Mechanical clamps, computing systems, and methods for releasably holding electronic devices of a computing system

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to a mechanical clip for a plurality of electronic devices of a computing system. The mechanical clip includes a retainer segment and a fastener segment extending from the retainer segment. The retainer segment has a bore that engages a free end of a first electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices to establish a connection between the mechanical clip and the first electronic device. The fastener segment has an elongated recess that engages a hook of a second electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices to releasably retain the first electronic device to the second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are detachably connected to each other. The second electronic device is disposed in the computing system and is connected to an electronic component coupled with the computing system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to mechanical clamps, computing systems, and methods for releasably holding electronic devices in a computing system. Background Technology

[0002] A graphics processing unit (GPU) card is a specialized electronic device that includes one or more chips (or electronic circuits) that process graphics instructions and present the results on an electronic display unit. Generally, a GPU card is connected to a computing system to handle the system's graphics-related tasks, thereby relieving the main processor of the computing system of the burden of handling such tasks. A computing system without a GPU card may exhibit unacceptably low performance when handling such graphics-related tasks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a mechanical clamp for a plurality of electronic devices in a computing system is disclosed, comprising: a retaining section for engaging a free end of a first electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device; and a fastener section extending from the retaining section and having an elongated groove for engaging a hook of a second electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices to releasably retain the first electronic device to the second electronic device, the first and second electronic devices being detachably connected to each other, and wherein the second electronic device is disposed in the computing system and connected to electronic components coupled to the computing system, wherein the retaining section has a first width and the fastener section has a second width less than the first width to prevent interference between the fastener section and the free end when the mechanical clamp slides on the free end to engage with the first electronic device.

[0004] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computing system is disclosed, comprising: an electronic component coupled to the computing system; a first electronic device and a second electronic device among a plurality of electronic devices, wherein the first electronic device is detachably connected to the second electronic device, and wherein the second electronic device is disposed in the computing system and connected to the electronic component, and wherein the electronic component is a motherboard, the first electronic device is a graphics processing unit (GPU) card, and the second electronic device is an adapter card; and a mechanical clamp comprising: a retaining member section for engaging a free end of the first electronic device to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device; and a fastener section extending from the retaining member section and having an elongated groove for engaging a hook portion of the second electronic device to releasably retain the first electronic device to the second electronic device, wherein the retaining member section has a first width and the fastener section has a second width less than the first width to prevent interference of the fastener section with the free end when the mechanical clamp slides on the free end and engages with the first electronic device.

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for releasably retaining an electronic device of a computing system includes: slidably pushing a mechanical clamp toward a first electronic device and a second electronic device of the computing system detachably connected to each other along a first direction, to i) engage a hook of the second electronic device with an elongated groove in a fastener section of the mechanical clamp to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the second electronic device, and ii) engaging a free end of the first electronic device with a hole in a retainer section of the mechanical clamp to retain the first electronic device to the second electronic device; and slidably pulling the mechanical clamp away from the first electronic device and the second electronic device along a second direction opposite to the first direction, to i) disengage the hook from the elongated groove to release the first electronic device from the second electronic device, and ii) disengage the free end from the hole to release the connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device, wherein the retainer section has a first width and the fastener section has a second width less than the first width to prevent interference of the fastener section with the free end when the mechanical clamp slides on the free end and engages with the first electronic device. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Various examples will be described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0007] Figure 1A The illustration shows a rear perspective view of a portion of a computing system having electronic components and multiple electronic devices according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1B The illustration depicts an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 1AA three-dimensional view of the casing of an electronic device in a computing system.

[0009] Figure 2A The illustration depicts an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 1A and Figure 1B A three-dimensional view of the first electronic device, the second electronic device, and the mechanical fixture in their disengaged state.

[0010] Figure 2B The illustration depicts an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2A A perspective view of the first and second electronic devices when they are detachably connected to each other.

[0011] Figure 2C The illustration shows a mechanical clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B A perspective view of a first electronic device releasably held to a second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are detachably connected to each other.

[0012] Figure 3 The illustration depicts an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2A and Figure 2C An enlarged 3D view of the mechanical fixture.

[0013] Figure 4A The illustration depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure having Figure 2C A three-dimensional cross-section of a computational system that releasably holds the first electronic device to the second electronic device using a mechanical clamp.

[0014] Figure 4B The illustration depicts an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 4A A three-dimensional bottom view of a computing system having a mechanical clamp that releasably holds a first electronic device to a second electronic device.

[0015] Figure 5 The illustration shows a flowchart depicting a method for releasably holding a first electronic device to a second electronic device using a mechanical clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are detachably connected to each other. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and in the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. While several examples are described in this document, modifications, adjustments, and other implementations are possible. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. Rather, the proper scope of the disclosed examples may be defined by the appended claims.

[0017] The terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein are intended to also include the plural forms. As used herein, the term “a plurality” is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term “another” is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the term “coupled” is defined as a connection, whether a direct connection without any intermediate element or an indirect connection by means of at least one intermediate element. Two elements may be mechanically coupled, electrically coupled, and / or communicatively linked via a communication channel, communication path, communication network, or communication system. The term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, third, 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 indicated by the context. As used herein, the term "includes" means including but not limited to, and the term "including" means including but not limited to. The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". As used herein, the term "releasably connected" can refer to temporarily holding a first device to a second device via components to prevent the first device from being detached from the second device, wherein the first device and the second device are connected to each other. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "detachably connected" can refer to components being detached from the first device and the second device.

