System for fixing a computing system to a host infrastructure

Abstract

The examples described herein relate to a fixation subsystem. The fixation subsystem includes a lever and a cam assembly that engages the lever. The cam assembly is movable due to the pivoting movement of the lever and includes a cam body, a cantilever, and a load support member. The cantilever extends from the cam body and is deformable when the cantilever contacts a limiting structure. The load support member is disposed on an insertion cam. A portion of the load support member is offset from the free end of the cantilever to limit the deformation of the cantilever. Further, some examples described herein relate to a fixation system that includes a plurality of fixation subsystems that are coupled via a synchronous motion coupling also presented. Additionally, certain examples described herein relate to a computing system that includes at least one such fixation subsystem.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fixing subsystem and a computing system including at least one such fixing subsystem. Background Art

[0002] IT infrastructure such as data centers hosts a large number of computing systems in public facilities. The computing systems hosted in the IT infrastructure may include, but are not limited to, servers, storage devices, network switches, routers, WLAN access points, etc. For example, the server may be a blade server. For example, the storage device may be a storage blade or a storage array. In some data centers, the computing systems may be hosted in one or more racks or system enclosures (such as a blade enclosure that houses one or more blades (such as blade servers, storage blades, etc.)). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a fixing subsystem. The fixing subsystem includes a lever and a cam assembly engaged with the lever. The cam assembly is movable due to the pivoting movement of the lever and includes a cam body, a cantilever, and a load support member. The cantilever extends from the cam body and is deformable when the cantilever contacts a limiting structure. The load support member is disposed on an insertion cam. A portion of the load support member is offset from the free end of the cantilever to limit the deformation of the cantilever. Further, some examples described herein relate to a fixing system that includes a plurality of fixing subsystems coupled via a synchronizing movement coupling also proposed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings:

[0005] Figure 1 A top view of a computing system according to an example is shown;

[0006] Figure 2 A magnified view of a part of a fixing subsystem installed in the Figure 1 computing system according to an example is shown;

[0007] Figure 3 A perspective view of a part of a fixing subsystem according to an example is shown;

[0008] Figure 4 A perspective view of a cam assembly according to an example is shown;

[0009] Figure 5 A perspective view of the Figure 4 cam assembly according to an example is shown;

[0010] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a load-bearing member of a cam assembly according to an example; Figure 4 of the cam assembly;

[0011] Figure 7 shows another perspective view of a cam assembly according to an example; Figure 4 of the cam assembly;

[0012] Figures 8A to 8E shows a perspective view of the movement of the insertion cam when an engagement force is applied according to an example; and

[0013] Figure 9 shows a fixing system according to an example.

[0014] It should be emphasized that in the drawings, the various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, in the drawings, for the sake of clarity of discussion, the dimensions of the various features have been arbitrarily increased or decreased. Detailed Description

[0015] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and in the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. It should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. Although several examples are described in this document, modifications, adaptations, and other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed examples may be defined by the appended claims.

[0016] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular examples and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "another" as used herein is defined as at least a second or more. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "coupled" as used herein is defined as connected, either directly without any intermediate element or indirectly with at least one intermediate element. For example, two elements can be mechanically coupled, electrically coupled, or communicatively linked through a communication channel, path, network, or system. Further, the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that although the terms first, second, third, fourth, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms, as these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another unless otherwise stated or the context indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "comprising" means including but not limited to, the term "including" means including but not limited to. The term "based on" means at least partially based on.

[0017] Typically, a host infrastructure (i.e., a rack and / or enclosure for hosting a computing system in a data center) may include a mechanical structure (e.g., rails / guides) for mounting the computing system therein. Additionally, the host infrastructure may include a number of receptacle connectors to facilitate electrical and / or data connection with the computing system mounted therein. To facilitate easy installation of the computing system and to promote mating of the connectors of the computing system with the receptacle connectors on the host infrastructure, the computing system may include various mechanisms to bias the computing system towards the receptacle connectors on the host infrastructure. Such a biasing mechanism can generate a connector mating force (alternatively also referred to as an engagement force) such that the connector on the computing system engages with the receptacle connector on the host infrastructure.

[0018] In the state of the art recently, the number of connection members in a connector and / or the number of connectors in a computing system has increased. With the increase in the number of connection members in a connector and / or the number of connectors, the force required to facilitate engagement and disengagement between two connectors generally also increases. For example, in a pin-slot connector configuration, the frictional resistance between the pin and the slot increases with the number of pin-slot pairs. In some applications, it may be difficult to apply an appropriate amount of engagement force or disengagement force. Additionally, improper application of force may cause damage to one or both of the connectors. For example, improper application of the engagement force between a pin-slot connection pair may cause the pin to be misaligned relative to the slot, resulting in the pin bending or breaking.

