Removable fan tray

Fan trays and components thereof are described herein. In some embodiments, a removable, compact fan tray is configured to be disposed within a slot of a chassis. The fan tray can be latchably coupled to the chassis, and/or can include a light source, such as an LED operable to depict the status of the fan tray. Leads of the light source can be disposed within an sleeve operable to contain and/or insulate the leads. The fan tray can, in some embodiments, be configured to be keyed to a particular type of chassis slot, for example, a slot associated with an air flow direction.

BACKGROUND

Some embodiments described herein relate to fan trays configured to be disposed within a chassis, such as a server rack and/or a computer case.

The size of known fan trays can limit the space available for cooling components, house an insufficient number of fans, not latch, have an inconvenient latching mechanism, and/or can extend outside the front panel of the chassis. In some applications, such as when a server rack contains a1U top-of-rack switch, removable and/or compact fan trays are desired, because, as the size of the fan tray decreases, more space within the rack can be made available for computing components. A need, therefore, exists for a removable and compact fan tray.

SUMMARY

Fan trays and components thereof are described herein. In some embodiments, a removable, compact fan tray is configured to be disposed within a slot of a chassis. The fan tray can be latchably coupled to the chassis, and/or can include a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) operable to depict the status of the fan tray. Leads of the light source can be disposed within an sleeve operable to contain and/or insulate the leads. The fan tray can, in some embodiments, be configured to be keyed to a particular type of chassis slot, for example, a slot associated with an air flow direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fan trays and components thereof are described herein. A fan tray can be operable to be slideably disposed within a chassis of, for example, a server rack and/or a rack mounted unit. The fan tray can provide cooling airflow to heat sources housed within the chassis, for example, computing components, such as a top-of-rack switch. Some embodiments described herein relate to compact fan trays operable to cool1U form factor components.

In some embodiments, the fan tray can have a body, a handle, and a latch. An end portion of the handle can be rotatably coupled to the body. A first portion of the latch can be coupled to the handle. The body can define at least a portion of a recess configured to selectively contain a portion of the latch. When the handle is in a first position, for example, disposed against a face of the body, the second portion of the latch can be disposed out of the recess. In some embodiments, when the second portion of the latch is disposed out of the recess, the second portion of the latch can project from the body of the fan tray and be operable to latch to an associated structure, for example, of a chassis. When the handle is in a second position, for example, extending out from the face of the body, the latch can be disposed within the recess. In some embodiments, when the latch is disposed within the recess, the fan tray can be slideable within the chassis, for example, by pulling the handle and/or pushing the fan tray.

In some embodiments, a sleeve including channels can be configured to be disposed within a fan tray. The channels of the sleeve can be configured to receive wires and/or insulate the wires of a light source, for example a positive and a negative lead of the light source. The channels can electrically insulate the wires from each other and/or from contact with other wires or structures that can be disposed within and/or part of the fan tray.

In some embodiments, a fan tray shoe configured to be removeably coupled to a fan tray can have a key, such as a slot, groove, projection, and/or hole. The key can be in a first position or a second position. The first position can be associated with a first airflow direction, and the second position can be associated with a second airflow direction. In other embodiments, the key positions can indicate other information such as a fan having one rotor or two rotors, a fan having one fan speed or a different fan speed, a fan having one drive voltage or a different drive voltage. In some embodiments, the key can be configured to be accepted by or excluded from an associated structure of a chassis, such that the fan tray can only be disposed and/or is only operable within a slot of the chassis associated with the appropriate airflow direction.

As used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “an opening” is intended to mean a single opening or a combination of openings.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of a fan tray100, according to an embodiment. The fan tray100includes a handle110, a body120, and an electronics assembly160. The fan tray100can be operable to be slideably disposed within a chassis (not shown), for example, a server rack unit and/or a server rack. The handle110can be coupled to the body120and can be used to install and/or remove the fan tray100from the chassis, as well as to provide a convenient structure for carrying the fan tray100. The body120of the fan tray100can include structural and/or cooling elements of the fan tray120. The electronics assembly160can include wiring and/or other electronic components to power and/or manage the cooling functions of the fan tray100.

