Abstract:
In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, an information handling system comprises an information handling resource and a chassis. The chassis includes a slot configured to receive the information handling resource. The chassis also includes a first rack ear and a second rack ear, each configured to facilitate removal of the information handling system from a server rack system. The first rack ear and second rack ear are further configured to interface with a first cover configured for placement on a first side of the chassis and a second cover configured for placement on a second side of the chassis, respectively. The first cover acts as the top of the information handling system and the second cover acts as the bottom of the information handling system when the information handling system is in the tower configuration.

Description:
The present patent application is a continuation of a previously filed patent application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/410,648, filed Mar. 2, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Pursuant to 37 CFR §1.78(a)(3), an application data sheet containing a reference to the previously filed application, unless submitted previously, is submitted contemporaneously herewith. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates in general to information handling systems, and more particularly to a system and method for a convertible tower-to-rack enclosure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or 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. 
     Information handling systems may be configured as server systems. A server may be configured in a “tower” configuration where the server stands on a floor in a vertical position. Additionally, a server may be configured in a “rack” configuration where the server is placed in a horizontal position on a rack in a server cabinet. In traditional methodologies, converting a server from a tower configuration to a rack configuration, or vice versa, requires substantial reconfiguration of the server that can be time consuming and expensive. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with tower-to-rack conversions of servers, have been reduced or eliminated. In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, an information handling system comprises an information handling resource and a chassis. The chassis includes a slot configured to receive the information handling resource. The chassis also includes a first rack ear configured to facilitate removal of the information handling system from a server rack system when the information handling system is in a rack configuration. The first rack ear is further configured to interface with a first cover configured for placement on a first side of the chassis. The first cover acts as the top of the information handling system when the information handling system is in a tower configuration. The chassis additionally includes a second rack ear configured to facilitate removal of the information handling system from the server rack system when the information handling system is in the rack configuration. The second rack ear is further configured to interface with a second cover configured for placement on a second side of the chassis. The second cover acts as the bottom of the information handling system and is configured to support the information handling system when the information handling system is in the tower configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an information handling system configured as server system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates the information handling system of  FIG. 1A  in a rack configuration and integrated with a server rack, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a security cover associated with the information handling system of  FIG. 1A , in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the information handling system of  FIG. 1A  in a tower configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  2 , wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
     For the 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 storage 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 or 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 communication between the various hardware components. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, information handling resources may broadly refer to any component system, device or apparatus of an information handling system, including without limitation processors, busses, memories, input-output devices and/or interfaces, storage resources, network interfaces, motherboards, electro-mechanical devices (e.g., fans), displays, and power supplies. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include any instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory; as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an information handling system  100  configured as a server system. Information handling system  100  may include a chassis  102  (also referred to as an enclosure) that may allow information handling system  100  to easily convert between a rack configuration and a tower configuration as described in further detail below. Such a conversion may include minimal changes to chassis  102  as compared to traditional tower-to-rack and rack-to-tower conversions. Accordingly, the cost and labor associated with converting information handling system  100  between a tower configuration and a rack configuration may be lower than in traditional configurations. 
     Information handling system  100  may include one or more processors, memory and storage media. A processor may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, and may include, without limitation a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, a processor may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored in memory and/or another component of information handling system  100 . 
     Memory may be communicatively coupled to a processor and may include any system, device, or apparatus configured to retain program instructions and/or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Memory may include random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, or any suitable selection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to information handling system  100  is turned off. 
     Storage media may include computer-readable media (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, and/or other type of rotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, and/or other type of solid state storage media) and may be generally operable to store data and/or programs (e.g., one or more operating systems and/or one or more application programs). 
     Chassis  102  may include a plurality of slots (not expressly labeled) configured to receive any number of information handling resources associated with information handling system  100 . In the present embodiment the slots of chassis  102  may include information handling resources  110  and  111  that may comprise drives and/or peripheral devices that may include one or more processors, memory and/or storage media. 
     Chassis  102  is depicted in  FIG. 1A  in a rack configuration such that information handling system  100  may be used within a server rack. Chassis  102  may include a rail ridge  112  on each side that may each be placed on rails of a server rack such that information handling system  100  is supported on the rails by rail ridges  112 .  FIG. 1B  illustrates information handling system  100  integrated with a server rack  117  in which rail ridges  112  of information handling system  100  are placed on rails  118  of server rack  117 . 