[0018] For illustrative purposes, refer to Figures 1 to 12. Figure 5 The components or elements illustrated herein depict certain examples. However, the functions of the illustrated components or elements may overlap, and they may exist in fewer or more components and elements. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the illustrated elements may coexist or be distributed across several geographically dispersed locations. Moreover, the disclosed examples can be implemented in various environments and are not limited to the examples shown. Furthermore, the use of… Figure 5 The sequence of operations by which the mechanical clamp releasably holds the first electronic device to the second electronic device is exemplary and not intended to be limiting. Additional or fewer operations or combinations thereof may be used or modified without departing from the scope of the disclosed examples. Therefore, this disclosure merely sets forth possible examples of embodiments, and many changes and modifications can be made to the described examples. Such modifications and alterations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0019] With the development of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and supercomputing technologies, the demand for GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) for processing graphics-related tasks is constantly increasing. A GPU is a specialized electronic device that includes one or more chips (or electronic circuits) that process graphics instructions and present the results on an electronic display unit. Generally, GPUs are detachably connected to a computing system to handle its graphics-related tasks. Because GPUs are equipped to handle graphics-related tasks, the main processor of the computing system can be relieved of this responsibility, thereby improving the system's performance. When a computing system does not include a GPU, it may experience unacceptably low performance when handling such graphics-related tasks. Accordingly, computer hardware manufacturers or suppliers can pre-install one or more GPUs in the computing system at the factory to avoid such performance issues.

[0020] Generally, GPU cards are positioned at the rear of a computing system, arranged horizontally along the system's axis, and connected to the system's motherboard via adapter cards that insert into the motherboard. Due to rack size limitations, computing systems may have internal space constraints (e.g., height, length, width) to allow for rack mounting. Furthermore, the rear of the computing system may have limited internal space due to the space occupied by other electronic devices such as power supplies, PCIe devices, etc. To effectively utilize the available internal space at the rear of the computing system, adapter cards are first vertically connected to the motherboard, and then the GPU cards are horizontally connected to the adapter cards. This orientation of the adapter cards and GPU cards effectively utilizes the available internal space at the rear of the computing system. In particular, because the GPU cards are horizontally oriented, they can effectively utilize the available internal space for connection to the motherboard via the adapter cards, regardless of their height. Accordingly, some computing systems can be configured to accommodate a full-height, full-length (FHFL) GPU card in one slot (e.g., the first slot) and two half-height, half-length (HHHL) GPU cards in other slots (e.g., the second and third slots) to handle the computing system’s graphics-related tasks.

[0021] Typically, vertically oriented adapter cards have an electronic connector that inserts into a vertically oriented electronic socket on the motherboard to establish a connection between the adapter card and the motherboard. Similarly, horizontally oriented GPU cards have another electronic connector that inserts into a horizontally oriented electronic socket on the adapter card to establish a connection between the GPU card and the motherboard via the adapter card. Because the GPU card is horizontally oriented to connect to the adapter card, and because the GPU card does not receive sufficient support from the chassis to withstand forces applied in the horizontal direction, it can easily pop out (or detach) from the adapter card in certain situations. For example, the GPU card may detach from the adapter card when the computing system is subjected to horizontal vibrations during transportation or maintenance. Generally, the customer or vendor may not notice when the GPU card detaches from the adapter card. In this situation, when the computing system is deployed in a data center environment, the main processor of the computing system may be forced to handle both routine and graphics-related tasks simultaneously, resulting in unacceptably low performance. This may require troubleshooting the computing system to correct this performance-related problem. Consequently, the computing system may be forced to shut down in ways that could otherwise be avoided, in order to correct the performance-related issue by reconnecting the GPU card to the adapter card. Furthermore, shutting down the computing system can also momentarily impact the workload performance of the data center environment. Additionally, performance-related issues with the computing system can damage the brand reputation of computer hardware manufacturers.

[0022] A technical solution to the above problems may include providing a mechanical clamp to releasably hold a first electronic device to a second electronic device and prevent them from separating from each other, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are connected to each other. In some examples, the first electronic device is a GPU card and the second electronic device is an adapter card. In one or more examples, the mechanical clamp may engage with the GPU card to establish a connection with the GPU card, and may further engage with the adapter card to releasably hold the GPU card to the adapter card. For example, the mechanical clamp may include a retaining section with a hole that engages with a free end of the GPU card to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the GPU card. The mechanical clamp may further include a fastener section with an elongated groove that engages with a hook of the adapter card to releasably hold the GPU card to the adapter card. In one or more examples, with the retaining section engaged with the free end and the fastener section engaged with the hook, the mechanical clamp can prevent the GPU card from separating from the adapter card. Accordingly, the mechanical clamp can provide sufficient support to the GPU card to withstand forces (e.g., vibration) applied along the horizontal direction of the computing system, thereby preventing the GPU card from detaching from the adapter card. In some examples, the force required to eject the mechanical clamp along the horizontal direction in the engaged state is greater than the force generated by vibration along the horizontal direction during transport or maintenance events that would eject the GPU card from the adapter card. In one or more examples, the force generated by vibration can be in the range of approximately 11 to 15 pounds, while the force required to eject the mechanical clamp can exceed 20 pounds. Accordingly, the force required to eject the mechanical clamp is greater than the force generated by vibration. Therefore, the mechanical clamp can assist in releasably holding the GPU card to the adapter card. With the retaining section detached from the free end and the fastener section detached from the hook, the mechanical clamp can allow the GPU card to detach from the adapter card. In some examples, the mechanical clamp can be separated from both the adapter card and the GPU card to allow the GPU card to detach from the adapter card.

