Abstract:
An information handling system includes a rack operable to mount computer components therein. The rack includes multiple rack rails supported by a top support and a bottom support that define a rack space for housing components. The rack rails have both a first and second standard interface. The first standard interface facilitates the housing of components within a dedicated portion of the rack space while the second standard interface facilitates the housing of at least one component within a non-dedicated portion of the rack space. A component bracket is detachably coupled to a selected portion of the second standard interface of a rack rail. The component bracket supports a component within a portion of the non-dedicated portion of the rack space. The component bracket includes at least one hook and at least one latch mechanism that tool-lessly secures the component bracket to the second standard interface.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates in general to the field of computers, and more particularly to computer racks, rack systems, and a system for utilizing non-dedicated rack space. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. 
     Information handling system components are typically installed in a rack system, which may also be referred to as a “computer rack”, or simply a “rack”. Information handling system components including servers, processors, power supplies, storage devices such as disk drives, tape drives, and RAID drives, as well as other components may be installed in a rack system. Rack systems typically incorporate one or more standard interfaces for mounting components such as electronic industry association (EIA) recommended standard (RS) 310. 
     The vertical space within an EIA RS-310 compliant rack system is generally defined in vertical mounting unit increments, often referred to as “U&#39;s”. A mounting unit or “U” is typically 1.75 inches. Interior rails of rack systems often have three mounting slots within each U of vertical space for attaching components. Rack systems and components are typically sized in mounting unit increments. For example, “2U” components are sized to fit within a 2U vertical space. “24U” and “72U” racks are sized to have 24U and 72U, respectively, of usable vertical space. 
     Computer components may be attached directly to the interior rails but more typically are attached to support arms connected to the rack rails. Often, a first support arm will be attached to the rails of one side of the rack while a second support arm is attached to the rails on the other side of the rack. A computer component may then be secured to the support arms. In some embodiments, the support arms include slides to allow the computer components to slide out from the rack to be accessed for maintenance, repair, or inspection. 
     In general terms, the space within a rack system may be divided into two types of space: the space dedicated for components connected to a EIA RS-310 compliant mounting interface or “dedicated space” (also known as “U-space”) and non-dedicated space (also known as “zero-U space”). Non-dedicated or zero-U space is typically located along the top, bottom, back, and sides of the rack, while the dedicated space is generally located within the center of the rack. The non-dedicated rack space is sometimes used to house smaller components such as power distribution components and some switch components. However, such components are typically secured to the rack rails using loose fasteners which can prove to be time consuming and frustrating. Installation of components within the non-dedicated space is further hampered because non-dedicated rack space is often difficult to access, requiring the removal of external panels or the removal of components stored within the dedicated space. Accordingly, non-dedicated rack space is often poorly utilized. 
     SUMMARY 
     Therefore, a need has arisen for a system or method for facilitating the utilization of non-dedicated rack space. 
     A further need has arisen for a system or method for tool-lessly and releasably securing computer components to the non-dedicated rack space. 
     A further need has arisen for a system or method for using a releasable component mounting bracket that reduces installation and relocation times of computer components in the non-dedicated rack space. 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the disadvantages and problems associated with a component bracket have been substantially reduced or eliminated. In some embodiments of the present invention, an information handling system includes a rack able to mount components, such as computer system components. The rack includes multiple rack rails, typically four rack rails, supported by a top support and a bottom support. The rack rails have both a first and second standard interface. The rack rails, the top support, and the bottom support define a rack space for housing components. The first standard interface facilitates the housing of components within a dedicated portion of the rack space while the second standard interface facilitates the housing of at least one component within a non-dedicated portion of the rack space. A component bracket is detachably coupled to a selected portion of the second standard interface of a rack rail. The component bracket supports a component within a portion of the non-dedicated portion of the rack space. The component bracket includes at least one hook and at least one latch mechanism that tool-lessly secures the component bracket to the second standard interface. 
     In other embodiments, a component bracket for utilizing non-dedicated rack space includes a frame, a hook, and a depressible latch. The frame may support a computer component with the frame being able to mount the computer component in a non-dedicated portion of a rack. The hook may be formed on the frame. The hook engages with a first standard interface hole formed in the non-dedicated space of the rack. The depressible latch couples to the frame. The latch secures the frame to the rack such that the hook remains engaged with the first standard interface hole. 
     In further embodiments, a method for utilizing non-dedicated rack space may include providing a computer component coupled to a mounting bracket, where the mounting bracket includes a hook and a latching mechanism. The mounting bracket aligns with a standard interface slot or hole of a rack rail such that the component is stored within a non-dedicated space of a rack. The mounting bracket is preferably placed against the rack rail such that the hook protrudes through the interface hole. The mounting bracket may be secured to the rack rails by sliding the bracket along the rack rails until the hook releasably engages the rack rails and the latching mechanism tool-lessly and releasably engages another interface hole in the rack rail. 
