U.S. patent application number 11/838771 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-29 for method for detachably attaching a device to a substructure.
This patent application is currently assigned to ADTRON CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Daniel P. Fogelson, James A. Haager, Ronald E. Tupa.
Application Number | 20070271774 11/838771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36651723 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070271774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haager; James A. ; et
al. |
November 29, 2007 |
METHOD FOR DETACHABLY ATTACHING A DEVICE TO A SUBSTRUCTURE
Abstract
Each of one or more devices to be detachably attached to a
mechanical substructure includes rails on opposed sides with
insertion/extraction mechanisms. Each of a plurality of pairs of
guides mounted on the substructure slidably receives and retains a
respective set of rails upon attachment of the devices. The
insertion/extraction mechanism includes one or more pivotable
handles associated with each device for retaining the device with
the substructure. A spring extending from a rail makes electrical
contact with electrostatic discharge ground pads on the
substructure to discharge existing static charge from the device
prior to electrical engagement between an electrical connector on
the device and an electrical connector on the substructure. An
apertured plate of the substructure includes a plurality of
apertures through which the devices are inserted/extracted. A face
plate may be hingedly attached to and removable from the apertured
plate to cover all of the apertures therein that accommodate
insertion/extraction of the devices.
Inventors: |
Haager; James A.; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Tupa; Ronald E.; (Mesa, AZ) ; Fogelson;
Daniel P.; (Chandler, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
C. ROBERT VON HELLENS;CAHILL, VON HELLENS & GLAZER P.L.C.
155 PARK ONE,
2141 E. HIGHLAND AVENUE
PHOENIX
AZ
85016
US
|
Assignee: |
ADTRON CORPORATION
4415 E. Cotton Center Blvd. Suite 100
Phoenix
AZ
85040
|
Family ID: |
36651723 |
Appl. No.: |
11/838771 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11330858 |
Jan 12, 2006 |
7257886 |
|
|
11838771 |
Aug 14, 2007 |
|
|
|
60643524 |
Jan 12, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/739 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/5313 20150115;
H05K 7/1461 20130101; Y10T 29/53178 20150115; Y10T 29/49126
20150115; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; Y10T 29/53174 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
029/739 |
International
Class: |
B23P 19/00 20060101
B23P019/00 |
Claims
1. A method for detachably attaching a device to a substructure,
said method comprising the steps of: a) attaching a pair of rails
along opposed sides of the device; b) slidably engaging the pair of
rails with a pair of guides mounted on the substructure; c)
dissipating any attendant electrostatic charge upon execution of
said step of engaging; and d) demountably mounting the device on
the substructure.
2. A method for detachably attaching a device to a substructure,
said method comprising the steps of: a) attaching a pair of rails
along opposed sides of the device; b) slidably engaging the pair of
rails with a pair of guides mounted on the substructure; c)
dissipating any attendant electrostatic charge upon execution of
said step of engaging; and d) pivoting at least one handle
pivotally attached to the device to a position to permit manual
grasping of the at least one handle during insertion and extraction
of the device from the substructure.
3. The method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the device includes a
pair of pivotally attached handles and including the step of
performing said step of pivoting with either or both handles.
4. A method for detachably attaching a device upon a substructure,
said method comprising the steps of: a) attaching a pair of rails
along opposed sides of the device; b) slidably engaging the pair of
rails with a pair of guides mounted on the substructure; and c)
accessing a pivotable element coupled with at least one rail of the
pair of rails to extract the device from the substructure.
5. The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein the pivotable element
comprises a pivotable handle coupled with at least one rail of the
pair of rails and said step of accessing comprises the step of
pivoting each of the handles from a first position in engagement
with the superstructure to a second position out of engagement with
the superstructure.
6. The method as set forth in claim 5 wherein said step of engaging
comprises the step of further pivoting each of the handles from the
second position to the first position.
7. A method for detachably attaching a device having a pair of
rails disposed along opposed sides of the device upon a
substructure, said method comprising the steps of: a) slidably
engaging the pair of rails with a pair of guides mounted on the
substructure; b) accessing an element coupled with at least one
rail of the pair of rails to extract the device from the
substructure; and c) dissipating any attendant electrostatic charge
upon exercise of said step of engaging.
