Systems and methods for securing panels to information handling system chassis

Systems and methods that may be implemented to secure a bezel over a face of an information handling system chassis by using magnetic force to draw in and retain a ferromagnetic bezel latch pin in a latching position relative to complementary latch structure of the chassis. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in a manner that minimizes functional intrusions on the front (or other side) of a chassis enclosure to which a bezel is secured, that reduces the number and/or complexity of mechanical features that are conventionally employed, and/or that presents both an intuitive and pleasant user experience for the end user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to information handling system chassis and, more particularly, to securing panels to information handling system chassis.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 1illustrates a rear backside view of a first end114of an elongated front bezel100having a conventional latch mechanism for securing the bezel100within a complementary-dimensioned front recess of a rack mount chassis of an information handling system. As shown inFIG. 1, the conventional latch mechanism includes a horizontally-slidable latch assembly that has two outwardly extended bars110that are coupled to outer arms122that are slidably coupled to bezel100by virtue of slots123that are slidably received around bezel posts124. Inner arms118of the latch assembly are coupled to a slidable actuator116that may be manipulated in an inwardly sliding direction by the hand of a human user. Outwardly extended bars110and outer arms122are outwardly biased by compressed springs120in a manner that keeps bars110outwardly extended from first end114of bezel100at all times, except when bars110are displaced inward into bezel100by outside force in the direction of the arrows. The opposite (second) end of the elongated bezel has only fixed and non-retractable protruding hooks (not shown) that protrude outwardly from the second end of the bezel.

In the conventional arrangement ofFIG. 1, bars110are configured to be displaced inward toward the body of bezel100by contact with exterior surfaces of an information handling system chassis until bars110are received within complementary latch openings defined at the inner edge of the front recess near a rack mounting ear of the chassis, and into which the posts extend outward by virtue of constant outward bias from compressed springs120to secure the bezel100to the chassis. In this regard, bezel114is first positioned in angled relationship with the chassis so that only fixed hooks of the second end of the bezel114positioned within corresponding openings on a second end of the chassis recess. Then the first end of bezel114is brought together with and into the front recess of the chassis. Sloped mating surfaces112are provided on each bar110to provide for a sliding interference contact with the front exterior surface of a chassis to progressively displace bars110inward as first end114of bezel100is pushed into the chassis recess until bezel100is seated within the front recess of the chassis and bars110are aligned to spring outward to be received within the corresponding latch openings in latching position that holds bezel100within the front recess of the chassis. A user may manually retract the bars110from the latch openings by inward manipulation of slidable actuator116to cause inward retraction of bars110out of locking engagement with the corresponding latch openings defined at the inner edge of the front recess of a chassis to allow bezel100to be removed from the front recess.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that may be implemented to secure a panel within or on a face of an information handling system chassis by using magnetic force to draw in and retain a ferromagnetic panel latch pin in a latching position relative to complementary latch structure of the chassis. In one embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in a manner that minimizes functional intrusions on the front (or other side) of a chassis enclosure to which a panel is secured, that reduces the number and/or complexity of mechanical features that are conventionally employed, and/or that presents both an intuitive and pleasant user experience for the end user. Examples of panels that may be so secured using the disclosed systems and methods include, but are not limited to, bezels (e.g., functional and stylized or cosmetic panels), substantially flat-surfaced access panels that serve a security function, etc. In one embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be advantageously implemented to allow a panel to be securely latched to an information handling system chassis (e.g., such as securing a front bezel to the front of a rack mounted server chassis) in a manner that reduces required latch mechanism space within the chassis, e.g., such as a rack mounted server system having very limited/restricted space for a front panel to interact with and secure to the chassis, while still allowing high density storage solutions, and without restricting airflow into the chassis.

