Modular rear panel system for a chassis of an electronic device

Abstract

A modular rear panel system for a chassis of an electronic device is provided. A modular rear panel system for a chassis of an electronic device includes modular supports and modular rear panel segments. The supports are each configured to be selectively coupled to the chassis at a corresponding one of a plurality of support mounting locations. The rear panel segments are each configured to be selectively coupled to one or more corresponding ones of the modular supports. The supports and the plurality of rear panel segments include a plurality of different combinations, i.e., groupings, wherein each combination includes a subset of the rear panel segments and a subset of the supports that can be assembled together to form a rear panel of the chassis, with the subset of the supports coupled to the mounting locations and the subset of the rear panel segments coupled to the subset of the supports. The respective rear panels that can be formed from the plurality of combinations have mutually different rear panel configurations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a modular rear panel system for an electronic device enclosure, an electronic device enclosure, an electronic device, and a method for assembling a rear panel. Background Technology

[0002] introduction

[0003] In many electronic systems, such as servers and networking devices, the system's electronic components (e.g., processors, memory, storage drives, etc.) are enclosed within and / or supported by a mechanical structure known as a chassis. A chassis typically includes a base, side walls, a rear panel, a front section, and a top cover. The base, side walls, and top cover generally consist of relatively solid walls, while the front section and rear panel can have more specialized and / or heterogeneous structures to achieve various functions. For example, in some chassis, the front section may include a bracket with slots for holding removable components (e.g., hot-swappable storage drives). Furthermore, the rear panel typically includes multiple sections joined together for various purposes, such as additional brackets for removable devices, expansion card slots, perforated wall sections allowing airflow for cooling, input / output sections including orifices for connectors to electronic components (e.g., for connection to power and communication cables) and / or supporting members, or other sections. These components may be collectively referred to herein as the rear panel, but it is not necessarily formed from a single homogeneous panel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a modular rear panel system is provided for a chassis of an electronic device, the modular rear panel system comprising: a plurality of modular brackets, each modular bracket configured to selectively connect to the chassis at a corresponding bracket mounting position among a plurality of bracket mounting positions; and a plurality of modular rear panel segments, each modular rear panel segment configured to selectively connect to one or more corresponding modular brackets among the plurality of modular brackets; wherein the plurality of modular brackets and the plurality of modular rear panel segments include a plurality of combinations, each combination including a subset of the modular rear panel segments and a subset of the modular brackets, which can be assembled together to form a rear panel of the chassis, wherein the subset of the modular brackets is connected to the plurality of mounting positions and the subset of the modular rear panel segments is connected to the subset of the modular brackets, wherein the rear panel that can be formed from the plurality of combinations has mutually different rear panel configurations. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Alone or with Figure 1This disclosure will be understood from the following detailed description. These accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure, and are incorporated in and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more examples of the teachings and, together with the description, explain certain principles and operations. In the drawings:

[0006] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example modular rear panel system used to form the rear panel of an electronic device chassis.

[0007] Figure 2 This includes a block diagram illustrating an example chassis for an electronic device, the chassis having a structure consisting of... Figure 1 The rear panel is formed by a modular rear panel system.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a modular rear panel system used to form the rear panel of an electronic device chassis.

[0009] Figure 4A yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the modular bracket of an example modular rear panel system. Figure 4B This is a 3D view of another modular support structure, which is... Figure 4A Deformation of the support.

[0010] Figure 5A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular bracket for an example modular rear panel system. Figure 5B This is a 3D view of another modular support structure, which is... Figure 5A Deformation of the support.

[0011] Figure 6A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular bracket for an example modular rear panel system. Figure 6B This is a 3D view of another modular support structure, which is... Figure 6A Deformation of the support.

[0012] Figure 7A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular bracket for an example modular rear panel system. Figure 7B This is a 3D view of another modular support structure, which is... Figure 7A Deformation of the support.

[0013] Figure 8A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular bracket for an example modular rear panel system. Figure 8B This is a 3D view of another modular support structure, which is... Figure 8A Deformation of the support.

[0014] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular bracket for an example modular rear panel system.

[0015] Figure 10A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular bracket for an example modular rear panel system. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A Another perspective view of the support structure.

[0016] Figure 11A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular bracket for an example modular rear panel system. Figure 11B yes Figure 11A Another perspective view of the support structure.

[0017] Figure 12 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the modular rear panel section of an example modular rear panel system.

[0018] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0019] Figure 14 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0020] Figure 15 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0021] Figure 16 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0022] Figure 17 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0023] Figure 18 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0024] Figure 19 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0025] Figure 20 yes Figure 3A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0026] Figure 21 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of another modular rear panel section of the example modular rear panel system.

[0027] Figure 22 This is a 3D view of a portion of the example chassis, showing it attached to the example mounting location. Figure 3 The first subset of the modular brackets of the example modular rear panel system.

[0028] Figure 23 This is a 3D view of a portion of the chassis, showing what is attached to the mounting location. Figure 3 The second subset of the modular brackets of the example modular rear panel system.

[0029] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device with a chassis, the chassis having a structure composed of... Figure 3 The first rear panel is formed by the first combination of the first subset of the modular brackets and the first subset of the modular rear panel segments of the example modular rear panel system.

[0030] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device with a chassis, the chassis having a structure composed of... Figure 3 The example modular rear panel system forms a second rear panel by combining a first subset of modular brackets with a second subset of modular rear panel segments.

[0031] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device with a chassis, the chassis having a structure composed of... Figure 3 The example modular rear panel system forms a third rear panel by combining the second subset of the modular support structure with the third subset of the modular rear panel section.