8. A method as set forth in claim 7 wherein the element comprises a
pivotable handle and said step of accessing comprises the step of
pivoting the handle from a first position to a second position.
9. A method as set forth in claim 8 wherein the element comprises a
pivotable handle coupled to each rail of the pair of rails and said
step of accessing comprises the step of pivoting each of the
handles from a first position to a second position.
10. A method as set forth in claim 8 wherein said step of engaging
includes the step of further pivoting the handle from the second
position to the first position.
11. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said step of engaging
includes the step of further pivoting each of the handles from the
second position to the first position.
12. A method as set forth in claim 7 wherein the pivotable element
comprises a pivotable handle coupled with each rail of the pair of
rails and said step of accessing comprises the step of pivoting
each of the handles from a first position in engagement with the
superstructure to a second position out of engagement with the
superstructure.
13. A method as set forth in claim 12 wherein said step of engaging
comprises the step of further pivoting each of the handles from the
second position to the first position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional application related
to a patent application entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
INSERTING, RETAINING AND EXTRACTING A DEVICE FROM A COMPARTMENT",
filed Jan. 12, 2006 and assigned Ser. No. 11/330,858 which
application is related to and claims priority to a provisional
application entitled "Method and Apparatus for Inserting, Retaining
and Extracting a Device from a Compartment", filed Jan. 12, 2005,
and assigned Ser. No. 60/643,524, which applications describe an
invention by the present inventors and are assigned to the present
assignee.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to mating assemblies and, more
particularly, to a guide assembly for mechanically supporting and
electrically connecting a rail mounted device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Prior Art
[0005] Various mechanical substructures, such as printed wiring
boards and other mechanical devices provide support for detachably
attached devices of various sorts that are electrically connected
to elements attendant the mechanical substructure. No industry
standard presently exists for mounting such devices on the
mechanical substructure. Accordingly, provisions must be made
unique to each device to mount same. Furthermore, the electrical
interconnections vary widely in type and usually require manual
engagement. The potential for substantial damage due to static
electricity to components mounted on the mechanical substructure or
components of a device being mounted exists. To dissipate any
electrostatic charges, known procedures must be employed but the
carrying out of such procedures is sometimes omitted with attendant
actual or potential damage to one or more components.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to guides mounted upon a
mechanical substructure for engaging corresponding rails attached
to a device to be demountably mounted upon the mechanical
substructure. The alignment of the device with components of the
mechanical substructure is assured through predetermined
interconnection and alignment between the guides and the rails.
Such alignment permits mating between electro-mechanical connectors
attendant the device and the mechanical substructure. Elements
interacting between the guides, mechanical substructure, and rails
assure dissipation of any electrostatic charges and zero static
potential upon mounting of the device to preclude damage to the
electrical components from static electricity. The cooperative
engagement between the guides and rails eliminates the need for
manual access to make further mechanical or electrical connections
and thereby permits a low profile mechanical packaging enclosure
commensurate in size with the device to be mounted. The device is
retained upon the structure by one ore more pivotable lockable
handles that may be grasped to insert, lock, unlock and retract the
device.
[0007] It is therefore a primary objective of the present invention
to provide a guide and rail assembly, and an insertion/extraction
mechanism for mating and electrically connecting a device to a
mechanical substructure.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
industry standard assembly for demountably mounting
electromechanical devices on a mechanical substructure.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a mating assembly which dissipates any existing electrostatic
charges during the mounting procedure.
[0010] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a mounting assembly which eliminates the need for manual mechanical
connection and manual engagement of mating electrical
conductors.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide
rails attachable to any device, or a housing therefor, for
engagement with guides mounted on a mechanical substructure to
which the device is to be mechanically and electrically
connected.
[0012] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide
a method for electrostatic dissipation upon mechanical and
electrical attachment of a device to a substructure.
