US20020176232A1 - Method and apparatus to facilitate removal and installation of removable components - Google Patents
Method and apparatus to facilitate removal and installation of removable components Download PDFInfo
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- US20020176232A1 US20020176232A1 US09/862,359 US86235901A US2002176232A1 US 20020176232 A1 US20020176232 A1 US 20020176232A1 US 86235901 A US86235901 A US 86235901A US 2002176232 A1 US2002176232 A1 US 2002176232A1
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- Prior art keywords
- component
- connector
- housing
- condition
- fastener
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1401—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack comprising clamping or extracting means
- H05K7/1414—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack comprising clamping or extracting means with power interlock
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1401—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack comprising clamping or extracting means
- H05K7/1411—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack comprising clamping or extracting means for securing or extracting box-type drawers
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
- Y10T29/49124—On flat or curved insulated base, e.g., printed circuit, etc.
- Y10T29/49126—Assembling bases
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to removable electronic components that may need to be upgraded, repaired, or replaced.
- Components of systems are routinely removed for a number of reasons. Some examples of these reasons include: system upgrades, component repair, maintenance, etc. Typically, components are wired internally and/or externally to interface with the system to which they are installed. This wiring may be made temporary by utilizing connectors, for example: standard power connectors, PCI connectors, ribbon cable, or screw terminals, etc.
- Some components have connectors on the front side of the component so they may be “automatically” connected as a result of an installation process. Such automatic connections have been utilized, for example, in Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMIA) cards, removable drives on computers, handheld type computing devices, automotive stereos, computer docking stations, and the like. Additionally, connectors have been located on the backside of components as external wiring, whereby the wiring is manually removed from the outside of the system prior to removing the components.
- The installation and removal of conventional components often requires tools. For example, conventional screws are often used to hold components. The installation and removal of components typically includes the manual connection of electrical connectors. These electrical connectors of a variety of types often require small screws to be tightened to assure a proper connection. These screws and their accompanying washers are often loose, resulting in excessive time searching for a dropped screw or paying particular attention to retain the loose connectors and fasteners.
- One particular example of a system having removable components is a media autochanger system. An example of a
media autochanger system 900 is illustrated in FIG. 1. Themedia autochanger system 900 may be provided with afront panel 950, ahost computer 952 andnetwork connection 954. - The
media autochanger system 900 provides a safe, permanent way to archive huge amounts of information and keep the information immediately accessible. Themedia autochanger system 900 is a high-speed alternative to paper-based, tape-based or microfiche-based storage. Additionally, themedia autochanger system 900 may be upgraded, for example, in the form of storage capacity, number of drives or number of cartridge slots as needed. This adaptability allows a user to purchase a system that meets current needs and then increase performance or capacity as required at a later time. - The
media autochanger system 900 may be provided with one or more conventional housings. One suchconventional housing 904 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, theconventional housing 904 may receive one or more removable components such as adrive module 920. Theconventional housing 904 may have onedrive module 920 in a two-drive bay 908. A Small Computer Systems Interface “SCSI”connector 906 may be provided with the conventional device. TheSCSI connector 906 is used for data transfer to and from thedrive module 920. TheSCSI connector 906 may be located on abackside 910 of thedrive module 920 via amounting plate 930. Themounting plate 930 may be attached to drivemodule 920 by twoscrews - A ribbon cable (not shown) on the inside of the
mounting plate 930 is provided in a loop circuit. The ribbon cable may be provided with a terminal portion (not shown) to electrically connect theSCSI connector 906 to the internal components of thedrive module 920. The terminal portion allows the ribbon cable to be disconnected from thedrive module 920 without breaking the SCSI loop. By maintaining the SCSI loop, devices attached down-line remain “on-line”. If the SCSI loop is broken, the resulting glitch in the SCSI Bus may interrupt backup of data. If data is interrupted, the entire backup process may need to be reinitiated. Restarting a backup operation results in loss of time, uncertainty of data integrity and potential complete loss of data. Additionally, the terminal portion is typically provided having a relatively short length and order to minimize reflections in data traveling in the ribbon cable. An American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specification T10 titled INFTECH-SCSI PARALLEL INT-2-SPI2 imposes a required maximum length for the terminal portion of 100 mm in order to preserve the quality of the data. - To remove the
