U.S. patent application number 11/380143 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for self-locating rear mount system and method for rack mountable equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Eric E. Adams, David F. Champion, James R. Drake, Todd W. Justus, James S. Womble.
Application Number | 20070247044 11/380143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38618841 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070247044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adams; Eric E. ; et
al. |
October 25, 2007 |
Self-Locating Rear Mount System and Method for Rack Mountable
Equipment
Abstract
In accordance with the present disclosure, a rack equipment
mount with a self-locating/self-adjusting rear fastener mechanism
is disclosed. The equipment mount can have a first rail and a
second rail securable horizontally in a rack system, wherein
self-locating fasteners or receivers can be slidably connected to
the rails. Rack mountable equipment to be inserted into the rack
can have a mating fastener attached to the rear of its chassis and
the self locating fasteners can engage with the mating fasteners as
the chassis is slid into the rack. The self-locating fastener can
be spring loaded in a forward position and slide along the rail to
self-locate at the appropriate depth when a chassis is inserted
into the rack. The self-locating fasteners allow equipment chassis
of varying depths to be installed into a rack and easily secured at
the rear of the rack. Such a self-locating rear fastener system can
comply with NEBS requirements when the screw is utilized to secure
the rail to the self-locating fastener receiver and the
chassis.
Inventors: |
Adams; Eric E.; (Pittsboro,
NC) ; Champion; David F.; (Durham, NC) ;
Drake; James R.; (Burlington, NC) ; Justus; Todd
W.; (Chapel Hill, NC) ; Womble; James S.;
(Hillsborough, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IBM COPORATION (RTP);C/O SCHUBERT OSTERRIEDER & NICKELSON PLLC
6013 CANNON MOUNTAIN DRIVE, S14
AUSTIN
TX
78749
US
|
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
38618841 |
Appl. No.: |
11/380143 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/334.5 ;
312/265.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/1489
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/334.5 ;
312/265.4 |
International
Class: |
A47B 88/00 20060101
A47B088/00 |
Claims
1 An equipment mount comprising: a rail securable in a rack
perpendicular to vertical members in the rack, the rail having a
first end and a second end; a track disposed between the first end
of the rail and the second end of the rail; a self-adjusting
fastener slidable on the track and adapted to receive a mating
fastener coupled to an equipment chassis during insertion of the
equipment chassis into the equipment rack; and a spring coupled to
the self-adjusting fastener and to the rail such that the
self-adjusting fastener is biased towards the first end of the rail
and, as the chassis is inserted into rack, the self-adjusting
fastener slides towards the second end of the rail.
2. The equipment mount of claim 1 further comprising: a second rail
securable in a rack perpendicular to the vertical members in the
rack, the rail having a first end and a second end; a second track
disposed between the first end of the rail and the second end of
the rail; and a second self-adjusting fastener slidable on the
second track and adapted to receive a second mating fastener
coupled to the equipment chassis during insertion of the equipment
chassis into the equipment rack.
3. The equipment mount of claim 1 further comprising a sliding
surface coupled to the rail.
4. The equipment mount of claim 1 further comprising a side plate
coupled to the rail.
5. The equipment mount of claim 4 further comprising a slot in the
side plate.
6. The equipment mount of claim 5 further comprising a hole in the
self-adjusting fastener such that as the hole in the self-adjusting
slides towards the rear of the rail the hole slides along the
slot.
7. The equipment mount of claim 1 further comprising a nut coupled
to the self-adjusting fastener and adapted to secure a threaded
fastener.
8. The equipment mount of claim 7 wherein the chassis has a hole
and wherein the threaded fastener in the hole and the nut secures
the chassis to the rail.
9. The equipment mount of claim 1 wherein the mating fastener
comprises a protrusion that engages a recess in the self-adjusting
fastener.
10. The equipment mount of claim 1 wherein the self-adjusting
fastener comprises a protrusion that fits into a recess of the
mating fastener.
11. The equipment mount of claim 1 wherein the mating fastener
comprises one of a blade, a pin, a tongue, and a tab.
12. The equipment mount of claim 1 wherein the self-adjusting
fastener comprises one of a groove, a slot, and a hole.