[0019] Some conventional designs of computing systems use lever- and cam-based insertion mechanisms to mount the computing system in the host infrastructure and to generate a desired engagement force or disengagement force. The lever- and cam-based insertion mechanisms used in conventional designs apply an engagement force for proper mating of the connectors by over-driving (or over-tightening) the levers and cams. In some cases, this over-driving or over-tightening of the levers causes flexure / bending of the metal parts and / or the backplane that support the connectors. Sometimes, over-driving of the levers may cause permanent bending of the metal parts and / or the backplane on the host infrastructure.

[0020] Additionally, in some embodiments, the computing system and the host infrastructure may use directly mating orthogonal connectors. The directly mating orthogonal connectors may not be supported via a backplane. Thus, applying an excessive engagement force via the levers and cams may permanently deform and / or damage the metal parts (e.g., rails or frames) of the host infrastructure. Therefore, due to the deformed or damaged metal parts, it may not be possible to achieve the desired engagement force for connector mating for any subsequent re-installation of the same or another computing system in the same slot, rendering the slot on the host infrastructure unavailable.

[0021] Further, in some cases, the computing system may be heavy. Additionally, in the installation location within the host infrastructure, the computing system may experience shock loads of varying magnitudes due to, for example but not limited to, transportation, earthquakes, jolts, drops, etc. Such shock loads and / or the weight of the computing system may sometimes cause permanent damage to the metal parts (e.g., rails or frames) of the host infrastructure and / or the biasing mechanism of the computing system.

[0022] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a fixation subsystem is proposed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. One or more such fixation systems may be provided in the computing system. Further, in some examples, a computing system having a fixation system is also proposed, the fixation system including a plurality of fixation subsystems. In some examples, the use of the fixation subsystem can facilitate the necessary engagement force to allow the connector of the computing system to mate with a receiving connector on the host infrastructure (e.g., a rack and / or a housing). In particular, in some examples, the fixation subsystem of the present disclosure achieves high engagement forces that can be used to facilitate the mating of a large number of connectors (e.g., directly mating orthogonal connectors) without causing any structural damage or bending of the metal parts of the host infrastructure.

[0023] The fixation subsystem proposed herein includes a lever and a cam assembly engaged with the lever. The cam assembly can be engaged with the lever such that the cam assembly moves due to the pivoting movement of the lever. The cam assembly may include an insert cam having a cam body and a cantilever extending from the cam body. The cantilever is deformable when it contacts a limiting structure and the engagement force applied to the insert cam increases beyond a predetermined threshold. Once the excessive engagement force applied to the insert cam decreases (e.g., when the computing system is removed from the host infrastructure), the deformed cantilever can return to its original shape. It will be understood that using an insert cam with a deformable cantilever avoids any damage or bending of the structure of the host infrastructure. In particular, when inserting the computing system into the structure (e.g., a rail) of the host infrastructure and when an excessive engagement force is applied to ensure proper mating of the connectors, the cantilever of the insert cam absorbs any excessive engagement force by deforming, and thus stops any impact of the insertion force on the structure of the host infrastructure.

[0024] In addition, the proposed fixation subsystem helps to better manage the shock loads that a computing system may experience while remaining installed on a host infrastructure device. In some examples, the cam assembly further includes a load support member disposed on the insertion cam. In particular, at least a portion of the load support member (hereinafter referred to as the arm backing portion) is offset from the free end of the cantilever to limit the deformation of the cantilever. Thus, the arm backing portion of the load support member can be formed such that there is some clearance between the cantilever and the arm backing portion to allow a certain degree of additional movement / deformation of the cantilever even after the computing system is installed in the host infrastructure device. Therefore, when any event causes a shock load on the computing system, the cantilever may further deform or move. However, such deformation or movement of the cantilever caused by the shock load may be restricted by the arm backing portion of the load support member. Advantageously, any damage to the parts of the fixation subsystem and / or damage or bending of the structure of the host infrastructure device can be prohibited. Additionally, in some examples, the proposed fixation system may include two fixation subsystems coupled to each other via a synchronous motion coupling. Even if only one of the fixation subsystems is operated via a respective lever, the synchronous motion coupling can facilitate the synchronous movement of the parts and the load distribution within the two fixation subsystems.

[0025] Now referring to the drawings, in Figure 1 FIG. 5, a top view of a computing system 100 according to an example is shown. The computing system 100 can be any electronic system that facilitates data storage, computing, and / or networking capabilities. Examples of the computing system 100 may include, but are not limited to, servers, storage devices, network switches, routers, WLAN access points, etc. For example, the server can be a blade server. For example, the storage device can be a storage blade or a storage array. The exemplary computing system 100 may include a housing 102, a plurality of connectors 104, and a fixation system 106. The housing 102 may encapsulate several electronic components (e.g., processors, storage devices, power supplies, power management systems, system controllers, networking devices, etc.) and / or optoelectronic components (e.g., optical transmitters, optical receivers, optical transceivers, etc.) that enable the computing system 100 to function in a desired manner. Further, the plurality of connectors 104 can facilitate electrical, data, and / or optical communication capabilities to the computing system 100. One or more of the plurality of connectors 104 may be internally connected to the electronic components and / or optoelectronic components hosted in the computing system 100.

