Low profile expansion card retaining clip

A low profile expansion card retaining clip is disclosed. In one aspect, the present disclosure teaches a chassis component forming a part of a chassis including a panel having an aperture formed therein. The aperture maintains access to a computer component. The computer component has a bracket. A frame formed adjacent the aperture receives a portion of the bracket. A retaining clip movably couples to the frame such that the retaining clip moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The retaining clip oriented and designed to permit airflow through the frame. A spring member operably extending from a portion of the retaining clip, the spring member operably engages the bracket to secure the computer component to the chassis component in the engaged position and operably permits removal and installation of the computer component in the disengaged position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems and, more particularly, to a low profile expansion card retaining clip.

BACKGROUND

Due to consumer demand for smaller and more powerful information handling systems, manufacturers strive to implement new methods to meet these demands. One such method includes the development of a low profile information handling system, such as a 1U server.

A 1U server is typically designed to fit within the confines of a rack or rack system, such that another device may be placed above and below the 1U server in the rack. The vertical space within the rack system is generally defined in vertical mounting unit increments, often referred to as “U's”. A mounting unit or “U” is typically 1.75 inches. Thus, the 1U server refers to a server designed to fit within a confined space of a rack with a height of 1U or approximately 1.75 inches.

Placing a server within a restricted area creates problems with heat dissipation. Typically, servers use an air cooling system to establish airflow though the unit for cooling or ventilation. Because of the limited space within a server, manufacturers have thermal design concerns when designing locations for server components such as a Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card that may obstruct the airflow.

Due in part to the restricted space and thermal design concerns, PCI cards are typically mounted in a horizontal position at the back of the server. In the horizontal position, the use of conventional screws to retain the card in the server was not feasible. Thus, manufacturers designed alternative methods to attach the cards to the server chassis. However, many of the methods utilize metal brackets made for sheet metal or large plastic retainers that restrict airflow through the server.

SUMMARY

Thus, a need has arisen for a low profile retaining clip.

In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, a chassis component forming a part of a chassis including a panel having an aperture formed therein. The aperture maintains access to a computer component. The computer component has a bracket. A frame formed adjacent the aperture receives a portion of the bracket. A retaining clip movably couples to the frame such that the retaining clip moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The retaining clip oriented and designed to permit airflow through the frame. A spring member operably extending from a portion of the retaining clip, the spring member operably engages the bracket to secure the computer component to the chassis component in the engaged position and operably permits removal and installation of the computer component in the disengaged position.

In other embodiments, an information handling system includes a chassis, a printed circuit board, at least one processor, and a memory. The chassis forming part of the structure of the information handling system includes a chassis component. The chassis component includes a panel having an aperture formed therein. The aperture maintains access to a computer component. The computer component has a bracket. A frame formed adjacent the aperture receives a portion of the bracket. A retaining clip movably coupled to the frame such that the retaining clip moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The retaining clip oriented and designed to permit airflow through the frame. A spring member operably extending from a portion of the retaining clip, the spring member operably engages the bracket to secure the computer component to the chassis component in the engaged position and operably permits removal and installation of the computer component in the disengaged position. The printed circuit board has a computer component slot. The computer component slot operable to electrically couple the computer component to the printed circuit board. The at least one processor operably couples to the printed circuit board. The memory operably couples to the processor and the printed circuit board.

In further embodiments, a chassis component for securing a computer component includes a frame forming a portion of a chassis component. The frame operably receives a portion of bracket from a computer component. A retaining clip has a spring member. The retaining clip movably coupled to the frame such that the retaining clip moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The spring member operably engages the bracket to secure the computer component to the chassis component in the engaged position and operably permits removal and installation of the computer component in the disengaged position. A guide slot formed along one side of the frame. A guide rail formed on the retaining clip, the guide rail operably slidable within the guide slot when the retaining clip moves between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

In one aspect, teachings of the present disclosure provide the technical advantage of permitting additional air flow through the information handling system. Because of the low profile design of the retaining clip, cooling air moving through the information handling system may flow past the retaining clip through additional vent holes provided in the chassis of the system.

In another aspect, teachings of the present disclosure provide the technical advantage of installing an expansion card is performed without the aid of tools.

Further, teachings of the present disclosure provide the technical advantages of a low-cost, simple, and efficient method of installing an expansion card in an information handling system.

All, some, or none of these technical advantages may be present in various embodiments of the present invention. Other technical advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference toFIGS. 1 through 8, wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.

