U.S. patent application number 09/291434 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-13 for apparatus for mounting a peripheral device in a computer system.
Invention is credited to SHEPHERD, JASON A., SIEDOW, ROGER A..
Application Number | 20010021099 09/291434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23120271 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010021099 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SIEDOW, ROGER A. ; et
al. |
September 13, 2001 |
APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A PERIPHERAL DEVICE IN A COMPUTER SYSTEM
Abstract
A peripheral device mounting system including a peripheral
device having a pattern of threaded holes formed therein, a chassis
configured to receive the peripheral device, a mounting bracket and
means for engaging an adjacent edge of a computer system chassis to
secure the peripheral device relative to the chassis. The mounting
bracket including a main wall, two spaced part walls, a protruding
member attached to one of the spaced apart walls. The protruding
member being configured to be received by one of the holes in the
peripheral device. The means for securing being attached to one of
the walls.
Inventors: |
SIEDOW, ROGER A.; (AUSTIN,
TX) ; SHEPHERD, JASON A.; (AUSTIN, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID L MCCOMBS
HAYNES AND BOONE LLP
3100 NATIONSBANK PLAZA
901 MAIN STREET
DALLAS
TX
752023789
|
Family ID: |
23120271 |
Appl. No.: |
09/291434 |
Filed: |
April 13, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.31 ;
361/679.4; 361/727 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 33/125 20130101;
G06F 1/187 20130101; G06F 1/184 20130101; G11B 33/124 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/685 ;
361/683; 361/727 |
International
Class: |
G06F 001/16; H05K
005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mounting bracket, comprising: a plurality of walls including a
main wall and a two spaced apart walls, the spaced apart walls
attached to the main wall; and a protruding member extending from
one of the walls for engaging a peripheral device.
2. The mounting bracket of claim 1 further comprising a retaining
member.
3. The mounting bracket of claim 2 wherein the retaining member
extends from one of the spaced apart walls for engaging an adjacent
edge of a computer system chassis.
4. The mounting bracket of claim 2 further comprising a centering
member.
5. The mounting bracket of claim 4 wherein the centering member
includes an alignment member.
6. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the protruding member
extends from one of the spaced apart walls.
7. The mounting bracket of claim 1 further comprising a centering
member attached to the main wall for engaging an adjacent edge of a
computer system chassis.
8. The mounting bracket of claim 7 wherein the centering member
includes an alignment member.
9. The mounting bracket of claim 1 wherein the protruding member is
attached to the main wall.
10. The mounting bracket of claim 10 further comprising a retaining
member attached to the main wall.
11. The mounting bracket of claim 1 further comprising a pair of
retaining members.
12. The mounting bracket of claim 11 wherein the pair of retaining
members are attached to the main wall.
13. The mounting bracket of claim 12 wherein the protruding member
is attached to the main wall.
14. The mounting bracket of claim 11 further comprising a resilient
arm interconnecting the main wall and the protruding member.
15. The mounting bracket of claim 2 wherein the retaining member is
flexible and includes a release portion.
16. The mounting bracket of claim 12 wherein the pair of retaining
member are flexible and includes a release portion.
17. A peripheral device mounting system, comprising: a peripheral
device having a pattern of threaded holes formed therein, a chassis
configured to receive the peripheral device; and a mounting bracket
including a main wall, two spaced part walls, a protruding member
attached to one of the spaced apart walls for being received by one
of the holes in the peripheral device and means for engaging an
adjacent edge of a computer system chassis to secure the peripheral
device relative to the chassis, the means for securing being
attached to one of the walls.
18. The peripheral device mounting system of claim 17 wherein the
means for securing is a retaining member attached to the main wall,
the retaining member configured to engage an adjacent edge of the
computer system chassis.
19. The peripheral device mounting system of claim 17 wherein the
means for securing is a retaining member attached to one of the
spaced apart walls, the retaining member configured to engage an
adjacent edge of the computer system chassis.
20. The peripheral device mounting system of claim 17 further
comprising an alignment member attached to the main wall, the
alignment member engaging a notch in the computer system
chassis.
