Reverse mount apparatus for a rack-mounted systems

An apparatus for reverse mounting an electronic device in a server housing is provided. The apparatus includes a first bracket, a second bracket, and a coupling. The first bracket couples to the device body and extends outward from the device body toward a front rail of the server housing. The first bracket includes a first end configured to releasably couple to front rail of the server housing. The second bracket includes a protrusion that extends outward from the device body in an opposite direction relative to the first bracket. The coupling includes a first portion that couples to a rear rail of the server housing and a second portion defining a channel that receives the protrusion of the second bracket.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various embodiments described herein relate generally to server rack structures, and more particularly, to brackets for mounting electronic devices therein.

BACKGROUND

Large-scale computing facilities typically organize and house numerous electronic devices such as servers, switches, routers, power supplies, etc., in server racks. Generally, dimensions for server racks as well as underlying support structures are standardized. For example, a typical server rack includes a rectangular housing or frame including vertical support rails or posts positioned in respective corners of the rectangular housing with various interconnecting support brackets that secure the vertical support rails together and provide overall structural integrity. Further, each vertical support rail typically includes predefined openings, or mounting holes, spaced at standard intervals along its length that receive screws or other fasteners of one or more electronic devices, including device mounting structures). In this fashion, a horizontal alignment of the predefined openings for each vertical support rail defines a slot or mount location for corresponding electronic devices. In turn, electronic devices are typically stacked in a shelf-like manner in respective slots of the server housing. Notably, electronic devices (including device mounting structures) are typically dimensioned to mount in respective slots of the server housing in a particular orientation—e.g., an electronic device is often mounted in a slot by sliding its rear side first into the slot to orient Input/Output (I/O) ports toward a rear side of the server rack, fastening the rear side to rear vertical support rails, and fastening a front side (e.g., opposite the rear side) to front vertical support rails.

However, in certain circumstances (e.g., maintenance, repair, removal, etc.), the particular orientation of the electronic device may be undesirable since it may prevent easy access to the electronic device (e.g., I/O ports are oriented toward a rear side of the server housing where numerous network cables for other electronic device I/O ports are also located). Further, the electronic device is often secured to both the front vertical support rails and rear vertical support rails by fasteners, which may also complicate efficient access and/or removal of the electronic device.

SUMMARY

Various examples of the disclosure provide reverse mounting techniques and apparatus that releasably secure electronic devices to a server housing. These techniques and apparatus permit, for example, electronic devices to be mounted to the server housing in a reverse orientation (e.g., relative to a pre-configured orientation and/or with I/O ports accessible from a front side of a server housing).

According to one or more examples of this disclosure an apparatus for reverse mounting an electronic device (e.g., a server, switch, router, power supply, etc.) relative to a server housing are described. Notably, the server housing can include at least one front rail proximate a housing front side and at least one rear rail proximate a housing rear side (opposite the housing front side). The apparatus can include, for example, a first bracket, a second bracket, and a coupling.

The first bracket can include an elongated body separating a first end from a second end. The first bracket may further be configured to couple to a device body (of the electronic device) and extend outward from the device body toward the at least one front rail of the server housing. For example, the device body can include a device front side and a device rear side opposite the device front side, and the first bracket can extend outward from the device rear side toward the at least one front rail. Notably, the electronic device can include input/output (I/O) ports proximate the device rear side.

In addition, the first end of the first bracket can include a flange configured to releasably couple to the at least one front rail of the server housing. With respect to coupling to the device body and/or the at least one front rail of the server housing, the first bracket can define one or more openings (e.g., on the flange) that align with corresponding holes or apertures on the at least one front rail and/or the device body to receive a fastener. In some examples, the one or more openings defined by the first bracket are defined on the elongated body proximate the second end.

