Tool-less support frame for electronic component

Certain aspects of the present disclosure include a support frame having a rear side, a bottom section, a connector bracket, a first perimeter section, a second perimeter section, and a rotatable bracket. The bottom section defines a width of the support frame. The connector bracket extends upright from the bottom section. The first perimeter section and the second perimeter section extend upright from opposing ends of the bottom section. The first perimeter section and the second perimeter section are substantially parallel to the connector bracket. The rotatable bracket is rotatably coupled at one end to the first perimeter section. The rotatable bracket is configured, at another end, to removably couple to the connector bracket, thereby enclosing an opening when the rotatable bracket is in a closed configuration. The opening is defined by the first perimeter section, a portion of the bottom section, the connector bracket, and the rotatable bracket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to support frames, and more specifically, to tool-less support frames for electronic components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a traditional server chassis includes a component frame that is couplable to an electronic component (e.g., an electronic card) housed in the server chassis. For example,FIG.1Ais a front view of a prior art component frame10, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The component frame10includes four outer brackets: the lower bracket12, the upper bracket14, the left side bracket16, and the right side bracket18. The component frame10also includes a middle bracket20, which may be an input output bracket for an electronic component40(FIG.1B). As shown inFIG.1A, in such traditional design of the component frame10, all parts making up the component frame10(i.e., the lower bracket12, the upper bracket14, the left side bracket16, and the right side bracket18) are molded to the middle bracket20as an integral piece. In addition, the component frame10is a closed structure, which ensures overall strength of the component frame10. The component frame10forms a first window30and a second window32.

Referring toFIG.1B, an isometric view of the component frame10is shown as being coupled to the electronic component40, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, the electronic component40includes a plurality of cables50extending through the first window30and the second window32. The plurality of cables50connects the electronic component40to other components and/or devices (not shown), such as one or more power supply units, graphic cards, network computing cards, etc. Because the component frame10is a closed structure, the electronic component40must be removed in the direction60, which inevitably pulls the plurality of cables50from the other components and/or devices that the electronic component40may be connected to. Such abrupt disconnection of the plurality of cables50may cause disruption in the operation of the server system, if the electronic component40must be temporarily removed for any reason.

Thus, a need exists for an improved support frame that not only enhances the strength of the server chassis, but also allows easy removal and/or replacement of the electronic component to which the support frame is coupled. The present disclosure is directed to solving these problems and addressing other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a support frame includes a rear side, a bottom section, a connector bracket, a first perimeter section, a second perimeter section, and a rotatable bracket. The rear side is configured to receive an electronic component. The bottom section defines a width of the support frame. The connector bracket extends upright from the bottom section. The first perimeter section and the second perimeter section extend upright from opposing ends of the bottom section. The first perimeter section and the second perimeter section are substantially parallel to the connector bracket. The rotatable bracket is rotatably coupled at one end to the first perimeter section. The rotatable bracket is configured, at another end, to removably couple to the connector bracket, thereby enclosing an opening when the rotatable bracket is in a closed configuration. The opening is defined by the first perimeter section, a portion of the bottom section, the connector bracket, and the rotatable bracket.

In some implementations, the support frame further includes a receiving cavity positioned within the connector bracket. The receiving cavity includes a protrusion for engaging an aperture of the rotatable bracket via either an interference fit or a snap fit. In some such implementations, the rotatable bracket is a first rotatable bracket and the support frame further includes a second rotatable bracket. The protrusion of the receiving cavity is a first protrusion and the receiving cavity further includes a second protrusion for engaging another aperture of the second rotatable bracket via either the interference fit or the snap fit, such that the second rotatable bracket is removably coupled to the connector bracket.

In some implementations, the support frame further includes a hinge coupling the first perimeter section to the rotatable bracket, such that the rotatable bracket is configured to rotate about the hinge.

In some implementations, the rotatable bracket is a first rotatable bracket and the support frame further includes a second rotatable bracket coupled to the second perimeter section. The second rotatable bracket is configured to removably couple to the connector bracket, thereby enclosing another opening when the second rotatable bracket is in a closed configuration. The another opening is defined by the second perimeter section, another portion of the bottom section, the connector bracket, and the second rotatable bracket. In some such implementations, the second rotatable bracket is a mirror image of the first rotatable bracket.

