Abstract:
A mounted electronics system comprises a frame; a chassis coupled to the frame, the chassis having an interior width; at least one sub-module having a width sufficient to fit inside the interior width of the chassis; and a mounting assembly configured to secure the at least one sub-module to the chassis wherein the mounting assembly is coupled to the chassis such that the width of the sub-module is not limited by the location of the mounting assembly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/388,088, filed on Mar. 23, 2006 and entitled “SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING MODULES IN A RACK MOUNTED CHASSIS” (the &#39;088 Application). The &#39;088 Application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Various electronic modules are often mounted in a rack or cabinet. Some standard racks and cabinets include the 19-inch rack, the 23-inch rack and the 600 mm cabinet. In certain situations, smaller printed circuit boards and sub-modules need to be mounted in a rack or cabinet. Often it is not practical or even possible to mount multiple sub-modules individually to the rack or cabinet. In these circumstances, it is common to use a chassis instead. The sub-modules are mounted to the chassis and the chassis is mounted to the rack or cabinet.  
         [0003]     However, the sub-modules often cannot simply be placed in the chassis but need to be mounted or secured. Securing the sub-modules to the chassis prevents the sub-modules from falling out of the chassis and provides pressure to help maintain connections in the back of the chassis. Hence, using a chassis adds a limitation to the amount of space available for sub-modules. This space limitation is caused by the need for space to mount the chassis to the rack or cabinet and the additional space needed to mount the sub-modules to the chassis. This space limitation can become a problem when designing modular equipment to fit in a rack or cabinet.  
         [0004]     For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a system to mount sub-modules in a chassis without the space limitations of a typical chassis.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     The above-mentioned problems and other problems are resolved by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.  
         [0006]     In one embodiment, a mounted electronics system is provided. The mounted electronics system comprises a frame; a chassis coupled to the frame, the chassis having an interior width; at least one sub-module having a width sufficient to fit inside the interior width of the chassis; and a mounting assembly configured to secure the at least one sub-module to the chassis wherein the mounting assembly is coupled to the chassis such that the width of the sub-module is not limited by the location of the mounting assembly. 
     
    
     DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The present invention can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, when considered in view of the description of the preferred embodiments and the following figures in which:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is an isometric diagram of a mounted electronics system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is an enhanced view of a section of a mounted electronics system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is an enhanced view of a section of a mounted electronics system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is another isometric diagram of a mounted electronics system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is another enhanced view of a section of a mounted electronics system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing a method of inserting a sub-module into a chassis according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0014]     Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0015]     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the exemplary method illustrated may include additional or fewer steps or may be performed in the context of a larger processing scheme. Furthermore, the method presented in the drawing figures or the specification is not to be construed as limiting the order in which the individual steps may be performed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric diagram of a mounted electronics system  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. For this example embodiment, system  100  includes a frame  102 , a chassis  104 , a bracket  110 , a mounting assembly  106  and a sub-module  108 . For purposes of explanation only, frame  102 , mounting assembly  106  and bracket  110  are only shown on one side of chassis  104 . However, it is to be understood that in operation a corresponding frame  102 , mounting assembly  106  and bracket  110  are used on both the left and right sides of chassis  104 . Chassis  104  is made of any appropriate material for housing electrical sub-modules and circuitry, such as steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Notably, although only 1 sub-module is shown in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is not intended to be so limited and any appropriate number of sub-modules is used in other embodiments. Additionally, the term frame as used herein (e.g. frame  102 ) refers to one of a 19-inch rack, 23-inch rack, 600 mm cabinet and any other size racks and cabinets. Chassis  104  is adapted to fit within the size limitations of frame  102 .  
         [0017]     Bracket  110  is coupled to chassis  104  and secures chassis  104  to frame  102 . Mounting assembly  106  is also coupled to chassis  104  and secures sub-module  108  to chassis  104 . Mounting assembly  106  is adapted to secure sub-module  108  to chassis  104  such that substantially all of the interior width of chassis  104  is available for use by sub-module  108 . This enables a significant advantage over prior mounting systems which require a portion of the interior width of chassis  104  for mounting sub-module to the chassis. The benefits enabled by embodiments of mounting assembly  106  include increased interior space in chassis  104  for sub-module  108 , increased space for the front panel of sub-module  108 , and the possibility of covering part of frame  102  with the front panel of sub-module  108  which improves the aesthetic appearance of system  100 . Increased space for the front panel of sub-module  108  is particularly important in embodiments using European cabinets, such as a 600 mm cabinet, which place all connectors on the front panel rather than allowing connectors in the back as in a North American 19-inch or 23-inch rack.  