Referring first toFIG. 1, a block diagram of information handling system10is shown, according to teachings of the present disclosure. Information handling system10or computer system preferably includes at least one microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU)12. CPU12may include processor14for handling integer operations and coprocessor16for handling floating point operations. CPU12is preferably coupled to cache18and memory controller20via CPU bus22. System controller I/O trap24preferably couples CPU bus22to local bus26and may be generally characterized as part of a system controller.

Main memory28of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) modules is preferably coupled to CPU bus22by a memory controller20. Main memory28may be divided into one or more areas such as system management mode (SMM) memory area (not expressly shown).

Basic input/output system (BIOS) memory30is also preferably coupled to local bus26. FLASH memory or other nonvolatile memory may be used as BIOS memory30. A BIOS program (not expressly shown) is typically stored in BIOS memory30. The BIOS program preferably includes software which facilitates interaction with and between information handling system10devices such as a keyboard (not expressly shown), a mouse (not expressly shown), or one or more I/O devices. BIOS memory30may also store system code (note expressly shown) operable to control a plurality of basic information handling system10operations.

Graphics controller32is preferably coupled to local bus26and to video memory34. Video memory34is preferably operable to store information to be displayed on one or more display panels36. Display panel36may be an active matrix or passive matrix liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or other display technology. In selected applications, uses or instances, graphics controller32may also be coupled to an integrated display, such as in a portable information handling system implementation.

Bus interface controller or expansion bus controller38preferably couples local bus26to expansion bus40. In one embodiment, expansion bus40may be configured as an Industry Standard Architecture (“ISA”) bus. Other buses, for example, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (“PCI”) bus, may also be used.

Interrupt request generator46is also preferably coupled to expansion bus40. Interrupt request generator46is preferably operable to issue an interrupt service request over a predetermined interrupt request line in response to receipt of a request to issue interrupt instruction from CPU12.

I/O controller48, often referred to as a super I/O controller, is also preferably coupled to expansion bus40. I/O controller48preferably interfaces to an integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard drive device (HDD)50, CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory) drive52and/or a floppy disk drive (FDD)54. Other disk drive devices (not expressly shown) which may be interfaced to the I/O controller include a removable hard drive, a zip drive, a CD-RW (compact disk-read/write) drive, and a CD-DVD (compact disk-digital versatile disk) drive.

Communication controller56is preferably provided and enables information handling system10to communicate with communication network58, e.g., an Ethernet network. Communication network58may include a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, Intranet, wireless broadband or the like. Communication controller56may be employed to form a network interface for communicating with other information handling systems (not expressly shown) coupled to communication network58.

As illustrated, information handling system10preferably includes power supply60, which provides power to the many components and/or devices that form information handling system10. Power supply60may be a rechargeable battery, such as a nickel metal hydride (“NiMH”) or lithium ion battery, when information handling system10is embodied as a portable or notebook computer, an A/C (alternating current) power source, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or other power source.

Power supply60is preferably coupled to power management microcontroller62. Power management microcontroller62preferably controls the distribution of power from power supply60. More specifically, power management microcontroller62preferably includes power output64coupled to main power plane66which may supply power to CPU12as well as other information handling system components. Power management microcontroller62may also be coupled to a power plane (not expressly shown) operable to supply power to an integrated panel display (not expressly shown), as well as to additional power delivery planes preferably included in information handling system10.

Power management microcontroller62preferably monitors a charge level of an attached battery or UPS to determine when and when not to charge the battery or UPS. Power management microcontroller62is preferably also coupled to main power switch68, which the user may actuate to turn information handling system10on and off. While power management microcontroller62powers down one or more portions or components of information handling system10, e.g., CPU12, display36, or HDD50, etc., when not in use to conserve power, power management microcontroller62itself is preferably substantially always coupled to a source of power, preferably power supply60.

Computer system10may also include power management chip set72. Power management chip set72is preferably coupled to CPU12via local bus26so that power management chip set72may receive power management and control commands from CPU12. Power management chip set72is preferably connected to a plurality of individual power planes operable to supply power to respective components of information handling system10, e.g., HDD50, FDD54, etc. In this manner, power management chip set72preferably acts under the direction of CPU12to control the power supplied to the various power planes and components of a system.

