System and method for versatile device mounting in a desktop information handling system

A system for cooling a device while obscuring the device behind a bezel mounted to a front panel of a case of an information handling system. A bracket is configured for selective positioning in any of a plurality of locations and a plurality of orientations. The bracket is configured with a first plurality of openings formed in two or more arrays, the case comprises a second plurality of openings in an array and the bezel has a third plurality of openings. The openings are configured such that when the bracket is mounted in the case and a bezel is positioned on the case, the device is obscured without interfering with cooling the device.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to information handling systems and, more particularly, to information handling systems and methods for mounting devices in different locations and configurations in a desktop information handling system.

Description of the Related Art

SUMMARY

As the demand for variations of information handling systems continues to increase, manufacturers are building systems with specific configurations, with each configuration having advantages and drawbacks. For example, chassis designs with device bays mounted on a rotating wall space can minimize the overall size of the system but increase the cost to manufacture. In contrast, chassis designs can be manufactured with fixed bays at a reduced cost, but chassis size increases. Complicating these variations is the continuing need to provide adequate cooling for components inside the case. The components may be purchased from multiple vendors, resulting in variations in power requirements, heat generated, cable routing and other manufacturing issues to be resolved. Components also may have different appearances, with one vendor painting a component, another vendor not painting the component, and even others applying labels or emblems. For a manufacturer wanting to offer a line of information handling system all having the same general appearance and functionality, these variations can result in a product that can look or function differently depending on what vendor or vendors were used at the time of production.

Embodiments are generally directed to a system for cooling a device while obscuring the device behind a bezel mounted to a case of an information handling system, wherein the bezel comprises an open design defined by a first plurality of openings to facilitate convective heat transfer from the case to an ambient environment. The system comprises a front panel of the case having a second plurality of openings formed in an array relative to a heat source, wherein each opening facilitates convective heat transfer from the case; and a bracket comprising a third plurality of openings formed in two or more arrays, wherein an area defined by the two or more arrays is less than an area of the device, wherein each opening is formed in the bracket to facilitate convective heat transfer from the device. The bracket is positioned relative to the front panel such that a portion of the area of the device less than the total area of the device is visible through the third plurality of openings in the bracket, the second plurality of openings in the front panel, and the first plurality of openings in the bezel. The third plurality of openings in the bracket, the second plurality of openings in the front panel of the case and the first plurality of openings in the bezel facilitate convective heat transfer from the device to the ambient environment. In some embodiments, the two or more arrays of openings in the bracket comprise a first array dimensioned with a first set of rows and a first set of columns and a second array dimensioned with a second set of rows and a second set of columns, wherein the dimensions of the first array differ from the dimensions of the second array. In some embodiments, the bracket is selectively positioned relative to the case in one of at least two orientations, wherein in a first orientation, the two or more arrays are positioned relative to a first portion of the second plurality of openings in the case, wherein in a second orientation, the two or more arrays are positioned relative to a second portion of the second plurality of openings in the case. In some embodiments, the orientation of the bracket is based on a label on a device installed in the bracket, wherein the label is less visible when the bracket is positioned in the case in the first orientation than the second orientation. In some embodiments, each opening in the second plurality of openings in the case is dimensioned with a height and a width and each opening in the third plurality of openings in the bracket is dimensioned with a height and a width, wherein the dimensions of the second plurality of openings and the dimensions of the third plurality of openings are based on a distance between the bracket and the front panel. In some embodiments, each pair of openings in the first plurality of openings on the bezel is separated by a rib, wherein a depth of the rib is greater than a width of each opening in the pair of openings. In some embodiments, each opening in the second plurality of openings in the case is dimensioned with a height and a width and each opening in the third plurality of openings in the bracket is dimensioned with a height and a width, wherein the dimensions of the second plurality of openings and the dimensions of the third plurality of openings is based on the depth of the rib and the width of each opening in the bezel. In some embodiments, each rib is angled relative to the case.

