The subject matter of this application relates to securing devices for electronic components on chassis of electronic equipment. Electronic equipment commonly use various electronic components and/or modules (e.g., power supply modules) that are installed into or onto the equipment chassis or framework to provide different functionalities. The electronic components/modules are manufactured by different vendors and thus the electronic components/modules generally have different dimensions and/or different fastening and/or securing devices. Therefore, the chassis needs to have fastening and/or securing devices that correspond with the dimensions and/or fastening and/or securing devices of the desired electronic components/modules.
However, having different chassis for each desired electronic component/module requires a lot of quality control, production logistics, and storage space. Additionally, when an electronic component/module of electronic equipment needs to be replaced in the field with an electronic component/module having different dimensions and/or fastening and/or securing devices, it can become difficult to mount the replacement electronic component/module to the equipment chassis.
What is desired, therefore, are securing devices that can adapt to fastening and/or securing devices of various electronic components/modules (such as various mounting positions).
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring to
Connector 26 includes opposed first and second end portions 28, 30. First end portion 28 is pivotably coupled or connected to base 22. In the example shown in
In the examples shown in
Securing device 20 includes a coupler 42 that receives a fastener, such as a fastener 43 to attach an electronic component to base 22 (e.g., screw, bolt, etc.). Coupler 42 includes opposed third and fourth end portions 44, 46. In the example shown in
Fourth end portion 46 of coupler 42 includes an aperture 48 that receives a fastener, such as to fasten an electronic component to the fourth end portion. Aperture 48 may include one or more structures that correspond with structures of the fastener to fasten the fastener to the aperture, such as an aperture 50 having threads (or a threaded aperture) that correspond with the threads of the fastener. In the example shown in
In some examples, chassis 24 includes one or more stoppers 52 attached to, or formed with, base 22, as shown in
Referring to
Electronic module 100 includes a frame 108 having various electronic components 110 attached to frame 108. Frame 108 has a perimeter portion 112 and has a first length 114 and a first width 116. First length 114 and first width 116 comprise a first area or first footprint 118. Perimeter portion 112 includes corners 120 having apertures 122 that receive fasteners 124. Fasteners 124 are received in couplers 42 of securing devices 20 when those securing devices are in proximal position 104.
Similarly, electronic module 102 includes a frame 126 having various electronic components 128 attached to frame 126. Frame 126 has a perimeter portion 130 and has a second length 132 and a second width 134. Second length 132 and second width 134 comprise a second area or second footprint 136. Perimeter portion 130 includes apertures 138 that receive fasteners 140. Fasteners 140 are received in couplers 42 of securing devices 20 when those securing devices are in distal position 106. Second length 132 and/or second width 134 of electronic module 102 is larger than first length 114 and/or first width 116. In other words, second footprint 136 is larger than first footprint 118.
Although
The securing devices of the present disclosure provide adjustable mounting points or holes that can be moved to match mounting points or holes of electronic components/modules of various sizes. Thus, a user has the ability to mount electronic components/modules of different sizes onto the chassis of electronic equipment whether the equipment is in the factory or in the field. Benefits of the present disclosure include chassis inventory reduction, ability to use same existing hard tooling to make the chassis, and ground continuity for power supplies.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment that has been described, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, as interpreted in accordance with principles of prevailing law, including the doctrine of equivalents or any other principle that enlarges the enforceable scope of a claim beyond its literal scope. Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in a claim to the number of instances of an element, be it a reference to one instance or more than one instance, requires at least the stated number of instances of the element but is not intended to exclude from the scope of the claim a structure or method having more instances of that element than stated. The word “comprise” or a derivative thereof, when used in a claim, is used in a nonexclusive sense that is not intended to exclude the presence of other elements or steps in a claimed structure or method.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/280,249 filed Nov. 17, 2021.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63280249 | Nov 2021 | US |