SSD carrier bracket

A carrier device includes a base bracket, a device bracket, a lever, and a cable holder. The device bracket is coupled to the base bracket and is movable between an initial device bracket position and a final device bracket position. The lever is coupled to the base bracket and is movable between an initial lever position and a final lever position. The lever is configured to move from the initial lever position toward the final lever position in response to the device bracket moving from the initial device bracket position to the final device bracket position. The cable holder is coupled to the base bracket and the lever. The cable holder is configured to hold one or more cables. The cable holder is further configured to move from an initial cable holder position to a final cable holder position, in response to the lever moving to the final lever position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and devices for mounting an electronic device within the housing of a computing device. More particularly, aspects of this disclosure relate to a carrier device that allows an electronic device to be installed in multiple different orientations within a housing of a computing device.

BACKGROUND

Many computing devices, such as servers, include removable electronic devices (such as SSDs) that can be installed within a housing of the computing device to electrically connect to other components of the computing device. Many computing devices have the ability to electrically connect to a variety of different electronic devices that have varying sizes. Furthermore, many of these computing devices have limited internal space in which to receive these electronic devices. As a consequence, it can be difficult for a computing device to be able to physically receive a wide variety of electronic devices, particularly without the use of any additional tools. Thus, new systems and devices for installing electronic devices within the housings of computing devices are needed.

SUMMARY

In a first implementation, the present disclosure is directed toward a carrier device for holding an electronic device within a computing system. The carrier device includes a base bracket, a device bracket, a lever, and a cable holder. The device bracket is coupled to the base bracket, and is movable between an initial device bracket position and a final device bracket position. the device bracket is configured to receive the electronic device in the initial device bracket position. The lever is coupled to the base bracket and is movable between an initial lever position and a final lever position. The lever is configured to move from the initial lever position toward the final lever position in response to the device bracket moving from the initial device bracket position to the final device bracket position. The cable holder is coupled to the base bracket and to the lever. The cable holder is configured to hold one or more cables. The cable holder is further configured to move from an initial cable holder position to a final cable holder position, in response to the lever moving to the final lever position.

In some cases, when the cable holder is in the initial cable holder position, the one or more cables are not electrically connected to the electronic device, and when the cable holder is in the final cable holder position, the one or more cables are electrically connected to the electronic device. In some cases, the cable holder is slidably coupled to the base bracket, and is configured to slide relative to the base bracket between the initial cable holder position and the final cable holder position. In some cases, the lever is rotatably coupled to the base bracket, and is configured to rotate relative to the base bracket between the initial lever position and the final lever position.

In some cases, the lever is configured to move from the initial lever position to an intermediate lever position in response to the device bracket moving from the initial device bracket position to the final device bracket position. In some cases, the cable holder is configured to remain in the initial cable holder position in response to the lever moving from the initial lever position to the intermediate lever position. In some cases, the cable holder is configured to move from the initial cable holder position to the final cable holder position in response to the lever moving from the intermediate lever position to the final lever position.

In some cases, the lever includes a device lever positioned on a first side of the base bracket, and a cable lever positioned on a second side of the base bracket. The cable lever includes a protrusion extending through an aperture in the base bracket and contacting the device lever. In some cases, when the lever is in the initial lever position, the device lever is in an initial device lever position, and the cable lever is in an initial cable lever position. In some cases, when the lever is in the intermediate lever position, the device lever is in a final device lever position, and the cable lever is in an intermediate cable lever position. In some cases, when the lever is in the final lever position, the device lever is in the final device lever position, and the cable lever is in a final cable lever position.

In some cases, the device bracket includes a protrusion that extends through an aperture in the base bracket and contacts the device lever. When the device bracket moves to the final device bracket position, the protrusion of the device bracket causes the device lever to move from an initial device lever position to a final device lever position, and the device lever causes the cable lever to move from an initial cable lever position to an intermediate cable lever position. In some cases, the cable lever is configured to be manually moved from the intermediate cable lever position to a final cable lever position by a user, and when the cable lever is moved from the intermediate cable lever position to the final cable lever position, the device lever remains in the final device lever position. In some cases, the cable holder is positioned on the second side of the base bracket and is coupled to the cable lever. The cable holder is configured to move from the initial cable holder position to the final cable holder position in response to the cable holder lever being moved to the final cable holder lever position.