[0023] In some examples, an adapter card is positioned within a computing system and connected to electronic components (e.g., the motherboard of the computing system), while a GPU card is positioned in a slot within the computing system and detachably connected to the adapter card. For example, the adapter card may be vertically oriented and connected to the electronic components, while the GPU card may be horizontally oriented and connected to the adapter card. In these examples, the mechanical clamp is slidably pushed toward the GPU card and adapter card by applying a linear force to the actuator section of the mechanical clamp along a first direction (e.g., a first longitudinal direction) to engage the hook into an elongated recess and engage the free end into a hole, thereby clamping (or holding) the GPU card to the adapter card. Furthermore, the mechanical clamp is slidably pulled away from the GPU card and adapter card by applying a linear force to the actuator section along a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., a second longitudinal direction) to disengage the hook from the elongated recess and disengage the free end from the hole, thereby releasing (or releasing) the GPU card from the adapter card. In some examples, the linear force applied for engaging and disengaging the mechanical clamp may be approximately 5 pounds (lbs).

[0024] Accordingly, since the GPU card remains connected to the adapter card, the mechanical fixture of this disclosure can hold the GPU card to the adapter card and contribute to optimized performance for one or more main processors of the computing system. Furthermore, the computing system may not be forced to shut down to correct performance-related issues. Therefore, the mechanical fixture can ensure that the computing system remains continuously available to perform one or more tasks without any downtime. In addition, the mechanical fixture can have a design that is easy to manufacture and install, and can be cost-effective.

[0025] Accordingly, this disclosure describes an exemplary embodiment of a computing system having a mechanical clamp for releasably holding a plurality of electronic devices of the computing system. The mechanical clamp includes a retaining section and a fastener section extending from the retaining section. The retaining section has a hole that engages with a free end of a first electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device. The fastener section has an elongated groove that engages with a hook of a second electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices to releasably hold the first electronic device to the second electronic device, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are detachably connected to each other. The second electronic device is arranged in the computing system and connected to electronic components coupled to the computing system. In some examples, the first electronic device is a graphics processing unit (GPU) card, the second electronic device is an adapter card, and the electronic components are a motherboard of the computing system.

[0026] Switch to the attached image. Figure 1A A rear-view perspective view depicting a portion of the computing system 100 is shown. Figure 1BA first electronic device housing 104A of the computing system 100 is depicted. In the following description, for ease of illustration, it is also described... Figure 1A and Figure 1B In one or more examples, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, computing system 100 may be a server system, a network system, or a storage system, etc.

[0027] In some examples, the computing system 100 includes a chassis 102, a plurality of electronic device housings 104, and a power supply housing 106. The plurality of electronic device housings 104 and power supply housings 106 are arranged spaced apart from each other along a horizontal direction 10 of the computing system 100 and are coupled to the chassis 102. The chassis 102 may be a box-shaped enclosure formed by a pair of walls 108 and a rear panel 110, the walls and the rear panel being connected to each other to define an internal space 112 at a rear end 114 of the chassis 102. In such an example, the chassis 102 may house electronic components 116, the plurality of electronic device housings 104, and the power supply housing 106 within the internal space 112 at the rear end 114 of the chassis 102.

[0028] In some examples, multiple electronic device housings 104 include a first electronic device housing 104A and a second electronic device housing 104B. Figure 1AIn the example, the first electronics housing 104A is shown raised from the chassis 102 to illustrate the electronic components 116 arranged within the chassis 102. This illustration of the first electronics housing 104A should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. When arranged within the chassis 102, the first electronics housing 104A defines a first slot 130 and a second slot 132 of the chassis 102. In some examples, the first slot 130 and the second slot 132 are positioned adjacent to each other along the horizontal direction 10 of the computing system 100. In such examples, the first slot 130 may be configured to receive an electronics device (not shown), such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) card with a full-height, full-length (FHFL) form factor. The second slot 132 may be configured to receive a first electronics device 118, such as a GPU card with a half-height, half-length (HHHL) form factor. Furthermore, the second electronics housing 104B defines a third slot 134 of the chassis 102. In such an example, the third slot 134 can be configured to receive a third electronic device 124, such as a GPU card with an HHHL form factor. It can be noted that the HHHL form factor can be alternatively referred to as the small outline form factor. In one or more examples, the full height (FH) can be approximately 111.15 mm, and the full length (FL) can be approximately 312 mm. Similarly, the half height (HH) can be approximately 68.9 mm, and the half length (HL) can be approximately 167.65 mm. In some examples, the power supply housing 106 supports one or more power supplies (not shown), which can be configured to receive power to the electronic components and electronic devices of the computing system 100.