In some implementations, the support frame is installable on a server chassis, and the connector bracket is configured to connect the electronic component to a server associated with the server chassis. In some implementations, the support frame is installable on a computer case, and the connector bracket is configured to connect the electronic component to a computer associated with the computer case. In some implementations, the support frame is installable on a router shell, and the connector bracket is configured to connect the electronic component to a router associated with the router shell.

In some implementations, the support frame is configured to house within the connector bracket a pair of wings extending outward from the electronic component. In some implementations, the first perimeter section and the second perimeter section are configured to couple to and secure the electronic component. In some implementations, the connector bracket extends upright from the bottom section at about a midpoint along the bottom section. In some implementations, the opening is configured to allow a cable coupled to the electronic component to pass through the opening to a front side of the support frame, the front side being opposite to the rear side. In some implementations, the electronic component includes an electronic card.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a method for removing or servicing an electronic component housed in a server chassis is disclosed as follows. A support frame is provided. The support frame is positioned along a front end of the server chassis. The support frame includes a rotatable bracket that is removably coupled to a connector bracket. The rotatable bracket is decoupled from the connector bracket. The rotatable bracket is rotated from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The electronic component is removed from the support frame.

In some implementations, the decoupling the rotatable bracket from the connector bracket includes lifting an end of the rotatable bracket that is in proximity to the connector bracket. In some such implementations, the support frame further includes a receiving cavity positioned within the connector bracket. The receiving cavity includes a protrusion for engaging an aperture of the rotatable bracket via either an interference fit or a snap fit. The decoupling the rotatable bracket from the connector bracket further includes disengaging the protrusion of the receiving cavity from the aperture of the rotatable bracket.

In some implementations, the support frame further includes a bottom section and a perimeter section. In the closed configuration of the rotatable bracket, the electronic component is connected to a computing device via a cable through an opening defined by the perimeter section, a portion of the bottom section, the connector bracket, and the rotatable bracket. The removing the electronic component from the support frame includes maintaining the connection between the electronic component and the computing device.

In some implementations, the rotatable bracket is a first rotatable bracket. The support frame further includes a bottom section, a perimeter section, and a second rotatable bracket that is removably coupled to the connector bracket. The method further includes rotating the second rotatable bracket from a closed configuration to an open configuration. In the closed configuration of the second rotatable bracket, the second rotatable bracket encloses an opening defined by the perimeter section, a portion of the bottom section, the connector bracket, and the second rotatable bracket. In some such implementations, in the closed configuration of the second rotatable bracket, the electronic component is connected to a computing device via a cable through the opening. The removing the electronic component from the support frame includes maintaining the connection between the electronic component and the computing device.

The present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, and some representative embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described with reference to the attached figures, where like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and are provided merely to illustrate aspects and features of the present disclosure. Numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of certain aspects and features of the present disclosure, although one having ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that these aspects and features can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, with other relationships, or with other methods. In some instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail for illustrative purposes. The various embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are necessarily required to implement certain aspects and features of the present disclosure.

For purposes of the present detailed description, unless specifically disclaimed, and where appropriate, the singular includes the plural and vice versa. The word “including” means “including without limitation.” Moreover, words of approximation, such as “about,” “almost,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like, can be used herein to mean “at,” “near,” “nearly at,” “within 3-5% of,” “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances of,” or any logical combination thereof. Similarly, terms “vertical” or “horizontal” are intended to additionally include “within 3-5% of” a vertical or horizontal orientation, respectively. Additionally, words of direction, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “above,” and “below” are intended to relate to the equivalent direction as depicted in a reference illustration; as understood contextually from the object(s) or element(s) being referenced, such as from a commonly used position for the object(s) or element(s); or as otherwise described herein.

As disclosed herein, a traditional server chassis includes a component frame (e.g., the component frame10inFIG.1A) that is couplable to an electronic component (e.g., the electronic component40inFIG.1B) housed in the server chassis. Referring briefly toFIG.1B, because the traditional component frame10is a closed structure, the electronic component40must be removed in the direction60, which inevitably pulls the plurality of cables50from the other components and/or devices that the electronic component40may be connected to. One solution to solve this problem is removing the upper bracket14from the component frame10.

FIG.2Ais a front view of a modified component frame200, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The component frame200includes three outer brackets: the lower bracket212, the left side bracket216, and the right side bracket218. The component frame200also includes a middle bracket220, which may be an input output bracket for an electronic component240(FIG.2B). In some implementations, the lower bracket212, the left side bracket216, and the right side bracket218are molded to the middle bracket220as an integral piece. In contrast to the closed structure of the component frame10(FIG.1A), the component frame200is an open structure. The component frame200forms a first U-shaped space230and a second U-shaped space232.