In some cases, the base bracket defines a slot, and the lever includes a latch. The slot of the base bracket is configured to receive the latch of the lever in response to the lever being moved to the final lever position, to thereby lock the lever in the final lever position and the cable holder in the final cable holder position. In some cases, the latch includes a protrusion. A diameter of the protrusion increases between a proximal end of the protrusion and a distal end of the protrusion. The distal end of the protrusion has a diameter greater than a width of the slot. The proximal end of the protrusion has a diameter less than or equal to the width of the slot. In some cases, the protrusion is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The protrusion is configured to move toward the extended position when received by the slot. In some cases, the protrusion is biased toward the retracted position, such that a region of the protrusion is pressed against the base bracket at an edge of the slot, thereby locking the protrusion in the slot.

In some cases, the carrier device further comprises a stop pin. The stop pin is configured to be received within a corresponding notch defined by the cable holder when the cable holder is moved to the final cable holder position. The stop pin prevents the cable holder from being moved past the final cable holder position.

In a second implementation, the present disclosure is directed toward a computing system. The computing system comprises a computing device, an electronic device, and a carrier device. The computing device has a housing. The electronic device is configured to be positioned in the housing of the computing device in a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation. The carrier device is configured to be positioned in the housing of the computing device to hold the electronic device. The carrier device includes a base bracket, a device bracket, a lever, and a cable holder. The device bracket is coupled to the base bracket, and is movable between an initial device bracket position and a final device bracket position. the device bracket is configured to receive the electronic device in the initial device bracket position. The lever is coupled to the base bracket and is movable between an initial lever position and a final lever position. The lever is configured to move from the initial lever position toward the final lever position in response to the device bracket moving from the initial device bracket position to the final device bracket position. The cable holder is coupled to the base bracket and to the lever. The cable holder is configured to hold one or more cables. The cable holder is further configured to move from an initial cable holder position to a final cable holder position, in response to the lever moving to the final lever position.

The present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. 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

The present inventions can be embodied in many different forms. Representative embodiments are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure is an example or illustration of the principles of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated. To that extent, elements, and limitations that are disclosed, for example, in the Abstract, Summary, and Detailed Description sections, but not explicitly set forth in the claims, should not be incorporated into the claims, singly or collectively, by implication, inference, or otherwise. For purposes of the present detailed description, unless specifically disclaimed, the singular includes the plural and vice versa; and 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,” or “nearly at,” or “within 3-5% of” or “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any logical combination thereof, for example.

FIG. 1Ais a perspective view of a carrier device100. The carrier device100can hold an electronic device so that the electronic device can be electrically connected to other components of a computing system. In some implementations, the electronic device is a solid state drive (SSD), and the computing system is a server. In these implementations, the carrier device100and the electronic device can be positioned within a housing of the server. Other types of electronic devices can also be held by the carrier device100, and the carrier device100can be used to hold electronic devices within the housings of other types of computing systems. The carrier device100allows for tool-less installation and uninstallation of the electronic device, and can accommodate electronic devices of various different sizes. In some implementations, the electronic device is an SSD having a thickness of 7 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, or 15 mm.

As shown inFIG. 1A, the carrier device100includes a base bracket110, a device bracket130, a cable holder150, and a lever180. The lever180is formed from a cable lever170and a device lever190(FIG. 1B). The base bracket110is formed from a body that is bounded by ends111A,111B,111C, and111D. The device bracket130, the cable holder150, and the cable lever170are all positioned adjacent to a first surface113A of the base bracket110, on the opposite side of the base bracket110. The device lever190is positioned adjacent to an opposing second surface113B of the base bracket110, on one side of the base bracket110(FIG. 1B).

The device bracket130includes two slots132A and132B that are defined through the device bracket130. The base bracket110includes two fasteners112A and112B that are used to couple the device bracket130to the base bracket110. The fastener112A extends through the slot132A in the device bracket130, while the fastener112B extends through the slot132B in the device bracket130, to thereby couple the device bracket130to the base bracket110. When the device bracket130is coupled to the base bracket110, the slots132A and132B in the device bracket130extend along an axis131between the ends111A and111B of the base bracket110. Thus, the device bracket130is movably coupled to the base bracket110, and can slide along the axis131extending between the ends111A and111B of the base bracket110. Finally, the device bracket130includes two slots138A and138B. The slots138A and138B are used to couple the electronic device to the device bracket130, as discussed in more detail herein.