[0029] In some examples, electronic component 116 is the motherboard of computing system 100. Electronic component 116 is disposed within chassis 102 and coupled to the base of chassis 102 via a plurality of fasteners (not shown). Electronic component 116 may include a first electronic component socket 136 (or electronic component receptacle) positioned between a first slot 130 and a second slot 132 of chassis 102 and extending vertically upward from electronic component 116 along a vertical direction 20. Electronic component 116 may further include a second electronic component socket (not shown) positioned adjacent to a third slot 134 of chassis 102 and extending vertically upward from electronic component 116 along a vertical direction 20. In one or more examples, each of the first electronic component socket 136 and the second electronic component socket may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) socket or a Peripheral Component Interconnect High Speed ​​(PCIe) socket.

[0030] The plurality of electronic devices include a first electronic device 118, a second electronic device 120, a third electronic device 124, and a fourth electronic device 126. As discussed herein, each of the first electronic device 118 and the third electronic device 124 is a GPU card having a small outline shape factor or an HHHL shape factor. In one or more examples, the GPU card may be a dedicated electronic device comprising one or more chips or electronic circuits (not shown) for processing graphics instructions and presenting the results on an electronic display unit of the computing system 100. In some non-limiting examples, the GPU card is at least one of a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) card or a Peripheral Component Interconnect High Speed ​​(PCIe) card. Each of the first electronic device 118 and the second electronic device 124 has a height “H”, a length “L”, and a width “W”. The height “H” is defined along a horizontal direction 10 of the computing system 100, the width “W” is defined along a vertical direction 20 of the computing system 100, and the length “L” is defined along a longitudinal direction 30 of the computing system 100. It may be noted herein that the longitudinal direction 30 may be perpendicular to the horizontal direction 10. Similarly, each of the second electronic device 120 and the fourth electronic device 126 is an adapter card. In one or more examples, the adapter card may be a printed circuit board (PCB) that provides the electronic component 116 (e.g., a motherboard) with the option to add additional electronic devices (e.g., the first electronic device 118 and the third electronic device 124) to the computing system 100 to enhance the performance of the computing system 100 in handling graphics-related tasks.

[0031] Reference Figures 1A to 1B Each of the second electronic device 120 and the fourth electronic device 126 is connected to the electronic component 116. For example, the second electronic device 120 may include an electronic plug (in Figure 1A and Figure 1B (Not shown in the image), the electronic plug is inserted into the first electronic component socket 136 of the electronic component 116 to connect the second electronic device 120 to the electronic component 116. Similarly, the fourth electronic device 126 may include another electronic plug (in... Figure 1A and Figure 1B (Not shown in the image), this other electronic plug is inserted into the second electronic component socket of electronic component 116 to connect the fourth electronic device 126 to electronic component 116. Afterwards, each of the first electronic device 118 and the third electronic device 124 is connected to the second electronic device 120 and the fourth electronic device 126, respectively. For example, the first electronic device 118 may include an electronic plug 138 (such as...). Figures 2A to 2B As shown), the electronic plug is inserted into the electronic socket 142 of the second electronic device 120 (as shown). Figures 2A to 2BAs shown, the first electronic device 118 is detachably connected to the second electronic device 120. The first electronic device 118 further includes a support element, such as a first flange 119 located at its rear end (not labeled) (e.g. Figure 2A (Clearly shown in the diagram). In one or more examples, the first flange 119 is coupled to the rear end 114 of the chassis 102 to adequately support the first electronic device 118, thereby withstanding the force applied to the first electronic device 118 along the longitudinal direction 30. Similarly, the third electronic device 124 may include another electronic plug (in... Figure 1A and Figure 1B (Not shown in the image), this other electronic plug is inserted into another electronic socket of the fourth electronic device 126 (in... Figure 1A and Figure 1B (Not shown) to detachably connect the third electronic device 124 to the fourth electronic device 126. The third electronic device 124 may also include another support element, such as a third flange (not shown) located at its rear end. In one or more examples, the third flange may be coupled to the rear end 114 of the chassis 102 to adequately support the third electronic device 124, thereby withstanding the forces applied to the third electronic device 124 along the longitudinal direction 30.

[0032] However, the first electronic device 118 and the third electronic device 124 may not receive sufficient support from the chassis 102 to withstand the forces exerted on them along the horizontal direction 10. Therefore, in some situations, at least one of the first electronic device 118 and the third electronic device 124 may easily pop out (or detach) from the second electronic device 120 and the fourth electronic device 126, respectively. For example, when the computing system 100 is subjected to vibration along the horizontal direction 10 during transportation or maintenance, the first electronic device 118 may detach from the second electronic device 120 and / or the third electronic device 124 may detach from the fourth electronic device 126. Generally, when the first electronic device 118 detaches from the second electronic device 120 and / or the third electronic device 124 detaches from the fourth electronic device 126, the customer or supplier may not notice. In this situation, one or more main processors (not shown) of the computing system 100 may be forced to handle both routine and graphics tasks simultaneously while performing one or more tasks, resulting in unacceptably low performance. Accordingly, the computing system 100 of this disclosure may further include a first mechanical clamp 122 (or mechanical clamp) and a second mechanical clamp 128 to releasably hold a first electronic device 118 to a second electronic device 120 and to releasably hold a third electronic device 124 to a fourth electronic device 126, respectively. In such an example, the first mechanical clamp 122 can prevent the first electronic device 118 from separating from the second electronic device 120, and the second mechanical clamp 128 can prevent the third electronic device 124 from separating from the fourth electronic device 126. In other words, the mechanical clamp 122 can provide sufficient support to the first electronic device 118 to withstand forces (e.g., vibrations) applied along the horizontal direction 10, thereby preventing the first electronic device 118 from separating from the second electronic device 120. Similarly, the second mechanical clamp 128 can provide sufficient support to the third electronic device 124 to withstand forces (e.g., vibrations) applied along the horizontal direction 10, thereby preventing the third electronic device 124 from separating from the fourth electronic device 126. Accordingly, since the first electronic device 118 remains connected to the second electronic device 120 and the third electronic device 124 remains connected to the fourth electronic device 126, the first mechanical clamp 122 and the second mechanical clamp 128 of this disclosure can help one or more main processors of the computing system 100 to have optimized performance. Accordingly, the computing system 100 can avoid being forced to shut down to correct performance-related problems, thereby ensuring that the computing system 100 is continuously available to perform one or more tasks without any downtime. The structure of the first mechanical clamp 122 and / or the second mechanical clamp 128, and the method of using the mechanical clamps 122, 128 to clamp electronic devices, are explained in more detail below.