drive module 920 from thehousing 904, themedia autochanger system 900, FIG. 1, may be notified of the intent to remove thedrive module 920. This notification may generally occur in one of three ways: by notifying thehost computer 952, notifying thefront panel 950, or notifying through thenetwork connection 954. After notifying the system, a power-down procedure is initiated for thedrive module 920. During the power-down procedure a media tape may be rewound and ejected, a robot arm may be removed and power to the drive is terminated. - After the
drive module 920 is powered-down (which may take several minutes), themounting plate 930 may be removed to uncover an opening in theback 910 of thedrive module 920 and provide access to the ribbon connector. Removal of themounting plate 930 may require removal of thescrews drive module 920 through the opening in theback 910 of thedrive module 920. This removal of the ribbon cable requires a user to reach inside thedrive module 920, and manually disconnect the terminal portion of the ribbon cable from thedrive module 920. After the ribbon cable has been disconnected, atop fastener 960 and abottom fastener 962 may be removed to free thedrive module 920 from thehousing 904. Thedrive module 920 may then be slid out of thebay 908. - Disclosed herein is a method directed to a removable component of a system having at least one first connector operatively associated with the component. Additionally, the system may be provided with at least one second connector operatively associated with a housing. Wherein, the component has a connected condition in which the first connector may be electrically engaged with the second connector. The component may also have a disconnected condition in which the first connector may be electrically disengaged from the second connector. Additionally, the component may have at least a locked condition and an unlocked condition. Applying a force may cause the component to move from the connected condition to the disconnected condition.
- The disclosure may be further directed to a system including a housing and a component removably received within the housing. The system may be provided with at least one first connector operatively associated with the component and at least one second connector operatively associated with the housing. The component may have at least a connected and a disconnected condition wherein, in the connected condition, the first connector may be electrically engaged with the second connector. Additionally, in the disconnected condition, the first connector may be electrically disengaged from the second connector. The component may have at least a locked condition and an unlocked condition, and moving the component from the connected to the disconnected condition causes the component to move from the locked to the unlocked condition.
- Further disclosed herein may be a method directed to a removable component of a system having a first electrical connector on a housing and a second electrical connector on a component. The second electrical connector may be disconnected from the first electrical connector by moving the second electrical connector relative to the first electrical connector in a first direction. The component may be moved relative to the housing in a second direction; wherein, the first direction may be transverse to the second direction.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a conventional media autochanger system.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a backside of a conventional housing.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a housing of a media autochanger system.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of elements of a drive module.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a latch assembly.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting plate of the latch assembly of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a capture plate of the latch assembly of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a board spacer of the latch assembly of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the board spacer of FIG. 9.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a SCSI board of the latch assembly of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective cut-away view of an actuator of the latch assembly of FIG. 5.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 5 in a locked and connected condition.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the latch of FIG. 5 in an unlocked and disconnected condition.
- Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for facilitating the removal and installation of a component of a system. The installation and removal of the component may be completed without the need to manually connect or disconnect connectors or use tools. Further, installation and removal may be accomplished quickly without interrupting a SCSI loop.
- Although the method and apparatus may be used in conjunction with a wide variety of systems, the description presented herein is directed to a
media autochanger system 101, FIG. 3 for exemplary purposes. - Referring to FIG. 3, the
media autochanger system 101 may be similar to themedia autochanger system 900, FIG. 1, of the prior art. Themedia autochanger system 101 may be provided with ahousing 100. Thehousing 100 may be similar to theprior art housing 904. A major difference between thehousing 100 and theprior art housing 904 is the formers' adaptation to receive a removable component as will now be described. - Referring to FIG. 3, the
housing 100 may be provided with afront portion 102, aback portion 110, atop portion 105, aleft portion 103, aright portion 106 and abottom portion 107. Thefront portion 102, theback portion 110, theleft portion 103, theright portion 106 and thebottom portion 107 define aninternal cavity 109. In an exemplary embodiment, thehousing 100 may, for example, be manufactured by formed sheet metal. - The
back portion 110 may have one or more threaded holes (e.g. 140, 141) for receiving fasteners (e.g. 310, 311). Theback portion 110 may also be provided with one ormore openings 111. - The
housing 100 may be provided withstructural elements 108 within theinternal cavity 109. Thesestructural elements 108 may provide structural integrity and mounting locations for various components. - The
structural elements 108 and theopenings 111 may be positioned to create one or moreindividual bays Bay 115 may be provided with aleft side portion 116 and aright side portion 117. - The
housing 100 may be provided with aconnector assembly 200. Theconnector assembly 200 may be attached to thehousing 100 at one of theopenings 111. Theconnector assembly 200 may be attached to thehousing 100 on theback portion 110 byfasteners connector assembly 200 may be provided withconnectors 210. Theconnectors 210 may, for example, be of the type commercially available under the description “Receptacle Assembly, 68 Position Stacked Right Angle” distributed by Tyco Electronics Corporation of Harrisburg, Pa. - Referring to FIG. 4, the
connector assembly 200 may be provided with aback portion 201. Theback portion 201 may be provided with aconnector board 220. Theconnector board 220 may receivedrive loop cables drive loop cables housing board 240. Although not shown in any of the drawings, thedrive loop cable 231 may be connected to thehousing board 240. - With further reference to FIG. 4, the
housing board 240 may be attached to thebottom portion 107, FIG. 3, of thehousing 100 byfasteners housing board 240 may be between theleft portion 116 and theright portion 117 of thebay 115 near theback portion 110 of thehousing 100. - Referring to FIG. 3, the
housing 101 in the illustrated configuration may receive two drive modules. Afirst drive module 300 may be received in theright side portion 117 of thebay 115. The second drive module (not shown) may be received in theleft side portion 116 of thebay 115. For illustrative purposes, the wiring for the empty,left side portion 116 of thebay 115 will now be described, it being understood that the description of the wiring of theleft side portion 116 may be substantially similar to theright side portion 117. - Referring to FIG. 4, the
drive loop cable 230 may be routed within thehousing 100 to electrically connect theconnector board 220 to thehousing board 240. Thehousing board 240 may be provided with aSCSI connector 243. TheSCSI connector 243 may be provided withalignment pins SCSI connector 243 of the exemplary embodiment may, for example, be of the type commercially available from Molex Incorporated of Lisle, Ill. under the model number 71661-2568. - Referring to FIG. 4, the
drive module 300 may have aback portion 301, afront portion 302, aleft portion 303, aright portion 304, atop portion 305 and abottom portion 306. Arail system 130 may be provided on thetop portion 305. Therail system 130 may be provided with aleft tab 307 and aright tab 308. - The
back portion 301 of thedrive module 300 may be provided with anopening 322. Near the perimeter of theopening 322, a left threaded mountinghole 323 and a right threaded mountinghole 324 may be provided. Additionally, ahandle 312 may be provided on theback portion 301 of thedrive module 300.Fasteners back portion 301. In the exemplary embodiment, thefasteners - Also shown in FIG. 4, indicator lights320 may be provided on the
back portion 301 of thedrive module 300. Thedrive module 300 may be provided with various electo-mechanical sub-systems for reading and writing data. For illustration purposes, most of the electromechanical sub-systems have been removed as shown in FIG. 4. One example of a sub-system as shown is agear assembly 315. Thegear assembly 315 is described in patent application Ser. No. 09/657,335 of Coffin et al. for a SPLIT COMPACT GEAR ASSEMBLY FOR A DRIVE LOADER filed on Sep. 7, 2000; which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference for all that is disclosed therein. Thedrive module 300 may also be provided with adrive board connector 325. Thedrive board connector 325 may be accessed through theopening 322. - FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a
latch assembly 400.Latch assembly 400 may be provided with a mountingplate 410, acapture plate 430, atop spacer 450, abottom spacer 451, aSCSI board 460, anactuator 480 and a ribbon cable 471 (FIG. 5). The mounting plate for 410 may serve as the central attachment point to which the other components are directly or indirectly attached. - Referring to FIG. 7, the mounting
plate 410 may be provided with aleft side portion 401, aright side portion 402, atop portion 403, abottom portion 404, afront face portion 405 and aback face portion 406. The mountingplate 410 may also be provided with a topvertical slot 420, a bottomvertical slot 421, a pair of detent holes 411, 415, afirst attachment hole 412, asecond attachment hole 413 and a threadedactuator post 414. - Referring to FIG. 7, the bottom
vertical slot 421 may be substantially similar to the topvertical slot 420. The topvertical slot 420 will be described in detail, it being understood that the bottomvertical slot 421 may have the same details as the topvertical slot 420. The topvertical slot 420 may have aleft side portion 422, aright side portion 423, atop portion 424 and abottom portion 425. The length “L1” and width “W1” of bothvertical slots vertical slot 421 for clarity purposes. In the exemplary embodiment, the dimensions may, for example, be about 11.5 mm for “L1” and about 7.85 mm for “W1”. These actual dimensions are considered to be a design alternative and could be scaled to larger or smaller values based on the particular design. - Additionally, the
left side portion 422 andright side portion 423 may be relatively parallel to a line AA, FIG. 7. The line AA may be parallel to the left andright side portions plate 410. The mountingplate 410 may have a thickness of “T1”. In the exemplary embodiment, the dimension may, for example, be about 1.4 mm for “T1”. The first and second attachment holes 412, 413 may be positioned at any location near the perimeter of the mountingplate 410. The attachment holes 412, 413 may be provided to receive afirst fastener 416 and a second fastener 418 (FIG. 5). - Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6,
latch assembly 400 may also be provided with acapture plate 430. Referring to FIG. 8, thecapture plate 430 may be provided with aleft side portion 431, aright side portion 432, atop portion 433, abottom portion 434, afront face portion 435 and aback face portion 436. Thecapture plate 430 may also be provided with atop fastener hole 437, abottom fastener hole 438, afastener cover 439 and ahorizontal slot 440. - Referring to FIG. 8, the
horizontal slot 440 may have aleft side portion 441, aright side portion 442, atop portion 443, and abottom portion 444. Thetop portion 443 andbottom portion 444 of thehorizontal slot 440 may be relatively parallel to a line BB. A line CC may be provided that extends between the centers of thetop fastener hole 437 and thebottom fastener hole 438. The line BB may be relatively perpendicular to the line CC. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle between BB and CC may, for example, be about 90 degrees. - The
horizontal slot 440 of thecapture plate 430 may have a slot width of “W2”. In the exemplary embodiment, the dimension may, for example, be about 4.76 mm for “W2”. These actual dimensions are considered to be a design alternative and could be scaled to larger or smaller values based on the particular design. - As shown in FIG. 8, the
fastener cover 439 may be a simple fold feature that rises above thefront face portion 435 of thecapture plate 430 by a dimension “Z1”. Thefastener cover 439 may also extend below thebottom portion 434 by a dimension “Y1”. In the exemplary embodiment the dimensions may be, for example, about 11.35 mm for “Z1” and about 11.77 mm for “Y1”. These actual dimensions are considered to be a design alternative and could be scaled to larger or smaller values based on the particular design. - Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the
latch assembly 400 may be provided with atop board spacer 450 and abottom board spacer 451. Thetop board spacer 450 may be substantially similar to thebottom board spacer 451. Thetop board spacer 450 will be described in detail, it being understood that this description may apply equally to thebottom board spacer 450. - Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the
top board spacer 450 may be provided with afront face 452, aback face 453, aspacer shoulder portion 454, aspacer neck portion 455 and a threadedhole 456. Thespacer neck portion 455 may have a height of “H1”, FIG. 10, which may be greater then the thickness “T1”, FIG. 7, of the mountingplate 410. Referring again to FIG. 9, thespacer neck portion 455 may have a diameter “D2”, FIG. 10, that is less then the width “W1”, FIG. 7, of thevertical slots plate 410. Referring to FIG. 9, the threadedhole 456 may extend through theentire board spacer 450. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the dimensions may, for example, be about 2.897 mm for “H1” and about 6.35 mm for “D2”. These actual dimensions are considered to be a design alternative and could be scaled to larger or smaller values based on the particular design. - Referring to FIG. 5, the
latch assembly 400 may be provided with aSCSI board 460. Referring now to FIG. 11, theSCSI board 460 may be provided having aleft side portion 461, aright side portion 462, atop portion 463, abottom portion 464, afront face portion 465, aback face portion 466, afirst connector 467, asecond connector 468, atop fastener hole 469 and abottom fastener hole 470. A line DD may be provided that extends between the centers of thetop fastener hole 469 and thebottom fastener hole 470. A line EE may lie along abottom end portion 473 of thefirst connector 467 and may be relatively perpendicular to the line DD. In the exemplary embodiment the angle between DD and EE may be, for example, about 90 degrees. - Referring to FIG. 11, the
first connector 467 may be a SCSI-type connector provided with alignment holes (not shown) positioned on thebottom end portion 473. Thefirst connector 467 in the exemplary embodiment may, for example, be of the type commercially available from Molex Incorporated of Lisle, Ill. under the model number 71660-7068. - Referring to FIG. 5, the
latch assembly 400 may be provided with anactuator 480. Referring now to FIG. 12, theactuator 480 may be provided with a front face portion 481 aback face portion 482, afirst tab 483, asecond tab 484, anattachment hole 485, aslot protrusion 486 and a detent mechanism hole (not shown). Theslot protrusion 486 may have a circular cross-section that may have a diameter of “D1” and a height of “H2”. The diameter “D1” of theslot protrusion 486 may be less then the width “W2”, FIG. 8, of thecapture plate 430. In the exemplary embodiment, the dimensions may, for example, be about 4.56 for “D1” and about 3.05 for “H2”. These actual dimensions are considered to be a design alternative and could be scaled to larger or smaller values based on the particular design. Theattachment hole 485 may be provided at the center of thefront face portion 481 and extend through theactuator 480. The detent mechanism hole may be provided on theback face portion 482 on thesecond tab 484. The detent mechanism hole may be a blind hole, deep enough to receive thedetent spring 488 anddetent ball 487. As shown in FIG. 5, adetent ball 487 and adetent spring 488 may be provided in the detent mechanism hole. - Having provided detailed descriptions for the
latch assembly 400 components, the assembly steps will now be described. Referring to FIG. 5, thelatch assembly 400 may be assembled by aligning the mounting platefront face portion 405, FIG. 7, to the capture plate backface portion 436, FIG. 8. Alignment is correct when thetop fastener hole 437 andbottom fastener hole 438 are aligned with the topvertical slot 420 and bottomvertical slot 421 respectively. Referring back to FIG. 5, with the mountingplate 410 and thecapture plate 430 aligned, a topfront screw 492 and a bottomfront screw 494 may be provided to capture the mountingplate 410 and thecapture plate 430. The mountingplate 410 and thecapture plate 430 may be captured between the topfront screw 492 and thetop board spacer 450. Additionally, the mountingplate 410 and thecapture plate 430 may also be captured between the bottomfront screw 494 and thebottom board spacer 451. The dimensions of theboard spacers vertical slots - Referring to FIG. 5, assembly of the
latch assembly 400 may be continued by attaching theSCSI board 460 to thetop board spacer 450 and thebottom board spacer 451. Attaching theSCSI board 460 may be accomplished by inserting atop back fastener 496 through thetop fastener hole 469 and threading it into thetop board spacer 450. Additionally, theSCSI board 460 may be attached by inserting abottom fastener 498 through thebottom fastener hole 470 and threading it into thebottom board spacer 451. - Continuing the assembly of the
latch assembly 400 may include installation of theactuator 480. Referring to FIG. 5, theactuator 480 may be attached by threading a mountingfastener 490 into the mounting plate threadedactuator post 414. The mountingfastener 490 may capture theactuator 480 by theactuator attachment hole 485, FIG. 12, thereby securing theactuator 480 to the mountingplate 410. During the installation of theactuator 480, thedetent ball 487 anddetent spring 488 may be positioned in the detent mechanism hole as previously described. Thedetent ball 487 may be held into the detent mechanism hole by the mountingplate front face 405, FIG. 7. Referring again to FIG. 5, when installing theactuator 480, theactuator slot protrusion 486 may be inserted into the capture platehorizontal slot 440. The diameter “D1” of theslot protrusion 486, FIG. 12, may be slightly smaller than the width “W2” of thehorizontal slot 440, FIG. 8, allowing theslot protrusion 486 to slide in thehorizontal slot 440. - Having provided a description of the assembly steps for the
latch assembly 400, the attachment of thelatch assembly 400 to thedrive module 300 will now be described. Prior to attaching thelatch assembly 400 to thedrive module 300, aribbon cable 471, FIG. 5, may be connected to thesecond connector 468. Theribbon cable 471 may also be connected to thedrive board connector 325, FIG. 4. As detailed herein, the connection of theribbon cable 471 electrically connects thefirst connector 467 to thedrive module 300. The connection of theribbon cable 471 is a one-time connection when installing thelatch assembly 400. Further, connection of theribbon cable 471 typically does not need to be performed by the end-user. - Having described the electrical connection of the
latch assembly 400, the physical attachment to thedrive module 300 will now be detailed. The mountingplate 410 may be attached to thedrive module 300 by afirst fastener 416 and asecond fastener 418, FIG. 5. The attachment of the mountingplate 410 covers theopening 322, FIG. 4. Thefirst fastener 416 may be inserted through thefirst attachment hole 412, FIG. 7, and threaded into the left threaded mountinghole 323, FIG. 4, on theback portion 110 of thedrive module 300. Thesecond fastener 418 may be inserted through thesecond attachment hole 413, FIG. 7, and threaded into the right threaded mountinghole 324, FIG. 4, on theback portion 110 of thedrive module 300. The orientation of thelatch assembly 400 may be such that thefastener cover 439, FIG. 8, faces towards thebottom portion 306, FIG. 4, of thedrive module 300. - Having described the assembly and attachment steps of the
latch assembly 400 to thedrive module 300, the functioning will now be described. A force may be applied to the first andsecond tabs actuator 480 about thefastener 490, FIG. 5. The rotational movement results in aclockwise position 500, FIG. 14, and acounterclockwise position 510, FIG. 13. This force may be provided by an end-user turning theactuator 480 by hand. The rotation ofactuator 480 causes displacement of thedetent ball 487 by compressing thedetent spring 488. Displacement of thedetent ball 487 allows for definitive registration of theactuator 480. The definitive registration occurs at the limits of movement of theactuator 480 as thedetent ball 487 seats into one of the detent holes 411, 415, FIG. 7. The definitive registration causes an audible “click” as to provide sensory feedback to the user. - The rotation of the
actuator 480 also causes vertical movement of thecapture plate 430. The vertical movement of thecapture plate 430 may be caused by theslot protrusion 486, FIG. 12, interacting with thetop portion 443, FIG. 8, andbottom portion 444 of thehorizontal slot 440. Referring to FIG. 14, turning theactuator 480 in theclockwise direction 500 produces movement of thecapture plate 430 in anupward direction 502. Referring to FIG. 13, rotation of theactuator 480 in thecounterclockwise direction 510 produces movement of thecapture plate 430 in adownward direction 512. 13. Thecapture plate 430 may be operatively connected to theSCSI board 460. The connection between theSCSI board 460 and the capture plate is provided by theboard spacers SCSI board 460 may mirror movement of thecapture plate 430. The vertical movement of theSCSI board 460 causes thefirst connector 467, FIG. 11, to connect or disconnect with theSCSI connector 243. When thefirst connector 467 and theSCSI connector 243 are connected, thedrive module 300 is electrically connected to theconnectors 210, FIG. 4, of theconnector assembly 200. - In the exemplary embodiment, the
drive module 300 and thehousing 100 may, for example, be manufactured out of sheet metal. Since tolerancing may be an issue with sheet metal, thefirst connector 467 and theSCSI connector 243 may not be aligned. Therefore, thefirst connector 467 and theSCSI connector 243 may be designed to be self-aligning. This self-alignment member may be provided by the alignment pins 241, 242 on theSCSI connector 243 and the alignment holes on thebottom end portion 473 of thefirst connector 467. The dimensions of thetop board spacer 450, thebottom board spacer 451, the topvertical slot 420 and the bottomvertical slot 421 allow for thefirst connector 467 to “float”. Since the first connector can “float”, the alignment pins 241, 242 guide thefirst connector 467. As a result of the self-alignment ability of theconnectors - Having described the movement of the
capture plate 430 and theSCSI board 460, the associated operating conditions will now be detailed. Thecounterclockwise direction 510 andclockwise direction 500 of theactuator 480 dictate the connection and locking conditions. - Referring to FIG. 13, with the
actuator 480 turned to thecounterclockwise direction 510, thedrive module 300 may be in a connected and locked condition. The connected condition may occur when thefirst connector 467, FIG. 11, connects to theSCSI connector 243, FIG. 4. In the connected condition, a communication signal may travel from theconnectors 210, through theconnector board 220, and through thedrive loop cable 230. From thedrive loop cable 230, the signal may continue through thehousing board 240, through the SCSI connector, and through thefirst connector 467. From thefirst connector 467, the signal may travel through theSCSI board 460, through thesecond connector 468, and through theribbon cable 471. From theribbon cable 471, the signal may travel into thedrive module 300 through thedrive board connector 325. Therefore, thecounterclockwise direction 510 of theactuator 480 may result in communication to thedrive module 300 though theconnectors 210. - Referring still to FIG. 13, the
counterclockwise direction 510 of theactuator 480 may also result in a locked condition. The locked condition may occur when thefastener 311 may not be accessed to remove thedrive module 300 from thehousing 100. When theactuator 480 is in the counterclockwise position, thecapture plate 430 is in a downward position. In the downward position, thefastener 311 cannot be turned due to thefastener cover 439. By locking thedrive module 300, the user may be prohibited from removing thedrive module 300 while it is connected. - Referring to FIG. 14, with the
actuator 480 turned in aclockwise direction 500, thedrive module 300 may be in a disconnected and unlocked condition. When in the unlocked and disconnected condition, communication to thedrive module 300 through thefirst connector 467 is not possible. Additionally, in the clockwise position, thefastener 311 may be accessed and disengaged from a threaded hole (not shown) allowing for removal of thedrive module 300 from thehousing 100. - Having described the operating states, the method of installing the
drive module 300 will now be described. For illustrative purposes, thedrive module 300 is shown in theright side portion 117, FIG. 3, of thebay 115. However, the description will be directed towards installing thedrive module 300 into theleft side portion 116 of thebay 115. - Prior to installing the
drive module 300, themedia autochanger system 101 may be notified of the intent to install. The notification may occur through a front panel (not shown), a host computer (not shown) or a network connection (not shown). The front panel, host computer and network connection of the present device are substantially similar as the prior art device as described in the background section. - The
drive module 300 may be installed by sliding thedrive module 300 into thehousing 100 in aninstallation direction 520, FIG. 3. Theinstallation direction 520 may be substantially perpendicular to the capture plate upward anddownward directions direction 520 and thedirections drive module 300 may be directed by therail system 130, FIG. 4. Theleft tab 307 andright tab 308 of therail system 130 may slide on a track (not shown). The track may be located on thecavity 109 side of thetop portion 105 of thehousing 100. When sliding thedrive module 300 in theinstallation direction 520 into thebay 115, thefront portion 302, FIG. 4, progresses towards thefront side 102, FIG. 3, of thehousing 100. Referring to FIG. 3, near the end of travel of thedrive module 300, thefastener 310 may contact the threadedhole 140 on the housing. Additionally, thefastener 311 may contact the threadedhole 141 on thehousing 100. Bothfasteners fasteners holes fasteners drive module 300 to thehousing 100. - With the
fasteners drive module 300 to thehousing 100, theactuator 480 may be utilized. To connect and lock thedrive module 300 theactuator 480 may be turned in thecounterclockwise direction 510. The counterclockwise position results in the electrical connection of thedrive module 300 to theconnectors 210 as previously described. Upon successful installation of thedrive module 300, themedia autochanger system 101 may be notified of the successful installation through the front panel, the host computer or the network connection. - The preceding detailed installation steps allow for locked and connected condition of the
drive module 300. To unlock and remove thedrive module 300, the installation steps are reversed. - The removal process may begin by notifying the
media autochanger system 101 of the intent to remove thedrive module 300. Themedia autochanger system 101 may be notified through the front panel, the host computer or the network connection. Next, to disconnect and unlock thedrive module 300, theactuator 480 may be turned in theclockwise direction 500, FIG. 14. The clockwise position results in the electrical disconnection of thedrive module 300 from theconnectors 210 as previously described. Since the clockwise position of theactuator 480 results in the accessibility of thefastener 311, thefastener 311 may be turned. Thefasteners holes drive module 300 to be removed. Thedrive module 300 may be removed by sliding thedrive module 300 out of thehousing 100 in aremoval direction 524, FIG. 3. Theremoval direction 524 may be substantially parallel to theinstallation direction 520. The positioning of thedrive module 300 may be directed by therail system 130 as previously described. When sliding thedrive module 300 in theremoval direction 524 from thebay 115, thefront portion 302, FIG. 4, moves away from thefront side 102, FIG. 3, of thehousing 100. This removal process results in adrive module 300 that is free from thehousing 100. - As can be appreciated, the method and apparatus described herein prevents a user from physically removing the
drive module 300 from thehousing 100 when thefirst connector 467, FIG. 11, is electrically connected with theSCSI connector 243, FIG. 4. This, in turn, prevents damage to theconnectors 267, 243 which might otherwise occur if a user attempts to remove thedrive module 300 while the connectors are engaged. The method and apparatus described herein also provide a relatively quick and convenient way to install and uninstall removable components without the need for tools. Additionally, the user does not need to manually disconnect any wiring in order to remove thedrive module 300. Since manual disconnection by the end-user of the wiring is eliminated, the SCSI loop may be maintained to enable communication to “down-line” devices. - The preceding description of the application to a media autochanger system is an example of an application for the device and method. Other applications of this method and apparatus may include, but are not limited to, airplane avionics systems, replaceable control systems on machinery, interchangeable data collection systems, environmental monitoring systems, to name a few.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/862,359 US6483710B1 (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2001-05-22 | Method and apparatus to facilitate removal and installation of removable components |
