Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-13
2001-01-23
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S726000, C312S223200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178086
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The disclosures herein relate generally to computer systems and more particularly to apparatus and methods for securing removable components in a computer system.
Handles are used to aid in the insertion and extraction of removable components into and out of the chassis of a computer system. The handle may include a latching mechanism for securing the removable component in the chassis. It is desirable that the latching mechanism not unintentionally become unlatched during use.
It is also desirable that the handle have a geometry that does not adversely affect the flow of air to the removable component. This is particularly important for handles used in conjunction with removable components such as the power supply. The airflow through the power supply needs to be sufficient to preclude overheating or operation at undesirable elevated temperatures. For this reason, the handle should be configured to allow for airflow that is not significantly restricted by the handle and latching mechanism.
However, the size of computer systems continues to decrease and their complexity continues to increase. As a result, it has become necessary to mount the components in very close proximity to each other. In many cases, there is little room between adjacent components for manipulation of the handle or latching mechanism by the operator's hand or fingers. This is common in computer systems having a rack-type mounting configuration as well as in computer systems having redundant components that are mounted in close proximity to each other. In these instances, it is preferred that the handle and latching mechanism he manipulated from within the perimeter of the front or rear face of the removable component.
Accordingly, a need has arisen for an apparatus that is configured to overcome the shortcomings of prior art and, in particular, an apparatus for the insertion and extraction of the removable component which can be manipulated from within the perimeter of the front or rear face of the removable component and which does not significantly restrict airflow through the removable component.
SUMMARY
One embodiment, accordingly, provides an apparatus for fixedly securing a removable component in a computer system. The apparatus is further configured to include a handle that can be fixedly retained in a closed position or moved to an open position. To this end, an apparatus for securing a removable component in a computer system includes a chassis for receiving the removable component. A handle is connected to the component and is movable between open and closed positions. A catch is provided on the handle. A resilient member is connected to the chassis for engagement with the catch to retain the handle in the closed position. A release member is connected to the handle. The release member is movable to deflect the resilient member so that the resilient member is disengaged from the catch to permit the handle to be moved to the open position.
Several advantages are achieved by an apparatus according to the illustrative embodiments presented herein. The apparatus provides for a handle that exhibits reduced airflow restriction through a removable component in a computer system. The reduction in the airflow restriction allows the removable component to be cooled more effectively and efficiently. Reduced space is required for hand manipulation of the apparatus. The removable component having the handle and any adjacent removable components can be more easily inserted and extracted from the computer system. Furthermore, the reduced space requirement allows the removable components in the computer system to be positioned more closely together.
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Schmitt Ty Robert
Sim Vibora
Dell USA L.P.
Duong Hung Van
Haynes and Boone L.L.P.
Picard Leo P.
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