Systems and methods to secure a circuit board

In some embodiments, a device includes a first element to couple the device to a first portion of a computer chassis; and a first pliant portion coupled to the first element and to inhibit disconnection of a circuit board. In some embodiments, a system includes a chassis having a circuit board slot coupled thereto; a circuit board coupled to the circuit board slot; and a device coupled to the chassis, the device having a first pliant portion to inhibit disconnection of the circuit board from the circuit board slot. In some embodiments, a system includes a chassis having a circuit board slot coupled thereto; a SONET interface card coupled to the circuit board slot; and a device coupled to the chassis, the device having a first pliant portion to inhibit disconnection of the SONET interface card from the circuit board slot.

BACKGROUND

Within computers and other electronic devices, circuit boards often must be connected, secured, or otherwise attached to various components. Circuit boards may be physically coupled to a structural component and/or electronically coupled to an electrical component (e.g., another circuit board). Proper functioning of an electronic device often depends upon the proper positioning and coupling of one or more circuit boards.

Circuit boards, such as expansion and/or interface cards, are typically secured in place with a metal screw. For example, a circuit board is initially positioned in a circuit board slot within a computer chassis. The circuit board may then be secured to the computer chassis by tightening a screw to couple a flange of the circuit board to the computer chassis. The use of a screw to prevent disconnection of the circuit board, particularly within computer systems, may present difficulties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first toFIG. 1, a perspective diagram of a device100according to some embodiments is shown. The device100may, according to some embodiments, include a first element102, a first pliant portion104, and/or a second pliant portion106. The device100may include fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 1. For ease of illustration of some embodiments, the device100is shown inFIG. 1in relation to a portion of a computer system130. The device100and the system130are depicted for use in explanation, but not limitation, of some embodiments. Different types, layouts, quantities, and configurations of devices and/or systems may be used.

System130may comprise, according to some embodiments, a computer chassis132defining one or more mounting interfaces134. The computer chassis132and the mounting interface134may be or include any types and/or configurations of computer chassis and mounting interface that are or become known. The computer chassis132may, for example, be the chassis for a computer server such as an IBM® eServer™ xSeries455server having a 4U form factor. According to some embodiments, the mounting interface134may be or include an expansion card and/or interface card slot such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slot as defined by the PCI Special Interest Group (SIG) in “PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2” (Dec. 18, 1998), a PCI-X slot as defined by the PCI SIG in “PCI-X 2.0 Protocol and Electrical Specification” (May 1, 2002), and/or a PCI Express slot as defined by the PCI SIG in “PCI Express Specification 1.0a” (May 1, 2002).

According to some embodiments, the computer chassis132may include one or more projections such as a standoff140. In some embodiments, the standoff140may be or include a keyed-standoff having a keyed portion142. The keyed-standoff140may, for example, be or include a type of keyed-standoff used to secure motherboards and/or other computer components within computer systems. In some embodiments, the keyed-standoff140and/or another type or configuration of computer chassis projection may be located within, adjacent to, and/or near the mounting interface134.

According to some embodiments, the device100may be coupled to the computer chassis132via a projection of the computer chassis132, such as the keyed-standoff140. For example, the device100may be mounted on the keyed-standoff140(as shown) by inserting the keyed-standoff140into an opening of the device100. In some embodiments, the keyed-portion142of the keyed-standoff140may engage a lip within the opening of the device100to cause the device100to be removably coupled to the keyed-standoff140. According to some embodiments, the first element102of the device100may define the opening and/or may be coupled to the keyed-standoff140.

In some embodiments, the second pliant portion106of the device100may be coupled to a portion of the computer chassis132. For example, the computer chassis132may, according to some embodiments, include a flange144. The flange144may engage a portion of the device100to couple the device100to the computer chassis132. In some embodiments, the second pliant portion106of the device100may, for example, be configured to couple to the flange144. According to some embodiments, pressure may be applied to the second pliant portion106to disengage and/or uncouple the second pliant portion106from the computer chassis132and/or the flange144.