     Upon placement of rail ridges  112  on rails  118 , information handling system  100  may be coupled to rails  118  and rails  118  may be configured to slide in and out of an enclosure  120  of server rack  117 . Accordingly, information handling system  100  may be slid in and out of enclosure  120  of server rack  117 .  FIG. 1B  illustrates an information handling system  100  pulled out from enclosure  120  and other information handling systems  100  inserted within enclosure  120 . 
     Chassis  102  may also include rack “ears”  104   a  and  104   b  coupled to chassis  102  at the front of chassis  102 . Rack ears  104  may comprise any suitable apparatus or device configured to facilitate insertion and/or removal of information handling system  100  within enclosure  120  of server rack  117 . For example, rack ears  104  may each have an outside lip that acts as a handle to allow a person to pull information handling system  100  out from the enclosure of server rack  117  as depicted in  FIG. 1B . 
     Chassis  102  may include a securing mechanism (not expressly shown) configured to secure information handling system  100  within enclosure  120  such that information handling system  100  may not be pulled out from enclosure  120  without releasing the securing mechanism. In such embodiments rack ears  104  may also include a releasing mechanism that releases the securing mechanism to allow removal of information handling system  100  from enclosure  120 .  FIG. 1A  illustrates a releasing mechanism  114  configured to perform such an operation. 
     Releasing mechanism  114  may comprise any suitable system, apparatus or device configured to disengage the securing mechanism to allow removal of information handling system from a server rack enclosure (e.g., enclosure  120  of server rack  117  in  FIG. 1B ). In the present embodiment, releasing mechanism  114  may comprise a plunger system with a spring that maintains the plunger in an extended position. When the plunger is in the extended position, the securing mechanism may be engaged to prevent removal of information handling system  100  from the enclosure of a server rack (e.g., enclosure  120  of server rack  117  of  FIG. 1B ). When the plunger is depressed (e.g., by a person wanting to remove information handling system from enclosure  120 ), releasing mechanism  114  may release the securing mechanism to allow removal of information handling system  100  from the enclosure. 
     For security purposes, access to information handling system  100  and its associated information handling resources  110  and  111  may be restricted. Accordingly, information handling system  100  may include a security cover  116  shown in  FIG. 1C . Security cover  116  may be configured to be placed between rack ears  104  and may restrict access to information handling resources  110  and  111  of information handling system  100 . Additionally, security cover  116  may prevent access to releasing mechanism  114  to help prevent removal of information handling system  100  from enclosure  120  of server rack  117 . Security cover  116  may include a locking mechanism  122  configured to lock security cover  116  in place and prevent removal of security cover  116  without a proper key or any other unlocking mechanism configured to unlock locking mechanism  122 . In the present example, locking mechanism  122  is depicted as a mechanical lock with a key, however it is understood that any suitable type of locking mechanism with various types of unlocking mechanisms may be used. For example, locking mechanism  122  may be associated with a key pad such that it may be unlocked by entering a specific code or password. In other embodiments, locking mechanism  122  may be associated with a biometric scanner that may unlock locking mechanism  122  upon recognition of a specific biological trait (e.g., a fingerprint) of an authorized person. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1A , rack ears  104  may be integrated with chassis  102  such that rack ears  104  are present when information handling system  100  is in a rack configuration and a tower configuration. In contrast, traditional rack-to-tower conversions include removal of the rack ears, which causes time and cost inefficiencies. 
     For example, rack ear  104   a  may include a display  106 . Display  106  may comprise any suitable apparatus, system, or device configured to display information to a user of information handling system  100 . The information shown by display  106  may include, but are not limited to system status, module and drive health, and initial setup and configuration. In the present embodiment, display  106  may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD), however display  106  may comprise any other suitable display type. 
