Method, apparatus, and system for a low-profile computer adapter card retainer plunger

A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for a planar adapter card retainer bracket that is removably attachable to a computer chassis and is formed with a plurality of plunger openings. Each plunger opening is configured to receive a respective adapter card retainer plunger. The adapter card retainer plunger is configured to extend from the bracket into the computer chassis to engage an edge of an adapter card thereby retaining the adapter card in a selected slot even if the adapter card is a low-profile adapter card.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to retaining computer adapter cards and more particularly relates to retaining low-profile adapter cards within a computer chassis.

2. Description of the Related Art

A computer chassis (sometimes referred to as a computer tower, computer enclosure, or computer case) is an enclosure that houses the main components of a computer such as the motherboard, power supply, adapter cards, disk drives, etc. A computer chassis may come in various sizes and orientations. For example, in some instances a very small chassis may be desired due to space limitations and may be oriented to stand vertically. In other instances, a larger chassis may be desired to enable the addition of more components and may orient horizontally, perhaps to lie beneath a monitor or display device.

Typically, a computer chassis is configured with a number of slot openings, usually at the rear of the chassis, to receive components such as graphics cards, network cards, modem cards, or other types of expansion adapter cards. The slot openings of the computer chassis are configured to line up with expansion slots of the mother board housed by the computer chassis. Thus, the slot openings of the chassis and the expansion slots of the mother board may receive and retain an adapter card in position to communicate with the computer system.

Today, adapter cards are provided in different sizes and configurations to fit into the different sizes and types of computer chassis. For example, some adapter cards are low-profile adapter cards which means they are shorter than standard adapter cards, and thus can fit into a smaller computer chassis than is possible for standard sized adapter cards. A low profile standard has even been defined for PCI cards so that vendors can ensure compatibility between smaller chassis designs and low profile adapter cards. However, even though low profile adapter cards are smaller in size/height, they may still be used with larger chassis designs.

Often with conventional computer systems, the chassis or a chassis cover or wall helps to retain the adapter cards in their installed expansion slot position. For example, the height of a standard card may extend to, or almost to, a chassis cover such that the adapter card cannot move in a direction to disengage from its mother board expansion slot. However, one problem with the conventional art, particularly with the use of low profile adapter cards and even some standard adapter cards, is that they may not reach the chassis wall or may not reach conventional retention mechanisms. Therefore, the adapter cards may become disengaged from the mother board during shipping or handling of the computer chassis.

Another problem with conventional computer systems is that conventional chassis walls and covers do not sufficiently distribute static and dynamic loads from the center of a chassis to the sustaining members that support the chassis and provide it rigidity and protection. For example, if a force was exerted against the side cover of a chassis during shipping, it's likely that the force will be transferred to adapter cards that extend to the chassis wall, rather than to the structural support members of the chassis. This force transfer can result in damage to the adapter cards and even to the mother board or other components.

Another problem found in conventional systems is that installation of adapter cards and the like requires the use of tools such as a screwdriver to secure an adapter card bracket to a computer chassis. The requirement of tools prevents the possibility of tool-less installation and retention of adapter cards that would reduce the difficulty and increase the efficiency of adapter card installation.

SUMMARY

Based on the foregoing discussion, the inventors have recognized a need for a method, apparatus, and system that would solve the unresolved problems of the conventional art described above. The embodiments described herein have been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available computer chassis and adapter card retainer mechanisms. Accordingly, embodiments have been developed to provide a method, apparatus, and system for retaining adapter cards that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The apparatus is provided with an adapter card retainer plunger comprising a first edge configured to removably attach to a plunger opening of an adapter card retainer bracket and a second edge configured to engage an edge of an adapter card within a chassis to securely maintain the adapter card in a fixed position with respect to the chassis. In one embodiment, the adapter card is a low-profile adapter card.

A system is also presented. The system may be embodied to include a chassis configured to house one or more adapter cards, an adapter card retainer bracket having a plurality of plunger openings formed therein, and the adapter card retainer plunger described above in its various embodiments. In one embodiment, the chassis comprises a z axis from the bottom to a top of the chassis and an x axis orthogonal to the z axis, and wherein a width of the chassis along a y axis orthogonal to the x and z axes is in the range of 12.5 to 13.34 centimeters.