[0033] Figure 2A Depicting Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of the first electronic device 118, the second electronic device 120, and the mechanical clamp 122 in their disengaged state. Figure 2B Depicting Figure 2A A perspective view of the first electronic device 118 and the second electronic device 120 being detachably connected to each other. Figure 2C The mechanical clamp 122 is depicted Figure 2B A perspective view of a first electronic device 118 releasably held to a second electronic device 120, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are detachably connected to each other. Figure 3 Depicting Figures 2A to 2C An enlarged perspective view of the mechanical clamp 122. In the following description, for ease of illustration, it is also described... Figures 2A to 2C and Figure 3 It may be noted in this document that, for the sake of illustration and simplification, the third electronic device 124, the fourth electronic device 126, and the second mechanical fixture 128 are not discussed herein, and such omission of these components should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure.

[0034] Reference Figure 2A The first electronic device 118 includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) 137 having a first electronic connector 138 that protrudes outward from the first PCB 137 along a horizontal direction 10 of the computing system 100. The first electronic connector 138 may be interconnected to one or more chips of the first electronic device 118 via one or more traces (not shown) formed in the first PCB 137. In one or more examples, the first electronic connector 138 may be at least one of a PCI connector or a PCIe connector. The first electronic device 118 may further include a free end 138A that protrudes outward from an outer peripheral portion of the first electronic connector 138 along a longitudinal direction 30. In one or more examples, the first electronic device 118 is oriented along the horizontal direction 10 of the computing system 100.

[0035] The second electronic device 120 includes a second PCB 139, a second electronic plug 140, a first electronic socket 142, and a second electronic socket 144. The first electronic socket 142 and the second electronic socket 144 are disposed on opposite surfaces of the second PCB 139 and each protrudes outward from its respective surface along a horizontal direction 10. The second electronic plug 140 protrudes downward from the second PCB 129 along a vertical direction 20 of the computing system 100. The second electronic plug 140 may interconnect with the first electronic socket 142 and the second electronic socket 144 via one or more traces (not shown) formed in the second PCB 139. In one or more examples, the second electronic plug 140 may be at least one of a PCI plug or a PCIe plug. Similarly, each of the first electronic socket 142 and the second electronic socket 144 may be at least one of a PCI socket or a PCIe socket. The first electronic socket 142 may include a plurality of hooks 142A spaced apart from each other and formed on the bottom surface of the first electronic socket 142. Each hook 142A protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the first electronic socket 142 along the vertical direction 20. In one or more examples, the second electronic device 120 is oriented along the vertical direction 20 of the computing system 100.

[0036] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 3 The mechanical clamp 122 is a clamping element designed to hold two or more electronic devices together, preventing them from separating from each other. In some examples, the mechanical clamp 122 may be made of a polymer material, rubber, or a metal sheet, etc. In one or more examples, the mechanical clamp 122 includes a retaining section 146, a fastener section 148, and an actuator section 150. The fastener section 148 and the actuator section 150 extend from the retaining section 146 in opposite directions. For example, a first end of the retaining section 146 is connected to the fastener section 148, and a second end of the retaining section 146 is connected to the actuator section 150. Accordingly, the fastener section 148 has a first end connected to the retaining section 146 and a second free end. Similarly, the actuator section 150 has a first end connected to the retaining section 146 and a second free end. In some examples, retainer section 146 has a first width “W1”, fastener section 148 has a second width “W2”, and driver section 150 has a third width “W3”, wherein each of the first width “W1”, the second width “W2”, and the third width “W3” extends along the vertical direction 20 of computing system 100.