The handle110can be rotatably coupled to the body120. For example, in some embodiments, the handle110can have two pins operable to mate with associated holes of the body120, such that the handle110and the body120collectively define a hinge. The handle110can thus rotate from a position in which the handle110is disposed against a surface of the body120to a position in which the handle110extends from the body120. When the handle120extends from the body110, the handle120can provide a convenient structure for grasping the fan tray100, for example, while sliding the fan tray100out of the chassis, and/or carrying the fan tray100.

A latch106can be operable to secure the handle110to the body120, for example, when the handle110is disposed against the surface of the body120. The body120and the handle110can have associated components, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap-fit coupling, and/or any other suitable coupling operable to latch the handle110to the body120.

A retaining clip114can be operable to selectively couple and decouple the fan tray100to the chassis. In some embodiments, the retaining clip114can temporarily couple or retain the fan tray100to the chassis when the handle110is disposed against the surface of the body120. Conversely, when the handle110extends from the body120, the fan tray100can be slideably disposed within the chassis. For example, the retaining clip114can be coupled to the handle110, such that a surface of the retaining clip114matingly couples to a portion of the chassis when the handle is disposed against a surface of the body120. When the handle110is positioned such that it extends from the body120, the retaining clip114can rotate with the handle110such that it is disposed in a recess defined, at least in part, by the body120and such that the retaining clip114is not coupled to the chassis.

The body120can include a cover130, a fan assembly140, and a fan tray shoe150. In some embodiments, the cover130can define the front of the fan tray100and the fan tray shoe150can define the rear of the fan tray100. The fan assembly140can be disposed between and/or supported at opposite ends by the cover130and/or the fan tray shoe150. The fan assembly140can be operable to generate an airflow. One or more screws, bolts, clips, and/or other suitable fastening means can couple the cover130, the fan assembly140, and/or the fan tray shoe150. For example, one or more of the cover130, the fan assembly140, and the fan tray shoe150can have a corresponding threaded hole or holes, such that a threaded fastener or fasteners can be used to couple the cover130, fan assembly140, and the fan tray shoe150together to collectively form the body120.

In some embodiments, the cover130can define an inlet of a flow path and the fan tray shoe150can define an outlet of that flow path. In other embodiments, the fan tray shoe150can define the inlet of a flow path, and the cover130can define the outlet of that flow path.

The cover130can be operable to reduce noise and/or distribute air passing therethrough. For example, the opening defined by the cover130can include a screen, a plurality of openings, and/or a flow-straightening element. The cover130can provide a finger-guard to prevent a user from contacting the fan assembly140when the fan tray100is in operation. The cover130can also be operable to reduce or screen electromagnetic interference. For example, the cover130can reduce or screen against from electromagnetic radiation from electronics within the fan tray100from affecting electronics outside of the fan tray100. Similarly, the cover130can reduce or screen against electromagnetic radiation from electronics outside the fan tray100that might otherwise affect electronics within of the fan tray100or the chassis in which it resides.

The fan assembly140can include one or more rotors and/or stators mounted in series and/or parallel and operable to generate the air-flow. For example, the fan assembly140can include two 40×40×56 mm dual-rotor fans mounted in parallel. In such an embodiment, the overall dimensions of the fan tray100can be approximately 40.5×81×98 mm. The fan assembly140can be operable to move air either into or out of the chassis.

The fan tray shoe150can be keyed to the chassis. Similarly stated, the fan tray shoe150can be operable to be physically coupled to and/or engage one or more structures disposed within the chassis based on the structure of the fan tray shoe150and the structure of the chassis. The fan tray shoe150can be operable to prevent the fan tray100from being improperly disposed within the chassis. For example, the fan tray shoe and the chassis can be collectively configured such that the fan tray100cannot be disposed upside down. In some embodiments, the fan tray shoe150can have one or more projections, recesses, and/or grooves; the chassis can have associated structures such that an improperly oriented fan tray100can be excluded. In some such embodiments, the fan tray100can be configured to provide airflow in one predetermined direction, e.g., into the chassis, and the fan tray shoe150and the chassis can be collectively configured such that only fan trays100providing flow in that one predetermined direction can be disposed therein.

In some embodiments, the fan tray shoe150can be coupled to the body in more than one orientation. In such an embodiment, the fan tray100can be configured to provide airflow in one direction, for example, during assembly, and the fan tray shoe150can be oriented such that the fan tray100can only be disposed within a chassis slot configured to accept a fan tray100providing airflow in that one direction.