According to some embodiments, the first pliant portion102of the device100may inhibit, prevent, and/or otherwise reduce the possibility of substantial movement and/or disconnection of a circuit board (not shown inFIG. 1) and/or a mounting interface cover146. In some embodiments for example, a circuit board or a mounting interface cover146may be coupled to the mounting interface134of the computer chassis132. The first pliant portion102may, according to some embodiments, be configured to apply pressure to a flange of the circuit board or the mounting interface cover146to couple the circuit board or mounting interface cover146to another element, such as to the mounting interface134and/or to a circuit board slot providing an electrical interface for the circuit board. In some embodiments, the mounting interface cover146may be secured in place by inserting a metal screw (not shown) into a screw hole148in the computer chassis132. According to some embodiments (such as shown inFIG. 1), the screw hole148may be positioned to allow a metal screw to couple a flange of the mounting interface cover146to the computer chassis132. In some embodiments, the device100and/or the first pliant portion102may be utilized instead of and/or in addition to the metal screw, to inhibit disconnection of the circuit board and/or mounting interface cover146.

Referring now toFIGS. 2A and 2B, both front and rear perspective views of a device200are shown, respectively. In some embodiments, the device200may be similar to the device100as described in conjunction withFIG. 1above. The device200may include, according to some embodiments, a first element202, a first pliant portion204, and/or a second pliant portion206. In some embodiments, the components202,204,206of the device200may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in conjunction withFIG. 1above.

The first element202may, according to some embodiments, be configured to couple the device200to a computer chassis (such as chassis132). In some embodiments, the first element202may be attached to, secured to, removably coupled to, and/or otherwise associated with the computer chassis. In some embodiments, the first element202of the device200may define an opening208. In some embodiments (such as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B), the opening208may be substantially circular in cross-section and/or may extend cylindrically through the first element202. According to some embodiments, the opening208may be or include any cross-section and/or configuration that is or becomes practicable. As described in conjunction withFIG. 1above, the opening208may be configured according to some embodiments to accept a projection.

Such a projection may be coupled to a computer chassis. For example, the opening208may be configured to receive a standoff and/or a keyed-standoff (such as keyed-standoff140). In some embodiments, the keyed-standoff may be attached to, coupled to, and/or otherwise associated with the computer chassis. According to some embodiments, the opening208may be configured as a key-hole opening to accept a keyed-object (such as the keyed-portion142of the keyed-standoff140). For example, the device200may include a lip210within the opening208. The lip210may be configured, for example, to accept the keyed-portion142of the keyed-standoff140. In some embodiments, insertion of the keyed-standoff into the opening208may cause and/or allow the keyed-portion of the keyed-standoff to be engaged with the lip210. The engagement of the keyed-portion with the lip210may, according to some embodiments, cause the device200to be removably coupled to the keyed-standoff and/or other computer chassis projection.

According to some embodiments, the first element202may be coupled to the first pliant portion204. The first pliant portion204may, according to some embodiments, be configured to inhibit disconnection of a circuit board (not shown inFIGS. 2Aor2B). The first pliant portion204may, for example, apply pressure to a portion of a circuit board to inhibit disconnection of the circuit board. In some embodiments for example, the first pliant portion204may apply pressure to a flange of a circuit board and/or a mounting interface cover (such as mounting interface cover146) to couple the circuit board and/or mounting interface cover to a computer chassis (such as computer chassis132) and/or to a circuit board slot disposed within the computer chassis.

In some embodiments, the device200may further include a second pliant portion206coupled and/or connected to the first element202. According to some embodiments, the second pliant portion206may also or alternatively be coupled and/or connected to the first pliant portion204. The second pliant portion206may, according to some embodiments, be configured to couple the device200to a computer chassis. In some embodiments, the second pliant portion206may couple to a part, portion, and/or component of the computer chassis different from that to which the first element202is coupled.

According to some embodiments, the second pliant portion206may define and/or include an interface212. The interface212may, for example, permit the second pliant portion206to be coupled to the computer chassis. In some embodiments, the interface212may engage a portion of the computer chassis such as a flange (e.g., flange144). Pressure may then be applied, for example, to the second pliant portion206to uncouple and/or disengage the interface212from the computer chassis flange. In some embodiments, the interface212may be or include an indentation, a hole, a notch, a projection, and/or any other configuration that is or becomes practicable.