As discussed above, the apparatus may also include a second bracket, which can include a tab. The second bracket may be configured to couple to the device body substantially parallel to the first bracket and extend outward from the device body in an opposite direction relative to the first bracket—e.g., a device rear side. For example, the protrusion of by the second bracket may extend outward from the device body and releasably secure to the coupling (discussed below). The second bracket, similar to the first bracket, may also define one or more openings that can align with one or more apertures on the device body to couple the second bracket to the device body substantially parallel to the first bracket. In some examples, the first bracket and the second bracket may be integrally formed.

In addition to the first bracket and the second bracket, the apparatus can also include a coupling. The coupling may a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion configured to couple to the at least one rear rail of the server housing, and a second portion that can define a channel configured to receive the protrusion of the second bracket. The coupling can releasably secure the electronic device to the server housing when, for example, the coupling is coupled to the at least one rear rail, the second bracket is coupled to the device body, and the channel receives the protrusion of the second bracket. In this fashion, the coupling is configured to releasably secure the electronic device to the server housing. In certain examples, the second bracket—e.g., the protrusion—can include a detent configured to releasably engage the second portion of the coupling when the protrusion is received by the channel. The detent may be any suitable structure such as a protrusion, a groove, a latch, a hook, etc. Further, in some examples, the first portion and the second portion may include parallel flanges—e.g., a first parallel flange corresponding to the first portion and a second parallel flange corresponding to the second portion. In these examples, the parallel flanges may be positioned parallel relative to each-other.

In some examples, the apparatus may further include fastener posts that can operate to separate the coupling from the at least one rear rail by a distance (e.g., when the coupling is coupled to the at least one rear rail). Notably, this distance can facilitate receiving the protrusion of the second bracket by the channel of the coupling.

In other examples, the apparatus and/or the server may include a guide bracket disposed between the at least one front rail and the at least one rear rail. In such examples, the guide bracket can a slide track, and the first bracket and/or the second bracket may be configured to slide the electronic device relative to the track (e.g., when the first bracket and the second bracket are coupled to the device body). In addition, the guide bracket may include opposing flanges on respective ends, separated by a guide bracket body. The opposing flanges couple with one of the front rail or the rear rail, respectively. For example, the opposing flanges may include one or more openings configured to align with openings on the front rail and/or the rear rail to receive a fastener, which secures the guide bracket to the front rail and/or the rear rail. In addition, in certain examples, the opening defined by the first bracket (e.g., on the first end) may be configured to align with one of the openings included on one of the opposing flanges of the guide bracket so as to couple the first bracket, the front rail, and the guide bracket together. Moreover, in these certain examples, the guide bracket may configured to couple to an interior side of the front rail and/or the rear rail, while the first bracket may be configured to couple to an exterior side (opposite the interior side) of the front rail. Similarly, the one or more openings defined by the coupling—e.g., defined on the first portion of the coupling—may include one or more openings that align with one or more openings of the rear rail of the server housing and one or more openings defined by one of the opposing flanges of the guide bracket that couples with the at least one rear rail.

In other examples, the apparatus may include a slide assembly and a bracket. In such examples, the slide assembly can be configured to traverse a distance between the front rail and the rear rail of the server housing and releasably secure the slide assembly to each of the front rail and the rear rail. In addition, the slide assembly may define a slide track. The bracket may be configured to couple to the device body and extend outward from the device body toward the front rail of the server housing. The bracket may also include an elongated body separating a first end from a second end, with the first end including a flange configured to releasably couple to the front rail. In addition, the elongated body may be configured to engage the slide track of the slide assembly to move the electronic device relative to the slide assembly (e.g., according to the slide track). With respect to extending outward from the device body, the bracket may extend outward from a device front side (e.g., opposite a device rear side) toward the at least one front rail of the server housing, when the first bracket is coupled to the device body.