[0037] The retaining segment 146 has a profile along its top surface that substantially resembles the profile of the free end 138A of the first electronic device 118. In some examples, the retaining segment 146 having the same profile as the free end 138A can facilitate the positioning of the retaining segment 146 on the free end 138A when the mechanical clamp 122 slides on the first electronic device 118. Furthermore, the retaining segment 146 includes a hole 146A at its second end and is positioned below the actuator segment 150. The fastener segment 148 includes an elongated groove 148A formed along its top surface and extending between the first end and the second free end of the fastener segment 148. The actuator segment 150 has a first ergonomic feature 150A at the first end of the actuator segment and outside the hole 146A. Furthermore, the actuator segment 150 has a second ergonomic feature 150B formed at the second free end. The first ergonomic feature 150A may include a tab having a flat portion and a rounded corner portion. The second ergonomic feature 150B may include another tab having a flat portion and a rounded corner portion. The first ergonomic feature 150A and the second ergonomic feature 150B may allow the mechanical clamp 122 to be easily pulled and pushed to switch between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In some examples, the mechanical clamp 122 is a discrete component that can be separated from the first electronic device 118 and the second electronic device 120. In some examples, the elongated groove 148A has a height “H1” and each hook 142A has a height “H2”, both extending along the horizontal direction 10 of the computing system 100. In some examples, the height “H1” is in the range of approximately 3.5 mm to 4 mm, and the height “H2” is in the range of approximately 3.5 mm to 4 mm. Similarly, the hole 146A has a height “H3”, and the free end 138A has a height “H4”, both extending along the horizontal direction 10 of the computing system 100. In some examples, the height “H3” is in the range of approximately 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm, and the height “H4” is in the range of approximately 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm. In one or more examples, the height “H1” of the elongated groove 148A and the height “H2” of the hook 142A are substantially equal, thereby allowing the hook 142A to interlock (or pressure-fit) with the elongated groove 148A when the mechanical clamp 122 slides on the second electronic device 120. Similarly, the height “H3” of the hole 146A and the height “H4” of the free end 138A are substantially equal, thereby allowing the free end 138A to protrude (or pressure-fit) along the hole 146A when the mechanical clamp 122 slides on the first electronic device 118.

[0038] As referenced in this article Figure 1A and Figure 1B The second electronic plug 140 of the second electronic device 120 is inserted into the electronic component socket 136 of the electronic component 116 (e.g., Figure 1A As shown, the second electronic device 120 is connected to the electronic component 116. Since the electronic component socket 136 is oriented along the vertical direction 20, the second electronic device 120 must be oriented along the vertical direction 20 to insert the second electronic plug 140 into the electronic component socket 136 and establish a connection between the second electronic device 120 and the electronic component 116.

[0039] Reference Figure 2B A first electronic plug 138 of a first electronic device 118 is inserted into a first electronic socket 142 of a second electronic device 120 to detachably connect the first electronic device 118 to the second electronic device 120. Since the first electronic socket 142 is oriented along the horizontal direction 10, the first electronic device 118 must also be oriented along the horizontal direction 10 to insert the first electronic plug 138 into the first electronic socket 142 and establish a connection between the first electronic device 118 and the second electronic device 120. In such an example, the free end 138A of the first electronic device 118 is located outside the first electronic socket 142 and protrudes outward from the outer peripheral side of the first electronic plug 138 along the longitudinal direction 30. Similarly, each hook portion 142A of the second electronic device 120 is located outside the first electronic socket 142 and protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the first electronic socket 142 along the vertical direction 20.

[0040] Reference Figure 2C By applying a linear force to the actuator segment 150 along a first direction 30A (e.g., a first longitudinal direction), the mechanical clamp 122 is slidably pushed toward the first electronic device 118 and the second electronic device 120 to engage the hook portion 142A (e.g., one or more hooks) into the elongated recess 148A and engage the free end portion 138A into the hole 146A. In some examples, the magnitude of the linear force required to slidably push the mechanical clamp 122 to engage with the first electronic device 118 and the second electronic device 120 may be approximately 5 pounds. In some examples, the friction established between the mechanical clamp 122 and the first electronic device 118 as the mechanical clamp 122 slides may allow the mechanical clamp 122 to be properly aligned on the first electronic device 118 and allow the free end portion 138A to protrude through the hole 146A.

[0041] Similarly, by applying a linear force to the actuator section 150 along a second direction 30B (e.g., a second longitudinal direction) opposite to the first direction 30A, the mechanical clamp 122 can be slidably pulled away from the first electronic device 118 and the second electronic device 120 to disengage the hook 142A (e.g., one or more hooks) from the elongated recess 148A and disengage the free end 138A from the hole 146A. In some examples, the magnitude of the linear force required to slidably pull the mechanical clamp 122 away from the first electronic device 118 and the second electronic device 120 may be approximately 5 pounds. In some examples, with the retaining section 146 engaged with the free end 138A and the fastener section 148 engaged with the hook 142A, the mechanical clamp 122 prevents the first electronic device 118 from separating from the second electronic device 120. For example, the mechanical clamp 122 may provide sufficient support to the first electronic device 118 to withstand forces (e.g., vibrations) applied along the horizontal direction 10, thereby preventing the first electronic device 118 from separating from the second electronic device 120. In some examples, the force required to eject the mechanical clamp 122 exceeds 20 pounds, which is greater than the force generated by vibration (approximately 11 pounds). Therefore, in the engaged state, the mechanical clamp 122 can help releasably retain the first electronic device 118 to the second electronic device 120. However, with the retaining section 146 disengaged from the free end 138A and the fastener section 148 disengaged from the hook 142A, the mechanical clamp 122 allows the first electronic device 118 to detach from the second electronic device 120.

[0042] In one or more examples, the second width “W2” of the fastener section 148 is smaller than the first width “W1” of the fastener section 148 to prevent the fastener section 148 from interfering with the free end 138A when the mechanical clamp 122 slides on the free end 138A to engage with the first electronic device 118. Similarly, the third width “W3” of the actuator section 150 is larger than the first width “W1” of the retainer section 146 to allow the user easy access to the mechanical clamp 122 to move it between the engaged and disengaged states.

[0043] Figure 4A Depicting with Figure 2C A cross-sectional perspective view of a computing system 100 that releasably holds a first electronic device 118 to a second electronic device 120 via a mechanical clamp 122. Figure 4B Depicting Figure 4A A three-dimensional bottom view of a computing system 100 having a mechanical clamp 122 that releasably holds a first electronic device 118 to a second electronic device 120. In the following description, for ease of illustration, the following description is also presented. Figures 4A to 4B .

[0044] In some examples, in the engaged (or clamped) state of the mechanical clamp 122, the free end 138A protrudes through the hole 146A to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp 122 and the first electronic device 118. Furthermore, the elongated groove 148A interlocks with one or more hooks 142A to releasably retain the first electronic device 118 to the second electronic device 120. Accordingly, in the engaged (or clamped) state of the retaining section 146 and the free end 138A, and the fastener section 148 and the hooks 142A, the mechanical clamp 122 prevents the first electronic device 118 from separating from the second electronic device 120. However, in the disengaged (or released) state of the retaining section 146 and the free end 138A, and the fastener section 148 and the hooks 142A, the mechanical clamp 122 allows the first electronic device 118 to separate from the second electronic device 120.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a flowchart depicting a method 500 for releasably clamping a first electronic device to a second electronic device using a mechanical clamp, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are detachably connected to each other. It should be noted herein that method 500 combines, for example... Figures 1A to 1B , Figures 2A to 2C , Figure 3 and Figures 4A to 4B To describe it.

[0046] Method 500 begins at block 502 and continues to block 504. At block 504, method 500 includes slidably pushing a mechanical clamp toward a first and second electronic device, detachably connected to each other, of the computing system to move the mechanical clamp into an engaged state. For example, the mechanical clamp slides along a first direction to i) engage a hook of the second electronic device into a recess in a fastener section of the mechanical clamp, thereby establishing a connection between the mechanical clamp and the second electronic device, and ii) engage a free end of the first electronic device into a hole in a retainer section of the mechanical clamp, thereby retaining the first electronic device to the second electronic device. Accordingly, in the engaged state of the retainer section with the free end and the fastener section with the hook, the mechanical clamp prevents the first electronic device from separating from the second electronic device. Method 500 continues to block 506.

[0047] At frame 506, method 500 includes slidably pulling a mechanical clamp away from a first electronic device and a second electronic device that are detachably connected to each other, to move the mechanical clamp to a disengaged state. For example, the mechanical clamp slides along a second direction opposite to the first direction to i) disengage the hook from the groove, thereby releasing the first electronic device from the second electronic device, and ii) disengage the free end from the hole, thereby releasing the connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device. Accordingly, with the retaining section disengaged from the free end and the fastener section disengaged from the hook, the mechanical clamp allows the first electronic device to be separated from the second electronic device.

[0048] In some examples, a second electronic device is arranged in the computing system and connected to an electronic component coupled to the computing system. In one or more examples, the electronic component is a motherboard, the first electronic device is a graphics processing unit (GPU) card, and the second electronic device is an adapter card. In some examples, the GPU card may have a small outline shape factor. In one or more examples, the GPU card may be either a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card or a peripheral component interconnect high-speed (PCIe) card. Method 500 ends at box 508.

[0049] The various features illustrated in the examples described in this paper can be implemented in a computing system with mechanical fixtures. Accordingly, the mechanical fixture can releasably hold the GPU card to the adapter card, allowing the GPU card to remain continuously available to handle the computing system's graphics tasks. Therefore, because the GPU card remains connected to the adapter card, the mechanical fixture can contribute to optimized performance for one or more main processors of the computing system. Consequently, the computing system may not be forced to shut down to correct performance-related issues, thus ensuring continuous availability of the computing system to perform one or more jobs without any downtime. Furthermore, the mechanical fixture can have a simple design that is easy to manufacture and install, and can be cost-effective.

[0050] In the foregoing description, numerous details have been set forth to provide an understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein. However, embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these 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 mechanical clamp for multiple electronic devices in a computing system, comprising: A retaining section for engaging with the free end of a first electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device; as well as A fastener section extending from the retaining member section and having an elongated groove for engaging a hook of a second electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices, thereby releasably retaining the first electronic device to the second electronic device. The first and second electronic devices are detachably connected to each other, and wherein the second electronic device is disposed in the computing system and connected to electronic components coupled to the computing system. The retaining member section has a first width, and the fastener section has a second width smaller than the first width, so as to prevent interference between the fastener section and the free end when the mechanical clamp slides on the free end and engages with the first electronic device.

2. The mechanical clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The mechanical clamp can be detached from the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

3. The mechanical clamp according to claim 1, wherein, In the engaged state of the retaining section and the free end, and the fastener section and the hook, the mechanical clamp prevents the first electronic device from separating from the second electronic device, and wherein, in the state of the retaining section disengaging from the free end and the fastener section disengaging from the hook, the mechanical clamp allows the first electronic device to separate from the second electronic device.

4. The mechanical clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining section has a hole through which the free end extends to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device, and wherein the elongated groove interlocks with the hook to releasably retain the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

5. The mechanical clamp according to claim 4, wherein, The height of the elongated groove is in the range of 3.5 mm to 4 mm, the height of the hook is in the range of 3.5 mm to 4 mm, the height of the hole is in the range of 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm, and the height of the free end is in the range of 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm.