13. An equipment mounting system comprising: a first rail mounted
horizontally between a first and second vertical member in an
equipment rack, the first rail having a first track; a second rail
mounted horizontally between a third and fourth vertical member in
the equipment rack, the second rail having a second track; and a
first fastener receiver slidably coupled to the first track and
adapted to engage a rear of a mountable chassis when the mountable
chassis is inserted into the rack and to slide along the first
track as the chassis is moved into a mounting position. a second
fastener receiver slidably coupled to the second track and adapted
to engage the rear of a mountable chassis when the mountable
chassis is inserted into the rack and to slide along the second
track as the chassis is moved into the mounting position.
14. The equipment mounting system of claim 13 further comprising a
spring coupled between the first rail and the first fastener
receiver to bias the fastener receiver in a first position.
15. The equipment mounting system of claim 13 further comprising a
sliding surface coupled to the first rail and a side plate coupled
to the first rail to align the first fastener receiver with a
fastener on the chassis when the chassis is slid into the rack.
16. The equipment mounting system of claim 13 further comprising a
second sliding surface and a second side plate coupled to the
second rail to align the second fastener receiver with a mating
fastener on the chassis when the chassis is slid into the rack.
17. A method of configuring equipment in a rack comprising:
aligning an equipment chassis within a rack utilizing rails in the
rack, the equipment chassis having fasteners and the rails having
slidable fastener receivers; engaging the fastener receivers with
the fasteners; sliding a fastener receiver towards a rear of the
rack to as the fastener is engaged with the fastener receiver; and
securing the equipment chassis to the rack, wherein securing the
rear of the equipment chassis to the rail with the fastener
receivers secures the equipment chassis to the rack.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising fastening a front
panel of the equipment chassis to the rack.
19. The method of claim 17 further comprising securing a threaded
fastener from the fastener receiver to the equipment chassis.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein sliding further comprises
sliding the equipment chassis on a sliding surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to rack mounted
electronic equipment and more particularly to systems and methods
for securing rack mountable equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Large electronic systems are typically created by combining
numerous functionally distinct pieces of electronic equipment.
Generally, each system has different functional requirements and
rack mountable electronic equipment can be purchased from different
vendors and integrated into racks to form a complete system. For
example, a business may need a mail server, a voice over Internet
protocol server, a web page server, a business phone system and a
large amount of data storage. This equipment can be purchased from
the individual vendors, mounted in a rack, and then interconnected
with wires and cables to form such a system.
[0003] Rack mountable equipment comes in many shape and sizes. A
robust equipment installation requires equipment or equipment
chassis to be adequately secured in the rack. Many industry
standards and specifications exist that specify how rack mountable
equipment should be secured to a rack. One such specification is
the network equipment building system, (NEBS) guidelines. NEBS
guidelines include a set of technical requirements, that when
complied with, make rack mounted equipment more resistant to
failures. For example, NEBS requirements can minimize the
likelihood of damages to rack mounted equipment should an
earthquake occur. The NEBS standard was initially developed by Bell
Labs.RTM. for the telecommunications industry. However, the NEBS
standard is often utilized as a guideline in many other industries
that utilize rack mounted equipment.
[0004] Thus, many industries and customers strive to meet specific
mechanical requirements provided by the NEBS guidelines. Equipment
chassis are typically shaped like a "rectangular box" and one NEBS
guideline is to secure all four corners of the equipment chassis to
the rack. Since meeting this basic mechanical requirement is a good
business practice, many vendors comply with the NEBS requirements.
For example, when racks or cabinets are populated with equipment
and wired prior to shipping, it would be impractical to ship such a
system without adequately securing the equipment in the rack.
[0005] The spacing of vertical fastening members within
commercially available racks and the spacing of the holes in the
vertical members are dictated by another set of guidelines, the
electronics industry alliance (EIA) guidelines. The EIA guideline
provide standard mounting hole dimensions for equipment racks. A
typical EIA compliant rack will have two vertical members at the
front of the rack and two vertical members at the rear of the rack.
Specific spacing is typically provided between the vertical rack
members and between the holes within these members. EIA compliant
racks can be purchased in different standard widths to accommodate
equipment chassis that are, for example 24, 28, or 30 inches
wide.