Real-time clock (RTC)74may also be coupled to I/O controller48and power management chip set72. Inclusion of RTC74permits timed events or alarms to be transmitted to power management chip set72. Real-time clock74may be programmed to generate an alarm signal at a predetermined time as well as to perform other operations.

In certain information handling system embodiments, expansion card controller42may also be included and is preferably coupled to expansion bus40as shown. Expansion card controller42is preferably coupled to a plurality of information handling system expansion slots44. Expansion slots44may be configured to receive one or more computer components80(shown below in more detail) such as an expansion card (e.g., modems, fax cards, communications cards, and other input/output (I/O) devices). In order to secure computer component80to information handling system10, chassis component128(shown below in more detail) forming a part of the chassis of information handling system10includes low profile retaining clip90(shown below in more detail) such that additional airflow moves through information handling system10via chassis component128.

FIG. 2illustrates a perspective view of computer component80. Computer component80includes a printed circuit board such as expansion board82that is electrically coupled to expansion slot44via connector84. One example of computer component80is a peripheral component interface (PCI) card. Computer component80uses bracket85for coupling to a portion of information handling system10such as coupling to chassis component128.

To aid in coupling, bracket85includes flange87with screw slot88that facilitates to connect computer component80to the chassis of information handling system10. Bracket85may also use lower portion89to couple to a second point on the chassis to further couple to the chassis. In some instances, bracket85includes I/O ports86formed on bracket85. In some instances, bracket85may be used alone without expansion board82such as a cover plate used for shipping purposes or other purposes.

FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate perspective views of retaining clip100. Low profile retaining clips such as retaining clip100couples to chassis component128at frame120(shown below in more detail). The low profile design permits airflow through retaining clip100when coupled to frame120. In some embodiments, low profile retaining clip such as retaining clip100is made from plastic, metal, any suitable material to couple with chassis component128, or any combination thereof.

Retaining clip100includes back wall member102, top wall member103and spring member104. Back wall member102generally formed on an opposing end from the acting force of spring member104. Back wall portion102may include latch member114and guide rail112. Guide rail112typically interacts with a slot formed on chassis component128such as guide slot124as shown in FIG.4. Latch member114maintains retaining clip100to a portion of chassis component128to prevent accidental removal or disassociation of retaining clip100from chassis component128.

Tab or foot tab106may be formed to extend from back wall member102. Foot tab106is formed along the edge of back wall member102opposite from the edge connected to top wall member103. Foot tab106prevents the engagement of retaining clip100when flange87is not in the correct position of frame120. Typically, flange87when not in the correct position has a tendency to displace between back wall member102and spring member104. Tab or foot tab106prevents the engagement of retaining clip100if flange87is displaced or possibly in the wrong position.

Top wall member103connects back wall member102to spring member104. Typically, top wall member103is arranged to sit flush with the top of chassis component128in the engaged position. Top wall member103may include finger pull110and pin108. Finger pull110is formed as a part of top wall member103such that a portion of top wall member103extends to provide a user easy surface to grip when moving retaining clip100. Typically, pin108extends from top wall member to engage chassis component128at notch122(shown below in more detail) and/or to engage with screw slot88to prevent removal when retaining clip100is placed in the engaged position.

Spring member104extends from top wall member103in a curved orientation. Spring member is made to deflect in a direction towards back wall member102when placed against flange87in frame120. The deflection of spring member104provides a force such as a compressive force to retain flange87between spring member104and a wall of frame120(as described below). Typically, the force is directly proportional to the displacement of spring member106. In some embodiments, retaining clip100secures two or more flanges85from different computer components80with chassis component128. As such, retaining clip may include one or more spring members106for each flange85or may use one spring member for two or more flanges85of the different computer components.

FIG. 4illustrates a portion of chassis component128having frame120and retaining clip100in a disengaged position with bracket85of computer component80(note that only bracket85is shown for clarity). Chassis component128includes panel129having an aperture131formed therein. Aperture131provides and maintains access to computer component80such as allowing access to I/O ports86mounted on bracket85when coupled to panel129of chassis component128.

In order to secure computer component80to information handling system10, chassis component128includes retaining clip100and frame120. Frame120is formed adjacent aperture131and is designed to receive a portion of bracket85, typically flange87. Retaining clip100is designed to be inserted into frame120such that flange87is secured between frame120and retaining clip100. Frame120may include a variety of shapes or designs but typically is formed in a rectangular shape.

Usually, frame120is formed from one or more portions of chassis component128. Generally, frame120is an open structure operable to receive retaining clip100. As such, frame120may be formed from first side wall142set opposing second side wall144.

