Abstract:
A low profile expansion card retaining clip is disclosed. In one aspect, the present disclosure teaches a chassis component forming a part of a chassis including a panel having an aperture formed therein. The aperture maintains access to a computer component. The computer component has a bracket. A frame formed adjacent the aperture receives a portion of the bracket. A retaining clip movably couples to the frame such that the retaining clip moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The retaining clip oriented and designed to permit airflow through the frame. A spring member operably extending from a portion of the retaining clip, the spring member operably engages the bracket to secure the computer component to the chassis component in the engaged position and operably permits removal and installation of the computer component in the disengaged position.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems and, more particularly, to a low profile expansion card retaining clip.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     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.  
         [0003]     Due to consumer demand for smaller and more powerful information handling systems, manufacturers strive to implement new methods to meet these demands. One such method includes the development of a low profile information handling system, such as a 1U server.  
         [0004]     A 1U server is typically designed to fit within the confines of a rack or rack system, such that another device may be placed above and below the 1U server in the rack. The vertical space within the rack system is generally defined in vertical mounting unit increments, often referred to as “U&#39;s”. A mounting unit or “U” is typically 1.75 inches. Thus, the 1U server refers to a server designed to fit within a confined space of a rack with a height of 1U or approximately 1.75 inches.  
         [0005]     Placing a server within a restricted area creates problems with heat dissipation. Typically, servers use an air cooling system to establish airflow though the unit for cooling or ventilation. Because of the limited space within a server, manufacturers have thermal design concerns when designing locations for server components such as a Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card that may obstruct the airflow.  
         [0006]     Due in part to the restricted space and thermal design concerns, PCI cards are typically mounted in a horizontal position at the back of the server. In the horizontal position, the use of conventional screws to retain the card in the server was not feasible. Thus, manufacturers designed alternative methods to attach the cards to the server chassis. However, many of the methods utilize metal brackets made for sheet metal or large plastic retainers that restrict airflow through the server.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     Thus, a need has arisen for a low profile retaining clip.  
         [0008]     In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, a chassis component forming a part of a chassis including a panel having an aperture formed therein. The aperture maintains access to a computer component. The computer component has a bracket. A frame formed adjacent the aperture receives a portion of the bracket. A retaining clip movably couples to the frame such that the retaining clip moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The retaining clip oriented and designed to permit airflow through the frame. A spring member operably extending from a portion of the retaining clip, the spring member operably engages the bracket to secure the computer component to the chassis component in the engaged position and operably permits removal and installation of the computer component in the disengaged position.  
         [0009]     In other embodiments, an information handling system includes a chassis, a printed circuit board, at least one processor, and a memory. The chassis forming part of the structure of the information handling system includes a chassis component. The chassis component includes a panel having an aperture formed therein. The aperture maintains access to a computer component. The computer component has a bracket. A frame formed adjacent the aperture receives a portion of the bracket. A retaining clip movably coupled to the frame such that the retaining clip moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The retaining clip oriented and designed to permit airflow through the frame. A spring member operably extending from a portion of the retaining clip, the spring member operably engages the bracket to secure the computer component to the chassis component in the engaged position and operably permits removal and installation of the computer component in the disengaged position. The printed circuit board has a computer component slot. The computer component slot operable to electrically couple the computer component to the printed circuit board. The at least one processor operably couples to the printed circuit board. The memory operably couples to the processor and the printed circuit board.  
         [0010]     In further embodiments, a chassis component for securing a computer component includes a frame forming a portion of a chassis component. The frame operably receives a portion of bracket from a computer component. A retaining clip has a spring member. The retaining clip movably coupled to the frame such that the retaining clip moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The spring member operably engages the bracket to secure the computer component to the chassis component in the engaged position and operably permits removal and installation of the computer component in the disengaged position. A guide slot formed along one side of the frame. A guide rail formed on the retaining clip, the guide rail operably slidable within the guide slot when the retaining clip moves between the engaged position and the disengaged position.  
         [0011]     In one aspect, teachings of the present disclosure provide the technical advantage of permitting additional air flow through the information handling system. Because of the low profile design of the retaining clip, cooling air moving through the information handling system may flow past the retaining clip through additional vent holes provided in the chassis of the system.  
         [0012]     In another aspect, teachings of the present disclosure provide the technical advantage of installing an expansion card is performed without the aid of tools.  