[0006] Thus, to accommodate different rack mountable electronic
equipment, a rack can be selected according to the width of the
chassis of the electronic equipment to be mounted. Holes in the
front panels of these chassis can be fabricated such that they line
up with the holes in the vertical members of the rack when the
chassis is inserted into the rack. A first step in securing
equipment in a rack can be to secure the front of the chassis at
each end of a faceplate. This is accomplished utilizing holes in
the faceplate to secure the faceplate to the front vertical members
of the rack. However, one troubling issue is that rack mountable
equipment almost always varies in length and securing the rear of a
chassis to the rear vertical members of the rack is, by no means a
simple or standard procedure.
[0007] As stated above, many different types of equipment from many
different vendors can be mounted into a rack. Consequently,
equipment chassis are made to specific widths but vary
significantly in length, and consequently, vary in how deep the
rear of the chassis penetrates the rack. The EIA standard places
the back vertical member of a rack at a fixed distance from the
front vertical members and often the rear of an equipment chassis
will not extend even close to the rear vertical members.
[0008] Traditionally, some vendors ship rear tie down hardware with
equipment that is unique to the individual equipment to be mounted
in a rack based on the mechanical requirements for locating the
rear tie-down locations of the equipment chassis. This inefficient
practice requires unique attachment products to accommodate chassis
with special tie-down locations, and proprietary tie down
methods.
[0009] Another common approach for equipment vendors is to supply a
universal set of brackets with the electronic equipment such that,
with the right combination of pieces, the equipment chassis can be
fastened to the vertical members at the back of the rack. This
"ladder" solution, as it is often called, can confuse the
installer, because the installer may not understand which brackets
are to be utilized, which tie-down locations on the chassis are to
be connected to the rear vertical members and which mounting
fasteners are to be utilized to secure the brackets.
[0010] There are a number of disadvantages associated with
universal bracket type installations. When the series of rigid
brackets in the kit are assembled to form a connection from the
rear vertical member forward to the rear of the equipment chassis,
it is often not known if the mounting configuration meets NEBS
standards. Cantilevering numerous brackets off of the rear vertical
member with numerous screws and nuts can provide an unacceptable
mounting configuration by many standards. Further, a universal kit
installation is often bulky and such an installation can interfere
with the installation of additional equipment in adjacent rack
locations. For example, additional equipment often cannot be
installed directly above, below or beside equipment installed with
bulky bracket kits.
[0011] Assembly for nearly all rear mounting configurations
requires special tools such as short shafted screw drivers, nut
drivers and wrenches. Additionally, it is often difficult to access
the hardware utilized in the rear tie down locations. Further, the
installer may be required to place his head and arms deep into the
cabinet to tighten the hardware to secure the rear of a chassis to
the rack. In such a confined space with wires and cables running
everywhere at the rear of the rack, it can be a dreaded task to
install and remove equipment because of the difficulty in accessing
the rear mounting hardware that secures the rear of the equipment
chassis.
[0012] As stated above, it is cumbersome and time consuming for a
technician to select brackets and attempt to create the correct
hole alignments at the rear of the chassis when installing rack
mountable equipment. In addition, it is cumbersome and time
consuming for a technician to rework a rigid bracket mounting
system when outdated or failed equipment must be replaced with a
new piece of equipment that has a different chassis size. This is
particularly true when a rack is fully populated and the
replacement equipment has significantly different dimensions than
the existing equipment. In view of the above-described
disadvantages associated with current systems and methods for
securing the rear of a chassis in a rack environment, there is
clearly a need for improved equipment securing methods and
arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The problems identified above are in large part addressed by
methods and arrangements disclosed herein to mount equipment in an
equipment rack. One embodiment provides an equipment mounting
system with a fastening apparatus to secure each rear corner of an
electronic chassis to the rack when the chassis is fully inserted
into the rack. The fastening apparatus can self adjust to an
appropriate location proximate to the rear of the rack according to
the length of the equipment installed or according to the depth
which the rear of the chassis penetrates the rack.
[0014] The equipment mounting system can also include two rails
securable in a rack perpendicular to vertical members of the rack.
Each rail can have a first end and a second end and a track
disposed between the first and second end, wherein self-locating
fasteners can slide on the tracks. The self-locating fasteners can
be adapted to receive mating fasteners integrated with an equipment
chassis as the equipment chassis is inserted into the equipment
rack. A spring can be connected between the self-locating fasteners
and the rails such that the self-locating fasteners are biased
towards the front of the rack and, as the equipment chassis is
inserted into the rack, the self-locating fasteners can receive the
mating fasteners and slide towards the rear of the rack to the
appropriate location. The rails of the equipment mounting system
can also provide a horizontal "shelf" surface to support the
chassis and align the fasteners as the chassis is slid into the
rack.