Turning now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, both front and rear perspective views of a device300are shown, respectively. In some embodiments, the device300may be similar to any of the devices100,200described in conjunction withFIGS. 1andFIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively above. The device300may include, according to some embodiments, a first element302, a first pliant portion304connected to the first element302, and/or a second pliant portion306connected to the first element302. In some embodiments, the first element302may include and/or define an opening308and/or the second pliant portion306may include an interface312. According to some embodiments, the components302,304,306,308,312of the device300may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in relation to any of the devices100,200described above.

In some embodiments, the device300may include a second element320. The second element320may, for example, be configured to couple and/or facilitate coupling of the device300to a computer chassis. In some embodiments, the second element320may be connected and/or coupled to the first element302. For example, the second element320may be or include an object and/or device that is configured to be at least partially disposed within the opening308defined by the first element302. According to some embodiments, the second element320may be or include a standoff such as a keyed-standoff as described herein. For example, the second element320may include a keyed-portion322. In some embodiments, the keyed-portion322may be similar in design and/or functionality to the keyed-portion142of the keyed-standoff140as described in conjunction withFIG. 1above.

For example, the second element320may be a keyed-standoff that is coupled to the first element302by inserting the second element320into the opening308defined by the first element302. The keyed-portion322of the second element320may, for example, engage a lip and/or other device within the opening308to removably couple the first element302to the second element320. In some embodiments, the coupling of the first element302and the second element320may allow the first element302to be rotated with respect to the second element320. For example, the second element320may be capable of rotation within the opening308defined by the first element302. In some embodiments, fewer or more components then are shown inFIGS. 3A and 3Bmay be included in device300. In some embodiments for example, a bearing, bushing, and/or other device may be included in device300to facilitate rotation of the first element302with respect to the second element320. According to some embodiments, the second element320may be or include any type and/or configuration of device that facilitates and/or permits coupling of the device300to a computer chassis and/or other device.

In some embodiments or example, the second element320may define an opening324. The opening324may be configured, according to some embodiments, to couple to the computer chassis. In some embodiments, the opening324may include threads326to receive a screw (not shown). The screw may be inserted into a hole in the computer chassis and threaded into the opening324, for example, to attach, connect, and/or couple the second element320to the computer chassis. Opening324may include any structure and/or configuration suitable for coupling device300to a portion of a computer chassis and/or other device. In some embodiments for example, the opening324may be or include a projection (such as a keyed projection), a device, and/or any other type of object and/or interface suitable for coupling.

Turning now toFIGS. 4A and 4B, both front and rear perspective views of a device400are shown, respectively. In some embodiments, the device400may be or be similar to any of the devices100,200,300described in conjunction withFIGS. 1,FIGS. 2A and 2B, andFIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively above. The device400may include, according to some embodiments, a first element402, a first pliant portion404connected to the first element402, and/or a second pliant portion406connected to the first element402. In some embodiments, the second pliant portion406may include an interface412. According to some embodiments, the components402,404,406,412of the device400may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in relation to any of the devices100,200,300described above.