21. The peripheral device mounting system of claim 17 wherein the
protruding member is resiliently attached to one of the spaced
apart walls.
22. The peripheral device mounting system of claim 17 further
comprising a centering flange attached to the main wall.
23. The peripheral device mounting system of claim 22 further
comprising an alignment member attached to the centering flange,
the alignment member engaging a notch in the computer system
chassis.
24. A computer system, comprising: a chassis; a microprocessor
mounted in the chassis; an input coupled to provide input to the
microprocessor; a mass storage coupled to the microprocessor; a
display coupled to the microprocessor by a video controller; a
system memory coupled to provide storage to facilitate execution of
computer programs by the microprocessor; a peripheral device having
a plurality of holes formed therein; and a mounting bracket for
securing the peripheral device in the chassis, the mounting bracket
having a plurality of walls including a main wall and two spaced
apart walls and having a protruding member attached to one of the
walls for being received by one of the holes in the peripheral
device.
25. The computer system of claim 24 further comprising a means for
engaging an adjacent edge of a computer system chassis to secure
the peripheral device relative to the chassis attached to one of
the walls, the means for securing being attached to one of the
walls.
26. The computer system of claim 24 wherein the means for securing
is a retaining member attached to the main wall.
27. The computer system of claim 24 wherein the means for securing
is a retaining member attached to one of the spaced apart
walls.
28. A method of making an apparatus for mounting a peripheral
device in the chassis of a computer system, comprising the steps
of: forming a plurality of walls including a main wall and two
spaced apart walls attached to the main wall; forming a protruding
member attached to one of the walls for being received by a hole in
a peripheral device; and forming a retaining member attached to one
of the walls for engaging an adjacent edge of a computer system
chassis to releasably secure the peripheral device relative to the
chassis.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The disclosures herein relate generally to computer systems
and more particularly to an apparatus and method for mounting a
peripheral device in a computer system.
[0002] Peripheral devices such as floppy disk drives (herinafter
also referred to as FDDs) are typically mounted in a computer
system using screws to affix them either directly to a chassis of
the computer system or to a separate plate or bracket which is
mounted to the chassis. The use of screws to mount a peripheral
device takes more manufacturing assembly time than snap-in place
mounting methods. During manufacturing of the computer system, this
additional time reduces factory thru-put as well as increases
facility requirements and assembly costs.
[0003] Various mounting configurations have been proposed that
minimize labor and the number of screws required to secure the
peripheral device in the chassis. Separate mounting devices are
often used to transfer the screw attachment process to a more
appropriate assembly location than in the chassis during the
manufacture of the computer system. For example, some chassis
manufacturers offer mounting clips that are attached to the FDD
with screws. These mounting clips allow the peripheral device to be
mounted in the chassis without using screws between the chassis and
the mounting clips.
[0004] Snap-in FDD rails are commercially available which utilize
grounding wire springs to secure the rails to the FDD. The FDD-rail
assembly may then be slid into the chassis and snapped into place.
However, these rails are relatively expensive, require the width of
the bay to be increased and tend to fall off of the FDD as they are
handled during assembly into the chassis.
[0005] Accordingly, a need has arisen for an apparatus and method
that reduces the time and cost of mounting a peripheral device into
the chassis of a computer system.
SUMMARY
[0006] One embodiment, accordingly, provides an apparatus that
allows a peripheral device to be economically and securely
installed without tools and without separate fasteners. To this
end, one embodiment provides a mounting bracket including a
plurality of walls. The plurality of walls includes a main wall and
a two spaced apart walls attached to the main wall. A protruding
member extends from one of the walls for being received by a hole
in a peripheral device.