A method is presented for forming an adapter card retainer plunger. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps necessary to provide the apparatus and system described above. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an adapter card retainer plunger comprising a first edge configured to removably attach to a plunger opening of an adapter card retainer bracket and a second edge configured to engage an edge of an adapter card within a chassis to securely maintain the adapter card in a fixed position with respect to the chassis.

The method also may also include forming an attachment protrusion extending from the first edge of the adapter card retainer plunger and configured to slidably attach to a narrow side of the plunger opening of the adapter card retainer bracket. The attachment protrusion comprises a narrow neck portion and a head portion, wherein the narrow neck portion is narrower than the head portion of the attachment protrusion. In further embodiment, the method includes forming an engagement tab extending from the first edge of the adapter card retainer plunger configured to engage an edge of a wide side of the plunger opening, the engagement tab aligning with the attachment protrusion.

References throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantages may be realized in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References throughout this specification to features or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantages may be realized in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

FIG. 1is a side view illustrating one embodiment of an adapter card retainer bracket100. The adapter card retainer bracket100is a substantially rigid bracket that is configured to attach to a computer chassis to transfer static and dynamic loads from the chassis center area to outside sustaining members and to retain adapter cards in position regardless of adapter card heights.FIG. 2is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a computer chassis200with the adapter card retainer bracket100attached to it.

In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket100is constructed out of metal, metal alloys, or other substantially rigid materials such as rigid plastics. In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket100is constructed from the same material as is constructed a computer chassis200to which the bracket100will be attached. In a further embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket100is substantially planar such that when attached to a computer chassis200, a cover or other case element fits over the adapter card retainer bracket100.

The rigidity of the adapter card retainer bracket100enables the bracket100to span a computer chassis200and to transfer loads from the adapter card retainer bracket100to the computer chassis200. For example, during shipping or movement of the computer chassis, a side of the computer chassis200may get knocked or struck by an object or force. In a conventional computer chassis, those forces may be transferred to adapter cards or other computer components next to the chassis wall cover which may result in damage to the computer components. The adapter card retainer bracket100attaches to the supports214of the computer chassis200and transfers impact energy from the side of the chassis200to the support members214so that the computer components within the chassis200are protected.

In one embodiment, the adapter retainer bracket100includes a first end102and a second end104. In a further embodiment, the first end102of the adapter retainer bracket100has a first set of attachment devices106that are configured to attach the first end102of the adapter card retainer bracket100to a first side of a chassis204. In yet a further embodiment, the second end104of the adapter retainer bracket100also has a second set of attachment devices108that are configured to attach the second end104of the adapter retainer bracket100to a second side206of the chassis200. In one embodiment, the first and second set of attachment devices106,108enable the adapter retainer bracket100to be installed flush with the support members214of the adapter retainer bracket100. Thus, a cover over the chassis will not be inhibited by any protrusions or the like from the adapter retainer bracket100.

In some embodiments, the first and second sets of attachment devices106,108may be the same or similar devices such as u-tabs, clips, fasteners or the like. As depicted, the first set of attachment devices106are configured with a pronged hook design that allows a hook to be attached to a rear support member214of the chassis while allowing minimum chassis depth and tool-less attachment. (SeeFIG. 3and discussion below regarding the pronged hook attachment devices). In such an embodiment, the first set of attachment devices include at least one tab106(FIG. 3) extending from the first end of the adapter retainer bracket100and configured to engage a receiving slot formed in the first side (rear side) of the chassis.

Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, the second set of attachment devices108are configured to attach the second end104of the adapter card retainer bracket100to the second side206of the chassis200and may include at least one receptor tab108(seeFIG. 4) extending from the second end104of the adapter card retainer bracket100. As depicted, the receptor tab108is configured to receive at least one flexible protruding tab from the second side206of the chassis200. In a further embodiment, the receptor tab108includes at least one edge110configured to lockably engage the flexible protruding tab in a fixed position.

