Patent Publication Number: US-2022232719-A1

Title: Information handling system with integrated latches for stacking electrical enclosures

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to information handling systems, and more particularly relates to integrated latches for stacking electrical enclosures. 
     BACKGROUND 
     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, or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Technology and information handling needs and requirements can vary between different applications. Thus information handling systems can 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 can be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow 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 can include a variety of hardware and software resources that can be configured to process, store, and communicate information and can include one or more computer systems, graphics interface systems, data storage systems, networking systems, and mobile communication systems. Information handling systems can also implement various virtualized architectures. Data and voice communications among information handling systems may be via networks that are wired, wireless, or some combination. 
     SUMMARY 
     An information handling system includes a compute device, a side cover, and a bezel. The side cover may be placed in physical communication with the compute device. The side cover includes a mounting latch that may rotate between an open position and a closed position. When in the closed position, the mounting latch securely may mount the compute device on a component. When bezel is placed in physical communication with the side cover, the bezel may lock the mounting latch in the closed position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the drawings herein, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a general information handling system according to an at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of an information handling system for mounting outside a traditional data center according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an information handling system for mounting outside a traditional data center according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of multiple information handling systems integrated via latches according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are diagrams of a side plate and a plunger assembly for an information handling system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of a mounting latch for an information handling system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of rear panel of an information handling system and a bezel according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of a bezel for an information handling system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following description in combination with the Figures is provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The description is focused on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings, and is provided to assist in describing the teachings. This focus should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the teachings. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a general information handling system  100 . 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 other I/O devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more busses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components. 
     Information handling system  100  includes a processor  102 , a memory  104 , a chipset  106 , one or more PCIe buses  108 , a universal serial bus (USB) controller  110 , a USB bus  112 , a keyboard device controller  114 , a mouse device controller  116 , a configuration a SATA bus controller  120 , a SATA bus  122 , a hard drive device controller  124 , a compact disk read only memory (CD ROM) device controller  126 , a storage  128 , a graphics device controller  130 , a network interface controller (NIC)  140 , a wireless local area network (WLAN) or wireless wide area network (WWAN) controller  150 , a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus  160 , a NVRAM  170  for storing BIOS  172 , and a baseboard management controller (BMC)  180 . In an example, chipset  106  may be directly connected to an individual end point via a PCIe root port within the chipset and a point-to-point topology as shown in  FIG. 1 . BMC  180  can be referred to as a service processor or embedded controller (EC). Capabilities and functions provided by BMC  180  can vary considerably based on the type of information handling system. For example, the term baseboard management system is often used to describe an embedded processor included at a server, while an embedded controller is more likely to be found in a consumer-level device. As disclosed herein, BMC  180  represents a processing device different from CPU  102 , which provides various management functions for information handling system  100 . For example, an embedded controller may be responsible for power management, cooling management, and the like. An embedded controller included at a data storage system can be referred to as a storage enclosure processor. 
     System  100  can include additional processors that are configured to provide localized or specific control functions, such as a battery management controller. Bus  160  can include one or more busses, including a SPI bus, an I 2 C bus, a system management bus (SMBUS), a power management bus (PMBUS), and the like. BMC  180  can be configured to provide out-of-band access to devices at information handling system  100 . As used herein, out-of-band access herein refers to operations performed prior to execution of BIOS  172  by processor  102  to initialize operation of system  100 . 
     BIOS  172  can be referred to as a firmware image, and the term BIOS is herein used interchangeably with the term firmware image, or simply firmware. BIOS  172  includes instructions executable by CPU  102  to initialize and test the hardware components of system  100 , and to load a boot loader or an operating system (OS) from a mass storage device. BIOS  172  additionally provides an abstraction layer for the hardware, such as a consistent way for application programs and operating systems to interact with the keyboard, display, and other input/output devices. When power is first applied to information handling system  100 , the system begins a sequence of initialization procedures. During the initialization sequence, also referred to as a boot sequence, components of system  100  are configured and enabled for operation, and device drivers can be installed. Device drivers provide an interface through which other components of the system  100  can communicate with a corresponding device. 
     Information handling system  100  can include additional components and additional busses, not shown for clarity. For example, system  100  can include multiple processor cores, audio devices, and the like. While a particular arrangement of bus technologies and interconnections is illustrated for the purpose of example, one of skill will appreciate that the techniques disclosed herein are applicable to other system architectures. System  100  can include multiple CPUs and redundant bus controllers. One or more components can be integrated together. For example, portions of chipset  106  can be integrated within CPU  102 . Additional components of information handling system  100  can include one or more storage devices that can store machine-executable code, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices, and various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. An example of information handling system  100  includes a multi-tenant chassis system where groups of tenants (users) share a common chassis, and each of the tenants has a unique set of resources assigned to them. The resources can include blade servers of the chassis, input/output (I/O) modules, Peripheral Component Interconnect-Express (PCIe) cards, storage controllers, and the like. 