[0007] Several advantages are achieved by an apparatus according to
embodiments presented herein. Screws for securing the peripheral
device to the chassis are eliminated. The screwless apparatus may
be attached to the peripheral device prior to the time of assembly
onto the chassis. The apparatus may also include features aligning
the peripheral device to the chassis during installation. The
configuration of the present apparatus contributes to the width of
the bay in the chassis being reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a computer system
with modular peripheral device bezel.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
computer system.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a
chassis having a peripheral device mounted therein.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a retaining clip
for a peripheral device.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a
peripheral device having a modular bezel.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the peripheral device illustrated
in FIG. 5.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate
embodiment of a retaining clip for a peripheral device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a computer system,
indicated generally at 10. The computer system 10 includes at least
one microprocessor 12. The microprocessor 12 is connected to a bus
14. The bus 14 serves as a connection between the microprocessor 12
and other components of the computer system 10. An input device 16
is coupled to the microprocessor 12 to provide input to the
microprocessor 12. Examples of input devices include keyboards,
touchscreens, and pointing devices such as a mouse, a trackball and
a trackpad. The computer system 10 further includes a display 20
which is coupled to the microprocessor 12 typically by a video
controller 22. Programs and data are stored on a mass storage
device 18 which is coupled to the microprocessor 12. Mass storage
devices include components such as hard disks, optical disks,
magneto-optical drives, floppy drives, and the like. The system
memory 24 provides the microprocessor 12 with fast storage to
facilitate execution of computer programs by the microprocessor 12.
A peripheral device 26 for providing the computer system 10 with
additional functionality may be connected to the microprocessor 12.
Examples of peripheral devices include floppy disk drives, compact
disc players, digital video disc players, memory card readers, and
other types of ancillary devices. It should be understood that
other busses and intermediate circuits can be employed between the
components described above and microprocessor 12 to facilitate
interconnection between the components and the microprocessor.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment a peripheral device 26
mounted in a chassis 28 of the computer system 10. The chassis
includes a bay 30 for receiving the peripheral device 26. The
peripheral device 26 is mounted to the chassis 28 using a pair of
mounting brackets 32 illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0017] Each mounting bracket 32 includes a main wall 34, two paced
apart walls 36, and a protruding member 38 attached to one of the
spaced apart walls 36. The protruding member 38 may also be
attached to the main wall 34. Typically, the spaced apart walls 36
are oriented generally parallel to each other or angled slightly
inwards toward each other.
[0018] The mounting bracket 32 may include a centering flange 37.
The centering flange 37 may be attached to the main wall 34 or to
any other suitable portion of the mounting bracket 32. The
centering flange 37 is disposed in angular relation to the main
wall 34. The centering flange 37 is deflected by the chassis 28
when the peripheral device 26 is inserted into the bay 30. The
deflection of the centering flange 37 results in a force being
provided from the centering flange 37 against the chassis 28. The
force acts to minimize movement of peripheral device 26 within the
chassis.
[0019] The mounting bracket 32 may also include an alignment tab
39. The alignment tab 39 may be connected to the centering flange
37. As shown in FIGS. 3, when the peripheral device 26 is inserted
into the chassis, the alignment tab 39 is located within a notch 41
in the chassis 28.
[0020] An alignment tab is especially beneficial when the computer
system has a system bezel with an integral peripheral bezel
portion. In these instances, the peripheral device does not have an
attached bezel. The peripheral bezel portion has an access passage
for the adjacent peripheral device. Accordingly, alignment of the
peripheral device top the system bezel is critical for providing
reliable access to the peripheral device.
[0021] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the peripheral device 26
includes a plurality of threaded holes 42 formed therein. The
mounting bracket 32 is formed such that the protruding member 38 is
received in one of the threaded holes 42. In some embodiments of
the present mounting clip, it will be desirable to angle the spaced
apart walls 36 slightly toward each other such that they engage the
peripheral device 26, securing the protruding member 38 in the
threaded holes 42.
[0022] The positions and size of the threaded holes 42 are
typically standardized to correspond to clearance holes in the
chassis of the computer system. When employing conventional
mounting techniques, screws are fastened through the clearance
holes in the chassis 28 into the threaded holes 42 in the
peripheral device 26.
[0023] The mounting bracket 32 may further include a retaining
member 44. The retaining member 44 is attached to one of the spaced
apart walls 36 and engages an adjacent edge 46 of the chassis 28 of
the computer system to releasably secure the mounting bracket 32
relative to the chassis 28. Similarly, the retaining member 44 may
be attached to the main wall 34. A release portion 48 of the
retaining member 44 may be depressed to release the retaining
member 44 from the adjacent edge of the chassis 28, permitting the
peripheral device 26 to be removed from the chassis 38.