Referring toFIG.2B, an isometric view of the modified component frame200is shown as being coupled to the electronic component240, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, the electronic component240includes a plurality of cables250extending through the first U-shaped space230and the second U-shaped space232. The plurality of cables250connects the electronic component240to other components and/or devices (not shown), such as one or more power supply units, graphic cards, network computing cards, etc. Because the component frame200is an open structure, the electronic component240can be removed from the component frame200in the direction260, which allows the plurality of cables50to maintain the connection between the electronic component240and the other components and/or devices. This embodiment ensures that no disruption occurs in the operation of the server system.

To further improve upon the modified component frame200, the present disclosure provides a support frame that not only enhances the strength of the server chassis, but also allows easy removal, maintenance, and/or replacement of the electronic component to which the support frame is coupled.FIG.3shows an isometric view of such a support frame300, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The support frame300is configured to receive the electronic component640(FIG.6) at a rear side302of the support frame300. The support frame300includes a bottom section310, a connector bracket320, a first perimeter section330, a second perimeter section332, a first rotatable bracket340, and a second rotatable bracket350. The bottom section310defines a width of the support frame300. In some implementations, one or more components of the support frame300is made of Steel Galvanized Cold Common (SGCC) material. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, one or more components of the support frame300is made of any other suitable materials, such as other metal or plastic materials with at least a Rockwell hardness of 45.

The connector bracket320extends upright from the bottom section310. In this example, the connector bracket320extends upright from the bottom section310at about a midpoint along the bottom section310, although the connector bracket320may be positioned anywhere along the bottom section310.

The connector bracket320is configured to provide connections to an electronic component640(FIG.6), such as an electronic card. For example, in some such implementations, the connector bracket320is an input output bracket providing connections to an input output card. In some other such implementations, the connector bracket320is a PCBA bracket providing connections to a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA).

In some implementations, the support frame300is installable on a server chassis, and the connector bracket320is configured to connect the electronic component to a server associated with the server chassis. In some implementations, the support frame300is installable on a computer case, and the connector bracket320is configured to connect the electronic component to a computer associated with the computer case. In some implementations, the support frame300is installable on a router shell, and the connector bracket320is configured to connect the electronic component to a router associated with the router shell.

The first perimeter section330and the second perimeter section332extend upright from opposing ends of the bottom section310. In this example, the first perimeter section330and the second perimeter section332are substantially parallel to the connector bracket320. In some implementations, the first perimeter section330, the second perimeter section332, or both are configured to couple to and secure the electronic component640(FIG.6).

The first rotatable bracket340is coupled to the first perimeter section330. In addition, the first rotatable bracket340is configured to removably couple to the connector bracket320, thereby enclosing a first opening360. In other words, the first opening360is defined and/or bound by the first perimeter section330, a first portion312of the bottom section310, the connector bracket320, and the first rotatable bracket340.

In some implementations, the second rotatable bracket350is a mirror image of the first rotatable bracket340. For example, the second rotatable bracket350is coupled to the second perimeter section332. In addition, the second rotatable bracket350is configured to removably couple to the connector bracket320, thereby enclosing a second opening362. In other words, the second opening362is defined and/or bound by the second perimeter section332, a second portion314of the bottom section310, the connector bracket320, and the second rotatable bracket350.

FIG.4is an exploded view of the support frame300, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The support frame300shown inFIG.4is the same as, or similar to, the support frame300shown inFIG.3, where same reference numerals designate equivalent elements. In some implementations, the support frame300includes a receiving cavity370positioned within the connector bracket320. In some implementations, the support frame300further includes a first hinge380coupling the first perimeter section330to the first rotatable bracket340, such that the first rotatable bracket340is configured to rotate about the first hinge380. Similarly, the support frame300may also include a second hinge382coupling the second perimeter section332to the second rotatable bracket350, such that the second rotatable bracket350is configured to rotate about the second hinge382. While it is shown inFIG.4that the support frame300includes the first hinge380and the second hinge382as the coupling mechanism between the first rotatable bracket340and the first perimeter section330, and between the second rotatable bracket350and the second perimeter section332, respectively, the support frame of the present disclosure can include any suitable coupling mechanisms that allow the rotation of the first rotatable bracket340and the second rotatable bracket350.