In one embodiment, a server panel may be secured to the front of a rack mounted chassis while utilizing the minimal available interaction points on the chassis, e.g., with no obstruction of high density storage solutions and/or chassis cooling airflow, and/or while maintaining ability to present I/O (e.g., USB and other type interconnects, etc.) and user interface elements (e.g., power button/switch, status lights, etc.) on rack mounting ears of the chassis that are used to secure the chassis to a rack. This capability may be utilized, for example, to allow nearly un-restricted airflow into the system and to avoid features on the front of a chassis which are not important to the basic system functionality. It also may be utilized in another example to enable functional intrusions to be minimized on the front of existing and yet-to-be-designed chassis systems, while also minimizing mechanical features which detract from clean, clear branding and industrial design being developed for servers and storage.

Advantageously, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in one embodiment to provide a space efficient and minimal panel latch space solution in a manner to provide a panel latch mechanism that provides an intuitive user experience for end users attaching and removing the panel from engagement with the chassis. In a further embodiment, a server panel may be so secured to the front of a rack mounted chassis in a manner that meets any required minimum pull forces based on usability, safety, and security. In yet another embodiment, one or more of the proceeding advantages may be realized by the disclosed systems and methods while at the same time causing no scratching/marring of cosmetic surfaces such as a front surface of a chassis, e.g., using one or more latching pins that do not contact the front surface of the chassis during panel installation and securement tasks.

In one embodiment, a latching system may be provided for securing a front panel (e.g., carrying manufacturer brand and system information, as well as presenting a unique and consistent design language) to any chassis within a family of computing devices, without relying on physical contact between the chassis and the panel during installation of the panel in secured relationship to the chassis. In another embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using a non-marring surface latching solution. In a further embodiment, a “straight-in” panel latching solution (e.g., that is a non-toeing, non-handed solution) may be provided. In one embodiment, a frictionless panel latching mechanism may be provided, e.g., using pre-loaded pins when the panel is latched in or to the chassis. In yet another embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in a security panel configuration to provide the ability to lock a panel latch mechanism (e.g., by mechanically latching pre-loaded panel pins in engagement with the chassis) so that the mechanism cannot be actuated either intentionally in unauthorized manner, accidentally, or due to external environmental conditions (e.g., such as shock, vibration, external magnetic fields, etc.).

In one embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be advantageously implemented in one embodiment as rack mounted servers increase in storage density and power density, and physical challenges arise both for mechanically securing front panels (e.g., such as front bezels) to the rack mount chassis, as well as for providing adequate chassis airflow to meet thermal challenges. Examples of such embodiments include server designs as they increasingly come under challenges to package more components and features in pre-existing defined spaces (e.g., 1u, 2u, etc. chassis enclosures), and meet higher densities with regards to storage, functionality, and power. In such an embodiment, input/output (TO) connections, branding and user interface elements are moved to the rack mounting ears due to the higher density storage requirements, further reducing opportunities to secure a front panel to the front of the rack mount chassis. As such, the disclosed systems and methods may be advantageously implemented in server configuration embodiments having correspondingly reduced area for securing of accessory panels, loss of real-estate for branding, system information, Input/Output (TO), and user interaction points.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in server configuration environments where there is an emphasis on allowing nearly un-restricted airflow into the system. In a further embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be advantageously implemented to secure panels using latch pins that may remain retracted into a panel end, and not extend, until the panel has been placed in an installed position within or on a face of an information handling system chassis, so as to protect and not scratch exterior cosmetic surfaces (e.g., control panel, user touch interface) on a chassis enclosure rack ear. Such exterior cosmetic surfaces are scratched during panel installation by contact with bars110when using the conventional outwardly extending bars110of conventional latch mechanism ofFIG. 1.

In one respect, disclosed herein is a panel configured to be received over an opening of a chassis enclosure, the panel including: a panel body; and at least one ferromagnetic latching pin provided within at least one edge of the panel. The latching pin may be configured to move outward from the edge of the panel to at least partially extend from the panel edge toward a side of the chassis opening to secure the panel over the chassis enclosure opening in response to an external magnetic force applied to the latching pin from the side of the chassis opening.

In another respect, disclosed herein is a chassis enclosure system for an information handling system, including: chassis enclosure having an opening defined therein and configured to receive a panel over the opening; and at least one magnet mounted at one or more sides of the chassis enclosure opening, the magnet being positioned to apply a magnetic force to a ferromagnetic latching pin provided within at least one edge of the panel when the panel is received over the chassis enclosure opening so as to cause the latching pin to move outward from the edge of the panel to at least partially extend from the panel edge toward the side of the chassis opening to secure the panel over the chassis enclosure opening.