[0015] In one embodiment the mating fastener can be a protrusion on
the chassis of the electronic equipment that engages a recess in
the self-locating fastener. In another embodiment the self-locating
fastener can be a protrusion that fits into a recess formed by the
mating fastener. A protrusion can include a blade, a pin, a tongue,
and a tab and the recess can include a groove, a slot, and a hole.
However, other mating configurations could also be utilized.
[0016] In another embodiment an equipment mounting system is
disclosed that has a first rail and a second rail mounted
horizontally between a first and second vertical member of an
equipment rack. The first rail and the second rail can have tracks
to secure a fastener receiver that slides along the track. The
fastener receivers can be adapted to engage a rear of a mountable
chassis when the mountable chassis is inserted into the rack, and
the fastener receivers can slide along the track as the chassis is
slid into a final mounting position. When the chassis is in its
final position screws can be utilized to secure the chassis to the
rail via the self-locating fasteners.
[0017] A spring can be coupled between the first rail and the first
fastener receiver to bias the fastener receiver in a position
towards the front of the rail. Likewise, a spring can be coupled
between the second rail and the second fastener receiver to bias
the second fastener receiver in a forward position. A sliding
surface and a side plate can be provided by the first and second
rails to align the fastener receivers with fasteners on the chassis
when the chassis is slid into the rack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Advantages of the invention will become apparent upon
reading the following detailed description and upon reference to
the accompanying drawings in which, like reference numbers may
indicate similar elements:
[0019] FIG. 1 depicts an orthogonal front view of a cabinet having
front and rear vertical members for mounting electronic
equipment;
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts an orthogonal view of individual components
that can be utilized to create an equipment mount;
[0021] FIG. 3 depicts an orthogonal view of a portion of an
equipment mount with a rear self-locating fastener and a mating
fastener on a chassis that is engaged with the self locating
fastener;
[0022] FIG. 4 depicts a detailed view of a portion of an equipment
mount with a self-locating fastener;
[0023] FIG. 5 depicts an orthogonal view of a self-locating
fastener and a track that can slidably secure the self-locating
fastener;
[0024] FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram of a method for making an
equipment mount; and
[0025] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram of a method for installing
electronic equipment into a rack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The following is a detailed description of novel embodiments
depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such
detail as to clearly communicate the subject matter. However, the
amount of detail offered is not intended to limit anticipated
variations of the described embodiments; but on the contrary, the
claims and detailed description are to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the present teachings as defined by the appended claims. The
detailed descriptions below are designed to make such embodiments
understandable to a person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0027] Generally, methods and arrangements to efficiently mount
equipment of varying sizes into an equipment rack are provided
herein. While specific embodiments will be described below with
reference to equipment mounting configurations, those of skill in
the art will realize that embodiments of the present disclosure may
advantageously be implemented with other components and
configurations. The methods and arrangements described herein can
be effectively utilized to efficiently mount equipment of various
dimensions into a rack utilizing a self locating fastener
system.
[0028] In accordance with the present disclosure, a rack equipment
mounting system with a self-locating/self-adjusting rear fastener
or fastener receiver is disclosed. The rack equipment mount can
have a first rail and a second rail securable horizontally in a
rack system, wherein self-locating fastener receivers can slide
horizontally along to the rails. A rack mountable equipment chassis
can have fasteners at each rear corner that can mate with the self
locating fastener receivers of the rail as the equipment is
installed into the rack. Thus, the self locating fastener receivers
can receive or engage fasteners on the chassis and move rearward as
the chassis is inserted and can self-locate at a final location
when the chassis is fully inserted into the rack.