     The present disclosure contains a number of important technical advantages. One technical advantage is providing a mounting bracket for tool-lessly mounting a component in the non-dedicated rack space. This increases the utilization of the non-dedicated rack space. Another technical advantage is providing a component bracket that utilizes a tool-less and releasable securing mechanism. This allow for the convenient and tool-less disposition of components in non-dedicated rack space and reduces times and effort associated with installing or relocating components within the non-dedicated rack space. 
     Other technical advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a rack including plurality of rack rails and a top and a bottom support; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a component installed in the U space of the rack, with portions removed; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a rack illustrating dedicated space and non-dedicated space; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a component bracket coupled to a component mounted in the non-dedicated space of a rack; 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate exploded views of an example embodiment of a component bracket attaching an component to an interface opening in a non-dedicated space of a rack; and 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for attaching an component to a rack rail in a non-dedicated space of a rack. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, where like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices, as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of a rack indicated generally at  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, rack  10  may include a plurality of rack rails  12 , top  17 , and bottom  16 . Rack rails  12  are preferably disposed in a vertical position and connected to horizontally positioned top  17  and bottom  16 . In alternate embodiments, rails  12  may be positioned substantially horizontally and supported by end components. Rack  10  may be arranged in a variety of configurations including, but not limited to, an open frame, an enclosed frame, and a stand-alone unit. Rack  10  preferably houses information handling system components  15  and  19 . Rack  10  may be enclosed by enclosure panels (not expressly shown) and may further form a cabinet enclosure with varying depths and heights. Enclosure panels may include side panels, top panels, and bottom panels attached to the plurality of rack rails  12 . Panels may be formed from any suitable material to enclose rack  10  within a cabinet. In one example embodiment, enclosure panels may be made from perforated metal plates to provide ventilation for components  15  and  19  placed within rack  10 . 
     Because components  15  and  19  may add significant weight to rack  10 , rack  10  may be formed from high strength members to support this additional weight. In one embodiment, rack  10  may be made of twelve-gauge steel to provide support for placing up to two thousand pounds of components  15  in rack rails  12 . 
     Rack  10  may further include a variety of additional rail components (not expressly shown) such as side rails, cross rails, top rails, and bottom rails for providing additional support to rack  10 . 
     Typically, rack rails  12  are used for mounting a variety of components to rack  10 , such as components  15  and  19 . In the present embodiment, component  15  is sized to be disposed in a dedicated or so-called U-space within rack  10 . Components  19  are disposed in non-dedicated or Zero-U space within rack  10 . Components  15  and/or  19  may include server, computer, disk drive, tape drive, raid drive, power distributions unit, switch, router, or other suitable components for use in an information handling system. 
     To aid in mounting component  15 , rack rails  12  may include a first standard interface such as an EIA RS-310 standard compliant interface for mounting components within a dedicated portion of rack  10  (as shown in FIG. 3, below. In addition, rack  10  preferably includes a second standard interface, such as a 25 mm pitch interface for mounting components within non-dedicated portions of rack  10 . 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of rack rails  12 , with portions removed, depicting different standard interfaces for mounting components  15  in rack  10 . Each rack rail  12  includes at least one standard interface used to attach a variety of components  15  to rack  10 . Typically, a standard interface includes a repeating pattern or common connection points or apertures to facilitate the attachment of devices such as component  15  to rack  10 . In the present embodiment, rack rails  12  may include a first standard interface that conforms to an Electronic Industry Association (EIA) standard such as EIA standard RS-310 for mounting component  15  in rack  10 . 
     Rack  10  includes at least two sets of rack rails  12  that include interfaces that conform to an EIA RS-310 standard. This standard defines vertical spacing of the rack into 1.75 inch increments, also known as “U&#39;s”. Each U  13  consists of three mounting apertures. Also in accordance with the EIA RS-310 standard, the distance between a pair of rack rails  12  is typically at nineteen (19) inches. Components  15  are often sized according to the number of U&#39;s within a rack they will require, such as a 1U server. 
     Racks may further be defined according to the number of U&#39;s that correspond to the height of the EIA RS-310 interface portion of the rack, such as a 24U rack, 42U rack or other suitable multiple. For example, a 42U rack may be an enclosed rack having forty-two 1.75-inch spaces for attaching components  15 . 