In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket100is formed with a plurality of plunger openings112(FIG. 1), wherein each plunger opening112is configured to receive a respective adapter card retainer plunger. (SeeFIG. 7and the text below for a description of an adapter card retainer plunger). The plunger openings112are formed to match a shape of the adapter card retainer plunger. In the depicted embodiment, each plunger opening112is formed with a wide side114and a narrow side116. The narrow side116is formed to be slightly narrower than the wide side114so that an attachment protrusion extending from the adapter card retainer plunger can slidably attach to the narrow side116of the opening112. The wide side114may be configured to engage an engagement tab of the adapter card retainer plunger as will be discussed in detail below.

In one embodiment, the narrow side116of each of the plunger openings112is formed with a tapered edge702(FIG. 7a) so that when an attachment protrusion is slid into position, the attachment protrusion is flush with the face of the adapter card retainer bracket100. Of course, in other embodiments, the plunger openings112may be formed in different shapes to accommodate different types of attachment mechanisms.

In one embodiment, the plunger openings112are formed in an aligned pattern, as depicted inFIG. 1, and are spaced such that each plunger opening112corresponds with a potential adapter card location216-226in the chassis200when the bracket100is attached to the chassis200. (FIG. 2) Chassis slots are also typically aligned with adapter card locations on a motherboard installed in the chassis200. A typical motherboard has slots, sometimes called expansion slots, which receive adapter cards202such as graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, or the like. The slots are typically spaced on the motherboard according predefined industry standards.

In the depicted embodiment, the plunger openings112are configured to align with motherboard expansion slots and chassis slots such that if an adapter card retainer plunger is attached to a plunger opening112, the plunger will align with an edge of an adapter card202as installed in a corresponding expansion slot and chassis slot. An edge of the plunger may contact an edge of the adapter card202to prevent movement of the adapter card202in a direction away from its corresponding motherboard slot. In this way, the plunger acts to retain the adapter card in a selected expansion slot, regardless of the height of the adapter card even if the chassis experiences significant rattling, knocking, or vibration forces. The plunger size may be adjusted to correspond to different card heights, so that cards of any height allowed by the chassis specification may be retained and protected.

In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket100may be formed with one or more exhaust openings118configured to exhaust heat from any adapter cards installed within the chassis. In particular, adapter cards such as graphics card adapters may generate excessive heat that, if confined, may result in component failure. The exhaust opening118provides a path for heat and exhaust air to escape or expand, thereby reducing pressure buildup, reducing component temperatures, and altering an acoustic profile of the adapter cards. In some embodiments, the exhaust opening118allows for various connectors such as scalable link interface (“SLI”) connectors which enable to two are more adapter cards to be connected together.

In some embodiments, the adapter card retainer bracket100may be formed with one or more cable openings120configured to provide a path through the adapter card retainer bracket100configured to route cables within the chassis. Particularly in a chassis with smaller dimensions, space for cable routing may be limited, and the depicted openings120provide a routing path for cables, including cables to and from adapter cards installed in the chassis. In some embodiments, indentions or depressions (not shown) may be formed into a face of the adapter card retainer bracket100to further facilitate the routing of cables within the chassis. In one embodiment, the cable openings120and any cable routing channels are formed so that a chassis cover may the adapter card retainer bracket100without encountering resistance from any protruding cables or cords.

In one specific embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket100may be formed with a plurality of fan bracket tabs122configured to engage and retain a fan bracket within the chassis. The fan bracket tabs122are may be formed integrally with the adapter card retainer bracket100and are flexible such that when the adapter card retainer bracket100is attached to the chassis, the flexible fan bracket tabs apply a retaining force against a fan bracket.

The adapter card retainer bracket100, in one embodiment, is formed with a plurality of retainer tabs124protruding from the first end102of the adapter card retainer bracket100. The retainer tabs124are spaced such that each retainer tab124corresponds with a potential adapter card location216-226in the chassis200. In one embodiment, each retainer tab124is configured to engage an adapter card installation bracket228. (FIG. 2). As will be recognized by those of skill in the art, adapter cards are typically provided with an adapter card bracket that engages the computer chassis and fills a computer chassis slot opening. Conventionally, the adapter card brackets are secured to the chassis by way of a small screw or fastener.