In yet another respect, disclosed herein is a method of securing a panel over an opening of a chassis enclosure, including positioning the panel over the opening of the chassis enclosure to cause at least one ferromagnetic latching pin to move outward from an edge of the panel to at least partially extend from the panel edge toward a side of the chassis opening to secure the panel over the chassis enclosure opening in response to an external magnetic force applied to the latching pin from the side of the chassis opening.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 2illustrates a front perspective view of a rack mount chassis system201including a panel200and a rack mount chassis enclosure210configured according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods. In the illustrated embodiment, panel200is configured as a front bezel200having an elongated bezel body with first end208and a second opposing end206, it being understood that any other type and/or size or shape of panel may be configured to be secured to an information handling system chassis enclosure in a similar manner. InFIG. 2, first end208of bezel200is shown anchored into a first side of opening290of chassis enclosure210that is defined on the front side of chassis enclosure210(e.g., such as 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U, etc. rack mount chassis enclosure), with second end206of bezel200positioned for insertion over and into front opening290in a manner as described further herein. As shown inFIG. 2, opening290is defined between two injection molded plastic rack mount ears204of chassis enclosure210that are themselves configured to be secured to opposing side members of a multi-chassis rack system270so as to mount chassis enclosure210with other similar chassis enclosures in the rack system270.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 2, the edge of a first (right) injection molded plastic end208of bezel200is configured with two spaced and extended fixed studs (e.g., hooks)230that are configured to be received in corresponding openings232defined in a first side294of opening290to anchor first end208of bezel200to the first side294of chassis enclosure210as shown in enlarged view ofFIG. 4, while at the same time second (left) injection molded plastic end206of bezel200is brought together with second side292of opening290as shown inFIG. 2and further by the arrows in enlarged view ofFIG. 3. Visible inFIGS. 2 and 3are extendable ferromagnetic latching pins202that are shown in a retracted position within the edge face of second end206of bezel200before second end of bezel200is brought together with second side292of opening290. In one embodiment, plastic bezel ends206and208may be joined together by an elongated sheet metal central section, although any other suitable configuration of one or more materials may be employed.

In the illustrated embodiment, opening290is shown with opposing third and fourth sides209and211that are contiguous with (and extend between) first and second sides294and292of opening290and between which a bezel200may be received. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments third and fourth sides209and211may not be provided and that a bezel or other type panel may be received adjacent and over an opening290between just two (e.g., first and second sides) of a chassis enclosure opening. It will also be understood that one or more latching pins202may be provided on any given edge of a panel that are configured to be received in corresponding openings233defined in the face of any given side292,294,209,211(or other) by magnetic attraction to embedded permanent magnets within the same given side.

InFIGS. 2 and 3, an interior chassis cavity contiguous with opening290of chassis enclosure210is shown empty, it being understood that rack mount server components may be enclosed and operably coupled therein, such as processor/s, controller/s, memory modules, power supply unit/s, cooling fan/s, storage (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, optical drive, etc.), connectors, input/output (I/O) components, etc. For example,FIG. 9illustrates a front view of chassis enclosure210having installed components that include storage drives906, and user interface and interconnection panel904(e.g., having power button, power on indicator, video connector, LCD display panel, USB connector, media card slot, etc.) together with other information handling system components such as the server components described above may also be operably positioned and coupled together within chassis enclosure210. Further information on rack mount information handling system components may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,280,191 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIG. 10shows rack mount chassis system201with front bezel210installed within opening290of chassis enclosure210to cover components906and904, e.g., to physically cover and prevent accidental or intentional access to these components once they are installed and operating in a rack mount system270. As shown, an optional locking mechanism (e.g., barrel lock)222may be provided to prevent removal of bezel210from opening290of chassis enclosure210without an appropriate key.