[0013] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide guides attachable to a front panel of a substructure,
providing strength to the aligned guides, the substructure, and the
device mounted on the guides.
[0014] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide either one or two pivotable handles secured to a device or
housing for manually inserting and retracting the device from
within a compartment having a substructure for engaging the
device.
[0015] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide either one or two pivotable handles secured to a device or
housing for manually locking and unlocking the device within a
compartment having a substructure for engaging the device.
[0016] These and other objects of the invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art as the description of the
invention proceeds.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will be described with greater
specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings,
in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a substructure used as a mounting for
various electrical, electromechanical and mechanical elements,
including illustration of devices mounted thereon and of a device
segregated from the substructure and mountable thereon;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates mounting elements or guides for engaging
and supporting devices to be mounted upon the substructure;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates the guides attached to the
substructure;
[0021] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate handles pivotally attached to a
device and rails attachable to the device for engagement with the
guides of the substructure;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of the pivotable handles used
for insertion and extraction of a device showing an exploded view
of the handles and related rails and the closed position of the
handles;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a front view of the substructure having mounted
thereon a plurality of devices inserted through apertures in a
front plate;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of various components
mounted on the substructure and including a full length pivotally
attached face plate;
[0025] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate perspective views of a hard drive
having a single pivotable handle and uniquely configured rails
attached thereto;
[0026] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the substructure illustrating
a circuit board and a supporting plate; and
[0027] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of components of the
substructure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a mechanical
substructure 10 used as a mounting for various electrical,
electromechanical and mechanical elements. The substructure is
typically removable from a chassis of a signal processing
equipment. Generally, substructure 10 and the elements forming a
part thereof will constitute a component of a unit (not shown)
wherein signal processing is performed. The substructure may
incorporate clasps 12 and 14 for detachably attaching a face plate
to the substructure. Substructure 10 may also include various
electromechanical connectors 16 disposed along rear edge 18 for
electrically engaging other components of the signal processing
equipment. Although not shown, various electrical components, such
as integrated circuits, transistors, resistors, capacitors,
inductors, microprocessors, etc. may be mounted on the
substructure.
[0029] Electrico-mechanical devices, such as media storage devices,
hard disk drives, etc., may be demountably mounted upon
substructure 10 in conformance with the teachings of the present
invention. Devices 24, 26, and 28 are mechanically mounted upon the
substructure and electrically connected thereto, as will be
described below. Device 30 is illustrated apart from substructure
10 ready for mounting thereon. A pair of rails 32, 34 are mounted
along opposed edges at the bottom of each of devices of 24, 26, 28
and 30 for the purpose of attaching the devices to substructure 10.
Several pairs of guides, 36, 38 are mounted on substructure 10 for
sliding engagement with the rails of a respective device. As shown,
four pairs of guides are mounted upon substructure 10 to slidably
cooperate with the rails of the four devices shown in FIG. 1. Each
device includes an electrical connector 40 for mechanical and
electrical engagement with a further electrical connector 42
mounted upon substructure 10. Upon engagement of a device with the
substructure, electrical connectors 40 and 42 will be aligned with
one another to obtain an electrical and mechanical interconnection.
Thereby, a transfer of electrical signals between each device and
various electrical components mounted upon the substructure is
achieved.
[0030] As particularly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, guide 36 is attached
to the substructure by a bolt or machine screw 44 penetrably
engaging aperture 46 in the substructure and threadedly engaging
aperture 48 in guide 36. Similarly, a bolt or machine screw 50
penetrably engages aperture 52 in the substructure and threadedly
engages aperture 54 in guide 36. A further bolt or machine screw 56
penetrably engages aperture 58 in the substructure and threadedly
engages aperture 60 in guide 38. A further bolt (not shown)
penetrably engages aperture 64 in the substructure and threadedly
engages aperture 66 in guide 38. Thereby, guides 36 and 38 are
rigidly attached to the substructure and spaced apart from one
another to slidably engage the pair of rails attached to a device
to be demountably mounted thereon. It is to be understood that the
remaining pairs of guides are similarly attached to the
substructure. Additionally and as particularly shown in FIG. 3, a
bolt or machine screw 70 may be penetrably engaged with an aperture
72 in an apertured plate 74 extending upwardly and formed as part
of or otherwise attached to substructure 10. Bolt 70 threadedly
engages aperture 76 in the end of guide 38. Similarly, a bolt or
machine screw 78 extends through an aperture 80 in apertured plate
74 for threaded engagement with aperture 82 in the end of guide 36.