In some embodiments, the device400may include a second element420. The second element420may, for example, be configured to couple and/or facilitate coupling of the device400to a computer chassis. In some embodiments, the second element420may be or include a projection from the first element402(as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B). The second element420may, according to some embodiments, be or include any configuration and/or type of device, receptacle, object, and/or interface that is practicable to couple and/or facilitate coupling of the device400to another device and/or object, such as a computer chassis (e.g., computer chassis134). For example, the second element420may include a keyed-portion422. According to some embodiments, the keyed-portion422and/or the second element420may be removably coupled to the computer chassis. The keyed-portion422may, for example, be configured -to couple to a keyhole (not shown) in the computer chassis. In some embodiments, the coupling of the keyed-portion422and/or of the second element420to the computer chassis may permit the device400to be rotated with respect to the computer chassis.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a method500according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method500may be conducted by and/or by utilizing any of the devices100,200,300described above and/or may be otherwise associated with any of the devices100,200,300and/or the system130described above. The flow diagrams described herein do not necessarily imply a fixed order to the actions, and embodiments may be performed in any order that is practicable. Note that any of the methods described herein may be performed by hardware, software (including microcode), firmware, manual means, or any combination thereof. For example, a storage medium may store thereon instructions that when executed by a machine result in performance according to any of the embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the method500may begin at502to connect a circuit board to a computer chassis. The circuit board may, for example, be coupled to, connected to, attached to, mounted on, and/or otherwise associated with a portion of a computer chassis such as a mounting interface (e.g., mounting interface134). In some embodiments, the circuit board may be or include a computer interface and/or expansion card such as a PCI or PCI-X card. The circuit board may, according to some embodiments, be physically and/or electrically coupled and/or connected to the computer chassis. For example, an electrical interface of the circuit board may be inserted into a circuit board slot within a computer, at502. In some embodiments, one or more flanges of the circuit board may be coupled and/or mounted to portions of the computer chassis, such as to one or more mounting interfaces.

At504, the method500may continue, for example, to couple a first element of a device to a first portion of the computer chassis to cause a first pliant portion of the device to inhibit disconnection of the circuit board. The device may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to, for example, any of the devices100,200,300,400described above. In some embodiments, the first portion of the computer chassis may be or include a standoff such as a keyed-standoff.

The first element of the device may, according to some embodiments, be mounted on and/or to the standoff. In some embodiments, the first pliant portion may be positioned and/or configured to inhibit and/or prevent the circuit board from becoming disconnected. For example, the first pliant portion may apply pressure to a portion of the circuit board to inhibit substantial movement of the circuit board. In some embodiments, the first pliant portion and/or the device may be rotated with respect to the computer chassis and/or the standoff or other projection or device. For example, the device may be coupled to the computer chassis and rotated to engage the first pliant portion with the circuit board. According to some embodiments, the first pliant portion may be engaged with the circuit board by positioning the first pliant portion against, next to, adjacent to, and/or otherwise near or toward the circuit board.

In some embodiments, the method500may continue at506to couple a second pliant portion of the device to a second portion of the computer chassis. According to some embodiments, the second pliant portion may be utilized to inhibit rotation of the device and/or of the first pliant portion with respect to the computer chassis. As described above, for example, the device may be rotated to engage the first pliant portion with the circuit board. The second pliant portion may then, for example, be coupled to a second portion of the computer chassis to inhibit further rotation of the device. This may, for example, fix and/or lock the device in place with respect to the computer chassis and/or the circuit board. According to some embodiments, coupling the second pliant portion to the computer chassis may inhibit disengagement of the first pliant portion from the circuit board.

FIG. 6shows a perspective diagram of a system630according to some embodiments. The system630may, according to some embodiments, be utilized in accordance with and/or otherwise associated with the method500described above. In some embodiments, the system630may include a computer chassis632, one or more mounting interfaces634, a circuit board (and/or a mounting interface cover)646having an electrical interface650, and/or a circuit board slot652. In some embodiments, fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 6may be included in system630. In some embodiments, system630may be similar to the system130described in conjunction withFIG. 1above.

In some embodiments, the circuit board646may be connected to the computer chassis632, at501. The circuit board646may, for example, be physically coupled to the computer chassis632by moving a flange of the circuit board646(e.g., in accordance with the path660) to couple the flange to a portion of the computer chassis632, such as to the mounting interface634. The circuit board646may also or alternatively be electrically coupled to the circuit board slot652by moving the electrical interface650(e.g., in accordance with the path660) to couple the electrical interface650to the circuit board slot652. In some embodiments, the circuit board slot652may be connected to, coupled to, and/or otherwise associated with the computer chassis632.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a perspective diagram of a device700according to some embodiments is shown. The device700may, according to some embodiments, include a first element702, a first pliant portion704, and/or a second pliant portion706. The device700may include fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 7. For ease of illustration of some embodiments, the device700is shown inFIG. 7in relation to a portion of a computer system730. The device700and/or the system730may, according to some embodiments, be utilized in accordance with and/or otherwise associated with the method500described above. According to some embodiments, the components702,704,706of the device700may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in relation to any of the devices100,200,300,400described above. In some embodiments, the system730may be similar to any of the systems130,630described in conjunction withFIG. 1andFIG. 6, respectively above.