The electronics assembly160is operable to electrically couple the fan tray100to the chassis via a connector190. Similarly stated, the electronics assembly160can couple the fan tray100to a power source, computing device, and/or printed circuit board external to the fan tray100and/or disposed within the chassis. For example, when the fan tray100is coupled to a computing device or a printed circuit board, the electronics assembly160can exchange electrical signals between the chassis and the fan tray100. The electronics assembly160can provide power from the chassis to the fan assembly140, and/or can protect electrical wiring via a wire guide170, and/or a sleeve180. In some embodiments, the electronics assembly160can be operable to evaluate the operation and/or health of the fan assembly140, and/or provide feedback to the chassis. The electronics assembly160can provide a user a visual status indicator for the fan tray100via a light source185, such as an LED.

The connector190can be electrically coupled to a corresponding connector (e.g., a mating connector) disposed within the chassis. Thus, the fan tray100can receive power and/or one or more electrical signals from an electrical component, such as a power supply and/or a printed circuit board disposed within the chassis. The connector190can be coupled to the fan tray shoe150, such that the connector190can be blind-coupled to the chassis connector when the fan tray100is disposed within the chassis. In some embodiments, the fan tray shoe150can be configured to position the connector190at an appropriate height and/or in an appropriate position such that when the fan tray100is disposed within the chassis, the connector190slideably couples with the chassis connector. In some such embodiments, the fan tray shoe150and/or the connector190can include a guide operable to position the connector190with respect to the chassis connector when the fan tray100is slid into the chassis. For example, a ramp or cone structure can urge the connector190in the direction of the chassis connector, and the fan tray shoe150can be operable to allow the connector190to move or float into the correct position for mating with the chassis connector. In some embodiments the connector190can be coupled to the fan tray shoe150in the appropriate location for mating with a specific chassis or chassis type during assembly of the fan tray100.

The connector190can be coupled to one or more wires, which can route power and/or electrical signals to the fan assembly140and/or the light source180. The wire guide170can direct wires from the connector190to the fan assembly140and/or the light source180and protect the wires from spinning rotors and/or from obstructing the flow path. In some embodiments, a side of the wire guide170facing the fan assembly140can have an aerodynamic shape operable to provide an efficient transition from the fan assembly140to an airflow opening in the fan tray shoe150. A side of the wire guide170facing the connector190can be shaped such that the wires are retained in place and/or directed to the fan assembly140and/or the light source180without obstructing the airflow. The wire guide170can further prevent wires from pinching, for example, by corralling the wires during assembly.

The light source185can indicate to a user whether the fan tray100is powered on or off, and/or indicate a warning condition (e.g., fan failure, temperature alarm, over-speed, etc.). The light source185can be disposed within the sleeve180. In some embodiments, the sleeve180can be a molded plastic sleeve that can provide insulation to the light source leads. For example, the light source leads can be bare wires, devoid of insulation, jackets, and/or heat-shrink insulating tubing for a length less than, similar to, and/or equal to the length of the sleeve180. Similarly stated, the sleeve180can eliminate the need for traditional heat-shrink tubing for insulating at least a portion of the light source leads. By eliminating heat-shrink tubing and by providing insulated channels for the light source leads, the amount of space occupied by the light source leads can be reduced and/or the light source leads can be more precisely routed to the light source185. For example, the light source leads, contained within the sleeve180, can, in some embodiments, include sharper bends than would be possible with traditional heat-shrink insulation.

A light pipe187, for example, a fiber optic cable, a transparent component, and/or acrylic cylinder, can be used to convey output from the light source185such that the output of the light source185can be perceived by the user. For example, the light source180can be located at the back of the fan tray100, and the light pipe187can transmit the output of the light source185to the front of the fan tray100and/or through an opening defined by the cover130. Similarly stated, in some embodiments, the light source180can be coupled to the fan tray shoe150in a rear portion of the fan tray100and the light pipe187can be operable to transmit the output of the light source185to a front portion of the fan tray100. Positioning the light source185in the rear of the fan tray100can reduce and/or eliminate the extension of the light source leads the length of the fan tray100, which can simplify assembly, enhance durability, and/or reduce the opportunity for airflow obstructions.