FIG. 5illustrates an overhead sectionalized view of front bezel210installed within opening290of chassis enclosure210. As shown in partial cut-away ofFIG. 5, studs230are received in corresponding openings232defined in a first side294of opening290to anchor first end208of bezel200to the first side294of chassis enclosure210. At the same time, cut-away view ofFIG. 5illustrates that ferromagnetic latching pins202have been pulled into extended position into corresponding openings233defined in a face of second side292by magnetic attraction to embedded permanent magnets502that are provided within the face of second end206of bezel200in position aligned with openings233and pins202when bezel200is received within opening290of chassis enclosure210in the manner shown inFIG. 10. It will be understood that openings233may be of any size and/or shape that is suitable for receiving extended pins202therein, and that openings233may be of the same or different dimensions as magnets502and/or pins202.

FIG. 8Aillustrates a perspective end view of second end206showing extendable pins202in retracted position within face of end206of bezel. In one embodiment, pins202may be configured to be flush with the face of second bezel end206when in retracted position so as to minimize distance to the face of second side292of opening290and embedded magnets502contained therein.FIG. 8Bshows openings233defined in the face of second side292of opening290that positioned to correspond to installed position of pins202when bezel200is installed within opening290of chassis enclosure210as shown inFIGS. 5 and 10. Although described herein in relation to a front bezel for a rack mount chassis enclosure, it will be understood that the disclosed latching pins202may be similarly provided on one or more edges of a bezel that is configured to be secured in an opening on any other side (e.g. back, bottom, side, etc.) of a chassis enclosure, and for securing a bezel to other types of chassis enclosures, e.g., such as tower chassis enclosure for a personal computer, etc.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 8B, magnets502are embedded within chassis ear204adjacent second side292of opening290behind each of openings233that have sufficient magnetic field strength in order to attract pins202with sufficient magnetic force to cause each of pins202to extend from the face of the second end206of bezel200such that pins202extend into openings233to secure bezel200to chassis enclosure210in installed position as shown in cut-away view ofFIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, magnets502are each sized to have sufficient magnetic field strength at the face of a corresponding pin202to overcome force of a compressed retraction spring510(e.g., coil or helical compression spring) to pull a corresponding ferromagnetic pin202out of its corresponding opening within face of bezel second end206when bezel200is in installed in chassis enclosure210. In this regard, for any particular configuration (e.g., size) of panel and its corresponding mating information handling system enclosure chassis, the size and magnetic field strength of magnets502, the size and composition of pins202, and the size and strength of retraction spring510may be selected to so that interaction of magnets502and pins202cause each of magnets502to pull a corresponding ferromagnetic pin202out of its corresponding opening within a face of a panel against the counteracting retraction force of a corresponding spring510when the panel is in installed in the chassis enclosure.

