Abstract:
According to one embodiment, a modular component securing apparatus includes a component chassis having a plurality of opposed walls, each wall including a support for receiving a modular component in one of a first orientation and a second orientation transverse to the first orientation. A component securing member is operable to be coupled to the component chassis adjacent selected ones of the opposed walls wherein the component securing member is operable to secure the modular component in the first orientation in response to being coupled to a first one of the walls, and is operable to secure the modular component in the second orientation in response to being coupled to a second one of the walls transverse to the first wall.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/065,725, attorney docket number 16356.902, filed on Feb. 24, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for securing a modular component in a chassis.  
         [0003]     As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option is an information handling system. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements may vary between different applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.  
         [0004]     Many information handling systems include a chassis which may hold many of the modular components of the information handling system such as, for example, optical or floppy drives. A typical chassis may be positioned in either a horizontal or vertical orientation depending on the user&#39;s space availability. Whether the chassis is positioned in the horizontal or vertical configuration, it is desirable to provide horizontal access to the modular components for ease of use.  
         [0005]     The modular components may be mounted to the chassis such that they are positioned to provide horizontal access either when the chassis is in the horizontal orientation or when the chassis is in the vertical orientation. The user must then choose a configuration which fits their space availability. However, the space availability of the user may change over the lifetime of the system, which can result in the relatively costly and time consuming process of reconfiguration of the modular components in the chassis.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for securing a modular component in a chassis absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     According to one embodiment, a modular component securing apparatus includes a component chassis having a plurality of opposed walls, each wall including a support for receiving a modular component in one of a first orientation and a second orientation transverse to the first orientation. A component securing member is operable to be coupled to the component chassis adjacent selected ones of the opposed walls wherein the component securing member is operable to secure the modular component in the first orientation in response to being coupled to a first one of the walls, and is operable to secure the modular component in the second orientation in response to being coupled to a second one of the walls transverse to the first wall.  
         [0008]     A principal advantage of this embodiment is that a modular component may be easily coupled and secured to the modular component chassis in a plurality of orientations. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view illustrating an embodiment of an information handling system.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a modular component chassis.  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a securing member used with the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a modular component used with the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  and the securing member of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the modular component of  FIG. 4   a.    
         [0014]      FIG. 5   a  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for securing a modular component to a chassis.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the modular component of  FIG. 4   a  being positioned adjacent the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  during the method of  FIG. 5   a.    
         [0016]      FIG. 5   c  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the modular component of  FIG. 4   a  being coupled to the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  in a first orientation during the method of  FIG. 5   a.    
         [0017]      FIG. 5   d  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the modular component of  FIG. 4   a  being secured in the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  in a first orientation using the securing member of  FIG. 3  during the method of  FIG. 5   a.    
         [0018]      FIG. 5   da  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a plurality of the modular components of  FIG. 4   a  being secured in the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  in a first orientation using the securing member of  FIG. 3  during the method of  FIG. 5   a.    
         [0019]      FIG. 5   e  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the modular component of  FIG. 4   a  being coupled to the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  in a second orientation during the method of  FIG. 5   a.    
         [0020]      FIG. 5   f  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the modular component of  FIG. 4   a  being secured in the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  in a second orientation using the securing member of  FIG. 3  during the method of  FIG. 5   a.    
         [0021]      FIG. 5   fa  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a plurality of the modular components of  FIG. 4   a  being secured in the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  in a second orientation using the securing member of  FIG. 3  during the method of  FIG. 5   a.    
         [0022]      FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an information handling system in a horizontal orientation with the modular component chassis of  FIG. 2  mounted in an it and a plurality of the modular components of  FIG. 4   a  being secured in the modular component chassis in a first orientation.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6   b  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the information handling system chassis of  FIG. 6   a  in a vertical orientation with a plurality of the modular components of  FIG. 4   a  being secured in the modular component chassis in a second orientation.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]     For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a network server or storage device, a switch router or other network communication device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components.  
         [0025]     In one embodiment, information handling system  10 ,  FIG. 1 , includes a microprocessor  12 , which is connected to a bus  14 . Bus  14  serves as a connection between microprocessor  12  and other components of computer system  10 . An input device  16  is coupled to microprocessor  12  to provide input to microprocessor  12 . Examples of input devices include keyboards, touchscreens, and pointing devices such as mouses, trackballs and trackpads. Programs and data are stored on a mass storage device  18 , which is coupled to microprocessor  12 . Mass storage devices include such devices as hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy drives and the like. Computer system  10  further includes a display  20 , which is coupled to microprocessor  12  by a video controller  22 . A system memory  24  is coupled to microprocessor  12  to provide the microprocessor with fast storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by microprocessor  12 . In an embodiment, a chassis  26  houses some or all of the components of the information handling system  10 . It should be understood that other busses and intermediate circuits can be deployed between the components described above and microprocessor  12  to facilitate interconnection between the components and the microprocessor.  