[0026] In some embodiments, the computing system 100 may be hosted in an IT infrastructure such as, but not limited to, a data center. As used herein, the term "data center" may refer to an IT infrastructure that hosts one or more computing systems (such as the computing system 100) at a common location. Sometimes, in a data center, one or more computing systems such as the computing system 100 may be installed on a host infrastructure (not shown) such as a rack or enclosure. The host infrastructure may provide physical space and mechanical support for the computing systems installed therein. In addition to providing space and mechanical support, the host infrastructure may also include a number of receiving connectors that, when the computing system 100 is installed in the host infrastructure, may be electrically coupled and / or communicatively coupled to corresponding connectors 104 of the computing system 100. In some embodiments, the computing system 100 may include an increased number of connectors, at least some of which may include directly mating orthogonal connectors. Additionally, in some examples, the host infrastructure may not include a backplane that supports a large number of connectors. Obviously, a large number of connectors require increased mating / engagement forces to facilitate proper connection between them.

[0027] To this end, the computing system 100 may include a fixation system 106 to fix the computing system 100 in the host infrastructure and to facilitate the engagement force such that the connectors 104 of the computing system 100 can mate with the receiving connectors of the host infrastructure. The fixation system 106 may be at least partially disposed inside the housing 102 and structurally attached to the housing 102. The fixation system 106 may allow the computing system 100 to be inserted into and / or removed from the host infrastructure while ensuring that an engagement force is applied to mate the connectors 104 with the corresponding receiving connectors of the host infrastructure without causing structural damage or bending of the host infrastructure.

[0028] In some examples, the fixation system 106 may include at least one fixation subsystem, such as a first fixation subsystem 108 and a second fixation subsystem 110. In some examples, the fixation system 106 may further include a synchronous motion linkage 112 to synchronize the operation of the first fixation subsystem 108 and the second fixation subsystem 110. In the following description, for the sake of brevity, the structural and functional details of the first fixation subsystem 108 will be described with reference to Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figures 8A to 8E The second fixation subsystem 110 may include components similar to those of the first fixation subsystem 108, and these components may act in a similar manner as will be described with reference to the first fixation subsystem 108 without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Further, with reference to Figure 9Describe the structural and functional details of the synchronous motion coupling 112.

[0029] In the following description, reference is made simultaneously to Figure 2 and Figure 3 . In particular, Figure 2 FIG. 200 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the fixed system 106 according to an example, showing the first fixed subsystem 108 installed in the Figure 1 computing system. Further, Figure 3 FIG. 300 shows a perspective view of a portion of the first fixed subsystem 108 according to an example. In some examples, the first fixed subsystem 108 may include two or more of a lever 202, an idler gear 204, a cam assembly 203 having an insert cam 206 and a load support member 208, a pivot pin 210, a motion limiting pin 212, or a backlash biasing member 216. The lever 202 can be operated by moving the lever 202 in either of the directions 218 and 220. For example, the lever 202 can rotate about the pivot pin 210 (e.g., counterclockwise) in the direction 218. The lever 202 can also rotate about the pivot pin 210 (e.g., clockwise) in the direction 220 until the lever 202 contacts the housing 102. The movement of the lever 202 can cause the movement of the idler gear 204, the insert cam 206, and the load support member 208, thereby causing the computing system 100 to engage or disengage from the host infrastructure and applying an engagement force to mate the connector 104 with a receiving connector on the host infrastructure.

[0030] The lever 202 may include a grip portion 222 (alternatively also referred to as a handle) and an engagement portion 224. The grip portion 222 may allow a user to grasp the lever 202 and apply a force on the lever 202 to move the lever in either of the directions 218, 220. In some examples, the grip portion 222 may have an angled design, thereby creating a triangular space 226 between the lever and the housing 102 of the computing system 100 (in the position of the lever 202 shown in Figure 2 ) to allow the insertion of a user's hand to grasp the lever 202. In particular, Figure 2 the position of the lever 202 depicted in Figure 2 represents the rest position of the lever 202 when the lever 202 rotates / moves in the direction 220 until the end 228 of the grip portion 222 contacts the wall 213 of the housing 102. Within the scope of the present disclosure, levers with grip portions of different shapes are also contemplated. Further, as depicted in

[0031] The engaging portion 224 of the lever 202 may be movably coupled to the housing 102 of the computing system 100. In particular, in some examples, the pivot pin 210 may be attached directly or indirectly (e.g., via one or more intermediate parts) to the housing 102. Additionally, the engaging portion 224 may include an opening 230. In some examples, the lever 202 may be mounted on the housing 102 via the pivot pin 210 and be movable relative to the pivot pin 210. In particular, the lever 202 may be arranged such that the opening 230 receives the pivot pin 210. The inner diameter of the opening 230 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pivot pin 210 to allow pivotal movement of the lever 202 about the pivot pin 210.