[0029] The self-locating fastener receiver can be spring loaded in
a forward position and slide along the rail towards the rear of the
rack to the appropriate depth from the front of the rack during
installation of the chassis. The self-locating fasteners can be
forced towards the rear of the rack by the mating fasteners on the
chassis as the chassis becomes fully inserted into the rack. Thus,
during installation of equipment, a chassis with a fastener can be
inserted into the rack, and the fastener can engage the
self-locating fastener receiver that is slidably secured by the
rail and the self-locating fastener receiver can slide to the rear
of the rack with the chassis, to secure the rear corners of the
chassis to the rack. The sliding, self-locating fastener receivers
allow equipment chassis of varying lengths to be installed into a
rack and to be secured at the rear of the equipment chassis at
varying depths in the rack.
[0030] Once the chassis is installed into the rack and the fastener
receivers "self-adjust" to a location commensurate with the rear of
the chassis, a threaded fastener can be placed in the chassis to
secure the chassis to the rail and enhance the connection between
the chassis and the rail. Such a threaded fastener in cooperation
with the self-locating rear fastener system can comply with NEBS
requirements. The self-locating fastener system provides a solid
installation for equipment that may encounter rough handling
practices during shipping.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a cut away view of a portion of a rack
102 for mounting electronic equipment is illustrated. A typical
rack installation would have side covers 160 and 161 and a front
door 162 all depicted in a lower portion of the rack 102. Side
covers 160 and 161 and a front door 162 have been "cut away" to
illustrate the rack mounting features of the present disclosure.
For reference, a coordinate axis has been provided to illustrate
the front of the rack 150, the rear of the rack 152, the left side
of the rack 168, and the right side of the rack 170 and although
the mounting system is describe in the context of inserting
equipment into the front of the rack 150, inserting equipment from
the rear of the rack 152 would not part from the embodiments
contemplated. As stated above, a rack can be selected based on a
desired width as measured from the left side of the rack 168 to the
right side of the rack 170.
[0032] The rack 102 can include front vertical members 154 and 156
and rear vertical members 158 and 160, collectively referred to as
(vertical members 154-160). The vertical members 154-160 can be
secured about a base 107 and about a top cap (not shown). Vertical
members 154-160 can have a cross section resembling an "L" shape.
Thus, the vertical members 154-160 can be formed by bending a flat
bar at a ninety degree angle or they can be made from angle stock
to give the vertical rails 154-160 improved rigidity. The vertical
members 154-160 can have a series of holes 103 that are spaced up
and down the vertical members 154-160. The holes 103 in the
vertical members 154-160 can be evenly spaced in three dimensions
within the rack 102 in accordance with industry standards.
[0033] An equipment chassis, such a chassis 106 having a width that
is compatible with the width of the rack 102 can be installed into
the rack 102. A typical chassis will be a rectangular shape box
having four corners and a defined length 172. The chassis 106 can
be mounted into the rack 102 in accordance with acceptable
standards by securing the chassis 106 to the rack 102 near the four
corners of the chassis 106. Holes in a faceplate 105 of the chassis
106 can also be spaced according to the industry standard such that
holes 103 in the vertical members 154-160 can interface with the
holes in the face plate 105. Prior to installing the equipment
chassis 106 in the rack 102, mounting rail 108 can be installed
between front vertical member 154 and rear vertical member 158.
Likewise mounting rail 110 (partially obstructed by chassis 106)
can be installed between front vertical member 156 and rear
vertical member 154. Each mounting rail can have a first end that
is connected at the front of the rack 102 and a second end that is
connected at the rear of the rack 152 respectively.
[0034] An unpopulated mounting system is also depicted where
mounting rail 109 is installed between front vertical member 154
and rear vertical member 158, and mounting rail 111 is installed
between front vertical member 156 and rear vertical member 160.
Mounting rails (108-111) can be secured to holes 103 in the
vertical members 154-160 with screws and nuts. After mounting rails
108 and 110 are configured in the rack 102, then chassis 106 can be
inserted into the rack 102. The mounting rails 108-110 can have a
guiding mechanisms such as sliding surfaces 114 (a horizontal
surface) and a vertical surface to guide the chassis in the rack
102 during installation. The sliding surfaces 114 can support the
weight of the chassis 106, as the chassis 106 is slid into the rack
102 and the vertical surfaces can guide the chassis 106 in relation
to the left side 168 to the right side 170 as the chassis 106 is
inserted into the rack 102.