         [0018]     In operation, a flange  114  of mounting assembly  106  rotates about joint  116  toward the interior of chassis  104 . In this position, bracket  110  is accessible in order to secure chassis  104  to frame  102  using bracket  110 . Once chassis  104  is secured to frame  102 , flange  114  of mounting assembly  106  rotates about joint  116  outward away from the interior of chassis  104  until substantially parallel with and overlapping bracket  110  with a small gap between bracket  110  and mounting assembly  106 . In this position, sub-module  108  is attached to flange  114  of mounting assembly  106 . This enables the benefit of not utilizing interior space in chassis  104  for mounting sub-module  108 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is an enhanced view of a section of a mounted electronics system  200  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 2  shows a closer view of a mounting assembly  206  which can be used to implement mounting assembly  106  shown in  FIG. 1 . In this example embodiment, mounting assembly  206  includes flange  214 , joint  216 , screw hole  220 , and stopper  218 . In  FIG. 2 , flange  214  of mounting assembly  206  is rotated towards the interior of chassis  204  to enable access to bracket  210 . Mounting assembly  206  is coupled to chassis  204  via joint  216  in this embodiment. Joint  216  is adapted to enable flange  214  to rotate enabling access to bracket  210  when securing chassis  204  to frame  202 . In this example, joint  216  is implemented as a hinge. In other embodiments, other flexible joints are used, such as a ball-and-socket joint and solid flexible materials which do not have moving parts. Screw hole  220  is adapted to receive a screw for securing a sub-module to chassis  204  via flange  214 . In some embodiments, a thumbscrew is used. However, it will be understood by one of skill in the art that any other appropriate securing means can be used in other embodiments, such as other threaded screws, nuts and bolts, mechanical latches, and clamps. Additionally, joint  216  is coupled to chassis  204  and flange  214  using screws in one example embodiment. In other embodiments, other means are used for coupling joint  216  to chassis  204  and flange  214  such as adhesive materials and slots in chassis  204  and flange  214  into which joint  216  is slid.  
         [0020]     For this example embodiment, mounting assembly  206  also includes stopper  218  which is adapted to prevent flange  214  from rotating away from the interior of chassis  204  beyond a set point. In particular, stopper  218  maintains flange  214  substantially parallel with and overlapping bracket  210  even when force is applied to flange  214  while securing a sub-module to flange  214 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , stopper  218  is implemented as a section of metal formed in one side of chassis  204 . However, in other embodiments, stopper  218  is a separate piece of material coupled to chassis  204  with screws, adhesive, or the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, joint  216  is adapted to provide the function of stopper  218 . That is to say, in some embodiments, joint  216  is adapted to prevent flange  214  from over-rotating to maintain flange  214  substantially parallel with bracket  210  when securing sub-modules to flange  214 .  
         [0021]     In operation, flange  214  rotates about joint  216  towards the interior of chassis  204 . This enables access to frame  202  and bracket  210 . Screw  212  is then used to secure bracket  210  to frame  202 . By securing bracket  210  to frame  202 , chassis  204  is secured to frame  202  since bracket  210  is coupled to chassis  204 . Once chassis  204  is secured to frame  202  via bracket  210 , flange  214  rotates away from the interior of chassis  204  about joint  216  until flange  214  comes into contact with stopper  218 . Stopper  218  provides support to flange  214  while sub-modules are secured to flange  214 . By securing sub-modules to flange  214 , the sub-modules are secured to chassis  204  since flange  214  is coupled to chassis  204  via joint  216 .  