As a non-limiting example of magnetic field strength, in one exemplary embodiment magnetic field strength of magnets502may be a minimum of 2000 gauss (alternatively minimum of 1500 gauss) at the face of a corresponding pin202to overcome a force of a compressed retraction spring510(e.g., coil or helical compression spring) to pull a corresponding ferromagnetic pin202out of its corresponding opening within face of bezel second end206when bezel is in installed in chassis enclosure210. However the above values are exemplary only and it will be understood that magnetic field strength may less than 1500 gauss or greater than 2000 gauss at the face of a corresponding pin202. As shown, in this embodiment retraction spring510is mounted around a sliding shaft512(e.g., such as plastic shaft) to which ferromagnetic pin202is attached at one end, and in a configuration where force of compressed spring510acts to urge sliding shaft512and pin202inward. It will be understood that a retraction spring may be another type/configuration of spring and/or may be alternately configured in any suitable manner to resist extension of pins202from bezel end206into openings233, and to cause retraction of pins202into bezel end206in the absence of attracting magnetic field force of magnets502. It will also be understood that presence of a retraction spring510is optional, e.g., only a mechanical (e.g., user actuated) mechanism may be provided for withdrawing latching pins202into bezel end206from openings233, e.g., such as latching mechanism described in relation toFIGS. 7A-7C.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a partial overhead cross sectional view of front bezel210installed within opening290of chassis enclosure210, which further shows compression of retraction spring510between a distal spring stop612and a proximal spring stop513due to movement of ferromagnetic pin202and its attached shaft512toward magnet502in response to the attracting magnetic field applied to the exposed end of pin202that exceeds the force of compressed spring510when pin202is aligned with opening233and magnet502. As shown, inFIG. 6Athis attracting force draws pin202out from bezel200into extended engaged position within opening233to secure (or latch) bezel200within chassis opening290at the same time that studs230are received in corresponding openings232defined in a first side294of opening290as shown inFIG. 5.FIG. 6Bshows overhead partial cross sectional view of front bezel210in uninstalled condition in which compressed retraction spring510expands between proximal spring step513and distal spring stop512to cause shaft510and pin202to be withdrawn back into retracted position within bezel200in the absence of magnetic force from magnets502. Although openings233are provided in one embodiment for receiving extended latching pins202, it will be understood that any other type and/or shape of latching feature having a latching surface (e.g., full or partial ring, non-circular or non-cylindrical slot such as square or rectangular or oval slot, strike plate, etc.) may be provided within first side292of chassis opening290that is suitable for receiving an extended pin202in latching engagement to secure bezel200within opening290. Moreover, it will be understood that latching pins202need not be cylindrical, but may have any other suitable cross-sectional shape, e.g., such as square, rectangular, oval, etc.

It will be understood that ferromagnetic pins202may be manufactured of any material that is suitably attracted by magnets502to withdraw pins202into extended position against spring510, e.g., such as iron and iron alloys, steel, Alnico, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, pins202may be permanent magnets themselves with complementary magnetic fields to magnets502so as to further enhance the magnetic field (and corresponding attraction force) between magnets502and pins202when they are aligned in close proximity as shown inFIG. 6A. In addition to sliding shaft512, other components of chassis ear204that surround and are adjacent to magnets502(including second face292of opening290), as well as components around and near pins202of second end206of bezel200, may be non-ferromagnetic to avoid interference with magnetic field of magnets502.

In one exemplary embodiment, each magnet502may be a single magnet, such as a 0.25 inch diameter by 0.125 inch long (0.25″×0.125″) grade N52 neodymium cylinder magnet configured to have a magnetic field strength in manner such as described elsewhere herein. In another exemplary embodiment, multiple magnets may be employed within a given ear opening233, such as a 0.1875 inch diameter by 0.375 inch long (0.1875″×0.375″) grade N52 neodymium cylinder magnet aligned and stacked adjacent to a 0.1875 inch diameter by 0.1875 inch long (0.1875″×0.1875″) grade N52 neodymium cylinder magnet within a single opening233. However, it will be understood that any other type and/or diameter and/or number of magnets may be employed that are suitable for creating sufficient magnetic field to attract and withdraw a pin202from a bezel200into extended latching position within a corresponding aligned opening233within an inside face of a chassis ear204. It will be understood that for any given dimensional configuration of a bezel200and corresponding chassis opening290, magnetic field requirement may be adjusted (e.g., by increasing diameter of magnets502and/or reducing nominal bezel-to-chassis rack mount ear clearance) so as to increase magnetic field strength at face of pins202when bezel200is positioned with chassis opening290as shown inFIGS. 5 and 10. It will also be understood that the provision of two extendable latching pins202on the left side of a front bezel200is exemplary only, and that one or more extendable latching pins may be alternately provided on one or more sides (left, right, top and/or bottom) of a front bezel to secure a front bezel200to a system chassis enclosure210.