Referring toFIG.5, an isometric view of the receiving cavity370of the support frame300is shown, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The receiving cavity370is positioned within the connector bracket320. The receiving cavity370includes a first protrusion372for engaging an aperture342of the first rotatable bracket340via interference fit or snap fit, such that the first rotatable bracket340is removably coupled to the connector bracket320. In some implementations, similar to the construction used for coupling and decoupling the first rotatable bracket340, the receiving cavity370also includes a second protrusion for engaging an aperture of the second rotatable bracket350(FIG.4) via interference fit or snap fit, such that the second rotatable bracket350(FIG.4) is removably coupled to the connector bracket320.

Referring toFIG.6, an isometric view of the support frame300is shown as being coupled to the electronic component640, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The support frame300shown inFIG.6is the same as, or similar to, the support frame300shown inFIG.3, where same reference numerals designate equivalent elements. As shown inFIG.6, the support frame300is in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the overall structural strength of the support frame300is strong and stable, and is enhanced compared to the open structure of the component frame200(FIG.2A).

In some implementations, the first opening360of the support frame300is configured to allow a first set of cables390(coupled to the electronic component640) to pass through the first opening360to a front side304of the support frame300. The front side304is the side that is opposite to the rear side302(FIG.3) of the support frame300. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, the second opening362is configured to allow a second set of cables392(coupled to the electronic component640) to pass through the second opening362to the front side304of the support frame300. The first set of cables390, and/or the second set of cables392, connects the electronic component640to other components and/or devices (not shown), such as one or more power supply units, graphic cards, network computing cards, etc.

In some implementations, the support frame300is configured to switch between the closed configuration (FIG.6) and the open configuration (FIG.7).FIG.7is an isometric view of the electronic component640in the open configuration, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The support frame300shown inFIG.7is the same as, or similar to, the support frame300shown inFIG.3, where same reference numerals designate equivalent elements. In addition, the electronic component640shown inFIG.7is the same as, or similar to, the electronic component640shown inFIG.6, where same reference numerals designate equivalent elements.

In order to switch from the closed configuration (FIG.6) to the open configuration, the first rotatable bracket340and the second rotatable bracket350are rotated away from the connector bracket320. In this example, the first rotatable bracket340and the second rotatable bracket350are rotated about 90 degrees away from the connector bracket320, around the first hinge380and the second hinge382, respectively.

In some implementations, the electronic component640may need to be removed from the support frame300. For example, in some such implementations, the electronic component640may need to be replaced, or temporarily removed for service or maintenance. First, the first rotatable bracket340and the second rotatable bracket350are decoupled from the connector bracket320. Each of the first rotatable bracket340and the second rotatable bracket350is rotated from the closed configuration (FIG.6) to the open configuration. For example, in some such implementations, the decoupling the first rotatable bracket340from the connector bracket320includes (i) disengaging the first protrusion372(FIG.5) of receiving cavity370(FIG.5) from the aperture342(FIG.5) of the first rotatable bracket340, and (ii) lifting an end344of the first rotatable bracket340that is in proximity to the connector bracket320.

The second rotatable bracket350may be decoupled from the connector bracket320in a similar manner as that of the first rotatable bracket340. The electronic component640can then be removed from the support frame300in the direction660, which allows the first set of cables390and the second set of cables392to maintain the connection between the electronic component640and any other components and/or devices. Removing the electronic component640under the open configuration of the support frame300ensures no disruption in the operation of the electronic system (e.g., a server system, a computing system etc.). The support frame300is advantageous because the support frame300is configured to switch between the closed configuration (FIG.6) and the open configuration. For example, as disclosed above, the closed configuration improves the overall structural strength of the support frame300, while the open configuration allows flexible installation and/or removal of the electronic component640.

Still referring toFIG.7, in some implementations, installing the electronic component640to the support frame300from the top is additionally advantageous, because the support frame300can be configured to house within the connector bracket320a pair of wings642extending outward from the electronic component640. The pair of wings642may include wirings and/or connections to the connector bracket320. Thus, installing the electronic component640to the support frame300from the top allows (i) better alignment between the pair of wings642and any wirings and/or connections in the connector bracket320, and (ii) less friction that could wear down these components. Similarly, removing the electronic component640from the support frame300in the direction660can also provide the same benefits.

The foregoing description of the embodiments, including illustrated embodiments, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.