[0035] As stated above, chassis of many different sizes can be
installed into the rack 102 and chassis having different lengths
traditionally pose a significant problem for installers of rack
mountable equipment. As illustrated, chassis 106, when fully
installed into the rack 102 may not extend to the rear vertical
members 158 and 160 of the rack 152 such that the chassis 106
cannot be secured directly to the rear vertical members 158 and
160. If a rear portion of the chassis 106 is left unsupported, the
chassis 106 will dangle, cantilevered from the attach points at the
front panel or faceplate 105. Significant problems can result from
such an incomplete or deficient installation.
[0036] In accordance with the present disclosure, self-locating
fasteners 115 and 113 can be mounted on a track that is secured to
the rails 108 and 110 such that the self-locating fasteners 115 and
113 can slide in relation to the rails 108 and 110. Mating
fasteners 124 and 123 can be connected to the chassis 106 proximate
to the rear corners of the chassis 106 such that when the chassis
106 is inserted into the rack 102, the mating fasteners 124 and 123
can engage self-locating fasteners 115 and 113 respectively.
[0037] In one embodiment mating fasteners 124 and 123 can protrude
from the rear of the chassis 106 such that during installation of
the chassis 106 into the rack 102 mating fastener 124 and mating
fastener 123 can be inserted into self-locating fastener 115 and
113 respectively, and as the chassis 106 is further inserted, the
mating fasteners 124 and 123 can push the self-locating fasteners
115 and 113 towards the rear of the rack 152. Self-locating
fasteners 115 and 113 can be slidably mounted on the mounting rails
108 and 110 and when the chassis 106 is inserted into the rack 102
the sliding surfaces 114 and the side plates 114 can align the
mating fasteners 124 and 123 such that they engage with the
self-locating fastener 115 and 113.
[0038] The distance between the bottom of the chassis 106 and the
mating fasteners 124 and 123 can be approximately equal to the
dimension between the sliding surface 114 and the self-locating
fastener, 115 and 113, such that when the chassis 106 slides on
sliding surface 114 as the chassis 106 is pushed into the rack 102,
the mating fasteners 124 and 123 will automatically engage with the
self-locating fastener 115 and 113.
[0039] After engagement of the mating fasteners 124 and 123 with
the self-locating fasteners 115 and 113, the chassis 106 can be
slid to its final position and during this chassis installation
process, the self-locating fasteners 115 and 113 can slide towards
the rear of the rack 152 to accommodate chassis of different
lengths or depths. Generally, the self-locating fasteners 115 and
113 can be rigid members that catch, hold, or grip rigid fasteners
on the chassis 106 to prevent the chassis 106 from moving in an
undesirable direction.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 2 an orthogonal view of an alignment of
individual mounting components is depicted. Generally, a sliding
fastener 215, a track 232 for slidably securing the sliding
fastener 215 to a rail 246 and a mating fastener 224 that can
engage the sliding fastener 215 are depicted. Thus, as stated
above, when a chassis 206 (shown as a small cut away portion) is
slid into a rack, the mating fastener 224 can engage self-locating
fastener 215 and self-locating fastener 215 can move along the
track 232 towards a rear of the rail 246. When the mating fastener
224 is engaged with the self-locating fastener 215, and the chassis
206 is fully inserted, the sliding fastener 215 can secure the back
of the chassis 206 from moving up and down.
[0041] The track 232 can be formed by an upper flange 238 and a
lower flange 240 that extend outward from the rail 246 and form a
channel or a track allowing a portion of the self-locating fastener
215 to slide between a portion of the flanges 238 and 240 and the
rail 246 to slidably securing the self-locating fastener 215 to the
rail 246. The flanges 238 and 240 can be fastened to the rail 246
with rivets 228 or they could be spot welded to the rail 246. The
self-locating fastener 215 can secure a press nut 234 that will
align with a hole 236 in chassis 206 when the chassis 206 is
installed in the mount.