         [0013]     Further, teachings of the present disclosure provide the technical advantages of a low-cost, simple, and efficient method of installing an expansion card in an information handling system.  
         [0014]     All, some, or none of these technical advantages may be present in various embodiments of the present invention. Other technical advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     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:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing an information handling system including an expansion card, according to teachings of the present disclosure;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a computer component;  
         [0018]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate perspective views of a retaining clip, according to teachings of the present disclosure;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a bracket of a computer component and a portion of a chassis component having a frame and a retaining clip in a disengaged position, according to teachings of the present disclosure;  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates a portion of the chassis component with the retaining clip partially engaging the flange of bracket, according to teachings of the present disclosure;  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  illustrates the retaining clip fully engaging the flange to secure the computer component to the chassis component, according to teachings of the present disclosure;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate perspective views of a retaining clip, according to teachings of the present disclosure; and  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates another retaining clip inserted into a frame to secure a flange of a bracket, according to teachings of the present disclosure.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0024]     Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1 through 8 , wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.  
         [0025]     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, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, 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 random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network 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.  
         [0026]     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of information handling system  10  is shown, according to teachings of the present disclosure. Information handling system  10  or computer system preferably includes at least one microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU)  12 . CPU  12  may include processor  14  for handling integer operations and coprocessor  16  for handling floating point operations. CPU  12  is preferably coupled to cache  18  and memory controller  20  via CPU bus  22 . System controller I/O trap  24  preferably couples CPU bus  22  to local bus  26  and may be generally characterized as part of a system controller.  
         [0027]     Main memory  28  of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) modules is preferably coupled to CPU bus  22  by a memory controller  20 . Main memory  28  may be divided into one or more areas such as system management mode (SMM) memory area (not expressly shown).  
         [0028]     Basic input/output system (BIOS) memory  30  is also preferably coupled to local bus  26 . FLASH memory or other nonvolatile memory may be used as BIOS memory  30 . A BIOS program (not expressly shown) is typically stored in BIOS memory  30 . The BIOS program preferably includes software which facilitates interaction with and between information handling system  10  devices such as a keyboard (not expressly shown), a mouse (not expressly shown), or one or more I/O devices. BIOS memory  30  may also store system code (note expressly shown) operable to control a plurality of basic information handling system  10  operations.  
         [0029]     Graphics controller  32  is preferably coupled to local bus  26  and to video memory  34 . Video memory  34  is preferably operable to store information to be displayed on one or more display panels  36 . Display panel  36  may be an active matrix or passive matrix liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or other display technology. In selected applications, uses or instances, graphics controller  32  may also be coupled to an integrated display, such as in a portable information handling system implementation.  
         [0030]     Bus interface controller or expansion bus controller  38  preferably couples local bus  26  to expansion bus  40 . In one embodiment, expansion bus  40  may be configured as an Industry Standard Architecture (“ISA”) bus. Other buses, for example, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (“PCI”) bus, may also be used.  
         [0031]     Interrupt request generator  46  is also preferably coupled to expansion bus  40 . Interrupt request generator  46  is preferably operable to issue an interrupt service request over a predetermined interrupt request line in response to receipt of a request to issue interrupt instruction from CPU  12 .  
         [0032]     I/O controller  48 , often referred to as a super I/O controller, is also preferably coupled to expansion bus  40 . I/O controller  48  preferably interfaces to an integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard drive device (HDD)  50 , CD-ROM (compact disk-read only memory) drive  52  and/or a floppy disk drive (FDD)  54 . Other disk drive devices (not expressly shown) which may be interfaced to the I/O controller include a removable hard drive, a zip drive, a CD-RW (compact disk-read/write) drive, and a CD-DVD (compact disk—digital versatile disk) drive.  
         [0033]     Communication controller  56  is preferably provided and enables information handling system  10  to communicate with communication network  58 , e.g., an Ethernet network. Communication network  58  may include a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, Intranet, wireless broadband or the like. Communication controller  56  may be employed to form a network interface for communicating with other information handling systems (not expressly shown) coupled to communication network  58 .  
         [0034]     As illustrated, information handling system  10  preferably includes power supply  60 , which provides power to the many components and/or devices that form information handling system  10 . Power supply  60  may be a rechargeable battery, such as a nickel metal hydride (“NiMH”) or lithium ion battery, when information handling system  10  is embodied as a portable or notebook computer, an A/C (alternating current) power source, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or other power source.  