The cable holder150is coupled to the base bracket110in a similar manner as the device bracket130. The cable holder150includes two slots152A and152B that are defined through the cable holder150. The base bracket110includes two fasteners114A and114B that are used to couple the cable holder150to the base bracket110. The fastener114A extends through the slot152A in the cable holder150, while the fastener114B extends through the slot152B in the cable holder150, to thereby couple the cable holder150to the base bracket110. When the cable holder150is coupled to the base bracket110, the slots152A and152B in the cable holder150extend along an axis151between the ends111C and111D of the base bracket110. Thus, the cable holder150is movably coupled to the base bracket110, and can slide along the axis151extending between the ends111C and111D of the base bracket110.

The cable holder150is formed from a first body portion154A and a second body portion154B. The slots152A and152B are defined in the first body portion154A. The first body portion154A is generally coplanar with the base bracket110. The second body portion154B is positioned generally perpendicular to the first body portion154A and the base bracket110, and thus extends away from the first surface113A of the base bracket110. The second body portion154A defines an opening156that is configured to receive one or more cables that can be connected to a cable port on the electronic device. In the illustrated implementation, opening156has a rectangular shape. However, in other implementations, the opening156can have different shapes, in order to accommodate cable ports having different shapes. The cable holder150further includes two slots162A and162B defined in an edge of the first body portion154A nearest to the device bracket130. The slots162A and162B are used to prevent movement of the cable holder150toward the end111D of the base bracket110.

The cable lever170has a V-shape that is formed from two legs172A and172B. The two legs172A and172B meet at a midpoint174that is coupled to the cable holder150. A fastener160extends through both the cable holder150and the cable lever170to thereby couple the cable holder to the cable lever170. The cable lever170includes a latch230positioned at the end of leg172A. The latch230has a generally cylindrical shape. A first portion232A of the latch230extends away from surface113A of the base bracket110on one side of the cable lever170.

FIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the carrier device100, showing an opposing second surface113A of the base bracket110. As shown inFIG. 1B, a second portion232B of the latch230extends away from surface113B of the base bracket110, on the opposite side of the cable lever170from the first portion232A of the latch230. The corner of the base bracket110near the intersection of the ends111A and111C forms a cut-out portion115. The leg172A and the latch230are accessible from the opposite side of the base bracket110through cut-out portion115. As is discussed in more detail herein, the first portion232A of the latch230is configured to be received within a slot124that is defined along end111A of the base bracket110.

The lever180, including both the cable lever170and the device lever190, is visible inFIG. 1B. As shown, the device lever190has a generally elongated shape with two legs192A and192B, and a central portion194. The device lever190is coupled to the second surface113B of the base bracket110via a fastener191positioned near the end of the leg192B. The device lever190is rotatably coupled to the base bracket110via the fastener191. The device lever includes a slot196that is defined through the central portion194. A pin198extends outward from the second surface113B of the base bracket110, and through the slot196defined in the central portion194. As the device lever190rotates relative to the base bracket110on the fastener191, the pin198travels within the slot196. The ends of the slot196prevent the pin198from traveling any further, thus limiting the rotation of the device lever190. The base bracket110includes a tab117that extends along end111B of the base bracket110, between ends111C and111D. The tab117forms a channel or groove into which the second leg192B of the device lever190can be positioned. The tab117thus acts to protect the second leg192B, and also aids in stopping movement of the second leg192B toward the end111B of the base bracket110, once the second leg192B reaches the tab117.

As is shown inFIG. 1B, the carrier device100includes two protrusions134and178that contact the legs192A and192B of the device lever190. The protrusions134and178travel through slots116A and116B, respectively, that are formed in the base bracket110. The protrusion134is formed as part of the device bracket130(inFIG. 1A), and moves relative to the base bracket110when the device bracket130moves relative to the base bracket110. The protrusion134extends from the device bracket130, through the slot116A that is defined in the base bracket110, and away from the first surface113A of the base bracket110. The protrusion134is positioned above (relative to the plane ofFIG. 1B) and contacts the leg192A of the device lever190. When the device bracket130moves toward end111B of the base bracket110, the protrusion134pushes against the leg192A of the device lever190. Because the device lever190is rotatably coupled to the base bracket110via the fastener191, the leg192A and the central portion194of the device lever190both move toward end111B of the base bracket110.