The front end of each of the guides illustrated may be similarly
attached to the apertured plate to further rigidly mount the
guides. Each of guides 36, 38 includes a V-shaped groove 86 and 88
(see also FIG. 7), respectively, for engagement with a
corresponding V-shaped ridge extending along each of the respective
rails supporting a device. Thereby, vertical and lateral
displacement of the rails relative to the guides is precluded while
sliding movement therebetween is accommodated.
[0031] As particularly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, rail 32 is attached
to device 30 by a pair of bolts or machine screws 90, 92 penetrably
engaging apertures 94, 96 in rail 34 and into threaded engagement
with device 30. It is to be understood that device 30 may be a
component or it may be a housing enclosing a plurality of
components. Similarly, rail 32 is secured to device 30 by a pair of
bolts or machine screws, of which bolt 98 is shown penetrably
engaging corresponding apertures, of which aperture 100 is shown
and into threaded engagement with device 30. To insure dissipation
of any electrostatic charge attendant device 30, a spring 102 is
retained within slot 106 by a bolt 104 threadedly engaging rail 34.
This spring extends downwardly past the lower edge of the slot and
makes contact with the ground pads 108, 110 mounted on the
substructure (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Thereby, upon insertion of device
30, any electrostatic charges present are discharged during the act
of mounting by spring 102 engaging pads 108, 110.
[0032] A pair of handles 114, 116 serve in the manner of an
insertion/extraction mechanism to assist in insertion and
extraction of device 30. Handle 114 is pivotally attached to the
front end of rail 32 by a bolt 118 penetrably engaging passageway
120 in the handle and into threaded engagement with aperture 122 in
the rail. A disc spring 124 is located between the head of bolt 118
and passageway 120 to provide a spring bias against pivotal
movement of handle 114. Handle 116 is secured to rail 34 by a bolt
or machine screw 126 penetrably engaging passageway 128 in the
handle and into threaded engagement with aperture 130 in the rail.
A compressible sleeve 132 is mounted upon bolt 126 and compressed
to provide a downward bias upon handle 116 and restrict inadvertent
rotation of the handle. As particularly shown in FIG. 5, handle 116
includes a nubbin 134 extending downwardly therefrom. As shown in
FIG. 3, a corresponding nubbin 136 extends upwardly for engagement
in the manner of a detent with nubbin 132 extending from handle
116. To rotate handle 116 into the retracted position, as shown in
FIG. 4, handle 116 must rise to permit nubbin 134 to clear nubbin
136. Such rise is accommodated by the compressibility of sleeve
132. Handle 114 may be secured in the locked position shown in FIG.
4 by a screw 138 penetrating a passageway 140 in the handle and
into threaded engagement with aperture 142 of handle stop 144 (see
FIG. 2).
