Patent Application
20060283816
For large-scale computing applications that require numerous servers, an industry standard EIA (Electronics Industries Alliance), or other type, rack is often used to contain servers in a stacked arrangement that uses the available space more efficiently. Such electronics racks are relatively simple structures that closely resemble open-frame bookcases. Computer server/component racks are typically constructed with perforated, hinged front-doors, rigid sides and a removable rear panel. Industry standard 19″ EIA electronics racks are designed typically to house a column of electronics packages that are 17¾″ in width with varying depths. The height of an electronics package can vary but is normally an integer multiple of an EIA unit called simply the “U.” An EIA U is 1.75 inches. Electronic equipment generally has a height in multiples of “Us” e.g., 1 U (1.75″), 2 U (3.50″), 3 U (5.25″), etc.
Typically, electronic components may be secured within the rack using a pair of horizontal brackets that are secured to the rack structure at vertical rails near the corners. As the height of components decreases the number of components within a particular rack increases. Therefore, the number of brackets needed for that rack also increases. Because the number of brackets increases, the hardware costs increase and the time needed to install the brackets also increases. The preferred embodiments of the present invention described below overcome these and other deficiencies of the prior art while focusing on these needs.
The problems noted above are solved in large part by a rack-mounted bracket assembly comprises a main member having a first end, a second end, and a shelf therebetween. A set of long tabs is disposed on the first end of the main member. A set of short tabs is disposed on the second end of the main member. A retention latch is connected to the main member and limits the movement of the bracket within a rack.
For a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, computer companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . . ” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections.
The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the invention. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.
The figures presented herein illustrate a right-hand rack assembly. It is understood that a complimentary left-hand rack assembly would possess the same features as the right-hand assembly. Similarly, front and rear as used herein are merely descriptive terms and are not intended to be limiting recitations of the absolute position of any component.
Referring now to
Main member 16 may be formed from a single piece of material, such as sheet metal. Retention latch 18 may also be formed from a single piece of material, such as a spring steel, and affixed to main member 16 by rivets 56, or some other attachment mechanism.
Long tabs 22 engage slots 46 on rear rail 14 to support bracket assembly 10 at its rear end 20. Short tabs 26 engage slots 42 on front rail 12 to support bracket assembly 10 at its front end 24. As can be seen in
Referring now to
Referring now to
In certain embodiments, the weight of a computer assembly, or other factors, may require reinforcement of the bracket assembly described above. Referring now to
Referring now to
The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. For example, the bracket assembly can be constructed in any desired dimensions so as to support an intended computer system and is not limited to the 1 U embodiment described herein. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.