Magnetic field strength is dependent on the distance from a magnet502to an exposed end of a corresponding retracted pin202. As the distance of the pin202from the magnet502increases, a larger (e.g., greater diameter) magnet is required to achieve the same magnetic field strength on the retracted pin202. Moreover, in one embodiment, it may be desirable to maximize engagement of extended pin202within a corresponding opening233, while minimizing the size (e.g., diameter) of the magnet502and maintaining enough clearance for repeatable insertion of bezel200into opening290. However, since such variables oppose each other, tradeoffs may be made to fit the needs of a given system configuration. For example, spacing between corresponding aligned pins202and magnets502may in one embodiment be minimized (e.g., as much as possible) to increase magnetic field for any given magnet size, e.g., by decreasing spacing distance between bezel second end206and chassis ear inside face292rather than by reducing length of opening233and therefore engagement distance of pin202within opening233when in extended latched position (e.g., so that bezel-to-chassis ear face spacing is limited to a maximum spacing of about 0.95 millimeters, alternatively a maximum spacing of about 0.65 millimeters, alternatively a maximum spacing of about 0.75 millimeters, and further alternatively maximum spacing of about 0.15 millimeters). In one embodiment, larger diameter magnets502may be employed to increase magnetic field applied to a given corresponding pin202for a given spacing between corresponding aligned pins202and magnets502. Thus, in one embodiment, both the length of pin engagement within openings233and the nominal installed clearance between face of bezel end206and surface of opening side292may be reduced to allow size (e.g., diameter) of magnets502to be reduced while still achieving a desired minimum magnetic field strength at the exposed end of pin202to fit a given application.

Such bezel-to-chassis ear spacing may be implemented in one exemplary embodiment to provide a gap of from about 1.3 millimeters to about 3.5 millimeters between the facing ends of retracted machined steel pin202(e.g., pin length of about 30 millimeter) and a corresponding aligned 0.25″×0.125″ grade N52 neodymium cylinder magnet502in order to achieve a magnetic field value of from about 3100 gauss to about 1300 gauss applied by magnet502to the exposed end of a given retracted pin202. In another exemplary embodiment, such bezel-to-chassis ear spacing may be implemented to provide a gap that is from about 2.5 millimeters to about 4.5 millimeters between the facing ends of a retracted machined steel pin202and a corresponding stacked set of 0.1875″×0.375″ and 0.25″×0.125″ grade N52 neodymium cylinder magnets502to achieve a magnetic field value of from about 2000 gauss to about 790 gauss applied by the magnets502to the exposed end of the retracted pin202. In yet another embodiment, a gap of 3 millimeters between the facing ends of retracted machined steel pin202and a corresponding aligned 5 millimeter diameter by 6 millimeter long N52 neodymium cylinder magnet502may be employed to achieve a magnetic field value of about 1890 gauss applied by magnet502to the exposed end of the given retracted pin202. In yet another embodiment, a configuration of bezel200and chassis enclosure210may be employed that yields minimum magnetic field value of about 1500 gauss applied by a magnet502of varying size to the exposed end of a given retracted pin202may be provided. However, it will be understood that the preceding example configurations are exemplary only, and that dimensions of components, types of components, spacing between components, and/or magnetic field strengths may be different.

Returning toFIG. 6B, components of pin and associated latch components of second end206of bezel200are illustrated as they exist when bezel200is not installed within opening290of chassis200, and thus pins202are not subjected to the magnetic field attraction force of magnets502. As shown inFIG. 6B, the compressed retraction spring510(between distal spring stop612and a proximal spring stop513) is no longer overcome by the outward attraction force of magnet502on the end of pin202. Thus compressed spring510expands and moves shaft512inward with pin202toward the center for bezel200until pin202is once again flush with the face of bezel side206as shown in embodiments ofFIGS. 2, 3, 6B, 7A, 8A and 11. In this condition bezel200is once again ready for free insertion into opening290of a chassis enclosure210as previously described.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a partial rear cross sectional view of second end206of bezel200as it is being positioned in mated condition with chassis ear204just before magnetic field of magnets502have attracted and moved pins202into corresponding openings233.FIG. 7Billustrates the same view asFIG. 7A, but after magnetic field of magnets502have attracted and moved pins202into extended position so that each of pins202protrudes into a corresponding aligned opening233, i.e., by overcoming the force of compressed coil spring520and thus compressing coil spring520further. Once so extended into openings233, pins202mechanically latch bezel200within opening290in a manner described elsewhere herein. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 7A-7C, openings233of smaller diameter than magnets502have been defined in chassis ear204for receiving respective pins202. In such a case, magnets502may be mounted in a relatively larger diameter opening503or otherwise positioned in operative position adjacent one end of each opening233as shown. It will be understood that magnets233may be shapes other than cylindrical and/or circular, e.g., such as square, rectangular shaped, etc.