The slide assembly may also include, for example, a telescoping bracket, an intermediate guide bracket, and a slide bracket. The telescoping bracket can be configured to extend from the at least one rear rail toward the at least one front rail and couple to the at least one rear rail. The an intermediate guide bracket may be secured to the telescoping bracket, and further configured to couple to the front rail. Notably, the intermediate guide bracket can define one of two slide tracks. The slide bracket can be configured to engage the intermediate bracket and move relative to the intermediate guide bracket according to the slide track defined by the intermediate bracket. In addition, slide bracket can also define one of the two slide tracks. In this instance, the elongated body of the bracket can be configured to couple to the slide bracket to engage the slide track defined by the slide bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “front”, “rear”, “left” and “right” or other terms of direction, orientation, and/or relative position are used for explanation and convenience to refer to certain features of a reverse mount apparatus of this disclosure. However, these terms are not absolute, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

As discussed above, large-scale computing facilities typically organize electronic devices (e.g., servers, switches, routers, power supplies, etc.) in server racks, with each server rack including numerous of rack positions or slots that horizontally stack electronic devices in the server housing. Electronic devices are often secured to the front side and rear side of the server housing with screws and further, the electronic devices are typically pre-configured to be mounted in a particular orientation. Ultimately, this may complicate access to one or more electronic devices in the server housing.

Accordingly, it may be advantageous to mount an electronic device in a server rack in a reverse orientation (e.g., relative to its pre-configured orientation and/or with I/O ports accessible from a front side of a server housing). For example, reverse mounting electronic devices in the server rack may provide a technician easy access to I/O ports, network cables, etc., and may facilitate efficient removal of the electronic device.

As discussed in greater detail below, the reverse mount bracket assemblies may include an after-market adapter that provides flexibility for orienting electronic devices to a server housing. As discussed above, electronic devices are typically configured to mount to a server housing in a particular direction or orientation—e.g., some electronic devices may have integrated mounting structures and/or may be shipped with pre-configured or default mounting brackets that secure the electronic device in the particular direction/orientation in a server housing. Typically the direction and orientation for electronic devices in a server housing position Input/Output (I/O) ports for each respective electronic device proximate a rear side of the server housing. The reverse mount bracket and reverse mount bracket assemblies disclosed herein may be configured and dimensioned to couple with various electronic devices and releasably secure electronic devices to server housings in a reverse orientation (e.g., relative to a pre-configured orientation), and offer efficient access to electronic devices through a front side of a server housing. Notably, an electronic device may include default brackets for mounting to a server housing—as is appreciated by those skilled in the art, such default brackets may be removed from the electronic device and replaced by the reverse mount brackets and reverse mount bracket assemblies discussed herein.

FIG. 1illustrates a partial perspective view of a server system100having a server housing105. As shown, server housing105includes a front side, generally designated by reference number105a, and a rear side opposite the front side, generally designated by reference number105b. As discussed herein, front side105aof server housing105is defined, in part, by a plane formed by rails110, and rear side105bof server housing105is defined, in part, by a plane formed by rails115.

Front side105aincludes a pair of rails110, and rear side105bincludes a pair of rails115. Rails110and rails115serve as vertical supports or posts for server housing105and are typically interconnected by various brackets for structural integrity. In addition, rails110and115include openings, apertures, or mounting holes configured to align with corresponding mounting holes on electronic devices and/or mounting structures for electronic devices. For example, server housing105includes a pair of guide brackets117interconnected between rails110and115. Each guide bracket117couples to a pair of respective rail110and further includes respective shelf portions, which define a slot between corresponding rails110and115to receive an electronic device such as an electronic device120. Notably, electronic device120is illustrated as a switch, but it is appreciated that any number of electronic devices (e.g., servers, routers, power supplies, etc.) may be substituted as appropriate.

FIG. 1also shows a reverse mount assembly130configured to reverse mount electronic device120in server housing105. Operatively, reverse mount assembly130couples to electronic device120and releasably secures electronic device120to rails110and115of server housing105in a reverse orientation. Specifically, reverse mount130orients a front side of electronic device120(generally designated by reference number120a) proximate to rear side105bof server housing105and orients a rear side of electronic device120(generally designated by reference number120b) to face front side105aof server housing105. As discussed herein, front side120ais defined, in part, by a plane formed along a front side of electronic device120, and rear side120bis defined, in part, by a plane formed along a rear side of electronic device120.