[0024] Now referring to FIG. 7, an alternate embodiment of a
mounting bracket is shown. The mounting bracket 132 is constructed
to include a main wall 134 and spaced apart walls 132a, 132b for
capturing opposing sides of a peripheral device. The mounting
bracket 132 includes at least one protruding member 138. The
protruding member 138 may be resiliently mounted such as by a
resilient arm 150. The resiliently mounted protruding members 138
facilitate simplified attachment of the mounting bracket 132 to a
peripheral device. The mounting bracket 132 may also include a
retaining member or members 144, each having a release portion 148.
The mounting bracket 132 may be mounted over the end of a
peripheral device and slid into position. The protruding members
are deflected away from the peripheral device until they align with
adjacent threaded mounting holes and engage the holes.
[0025] The mounting brackets described herein will typically be
made of metal or plastic. Progressive die stamping is one technique
for forming the mounting brackets from metal. Injection molding is
one technique for forming the mounting brackets from plastic.
[0026] In operation, the embodiments disclosed herein provide an
apparatus that attaches to the peripheral device without screws or
other types of discrete fasteners. The mounting brackets include
one or more protruding members that engage holes in the peripheral
device. The spaced apart walls of the mounting bracket are
configured to capture opposing sides of the peripheral device and,
together with the protruding member, hold the mounting bracket in
its attached position. The peripheral device is installed into the
bay of a chassis. The retaining member engages the chassis to
secure the peripheral device in place. One or more centering
flanges may be provided to engage the chassis and provide a force
to minimize movement of the peripheral device within the chassis.
An alignment tab may be provided to engage a notch in the chassis
to precisely and consistently locate the peripheral device relative
to the chassis.
[0027] As a result, one embodiment provides a mounting bracket
including a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls includes a
main wall and a two spaced apart walls attached to the main wall. A
protruding member extends from one of the walls for being received
by a hole in a peripheral device.
[0028] Another embodiment provides a peripheral device mounting
system including a peripheral device having a pattern of threaded
holes formed therein, a chassis configured to receive the
peripheral device and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket
includes a main wall, two spaced part walls, a protruding member
attached to one of the spaced apart walls for being received by one
of the holes in the peripheral device and means for engaging an
adjacent edge of a computer system chassis to secure the peripheral
device relative to the chassis. The means for securing is attached
to one of the walls.
[0029] Yet another embodiment provides a computer system including
a chassis; a microprocessor mounted in the chassis; an input
coupled to provide input to the microprocessor; a mass storage
coupled to the microprocessor; a display coupled to the
microprocessor by a video controller; a system memory coupled to
provide storage to facilitate execution of computer programs by the
microprocessor; a peripheral device having a plurality of holes
formed therein; and a mounting bracket for securing the peripheral
device in the chassis. The mounting bracket has a plurality of
walls including a main wall and two spaced apart walls and has a
protruding member attached to one of the walls for being received
by one of the holes in the peripheral device.
[0030] A yet further embodiment provides a method of making an
apparatus for mounting a peripheral device in the chassis of a
computer system. The method includes the steps of forming a
plurality of walls including a main wall and two spaced apart walls
attached to the main wall; forming a protruding member attached to
one of the walls for being received by a hole in a peripheral
device; and forming a retaining member attached to one of the walls
for engaging an adjacent edge of a computer system chassis to
releasably secure the peripheral device relative to the
chassis.
[0031] As it can be seen, the illustrative embodiments presented
herein provide several advantages. Screws for securing the floppy
disk drive to the chassis of the computer system are eliminated.
The apparatus may be attached to the floppy disk drive prior to the
time of assembly onto the chassis. The apparatus may also include
features aligning the floppy disk drive unit to the chassis during
installation. The apparatus may serve to ground the FDD to the
chassis, eliminating the need for a separate ground circuit. A
narrower chassis and drive bay may be provided due to the clips of
the present disclosure being of a lower profile than conventional
plastic rail systems.
[0032] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and
described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is
contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances,
some features of the embodiments may be employed without a
corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate
that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner
consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.
* * * * *