     In an example, information handling system  100  may be any suitable device including, but not limited to, compute device  202  of  FIG. 2 . Information handling system  100  can include a set of instructions that can be executed to cause the information handling system to perform any one or more of the methods or computer based functions disclosed herein. The information handling system  100  may operate as a standalone device or may be connected to other computer systems or peripheral devices, such as by a network. 
     In a networked deployment, the information handling system  100  may operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The information handling system  100  can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wireless telephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particular embodiment, the computer system  100  can be implemented using electronic devices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single information handling system  100  is illustrated, the term “system” shall also be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an information handling system  200  including a compute device  202 , side covers  204  and  206 , bezels  208  and  210 , mounting latch  212 , and mounting lip  214  according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure. In an example, side covers  204  and  206  may be placed in physical communication with and attached to compute device  202  in any suitable manner. For example, side covers  204  and  206  may snap fit onto compute device  202 , may slide onto the compute device, or the like. After side covers  204  and  206  are attached to compute device  202 , bezels  208  and  210  may be placed in physical communication with the compute device and with the side covers. In an example, bezels  208  and  210  may be secured to compute device  202  and side covers  204  and  206  in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, snap fitting onto the side covers. 
     In an example, compute device  202  may be utilized in any suitable location including, but not limited to, an edge environment located outside a traditional data center. In this example, the edge environment may not be as secure for compute device  202  and may not be equipped with traditional data center mounting components. In certain examples, compute device  202  may be mounted to any suitable component. For example, compute device  202  may be connected or mounted on another compute device, a mounting bracket  216 , or the like. Mounting latch  212  may be utilized to securely attach compute device  202  to mounting bracket  216  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In certain examples, mounting bracket  216  may be any suitable standard or proprietary bracket including, but not limited to, a VESA bracket, a DIN bracket, and a custom wall mounted bracket. In an example, another compute device may be mounted on compute device  202  by the mounting latch of the other compute device snap fitting over mounting lip  214 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an information handling system  300  according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Information handling system  300  includes a compute device  302  a mounting bracket  304 , bezels  306  and  308 , side plates  310 , side bezels  312 , and mounting latches  314 . In an example, a side cover, such as side cover  204  or  206  of  FIG. 2 , may include a side plate  310 , a side bezel  312 , and a mounting latch  314 . In certain examples, information handling system  300  and compute device  302  may be substantially similar to respective information handling system  200  and compute device  202  of  FIG. 2 . Compute device  302  may be any suitable device including, but not limited to, a storage device, a server, and a router. 
     In an example, side plate  310  may be connected to side bezel  312  in any suitable manner. For example, side bezel  312  may include one or more posts to interface with openings within side plate  310 , and the side bezel and side plate may snap fit together based on the posts being inserted with the openings. Side plates  310  may be connected to compute device  302  in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, snap fitting on side surfaces of the compute device, and being attached by screws or other mounting components. When a side cover, including side plate  310 , side bezel  312 , and mounting latch  314 , is placed in physical communication with and secured to compute device  302 , mounting latches  314  may be utilized to attach the compute device to mounting bracket  304 . In an example, mounting latches  314  may interface with and lock onto mounting bracket  304  to securely hold compute device  302  in physical communication with the mounting bracket. 
     Prior to bezel  308  being attached to compute device  302 , filter  316  may be inserted within bezel  308  to provide air filtration to airflow before the airflow enters the compute device. While filter  316  is illustrated in  FIG. 3  as being incorporated within bezel  308 , one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that a filter may be utilized within bezel  306  without varying from the scope of this disclosure. When compute device  302  is securely connected to mounting bracket  304  or another compute device, bezels  306  and  308  may be attached to the compute device. In an example, one of bezels  306  and  308  may be utilized to lock mounting latches  314  in a closed position to securely connect compute device  302  to mounting bracket  304 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a system  400  including information handling systems  402 ,  404 , and  406  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Information handling system  402  includes a mounting latch  410  and a bezel  412 , information handling system  404  includes a mounting latch  414  and a bezel  416 , and information handling system  406  includes a mounting latch  418  and a bezel  420 . While only a single mounting latch is shown for each of information handling systems  402 ,  404 , and  406 , each of the information handling systems may include two mounting latches with a mounting latch on each side cover of the information handling system. Each of information handling systems  402 ,  404 , and  406  includes a mounting lip on each side cover of the information handling system. For example, information handling system  406  includes mounting lip  422 . 
     In an example, information handling systems  402 ,  404 , and  406  may be connected in any suitable configuration, such as a stackable design as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the stackable design of  FIG. 4 , mounting latch  410  may transition from an opened position to a closed position to connect information handling system  402  to mounting bracket  408 . Bezel  412  may be attached to information handling system  402  to lock mounting latch  410  in a closed position to securely connect the information handling system to mounting bracket  408 . Information handling system  404  may be connected to information handling system  402  in any suitable manner. For example, mounting latch  414  may transition from an opened position to a closed position to snap fit around mounting lip of information handling system  402  and to connect information handling system  404  to information handling system  402 . Bezel  416  may be attached to information handling system  404  to lock mounting latch  414  in the closed position and to securely connect information handling system  404  to information handling system  402 . 
     Information handling system  406  may be connected to information handling system  404  in any suitable manner. For example, mounting latch  418  may transition from an opened position to a closed position to snap fit around mounting lip of information handling system  404  and to connect information handling system  406  to information handling system  404 . Bezel  420  may be attached to information handling system  406  to lock mounting latch  418  in the closed position and to securely connect information handling system  406  to information handling system  404 . While only a single stackable design for interfacing information handling systems  402 ,  404 , and  406  is shown in  FIG. 4 , the information handling systems may be connected together in any suitable configuration and orientation via the mounting latches and mounting lips without varying from the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate portions of a side cover  500  including a side bezel  502 , a side plate  504 , and a plunger assembly  506  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Plunger assembly  506  includes a main portion  520 , a rod portion  522 , a lock arm  524 , and slots  526 . Side plate  504  and plunger assembly  506  may be connected to side bezel  502  in any suitable manner. For example, side plate  504  and plunger assembly  506  may be inserted within side bezel  502  and then secured by attachment components. In an example, the attachment components may include screws and heat stake posts. Side plate  504  may be any suitable rigid material including sheet metal and plastic. In an example, side plate  504  may extend past side bezel  502  to provide an opening  528  and support from cable routing from a compute node. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , plunger assembly  506  may held in physical communication with side plate  504  via retaining screws  602 . In an example, retaining screws  602  may provide an alignment for plunger assembly  506 , such that the plunger assembly may remain in physical communication with side plate  504 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , plunger assembly  506  includes a locking pin  604  extended from an end of rod portion  522 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , posts  530  may be inserted through slots  526  to guide plunger assembly between first and second positions. In an example, a single post  530  may interface with a single slot  526 . For example, post  530  may be in physical communication with one end of slot  526  when plunger assembly  506  is in a first position, and the post may be in physical communication with an opposite end of the slot when the plunger assembly is in a second position. A spring  532  may be in physical communication with both side plate  504  and main portion  520  of plunger assembly  506 . In certain examples, spring  532  may bias plunger assembly  506  toward either the first or second position. For example, spring  532  may be positioned to bias plunger assembly  506  toward the first position. 
     In an example, lock arm  524  of plunger assembly  506  may extend beyond an outer surface of side bezel  502  when the plunger assembly is in the first position. In response to a force being exerted on lock arm  524 , plunger assembly  506  may transition from the first position to the second position. In an example, the force exerted on lock arm  524  should be greater than the force exerted on plunger assembly  506  by spring  532  so that the plunger assembly may transition from the first position to the second position. When plunger assembly  506  is in the second position rod portion  522  may slide toward and locking pin  604  of  FIG. 6  may interface with a mounting latch to lock the mounting latch in a closed position. 
       FIG. 7  a mounting latch  700  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Mounting latch  700  includes a base  702 , a top  704 , and a hinge  706 . In an example, hinge  706  may enable top  704  to rotate between an opened position and a closed position with respect to base  702 . Top  704  includes a hook portion  708  at a distal end of the top with respect to an end of the top in physical communication with base  702 . In an example, mounting latch  700  may secure an information handling system associated with the mounting latch to another component by hook portion  708  snap fitting over the other component, such as a mounting bracket or another information handling system. For example, hook portion  708  may snap fit over mounting lip  422  of  FIG. 4  to secure two information handling systems together. 
     In certain examples, mounting latch  700  includes one or more holes  710  to interface with a plunger assembly, such as plunger assembly  506  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In an example, holes  710  may extend through both bottom  702  and top  704  of mounting latch  700 , and a locking pin, such as locking pin  604  of  FIG. 6 , may be inserted through the hole. In response to locking pin  604  being inserted within hole  710 , mounting latch  700  may locked in the closed position and securely hold information handling systems in physical communication. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a portion of an information handling system  800  including a compute device  802 , a bezel  804 , and one or more cables  806  according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Cable  806  may be routed from a rear surface of compute device  802 . Side covers  810  and  812  may be placed in physical communication with compute device  802 . Side cover  810  includes a side plate  814 , a plunger assembly  816 , and a hook  818 . In an example, side plate  814  includes a cable router  820  to enable cables  806  to extend beyond the side plate and bezel  804 . Side cover  812  includes a side plate  822 , a plunger assembly  824 , and a hook  826 . In an example, side plate  822  includes a cable router  828  to enable cables  806  to extend beyond the side plate and bezel  804 . Bezel  804  includes a lock  830 , hooks  832  and  834 , and stops  836  and  838 . 