6. The mechanical clamp according to claim 4, further comprising: A driver section that extends from the retainer section. Specifically, by applying a linear force to the driver section along a first direction, the mechanical clamp is slidably pushed toward the first electronic device and the second electronic device to engage the hook portion into the elongated groove and engage the free end portion into the hole. Specifically, by applying the linear force to the driver segment along a second direction opposite to the first direction, the mechanical clamp is slidably pulled away from the first electronic device and the second electronic device to disengage the hook from the elongated groove and the free end from the hole.

7. The mechanical clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic component is the motherboard of the computing system, the first electronic device is a graphics processing unit (GPU) card, and the second electronic device is an adapter card, wherein the GPU card has a small outline shape factor, and wherein the GPU card is one of a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card or a peripheral component interconnect (PCIe) high-speed PCIe card.

8. A computing system, comprising: Electronic components connected to the computing system; A first electronic device and a second electronic device in a plurality of electronic devices, wherein the first electronic device is detachably connected to the second electronic device, and wherein the second electronic device is disposed in the computing system and connected to the electronic component, and wherein the electronic component is a motherboard, the first electronic device is a graphics processing unit (GPU) card, and the second electronic device is an adapter card; and Mechanical clamp, the mechanical clamp comprising: A retaining section for engaging with the free end of the first electronic device to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device; and A fastener section extending from the retaining member section and having an elongated groove for engaging with a hook of the second electronic device, thereby releasably retaining the first electronic device to the second electronic device. The retaining member section has a first width, and the fastener section has a second width smaller than the first width, so as to prevent the fastener section from interfering with the free end when the mechanical clamp slides on the free end and engages with the first electronic device.

9. The computing system according to claim 8, wherein, The mechanical clamp can be detached from the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

10. The computing system according to claim 8, wherein, In the engaged state of the retaining section and the free end, and the fastener section and the hook, the mechanical clamp prevents the first electronic device from separating from the second electronic device, and wherein, in the state of the retaining section disengaging from the free end and the fastener section disengaging from the hook, the mechanical clamp allows the first electronic device to separate from the second electronic device.

11. The computing system according to claim 8, wherein, The retaining section has a hole through which the free end protrudes to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device, and wherein the elongated groove interlocks with the hook to releasably retain the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

12. The computing system according to claim 11, wherein, The height of the elongated groove is in the range of 3.5 mm to 4 mm, the height of the hook is in the range of 3.5 mm to 4 mm, the height of the hole is in the range of 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm, and the height of the free end is in the range of 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm.

13. The computing system according to claim 11, further comprising: A driver section that extends from the retainer section. Specifically, by applying a linear force to the driver section along a first direction, the mechanical clamp is slidably pushed toward the first electronic device and the second electronic device to engage the hook portion into the elongated groove and engage the free end portion into the hole. Specifically, by applying the linear force to the driver segment along a second direction opposite to the first direction, the mechanical clamp is slidably pulled away from the first electronic device and the second electronic device to disengage the hook from the elongated groove and the free end from the hole.

14. The computing system according to claim 8, wherein, The first electronic device includes an electronic plug having the free end, wherein the second electronic device includes an electronic socket having the hook, and wherein the electronic plug engages with the electronic socket to detachably connect the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

15. The computing system according to claim 8, wherein, The GPU card has a small outline shape factor, and wherein the GPU card is one of a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) card or a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCIe) high-speed PCIe card.

16. A method for releasably retaining an electronic device for a computing system, comprising: A mechanical clamp is slidably pushed along a first direction toward a first and a second electronic device that are detachably connected to each other in the computing system, i) engaging the hook of the second electronic device into an elongated groove in a fastener section of the mechanical clamp to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the second electronic device, and ii) engaging the free end of the first electronic device into a hole in a retainer section of the mechanical clamp to retain the first electronic device to the second electronic device. as well as The mechanical clamp is slidably pulled away from the first electronic device and the second electronic device along a second direction opposite to the first direction, to i) disengage the hook from the elongated groove, thereby releasing the first electronic device from the second electronic device, and ii) disengage the free end from the hole, thereby releasing the connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device. The retaining member section has a first width, and the fastener section has a second width smaller than the first width, so as to prevent the fastener section from interfering with the free end when the mechanical clamp slides on the free end and engages with the first electronic device.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, In the engaged state of the retaining section and the free end, and the fastener section and the hook, the mechanical clamp prevents the first electronic device from separating from the second electronic device, and wherein, in the state of the retaining section disengaging from the free end and the fastener section disengaging from the hook, the mechanical clamp allows the first electronic device to separate from the second electronic device.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The second electronic device is disposed in the computing system and connected to an electronic component connected to the computing system, wherein the electronic component is the motherboard of the computing system, the first electronic device is a graphics processing unit (GPU) card, and the second electronic device is an adapter card, wherein the GPU card has a small outline shape factor, and wherein the GPU card is one of a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card or a peripheral component interconnect (PCIe) high-speed PCIe card.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, The retaining section has a hole through which the free end extends to establish a connection between the mechanical clamp and the first electronic device, and wherein the elongated groove interlocks with the hook to releasably retain the first electronic device to the second electronic device.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The height of the elongated groove is in the range of 3.5 mm to 4 mm, the height of the hook is in the range of 3.5 mm to 4 mm, the height of the hole is in the range of 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm, and the height of the free end is in the range of 1.2 mm to 1.7 mm.

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