The protrusion178extends from the leg172B of the cable lever170and contacts the leg192B of the device lever190. The protrusion178extends through the slot116B that is defined in the base bracket near the end111C. Movement of the protrusions134and178results in movement of the cable holder150(inFIG. 1A), the cable lever170, and the device lever190. As discussed in more detail herein, movement of the device bracket130toward the end111B of the base bracket110causes the protrusion134to move the first leg192A of the device lever190toward the end111B of the base bracket110. This movement of the first leg192A causes the second leg192B and the pin198to move toward the end111A and the end111C of the base bracket110. The movement of the pin198causes the cable holder150to rotate about its midpoint174, which in turns causes the cable holder150to move towards the end111D of the base bracket110.

FIG. 2Ashows an exploded view of the carrier device100fromFIG. 1A. Like elements fromFIG. 1Aare labeled with identical reference numbers inFIG. 2A. As shown inFIG. 2A, the fasteners112A and112B of the base bracket110can be inserted through the slots132A and132B of the device bracket130, and into corresponding apertures120A and120B defined in the base bracket110. Similarly, the fasteners114A and114B of the base bracket110can be inserted through the slots152A and152B of the cable holder150(inFIG. 1A), and into corresponding apertures122A and122B (FIG. 1B) defined in the base bracket110. The protrusion134can also be formed separately from the device bracket130, and can be inserted through an aperture136in the device bracket and through the slot116A in the base bracket110. In other implementations, the protrusion134can be integrally formed with the device bracket130.

The cable lever170includes an aperture173A defined at the end of the leg172A and an aperture173B defined at the end of the leg172B. The latch230can be formed separately from the cable lever170, and inserted through the aperture173A. The protrusion178is similar to the protrusion134, and can be formed separately from the cable lever170. The protrusion178can be inserted through the aperture173B in the second leg172B, and through the slot116B in the base bracket110. However, in other implementations, the protrusion178can be integrally formed with the cable lever170. As can be seen inFIG. 2A, the slot116B has a generally curved shape with two portions. One portion of the slot116B extends in a direction generally between ends111A and111B of the base bracket110, while the other portion extends in a direction generally between ends111C and111D of the base bracket110.

The cable holder150and the cable lever170are coupled together via the fastener160. The cable lever170includes an aperture175defined at the midpoint174. The cable holder150includes a tab158extending away from the second body portion154B of the cable holder150. An aperture159is defined in the tab158. The fastener160can be inserted through both the aperture159, as well as the aperture175defined in the midpoint174of the cable lever. The cable holder150and the cable lever170are thus rotatably coupled and are able to rotate relative to each other.

FIG. 2Bshows an exploded view of the carrier device100fromFIG. 1B. Like elements fromFIG. 1Bare labeled with identical reference numbers inFIG. 2B.FIG. 2Bshows the device lever190spaced apart from the base bracket110. The fastener191of the device lever190is configured to be inserted through an aperture193that is defined in the leg192B of the device lever190. The fastener191is also configured to be inserted through a corresponding aperture118in the base bracket110, to thereby rotatably couple the device lever190to the base bracket110. The apertures122A and122B in the base bracket110through which the fasteners114A and114B (both inFIG. 2A) of the base bracket110are inserted are also shown inFIG. 2B.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a first step of attaching an electronic device102to the carrier device100. In the illustrated implementation, the electronic device102is a solid-state drive (SSD). However, other types of electronic devices102can also be used with the carrier device100. FIG.3A shows a device frame210that can be attached to the electronic device102, prior to inserting the electronic device102into the carrier device100. The electronic device102includes a cable port104configured to receive one or more cables. The device frame210includes a base212and two raised sidewalls214A and214B. The width of the base212(e.g., the distance between the sidewalls214A and214B) generally matches the width of the electronic device102, so that the electronic device102can fit between the sidewalls214A and214B. The device frame210also has four pins216A,216B,216C, and216D. The pins216A and216B extend from the sidewall214A toward the sidewall214B. The pins216C and216D extend from the sidewall214B toward the sidewall214A. When the electronic device102is inserted into the device frame210, the pins216A and216B are received in depressions103A and103B defined on one side of the electronic device102. The pins216C and216D are received in corresponding depressions defined on the other side of the electronic device102.