First side wall142may be sized and designed to receive flange87such that when retaining clip100is engaged, computer component80is secured. In some embodiments, first side wall142may include notch122that is operable to receive pin108to further secure computer component80via flange87.

Second side wall144is generally set opposing first side wall142such that retaining clip100is set between first and second wall142and144. Typically, the amount of space set between the walls, including the addition of flange87, is less than the distance from back wall member102to the apex of the arc on spring member104. As such, the process of engaging retaining clip100into frame120causes the force, such as compression force, in spring member104.

To aid in sliding retaining clip100between an engaged position and a disengaged position, second side wall144includes guide slot124. Guide slot124is operable to receive guide rail112to aid in the movement or sliding of retaining clip100into frame120. In certain embodiments, guide slot124extends onto an upper or top portion chassis component128to allow retaining clip100to be placed in a disengaged or storage position. To facilitate moving retaining clip100to the disengaged position, chamfer116may be formed along second side wall144. Chamfer116creates a slight angle away from frame120to allow retaining clip100to orient into a storage position while remaining in guide slot124.

In some embodiments, second side wall144includes latch opening125. Latch opening125is generally formed along guide slot124. Latch opening125is sized such that latch114can be inserted therethrough to maintain retaining clip100to chassis component128.

Frame120includes vent holes126, which are generally aligned parallel to chassis component128. Vent holes126provide a passageway for air to pass through chassis component128. The passageway allows for airflow to move though information handling system10via chassis component128. Due to the low profile or cross section design of retaining clip100, the resistance to the airflow moving through chassis component128via frame120through retaining clip100is substantially reduced.

The partially inserted retaining clip100begins to resist the movement due to spring member104contacting flange87positioned next to first wall member142. As such, spring member104deflects towards back wall member102to apply a force against flange87.

FIG. 6illustrates retaining clip100fully engaging flange87to secure computer component80to chassis component128. In the seated or fully engaged position, retaining clip100applies a sufficient force against flange87to secure computer component80to chassis component128.

In some embodiments, in the fully engaged position, top wall member103is approximately flush with or embedded into the surface of chassis component128. As such, a cover panel (not shown) or other component may be coupled over top wall member103to prevent removal or movement of retaining clip100. In one instance, a cover panel is secured to chassis component128with a screw inserted at screw hole130. With the cover panel secured to chassis component128, movement of retaining clip100is prevented such that computer component80is secured to chassis component128.

In the fully inserted position, the low cross section or low profile design of retaining clip100is readily apparent, especially if a top cover plate is attached to chassis component128. An open airway is created between top wall member103, side wall member102, foot tab106and spring member104. The airway allow for airflow through retaining clip100and vent holes126. As such, retaining clip100allows for airflow through frame120with minimal friction loss or resistance.

FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate perspective views of retaining clip200. Another example of a low profile or cross section retaining clip is retaining clip200. Retaining clip200, while similar to retaining clip100, includes side wall202, top wall203and spring member204, arranged to have a low profile or low cross section design.

Top wall203is similar to top wall member103and typically becomes flush with an upper or top portion of chassis component228in an engaged position. Top wall203may include finger pull210. Side wall202is similar to side wall member102. In some embodiments, side wall202includes include rib208, guide rail212and latch214. Middle tab206is another example of a tab that prevents the engagement of retaining clip200if flange87is out of the proper orientation. Similarly, spring member204applies a force against flange87to secure bracket85to chassis component128.

Dimple232aids in securing bracket85to chassis component128. Bracket85, in some orientations, may position screw slot88at the bottom part of frame220such that screw slot88cannot be retained with a feature such as pin108on retaining clip100. As such, dimple232interacts with screw slot88to prevent flange87from being removed from frame220in the engaged position.

In some embodiments, rib208may be used in conjunction with guide rail212to move/slide along a portion of guide slot224. In addition guiding the movement of retaining clip200, rib208and guide rail212may further prevent removal of retaining clip200while in the engaged position. As such, rib208interlocks with a portion of guide slot224to prevent lateral movement of retaining clip200.

Lastly, vent holes226are formed in frame220to allow air to flow through chassis component128. Similar to retaining clip100formed in frame120, the low profile or low cross section design of retaining clip200in frame220substantially reduces the resistance of airflow flowing therethrough.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made to the embodiments without departing from their spirit and scope.