Reverse mount assembly130is secured to electronic device120and couples to rails110using, for example, fasteners, and releasably couples to a coupling135, which coupling is secured to rails115. For example, coupling135can releasably receive a protrusion of reverse mount assembly130, discussed in greater detail below. In this fashion, reverse mount assembly130releasably secures electronic device120to rear side105bof server housing105and supports disassembly or access to electronic device120from front side105aof server housing105.

FIG. 2illustrates an exploded perspective view of reverse mount assembly130. As shown in this example, reverse mount assembly includes two brackets—a bracket231and a bracket233.

Bracket231includes an elongated body separating two ends. One of the two ends—here, a first end—includes a flange232configured to couple to rail110. Specifically, flange232defines an opening for a fastener to pass through and secure bracket231to rail110. Preferably, flange232cooperates with a flange218on guide bracket117and aligns the elongated body of bracket231substantially parallel to the shelf of guide bracket117when flange232coupled is coupled to rail110.

In particular, flange218of guide bracket117(proximate rail110) defines multiple openings that receive fasteners to secure guide bracket117to rail110. Flange232is preferably dimensioned to position and align its opening with one of the multiple openings of flange218and one of the multiple openings of rail110. Here, the opening of flange232is aligned with a center opening of flange218and receives a fastener to secure flange232to rail110(and guide bracket117).

Bracket231also includes one or more openings defined on its elongated body that align with one or more apertures on electronic device120. The openings defined on elongated body, like the opening defined by flange232, receive corresponding fasteners to secure bracket231to electronic device120. In some examples, the one or more openings on the elongated body are positioned proximate an opposite end from flange232.

Operatively, bracket231is coupled to device120and extends outward from device120(e.g., from front side120a) to couple to rail110(e.g., via flange232). Bracket231may extend from device120and couple to rail110to generally position device120in its slot of server housing105similar to a non-reverse mounted position. Put differently, bracket231may be extend outward from device120, secure device120to rail110, and locate device120in a substantially similar position in its slot of server housing105as the position of device120mounted in a non-reverse orientation.

In addition to bracket231, reverse mount assembly130also includes a bracket233, which includes a protrusion—shown as a tab234—that releasably secures electronic device120to coupling135. In particular, tab234is a protrusion extending beyond front side120aof electronic device120when bracket231is mounted to electronic device120. Tab234particularly extends beyond front side120atoward coupling135and rail115. In addition, bracket233also includes one or more openings (similar to bracket232) that align with one or more apertures on electronic device120and receive corresponding fasteners to secure bracket233to electronic device120. Preferably, the openings of bracket233are aligned with openings proximate front side120aof electronic device120.

Coupling135releasably secures bracket233in a channel236. In particular, coupling135includes a first portion and a second portion—shown as parallel flanges. One of these parallel flanges couples to rail115and the other parallel flange defines a channel236to receive and releasably secure tab234of bracket233. Notably, coupling135also defines one or more openings on the first portion to couple to rail115. The one or more openings of coupling135(similar to the opening of flange232for bracket231) is aligned with one or more openings defined by a flange219of guide bracket117to align channel236with the slot defined by guide brackets117that receives electronic device120. In addition, as shown, one or more fastener posts237separate coupling135from rail115by a distance to facilitate coupling135releasably securing tab234in channel236. Channel236is shown as a hole, but it may also be recess with a bottom, or a combination of one or more holes and/or recesses.

Operatively, coupling135is secured to rail115with one or more fastener posts237disposed there-between. Notably, fastener posts237separate coupling135from rail115by distance to facilitate receipt of tab234. Bracket233is secured to electronic device120and tab234protrudes or extends outward from front side120aof electronic device toward coupling135and rail115. Bracket231is secured to electronic device120and flange232extends outward from rear side120bof electronic device toward rail110. When mounting electronic device120in its slot of server housing105(e.g., the corresponding shelves of guide brackets117), electronic device120slides on guide brackets117with front side120aoriented toward rear side105b—here, front side120ais oriented toward rail115. Bracket233releasably couples to coupling135when tab234is received by channel236, thus releasably securing electronic device120to rear side105bof server housing105. Bracket232is coupled to rail110on front side105aof server housing105, thus securing electronic device120to front side105aof server housing105.

FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate various views of guide bracket117and bracket231showing respective positions when coupled to rail110. Notably, for purposes of illustrating respective positions without undue complexity, rail110is not shown in each view. In particular,FIG. 3Aillustrates a partial perspective view, showing guide bracket117coupled to rail110;FIG. 3Billustrates a partial perspective view, showing bracket231and guide bracket117coupled to rail110;FIG. 3Cillustrates a top plan view showing a position of bracket231relative to guide bracket117when coupled to rail110; andFIG. 3Dillustrates a side elevation view, showing a position of bracket231relative to guide bracket117when coupled to rail110.

Referring toFIGS. 3A-3D, collectively, flange218of guide bracket117defines multiple openings that receive fasteners to secure guide bracket117to rail110. Here, flange218defines three holes vertically positioned and aligned with corresponding holes on rail110. Flange232of bracket is dimensioned to position and align its opening with one of the multiple openings of flange218of guide bracket117and one of the multiple openings of rail110. Here, the opening of flange232is aligned with a center opening of flange218to receive a fastener and secure flange232to rail110(and guide bracket117). In addition, as discussed above, bracket231is positioned substantially parallel to the shelf of guide bracket117when flange232is coupled to rail110.

FIGS. 4A-4Dillustrate various views of guide bracket117and bracket233showing respective positions when coupled to rail115. Notably, for purposes of illustrating respective positions without undue complexity, rail115is not shown in each view. In particular,FIG. 4Aillustrates a partial perspective view, showing guide bracket117coupled to rail115;FIG. 4Billustrates a partial perspective view, showing bracket233and guide bracket117coupled to rail115;FIG. 4Cillustrates a side elevation403, showing a position of bracket233relative to guide bracket117when coupled to rail115, generally viewed from a left side of server housing105; andFIG. 4Dillustrates a side-elevation view, showing a position of bracket233relative to guide bracket117when coupled to rail115, generally viewed from rear side105bof server housing105.

Referring toFIGS. 4A-4D, as discussed above, coupling135receives bracket233and releasably secures tab234in channel236. Coupling135is secured to rail115with posts237disposed there-between. Coupling135further defines one or more openings that align with rail115as well as one or more openings of flange219of guide bracket117. Further, bracket233is secured to electronic device120and tab234protrudes or extends beyond front side120aof electronic device120toward coupling135and rail115. When electronic device is mounted in its slot in server housing105, tab234interfaces with channel236releasably securing electronic device to coupling135and/or rail115.

FIGS. 5A-5Cillustrate various views of coupling135and a bracket533according to another example of this disclosure. In particular,FIG. 5Aillustrates a partial perspective view of bracket533including a detent534that releasably engages with coupling135;FIG. 5Billustrates a partial perspective view of bracket533releasably secured to coupling135; andFIG. 5Cillustrates a side elevation view of bracket533releasably secured to coupling135.

Referring toFIGS. 5A-5C, another example bracket—here, bracket533—is shown. Bracket533, similar to bracket233, can be secured to electronic device120and, when secured, bracket533protrudes or extends beyond front side120aof electronic device toward coupling135. Bracket533also includes a detent534that releasably engages with coupling135. Operatively, coupling135receives bracket533(including detent534) through channel236. Detent534provides a catch prevents disengagement with coupling135until it is released. Notably, coupling135and channel236may include structures (e.g., notches, hooks, latches, etc.) that compliment detent534and prevent disengagement until a particular motion causes release. It is also appreciated that coupling135may include a detent or similar structure proximate channel236to releasably engage bracket533.

FIG. 6illustrates an exploded perspective view of a reverse mount apparatus—here, a bracket630according to another example of this disclosure. As shown, bracket630is secured to electronic device120(e.g., using fasteners) and extends beyond front side120aand rear side120bof electronic device120.