[0042] In the embodiment illustrated, the mating fastener 224 is a
"blade" shaped member and the self-locating fasteners 215 is a "U"
shaped member configured to accept the blade shaped mating fastener
224. In another embodiment any type of fastener such as a
protrusion, a tongue, a tab, or a pin can be placed on the chassis
206 and the self-locating fastener 215 could have a hole, a
recesses or a groove to engage the mating fastener 224. In other
embodiments the mating fastener 224 could be the recess, hole or
groove and the self-locating fastener 215 could have the protrusion
to engage the recess. A tab 241 can be configured on the
self-locating fastener such that spring 242 can be secured to the
tab 241 to bias the self-locating fastener 215 towards the front of
the rack or to a side of the rack where the chassis 206 will be
inserted.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, an orthogonal view of a portion of a
surface that faces a chassis in a rack equipment mounting system
310 is illustrated. A typical rack mount installation for a single
piece of electronic equipment will include two equipment mounting
brackets, only one of which is illustrated in FIG. 3. The equipment
mounting system can include a vertical retaining member or a side
plate 323 and a horizontal surface or a sliding surface 320 that
facilitates alignment of a chassis during installation of the
chassis into a rack. Such surfaces allow a self-locating fastener
312 receiver to properly engage a mating fastener on a chassis (not
shown). The self-locating fastener receiver 312 can slide along the
length of rail 310 to accommodate chassis having different lengths
as the chassis is inserted into the rack. The self-locating
fastener receiver 312 can have a beveled edge 313 such that as the
mating fastener approaches the self-locating fastener receiver 312,
the mating fastener can be guided into, and secured by, the
self-locating fastener receiver 312.
[0044] A slot 318 can be provided in the side plate 323 such when
the self-locating fastener receiver 312 slides to adjust for the
length of a chassis inserted into the rack, a hole 314 in the
self-locating fastener receiver 312 can be accessed on the chassis
side of the rail 310. Such access can be achieved regardless of the
position of the self-locating fastener receiver 312 on the track.
Thus, after a chassis is fully installed, a screw can be placed
through a chassis (not illustrated), through the slot 318 and into
the hole 314 of the self-locating fastener receiver 312 to secure
the chassis and the self-locating fastener receiver 312 in the
appropriate location.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, an orthogonal view of a portion of a
mounting system 410 with a chassis 428 secured to a mounting rail
414 is provided. The mounting rail 414 has a sliding surface 420, a
side plate 422 and a slot 418 in the side plate 422. As an
electronic equipment chassis 428 is slid into position, the
fastener 424 on the chassis 428 can force the self-locating
fastener receiver 412 towards the rear of the mounting rail 414.
Thus, as the chassis 428 is slid into its final position, the
self-locating fastener receiver 412 can slide along the mounting
rail 414 with the chassis 428. The self-locating fastener receiver
412 can have a hole (covered in FIG. 4) that tracks along the slot
418 as the self-locating fastener receiver 412 slides along the
mounting rail 414.
[0046] After the front panel of the chassis 428 engages the front
of the rack, the face plate can be secured to the rack. Then, the
rear of the chassis 428 can be secured by placing a threaded
fastener 426 such as screw through the chassis 428, the slot 418
and, the self-locating fastener receiver 412 and into a nut
possibly retained by the self-locating fastener receiver 412. In
the embodiment illustrated, a screw with "wings" or ears is
depicted such that fingers can be utilized to tighten the screw,
eliminating the need for special tools to install and remove an
equipment chassis from the rack. However, in other embodiments a
standard screw or a bolt could be utilized.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, a more detailed orthogonal illustration
of an equipment mounting bracket system 510, having a self-locating
faster receiver 514 is illustrated. The view provided in FIG. 5 is
of a side of a mounting rail 522 that faces away from an equipment
chassis 528, when the chassis 528 is installed into the rack. The
system 510 can include a track 532 which confines the self-locating
fastener receiver 514 such that the self-locating fastener receiver
514 can slide in a linear relationship to a mounting rail 522.
[0048] The equipment chassis 528 can have a fastener 524 attached
to a rear corner of the equipment chassis 528. As the chassis 528
is installed into the rack, the fastener 524 of the chassis 528 can
engage self-locating fastener receiver 514. The self-locating
fastener receiver 514 can be retained by the track 532 as it slides
along the mounting rail 522. The self-locating fastener receiver
514 can be spring loaded in a forward position by extension spring
530. Nut 534 on self-locating fastener receiver 514 can be utilized
to secure the chassis 528 to the rail 522 with a threaded fastener
when the chassis 528 is fully inserted into the rack.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow diagram for manufacturing a rack
equipment mounting device is provided. As illustrated by block 602,
a front mount can be created on a first end of a rail. The front
mount can be made to engage with a vertical support in a rack. The
front mount of the rail can be made by bending a right angle on a
first end of the mounting device and creating holes in the front
mount that will engage the vertical support members.