FIG. 2is an isometric view of a fan tray200, according to an embodiment. The fan tray200can be structurally and/or functionally similar to the fan tray100described above with reference toFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 2, a cover230, two dual-rotor fans240, and a fan tray shoe250are coupled together via screws202. The fan tray200is configured to be removeably disposed at least partially within a chassis (not shown), such that the cover230is in fluid communication with an exterior volume of air, when the fan tray shoe250is disposed within an interior volume of the chassis. The cover230thus defines a first opening234of the fan tray200and the fan tray shoe250defines a second opening254(not shown inFIG. 2) of the fan tray200. The cover230and the fan tray shoe250can each define one of an inlet or an outlet, depending on the direction of operation of the fans240. As shown, the cover230defines multiple hexagonal openings234.

An fan tray direction indicator218is coupled to a handle210and is operable to indicate to a user the direction of airflow the fan tray200is configured to supply. As shown, “AFI” indicates that the fan tray200is configured to move “airflow in” through the openings234of the front cover230. In other embodiments, the fan tray direction indicator218can indicate, for example “AFO” indicating that the fan tray200is configured to move “airflow out” through the openings234of the front cover230. For example, an indicator cover219can be operable to selectively expose one fan tray direction indicator218. As shown, the indicator cover219can be covering an AFO indicator, such that if the indicator cover219were moved to cover the AFI indicator218, the AFO indicator would be exposed.

In some embodiments, the indicator cover219can be operable to trigger a switch or electrical contact operable to alter the flow of the fan tray200. For example, a user, by sliding the indicator cover219can change the direction of the airflow.

As described in further detail herein, the light pipe287is operable to transmit a signal from an LED285(not shown inFIG. 2) to the front of the fan tray200. A hole231defined by the cover230can allow the user to observe the output of the LED285via the light pipe287from the front of the fan tray200when the fan tray200is disposed within the chassis.

FIG. 3is an exploded view of a front portion of the fan tray200ofFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 3, the handle210is hingedly coupled to the cover230via two pins212, which are configured to be disposed within two associated holes232. The handle210can thereby rotate with respect to the cover230from a first position, in which the handle210is disposed against the surface of the cover230, to at least a second position in which the handle210extends outwardly from the cover230. When the handle210is in the first position, hooks236of the cover230can engage slots216of the handle210, preventing the handle210from freely rotating. The hooks236and slots216can be configured to snap-fit, such that an initial minimum force is used to rotate the handle210. Thus, the handle210can be secured in the first position to prevent unlatching during shipping, handling, vibration, inadvertent contact, and/or earthquakes, while allowing the handle210to freely rotate after the user applies an initial force to free the handle210from the cover230.

One or more retaining clip(s)214can removeably couple the fan tray200to the chassis. As shown, the retaining clip(s)214are configured to be coupled to the handle210such that the retaining clip(s)214rotate with the handle210. When the handle210is disposed against the surface of the cover230, a portion of the retaining clip(s)214projects beyond the upper surface of the cover230. The projecting portions of the retaining clip(s)214can engage an associated feature of the chassis, coupling the fan tray200to the chassis when the handle is disposed against the surface of the cover230. In other embodiments, the retaining clip(s)214can be coupled to the cover230and operable to be selectively extended or refracted, for example, via a push-button, rotation of the handle210, and/or any other suitable mechanism.

When the handle210rotates away from the front surface of the cover230, the retaining clip(s)214rotate into the cover recesses235. Thus, when the handle210extends away from the front surface of the cover230, the retaining clip(s)214do not extend beyond the upper surface of the cover230. Similarly stated, rotating the handle210into the second position can disengage the retaining clip(s)214from an associated feature of the chassis, allowing the fan tray200to slide within the chassis. For example, the user can slide the fan tray200out of the chassis by pulling on the handle210when the handle extends from the surface of the cover230.

