Apparatus and method for securing a removable component in a computer system

An apparatus for securing a removable component in a computer system includes a chassis for receiving the removable component. A resilient member is connected to the component and a handle is also connected to the component. The handle is movable to an open position and to a closed position. A catch is formed on the handle and the catch is engaged by the resilient member on the chassis to retain the handle in the closed position. A release member is connected to the handle. The release member is movable to deflect the resilient member so that the resilient member is disengaged from the catch to permit the handle to be moved to the open position.

BACKGROUND
 The disclosures herein relate generally to computer systems and more
 particularly to apparatus and methods for securing removable components in
 a computer system.
 Handles are used to aid in the insertion and extraction of removable
 components into and out of the chassis of a computer system. The handle
 may include a latching mechanism for securing the removable component in
 the chassis. It is desirable that the latching mechanism not
 unintentionally become unlatched during use.
 It is also desirable that the handle have a geometry that does not
 adversely affect the flow of air to the removable component. This is
 particularly important for handles used in conjunction with removable
 components such as the power supply. The airflow through the power supply
 needs to be sufficient to preclude overheating or operation at undesirable
 elevated temperatures. For this reason, the handle should be configured to
 allow for airflow that is not significantly restricted by the handle and
 latching mechanism.
 However, the size of computer systems continues to decrease and their
 complexity continues to increase. As a result, it has become necessary to
 mount the components in very close proximity to each other. In many cases,
 there is little room between adjacent components for manipulation of the
 handle or latching mechanism by the operator's hand or fingers. This is
 common in computer systems having a rack-type mounting configuration as
 well as in computer systems having redundant components that are mounted
 in close proximity to each other. In these instances, it is preferred that
 the handle and latching mechanism he manipulated from within the perimeter
 of the front or rear face of the removable component.
 Accordingly, a need has arisen for an apparatus that is configured to
 overcome the shortcomings of prior art and, in particular, an apparatus
 for the insertion and extraction of the removable component which can be
 manipulated from within the perimeter of the front or rear face of the
 removable component and which does not significantly restrict airflow
 through the removable component.
 SUMMARY
 One embodiment, accordingly, provides an apparatus for fixedly securing a
 removable component in a computer system. The apparatus is further
 configured to include a handle that can be fixedly retained in a closed
 position or moved to an open position. To this end, an apparatus for
 securing a removable component in a computer system includes a chassis for
 receiving the removable component. A handle is connected to the component
 and is movable between open and closed positions. A catch is provided on
 the handle. A resilient member is connected to the chassis for engagement
 with the catch to retain the handle in the closed position. A release
 member is connected to the handle. The release member is movable to
 deflect the resilient member so that the resilient member is disengaged
 from the catch to permit the handle to be moved to the open position.
 Several advantages are achieved by an apparatus according to the
 illustrative embodiments presented herein. The apparatus provides for a
 handle that exhibits reduced airflow restriction through a removable
 component in a computer system. The reduction in the airflow restriction
 allows the removable component to be cooled more effectively and
 efficiently. Reduced space is required for hand manipulation of the
 apparatus. The removable component having the handle and any adjacent
 removable components can be more easily inserted and extracted from the
 computer system. Furthermore, the reduced space requirement allows the
 removable components in the computer system to be positioned more closely
 together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
 FIGS. 1 and 2 show an illustrative embodiment of a computer system having
 two components 12 removably mounted in a chassis 14. The components 12 can
 be items such as power supplies, data storage devices, or other types of
 system components for a computer system. Each component 12 may include a
 fan vent 15 and fan (not shown) for providing air circulation through each
 component 12.
 In the case of multiple components 12, they may be different components or
 the same. In host-type devices such as servers and workstations, it is
 sometimes desirable to have redundant components to limit down-time. One
 of the redundant components can be removed for servicing or replacement
 while the other is still in operation.
 In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a computer system indicated
 generally at 10 includes a microprocessor 16. The microprocessor 16 is
 connected to a bus 18. The bus 18 serves as a connection between the
 microprocessor 16 and other components of the computer system 10. An input
 system 20 is coupled to the microprocessor 16 to provide input to the
 microprocessor 16. Examples of input systems include keyboards,
 touchscreens, and pointing devices such as a mouse, a trackball and a
 trackpad. The computer system 10 further includes a display 22 which is
 coupled to the microprocessor 16 typically by a video controller 24.