         [0026]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a modular component chassis  100  is illustrated. Modular component chassis  100  includes a first pair of substantially parallel walls  102   a  and  102   b  which are spaced apart and coupled together by a second pair of spaced apart substantially parallel walls  104   a  and  104   b . Walls  102   a ,  102   b ,  104   a , and  104   b  include front lip  106   a  running along an edge of each of the walls  102   a ,  102   b ,  104   a , and  104   b , and define a modular component compartment  106   b  positioned between them.  
         [0027]     Wall  102   a  defines a plurality of channels  102   aa ,  102   ab , and  102   ac  which are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. Each channel  102   aa ,  102   ab , and  102   ac  extends through the wall  102   a  and from a respective entrance  102   aaa ,  102   aba , and  102   aca  defined by the front lip  106   a  to a respective terminating end  102   aab ,  102   abb , and  102   acb  in the wall  102   a.    
         [0028]     Wall  102   b  defines a plurality of channels  102   ba ,  102   bb , and  102   bc  which are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. Each channel  102   ba ,  102   bb , and  102   bc  extends through the wall  102   b  and from a respective entrance  102   baa ,  102   bba , and  102   bca  defined by the front lip  106   a  to a respective terminating end  102   bab ,  102   bbb , and  102   bcb  in the wall  102   a . In an embodiment, the channels  102   aa ,  102   ab , and  102   ac  on wall  102   a  and the channels  102   ba ,  102   bb , and  102   bc  on wall  102   b  provide a first support structure. A pair of guides  108   a  and  108   b  extend from wall  102   b  and are positioned adjacent the channel  102   bc . A pair of guides  110   a  and  110   b  extend from wall  102   b  and are positioned between the channels  102   ba  and  102   bb . A guide stop  112  extends from wall  102   b  and is positioned adjacent channel  102   ba  and an edge of wall  102   b . In an embodiment, the guides  108   a ,  108   b ,  110   a , and  110   b  and the guide stop  112  provide a first securing member guide.  
         [0029]     Wall  104   a  defines a plurality of channels  104   aa ,  104   ab , and  104   ac  which are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. Each channel  104   aa ,  104   ab , and  104   ac  extends through the wall  104   a  and from a respective entrance  104   aaa ,  104   aba , and  104   aca  defined by the front lip  106   a  to a respective terminating end  104   aab ,  104   abb , and  104   acb  in the wall  104   a.    
         [0030]     Wall  104   b  defines a plurality of channels  104   ba ,  104   bb , and  104   bc  which are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. Each channel  104   ba ,  104   bb , and  104   bc  extends through the wall  104   b  and from a respective entrance  104   baa ,  104   bba , and  104   bca  defined by the front lip  106   a  to a respective terminating end  104   bab ,  104   bbb , and  104   bcb  in the wall  104   a . In an embodiment, the channels  104   aa ,  104   ab , and  104   ac  on wall  104   a  and the channels  104   ba ,  104   bb , and  104   bc  on wall  104   b  provide a second support structure. A pair of guides  114   a  and  114   b  extend from wall  104   b  and are positioned adjacent the channel  104   bc . A pair of guides  116   a  and  116   b  extend from wall  104   b  and are positioned between the channels  104   ba  and  104   bb . A guide stop  118  extends from wall  104   b  and is positioned adjacent channel  104   ba  and an edge of wall  104   b . In an embodiment, the guides  114   a ,  114   b ,  116   a , and  116   b  and the guide stop  118  provide a second securing member guide.  
         [0031]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a securing member  200  is illustrated. Securing member  200  includes an elongated base  202  having a side  202   a  and a side  202   b  opposite the side  202   a . An end  204  on the securing member  200  includes a handle  204   a . An end  206  is positioned opposite the end  204  and includes a stop portion  206   a  extending from the end  206 .  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , a modular component  300  is illustrated. Modular component  300  includes a base  302  having a front end  302   a  and a rear end  302   b  positioned opposite the front end  302   a . A plurality of sides  304   a  and  304   b  are positioned spaced apart and extending between the front end  302   a  and the rear end  302   b.    
         [0033]     Side  304   a  includes a plurality of securing tabs  306   a  and  306   b  extending from it. Securing tabs  306   a  and  306   b  each include a beam  306   aa  and  306   ba , respectively, extending from the side  304   a  with a head  306   ab  and  306   bb , respectively, which has a greater width than the beams  306   aa  and  306   ba  and which are positioned on the distal end of the beams  306   aa  and  306   ba . In an embodiment, securing tabs  306   a  and  306   b  may include, for example, conventional screws which are coupled to the modular component  300  in a manner which is known in the art.  