         [0022]     Although the example embodiment in  FIG. 2  describes a configuration where flange  214  is rotated away from the interior of chassis  204  and overlapping bracket  210  when sub-modules are secured to chassis  204  via flange  214 , it is to be understood that other configurations are used in other embodiments. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, flange  214  is positioned substantially parallel to the side of chassis  204  to which flange  214  is coupled (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) when securing sub-modules to flange  214  as well as when securing chassis  204  to frame  202  via bracket  210 . Once inserted into chassis  204 , the sub-modules are then secured to flange  214  using securing mechanisms such as screws or clamps. In this alternative embodiment, substantially all of the interior width of chassis  204  is still available for use by sub-module  208  and access to bracket  210  is still enabled as in the first exemplary embodiment described above with regards to  FIG. 2 . Additionally, in one such alternative embodiment, joint  216  is a non-flexible joint.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is an enhanced view of a section of a mounted electronics system  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 3  shows a closer view of a mounting assembly  306  which can be used to implement mounting assembly  106  shown in  FIG. 1 . Mounting assembly  306  includes flange  314  and screw hole  320 . In  FIG. 3 , mounting assembly  306  is rotated away from the interior of chassis  304  in order to secure sub-module  308  to chassis  304  via mounting assembly  306 . Bracket  310  and screw  312  secure chassis  304  to frame  302  in  FIG. 3 . Mounting assembly  306  rotates about a joint (such as joint  216  in  FIG. 2 ) away from the interior of chassis  304  until substantially parallel with and overlapping bracket  310  as can be seen in  FIG. 3 . When in this position, screw  322  secures sub-module  308  to flange  314  via screw hole  320 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , substantially no interior space of chassis  304  has been wasted by mounting assembly  306  in the process of securing sub-module  308  to chassis  304 .  
         [0024]     Although the example embodiment in  FIG. 3  describes a configuration where flange  314  is overlapping bracket  310  when sub-module  308  is secured to flange  314 , it is to be understood that other configurations are used in other embodiments. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, flange  314  is rotated to overlap sub-module  308  once sub-module  308  is inserted into chassis  304 . In such an embodiment, the width of sub-module  308  is substantially equal to or less than the width of chassis  304 . Sub-module  308  is inserted into chassis  304  and then flange  314  is rotated to overlap sub-module  308 . Sub-module  308  is then secured to flange  314  with screw  322 . In this alternative embodiment, substantially all of the interior width of chassis  304  is still available for use by sub-module  308  and access to bracket  310  is still enabled as in the first exemplary embodiment described above with regards to  FIG. 3 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is another isometric diagram of a mounted electronics system  400  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the example in  FIG. 4 , mounting assembly  406  is rotated toward the interior of chassis  404 . While in this position, screws  412  are used to secure chassis  404  to frame  402  via bracket  410 . Mounting assembly  406  includes flange  414 , joints  416 , stopper  418  and screw holes  420 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , a mounting assembly  406  is included on each side of chassis  404 . This provides substantially equal pressure on both sides of sub-modules secured to chassis  404 . This pressure is particularly useful when sub-modules are coupled to connectors in the back of chassis  404  and need such pressure to maintain good connections. Notably, although mounting assembly  406  is shown extending substantially the entire height of chassis  404 , the present invention is not intended to be so limited. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, mounting assembly  406  is divided into N smaller sections lined up along the height of chassis  404 , each section extending along only a portion of the height of chassis  404 .  
         [0026]     Similarly, although two joints  416  are shown in the example embodiment in  FIG. 4 , the present invention is not intended to be so limited and any appropriate number of joints  416  is used in other embodiments. Joints  416  are implemented as hinges in  FIG. 4 . However, it is to be understood by one of skill in the art that, in other embodiments, other flexible joints are used, such as a ball-and-socket joint.  
         [0027]     In operation, flange  414  of mounting assembly  406  is rotated about joint  416  toward the interior of chassis  404  in order to enable access to bracket  410  and frame  402 . Bracket  410  and screws  412  secure chassis  404  to frame  402 . Once chassis  404  is secured to frame  402 , flange  414  rotates about joint  416  away from the interior of chassis  404  until it reaches stopper  418 . Stopper  418  prevents flange  416  from rotating further and provides support maintaining flange  416  substantially parallel with and overlapping bracket  410  when sub-modules are secured to flange  416 . Although two stoppers  418  are shown in  FIG. 4 , it is to be understood by one of skill in the art that any appropriate number of stoppers  418  is used in other embodiments. Sub-modules are then secured to flange  414 . Securing sub-modules to flange  414  of mounting assembly  406  secures the sub-modules to chassis  404  without requiring use of interior space in chassis  404 . Securing the sub-modules without using interior space in chassis  404  enables more interior space to be used for circuitry on the sub-modules and provides more front panel space for connectors and user interfaces.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is another close-up view of a section of a mounted electronics system  500  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , chassis  504  is secured to frame  502  via screws  512  and bracket  510 . Similarly, sub-module  508  is secured to chassis  504  via screw  522  and screw hole  520  of mounting assembly  506 . In this example embodiment, mounting assembly  506  is adapted with access holes  524 . Access holes  524  enable access to screws  512  and bracket  510  even when flange  514  of mounting assembly  506  is overlapping bracket  510 . Flange  514  is coupled to chassis  504  via at least one joint (such as joint  216  in  FIG. 2 ). The at least one joint coupling flange  514  to chassis  504  is a flexible joint in some embodiments, such as a hinge and ball-and-socket joint. In other embodiments, the at least one joint coupling flange  514  to chassis  504  is a non-flexible joint. In fact, in some embodiments, flange  514  forms an integral part of one side of chassis  504 . Even in embodiments with a non-flexible joint access to bracket  510  and screws  512  is still maintained via access holes  524 . Hence, embodiments of mounting assembly  506  coupled to chassis  504  using a non-flexible joint still enable sub-module  508  to be secured to chassis  504  without requiring use of interior space in chassis  504 .  