[0032] The movement limiting pin 212 of the first fixed subsystem 108 may limit the pivotal movement of the lever 202 in the direction 218. In particular, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 depicted, one end of the movement limiting pin 212 is directly or indirectly fixed to the housing 102 and is spaced apart from the pivot pin 210 (e.g., by at least a predetermined distance). Additionally, the lever 202 may include an elongate guiding opening 232 in its engaging portion 224. The lever 202 may be arranged such that the elongate guiding opening 232 receives the other end (e.g., the free end) of the movement limiting pin 212. Thus, when the lever 202 is operated, the elongate guiding opening 232 and the movement limiting pin 212 may limit the movement of the lever 202 beyond a particular limit defined by the length of the elongate guiding opening 232. In other words, the lever 202 may move in the direction 220 or the direction 218 by the length of the elongate guiding opening 232. For example, in the position shown in Figure 2 , the lever 202 cannot move in the direction 220. This is because the movement limiting pin 212 is located at the end of one end of the elongate guiding opening 232. Additionally, the end 228 of the gripping portion 222 abuts against the wall 213 of the housing 102.

[0033] Further, the lever 202 may include a drive gear 234 (see Figure 3 ). In some examples, the drive gear 234 may be an integral part of the lever 202. In other words, the gripping portion 222, the engaging portion 224, and the drive gear 234 may form an integral (e.g., monolithic) structure of the lever 202. In other examples, the drive gear 234 may be permanently or removably attached to the engaging portion 224 of the lever 202. The drive gear 234 may have a first set of teeth 236 that engage other parts (described later) of the first fixed subsystem 108 to cause movement of the other parts due to the pivotal movement of the lever 202.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, the first stationary subsystem 108 may include an idler gear 204 that functions to transfer the force caused by the pivoting movement of the lever 202 to a cam assembly 203 having an insertion cam 206 and a load support member 208. However, in some other examples, the lever 202 may engage directly with the cam assembly 203 without the idler gear 204. In the following description, for illustrative purposes, an exemplary embodiment of the first stationary subsystem 108 having an idler gear 204 is described. The idler gear 204 may be mounted on an idler pin 238 that is directly or indirectly attached to the housing 102. In particular, the idler gear 204 includes a through hole 240 that receives the idler pin 238, and there is a predetermined gap between the inner diameter of the through hole 240 and the outer diameter of the idler pin 238 such that the idler gear 204 can rotate with the pivoting movement of the lever 202.

[0035] The idler gear 204 may be arranged such that the idler gear 204 can engage with the lever 202 (e.g., with the drive gear 234 of the lever 202) and the cam assembly 203. Further, in some examples, to keep the idler gear 204 biased towards the cam assembly 203 and the drive gear 234 and to reduce any undesirable backlash of the idler gear 204, the first stationary subsystem 108 may include a backlash biasing member 216. In Figure 2 and Figure 3 the exemplary embodiment shown, for illustrative purposes, the backlash biasing member 216 is shown as a U-shaped spring. In some other examples, any other type of elastic member or spring may be used as the backlash biasing member 216, at least a portion of which is attached to an idler gear support bracket (not shown), and wherein at least one other portion of the U-shaped spring contacts a toothless portion 252 of the idler gear 204. For example, at least a portion of the backlash biasing member 216 may be attached (e.g., via fasteners such as screws, adhesives, etc., or via any type of mounting bracket) to the idler gear support bracket, particularly to the inner wall of the idler gear support bracket. The other end of the backlash biasing member 216 may be arranged to contact the idler gear 204. In particular, the idler gear 204 may have a toothless portion 252 adjacent to a second set of teeth 242 (see Figure 3 ). The backlash biasing member 216 may contact the idler gear 204 at the toothless portion 252 to apply a biasing force thereto.

[0036] The idler gear 204 is rotatable due to the pivoting movement of the lever 202, which causes the cam assembly 203 to move. To engage the idler gear 204 with the lever 202, the idler gear 204 may include a set of teeth, hereinafter referred to as the second set of teeth 242. As Figure 2 and Figure 3As depicted, a second set of teeth 242 is formed on the outer circumference of the idler gear 204. In particular, the idler gear 204 is positioned such that at least some of the teeth in the second set of teeth 242 engage with at least some of the teeth in the first set of teeth 236 formed on the drive gear 234 of the lever 202 to convert the pivoting motion of the lever 202 into a rotational motion of the idler gear 204. For example, when the lever 202 moves in the direction 218, the idler gear 204 rotates in the clockwise direction. Alternatively, when the lever 202 moves in the direction 220, the idler gear 204 rotates in the counterclockwise direction.