Also shown inFIGS. 7A and 7Bis a latch mechanism that includes latch component220that is configured with elongated slots704that are slidably received around fixed posts702that are coupled in mechanical fixed relationship to bezel200so as to allow the latch component220to slide horizontally inward toward center of bezel200and outward toward second end206of bezel200as shown by the double-sided arrows.FIG. 7Cillustrates the same view asFIG. 7A, but after a hand of a user has applied an external mechanical force to the exposed surface of the latch component220to actuate (move) the latch component220in the inward horizontal direction of the arrow to cause mechanical retraction of pins202. In this regard, a vertical latch lever610corresponding to each of shafts512is coupled by a corresponding horizontal actuation shaft611to latch component220such that inward movement of latch component220causes each of actuation shafts611to move inward together with latch levers610. Each of latch levers610is in turn configured to contact and move a corresponding extension stop614horizontally inward together with its respective sliding shaft512, thus withdrawing its pin202inward against the magnetic force of a corresponding magnet502and out of engagement with corresponding opening233as shown inFIG. 7C. In this condition, bezel200may now be removed from opening290in a manner opposite to that described with regard to installation of bezel200that is described in relation toFIGS. 2 and 3.

Once removed from opening290and proximity of magnets502, then each compressed retraction spring510is allowed to expand to hold its corresponding pin202in retracted position as described elsewhere herein. Also illustrated in the embodiment ofFIGS. 7A and 7Care compression coil springs750that may be present to mechanically urge latch component220back outward from the position ofFIG. 7Cto the position ofFIG. 7Ain the absence of inward pressure on latch component220applied by a human user. It will be understood that configuration and action of the latch mechanism ofFIGS. 7A-7Cis exemplary only, and that any other mechanism that is suitable for selectably withdrawing pins202inward from engagement with openings233may be employed.

FIGS. 7A-7Balso illustrate optional locking mechanism222that may be provided in one embodiment to prevent user actuation of latch component220inward in the manner described in relation toFIG. 7C. In this regard,FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow locking mechanism222as it may be rotated (e.g., using an external key) to place blocking tab750adjacent an inward locking surface735of latch component220to prevent inward user movement of latch component220due to mechanical contact with locking tab750such that pins202cannot be removed from engagement with openings233.FIG. 7Cshows locking mechanism as it may be rotated to remove blocking tab750from position adjacent inward locking surface753in order to allow a user to move latch component220to cause pins202to be retracted as described above.

FIG. 11illustrates an alternate embodiment in which first end208of a bezel200may also be configured with extendable ferromagnetic latching pins202(i.e., in the same manner as second end206of the previous figures), rather than the spaced and extended fixed studs230ofFIGS. 2-5. InFIG. 11, latching pins202are visible in cut-away sections of first end208of bezel200. Chassis enclosure210may be configured in this embodiment with corresponding magnets502and openings233in first side294of opening290as shown in FIG.11, i.e., in similar manner to second side292of opening290. In such an alternate embodiment, a human user may install and secure bezel200within opening290of chassis enclosure210merely by lining up bezel200in substantially parallel relationship with opening210as shown inFIG. 11, and then inserting bezel200into opening290until pins202provided on each side of bezel200align with openings233on each of first side294and second side292of opening290, at which time magnets502pull each of pins202from each of bezel ends208and206into the openings on corresponding first side294and second side292of opening290to secure bezel200within opening290. In one embodiment, a single latch component220may be provided on second end206of bezel200in similar manner as previously described, in which case bezel200may be disengaged from one side and removed in similar manner as described in relation toFIGS. 7A and 7B. In another embodiment, a latch component220may be provided on each of first end208and second end206of bezel200to allow a user to retract pins202from engagement with corresponding openings233in either or both of first and second sides294and292of opening290in order to disengage and remove bezel200from opening290.