         [0029]     In operation, screws  512  are inserted through access holes  524  in order to secure chassis  504  to frame  502  via bracket  510 . Sub-module  508  is then inserted into chassis  504  and secured to chassis  504  using screw  522  and screw hole  520 . Although only one screw  522  is shown in  FIG. 5 , it is to be understood that any appropriate number of screws  522  is used in other embodiments. Likewise, the number of screw holes  520  depends on the desired number of screws  522  to be used in securing sub-module  508  to chassis  504 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing a method  600  of installing a sub-module into a chassis according to one embodiment of the present invention. At  602 , a flange (e.g. flange  114 ) which is coupled to a chassis (e.g. chassis  104 ) via a joint (e.g. joint  116 ) is rotated about the joint toward the interior of the chassis. The flange is adapted with means for securing a sub-module to the flange. Such means include screws, clamps, and the like. The joint is adapted to be flexible enabling the flange to rotate about the joint. In one example embodiment, the joint is a hinge. In other embodiments, other flexible joints are used, such as a ball-and-socket joint. By rotating toward the interior of the chassis, the flange enables access to a bracket (e.g. bracket  110 ) for attaching the chassis to a frame (e.g. frame  102 ). At  604  the chassis is inserted into the frame. In this example embodiment, the frame is a 19-inch rack. However, in other embodiments, other frame structures are used, such as a 23-inch rack and 600 millimeter cabinet. At  606 , the chassis is attached to the frame via the bracket. In this example embodiment, the chassis is attached with screws. However, it is to be understood that other means for attaching the chassis are used in other embodiments.  
         [0031]     At  608 , the flange is rotated away from the chassis interior. In this example embodiment, the flange is rotated until it is substantially parallel with and overlapping the bracket. However, in other embodiments, the flange is rotated to other positions away from the chassis interior. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the flange is rotated until it is substantially parallel with the chassis side to which the flange is attached. In any event, the flange is rotated such that it does not impede a sub-module (e.g. sub-module  108 ) from utilizing substantially the entire interior width of the chassis. Once the flange is rotated away from the interior of the chassis, the sub-module is inserted into the chassis at  610 , occupying substantially the entire interior width of the chassis.  
         [0032]     Once the sub-module is inserted into the chassis, the sub-module is attached to the flange at  612 . In this example embodiment, a face of the sub-module is attached to the flange with at least one screw while the flange is substantially parallel with and overlapping the bracket. Although a screw is used in this embodiment to attach the sub-module to the flange, it is to be understood that other attaching means are used in other embodiments. In addition, in an alternative embodiment, the flange is substantially parallel with a side of the sub-module and chassis when the sub-module is attached to the flange. In yet another embodiment, the flange is again rotated toward the interior of the chassis until it overlaps and is substantially parallel with a face of the sub-module prior to attaching the sub-module to the flange. Attaching the sub-module to the flange secures the sub-module to the chassis. By providing rotation for the flange, embodiments of the present invention enable access to the bracket for mounting the chassis to a frame and enable use of sub-modules which occupy substantially the entire interior width of the chassis. The extra interior chassis space provided by embodiments of the present invention is an advantage for designers who are responsible for designing front panel access to the sub-module and for designing the components to fit within the confined special limitations of the chassis.  
         [0033]     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.