Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-13
2001-09-04
Field, Lynn D. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S725000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06285555
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The disclosures herein relate generally to computer systems and more particularly to an apparatus and method for mounting a peripheral device in a computer system.
In a computer system with a modular design such as portable computer systems, peripheral devices such as digital video disc devices, mass storage devices and the like are required to be installed and removed. A problem can occur when an edge of the peripheral device or peripheral device carrier binds against the computer enclosure or chassis during installation and removal of the peripheral device. This results in excessive force to install and remove the peripheral device and precludes a smooth installation and extraction feel.
Conventional peripheral devices and the respective opening in the chassis of the computer system are generally rectangular in shape. This type of configuration requires that the chassis and the case of the peripheral device be manufactured to precise dimensions to obtain a precise alignment of the peripheral device relative to the chassis. However, slight deviations in the dimensions of the chassis or the case of the peripheral device may result in binding during installation and extraction of the peripheral device as the respective edges of the peripheral device moves relative to the chassis.
Several factors contribute to deviations in the dimensions of the case of peripheral devices and the chassis of the computer system. As with any manufacturing process, there are variations in the process parameters that will affect the dimensions of the resulting component. Changes in tooling during the production scale-up of the peripheral device or computer system may also affect the dimensions of the resulting component. Regardless of the reasons for the deviations, binding between the peripheral device and the chassis is not desirable.
Accordingly, a need has arisen for an apparatus and method that minimizes binding between a carrier for a peripheral device and the chassis or enclosure of the computer system during installation and removal to provide for smooth insertion and extraction of the peripheral device.
SUMMARY
One embodiment, accordingly, provides a self-aligning carrier for mounting a peripheral device in a computer system. To this end, one embodiment provides a carrier for removably mounting a peripheral device in a computer system. The carrier includes a plurality of walls that form a cavity for receiving the peripheral device. The cavity has a first end and a second end. A first one of the walls has an opening formed therein. The opening has a contoured first edge adjacent the first end of the cavity.
Several advantages are achieved by an apparatus according to embodiments presented herein having a reduced tendency to bind. The apparatus may be inserted into and removed from the chassis of the computer system without an undue amount of force. The apparatus has a self-alignment feature to prevent binding between the carrier and the chassis or enclosure. The self-alignment feature allows the apparatus to be inserted and removed with a smooth action.
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Langerhans Ron
Liao Reynold
O'Neal Sean P.
Dell USA L.P.
Field Lynn D.
Haynes and Boone L.L.P.
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