Patent Publication Number: US-8529285-B1

Title: Cable retention clip for rugged applications

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to computers, and more particularly relates to personal computers, and even more particularly relates to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) rugged personal computers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In recent years, the use of COTS computer hardware has increased in military applications. COTS connectors, such as the PS/2 connector commonly used to connect keyboards and mice with their respective PCs, are liked because of their low cost and ease of insertion owing to their low insertion force design. 
     However, the downside to the low insertion force design is that unwanted disconnection can occur more frequently. 
     In the past, these unwanted disconnections have been addressed by adhesively bonding the PS/2 cable to the rear I/O panel of the computer or by including an add-on sheet metal bracket that to which PS/2 cables are lashed. 
     While these approaches have significant utility, there exists a need for low cost systems and methods which do not have some of the downfalls of the prior art methods. 
     For example, there is a need for a system and method which does not have the serviceability issues of increasing costs for maintenance because of increased time needed for repair, cleanup and removal operation, that is associated with the adhesive approach. Also, there is a need to avoid the intrusion in the cable routing space by the sheet metal bracket approach. 
     Consequently, there exists a need for improved methods and systems for securing COTS connectors in a military environment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for retaining, in an efficient manner, the COTS connectors which exhibit unwanted disconnection from their respective personal computers. 
     It is a feature of the present invention to utilize a bail style retention clip which urges the COTS connector into its intended fully inserted position. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to include multiple points of connection between the retention clip and the connector and the retention clip and the computer. 
     It is an advantage of the present invention to provide low cost systems and methods for retaining COTS connectors. 
     The present invention is an apparatus and method for enhancing the proper retention of COTS connectors into military personal computers designed to satisfy the aforementioned needs, provide the previously stated objects, include the above-listed features, and achieve the already articulated advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be more fully understood by reading the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified view of a system of COTS connector retention of the present invention disposed adjacent to a prior art connection without any connector retention structures. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified view of a full loop bail of the present invention with a quick friction fit connection for improved retention to the PC. 
         FIG. 3  is a simplified view of a full loop bail with a hardware retention loop of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Now referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like matter throughout, and more specifically referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a system of the present invention, generally designated  100 , including a COTS military PC  101 , or other device having COTS connectors, for receiving therein connections with COTS connectors, such as the PS/2; USB or other well known connectors. 
     A first COTS cable side connector  102  and a second COTS cable side connector  104  shown disposed in COTS chassis side connectors in the PC  101  or other device. COTS cable side connector  102  is shown with a bail retention clip  106  of  FIG. 2 . Also shown is an I/O plate cover  109  and an underlying computer chassis  110 , which is shown by a component thereon being a connector  112 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a full loop bail, generally designated  200 , of the present invention, which includes a free end friction fit computer mating end  201  which is configured to be placed between an I/O plate cover  109  and an underlying computer chassis  110 . There is shown orthogonal connector head extension segment  202  the length of which is dependent upon the connector head length for the particular cable connection being supported. Cable approaching bend  204  drops the bail so as to go beneath the cable extending out from the cable connection head. Cable traversing segment  206  may be straight or curved but it is at least partially dependent upon the thickness of the connector head and the cable. Cable cradling segment  208  is formed to support the cable from beneath and to stop the connector from being move directly out of the connector receiver on the PC 101 . Second cable traversing segment  210  is analogous to cable traversing segment  206  and leads to second orthogonal connector head extension segment  214 , which leads to elongated end  216 . Note, the present invention can utilize a retention clip that has one or more connections or contact points with the PC 101  so as to better limit unintended disconnection of connectors. Elongated end  216  could be inserted into a air vent hole, pressed into a friction fit either inside, outside or partially inside the PC  101 . Note a special mating hole could be made in the I/O cover plate to receive the elongated end  216 . In some embodiments the free end friction fit computer mating end  201  could also engage some structure on the exterior of the PC  101 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a bail clip  106  of  FIG. 1  comprising a free end loop  301  and a truncated end  302  instead of a second cable approaching bend  212 , second orthogonal connector head extension segment  214 , and elongated end  216 . 
     In operation, the apparatus and method of the present invention could function as follows: The bail clip  106  is either attached to the chassis  110  via a screw, pin, etc., and free end loop  301  or it is wedged into a gap between the I/O plate cover  109  and the computer chassis  110 , much like section  201  of  FIG. 2 , or it engages with some external structure on the PC  101 . 
     It is thought that the method and apparatus of the present invention will be understood from the foregoing description and that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construct steps, and arrangement of the parts and steps thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of their material advantages. The form herein described is merely a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof.