IP Library Granted Patent US 8,978,245
Granted Patent B2
US 8,978,245 · App. 13/731,036 · Granted Mar 17, 2015

Method of securing electronic devices within a sub-chassis

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,978,245
App. No.
13/731,036
Granted
Mar 17, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method includes securing a midplane to a bracket disposed between a first and second ends of a chassis, wherein a first surface of the midplane engages the bracket and faces the first end of the chassis. A first electronic device is secured within the first end of the chassis with a first device connector coupled to a first midplane connector on the first surface of the midplane and a first device latch secured directly to a first slot in the chassis adjacent the first end. A sub-chassis is secured within the second end of the chassis, wherein the sub-chassis has a proximal end that engages a second surface of the midplane. Furthermore, a second electronic device is secured within the sub-chassis with a second device connector coupled to a second midplane connector on the second surface of the midplane and a second device latch secured directly to a slot in the sub-chassis adjacent the distal end of the sub-chassis.

Claims (21)

1. A method comprising:

securing a midplane to a bracket disposed between a first and second ends of a chassis, wherein a first surface of the midplane engages the bracket and faces the first end of the chassis;

securing a first electronic device within the first end of the chassis with a first device connector coupled to a first midplane connector on the first surface of the midplane and a first device latch secured directly to a first slot in the chassis adjacent the first end;

securing a sub-chassis within the second end of the chassis, wherein the sub-chassis has a proximal end that engages a second surface of the midplane; and

securing a second electronic device within the sub-chassis with a second device connector coupled to a second midplane connector on the second surface of the midplane and a second device latch secured directly to a slot in the sub-chassis adjacent the distal end of the sub-chassis.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing a sub-chassis within the second end of the chassis, includes engaging a second slot in the second end of the chassis with a latch carried on a distal end of the sub-chassis.

3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:

rotating a threaded shaft of the latch to draw a pawl in a distal direction against a load surface of the second slot.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein drawing the pawl in the distal direction against the load surface of the second slot imparts a reactive force urging the proximal end of the sub-chassis into engagement with the second surface of the midplane.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second electronic device is selected from a network switch, a power supply module, and a management module.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first electronic device is a blade server.

7. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:

rotating a threaded shaft of the latch to move a pawl from a passive position within the sub-chassis to an active position received within the second slot; and

continuing to rotate the threaded shaft of the latch to draw the pawl, with the pawl in the active position, in a distal direction against a load surface of the second slot.

8. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:

rotating a threaded shaft of the latch to move a pawl from a passive position within the sub-chassis to an active position received within the second slot; and then

continuing to rotate the threaded shaft of the latch to draw the pawl, with the pawl in the active position, in a distal direction relative to the threaded shaft to engage a load surface of the second slot; and then

continuing to rotate the threaded shaft of the latch to draw the pawl, with the pawl in the active position and engaged with the load surface, in the distal direction until the proximal end of the sub-chassis is forced against the second surface of the midplane.

9. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:

guiding the sub-chassis within the second end of the chassis.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing a sub-chassis within the second end of the chassis, includes engaging a first slot in the second end of the chassis with a first latch carried on a distal end of the sub-chassis and engaging a second slot in the second end of the chassis with a second latch carried on the distal end of the sub-chassis, wherein the first and second latches are on generally opposite sides of the sub-chassis.

Assignments (5)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 6, 2019
From: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD.
To: LENOVO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Reel/Frame 050300/0721 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ASSIGNMENT DOCUMENT CONTAINING TYPO ERRORS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 037101 FRAME: 0969. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Dec 28, 2015
From: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
To: LENOVO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Reel/Frame 037689/0190 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 12, 2015
From: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
To: LENOVO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Reel/Frame 037101/0969 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 10, 2014
From: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
To: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Reel/Frame 034194/0111 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 19, 2013
From: DITTUS, KARL K.; JENSEN, DAVID J.; TRUMBO, BRIAN A.
To: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 029827/0317 →