System730may comprise, according to some embodiments, a computer chassis732, a projection740, a flange744, and/or a circuit board or mounting interface cover746. In some embodiments, the circuit board and/or mounting interface cover746may include a flanged portion750. In accordance with some embodiments (and as described herein), the device700may be coupled and/or mounted to the computer chassis732via the projection740. In some embodiments for example, the projection740may be or include a keyed-standoff that is removably coupled to the first element of the device702.

In some embodiments of504, the device700may be coupled and/or mounted to the computer chassis732and/or positioned in a first orientation, shown as the solid-lined orientation of device700inFIG. 7. In such an orientation, for example, the first pliant portion704of the device700may be positioned away from the circuit board746. Being positioned away from the circuit board746may, according to some embodiments, not allow the first pliant portion704to be engaged with the circuit board746and/or to inhibit disconnection of the circuit board746.

In some embodiments of504, the device700and/or the first pliant portion704may be rotated and/or otherwise moved, such as in accordance with path760, to engage the first pliant portion704with the circuit board746and/or with the flange750of the circuit board746. For example, the device700may be rotated via path760to a second orientation, shown as the dashed-line orientation of device700inFIG. 7. Such rotation may, according to some embodiments, cause the first pliant portion704to be positioned against, adjacent to, and/or otherwise near the flange750. The positioning of the first pliant portion704near the flange750may, for example, inhibit substantial movement of the flange750and/or may inhibit disconnection of the circuit board746.

According to some embodiments of506, the second pliant portion706of the device700may be coupled to a portion of the computer chassis732. When the device700is rotated via path760, as described above for example, the second pliant portion706may engage the flange744of the computer chassis732. In some embodiments, the pliancy of the first pliant portion704may cause the device700to rotate back along path760away from the second orientation (the dotted-line orientation of device700). In such embodiments, the second pliant portion706may couple to the flange744when the device700achieves the second orientation, to inhibit the device700from being rotated back along path760away from the circuit board746. In other words, the second pliant portion706may engage a portion of the computer chassis732to inhibit the first pliant portion704from becoming disengaged from the circuit board746.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a method800according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method800may be conducted by and/or by utilizing any of the devices100,200,300,400,700described above and/or may be otherwise associated with the devices100,200,300,400,700and/or any of the systems130,630,730described above. In some embodiments, the method800may begin at802to apply pressure to a second portion of a device to uncouple the device from a second portion of a computer chassis.

In some embodiments for example, the pressure applied to the second pliant portion may cause an interface of the second pliant portion to uncouple from the second portion of the computer chassis. Uncoupling the second pliant portion and/or the interface of the second pliant portion from the computer chassis may, according to some embodiments, permit the device to be rotated with respect to the computer chassis. In some embodiments, such as where the second pliant portion is coupled to the computer chassis to inhibit a tendency of the device to rotate and/or otherwise move away from a circuit board, the pressure applied to the second pliant portion may disengage the interface of the second pliant portion to allow the device to perform a rotation and/or movement in accordance with such a tendency.

At804for example, the method800may continue to rotate a first pliant portion of the device about an axis to move the first pliant portion away from a circuit board. In some embodiments, the decoupling of the second pliant portion from the computer chassis at802may allow the device to be rotated at804to disengage the first pliant portion from the circuit board. In some embodiments, the first pliant portion and/or the device may, as described above, have a tendency (e.g., due to pliancy or bias) to move and/or rotate away from the circuit board. In such embodiments, when the second pliant portion is uncoupled from the computer chassis at802, the device and/or first pliant portion may, for example, automatically rotate and/or move away from the circuit board (e.g., in accordance with the tendency). According to some embodiments, moving the first pliant portion away from the circuit board may allow the circuit board to be disconnected and/or otherwise moved.

