multi-segment / tool-free	Select by module length, rail geometry, and maintenance access.
Operating Temperature	-55°C to +85°C functional range	Confirm final range by selected material, finish, and platform requirement.
Materials	Aerospace aluminum / stainless steel / titanium alloys	Balance thermal path, corrosion exposure, mass, and strength.
Surface Finish	Hard anodize / chemical film	Finish should support conductivity and corrosion-control requirements.
Compatibility	VPX / CPCI / VME / ASAAC / ATR chassis rails	Verify rail geometry and torque procedure from module drawings.
RFQ Review	Length, height, segment count, finish, and release method	Custom profiles should be reviewed with drawings before quotation.

Fan Locking Strips for Quick-Release Avionics Mounting

Perseus fan locking strips provide secure, tool-free retention for cooling fans in avionics racks, military electronics chassis, and airborne equipment bays where rapid maintenance access is critical. These locking strips eliminate the need for separate fasteners while maintaining positive retention under shock and vibration conditions per MIL-STD-810H.

Locking strip configurations are available for standard fan frame sizes from 40mm to 148mm, with materials selected for wide temperature operation (-55°C to +85°C) and resistance to aviation fluids, humidity, and salt fog. Installation requires no special tools, enabling field replacement of fans without removing adjacent LRUs or disassembling the chassis structure.

Engineering answer: Locking strips should be selected to match the specific fan frame size and chassis mounting groove dimensions. Material selection should consider the operating environment: aluminum strips for high-temperature applications, stainless steel for corrosion resistance, and engineered polymer for weight-sensitive airborne installations.

Engineering answer: Properly installed locking strips should allow fan insertion and removal with finger pressure only while preventing dislodgement under specified vibration and shock levels. Periodic inspection during scheduled maintenance is recommended to verify strip integrity and spring tension.

Engineering Resources

Technical guides to support your fan selection and system integration.