Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-25
2001-04-10
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S726000, C361S727000, C361S732000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06215664
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This disclosure relates generally to personal computers (“PC's”), and more particularly to a PC having an articulated power supply, and a method for articulating said power supply.
Smaller computer designs require more efficient use of space within the chassis. Components are placed closer together, making it difficult to get to adjacent components for repair. Many PC's include power supplies for converting alternating current (“AC”) to direct current (“DC”), which is used to operate the PC's components. Some power supplies for PC's are mounted directly to the chassis using screws. The associated inconveniences of this type of mounting technique might discourage designers from effectively using interior space.
A better method of mounting a power supply within a PC chassis enables the power supply to be rotated partly out of the chassis to provide access to adjacent components. This “swing out” power supply has been very successful. However, it is important to improve the design by reducing parts, increasing durability, and facilitating manufacture. Further, a long cable bundle is generally attached to the power supply to avoid disconnecting the power supply during service. With free rotating power supplies, there is a danger of compressing or scissoring the cable bundle if the power supply is abruptly rotated back into place.
Therefore, what is needed is an improved method and apparatus for mounting a power supply within a PC chassis requiring minimal space, yet displacing the power supply quickly and easily, and avoiding compression of the cable bundle when the power supply is rotated back into place, or obstructing a user's hands and tools in accessing components near the power supply.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, one embodiment disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for mounting a power supply within a PC chassis such that it is ratchetably rotatable. The chassis includes a pivot receptacle, a hook, and a dimple. The power supply is received by a mounting bracket which includes a corresponding pivot point, a curved slot having a relatively wide portion disposed at one end for engaging the hook of the chassis and a relatively narrow portion for retaining the hook during rotation of the power supply, and a plurality of shorter slots oriented in a curve for engaging the dimple of the chassis thereby providing the ratcheting action and preventing the rotation of the power supply until force is applied.
In an alterative embodiment, the power supply is mounted to be translatable and rotatable. The chassis includes two cams, and a hook. The power supply is received by a mounting bracket which includes two cam slots each having a straight portion and a curved portion for engaging the cams of the chassis, and a straight slot having a relatively narrow portion that engages the hook of the chassis and a relatively wide portion that allows the hook to disengage from the slot. The hook and slot prevent rotation, ensuring the translational movement as the cams move along the straight portion of the cam slot. The cams reach the curved portion of the cam slots at the same time the hook reaches the relatively wide portion of its slot and disengages, thus allowing rotation. A lip disposed on the power supply supports the weight of the power supply, as well as helping guide the power supply during the translational motion.
One advantage of the embodiments described herein is that components situated near the power supply are more easily accessible. Another advantage of the embodiments described herein is that they are easier to manufacture than previous designs.
Yet another advantage of the alternative embodiment described herein is that the cable bundle can be shorter than in previous designs, saving material.
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Hernandez David
Hernandez Gilberto
Hrehor, Jr. Robert D.
Dell USA L.P.
Duong Hung Van
Haynes and Boone L.L.P.
Picard Leo P.
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