FIG. 3Bshows the underside of the base212of the device frame210, once the device frame210has been attached to the electronic device102. As shown, the cable port104is not covered or obstructed by the device frame210. The base212includes two protrusions217A and217B. When the electronic device102and the device frame210are inserted into the carrier device100, the protrusions217A and217B are used to secure the device frame210to the device bracket130. The protrusion217A is configured to slide into the slot138A of the device bracket130(FIG. 1A), and the protrusion217B is configured to slide into the slot138B of the device bracket130(FIG. 1A).

The device frame210also includes two stop pins218A and218B extending from the underside of the base212. When the device frame210and the electronic device102are inserted into the carrier device100, the stop pins218A and218B are positioned between the base bracket110and the base212of the device frame210. The stop pins218A and218B are sized to be received by the slots162A and162B (FIG. 1A) of the cable holder150, when the cable holder150is moved toward the device frame210and the electronic device102. The stop pins218A and218B thus aid in preventing further movement of the cable holder150, as discussed in more detail herein.

FIG. 4Ashows the carrier device100prior to a cable bundle106being coupled to the cable holder150. The cable bundle106can be used to electrically connect the electronic device102(inFIGS. 3A and 3B) to other components within a computing system. The cable bundle106includes one or more cables107coupled to a connector108. The connector108is generally aligned with the opening156defined in the second body portion154B of the cable holder150. The connector108defines two apertures109A and109B on either end of the connector108. The aperture109A of the cable bundle106is aligned with a corresponding aperture164A defined in the second body portion154B of the cable holder150. Similarly, the aperture109B of the cable bundle106is aligned with a corresponding aperture164B defined in the second body portion154B.

Fasteners166A and166B can be used to couple the cable bundle106to the cable holder150. In the illustrated implementation, the fasteners166A and166B are screws. In other implementations, other types of fasteners can be used. The fastener166A is configured to screw into both the aperture109A of the connector108, and the aperture164A of the cable holder150. The fastener166B is configured to screw into both the aperture109B of the connector108, and the aperture164B of the cable holder150.

FIG. 4Bshows the carrier device100, after the cable bundle106has been coupled to the cable holder150. The connector108extends through the opening156(FIG. 4A) in the cable holder150, where the connector108is accessible on the other side of the cable holder150. As shown inFIG. 4B, the connector108of the cable bundle106is positioned between the latch230and the cable holder150. The latch230generally abuts the one or more cables107of the cable bundle106.

Once the electronic device102has been coupled to the device frame210(as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B), and the cable bundle106has been coupled to the cable holder150(as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B), the electronic device102and the device frame210can be inserted into the carrier device100.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bshow perspective views of the first surface113A (FIG. 5A) of the base bracket110and the second surface113B (FIG. 5B) of the base bracket110, before the electronic device102and the device frame210are inserted into the carrier device100. The device frame210is positioned relative to the base bracket110such that the protrusion217A of the device frame210is aligned with the slot138A of the device bracket130, and such that the protrusion217B of the device frame210is aligned with the slot138B of the device bracket130.

Prior to the electronic device102and the device frame210being inserted into the carrier device100, the device bracket130, the cable holder150, the cable lever170, and the device lever190are all in their respective initial positions. The device bracket130is able to move relative to the base bracket110along the axis131(which extends between the ends111A and111B of the base bracket110). Before the electronic device102and the device frame210are inserted into the carrier device100, the device bracket130is moved toward the end111A of the base bracket110. The fasteners112A and112B are positioned at the ends of the slots132A and132B that are closest to the end111B. Thus, the device bracket130is positioned generally as far upward (relative to the plane ofFIGS. 5A and 5B) as possible when the device bracket130is in the initial device bracket position. A bottom edge133of the device bracket130is spaced apart from the end111B of the base bracket110, when the device bracket130is in the initial device bracket position.