The retaining clip(s)214can be constructed of a resilient material, such as sheet metal. In some embodiments, the retaining clip(s)214can be leaf springs, operable to return to their original configuration after being deformed. As shown, the retaining clip(s)214are coupled to the handle210within the handle recesses215. Furthermore, the portion of the retaining clip(s)214configured to project beyond the upper surface of the cover230has a ridge and/or a triangular shape (from a side perspective) with a sloped portion directed towards the rear of the fan tray200and a substantially vertical portion directed towards the front of the fan tray200. A force applied to the sloped portion of the retaining clip214can cause the projecting portion of the retaining clip(s)214to deform into the handle recesses215. Thus, when the fan tray200is inserted into the chassis and the handle210is disposed against the front surface of the cover230, the sloped projecting portion of the retaining clip(s)214can contact the chassis, resulting in deformation causing the retaining clip(s)214to retract within the handle recess215. With the retaining clip(s)214disposed within the handle recesses215, the fan tray200can “snap” into the chassis. Similarly stated, the retaining clip(s)214can function similar to a door-latch, allowing the fan tray200to be inserted into the chassis with the retaining clip(s)214projecting beyond the upper surface of the cover230. When the fan tray200is disposed within the chassis, however, the retaining clip(s)214can return to their original configuration and can engage a groove or other associated feature of the chassis. The substantially vertical portion of the retaining clip(s)214can resist deformation, preventing the fan tray200from being removed from the chassis while the retaining clip(s)214project beyond the upper surface of the cover230and into the groove or other associated feature of the cover.

The cover further includes a groove238operable to receive an electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket239. The EMI gasket239can be operable to contact the chassis and reduce the amount of interference transmitted to the interior of the chassis via the chassis opening configured to receive the fan tray200. Similarly, the EMI gasket239also reduces the amount of interference transmitted from the interior of the chassis to electronics outside of and separate from the chassis.

FIG. 4is a perspective cross-sectional view of the front portion of the fan tray200ofFIG. 2. The handle210is disposed against the front surface of the cover230. A beveled surface211of the handle210defines, at least in part, a plenum. The plenum can reduce or eliminate the handle210from obstructing the flow of air through the openings234of the cover230. The beveled surface further defines a gap between the front surface of the cover230and the handle210, such that the user can more easily decouple the handle210from the hooks236.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare isometric views of a portion of the fan tray200ofFIG. 2with and without a wire guide270, respectively.FIG. 5Cis a partially exploded view of a portion of the fan tray200ofFIG. 2. The wire guide270(also referred to herein as a “wire-guide housing”) is configured to be disposed between the fans240and the connector290. The connector290is operable to couple with a corresponding (e.g., mating) connector of the chassis. One or more leads or wires292can be electrically couple the connector290to the fans240. For example, the wire guide270can define one or more wire-paths between the connector and the fans240and/or the light source sleeve280.

The wire guide270can provide a smooth and/or streamlined transition for the air flow path between the fans240and the fan tray shoe250and/or isolate some or all of an electronics assembly260from the flow path. Thus, the connector290and/or some or all of the wires292, can be disposed out of the flow path and/or not disrupt, impede, and/or impinge the flow of air through the fan tray200. Said another way, the wire guide270can provide a smooth surface having an aerodynamic shape that provides for reduced or minimal flow resistance for the air flow between the fans240and the fan tray show250.

The wire guide270can have one or more projections272configured to couple to and/or be disposed within associated holes242of the fans240. In some embodiments, during assembly, the wire guide270can be coupled to the fans240before an LED sleeve280, the wires292and/or other electronic components are assembled. In such embodiments, the wire guide270can corral the wires292, reducing the opportunity for the wires292to be pinched, stretched, and/or damaged during assembly and/or use. Said another way, the projections272of the wire guide270align the wire guide270relative to the fans240so that the blades of the fans240do not interfere with wires292and the electronics assembly260can be held firmly once assembled.

FIG. 6is an exploded view of the electronics assembly260of the fan tray200ofFIG. 2. The connector290can be coupled to the wires292, which can in turn be coupled to the LED285and/or the fans240(not shown inFIG. 6), respectively. The LED285and, in some embodiments, at least a portion of LED leads282can be disposed within and/or molded into the LED sleeve280. In some embodiments, the LED sleeve280can contain and/or channel bare LED leads282, and/or can provide end-to-end insulation for the LED leads282. For example, the LED sleeve280can include channels281, grooves, chambers, and/or any other suitable structure operable to electrically isolate the LED leads282. The LED sleeve280can thereby reduce or eliminate the need for traditional heat-shrink tubing to insulate the LED leads282. Because heat-shrink insulation can be bulker and can increase the minimum radius of curvature of bends in the LED leads282, the LED sleeve280can reduce the footprint and/or improve the durability of the electronics assembly260.