         [0034]     Side  304   b  includes a plurality of securing tabs  308   a  and  308   b  extending from it. Securing tabs  308   a  and  308   b  each include a beam  308   aa  and  308   ba , respectively, extending from the side  304   b  with a head  308   ab  and  308   bb , respectively, which has a greater width than the beams  308   aa  and  308   ba  and which are positioned on the distal end of the beams  308   aa  and  308   ba . In an embodiment, securing tabs  308   a  and  308   b  may include, for example, conventional screws which are coupled to the modular component  300  in a manner which is known in the art.  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2, 4   b ,  5   a  and  5   b , a method  400  for securing a modular component in a chassis is illustrated. The method  400  begins at step  402  where the modular component  300  is positioned adjacent the first support structure. Modular component  300  is positioned in front of the modular component chassis  100  such that rear end  302   b  is adjacent the front lip  106   a  of modular component chassis  300 . Securing tab  306   a  is lined up with entrance  102   aaa  on channel  102   aa  and securing tab  308   a  is lined up with entrance  102   baa  on channel  102   ba.    
         [0036]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2, 4   b ,  5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c , the method  400  proceeds to step  404  where modular component  300  is coupled to the first support structure. Modular component  300  is moved in a direction A, illustrated in  FIG. 5   b , such that securing tabs  306   a  and  308   a  enter the entrances  102   aaa  and  102   baa , respectively. Once through entrance  102   aaa , beam  306   aa  on securing tab  306   a  is positioned in the channel  102   aa  and head  306   ab  on securing tab  306   a  engages the wall  102   a  outside the channel  102   aa  and opposite the modular component compartment  106   b . Once through entrance  102   baa , beam  308   aa  on securing tab  308   a  is positioned in the channel  102   ba  and head  308   ab  on securing tab  308   a  engages the wall  102   b  outside the channel  102   ba  and opposite the modular component compartment  106   b . Further movement of the modular component  300  in direction A results in the securing tabs  306   b  and  308   b  entering the entrances  102   aaa  and  102   baa , respectively, and engaging the walls  102   a  and  102   b , respectively, and the channels  102   aa  and  102   ba , respectively, in the same manner as securing tabs  306   a  and  308   a . Modular component  300  is coupled to the first support structure on modular component chassis  100  when securing tabs  306   a  and  308   a  engage the terminating ends  102   aab  and  102   bab , respectively, on channels  102   aa  and  102   ba , respectively. With the modular component  300  coupled to the first support structure on modular component chassis  100 , the front end  302  of the modular component  300  is substantially flush with the front lip  106   a.    
         [0037]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   d , the method  400  proceeds to step  404  where the modular component  300  is secured in the first support structure. The securing member  200  is coupled to the modular component chassis  100  by positioning it in the first securing member guide. End  206  on securing member  200  is positioned adjacent guides  108   a  and  108   b  and securing member  200  is moved in a direction B such that sides  202   a  and  202   b  on securing member  200  are positioned between and engaged with the guides  108   a  and  108   b . As securing member  200  continues to move in direction B, sides  202   a  and  202   b  become positioned between and engaged with guides  110   a  and  110   b . Modular component  300  is secured in first support structure in an orientation X when stop portion  206   a  on end  206  engages guide stop  112  and side  202   b  on securing member  200  engages the head  308   ab  of securing tab  308   a  on modular component  300 . Securing member  200  may then be held in position in the first securing member guide using convention means known in the art such as, for example, a snap that engages the handle  204   a.    
         [0038]     In an embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5   da , a plurality of modular components  300  may be secured to the modular component chassis  100  with each in the orientation X. A modular component  300  may be coupled to the modular component chassis  100  in channels  102   ab  and  102   bb  and a modular component  300  may be coupled to the modular component chassis  100  in channels  102   ac  and  102   bc  using the method described above with reference to channels  102   aa  and  102   ba . With the securing member  200  positioned and held in the guides  108   a ,  108   b ,  110   a ,  110   b , and the guide stop  112  of first securing member guide, securing tabs  308   a  on the modular components  300  are held in place and each of the modular components  300  are secured in the modular component chassis  100  in the orientation X.  
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   b ,  5   a ,  5   b , and  5   d , the method  400  proceeds to step  408  where the modular component  300  is removed from the first support structure. Securing member  200  is removed from the first securing member guide by moving it in a direction opposite the direction B, illustrated in  FIG. 5   d , such that the side  202   b  of securing member  202  disengages the head  308   ab  of securing tab  308   a  on modular component  300 . Modular component  300  may then be moved in a direction opposite the direction A, illustrated in  FIG. 5   b , such that securing tabs  306   a  and  306   b  are removed from channel  102   aa , securing tabs  308   a  and  308   b  are removed from channel  102   ba , and modular component  300  is removed from modular component compartment  106   b.    