The cable holder150is able to move relative to the base bracket110along the axis151connecting ends111C and111D of the base bracket110. Before the electronic device102and the device frame210are inserted into the carrier device100, the cable holder150is moved toward the end111C of the base bracket110. The fasteners114A and114B are positioned at the ends of the slots152A and152B of the cable holder150that are closest to the end111D of the base bracket110. Thus, the cable holder150is positioned generally as far leftward (relative to the plane ofFIG. 5A) as possible when the cable holder150is in the cable holder initial position.

When the cable lever170is in the initial cable lever position, the leg172A and the latch230are generally rotated as far away from the base bracket110as possible. In this position, the protrusion178of the cable lever170is positioned at the end of the slot116B that is closest to ends111B and111D of the base bracket110. The latch230is also generally spaced part from the slot124defined in the base bracket110.

The device lever190is able to rotate relative to the base bracket110about the fastener191. When the device lever190is in the initial device lever position, the leg192A is rotated towards the end111A of the base bracket110, while the leg192B is rotated toward the end111B of the base bracket110. The central portion194of the device lever190is also generally rotated toward the end111A of the base bracket110, such that the pin198is positioned at the end of the slot196that is closer to end111B of the base bracket110. Thus, when the lever of the carrier device100is in an initial lever position, the cable lever170is in the initial cable lever position (FIG. 5A) and the device lever190is in the initial device lever position (FIG. 5B).

FIG. 6Ais a cut-away view of the second surface113B of the base bracket110of the carrier device100.FIG. 6Ashows the carrier device100as the electronic device102and the device frame210are initially inserted into the carrier device100. The slot138A of the device bracket130receives the protrusion217A of the device frame210, and the slot138B of the device bracket130receives the protrusion217B of the device frame210. InFIG. 6A, the device bracket130is still in the initial device bracket position, as the fasteners112A and112B are positioned at the ends of the slots132A and132B in the device bracket130that are nearest to the end111B of the base bracket110. When the device bracket130is in the initial device bracket position, the stop pin218A is not aligned with the slot162A in the cable holder150(inFIG. 5A), and the stop pin218B is not aligned with the slot162B in the cable holder150. Thus, the device bracket130receives the electronic device102and the device frame210when the device bracket130is in the initial device bracket position. The cable lever170and the device lever190are also still in the initial device lever position.

FIG. 6Bis an opposing side view of the first surface113A of the base bracket110of the carrier device100.FIG. 6Bshows the carrier device100as the electronic device102and the device frame210are initially inserted into the carrier device100. As shown, the cable port104of the electronic device102is positioned just slightly above (relative to the plane ofFIG. 6B) the connector108of the cable bundle106, which is held by the cable holder150. The cable holder150is in the initial cable holder position, and the cable lever170is in the initial cable lever position. The connector108of the cable bundle106is spaced apart from the cable port104of the electronic device102. Similarly, the latch230of the cable lever170is spaced apart from the slot124of the device bracket.

Thus,FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow the carrier device100when the device bracket130has received the electronic device102, but prior to the device bracket130moving out of the initial device bracket position. The lever of the carrier device100(formed from the cable lever170and the device lever190) is in the initial lever position. When the lever is in the initial lever position, the cable lever170is in the initial cable lever position and the device lever190is in the initial device lever position. Additionally, when the lever is in the initial lever position, the cable holder150is in the initial cable holder position. When the cable holder150is in the initial cable holder position, the one or more cables107of the cable bundle106are not electrically connected to the electronic device102.

FIG. 7is a cut-away view of the second surface113B of the base bracket110of the carrier device100.FIG. 7shows the carrier device100after the device bracket130has been moved to a final device bracket position. The protrusions217A and217B of the device frame210are still seated within the slots138A and138B of the device bracket130. The device bracket130has been moved toward end111B of the base bracket110. The fasteners112A and112B have moved to the opposite ends of the slots132A and132B, that are nearest to the end111B of the base bracket110. In the final device bracket position, the stop pin218A is aligned with the slot162A, and the stop pin218B is aligned with the slot162B. However, the stop pins218A and218B are still positioned outside of the slots162A and162B.