         [0035]     Power supply  60  is preferably coupled to power management microcontroller  62 . Power management microcontroller  62  preferably controls the distribution of power from power supply  60 . More specifically, power management microcontroller  62  preferably includes power output  64  coupled to main power plane  66  which may supply power to CPU  12  as well as other information handling system components. Power management microcontroller  62  may also be coupled to a power plane (not expressly shown) operable to supply power to an integrated panel display (not expressly shown), as well as to additional power delivery planes preferably included in information handling system  10 .  
         [0036]     Power management microcontroller  62  preferably monitors a charge level of an attached battery or UPS to determine when and when not to charge the battery or UPS. Power management microcontroller  62  is preferably also coupled to main power switch  68 , which the user may actuate to turn information handling system  10  on and off. While power management microcontroller  62  powers down one or more portions or components of information handling system  10 , e.g., CPU  12 , display  36 , or HDD  50 , etc., when not in use to conserve power, power management microcontroller  62  itself is preferably substantially always coupled to a source of power, preferably power supply  60 .  
         [0037]     Computer system  10  may also include power management chip set  72 . Power management chip set  72  is preferably coupled to CPU  12  via local bus  26  so that power management chip set  72  may receive power management and control commands from CPU  12 . Power management chip set  72  is preferably connected to a plurality of individual power planes operable to supply power to respective components of information handling system  10 , e.g., HDD  50 , FDD  54 , etc. In this manner, power management chip set  72  preferably acts under the direction of CPU  12  to control the power supplied to the various power planes and components of a system.  
         [0038]     Real-time clock (RTC)  74  may also be coupled to I/O controller  48  and power management chip set  72 . Inclusion of RTC  74  permits timed events or alarms to be transmitted to power management chip set  72 . Real-time clock  74  may be programmed to generate an alarm signal at a predetermined time as well as to perform other operations.  
         [0039]     In certain information handling system embodiments, expansion card controller  42  may also be included and is preferably coupled to expansion bus  40  as shown. Expansion card controller  42  is preferably coupled to a plurality of information handling system expansion slots  44 . Expansion slots  44  may be configured to receive one or more computer components  80  (shown below in more detail) such as an expansion card (e.g., modems, fax cards, communications cards, and other input/output (I/O) devices). In order to secure computer component  80  to information handling system  10 , chassis component  128  (shown below in more detail) forming a part of the chassis of information handling system  10  includes low profile retaining clip  90  (shown below in more detail) such that additional airflow moves through information handling system  10  via chassis component  128 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of computer component  80 . Computer component  80  includes a printed circuit board such as expansion board  82  that is electrically coupled to expansion slot  44  via connector  84 . One example of computer component  80  is a peripheral component interface (PCI) card. Computer component  80  uses bracket  85  for coupling to a portion of information handling system  10  such as coupling to chassis component  128 .  
         [0041]     To aid in coupling, bracket  85  includes flange  87  with screw slot  88  that facilitates to connect computer component  80  to the chassis of information handling system  10 . Bracket  85  may also use lower portion  89  to couple to a second point on the chassis to further couple to the chassis. In some instances, bracket  85  includes I/O ports  86  formed on bracket  85 . In some instances, bracket  85  may be used alone without expansion board  82  such as a cover plate used for shipping purposes or other purposes.  
         [0042]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate perspective views of retaining clip  100 . Low profile retaining clips such as retaining clip  100  couples to chassis component  128  at frame  120  (shown below in more detail). The low profile design permits airflow through retaining clip  100  when coupled to frame  120 . In some embodiments, low profile retaining clip such as retaining clip  100  is made from plastic, metal, any suitable material to couple with chassis component  128 , or any combination thereof.  
         [0043]     Retaining clip  100  includes back wall member  102 , top wall member  103  and spring member  104 . Back wall member  102  generally formed on an opposing end from the acting force of spring member  104 . Back wall portion  102  may include latch member  114  and guide rail  112 . Guide rail  112  typically interacts with a slot formed on chassis component  128  such as guide slot  124  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Latch member  114  maintains retaining clip  100  to a portion of chassis component  128  to prevent accidental removal or disassociation of retaining clip  100  from chassis component  128 .  