The light pipe287can be coupled to, disposed against, and/or located proximate to the LED285and/or the LED sleeve280. The light pipe287can be operable to receive the visual output of the LED285at a rear end, and transmit the visual output to a front end. Thus, the light pipe287can convey the output of the LED285, which can be located at the rear of the fan tray200, to the front of the fan tray200. The light pipe287can therefore reduce the length of the LED leads282used to convey a visual signal to the front of the fan tray200.

As described above, the wire guide270can be configured to corral and/or limit the location and/or movement of the wires292. In some embodiments, the wire guide270can be located between the wires292and the fans240. For example, the wires292can coupled to the fans240at or near an opening of the wire guide270. In some embodiments, the wires292can be coupled to the fans240within 2 mm of an opening of the wire guide, within approximately 5 mm, 10 mm, or within any other suitable distance from an opening of the wire guide270. Similarly, in some embodiments, the LED sleeve280can couple to and/or insulate LED leads282from the connector290and/or the wire guide270to the LED285.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare a rear exploded isometric view and a rear view of the fan tray shoe250and the connector290, of the fan tray200ofFIG. 2, respectively. As described above with reference toFIG. 2, the fan tray shoe254can define an opening254for inlet and/or outlet of the airflow. In some embodiments, the fan tray shoe250can provide structural rigidity for the fan tray200, for example, by including one or more stiffening flanges252and256. The stiffening flanges252can be operable to resist torsion and/or flexion that the fan tray may experience, for example, during assembly, handling, and/or use.

The fan tray shoe250can further include a key structure256. The key structure245(including stiffening flanges252and256) can, in some embodiments, include one or more slots, grooves, rods, and/or holes of various shapes, sizes, and/or extending various distances from the fan tray shoe250. The key structure245can matingly couple with an associated structure disposed within the chassis. The keying structure245can be operable to ensure that the fan tray200can be fully disposed only within a slot in the chassis designed to receive the fan tray200. For example, the chassis can have a projection disposed within the chassis that will exclude the fan tray200, e.g., prevent the fan tray200from sliding partially or completely within the chassis, and/or prevent the connector290from mating with the corresponding (e.g., mating) connector of the chassis, unless the projection corresponds with a slot of the fan tray shoe250.

In some embodiments, the fan tray shoe250can be reversible, such that it can be alternatively disposed within at least two different types of chassis slots. For example, when the fan tray shoe250is coupled to the fan tray200in a first configuration, the fan tray200is configured to be disposed in a slot operable to receive a fan tray configured to direct cooling air into the chassis; when the fan tray shoe is coupled to the fan tray200is a second configuration (e.g., rotated 180 degrees), the fan tray200is configured to be disposed in a slot operable to receive a fan tray configured to remove air from the chassis. Similarly stated, the location of the keying structure256on the fan tray200can be associated with the direction of airflow generated by the fans240. The keying structure256can thereby assure that an inlet fan tray can only be disposed within a chassis slot configured to receive an inlet fan tray, while an outlet fan tray can only be disposed within a chassis slot configured to receive an outlet fan tray. In other embodiments, the keying structure256can be configured such that the fan tray200can be disposed within either an inlet or an outlet chassis slot.

In yet other embodiments, the key structure can be associated with information other than or in addition to air flow direction, such as a fan having one rotor or two rotors, a fan having one fan speed or a different fan speed, a fan having one drive voltage or a different drive voltage. For example, in such an embodiment, a first position of the key structure can be associated with a fan having one rotor, and a second position of the key structure can be associated with a fan having two rotors. For another example, a first position of the key structure can be associated with a fan having one fan speed, and a second position of the key structure can be associated with a fan having a different fan speed. For yet another example, a first position of the key structure can be associated with a fan having one drive voltage, and a second position of the key structure can be associated with a fan having a different drive voltage.

The connector290is coupled to the fan tray shoe250. The fan tray shoe250can thereby define the vertical position, the horizontal position, and/or the depth of the connector290. The position of the connector290can be defined such that it will align with the corresponding connector of the chassis when the fan tray200is coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the fan tray shoe250can include multiple connector positions. In such embodiments, the vertical, horizontal, position and/or depth of the connector290can be adjusted, for example, by selecting a connector position during assembly, such that the connector290position corresponds to the location of the associated chassis connector.