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a variant of handles 114
and 116. Handle 150 is rotatably secured to rail 32 by a bolt or
machine screw 152 penetrably engaging aperture 154 of the handle
and into threaded engagement with aperture 122 in rail 32. A disc
spring 156 is supported by bolt 152 and bears on handle 152
compressively as a function of the degree of tightening of bolt
152. Thereby, disc spring 156 provides resistance to pivotal
movement of handle 150. Similarly, pivotally supported handle 160
includes a bolt or machine screw 152 penetrably engaging a disc
spring 156, aperture 154 and threadedly engaging aperture 130 in
rail 34.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates apertured plate 74 which includes a
plurality of slots 170, 172, 174 and 176 through which devices 30,
28, 26 and 24 are inserted, respectively. Handles 114, 116 are
shown in a closed position to retain the respective devices
therebehind. Additionally, grooves 86 in guides 36, 38 slidingly
mate with ridges 180 formed in each of rails 32, 34.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of substructure 10
having various components mounted thereon, including devices 24,
26, 28 and 30; it is to be understood that these may instead be
housings containing various components. A face place 182 is
hingedly attached to apertured plate 74 by hinges 184, 186, 188,
190 and 192. The face plate is secured by spring loaded quarter
turn fasteners 194, which may be of the Zeus type. Thereby, these
fasteners remain attached to the face plate when it is pivoted
upwardly to accommodate insertion/retraction of devices mounted
upon substructure 10.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a device that may be of
the type previously described. Alternatively, it may be a hard
drive 200 having an electrical connector 202 mounted at the rear
end. A rail 204 is mounted to the underside of the hard drive along
an edge and secured by bolts or machine screws 206, 208 penetrating
apertures 210, 212 in the rail and threadedly engaging
corresponding apertures in the underside of the hard drive. It may
be noted that rail 204 does not extend forwardly of the hard drive.
A spring 214, such as described above, is secured to rail 204 by a
bolt or machine screw 216 and is free to extend into slot 218 of
the rail. Upon contact of this spring with grounding pads on
substructure 10, as described above, any electrostatic charges
present will be dissipated. Rail 220 is similar to rail 32
described above and is attached to the underside of hard drive 200
by bolts or machine screws 222 penetrably engaging apertures, such
as aperture 224, in the rail. Rail 220, like the previously
described rails, includes an end 226 supporting a threaded aperture
228. A single handle 230 is pivotally attached to end 226 by a bolt
or machine screw 232 extending through a passageway 234 in the
handle and into threaded engagement with aperture 228. A disc
spring 236 is disposed intermediate the head of bolt 232 and handle
230 to provide resistance against pivotal movement of the handle
about the axis of bolt 232 and yet permit such pivotal movement.
Thereby, handle 230 will tend to remain in either the closed
position, as illustrated, or in an extended position to permit
manipulation of the hard drive into and out of engagement with the
substructure, as discussed with respect to handles 114, 116 or
handles 150, 160.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates hard drive 200 with rails 204 and 220
attached thereto. In this position, handle 230 has been pivoted to
a location adjacent the front end of the hard drive, which location
corresponds with the hard drive being mounted on substructure 10.
As noted previously, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, rails 204 and
220 include inwardly facing ridges 254, 256 for engagement with the
grooves of corresponding guide rails mounted upon the
substructure.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown an exploded view of
substructure 10. It includes a base 240, usually of metal,
supporting, or formed with apertured plate 74. This plate includes
a plurality of apertures 170, 172, 174 and 176 to accommodate
ingress and egress of devices to be supported upon the
substructure. Clasp 12 is pivotally supported upon a bolt or
machine screw 242 to accommodate locking engagement of the clasp
with a spring tab 244. Similarly, clasp 14 is pivotally supported
upon a bolt or machine screw 246 to accommodate locking engagement
with a spring tab 248. A circuit board 250, or the like, is mounted
upon base 240 by a plurality of bolts or machine screws 242, as
depicted. As described above, a plurality of guides 36, 38 are
mounted upon the circuit board to receive and retain the devices or
hard drives to be demountably mounted thereon. A plurality of
ancillary electric/electronic equipment may also be mounted upon
the circuit board, as indicated, to perform the signal processing
function attendant the substructure.
[0039] Upon displacement of faceplate 182 from a location adjacent
aperture panel 74, whether by pivoting it about attached hinges or
by removal, insertion and withdrawal of hard drives 200, or other
devices (24, 26, 28 and 30) may be accomplished. Thereby,
replacement of defective hard drives or other devices is readily
accomplished by pivoting the handle or handles attached to the hard
drive or device to be removed and grasping the handle(s) 230 when
in its extended position to insert and withdraw the hard drive or
device. Upon insertion, the handle(s) are pivoted adjacent the
front edge of the hard drive or device and thereafter covered by
faceplate 182.
* * * * *