[0037] In some examples, the cam assembly 203 can engage with the lever 202 directly or via the idler gear 204 (as Figure 2 and Figure 3 described) and be movable due to the pivoting motion of the lever 202. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 depicted, the cam assembly 203 can engage with the lever 202 via the idler gear 204 by means of one or more teeth, which will be described in more detail in Figure 5 . This engagement of the cam assembly 203 with the idler gear 204 can cause an angular motion of the cam assembly 203 based on the rotational motion of the idler gear 204. For example, a clockwise motion of the idler gear 204 can cause the cam assembly 203 to move in the counterclockwise direction, and vice versa. Additional structural details of the cam assembly 203 will be described in connection with Figures 4 to 7 . In the following description, these figures will be referred to simultaneously when depicting a perspective view of the cam assembly 203 and / or its parts. For example, Figures 4 to 7 shows a perspective view 400 of the cam assembly 203. Further, Figure 4 shows an exploded view 500 of the cam assembly 203 according to an example. Still further, Figure 5 shows a perspective view 600 of the load support member 208 of the cam assembly 203 according to an example. Additionally, Figure 6 shows another perspective view 700 of the cam assembly 203 according to an example. Figure 7 shows another perspective view 700 of the cam assembly 203 according to an example.

[0038] As Figures 4 to 7As depicted in, the cam assembly 203 includes an insert cam 206 and a load support member 208 disposed on the insert cam 206. In some examples, the insert cam 206 may include a cam body 402 and an arm 404 extending from the cam body 402. The arm 404 is hereinafter referred to as the cantilever 404. In one example, the insert cam 206 may be made of metal and have an integral structure. In some other examples, the insert cam 206 may be formed by attaching the cantilever 404 to the cam body 402. The cam body 402 may be a block of material (e.g., metal) and generally may have a triangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited with respect to the shape of the cam body 402. To assist the insert cam 206 in engaging with the idler gear 204 (or directly with the drive gear 234 in some examples), the cam body 402 may include a set of teeth, hereinafter referred to as the third set of teeth 406, which are formed on at least a portion of the edge of the cam body 402. The insert cam 206 may be positioned such that at least some of the teeth in the third set of teeth 406 can engage with at least some of the teeth in the second set of teeth 242 formed on the idler gear 204, thereby causing angular movement of the insert cam 206 based on the rotational movement of the idler gear 204.

[0039] Further, when the computing system 100 is inserted into the host infrastructure, the cantilever 404 of the cam assembly 203, particularly the insert cam 206, contacts a limiting structure (e.g., a pin or a metal bar) formed on the host infrastructure. The position of the limiting structure may be set according to the size of the computing system 100 such that the connector 104 of the computing system 100 engages with a receiving connector on the host infrastructure. When one end 408 (hereinafter referred to as the fixed end 410) of the cantilever 404 is fixed (or integrated) with the cam body 402, the other end 410 remains open at the end (hereinafter referred to as the free end 410). When the computing system 100 is inserted into the host infrastructure and when the lever 202 moves in the direction 220, at a certain position of the lever 202, the free end 410 of the cantilever 404 may contact the limiting structure (see Figures 8A to 8E ). Any further movement of the lever 202 in the direction 220 (see Figure 2 ) may cause an excessive engagement force. Such an excessive engagement force may be transmitted to the cantilever 404 via the drive gear 234, the idler gear 204, and the cam body 402.

[0040] In some examples, the cantilever 404 is made of metal or any other material that is deformable when the free end 410 of the cantilever contacts the limiting structure on the host infrastructure and any excessive engagement force is applied to the lever 202 in the direction 220. In particular, the cantilever 404 may deform such that the angle (α) between the inner surface 412 of the cantilever 404 and the inner surface 414 of the cam body 402 (seeFigure 7 ) increases. In other words, when an excessive engaging force is applied, the cantilever 404 can bend from the fixed end 408 in the direction 416 (see Figure 5 ), causing the free end 410 of the cantilever 404 to move away from the cam body 402. As will be appreciated, using the insertion cam 206 together with the deformable cantilever 404 can avoid any damage or bending of the host infrastructure. In particular, when the computing system 100 is inserted into the structure (e.g., a track) of the host infrastructure and when an excessive engaging force is applied to ensure proper mating of the connector 104 with the receiving connector of the host infrastructure, the cantilever 404 absorbs the excessive engaging force by deforming in such a way and thus stops any impact of the excessive engaging force on the structure of the host infrastructure. Further, when the excessive engaging force is removed, the cantilever 404 is capable of restoring its original shape. Advantageously, subsequent reinstallation of the computing system 100 at the same location in the host infrastructure is possible while ensuring proper engagement of the connectors.

[0041] In some cases, in the installation location in the host infrastructure, the computing system 100 may experience shock loads of different magnitudes due to, for example but not limited to, transportation, earthquakes, jolts, drops, etc. It will be understood that too much bending or deformation of the cantilever 404 caused by the shock load may increase the chance of the cantilever 404 breaking or being permanently deformed. To avoid any such adverse effects of the shock load, the cam assembly 203 includes a load support member 208 disposed on the insertion cam 206 (see Figures 4 to 7 ). In some examples, the load support member 208 may be attached to the insertion cam 206 via fasteners (such as screws 418), mounting brackets, or using one or more adhesives.

[0042] In some examples, the load support member 208 may include a body portion 420 and an arm backing portion 422. In some examples, the body portion 420 may include a plurality of teeth, hereinafter referred to as a fourth set of teeth 424, which are similar to the third set of teeth 406. The load support member 208 may be disposed on the insertion cam 206 such that the fourth set of teeth 424 is aligned with the third set of teeth 406 formed on the cam body 402, as Figure 4 depicted. Further, to avoid any misalignment between the fourth set of teeth 424 and the third set of teeth 406, in some examples, the cam body 402 includes a protrusion 426, and the body portion 420 of the load support member 208 includes an opening 428 that is aligned with the protrusion 426. The load support member 208 may be disposed on the insertion cam 206 such that the protrusion 426 is received in the opening 428.

[0043] When the body portion 420 of the load support member 208 is attached to the cam body 402, the arm backing portion 422 is positioned adjacent to the cantilever 404. In particular, the body portion 420 of the load support member 208 is offset (e.g., spaced apart) from the free end 410 of the cantilever 404 to limit the deformation of the cantilever beyond a certain distance. In particular, the arm backing portion 422 of the load support member 208 may be formed such that there is a gap between the cantilever 404 and the arm backing portion 422 to allow a certain degree of additional movement / deformation of the cantilever 404 even after the computing system 100 is installed in the host infrastructure. Thus, upon experiencing any shock load, the cantilever 404 may deform until the free end 410 of the cantilever 404 contacts the arm backing portion 422 of the load support member 208. Accordingly, when any event causes a shock load on the computing system 100, the cantilever 404 may further deform or move. However, such deformation or movement of the cantilever 404 due to the shock load may be limited by the arm backing portion 422 of the load support member 208. In some examples, the distance between the arm backing portion 422 and the cantilever 404 may be set according to a predetermined degree of deformation that the insertion cam 206 is designed to allow. Advantageously, using the load support member 208 with the arm backing portion 422 not only prevents any damage to parts of the fixed subsystem (e.g., the cantilever 404), but also avoids any damage or bending of the host infrastructure during a shock load.

[0044] Now refer to Figures 8A to 8E , Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C , Figure 8D and Figure 8E Perspective views 800, 802, 804, 806, 808 respectively illustrate, according to examples, the position of the insertion cam 206 relative to the restraint structure 810 of the host infrastructure, depicting the movement of the insertion cam 206 when an engagement force is applied via the lever 202 and / or the lever of the second fixed subsystem 110. In conjunction with Figure 1 and Figure 2 described Figures 8A to 8E. In some examples, once the computing system 100 is inserted into the host infrastructure, the user can operate the lever 202 of the first stationary subsystem 108 and / or the lever of the second stationary subsystem 110. To generate an engaging force that causes the connector 104 of the computing system 100 to mate with the receiving connector of the host infrastructure, the lever 202 can move in a direction. In some examples, alternatively or in conjunction with the movement of the lever 202, the lever of the second stationary subsystem 110 can move in direction 220 to generate an engaging force. In some examples, perspective views 800, 802, 804, 806, 808 respectively show the positions of the insertion cam 206 when the lever 202 gradually moves in direction 220 towards the housing 102 of the computing system 100.

[0045] As Figures 8A to 8E depicted, for example, when an engaging force is applied by operating the lever 202, the angle θ between the edge of the insertion cam 206 and the limiting structure 810 decreases as the insertion cam 206 undergoes an angular movement in direction 812. In particular, Figure 8D perspective view 806 shows the position of the insertion cam 206 when the cantilever 404 contacts the limiting structure 810. When any excessive engaging force is applied after the insertion cam 206 has reached the Figure 8D position depicted, the excessive engaging force may be absorbed by the cantilever 404, resulting in deformation of the cantilever 404, as previously described. As can be seen from the Figure 8E perspective view 808 shown, the cantilever 404 deforms by bending away from the cam body 402. Advantageously, this deformation of the cantilever 404 stops the excessive engaging force from propagating to the limiting structure 810.

[0046] Now referring to Figure 9 , a perspective view 900 of a fixing system (such as the Figure 1 fixing system 106) is shown according to an example. As previously noted, the fixing system 106 can be at least partially disposed inside the housing 102 and is structurally attached to the housing 102. In some examples, the fixing system 106 can include a first stationary subsystem 108 and a second stationary subsystem 110. In some examples, the fixing system 106 can further include a synchronous motion coupling 112. The synchronous motion coupling 112 couples the first stationary subsystem 108 to the second stationary subsystem 110 and synchronizes the movement of the parts of the first stationary subsystem 108 and the second stationary subsystem 110. In particular, the synchronous motion coupling 112 engages with the idler gear 204 of the first stationary subsystem 108 and the idler gear 908 of the second stationary subsystem 110 such that a rotational movement of either of the idler gears 204 or 908 can cause a linear movement within the synchronous motion coupling.