         [0044]     Tab or foot tab  106  may be formed to extend from back wall member  102 . Foot tab  106  is formed along the edge of back wall member  102  opposite from the edge connected to top wall member  103 . Foot tab  106  prevents the engagement of retaining clip  100  when flange  87  is not in the correct position of frame  120 . Typically, flange  87  when not in the correct position has a tendency to displace between back wall member  102  and spring member  104 . Tab or foot tab  106  prevents the engagement of retaining clip  100  if flange  87  is displaced or possibly in the wrong position.  
         [0045]     Top wall member  103  connects back wall member  102  to spring member  104 . Typically, top wall member  103  is arranged to sit flush with the top of chassis component  128  in the engaged position. Top wall member  103  may include finger pull  110  and pin  108 . Finger pull  110  is formed as a part of top wall member  103  such that a portion of top wall member  103  extends to provide a user easy surface to grip when moving retaining clip  100 . Typically, pin  108  extends from top wall member to engage chassis component  128  at notch  122  (shown below in more detail) and/or to engage with screw slot  88  to prevent removal when retaining clip  100  is placed in the engaged position.  
         [0046]     Spring member  104  extends from top wall member  103  in a curved orientation. Spring member is made to deflect in a direction towards back wall member  102  when placed against flange  87  in frame  120 . The deflection of spring member  104  provides a force such as a compressive force to retain flange  87  between spring member  104  and a wall of frame  120  (as described below). Typically, the force is directly proportional to the displacement of spring member  106 . In some embodiments, retaining clip  100  secures two or more flanges  85  from different computer components  80  with chassis component  128 . As such, retaining clip may include one or more spring members  106  for each flange  85  or may use one spring member for two or more flanges  85  of the different computer components.  
         [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates a portion of chassis component  128  having frame  120  and retaining clip  100  in a disengaged position with bracket  85  of computer component  80  (note that only bracket  85  is shown for clarity). Chassis component  128  includes panel  129  having an aperture  131  formed therein. Aperture  131  provides and maintains access to computer component  80  such as allowing access to I/O ports  86  mounted on bracket  85  when coupled to panel  129  of chassis component  128 .  
         [0048]     In order to secure computer component  80  to information handling system  10 , chassis component  128  includes retaining clip  100  and frame  120 . Frame  120  is formed adjacent aperture  131  and is designed to receive a portion of bracket  85 , typically flange  87 . Retaining clip  100  is designed to be inserted into frame  120  such that flange  87  is secured between frame  120  and retaining clip  100 . Frame  120  may include a variety of shapes or designs but typically is formed in a rectangular shape.  
         [0049]     Usually, frame  120  is formed from one or more portions of chassis component  128 . Generally, frame  120  is an open structure operable to receive retaining clip  100 . As such, frame  120  may be formed from first side wall  142  set opposing second side wall  144 .  
         [0050]     First side wall  142  may be sized and designed to receive flange  87  such that when retaining clip  100  is engaged, computer component  80  is secured. In some embodiments, first side wall  142  may include notch  122  that is operable to receive pin  108  to further secure computer component  80  via flange  87 .  
         [0051]     Second side wall  144  is generally set opposing first side wall  142  such that retaining clip  100  is set between first and second wall  142  and  144 . Typically, the amount of space set between the walls, including the addition of flange  87 , is less than the distance from back wall member  102  to the apex of the arc on spring member  104 . As such, the process of engaging retaining clip  100  into frame  120  causes the force, such as compression force, in spring member  104 .  
         [0052]     To aid in sliding retaining clip  100  between an engaged position and a disengaged position, second side wall  144  includes guide slot  124 . Guide slot  124  is operable to receive guide rail  112  to aid in the movement or sliding of retaining clip  100  into frame  120 . In certain embodiments, guide slot  124  extends onto an upper or top portion chassis component  128  to allow retaining clip  100  to be placed in a disengaged or storage position. To facilitate moving retaining clip  100  to the disengaged position, chamfer  116  may be formed along second side wall  144 . Chamfer  116  creates a slight angle away from frame  120  to allow retaining clip  100  to orient into a storage position while remaining in guide slot  124 .  
         [0053]     In some embodiments, second side wall  144  includes latch opening  125 . Latch opening  125  is generally formed along guide slot  124 . Latch opening  125  is sized such that latch  114  can be inserted therethrough to maintain retaining clip  100  to chassis component  128 .  