[0050] As illustrated in block 604, a rear mount can be created by
forming a right angle on a second end of the rail wherein the
second end of the rail is at an opposite end of the rail than the
first end of the rail. The rear mount can be created such that it
can be secured to a rear vertical member in the rack.
[0051] A track can be formed on the rail, as illustrated in block
606. The track can be bent from a piece of sheet steel such that
the track can retain a self-locating fastener receiver. The
self-locating fastener receiver can slide along the track of the
rail to secure chassis of different lengths when fully installed in
the rack. The track could be formed as a separate piece and secured
to the rail with rivets or another securing method such as spot
welding. The self-locating fastener receiver can be formed from 1.6
mm thick steel sheet. The fastener could be 35 mm wide by 42 mm
tall. The mating fastener or fastener that engages the
self-locating fastener receiver can also be made from 1.6 mm thick
material and can be approximately 40 mm in length by 20 mm in
width.
[0052] As illustrated in block 608, the self-locating fastener
receiver can be secured by the track such that the self-locating
fastener receiver can slide along the rail when a force is applied
to the fastener. A spring can be attached between the rail and the
self-locating fastener receiver such that the self-locating
fastener receiver is biased towards the first end of the rail as is
illustrated by block 610.
[0053] The sliding self-locating fastener receivers can "float" in
the track such that manufacturing tolerances do not cause
significant problems. The rails can be manufactured in different
dimensions such that the rails can secure equipment chassis having
varying depths and the rails can be installed in racks having
different dimensions between the vertical rails.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 7 a flow chart of a method to assemble a
piece or electronic equipment into a rack is provided. As
illustrated in block 702 a first rail having a fastener receiver
can be assembled into an equipment rack, and as illustrated in
block 704 a second rail having a fastener receiver can be assembled
into the equipment rack. A piece of electronic equipment with
fasteners can be installed into the rack as illustrated by block
706.
[0055] As the chassis is installed into the rack each fasteners on
the chassis can engage the fastener receivers on the first and
second rail as illustrated by block 708. As the chassis is slid
into the rack the fastener receivers can slide along the rails with
the fasteners as illustrated in block 710. The rear of the chassis
can be secured to the fastener receivers and the rail as
illustrated in block 712.
[0056] Another embodiment is implemented as a program product for
implementing a design simulation to simulate one or more of the
methods and arrangements described with reference to FIGS. 1-7. The
program(s) of the program product defines functions of the
embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can be
contained on a variety of data and/or signal-bearing media.
Illustrative data and/or signal-bearing media include, but are not
limited to: (i) information permanently stored on non-writable
storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer
such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive); (ii) alterable
information stored on writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks
within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive); and (iii) information
conveyed to a computer by a communications medium, such as through
a computer or telephone network, including wireless communications.
The latter embodiment specifically includes information downloaded
from the Internet and other networks. Such data and/or
signal-bearing media, when carrying computer-readable instructions
that direct the functions, represent embodiments.
[0057] In general, the routines executed to implement the
embodiments, may be part of an operating system or a specific
application, component, program, cell, object, or sequence of
instructions. The computer program of the present invention
typically is comprised of a multitude of instructions that will be
translated by a computer into a machine-readable format and hence
executable instructions. Also, programs are comprised of variables
and data structures that either reside locally to the program or
are found in memory or on storage devices. In addition, various
programs described hereinafter may be identified based upon the
application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment
of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any
particular program nomenclature that follows is used merely for
convenience, and thus embodiments should not be limited to use
solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by
such nomenclature.
[0058] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that the present invention contemplates
methods and arrangements to adjust a duty cycle of a clock signal.
It is understood that the form of the invention shown and described
in the detailed description and the drawings are to be taken merely
as examples. It is intended that the following claims be
interpreted broadly to embrace all the variations of the example
embodiments disclosed.
[0059] Although the present invention and some of its advantages
have been described in detail for some embodiments, it should be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can
be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims. Although an embodiment
of the invention may achieve multiple objectives, not every
embodiment falling within the scope of the attached claims will
achieve every objective. Moreover, the scope of the present
application is not intended to be limited to the particular
embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of
matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As
one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps.
* * * * *