The retainer tabs124allow for tool-less installation of adapter cards202as the retainer tabs124may act to engage and secure the adapter card brackets228to the chassis200. In one embodiment, the retainer tabs124may be used in addition to other securing mechanisms such as screws or the like. In operation, as the adapter card retainer bracket100is attached to the chassis200, the retainer tabs124align with and engage an edge of any installed adapter card installation brackets228. Securing the adapter card retainer bracket100in position by way of the first and/or second set of attachment devices106,108also secures any adapter cards202and their corresponding brackets228into position as well. The result is a tool-less installation and removal of adapter cards202.

FIG. 2is simplified for ease of discussion, and in some embodiments, the chassis200may be configured to include numerous additional computer components such as a motherboard, a power supply, a hard disk drive, an optical drive, etc. For example, the chassis200may house motherboard that is compliant with an Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) form factor, or alternatively, with a Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) form factor. As depicted, an adapter card202is configured in the chassis200, and it aligns with one of the plunger openings112formed into the adapter card retainer bracket100.

The chassis200may be designed in different sizes, materials, and configurations, and the adapter card retainer bracket100is formed to accommodate the selected size and configuration of the chassis200. For example, some computer chassis are oriented vertically and some are oriented horizontally. A chassis200may be made out of various materials such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or the like. Further, chassis200are typically provided in many different sizes known as form factors. Rack-mounted chassis are typically described in terms of rack units or “U” which refer to the height of equipment intended for mounting in the rack. The size of a piece of rack mounted equipment is frequently described in terms of 1U, 2U, 3U, etc., where each U is a multiple of 1.75 inches (4.445 cm) or one rack unit “U”.

As depicted, the chassis200has a z axis208that extends from a first end204to a second end206, and an x axis210that is orthogonal to the z axis208, or from the depicted bottom (may not be the bottom in some configurations) extends to the depicted top of the chassis200. A y axis212that is orthogonal to both the x axis210and the z axis208defines a width (or thickness) of the chassis200. In one embodiment, the width of the chassis200along the y axis212in the range of 12.5 to 13.34 centimeters (4.92 inches to 5.5 inches). The width of the chassis may be selected to minimize its volume while still being able to hold full-size adapter cards and the like. Of course, other design constraints may be considered as well. In a further embodiment, the width is defined in a direction212that is substantially orthogonal to the adapter card retainer bracket100and parallel to the installed adapter card202that is in the range of 12.5 to 13.34 centimeters (4.92 inches to 5.5 inches).

Full-size adapter cards, such as PCI cards, have a height of about 10.67 centimeters (4.2 inches). However, other card sizes are available such as half-height cards or “low-profile cards”, which have a height of about 3.61 centimeters (1.42 inches). In one embodiment, the chassis200is configured to accept cards of varying heights including both full-size adapter cards and low-profile adapter cards, and the adapter card retainer bracket100is configured to simultaneously accommodate the varying card sizes. In the depicted embodiment, the height of the adapter card202is measured in the same direction212as the width of the chassis200. For example, the adapter card202may be attached to an expansion slot of a motherboard attached vertically to the back wall of the chassis200. Thus, an adapter card202attached to the motherboard would extend in the y direction212towards the attached adapter card retainer bracket100.

In the depicted embodiment, the adapter card retainer bracket100is attached to a first end204of the chassis200and to a second end206of the chassis using the first and second sets of attachment devices106,108. The adapter card retainer bracket100may be configured to conform to specific chassis height requirements along the x axis210or z axis208. For example, the adapter card retainer bracket100may be provided with a 1U, 2U, 3U, or other rack unit height as needed.

FIG. 3is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the first set of attachment mechanisms106of the adapter card retainer bracket100. As depicted, the chassis200has receiving slots302formed therein to receive the tabs106extending from the first end of the adapter card retainer bracket100. In this embodiment, the tabs106are formed as pronged hooks to tie the adapter card retainer bracket100to the chassis200. The pronged hook tabs106slide into the receiving slots302to engage the chassis wall or support members214thereby increasing the strength of the chassis200and enabling loads to be distributed from the adapter card retainer bracket100to the chassis200support members214.