For example, at806the method800may continue to disconnect the circuit board from the computer chassis and/or another device (e.g., the circuit board slot652inFIG. 6). In some embodiments, the circuit board may not be removable and/or may not be disconnected from the computer chassis while the device is oriented such that the first pliant portion is against, adjacent to, and/or otherwise near the circuit board. For example, the first pliant portion may be initially positioned (e.g., during802) near a flange of the circuit board such that the first pliant portion inhibits substantial movement of the flange. When the device is rotated away from the circuit board at804to a second position, for example, the first pliant portion may not be able to inhibit substantial movement of the flange and/or inhibit disconnection of the circuit board. In such embodiments, when the device and/or the first pliant portion is positioned away from the circuit board (and/or away from the flange of the circuit board), the circuit board may be disconnected from the computer chassis.

Turning now toFIG. 9, a perspective diagram of a device900according to some embodiments is shown. The device900may, according to some embodiments, include a first element902, a first pliant portion904, and/or a second pliant portion906. In some embodiments, the second pliant portion906may include and/or define an interface912. The device900may, according to some embodiments, include and/or be associated with fewer or more components than are shown inFIG. 9. For ease of illustration of some embodiments, the device900is shown inFIG. 9in relation to a portion of a computer system930. The device900and/or the system930may, according to some embodiments, be utilized in accordance with and/or otherwise associated with the method800described above. According to some embodiments, the components902,904,906,912of the device900may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the similarly-named components described in relation to any of the devices100,200,300,400,700described above. In some embodiments, the system930may be similar to any of the systems130,630,730described in conjunction withFIG. 1,FIG. 6, andFIG. 7, respectively above.

The system930may comprise, according to some embodiments, a computer chassis932, a projection940, a flange944, and/or a circuit board or mounting interface cover946. In some embodiments, the circuit board and/or mounting interface cover946may include a flanged portion950. In accordance with some embodiments (and as described herein), the device900may be coupled and/or mounted to the computer chassis932via the projection940. In some embodiments for example, the projection940may be or include a keyed-standoff that is removably coupled to the first element of the device902.

In some embodiments, the device900may be coupled and/or mounted to the computer chassis932and/or positioned in a first orientation, shown as the solid-lined orientation of device900inFIG. 9. In such an orientation, for example, the first pliant portion904of the device900may be positioned against, adjacent to, and/or otherwise near the circuit board946and/or the flange950of the circuit board946. Being positioned near the circuit board946and/or the associated flange950may, according to some embodiments, allow the first pliant portion904to inhibit substantial movement of the circuit board946and/or the flange950and/or to inhibit disconnection of the circuit board946.

According to some embodiments, the second pliant portion906and/or the interface912of the device900may be coupled to a portion of the computer chassis932. When the device900is positioned in the first orientation, as described above for example, the second pliant portion906and/or the interface912may engage the flange944of the computer chassis932. In some embodiments, the pliancy of the first pliant portion904may cause the device900to rotate (and/or tend to rotate) along path960away from the first orientation (the solid-line orientation of device900). In such embodiments, the second pliant portion906and/or the interface912may couple to the flange944when the device900is positioned in the first orientation, to inhibit the device900from being rotated (e.g., along path960) and/or otherwise moved away from the circuit board946. In other words, the second pliant portion906and/or the interface912may engage a portion of the computer chassis932to inhibit the first pliant portion904from becoming disengaged from the circuit board946.

In some embodiments of802, pressure may be applied to the second pliant portion906to uncouple and/or disengage the second pliant portion906from the computer chassis932and/or from the flange944. For example, pressure may be applied to the second pliant portion along a path962. The pressure may cause, according to some embodiments, the pliant portion to deform, bend, and/or otherwise move away from and/or disengage from the flange944of the computer chassis932. In some embodiments, such as where the second pliant portion906inhibits the device900from rotating and/or moving in accordance with a tendency away from the circuit board, the uncoupling and/or disengaging of the second pliant portion906may allow and/or cause the device900to rotate via the path960.