In response to the device bracket130moving to the final device bracket position, the lever180of the carrier device100(formed from the cable lever170and the device lever190) moves to an intermediate lever position. When the lever is in the intermediate lever position, the device lever190is in a final device lever position, as illustrated inFIG. 7. As the device bracket130moves, the protrusion134presses against the end of the first leg192A of the device lever190. The device lever190in turn pivots about the fastener191, such that the first leg192A and the central portion194move toward the end111B of the base bracket110, and the second leg192B moves toward the end111A of the base bracket110.

The device lever190thus pivots until it is positioned in the final device lever position. In the final device lever position, the protrusion134is positioned at an end of the slot116A in the base bracket110that is closer to the end111B of the base bracket110. Similarly, the pin198of the device lever190moves within the slot196, until the pin198is positioned at the end of the slot196that is closer to the end111A of the base bracket110.

The second leg192B presses against the protrusion178of the cable lever170as the second leg192B moves toward the end111A of the base bracket110. The protrusion178is moved within the slot116B (inFIG. 6A) of the base bracket110, and the cable lever170rotates counter-clockwise relative to the plane ofFIG. 7. The cable lever170rotates until the device bracket130reaches the final device bracket position. Thus, when the lever is in the intermediate lever position, the cable lever170is in an intermediate cable lever position. When the cable lever170rotates to the intermediate cable lever position, the latch230moves toward the slot124of the base bracket110. Because the cable lever170is rotatably coupled to the cable holder150, the cable lever170is able to rotate to the intermediate cable lever position without causing the cable holder150to move laterally toward the electronic device102.

Thus,FIG. 7shows the carrier device100when the device bracket130has been moved from the initial device bracket position to the final device bracket position. As the device bracket130moves toward the final device bracket position, the lever of the carrier device100(formed from the cable lever170and the device lever190) moves from the initial lever position to the intermediate lever position. When the lever moves to the intermediate lever position, the cable lever170moves to the intermediate cable lever position, the device lever190moves to the final device lever position, and the cable holder150remains in the initial cable holder position. However, in some implementations, the cable holder150may move from the initial cable holder position toward a final cable holder position, in response to the lever moving from the initial lever position to the intermediate lever position.

FIG. 8Ais a cut-away view of the second surface113B of the base bracket110of the carrier device100.FIG. 8Ashows the carrier device100after the lever180of the carrier device100is moved to a final lever position. When the lever is in the final lever position, the cable lever170is rotated to a final cable lever position, and the device lever190remains in the final device lever position. In some implementations, the cable lever170can be manually rotated to the final cable lever position by a user. When the cable lever170is moved to the final cable lever position, the protrusion178moves within the second portion of the slot116B of the base bracket110. The protrusion178moves away from the end111B of the base bracket110, toward the end111A and the cut-out portion115.

As can be seen inFIG. 8A, the protrusion178moves generally in a straight line away from the end111B and toward the end111A. Because the protrusion178is not able to move laterally within the slot116B (e.g., between end111C and end111D), rotation of the cable lever170to the final cable lever position causes the cable holder150to move laterally toward the electronic device102. Thus, movement of the lever from the intermediate lever position to the final lever position (and thus movement of the cable lever170from the intermediate cable lever position to the final cable lever position) causes the cable holder150to move from the initial cable holder position to the final cable holder position.

The movement of the cable holder150to the final cable holder position is limited at least by the stop pins218A and218B of the device frame210. As shown inFIG. 8A, when the cable holder150moves to the final cable holder position, the stop pin218A is received in the slot162A of the cable holder150, and the stop pin218B is received in the slot162B of the cable holder150. Once the stop pins218A and218B reach the end of their respective slots162A and162B, the cable holder150and the cable lever170are prevented from moving any further. The protrusion178can also limit the movement of the cable holder150. Once the protrusion178reaches the end of the slot116B closest to the cut-out portion115of the base bracket110, the cable holder150and the cable lever170are prevented from moving any further.

The latch230of the cable lever170also aids in locking the cable lever170in the final cable lever position, and the cable holder150in the final cable holder position. When the cable lever170moves to the final cable lever position, the latch230rotates toward the slot124defined in the base bracket110, and is received within the slot124. As shown inFIG. 8A, the second portion232B of the latch230extends away from the slot124, on the same side of the base bracket110as the device lever190.