     Side covers  810  and  812  may be connected to compute device  802  in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, snap fitting on side surfaces of the compute device, and being attached by screws or other mounting components. When side cover  812  and  814  are placed in physical communication with and secured to compute device  802 , mounting latches of the side covers may be utilized to attach the compute device to another component, such as a mounting bracket or another information handling system. In an example, mounting latches of side covers  810  and  812  may interface with and lock onto another component to securely hold compute device  802  in physical communication with the other component in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, the manner described above with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     When compute device  802  is securely connected to a mounting bracket or another compute device, bezel  804  may be attached to the compute device. In an example, as bezel  804  is placed in physical communication with side cover  810 , stop  836  may exert a force on plunger assembly  816 . The force exerted on plunger assembly  816  may cause the plunger assembly to transition from a first position to a second position and to lock a mounting latch of side cover  810  as described above. Similarly, as bezel  804  is placed in physical communication with side cover  812 , stop  838  may exert a force on plunger assembly  824 . The force exerted on plunger assembly  824  may cause the plunger assembly to transition from a first position to a second position and to lock a mounting latch of side cover  812  as described above. 
     In an example, as bezel  804  is placed in physical communication with side covers  810  and  812 , hook  832  may snap fit over hook  818  and hook  834  may snap fit over hook  826 . In response to hook  832  snap fitting over hook  818  and hook  834  snap fitting over hook  826 , bezel  804  may be attached to compute device  802  and side covers  810  and  812 . In an example, bezel  804  may prevent access to cables  806 , such that an individual may not be able to unplug a cable  806  from or plug a new cable into the rear surface of compute device  802 . In this example, bezel  804  may provide a secure environment for cables  806 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a bezel  900  for an information handling system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Bezel  900  includes a main frame  902 , an airflow portion  904 , and a lock  906 . Lock  906  includes a key portion  910  and a latch  912 . Lock  906  may be any suitable type of lock including, but not limited to a barrel lock. 
     In an example, an individual may utilize a key to rotate lock  906  from an unlocked position to a locked position as indicated by arrow  914 . When lock  906  is in the locked position, latch  912  may interface with a side cover of a compute device, such as side cover  810  of compute device  802  in  FIG. 8 . In response to lock  906  being in the locked position, bezel  900  may be securely mounted on the compute device. When bezel  900  is secured in physical communication with a compute device, the bezel may prevent a plunger assembly from transitioning from a second position to a first position, which in turn prevents a mounting latch from transitioning from a locked position as described above. Thus, while bezel  900  is locked onto a compute device, the compute device may not be removed from a mounting bracket or another compute device that the compute device is attached via the locked mounting latch. Therefore, a plunger assembly, such a plunger assembly  506  of  FIG. 5 , and bezel  900  may enable a compute device to be securely mounted in any environment even when the environment is outside a traditional data center. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the information handling system  100  can include a disk drive unit and may include a computer-readable medium, not shown in  FIG. 1 , in which one or more sets of instructions, such as software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions may embody one or more of the methods or logic as described herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions may reside completely, or at least partially, within system memory  104  or another memory included at system  100 , and/or within the processor  102  during execution by the information handling system  100 . The system memory  104  and the processor  102  also may include computer-readable media. 
     While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. 
     In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to store information received via carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. Furthermore, a computer readable medium can store information received from distributed network resources such as from a cloud-based environment. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. 
     When referred to as a “device,” a “module,” or the like, the embodiments described herein can be configured as hardware. For example, a portion of an information handling system device may be hardware such as, for example, an integrated circuit (such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a structured ASIC, or a device embedded on a larger chip), a card (such as a Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card, a PCI-express card, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card, or other such expansion card), or a system (such as a motherboard, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or a stand-alone device). 
     The device or module can include software, including firmware embedded at a processor or software capable of operating a relevant environment of the information handling system. The device or module can also include a combination of the foregoing examples of hardware or software. Note that an information handling system can include an integrated circuit or a board-level product having portions thereof that can also be any combination of hardware and software. 
     Devices, modules, resources, or programs that are in communication with one another need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices, modules, resources, or programs that are in communication with one another can communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries. 
     Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.