     Each U location  13  on rack rail  12  may include three mounting points for attaching a component  15  (or an arm or slide component formed to support component  15 ) to rack rail  12 . For the purposes of this disclosure, the interior space within rack  10  that may house component  15  and support by first standard interface  13  is defined to be dedicated interior space or U-space. Rack rails  12  may further include second standard interface  14  for providing attachment locations for various hardware and components  19  to be placed in rack  10 . Second standard interface  14  may be used to attach components in areas within the rack but not associated with the dedicated rack space. Thus, rails  12  also include second standard interface  14  for mounting components  19  in non-dedicated or non-U space within rack  10 . In the present embodiment, second standard interface  14  is a twenty-five millimeter pitch interface that provides interface openings  40  at twenty-five millimeter intervals. In alternative embodiments, another suitable standard interface may be used. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of rack  10  showing an example embodiment of dedicated space  24  and non-dedicated space  25 . First standard interface  13  (as shown in FIG. 2) defines dedicated space or U-space  24 , for disposing components  15  within rack  10 . Because components  15  often do not extend to the entire depth of rack  10 , a zero-U space or non-dedicated space  25  may remain behind component  15 . Additional non-dedicated space includes areas on the sides, bottom, and top of rack  10 . In some instances this space may be used for routing cables or permitting various electrical interconnections between components  15  and  19 . However, in other instances, components  19  may be installed in non-dedicated space  25 . In operation, any remaining space in rack  10  not occupied by a component  15  may be considered to be non-dedicated space  25 . 
     Further, an exterior housing (not expressly shown), which may surround rack rails  12 , may provide additional non-dedicated space  25  within rack  10 . For example, non-dedicated space  25  may include the space between a frame support and a panel enclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of component bracket  30  coupled to component  19  mounted in non-dedicated space  25  of rack  10 . Component bracket  30  may be coupled to component  19  for attaching to interface opening  40  located in rack rail  12 . Component bracket  30  may be retained in rack  10  by engaging hook  32  to interface opening  40  and using latch mechanism  34  to prevent disengagement of hook  32  from rack rail  12 . 
     In the present embodiment, component bracket  30  engages a portion of rack rail  12  to hold component  15  within non-dedicated space  25 . By placing component  19  within non-dedicated space  25 , U space  24  in rack  10  may be populated with other information handling components. For example, a power distribution unit (PDU) may be coupled with component bracket  30  for placement in non-dedicated space  25 , thus permitting additional servers to be placed in the U space of rack  10 . 
     Typically components  19  installed in non-dedicated space  24  may include peripherals, fans, power distribution units, switches, routers, or any other suitable component for placing in non-dedicated space  25 . In the present embodiment, several power distribution units are located along rack rail  12  in non-dedicated space  24  to provide multiple electrical outlets for components  15  and installed in either U space  24  or non-dedicated space  25 . 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate exploded views of an example embodiment of component bracket  30  used for attaching component  19  to interface opening  40  in non-dedicated space  25  of rack  10 . Component bracket  30  is formed to couple to a an appropriate standard interface. In the present embodiment, component bracket  30  is formed to couple to second standard interface  14 . Typically, component bracket  30  may be formed from a similar material as rack rail  12 , but may be formed from any suitable material operable to support component  19 . In one embodiment, component bracket  30  may be stamped and shaped from thin-gauge steel. 
     In the present embodiment, component bracket  30  attaches to component  19  using fasteners  33 . In the present embodiment, component bracket  30  may include apertures  31  with threaded screws  33  for attaching component bracket  30  to component  15 . In other embodiments, component bracket  30  may be coupled to component  19  by other suitable fasteners. In an alternate embodiment, component bracket  32  may be integrated into the exterior housing of component  19 . 
     Component bracket  30  preferably includes hook  32  and latching mechanism  34 . Hook  32  extends out from component bracket  30  in the opposite direction from attached component  19  to engage second interface  14 . In the present preferred embodiment, hook  32  may extend from component bracket  30  in a downward-facing, generally L-shaped configuration such that hook  32  extends through and engages rack rail  12  at interface opening  40  to mount component  15  in place. 
     In the present embodiments, component bracket  30  includes more than one hook  32  for attaching component bracket  30  to second interface  14 . In alternative embodiments, component bracket may include only a single hook. The present embodiments also provides for a dual set of hooks, disposed side-by-side to allow for alternate attachment orientations for component bracket  30  with respect to interface  14 . Specifically, the dual set of attachment hooks  32  permits component bracket  30  to utilize non-dedicated space on either side of rack  10 . For example, component bracket  30  may be formed with two sets of symmetrical hooks  32  to provide for a left side attachment or a right side attachment using two hooks  32  for each side at one time. 
     Latch mechanism  34  is preferably included for attaching component bracket  30  to interface  14 . Specifically, latch  34  prevents hook  32  from disengaging from interface opening  40  while latch  34  is engaged with interface  14 . When latch  34  is disengaged from interface  14 , hook  32  may be un-hooked, thereby allowing removal of component bracket  30  from rail  12 . Thus, latch mechanism  34  allows component bracket  30  to be detachably coupled to rack rail  12 . In certain embodiments, hook  32  engages opening  40  by sliding along rack rail  12 . 
     The sliding motion adjacent rail  12  depresses the latch mechanism until the latch is adjacent to an interface hole  40 . Hook  32  is space apart from latch mechanism  34  such that as hook  32  engages an opening  40 , latch mechanism  34  may automatically engage another opening  40  along rack rail  12 . In this manner, latch mechanism  34  secures the one or more hooks  32  of component bracket  30  to rail  12  until latch mechanism  34  is depressed to allow for removal. 
     In one example embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, latch mechanism  34  may be coupled to component bracket  30  with rivet  46 . Latch mechanism may further include longitudinal spring  45  attached to stop  44 . 
     Depressing stop  44  in direction of arrow  47  may allow for component bracket  30  to freely slide along rack rail  12  permitting attachment to or removal from rack rail  12 . However, by sliding component bracket  30  against rack rail  12 , as depressed stop  44  is positioned adjacent to opening  40 , longitudinal spring  45  applies force to stop  44 , thereby positioning stop  44  into opening  40  and substantially preventing further movement of component bracket  30  with respect to rail  12 . By designing hook  32  and latch mechanism  34  for use with second standard interface  14 , stop  44  may protrude into second opening  40  as hook  32  engages first opening  40  of rack rail  12 . Thus, stop  44  in combination with longitudinal spring  45  may prevent hook  32  from disengaging rack rail  12 . In other embodiments, latch mechanism  34  may engage any suitable portion of rack  10  to prevent hook  32  from being removed from interface opening  40 . 
     Because component bracket  30  may be formed over one or more sides of component  15 , component bracket  30  may include bracket opening  36  to provide expose a section of component  19 . Bracket opening  36  may be formed as notch or other suitable opening to expose a part of component  19 . The exposed portion of component  19  may be used to access component  19  for tasks including inspecting or attaching a device to component  19 . In one example embodiment, exposing a section of component  19  may permit the connection of an electrical cable to component port  39  of component  19 . Component port  39  may include a connection for an electrical cable, a communications port, or a power cable. 
     Typically, when mounted in rack  10 , component bracket  30  is placed against rack rail  12  such that it prevents access to a portion component  19 . In the present embodiment, rack rails  12  may include a rack relief  38  formed in the rails. Rack relief  38  may provide access to component  15  via bracket opening  36  while attached to rack  10 . Rack relief  38  may include any opening, notch, break, deviation, or any suitable void length of rail member that allows access to component  15 . In certain embodiments, rack relief  38  may include a notch that may align with bracket opening  36  to permit cables such as power cables or communication cables to be attached at component port  39 . 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart for attaching component  15  to rack rails  12  in non-dedicated space  25  of rack  10 . At step  50 , component  15  may be associated with component bracket  30  for placement in rack  10  containing a plurality of rack rails  12 . Component bracket  30  may be attached to component  15  such that the orientation of component  15  in rack  10  remains in non-dedicated space  25  when mounted to rack rails  12 . 
     At step  52 , component bracket  30  may be aligned with first interface opening  40  in rack  10 . Component bracket  30  including hook  32  and latch mechanism  34  may be placed in alignment with second standard interface  14  such that one or more hooks  32  may protrude into rack rail  12  at one or more respective interface openings  40 . In the present embodiment, interface opening  40  is be formed according to a standard pitch spacing such as a twenty-five millimeter pitch spacing. Component bracket  30  aligns with rack rail  12  such that component  19  is wholly placed within non-dedicated space  25  of rack  10 . 
     At step  54 , component bracket  30  with attached component  19  may be positioned adjacent to rack rail  12 , allowing hook  32  to extend through first interface opening  40 . In certain embodiments where component bracket  30  includes more than one hook  32 , component bracket  30  is positioned to engage the more than one hook in openings  40 . With respect to embodiments that include dual sets of one or more hooks, disposed side-by-side to facilitate alternate positioning of component bracket, only a single set of one or more hooks  34  is engaged with rail  12  at any given time. 
     Positioning component bracket  30  against rack rail  12  permits latch mechanism  34  to depressed into a retracted position. 
     At step  56 , component bracket  30  preferably slides adjacent to rack rail  12  to engage hook  32  with interface opening  40 . With hook  32  engaged with rack rail  12 , longitudinal spring  45  urges stop  44  into another opening  40 . Component  19  and component bracket are then substantially secured to rack rail  12 . 
     Once latch mechanism  34  engages rack  10 , component bracket  30  may be retained in position until latch mechanism  34  is released to allow component bracket  30  to slide. In the previous example embodiment, stop  44  of latch mechanism  34  may be depressed until stop  44  is retracted from second interface opening  40 . With component bracket  30  free to slide, component bracket  30  may be disengaged rack rail  12 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to a specific embodiment, various changes and modifications will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, but encompasses such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.