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an information handling system with an open design to facilitate convective cooling of a device positioned in the case. The information handling system comprises a bracket comprising a first plurality of openings formed in two or more arrays, wherein an area defined by the two or more arrays is less than an area of the device, wherein each opening is formed in the bracket to facilitate convective heat transfer from the device; a case having a front panel comprising a second plurality of openings formed in an array relative to the bracket positioned in the case, wherein each opening facilitates convective heat transfer from the bracket; and a bezel mounted to the front panel, wherein the bezel comprises a third plurality of openings to facilitate convective heat transfer from the case to an ambient environment. The bracket is positioned relative to the front panel such that a portion of the area of the device less than the total area of the device is visible through the first plurality of openings in the bracket, the second plurality of openings in the front panel, and the third plurality of openings in the bezel. In some embodiments, the two or more arrays of openings in the bracket comprise a first array dimensioned with a first set of rows and a first set of columns and a second array dimensioned with a second set of rows and a second set of columns, wherein the dimensions of the first array differ from the dimensions of the second array. In some embodiments, the bracket is selectively positioned relative to the case in one of at least two orientations, wherein in a first orientation, the two or more arrays are positioned relative to a first portion of the second plurality of openings in the case, wherein in a second orientation, the two or more arrays are positioned relative to a second portion of the second plurality of openings in the case. In some embodiments, the orientation of the bracket is based on a label on a device installed in the bracket, wherein the label is less visible when the bracket is positioned in the case in the first orientation than the second orientation. In some embodiments, each opening in the second plurality of openings in the case is dimensioned with a height and a width and each opening in the first plurality of openings in the bracket is dimensioned with a height and a width, wherein the dimensions of the second plurality of openings and the dimensions of the first plurality of openings are based on a distance between the bracket and the front panel. In some embodiments, each pair of openings in the first plurality of openings on the bezel is separated by a rib, wherein a depth of the rib is greater than a width of each opening in the pair of openings. In some embodiments, each opening in the second plurality of openings in the case is dimensioned with a height and a width and each opening in the first plurality of openings in the bracket is dimensioned with a height and a width, wherein the dimensions of the second plurality of openings and the dimensions of the first plurality of openings is based on the depth of the rib and the width of each opening in the bezel. In some embodiments, each rib is angled relative to the case.

Embodiments are generally directed to a chassis configurable for mounting a device in one of a plurality of positions and orientations in an information handling system. The chassis comprises a case having a front panel, a rear panel, a bottom panel and a top panel; and a bracket comprising a first set of features for coupling the bracket to the front panel of the case in a first orientation; a second set of features for coupling the bracket to the top panel of the case in a second orientation; and a plurality of bracket openings. At least one set of the first set of features and the second set of features is configured to position the plurality of bracket openings relative to a bezel in the case. In some embodiments, the plurality of bracket openings comprises an array of openings arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. In some embodiments, the bezel comprises a plurality of bezel openings, wherein the at least one set of the first set of features and the second set of features is configured to align the plurality of bracket openings relative to the plurality of bezel openings. In some embodiments, the plurality of bezel openings comprises an array of openings arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein the plurality of bracket openings are offset from the plurality of bezel openings in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In some embodiments, at least one of the first set of features and the second set of features comprises a keyhole design. In some embodiments, the bracket comprises a first flange for coupling to the case in a first orientation and a second flange for coupling to the case in a second orientation.

Embodiments are generally directed to an information handling system (IHS) configurable in any of a plurality of configurations, the information handling system comprising a case having a front panel, a rear panel, a bottom panel and a top panel; and a bracket comprising a first set of features for coupling the bracket to the front panel of the case in a first orientation; a second set of features for coupling the bracket to the top panel of the case in a second orientation; and a plurality of bracket openings. At least one set of the first set of features and the second set of features is configured to position the plurality of bracket openings relative to a bezel in the case. In some embodiments, the plurality of bracket openings comprises an array of openings arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. In some embodiments, the bezel comprises a plurality of bezel openings, wherein the at least one set of the first set of features and the second set of features is configured to align the plurality of bracket openings relative to the plurality of bezel openings. In some embodiments, the plurality of bezel openings comprises an array of openings arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, wherein the plurality of bracket openings are offset from the plurality of bezel openings in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. In some embodiments, the bracket comprises a first flange for coupling to the case in a first orientation and a second flange for coupling to the case in a second orientation.

In any of the disclosed embodiments, a single bracket is capable of supporting mounting of any of a variety of devices in different locations and orientations in a desktop chassis designs. Embodiments enable mounting of devices while maintaining cable management and thermal solutions in an aesthetically pleasing configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S)

As used herein, a hyphenated form of a reference numeral refers to a specific instance of an element and the un-hyphenated form of the reference numeral refers to the collective or generic element. Thus, for example, widget “72-1” refers to an instance of a widget class, which may be referred to collectively as widgets “72” and any one of which may be referred to generically as a widget “72”.

A chassis for a desktop information handling system comprises a case11for coupling to and supporting processors, hubs, buses, cards, memory and other devices and systems for performing the functionality of the information handling system. A case11has a front panel110which typically has a power button, ports such as USB ports, and media drives such as an Optical Disk Drive (ODD)5. In addition to the functional features, the layout of the front panel can be ornamental. The front panel110may be formed with a plurality of openings to allow cooling, and the plurality of openings can be arranged in an array117dimensioned with rows and columns of openings. The case11also has a rear panel with ports for network connectivity, communication with a keyboard, mouse, external monitor and other devices and systems. Typical positioning of the information handling system orients the chassis such that the rear panel is generally not visible. The case also has a top panel and a bottom panel, and two side panels. The top panel, bottom panel and side panels are generally formed as solid panels, which protect the information handling system from damage as well as obscure the internal components.