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a ,  5   a , and  5   e , the method  400  proceeds to step  410  where the modular component  300  is positioned adjacent the second support structure. Modular component  300  is positioned in front of the modular component chassis  100  such that rear end  302   b  is adjacent the front lip  106   a  of modular component chassis  300 . Securing tab  308   a  is lined up with entrance  104   aca  on channel  104   ac  and securing tab  306   a  is lined up with entrance  104   bca  on channel  104   bc . The method  400  then proceeds to step  412  where the modular component  300  is coupled to the second support structure. Modular component  300  is moved in a direction A, illustrated in  FIG. 5   b , such that securing tabs  308   a  and  306   a  enter the entrances  104   aca  and  104   bca , respectively. Once through entrance  104   aca , beam  308   aa  on securing tab  308   a  is positioned in the channel  104   ac  and head  308   ab  on securing tab  308   a  engages the wall  104   a  outside the channel  104   ac  and opposite the modular component compartment  106   b . Once through entrance  104   bca , beam  306   aa  on securing tab  306   a  is positioned in the channel  104   bc  and head  306   ab  on securing tab  306   a  engages the wall  104   b  outside the channel  104   bc  and opposite the modular component compartment  106   b . Further movement of the modular component  300  in direction A results in the securing tabs  308   b  and  306   b  entering the entrances  104   aca  and  104   bca , respectively, and engaging the walls  104   a  and  104   b , respectively, and the channels  104   ac  and  104   bc , respectively, in the same manner as securing tabs  308   a  and  306   a . Modular component  300  is coupled to the second support structure on modular component chassis  100  when securing tabs  308   a  and  306   a  engage the terminating ends  104   acb  and  104   bcb , respectively, on channels  104   ac  and  104   bc , respectively. With the modular component  300  coupled to the second support structure on modular component chassis  100 , the front end  302  of the modular component  300  is substantially flush with the front lip  106   a.    
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3, 5   a , and  5   f , the method  400  proceeds to step  414  where the modular component  300  is secured in the second support structure. The securing member  200  is coupled to the modular component chassis  100  by positioning it in the second securing member guide. End  206  on securing member  200  is positioned adjacent guides  114   a  and  114   b  and securing member  200  is moved in a direction C such that sides  202   a  and  202   b  are positioned between and engaged with the guides  114   a  and  114   b . As securing member  200  continues to move in direction C, sides  202   a  and  202   b  become positioned between and engaged with guides  116   a  and  116   b . Modular component  300  is secured in first support structure in an orientation Y when stop portion  206   a  on end  206  engages guide stop  118  and side  202   b  on securing member  200  engages the head  308   ab  of securing tab  308   a  on modular component  300 . Securing member  200  may then be held in position in the second securing member guide using convention means known in the art such as, for example, a snap that engages the handle  204   a.    
         [0042]     In an embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5   fa , a plurality of modular components  300  may be secured to the modular component chassis  100  with each in the orientation Y. A modular component  300  may be coupled to the modular component chassis  100  in channels  104   ab  and  104   bb  and a modular component  300  may be coupled to the modular component chassis  100  in channels  104   aa  and  104   ba  using the method described above with reference to channels  104   ac  and  104   bc . With the securing member  200  positioned and held in the guides  114   a ,  114   b ,  116   a ,  116   b , and the guide stop  118  of second securing member guide, securing tabs  308   a  on the modular components  300  are held in place and each of the modular components  300  are secured in the modular component chassis  100  in the orientation Y.  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , in an alternative embodiment, the modular component chassis  300  is mounted in an information handling system chassis  400  which may be, for example, the chassis  26  which houses information handling system  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The information handling system chassis  400  may be placed in a horizontal orientation H and, following the steps  402 ,  404 , and  406  of method  400 , described above with reference to  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b ,  5   c ,  5   d , and  5   da , a plurality of modular components  300  may be secured in the modular component chassis  300  and the information handling system chassis  400  in the orientation X. In an embodiment, the orientation X is substantially transverse to the horizontal orientation H. Thus, a method and apparatus are provided which allow horizontal access to the modular components  300  when the information handling system chassis  400  is positioned in the horizontal orientation H. The information handling system chassis  400  may then be repositioned in a vertical orientation V, which is substantially transverse to the horizontal orientation H, and, following the steps  408 ,  410 ,  412 , and  414  of the method  400 , described above with reference to  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   e ,  5   f , and  5   fa , a plurality of modular components  300  may be secured in the modular component chassis  300  and the information handling system chassis  400  in the orientation Y. In an embodiment, the orientation Y is substantially transverse to the vertical orientation V. Thus, a method and apparatus are provided which allow horizontal access to the modular components  300  when the information handling system chassis  400  is positioned in the vertical orientation V.  
         [0044]     Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.