In some embodiments of802, the device900and/or the first pliant portion904may be rotated and/or otherwise moved, such as in accordance with path960, to disengage and/or uncouple the first pliant portion904from the circuit board946and/or from the flange950of the circuit board946. For example, the device900may be rotated via path960to a second orientation, shown as the dashed-line orientation of device900inFIG. 9. Such rotation may, according to some embodiments, cause the first pliant portion904to move away from the flange950. The positioning of the first pliant portion904away the flange950may, for example, allow the flange950and/or the circuit board946to be moved and/or may allow disconnection of the circuit board946, at806.

Referring now toFIG. 10, a block diagram of a system1000according to some embodiments is shown. The system1000may include, for example, a server1010, a circuit board slot1020, a processor1030, a Synchronous Optical NETwork (SONET) interface card1040that operates in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) T1.105.04 “SONET-Data Communication Channel Protocol and Architectures” standard (1995; revised 2001), and/or a device1050with a pliant portion. The server1010may be any type of server that is or becomes available. In some embodiments, the server1010may be or include a server that has a height of substantially 4U (seven and one-half inches) or less (e.g., an IBM® eServer™ as described herein).

In some embodiments, the circuit board slot1020may be connected to and/or otherwise in communication with the processor1030and/or the SONET interface card1040. The circuit board slot1020may, according to some embodiments, be or include any type and/or configuration of circuit board connector, slot, receptacle, and/or interface that is or becomes available (e.g., a PCI or PCI-X slot as described herein). The processor1030may be any type of processor including, but not limited to, an Intel® IXP 2800 network processor or an Intel® XEON™ Processor coupled with an Intel® E7501 chipset.

The SONET interface card1040may be substituted with any suitable type and/or configuration of interface, communication, and/or expansion card that is or becomes known. The SONET interface card1040may be or include, for example, a Network Interface Card (NIC) such as a QLogic® SANblade™ QLA2342 Host Bus Adapter (HBA). In some embodiments, the SONET interface card1040may be attached and/or connected to the circuit board slot1020. The SONET interface card1040may, for example, be in communication with the processor1030through and/or utilizing the circuit board slot1020.

According to some embodiments, the device1050with the pliant portion may be or include any of the devices100,200,300,400,700,900described herein. The device1050may, for example, operate in accordance with, carry out, and/or otherwise be associated with the methods500,800described herein. For example, the device1050may couple to the server1010and/or the SONET interface card1040. In some embodiments, the device1050may inhibit, for example, the disconnection of the SONET interface card1040from the circuit board slot1020. According to some embodiments, the device1050with the pliant portion may allow the securing and/or coupling of the SONET interface card1040to the circuit board slot1020and/or the server1010without, for example, requiring the use of tools such as a screwdriver.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a perspective diagram of a system1100according to some embodiments is shown. The system1100may be or include, for example, a rack or cabinet of servers, server-related hardware, and/or other computer-related equipment and/or devices. In some embodiments, the system1100may include one or more servers1102. The servers1102may, according to some embodiments, vary in size and/or shape. For example, the servers1102may have various heights or form factors1104. In some embodiments, some servers1102may, for example, have form factors1104substantially equal to “4U” (as described herein). In some embodiments, a server1102may have a form factor1104under “4U”. According to some embodiments, any of the devices100,200,300,400,700,900described herein may be included within the servers1102. In some embodiments, the servers1102may have components and/or be operable in accordance with various embodiments described herein.

The various devices100,200,300,400,700,900described herein may be constructed, designed, and/or manufactured using any practicable materials that are or become available. The devices100,200,300,400,700,900may be fabricated, for example, of plastic, metal, and/or other composite materials and/or substances. In some embodiments, the devices100,200,300,400,700,900may be manufactured via injection molding, extrusion, casting, forging, stamping, and/or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the devices100,200,300,400,700,900may be milled, sanded, grinded, and/or otherwise constructed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, the various components of the devices100,200,300,400,700,900described herein may be constructed using differing materials and/or processes and may, for example, by joined and/or combined to operate in accordance with embodiments described herein.

The several embodiments described herein are solely for the purpose of illustration. Other embodiments may be practiced with modifications and alterations limited only by the claims.