Inside the case there are boards, slots, chips, cables, fans, and other devices and components to provide a desired functionality of the information handling system. For example, the motherboard is configured to provide structural support, power, and electrical connectivity between the various components. The motherboard includes multiple connector sockets in various configurations, adapted to receive pluggable circuit cards, component chip packages, etc. A platform controller hub (PCH) or chipset via front-side bus is configured to coordinate I/O traffic between processors and other components. A PCH is coupled to graphics devices via a graphics bus (e.g., a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, etc.), coupled to system memory via a memory bus, one or more PCI devices (e.g., modems, network cards, sound cards, video cards, shared memory etc.) and coupled to ports, pins, and/or adapters over a bus. System memory is installed in slots to store program instructions and/or data, accessible by processors and can be implemented using any suitable memory technology, such as static RAM (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-type memory, or any other type of memory. The PCH is configured to handle various I/O operations, and the rear panel113typically provides PCH interfaces such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, audio, serial, parallel, Ethernet, and other interfaces via ports, pins, and/or adapters. In addition to the case11, an information handling system may include input devices, such as keyboards, keypads, touch screens, scanning devices, voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable for entering or retrieving data. Multiple I/O devices may be present in an information handling system. In some information handling systems, I/O devices may be separate from the information handling system and the information handling system may interact with the I/O devices through a wired or wireless connection. Each of these components requires power and will generate some heat, with the amount of heat generated depending on the component and how much power is supplied to the component. Furthermore, the amount of heat generated in the case will depend on the components in the case. The amount of heat in the case can affect performance and life of the components.

To enable manufacturing of more versatile information handling systems capable of obscuring components while facilitating cooling of the case and particular components, embodiments disclosed herein use mounting brackets formed with multiple arrays of openings and configured to enable mounting in various locations and configurations in a chassis, allowing for variations in configurations and customization of functionality of an information handling system. In addition to being adapted for mounting a device relative to a plurality of openings in the case, a bracket can be installed relative to another component to offer another thermal solution for facilitating cooling and for improved space savings without increasing costs. In particular, in a case for a desktop information handling system, the location and configuration of other components can affect the position and orientation of mounting additional components. For example,FIG. 1, depicts a partial perspective view of an exemplary desktop case with motherboard105positioned or oriented in various configurations in the case, ODD150coupled to top panel112, input for power supply14and I/O components such as communication ports45. Rear panel113is generally not visible when the information handling system is use, so ports45for communication with a network, a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor and other devices and systems may be visible without affecting the aesthetics of case11. Bottom panel111inFIG. 1has feet for supporting case11on a surface but is generally a continuous surface due to the position of power supply14proximate bottom panel111. Top panel112is generally a continuous surface to provide protection to components such as Optical Disk Drive (ODD)150, motherboard105, power supply14, and other components and devices in case11.

As depicted inFIG. 1, case11has two mounting brackets100A,100installed therein according to at least one embodiment, illustrating two positions and two orientations of bracket100. Since front panel110will be visible and includes a plurality of openings in an array117to facilitate cooling of components in case to an ambient environment, the number and size of each opening in the plurality of openings is selected based on facilitating cooling from the case to an ambient environment and the dimensions of the array are based on an ornamental design for obscuring components installed in the case.

Bracket100A is coupled to top panel112in a first orientation and bracket100B is coupled to front panel110in a second orientation. The position or orientation of bracket100is based on the position or configuration of motherboard105and other components such as ODD150. Bracket100includes flanges22,23, wherein flange22is configured for coupling bracket100B to front panel110and flange23is configured for coupling bracket100A to top panel112. In some embodiments, flange22or23is configured for coupling bracket100to another component or device in case11. As depicted inFIG. 1, flange23of bracket100A is coupled to device bay151that allows ODD150to be accessed without opening case11.

To enable mounting a device in various locations and configurations, bracket100is adapted with mounting features and cable retention features, wherein each set of mounting features is configured to position and orient the bracket according to an information handling system configuration and the cable retention features maintain control of cable routing through the case.FIGS. 2A and 2Bdepict perspective views of one embodiment of bracket100. Bracket100comprises first set of mounting features130A-130D, a second set of mounting features140A-140D and flanges22and23. Bracket100also comprises a plurality of openings165arranged in two or more arrays160A-160E.