     Display  106  may also be configured such that the image shown on display  106  rotates depending on the orientation of information handling system  100 . For example, when information handling system  100  is in a horizontal position (e.g., in a rack configuration as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C ) the image shown on display  106  may be oriented to match the orientation of information handling system  100 . However, if information handling system  100  is then placed in a vertical position (e.g., in a tower configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 , and explained in further detail below), the image shown on display  106  may automatically rotate 90° such that the image is also oriented to match the orientation of information handling system  100  when information handling system  100  is configured as a tower. Accordingly, display  106  may be configured such that the image is properly oriented at all times without a user having to make any adjustments to the actual display, thus facilitating the conversion between rack and tower configurations. 
     Rack ear  104   a  may also include a control panel  108  configured to allow navigation of images shown on display  106  and execute commands shown on display  106 . Control panel  108  may comprise any suitable system apparatus or device for transmitting commands to a processor of information handling system  100  via control panel  108  and display  106 . For example, control panel  108  may include any combination of one or more physical buttons, touch screen buttons, command wheels, navigation knobs, joysticks, etc. 
     Control panel  108  may be configured such that navigation and control within display  106  may be uniform regardless of the orientation of information handling system  100 . For example, in the present embodiment, control panel  108  may be symmetrical on all four sides such that regardless of the orientation of information handling system  100 , control panel  108  appears the same from the perspective of the user of control panel  108 . Accordingly, users may not need to change how they use control panel  108  when information handling system  100  is in a tower configuration or a rack configuration. 
     As described above, information handling system  100  may easily be converted between a rack configuration and a tower configuration.  FIG. 2  illustrates information handling system  100  in a tower configuration. Information handling system  100  may be converted from a rack configuration to a tower configuration through the simple addition of top cover  200  and bottom cover  202 . 
     Top cover  200  may comprise any suitable component made out of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal, carbon fiber, etc.) configured to be detachably coupled to chassis  102  at the “top” of chassis  102  and interface with rack ear  104   a  when information handling system  100  is oriented as shown in  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, top cover  200  may cover up the rail ridge  112  associated with the “top” of chassis  102  to protect the rail ridge  112  and provide a more aesthetic look for information handling system  100  by interfacing with rack ear  104   a  while information handling system  100  is in a tower configuration. Additionally, in some embodiments top cover  200  may include panels that provide access to chassis  102  (not expressly shown) and/or grab handles (not expressly shown) that may facilitate moving information handling system  100 . 
     Bottom cover  202  may comprise any suitable component made out of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) and configured to be detachably coupled to chassis  102  and interface with rack ear  104   b  at the “bottom” of chassis  102  when information handling system  100  is oriented in a tower configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 . Bottom cover  202  may be configured to cover the rail ridge  112  associated with the “bottom” of chassis  102  and may provide stability and support to information handling system  100  such that information handling system  100  may “stand” on a surface in a vertical position such as shown in  FIG. 2 . In the present embodiment, bottom cover  202  may include feet  204  that provide such stability and support. Additionally feet  204  may be configured to raise information handling system  100  off of the surface to protect information handling system  100  from materials (e.g., liquids) that may be potentially hazardous to information handling system  100 . In other embodiments bottom cover  102  may not include feet  104 , or feet  104  may be different from the specific configuration depicted in  FIG. 2 . 
     As previously mentioned, when in a tower configuration, rack ear  104   a  may be at the “top” of information handling system  100  such that display  106  and control panel  108  are visible to and accessible by a user of information handling system  100 . Additionally, as previously mentioned, the image on display  106  may automatically rotate with information handling system in a tower configuration such that the image is properly oriented. Further, as can be seen in a comparison between  FIGS. 1A and 2 , control panel  108  and its associated functionality may be presented to the user in a uniform manner in both the rack configuration and the tower configuration. Accordingly, information handling system  100  and its associated chassis  102  may be configured to allow for an easy conversion between a rack configuration and a tower configuration of information handling system  100 . 
     Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. For example the specific shape, size and aesthetics of any one or combination of chassis  102 , rack ears  104 , display  106 , control panel  108 , information handling resources  110  and  111 , and security cover  116  may be different than those depicted depending on the application with which information handling system  100  may be used. Further, releasing mechanism  114  and locking mechanism  116  are depicted as having a specific design and configuration, however it is understood that any suitable releasing mechanism and/or locking mechanism may be used for these particular components.