FIG. 8Ais a schematic diagram of a fan tray300and chassis395, according to an embodiment. The fan tray300can be an air-flow-in (AFI) fan tray, and can be structurally and/or functionally similar to the fan trays100and/or200as shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 1-7B(inclusive). The fan tray300can include a fan assembly340, a fan tray shoe350, and/or any other structures and components described above, such as, a retaining clip, a handle, a cover, an electronics assembly, etc. (not shown).

The chassis395can be a structure configured to receive the fan tray300, such as, for example, a rack-mounted unit, such as a top-of-rack switch, a server chassis, and/or any other suitable chassis or enclosure. The chassis395includes an opening396, which can be approximately the same size and/or shape as the fan tray300. For example, the opening396can have a height and/or a width approximately 1 mm, approximately 3 mm, or approximately 5 mm, greater than a height and/or a width of the fan tray300, and/or the opening396can be any other suitable size. Thus, in some embodiments, the fan tray300can be slideably disposed within the opening396.

The fan tray shoe350is configured to be coupled to the rear of the fan assembly340. As described above, the fan tray shoe350is configured to selectively key the fan tray300to a particular chassis and/or type of chassis. As shown, the fan tray shoe350is configured to be coupled to an AFI fan tray300, such that the AFI fan tray300can be selectively coupled to an AFI chassis395and/or selectively excluded from an air-flow-out (AFO) chassis (e.g., the AFO chassis495as shown inFIG. 8Band described in further detail below).

The fan tray shoe350includes a key structure356. As shown, the key structure356is a cut-out portion of a corner of the fan tray shoe350. The key structure356is configured to interact with a lock structure397disposed within the chassis. In other embodiments, the key structure356can be a projection, a hole, a slot, a tab, and/or any other suitable spatial key. In yet other embodiments, the key structure356can be an electric and/or magnetic “key” configured to interact with a corresponding “lock” disposed within the chassis395and configured to sense the presence of the key structure356.

FIG. 8Bis a schematic diagram of a fan tray400and chassis495, according to an embodiment. The fan tray400can be an AFO fan tray, and can be structurally and/or functionally similar to the fan trays100and/or200as shown and described above with reference toFIGS. 1-7B(inclusive). The fan tray400can include a fan assembly440, a fan tray shoe450, and/or any other structures and components described above, such as, a retaining clip, a handle, a cover, an electronics assembly, etc. (not shown).

The chassis495can be structurally and/or functionally similar to the chassis395described above with reference toFIG. 8A. The chassis495can differ from the chassis395in that the chassis495can be an AFO chassis. Similarly stated, the chassis495can be configured to have air removed from a slot496, and/or can have a lock structure497configured to selectively accept an AFO fan tray (e.g., the AFO fan tray400) and/or selectively exclude an AFI fan tray (e.g., the AFI fan tray300.

The AFO fan tray shoe450can be configured to be coupled to an AFO fan assembly440. In some embodiments, the AFO fan tray shoe450can differ from the AFI fan tray shoe350only in orientation. Similarly stated, during assembly, a fan tray shoe can be coupled to a fan tray in an orientation such that the fan tray is collectively configured to be slideably disposable only within a certain chassis and/or type of chassis. For example, as shown, the AFI fan tray shoe350and the AFO fan tray shoe450can be a common fan tray shoe oriented different with respect to the fan tray400such that the combination of the fan tray and the fan tray shoe collectively define a keyed assembly that is insertable into an AFO chassis or AFI chassis without being insertable into the other (AFI chassis or AFO chassis, respectively).

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. For example, although some embodiments describe a fan tray operable to be coupled to a server rack, in other embodiments, such a fan tray can be operable to couple to industrial equipment, kitchen equipment, otherwise positioned in any situation in which airflow is desired.

Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of embodiments where appropriate. For example, although some embodiments of a fan tray are described as having an inlet on a first end and an outlet on a second end, in other embodiments the fan tray can have both inlets and outlets on one side. For example, in some embodiments, the fan tray can have one fan operable to direct air into a chassis and a second fan operable to remove air from the chassis positioned side-by-side. Such an embodiment could be operable to circulate air within the chassis, for example, via an internal baffle that circulates the air in a “U” shaped path within the fan tray.