 Programs and data are stored on a mass storage device 26 which is coupled
 to the microprocessor 16. Mass storage devices include components such as
 hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy drives, and the
 like. The system memory 28 provides the microprocessor 16 with fast
 storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor
 16. It should be understood that other busses and intermediate circuits
 can be employed between the components described above and microprocessor
 16 to facilitate interconnection between the components and the
 microprocessor.
 Now referring to FIGS. 3A-6, an illustrative embodiment of a component 12
 having an attached latch assembly is shown. A handle 30 includes at least
 one retaining member 38 at a first end 39 thereof, see FIG 5. A retaining
 bracket 36 is attached to the chassis 14 and engaged by a pair of the
 retaining members 38, FIG. 6. As best shown in FIG. 5, each retaining
 member 38 includes a first protrusion 40 and a second protrusion 42. The
 retaining bracket 36, FIG. 3A has a first surface 36a that is engaged by
 the first protrusions 40 of each retaining member 38 and a second surface
 36b, FIG. 4A that is engaged by the second protrusion 42 of each retaining
 member 38.
 The handle 30 is movable between an open position O, FIG. 3A, and a closed
 position C, FIG. 4A. The handle 30, FIG. 3A, is pivotably attached to the
 component 12 and includes a catch 32 that is engaged by a resilient member
 34 to hold the handle 30 in the closed position C. The catch 32 is
 captured in an opening 35, FIGS. 3A and 4A, of the resilient member 34
 such that the handle 30 is maintained in the closed position C.
 In a preferred embodiment, the handle 30 is made of plastic and the
 retaining bracket 36 and the resilient member 34 are made of metal. In
 alternate embodiments, the handle 30 may be made of other materials such
 as metal. The handle 30 may be pivotally attached to the component 12
 using rivets 13, FIG. 3A, threaded fasteners or other know techniques.
 The component 12, is inserted into the chassis 14 with the handle 30 in the
 open position. The first protrusion 40 of each retaining member 38 engages
 against the first surface 36a of the retaining bracket 36. This limits the
 component 12 from being inserted past a first insertion depth 44, FIG. 3A.
 The movement of the handle 30 between the open and closed position engages
 the second protrusion 42 of each retaining member 38 against the second
 surface 36b of the retaining bracket 36. This action displaces the
 component 12 to a second insertion depth 46, FIG. 4A.
 The dual depth insertion process reduces the potential for damage or
 accelerated wear of the card edge 48, FIG. 3A, and card edge connector 50.
 In the preferred embodiments, the first insertion depth 44 is specified
 such that the card edge 48 and the card edge connector 50 do not contact
 each other. The card edge 48 and the card edge connector 50 are brought
 into contact by the controlled application of force on the apparatus as
 the handle 30 is moved from the open position O to the closed position C.
 The geometry of the retaining member 38, FIGS. 3A-4A, will determine the
 distance between the first and second insertion depths 44, 46. The
 distance between the first and second insertions depths 44, 46 is
 proportional to the distance between the first and second protrusions 40,
 42. For a handle with a constant pivot location, as the distance between
 the first and second protrusions 40, 42 increases, so will the distance
 between the first and second insertion depths 44, 46.
 Referring now to FIG. 4B, the catch 32 may be disengaged from the resilient
 member 34 by moving the release member 56 towards the resilient member 34
 until the release flange 58 engages and deflects the resilient member 34.
 The resilient member 34 may include an upturned tongue portion 37, O, see
 also FIG. 3B, for reducing binding between the release flange 58 and the
 resilient member. The deflection of the resilient member 34 releases the
 catch 32 from the opening 35. Once the catch 32 is released, the handle 30
 may be moved to the open position O, FIG. 3A. The movement of the handle
 30 to the open position O engages the first protrusion 40 of each
 retaining member 38 against the first surface 36a of the retaining bracket
 36. This action displaces the component 12 to the first insertion depth
 44. The component 12 may now be pulled from the chassis 14, if necessary.
 As best shown in FIGS. 5-6, a recess 52 is formed between the first and
 second protrusions 40, 42. The shape of the recess 52 is preferably
 arcuate to minimize the stress concentrations at the regions where the
 protrusions 40, 42 and the recess 52 meet. More specifically, the arcuate
 shape is preferably an oval or a portion thereof. The recess 52 is
 configured to provide a clearance 54 between the recessed portion of the
 retaining member 38 during movement of the handle 30 between the open and
 closed positions. The clearance 54 precludes any binding and abrasion
 between the handle 30 and the retaining bracket 36 so that the handle 30
 moves smoothly and with less applied force than previous techniques. This
 efficient feature enables the components to be made from less costly
 materials with simple and reduced manufacturing steps.