Bracket630includes two ends separated by an elongated body—one end includes a flange632that is secured to rail110and/or flange218of guide bracket117and one end includes a tab634that is releasably secured to coupling135. Notably, bracket630includes similar features as brackets of reverse mount assembly130, discussed above. However, here, bracket630includes an integrated design including one end including tab634and one end including flange632.

FIG. 7illustrates a perspective view of a slide assembly740according to another example of this disclosure,FIG. 8illustrates an exploded perspective view of slide assembly740, andFIG. 9illustrates a partial side-elevation view of slide assembly740, generally viewed from front side105aof server housing105.

Collectively referring toFIGS. 7-9, slide assembly740includes a bracket731configured to couple to electronic device120, rail110, and server assembly740. Bracket731includes an elongated body separating two ends, with one end having a flange732configured to couple to rail110(e.g., openings in flange732align with openings in rail110to receive a fastener). Bracket731further defines one or more openings on its elongated body that align with corresponding apertures on electronic device120for fastening bracket731to electronic device120. In addition, in some examples, bracket731is configured to slidably couple to slide assembly740, as discussed in greater detail below.

Slide assembly740is configured to secure to rails110and115using couplings741aand741b, respectively. As shown, a telescoping bracket742is secured to coupling741b. In particular, telescoping bracket742includes a bracket742aand a bracket742bthat move or slide relative to each other and traverse or extend a distance between rail110and rail115, with bracket742bsecured to coupling741b. Bracket742ais secured to an intermediate guide bracket746, which is secured to coupling741a.

Intermediate guide bracket746includes slide rails (e.g., grooves) that define a slide track to engage a slide bracket748and permit slide bracket748to move or slide along intermediate guide bracket746. Likewise, slide bracket748can include slide rails that define slide track that engage bracket731and permit bracket731to move or slide along slide bracket748. In this fashion, electronic device120couples with bracket732and moves or slides relative to slide assembly slide assembly740between rail110and rail115.

The devices, brackets, assemblies, and apparatus described herein, therefore, permit electronic devices to be reverse mounted in respective corresponding slots in a server housing. In particular, the reverse mount brackets and assemblies provide flexibility for orienting electronic devices in a server housing. For example, reverse mounting (e.g., mounting an electronic device in a server housing in a reverse orientation relative to a pre-configured orientation) facilitates quick and efficient access to I/O ports, network cables, and/or removal of the electronic device.

While there have been shown and described illustrative examples and example implementations for reverse mounting electronic devices in a server housing, it is to be understood that various other adaptations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the example and example implementations herein. For example, the examples have been shown and described herein with reference to particular features or structures for respective reverse mounts and/or mount assemblies. However, it is expressly contemplated that such features or structures may be interchangeably included (or excluded) from other reverse mounts and/or mount assemblies (as appropriate). In addition, the examples have been shown and described with reference to fasteners or other engagement structures to releasably secure and engage the devices, brackets, and rails in a server housing. However, the examples in their broader sense are not as limited, and may, in fact, be used with any number of additional or alternative tool-based or tool-free fasteners and receptacles. For example, the fasteners or other engagement structures may include threaded fasteners, latch mechanisms, snap-fit mechanisms, spring-loaded couplings, male and female interlocking mechanisms, pills, retainers, straps, rail structures and mating channels, bossed members and slots, servo-mechanisms, electro-mechanical latches, and other suitable couplings. Further, it is also appreciated that while electronic device120is shown in particular orientation relative to rail110(associated with front side105aof housing105) and rail115(associated with rails rear side105bof housing105), device120can be oriented in an opposite direction—e.g., with rear side120boriented proximate rail115, and front side120aoriented proximate rail110. In such examples, the mounting brackets, assemblies, and apparatus discussed herein provide efficient access to device120through front side105aof housing105. Further, it will be apparent that other variations and modifications may be made to the described examples, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. Accordingly this description is to be taken only by way of example and not to otherwise limit the scope of the examples herein. Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the examples herein.