EP02252846A EP1261245A3 (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2002-04-23 | Connection method and apparatus |
JP2002147431A JP2003068409A (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2002-05-22 | Method and equipment for removing and attaching removable component |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/862,359 US6483710B1 (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2001-05-22 | Method and apparatus to facilitate removal and installation of removable components |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US6483710B1 US6483710B1 (en) | 2002-11-19 |
US20020176232A1 true US20020176232A1 (en) | 2002-11-28 |
Family
ID=25338311
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/862,359 Expired - Lifetime US6483710B1 (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2001-05-22 | Method and apparatus to facilitate removal and installation of removable components |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6483710B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1261245A3 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003068409A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070247804A1 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2007-10-25 | Xiang Li | High-density disk array device |
US20090080147A1 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2009-03-26 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | Electronic module and interlocking bus system including same |
US20100033925A1 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2010-02-11 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Computer enclosure with cover mounting apparatus |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
TW475823U (en) * | 2001-05-09 | 2002-02-01 | Avance Technologies Inc | Bonding device for overlapping type plate material |
TW590241U (en) * | 2002-04-25 | 2004-06-01 | Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd | Computer enclosure incorporating brackets |
US7061767B2 (en) * | 2004-02-10 | 2006-06-13 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Data systems, apparatuses and/or methods |
WO2010014108A2 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2010-02-04 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Geared latch apparatus |
US10299413B2 (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2019-05-21 | Baidu Usa Llc | Modular self-aligning liquid heat removal coupling system for electronic racks |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4941841A (en) * | 1988-06-09 | 1990-07-17 | Darden Julius C | Adapter and a removable slide-in cartridge for an information storage system |
US5325263A (en) | 1991-07-22 | 1994-06-28 | Silicon Graphics, Inc. | Rack and pinion retaining and release device for removable computer components |
WO1993018517A1 (en) * | 1992-03-09 | 1993-09-16 | Digital Equipment Corporation | Mounting assembly for multiple disk drives |
FR2742626B1 (en) | 1995-12-19 | 1998-02-20 | Eurocopter France | GUIDING, DRIVING AND LOCKING DEVICE FOR AN ELECTRICAL OR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT DRAWER IN A CABINET |
US6171120B1 (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2001-01-09 | Silicon Graphics, Inc. | Modular card cage with connection mechanism |
US6257682B1 (en) * | 1998-01-16 | 2001-07-10 | Hon Hai Preciosion Ind. Co., Ltd. | Computing casing structure |
US6318679B1 (en) * | 1998-04-06 | 2001-11-20 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Apparatus for mounting computer peripheral equipment |
GB9807989D0 (en) * | 1998-04-16 | 1998-06-17 | Babin Andre | Extension card insertion and removal system |
US6178086B1 (en) | 1999-04-13 | 2001-01-23 | Dell Usa, L.P. | Apparatus and method for securing a removable component in a computer system |
US6238026B1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2001-05-29 | International Business Machines Corporation | System for mounting components in a computer chassis |
-
2001
- 2001-05-22 US US09/862,359 patent/US6483710B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-04-23 EP EP02252846A patent/EP1261245A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2002-05-22 JP JP2002147431A patent/JP2003068409A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070247804A1 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2007-10-25 | Xiang Li | High-density disk array device |
US20090080147A1 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2009-03-26 | Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. | Electronic module and interlocking bus system including same |
US8018735B2 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2011-09-13 | Siemens Industry, Inc. | Electronic module and interlocking bus system including same |
US20100033925A1 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2010-02-11 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Computer enclosure with cover mounting apparatus |
US7974092B2 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2011-07-05 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Computer enclosure with cover mounting apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6483710B1 (en) | 2002-11-19 |
EP1261245A3 (en) | 2004-01-21 |
EP1261245A2 (en) | 2002-11-27 |
JP2003068409A (en) | 2003-03-07 |
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