[0047] In some examples, the synchronous motion coupling 112 can include a first coupling rod 902, a second coupling rod 904, and a coupling gear 906. The first coupling rod 902 can engage with the idler gear 204 of the first fixed subsystem 108, and the second coupling rod 904 can engage with an idler gear 908 (similar to the idler gear 204) of the second fixed subsystem 110. Additionally, the coupling gear 906 can engage with both the first coupling rod 902 and the second coupling rod 904 to allow linear motion of the first coupling rod 902 and linear motion of the second coupling rod 904 when the lever 202 of the first fixed subsystem 108 or the lever 910 (similar to the lever 202) of the second fixed subsystem 110 moves.

[0048] Specifically, to allow the first coupling rod 902 to engage with the idler gear 204 and the coupling gear 906, the first coupling rod 902 can include a plurality of first linear teeth 912 and a plurality of second linear teeth 914 spaced apart from the plurality of first linear teeth 912. Specifically, the first coupling rod 902 can be positioned such that at least some of the plurality of first linear teeth 912 engage with the idler gear 204 of the first fixed subsystem 108, such that rotational motion of the idler gear 204 can cause linear motion of the first coupling rod 902. Additionally, at least some of the plurality of second linear teeth 914 can engage with one or more of the teeth 916 formed on the coupling gear 906. Thus, the coupling gear 906 can rotate according to the linear motion of the first coupling rod 902. For example, motion of the first coupling rod 902 in the direction 918 can cause the coupling gear 906 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, while motion of the first coupling rod 902 in the direction 920 can cause the coupling gear 906 to rotate in the clockwise direction. Motion of the coupling gear 906 in the counterclockwise direction can cause the second coupling rod 904 to move in the direction 920, while motion of the coupling gear 906 in the clockwise direction can cause the second coupling rod 904 to move in the direction 918. When the second coupling rod 904 engages with the idler gear 908 of the second fixed subsystem 110, linear motion of the second coupling rod 904 can cause motion of the idler gear 908 and any other components of the second fixed subsystem 110 connected to the idler gear 908.

[0049] Similarly, in some examples, the second link 904 may include a plurality of third linear teeth 922 and a plurality of fourth linear teeth 924 spaced apart from the plurality of third linear teeth 922. In particular, the second link 904 may be positioned such that at least some of the plurality of third linear teeth 922 engage with the idler gear 908 of the second stationary subsystem 110, such that the rotational movement of the idler gear 908 can cause a linear movement of the second link 904. Additionally, at least some of the plurality of fourth linear teeth 924 may engage with one or more of the teeth 916 formed on the coupling gear 906. Thus, the coupling gear 906 can rotate in accordance with the linear movement of the second link 904. For example, movement of the second link 904 in the direction 918 can cause the coupling gear 906 to rotate in a clockwise direction, while movement of the second link 904 in the direction 920 can cause the coupling gear 906 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Movement of the coupling gear 906 in the counterclockwise direction can cause the first link 902 to move in the direction 918, while movement of the coupling gear 906 in the clockwise direction can cause the first link 902 to move in the direction 920. When the first link 902 engages with the idler gear 204 of the first stationary subsystem 108, the linear movement of the first link 902 can cause movement of the idler gear 204 and any other components of the first stationary subsystem 108 connected to the idler gear 204.

[0050] It will be appreciated that using the synchronous motion coupler 112 in the stationary system 106 can facilitate the synchronous movement of components and the load distribution within the first stationary subsystem 108 and the second stationary subsystem 110, even when only one of the levers 202 or 910 is operated. Thus, by operating either or both of the levers 202 or 910, the computing system 100 can be installed into or removed from the host infrastructure.

[0051] Although certain embodiments have been shown and described above, various changes may be made in form and detail. For example, some features and / or functions described with respect to one embodiment and / or process may be associated with other embodiments. In other words, the processes, features, components, and / or properties described with respect to one embodiment may be used in other embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that the systems and methods described herein may include various combinations and / or sub - combinations of components and / or features of the different embodiments described. Further, the method blocks described in the various methods may be executed in series, in parallel, or in combination. Still further, the method blocks may be executed in a different order than depicted in the flowcharts.

[0052] Further, in the foregoing description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein. However, embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. Other embodiments may include modifications, combinations, and variations of the details discussed above. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A fixing subsystem for fixing an electronic device to a host infrastructure device, the fixing subsystem comprising: a lever; a cam assembly that engages with the lever and is movable due to the pivoting movement of the lever, wherein the cam assembly includes: an insertion cam including a cam body and a cantilever extending from the cam body, wherein the cantilever is configured to engage a limiting structure of the host infrastructure device in response to movement of the insertion cam in a first direction to drive the electronic device into the host infrastructure device, and wherein the cantilever is deformable in response to engagement with the limiting structure; and a load support member disposed on the insertion cam, wherein the load support member includes an arm backing portion, and wherein at least a portion of the cantilever is positioned between the arm backing portion and the cam body such that the arm backing portion limits the amount of deformation of the cantilever by restricting the range of movement of the cantilever relative to the cam body; and an idler gear that engages with the lever and the insertion cam, wherein the idler gear is rotatable due to the pivoting movement of the lever, and rotation of the idler gear causes movement of the insertion cam.