FIG. 4is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of another attachment mechanism108for attaching an adapter card retainer bracket100to the chassis200. As depicted, the adapter card retainer bracket100uses two different types of attachment mechanisms106,108. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments similar attachment mechanisms may be used for both the first end102and second end104of the adapter card retainer bracket100. Of course, other types of attachment devices as recognized by those of skill in the art may also be used in various embodiments.

In the depicted embodiment, the attachment devices108are configured to attach the second end104of the adapter card retainer bracket100to the second side206of the chassis200. The attachment devices108include a receptor tab402extending from the second end104of the adapter card retainer bracket100and configured to receive a flexible protruding tab404from the second side104of the chassis200. In one embodiment, the receptor tab402includes at least one edge configured to lockably engage the flexible protruding tab402in a fixed position.

In this manner, the adapter card retainer bracket100is secured to the chassis200in a tool-less fashion. It is contemplated that some embodiments may use additional attachment devices such as screws, bolts, and the like that may require tools for fastening.

FIG. 5is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an adapter card retainer plunger500. As depicted, the adapter card retainer plunger500has a first edge502configured to removably engage a plunger opening112(FIG. 1) of the adapter card retainer bracket100. The adapter card retainer plunger500also has a second edge504configured to engage an edge of an adapter card202within the chassis200. The second edge504may be configured as a flat surface in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the second edge may be configured with indentations or the like that conform to the shape of the adapter card202edge. For example, a slot may be formed into the second edge504for receiving the adapter card202.

In some embodiments, the adapter card retainer plunger500is made from a material such as plastic, rubber, or the like. The adapter card retainer plunger500may be provided in various sizes and shapes to correspond to the plunger openings112and to reach a predefined distance from the adapter card retainer bracket100to the edge of the adapter card202. When attached to the installed adapter card retainer bracket100, the adapter card retainer plunger500acts to retain the adapter card202into its expansion slot #, by providing a barrier against movement at the edge of the adapter card202in a direction away from the expansion slot. In one embodiment, the adapter card retainer plunger500is sized to engage an edge of a low-profile adapter card.

In theFIG. 5embodiment, the adapter card retainer plunger500includes an attachment protrusion506extending from the first edge502of the adapter card retainer plunger500. The attachment protrusion506is configured to slidably attach to a narrow side116(FIG. 1) of a plunger opening112. The attachment protrusion506may include a narrow neck portion508and a head portion510, wherein the narrow neck portion508is narrower than the head portion510of the attachment protrusion506. This enables the narrow neck portion508to slide into the narrow side116of a plunger opening112to removably retain the adapter card retainer plunger in a substantially fixed position in relation to the adapter card retainer bracket100.

The adapter card retainer plunger100, in one embodiment, may include an engagement tab512extending from the first edge502of the plunger500. The engagement tab512is configured to engage an edge of a wide side114(FIG. 1) of the plunger opening112. In one embodiment, the engagement tab512is substantially flexible with respect to the attachment protrusion506such that compression of the engagement tab512causes a retaining force to be applied to the edge of the wide side114of the plunger opening112if the adapter card retainer plunger500is attached to the adapter card retainer bracket100. In the depicted embodiment, the engagement tab512flexibly moves toward the attachment protrusion506to facilitate attachment of the plunger500to the adapter card retainer bracket100.

In one embodiment, the attachment protrusion506and engagement tab512are configured such that if the adapter card retainer plunger500is attached to the adapter card retainer bracket100, the attachment protrusion506and engagement tab512are substantially flush with the adapter card retainer bracket100surface.

In one embodiment, the first edge502of the adapter card retainer plunger500is formed with a slit514that separates the attachment protrusion506and the engagement tab512. The slit514further enables the flexible movement of the engagement tab512.

As depicted the second edge504of the adapter card retainer plunger500is opposite the first edge502and is configured to reach a predefined distance516from the first edge502of the adapter card retainer plunger500. In one embodiment, the predefined distance516corresponds to a distance from the adapter card retainer bracket100to the edge of the adapter card202(FIG. 2). As noted, the adapter card retainer plunger500may be formed in different sizes and heights so that adapter cards202of different heights may be accommodated.