Once the latch230is received within the slot124, the latch230is biased to remain within the slot124. In some implementations, the latch230can include an internal spring that can cause at least a portion of the latch230to press against at least a portion of the base bracket110near the slot124, to thereby bias the latch230to remain within the slot124. As such, the latch230prevents the cable holder150from inadvertently moving from the final cable holder position to the initial cable holder position. Generally, a certain amount of force is required to remove the latch230from the slot124, so that a user can manually move the cable holder150from the final cable holder position to the initial cable holder position.

FIG. 8Bis a perspective view of the carrier device100after the lever of the carrier device100is moved to a final lever position. When the cable holder150moves laterally to the final cable holder position, the connector108of the cable bundle106is inserted into the cable port104of the electronic device102to electrically connect the one or more cables107to the electronic device102. As shown inFIG. 8B, the first portion232A of the latch230extends away from the slot124(FIG. 8A), on the same side of the base bracket110as the cable holder150and the cable lever170.

Thus,FIGS. 8A and 8Bshow the carrier device100once the cable holder150is moved to the final cable holder position, and the cable lever170is moved to the final cable lever position. The cable holder150moves to the final cable holder position in response to the cable lever170moving to the final cable lever position. In some implementations, the cable lever170can be manually moved to the final cable lever position by a user. When the cable holder150is in the final cable holder position, the one or more cables107of the cable bundle106are electrically connected to the electronic device102.

FIG. 9Ashows a side view of the latch230fromFIGS. 1A-8B. The latch230is generally formed from the first portion232A and the second portion232B. The latch230can be used as an auto-lock latch such that the latch230can automatically lock the cable lever170in the final cable lever position, once the latch230is received in the slot124of the base bracket110(FIGS. 8A and 8B). The second portion232B includes a conical-shaped protrusion234having a proximal end236A and a distal end236B. A diameter of the protrusion234increases between the proximal end236A and the distal end236B, such that the diameter of the distal end236B is larger than the diameter of the proximal end236A.

The first portion232A includes a button238and a button housing240. The button238can be actuated to move the protrusion234between an extended position and a retracted position. When the button238is pressed toward the button housing240, the button238is received in the button housing240, and the protrusion234moves outward away from the button housing240to the extended position. The protrusion234is biased toward the retracted position such that when the button238is released, the protrusion234moves back toward the button housing240to the retracted position. As noted herein, in some implementations, the latch230may include an internal spring. When the button238is pressed to move the protrusion234to the extended position, the internal spring can compress. The force exerted by the compressed spring can bias the protrusion234back toward the retracted position.

FIG. 9Bshows the latch230positioned within the slot124of the base bracket110. In the illustrated implementation, the proximal end236A of the protrusion234has a diameter that is less than the width of the slot124. Thus, the portion of the protrusion234that is positioned within the slot124has a diameter that is less than the width of the slot124. A region242along the periphery of the protrusion234has a diameter that is greater than the width of the slot124. The region242of the protrusion234is thus positioned in contact with the portion of the base bracket110that forms the edge of the slot124. In some implementations, the region242is located between the proximal end236A and the distal end236B. In other implementations, the region242may be located at the proximal end236A, or at the distal end236B.

Because the protrusion234is biased toward the retracted position, and because the diameter of the protrusion234from the region242back to the distal end236B is larger than the width of the slot124, the protrusion234cannot retract any further than shown inFIG. 9B. Instead, the bias of the protrusion234causes the protrusion234to press against the base bracket110. The force imparted onto the base bracket110by the protrusion234prevents the latch230from inadvertently being removed from the slot124. To release the latch230, a user presses the button238until the protrusion234moves to the expanded position, and the latch230can be rotated away from the slot124.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bshow a computing system that includes a housing101, the carrier device100, and the electronic device102. The carrier device100and the electronic device102are inserted into the housing101. The housing101can be the housing of a server, or any other computing device. InFIG. 10A, the carrier device100and the electronic device102are positioned in a generally vertical orientation within the housing101. InFIG. 10B, the carrier device100and the electronic device102are positioned in a generally horizontal orientation within the housing101. As long as any required cables can reach the electronic device102, the carrier device100and the electronic device102can be positioned in a vertical orientation as inFIG. 10A, a horizontal orientation as inFIG. 10B, or any other suitable orientation.