Bracket100is configured to allow tool-less installation and removal of a device such as Hard Disk Drive (HDD)5in any location and orientation. Mounting features130are configured for mounting bracket100to case11in a first orientation and at a first location. Mounting features140are configured for mounting bracket100to case11in a second orientation and at a second location. In some embodiments, mounting features130,140are configured for tool-less installation, such as by having a tapered or keyhole design. Advantageously, mounting features130,140facilitate tool-less installation, allow for adjustments to the position of bracket100, and provide additional openings to facilitate air flowing past device5to allow convective heat transfer away from device5. Bracket100may be mounted to case11in different orientations. Cable retention features120allow cable management for various orientations of bracket100and provide additional surface area to facilitate convective heat transfer.

Hardware162couples device5to bracket100for various positions and configurations. Recesses161allow bracket100to be positioned and configured without hardware162contacting other components.

Embodiments disclosed herein allow a single bracket design to support mounting a device such as an HDD in any of multiple locations and orientations within a desktop chassis.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bdepict perspective views of a case for a desktop information handling system in which one embodiment of a bracket100is configured for selective positioning and orientation. A method of assembling a chassis for an information handling system includes positioning a device5in the bracket100, determining an orientation of the bracket relative to an array117of openings formed in a portion110A of front panel110based on cooling requirements and ensuring the device is not visible or at least not recognizable when visible, and installing the bracket relative to the array. If the device is to be installed proximate another device, assembling a chassis may include selecting a flange22or23for mounting the bracket the device. Determining a position and orientation of the bracket may include determining a thermal solution for the chassis and installing the bracket100in a position and orientation based on the thermal solution to facilitate convective heat transfer from the device to an ambient environment outside the case.

Determining a position and orientation of bracket100may also include installing the bracket100in a position and orientation based on an ornamental design of the case11.FIG. 4depicts a partial perspective view of one embodiment of bracket100coupled to case11. In one embodiment, case11comprises an array117formed with a plurality of openings170in which the number, size and arrangement of the plurality of openings170are configured to facilitate convective heat transfer from the case11to an ambient environment and also obscure device5from viewing through the front panel110. Bracket100may be coupled to case11in any position and orientation that allows cooling to still occur through openings170. In some embodiments, bracket100is configured for positioning array160of bracket openings165relative to array117. Positioning the two or more arrays160of bracket openings165relative to an array117in front panel110creates an appearance of a non-continuous surface to a person looking at a front view of the information handling system. In some embodiments, array117is dimensioned with rows and columns with each opening170having a height and width, with each pair of openings separated by a vertical divider118A or a horizontal divider118B. Dividers118A,118B collectively form a web. Bracket100is positioned in case11such that the plurality of bracket openings165and the plurality of openings170are oriented relative to each other to facilitate convective heat transfer through openings165and170but a device positioned in bracket100with bracket100positioned and oriented relative to case11including the position of vertical members117A or horizontal members117B is obscured from viewing through the front panel110.

Embodiments disclosed herein include a bezel with an open design to facilitate cooling and further obscure device5when case11is seen from a front view.FIGS. 5A and 5Bdepict perspective views of case11and bezel180. Bezel180has depth183and is generally formed with ribs181separated by vents182. Each rib181has a thickness based on the depth183of bezel180and an angle of rib181. The depth183of bezel180can vary across the width and height of bezel180. Thus, a thickness of rib181can vary across the width and height of bezel180. Vents182formed in bezel180facilitate convective heat transfer from case11to an ambient environment. Accordingly, the dimensions of vents182formed in bezel180are based on allowing heat transfer out of case11and ensuring bezel180obscures device5from a front view of case11.

FIG. 6depicts a front view of case11with device5mounted in bracket100, which is mounted to case11, which has bezel180positioned in front. In some embodiments, one or more of the shape, size and angle of vents182is determined based on convective heat transfer and ensuring device5, bracket100or front panel110of case11is obscured from view. Advantageously, embodiments disclosed herein facilitate convective heat transfer from a device mounted in bracket100through front panel110and bezel180to an ambient environment, while obscuring the device from viewing through the bezel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the depth of bezel180, the angle and size of ribs181on bezel180, the number and size of openings in front panel110, the number and size of openings in bracket100, and the orientation of openings165,117(including the orientation of arrays117) relative to bezel180, effectively obscure device5from view and present a uniform appearance for all information handling systems with the same or different components, installed in the same or different configuration, while still facilitating convective heat transfer from the device to an ambient environment.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the desktop information handling system depicted in the accompanying figures is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure described herein. Any computer system and/or device may include any combination of hardware or software capable of performing certain operations described herein. For instance, although the desktop information handling system is depicted with the bracket installed at the top of the front panel or the front of the top, various systems and methods described herein may be adapted for other configurations.

In other implementations, one or more of the devices or components depicted with respect to the information handling system may be absent, or one or more other components may be added. Accordingly, systems and methods described herein may be implemented or executed with other computer system configurations.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to components, systems and methods of manufacture according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood by those of skill in the art, that certain steps and processes may be implemented in a different order and/or using different methods without departing in scope of the concepts.