2. The fixing subsystem according to claim 1, wherein, the lever is mounted on the housing of the electronic device via a pivot pin, and the lever is movable relative to the pivot pin.

3. The fixing subsystem according to claim 2, wherein, the fixing subsystem further includes a movement limiting pin attached to the housing and spaced from the pivot pin to limit the pivoting movement of the lever, and wherein the lever includes an elongated guiding opening to receive the movement limiting pin.

4. The fixing subsystem according to claim 1, wherein, the arm backing portion is arranged such that there is a gap between the cantilever and the arm backing portion in the installed state of the electronic device in the host infrastructure device, such that the cantilever can move relative to the cam body.

5. The fixing subsystem according to claim 4, wherein, the lever includes a drive gear having a first set of teeth, and the idler gear includes a second set of teeth, wherein the idler gear is positioned such that the first set of teeth engages with the second set of teeth to convert the pivoting movement of the lever into a rotational movement of the idler gear.

6. The fixing subsystem according to claim 5, wherein, the insertion cam includes a third set of teeth that engages with the second set of teeth to cause angular movement of the cam assembly based on the rotational movement of the idler gear.

7. The fixing subsystem according to claim 5, wherein, the fixing subsystem further includes a backlash biasing member for biasing the idler gear towards the cam assembly and the drive gear.

8. The fixing subsystem according to claim 7, wherein, The idler gear includes a toothless portion, and wherein, the backlash biasing member includes a U-shaped spring, wherein at least a portion of the U-shaped spring is attached to the idler gear support bracket, and at least one other portion of the U-shaped spring contacts the toothless portion of the idler gear to bias the idler gear toward the cam assembly and the drive gear.

9. The stator system according to claim 1, wherein, the insertion cam further includes a protrusion formed on the cam body, and the load support member includes an opening aligned with the protrusion, and wherein the load support member is positioned such that the protrusion is received into the opening formed in the load support member.

10. A stator system, comprising: a first stator system including a first instance of the stator system according to claim 1; and a second stator system coupled to the first stator system via a synchronous motion coupling, wherein the second stator system includes a second instance of the stator system according to claim 1, the synchronous motion coupling including: a first link rod engaging with the idler gear of the first stator system; a second link rod engaging with the idler gear of the second stator system; and a coupling gear engaging with the first link rod and the second link rod to allow linear motion of the first link rod and linear motion of the second link rod, such that rotational motion of the idler gear of the first stator system and / or the idler gear of the second stator system causes linear motion within the synchronous motion coupling.

11. The stator system according to claim 10, wherein, the first link rod includes a plurality of first linear teeth and a plurality of second linear teeth spaced apart from the plurality of first linear teeth, wherein the plurality of first linear teeth engage with the idler gear of the first stator system such that rotational motion of the idler gear of the first stator system causes linear motion of the first link rod, and wherein the plurality of second linear teeth engage with the coupling gear such that linear motion of the first link rod causes linear motion of the second link rod.

12. The stator system according to claim 10, wherein, the second link rod includes a plurality of third linear teeth and a plurality of fourth linear teeth spaced apart from the plurality of third linear teeth, wherein the plurality of third linear teeth engage with the idler gear of the second stator system such that rotational motion of the idler gear of the second stator system causes linear motion of the second link rod, and wherein the plurality of fourth linear teeth engage with the coupling gear such that linear motion of the second link rod causes linear motion of the first link rod.

13. The stator system according to claim 10, wherein, The insertion cam of the first fixing subsystem further includes teeth formed on the cam body of the first fixing subsystem, wherein the teeth formed on the cam body of the first fixing subsystem engage with the idler gear of the first fixing subsystem; and / or, The insertion cam of the second fixing subsystem further includes teeth formed on the cam body of the second fixing subsystem, wherein the teeth formed on the cam body of the second fixing subsystem engage with the idler gear of the second fixing subsystem.

14. An electronic system, comprising: a housing that encapsulates one or more electronic components; and the fixing subsystem according to claim 1, the fixing subsystem being coupled to the housing to fix the housing to a rack.

15. The electronic system according to claim 14, wherein, the fixing subsystem further includes a backlash biasing member configured to contact the idler gear to bias the idler gear toward the cam assembly.

16. The electronic system according to claim 14, wherein, the fixing subsystem includes a first fixing subsystem and a second fixing subsystem coupled to each other via a synchronous motion coupling member, the first fixing subsystem includes a first instance of the fixing subsystem according to claim 1, and the second fixing subsystem includes a second instance of the fixing subsystem according to claim 1, the synchronous motion coupling member includes: a first link rod that engages with the idler gear of the first fixing subsystem; a second link rod that engages with the idler gear of the second fixing subsystem; and a coupling gear that engages with the first link rod and the second link rod to allow linear motion of the first link rod and linear motion of the second link rod, such that rotational motion of the idler gear of the first fixing subsystem and / or the idler gear of the second fixing subsystem causes linear motion within the synchronous motion coupling member.

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