         [0054]     Frame  120  includes vent holes  126 , which are generally aligned parallel to chassis component  128 . Vent holes  126  provide a passageway for air to pass through chassis component  128 . The passageway allows for airflow to move though information handling system  10  via chassis component  128 . Due to the low profile or cross section design of retaining clip  100 , the resistance to the airflow moving through chassis component  128  via frame  120  through retaining clip  100  is substantially reduced.  
         [0055]      FIG. 5  illustrates a portion of chassis component  128  with retaining clip  100  partially engaging flange  87  of bracket  85 . Retaining clip  100  is inserted into frame  120  by sliding guide rail  112  along guide slot  124  in direction  150 .  
         [0056]     The partially inserted retaining clip  100  begins to resist the movement due to spring member  104  contacting flange  87  positioned next to first wall member  142 . As such, spring member  104  deflects towards back wall member  102  to apply a force against flange  87 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 6  illustrates retaining clip  100  fully engaging flange  87  to secure computer component  80  to chassis component  128 . In the seated or fully engaged position, retaining clip  100  applies a sufficient force against flange  87  to secure computer component  80  to chassis component  128 .  
         [0058]     In some embodiments, in the fully engaged position, top wall member  103  is approximately flush with or embedded into the surface of chassis component  128 . As such, a cover panel (not shown) or other component may be coupled over top wall member  103  to prevent removal or movement of retaining clip  100 . In one instance, a cover panel is secured to chassis component  128  with a screw inserted at screw hole  130 . With the cover panel secured to chassis component  128 , movement of retaining clip  100  is prevented such that computer component  80  is secured to chassis component  128 .  
         [0059]     In the fully inserted position, the low cross section or low profile design of retaining clip  100  is readily apparent, especially if a top cover plate is attached to chassis component  128 . An open airway is created between top wall member  103 , side wall member  102 , foot tab  106  and spring member  104 . The airway allow for airflow through retaining clip  100  and vent holes  126 . As such, retaining clip  100  allows for airflow through frame  120  with minimal friction loss or resistance.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate perspective views of retaining clip  200 . Another example of a low profile or cross section retaining clip is retaining clip  200 . Retaining clip  200 , while similar to retaining clip  100 , includes side wall  202 , top wall  203  and spring member  204 , arranged to have a low profile or low cross section design.  
         [0061]     Top wall  203  is similar to top wall member  103  and typically becomes flush with an upper or top portion of chassis component  228  in an engaged position. Top wall  203  may include finger pull  210 . Side wall  202  is similar to side wall member  102 . In some embodiments, side wall  202  includes include rib  208 , guide rail  212  and latch  214 . Middle tab  206  is another example of a tab that prevents the engagement of retaining clip  200  if flange  87  is out of the proper orientation. Similarly, spring member  204  applies a force against flange  87  to secure bracket  85  to chassis component  128 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 8  illustrates retaining clip  200  inserted into frame  220  to secure flange  87  of bracket  85 . Frame  220  is similar to frame  120  in that flange  87  is positioned in frame  220  adjacent aperture  231 . Frame  220  includes first wall  242  and second wall  244 . Frame  220  may include dimple  232  typically formed along first wall  242 .  
         [0063]     Dimple  232  aids in securing bracket  85  to chassis component  128 . Bracket  85 , in some orientations, may position screw slot  88  at the bottom part of frame  220  such that screw slot  88  cannot be retained with a feature such as pin  108  on retaining clip  100 . As such, dimple  232  interacts with screw slot  88  to prevent flange  87  from being removed from frame  220  in the engaged position.  
         [0064]     In some embodiments, rib  208  may be used in conjunction with guide rail  212  to move/slide along a portion of guide slot  224 . In addition guiding the movement of retaining clip  200 , rib  208  and guide rail  212  may further prevent removal of retaining clip  200  while in the engaged position. As such, rib  208  interlocks with a portion of guide slot  224  to prevent lateral movement of retaining clip  200 .  
         [0065]     Lastly, vent holes  226  are formed in frame  220  to allow air to flow through chassis component  128 . Similar to retaining clip  100  formed in frame  120 , the low profile or low cross section design of retaining clip  200  in frame  220  substantially reduces the resistance of airflow flowing therethrough.  
         [0066]     Although the disclosed embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made to the embodiments without departing from their spirit and scope.