FIG. 6is a perspective view as seen from the left side ofFIG. 2illustrating one embodiment of an adapter card retainer bracket100with an adapter card retainer plunger500installed. The adapter card retainer plunger500is attached to the adapter card retainer bracket100and extends (as seen through the exhaust opening118) to the edge of the adapter card202. The adapter card202is attached to an expansion slot602that is aligned with the plunger opening512and to second plunger edge504. The second plunger edge504engages and retains the adapter card202in the expansion slot512by extending from the adapter card retainer bracket100into the chassis200a certain distance516to engage the edge of the adapter card202. Thus, even if the adapter card202is a low-profile adapter card or the like, it is retained in position by the adapter card retainer plunger500extending into the chassis200in a direction illustrated as downward inFIG. 6.

FIG. 7ais a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an installation procedure700afor attaching an adapter card retainer plunger500to an adapter card retainer bracket100. As depicted, the attachment protrusion506is placed into the wide side114of the plunger opening112, and then is slid into the narrow side116of the plunger opening112. The engagement tab112is then compressed and placed into the wide side116of the plunger opening112to engage the edge of the plunger opening112. The compression of the engagement tab512results in a retaining force being applied to the edge of the plunger opening112. In this manner, the depicted plunger500is securely attached to the adapter card retainer bracket100.

FIG. 7bis a top view of a plunger opening112aconfigured to receive an adapter card retainer plunger500. As depicted the plunger opening112ashows the plunger opening112awith a tapered edge702around the narrow side116of the opening. The plunger opening112bshows the plunger opening112bwith the adapter card retainer plunger500installed therein.

FIG. 8ais a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method800afor forming an adapter card retainer bracket100. The method begins by forming802a planar bracket. Next, a plurality of plunger openings112is formed804into the bracket100. In one embodiment, the forming802,804of the bracket100and the openings is performed simultaneously.

The method800amay also include steps for forming the adapter retainer card bracket100described above including the various disclosed embodiments and implementations. For example, the method800amay include forming a first end102and a second end104, the first end102having a first set of attachment devices106configured to attach the first end102of the bracket100to a first side204of a chassis200. The second end104is formed with a second set of attachment devices108configured to attach the second end104of bracket100to a second side206of the chassis200.

In one embodiment, the first set of attachment devices106are formed with at least one tab106extending from the first end102of the adapter card retainer bracket100and configured to engage a receiving slot302formed in the first side204of the chassis200. The second set of attachment devices108may include at least one receptor tab402extending from the second end104of the adapter card retainer bracket100and configured to receive at least one flexible protruding tab404from the second side206of the chassis200. The receptor tab402may include at least one edge configured to lockably engage the flexible protruding tab404in a fixed position

FIG. 8bis schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method800for forming an adapter card retainer plunger500. [This paragraph essentially summarizes a *manufacturing* process but the following sentence summarizes an *operational* process.]

The method800bsubstantially includes the steps to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described adapter card retainer bracket100and adapter card retainer plunger500. In one embodiment, the method800bbegins by forming806an adapter card retainer plunger500having a first edge502that is configured to removably attach to a plunger opening112of an adapter card retainer bracket100. The adapter card retainer plunger500is formed806with a second edge504configured to engage an edge of an adapter card202within a chassis202to securely maintain the adapter card202in a fixed position with respect to the chassis200.

Forming806the adapter card retainer plunger500may include forming808an attachment protrusion506extending from the first edge502of the adapter card retainer plunger500and configured to slidably attach to a narrow side116of the plunger opening112of the adapter card retainer bracket100. In one embodiment, the attachment protrusion506is formed808with a narrow neck portion508and a head portion510, wherein the narrow neck portion508is narrower than the head portion510of the attachment protrusion506.

Forming806the adapter card retainer plunger500may also include forming an engagement tab512extending from the first edge502of the adapter card retainer plunger500configured to engage an edge of a wide side114of the plunger opening112. In one embodiment, the engagement tab512aligns with the attachment protrusion506.

In operation, the adapter card retainer plunger500may be attached to the adapter card retainer bracket100formed in the method800a. The adapter card retainer bracket100may then be attached to the chassis200to retain adapter cards202of all sizes, to distribute loads from the adapter card retainer bracket100to the support members of the chassis200, and to provide additional structural support to the chassis.