 The resilient member 34 and the release member 56 require a degree of
 resiliency to perform their intended functions. Equally important is that
 the resiliency of the resilient member 34 and the release member 56
 survive repeated flexing. As best shown in FIGS. 4B and 4B, a relief 60
 may be formed to provide the resilient member 34 with suitable resiliency.
 The geometry of the relief 60 as well as the type and thickness of the
 material the relief 60 is formed through will determine the specific
 flexural characteristics of the resilient member 34. As best shown in FIG.
 5, release member 56 may include one or more flex members 62. The flex
 members 62 enable the release member 56 to deflect without over-stressing
 the material.
 The design of the handle 30 must also take into account the air flow
 requirements of the removable component 12. It is preferred that the
 handle 30 have a passage 64 of a sufficient size to adequately support
 airflow through the removable component 12. In addition to the size of the
 passage 64 in the handle 30, the presence of obstructions formed in the
 opening must also be considered. In the presence of significant
 obstructions formed in the passage 64, the power supply may fail due to
 overheating or operate at less than optimum conditions.
 In one embodiment, FIG. 1 the handle 30 has an opening 64 formed therein
 and the removable component includes a fan vent 15. The opening 64 in the
 handle 30 and the airflow vent 15 are capable of supporting approximately
 the same rate of airflow. The opening 64 preferably has an area
 approximately the same as the area of the fan vent 15 and the opening is
 adjacent the fan vent.
 In operation, the embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus for
 securing a handle in a closed position. The handle is capable of being
 moved between an open and a closed position. The handle includes a catch
 that is fixedly engaged by a resilient member to retain the handle in the
 closed position. A release member is attached to the handle for releasing
 the resilient member from the catch. The release member is movable from a
 first position to a second position to deflect the resilient member
 whereby the resilient member is disengaged from the catch to permit the
 handle to be moved to the open position.
 As a result, one embodiment provides an apparatus for securing a removable
 component to a computer system. A handle is coupled to the removable
 component and is movable to an open position and to a closed position. A
 catch is formed on the L0 handle. A resilient member is coupled to be
 engaged by the catch to retain the handle in the closed position. A
 release member is coupled to the handle. The release member is movable to
 deflect the resilient member whereby the resilient member is disengaged
 from the catch to permit the handle to be moved to the open position.
 In another embodiment, a latch assembly includes a resilient member and a
 handle capable of being moved to an open position and to a closed
 position. A catch is formed on the handle. The catch is engaged by the
 resilient member to retain the handle in the closed position. A release
 member is coupled to the handle. The release member is movable to deflect
 the resilient member whereby the resilient member is disengaged from the
 catch to permit the handle to be moved to the open position.
 In yet another embodiment, a computer system includes a microprocessor, a
 system memory coupled to the microprocessor, a bus coupled to the
 microprocessor, an input device coupled to the bus, a removable component
 coupled to the microprocessor and an apparatus for securing the removable
 component to the computer system. The apparatus includes a handle coupled
 to the removable component. The handle is movable to an open position and
 to a closed position. A catch is formed on the handle. A resilient member
 is coupled to be engaged by the catch to retain the handle in the closed
 position. A release member is coupled to the handle. The release member is
 movable to deflect the resilient member whereby the resilient member is
 disengaged from the catch to permit the handle to be moved to the open
 position.
 A further embodiment includes a method for mounting and removing a
 component for a computer system. The method includes the steps of
 connecting a handle and a release member to the component, the handle
 including a catch and being movable to an open position and a closed
 position; connecting a resilient member to the computer system, the
 resilient member being adjacent the catch when the handle is in the closed
 position; inserting the removable component into the computer system with
 the handle in the open position and the release member in a first
 position; and moving the handle to the closed position whereby the catch
 is engaged by the resilient member to retain the handle in the closed
 position.
 As it can be seen, the illustrative embodiments presented herein provide
 several advantages. The apparatus provides for a handle that exhibits
 reduced airflow restriction through a removable component in a computer
 system. The reduction in the airflow restriction allows the removable
 component to be cooled more effectively and efficiently. Reduced space is
 required for hand manipulation of the apparatus. The removable component
 that has the handle attached to it and any adjacent removable components
 can be more easily inserted and extracted from the computer system.
 Furthermore, the reduced space requirement allows the removable components
 in the computer system to be positioned more closely together.
 Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide
 range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the
 foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the
 embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features.
 Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed
 broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments
 disclosed herein.