[0032] Figure 27 This is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device with a chassis, the chassis having a structure composed of... Figure 3 The fourth rear panel is formed by the fourth combination of the second subset of the modular support of the example modular rear panel system and the fourth subset of the modular rear panel segment.

[0033] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device with a chassis, the chassis having a structure composed of... Figure 3 The fifth rear panel is formed by the fifth combination of the third subset of the modular support of the example modular rear panel system and the fifth subset of the modular rear panel segment.

[0034] Figure 29 This is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device with a chassis, the chassis having a structure composed of... Figure 3 The sixth rear panel is formed by the sixth combination of the third subset of the modular support of the example modular rear panel system and the sixth subset of the modular rear panel segment.

[0035] Figure 30 This is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device with a chassis, the chassis having a structure composed of... Figure 3 The example modular rear panel system forms the seventh rear panel by combining the third subset of the modular support and the seventh subset of the modular rear panel segment.

[0036] Figure 31 This is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device with a chassis, the chassis having a structure composed of... Figure 3 The example modular rear panel system forms the eighth rear panel by combining the third subset of the modular support and the eighth subset of the modular rear panel segment.

[0037] Figure 32 It is a 3D view of the electronic equipment and its chassis.

[0038] Figure 33 yes Figure 31 A 3D view of part of the electronic equipment and chassis, its rear panel section consisting of... Figure 3 An example of a modular rear panel system is formed. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Typically, different electronic systems can utilize different chassis, and the chassis of one system may not be compatible with another (and vice versa). More specifically, the configuration of the chassis's rear panel may vary depending on the electronic system. This variation in rear panel configuration can occur between systems because different systems can have different configurations of electronic components, and rear panels are often designed to accommodate specific configurations. For example, depending on which electronic components are included in the system and where those components are located within the system, different rear panels may have different numbers, types, and locations of openings for connectors to receive the electronic components. As another example, a given type of system can be configured by the user at the time of purchase to include various optional features, some of which may be located on the rear panel, and therefore the rear panel used for that system can vary depending on which optional features are selected. For example, one configuration of the system may have a rear panel including an expansion card slot to allow a set of expansion cards to be installed in the system, while another configuration of the system may have a rear panel with slots for receiving storage drives in the same location where the expansion card slot would otherwise be in that other configuration. Therefore, even electronic systems that share the same basic architecture (such as two configurations of the same type of server, but with different optional features installed) may require different rear panel configurations.

[0040] Therefore, electronic system manufacturers may need to design and produce many different types of enclosures, both for the various systems they produce and for each different optional configuration of those systems. This proliferation of different enclosure types can be costly and wasteful. Designing many different types of enclosures for different systems can increase development time and costs. Furthermore, because each enclosure is different, each enclosure may require a different stock keeping unit (SKU), which can increase logistics and storage costs. In addition, changing the configuration of an electronic system after it has been manufactured can be costly, as it may require obtaining a completely different enclosure (or at least a completely different rear panel) to accommodate the configuration change.

[0041] To address these issues, this paper discloses a modular back panel system in which a single modular back panel system can be used to form the back panel of a chassis for multiple electronic systems with different configurations, such as multiple servers with different combinations of electronic components. Specifically, each modular back panel can be selectively configured (or reconfigured) into multiple different back panel configurations to accommodate various configurations of electronic components. Therefore, if a given electronic system is to be manufactured, a back panel matching the specific electronic component configuration of that system can be created from this modular back panel system, and if different electronic systems with different electronic component configurations are to be manufactured, different back panels matching those different electronic component configurations can be created from the same modular back panel system. In this way, a single type of modular back panel system can be used to produce multiple different configurations of back panels for different electronic systems. Therefore, instead of designing and manufacturing separate back panels for each system (or each variant of a given system), a single modular back panel system can be designed and manufactured, and then assembled into different back panel configurations as needed, thus saving development time and production costs. Furthermore, the system can be configured post-manufacturing (e.g., field upgrades) by replacing one or more rear panel sections and corresponding brackets.

[0042] This modular rear panel system may include multiple brackets and multiple rear panel sections, wherein the brackets and rear panel sections are modules of the modular rear panel sections. Some or all of the modular rear panel sections may correspond to different types of electronic components and may be configured to house those electronic components in the system or otherwise facilitate their use in the system (e.g., a given rear panel section may include a bracket for accommodating certain electronic components). The brackets may be attached to the rest of the chassis at multiple predetermined bracket mounting locations (e.g., to the base, top, and / or sidewalls). Each bracket corresponds to one or more rear panel sections and has attachment features that allow the corresponding rear panel section to be attached to the bracket. Therefore, if a given bracket is attached to the chassis and the corresponding rear panel section is attached to the bracket, then the bracket can physically support the rear panel section and secure it to the rest of the chassis (the rear panel section is not necessarily supported or secured solely by the bracket, but the bracket can contribute to the support and securing of the rear panel section). Furthermore, in some examples, multiple different brackets can be selectively and interchangeably installed at a given bracket mounting location (one at a time), and thus, different rear panel sections can be installed at various locations along the rear panel by selecting appropriate brackets and attaching them to appropriate bracket attachment points. For example, if a given configuration of the rear panel requires a given rear panel section to be installed at a given location, this can be achieved by selecting a bracket from the brackets corresponding to the given rear panel section, attaching that bracket to a corresponding bracket mounting location adjacent to the desired mounting location of the given rear panel section, and then attaching the given rear panel section to that bracket. This selection and attachment process is repeated for each desired rear panel section of a given configuration, and in this way, different rear panel configurations can be achieved using different combinations of modular rear panel sections and modular brackets. In other words, modular brackets and modular rear panel sections can be grouped into multiple distinct combinations, each combination comprising a subset of brackets and a subset of rear panel sections, and these combinations can each be assembled into distinct rear panels. This allows for the creation of a variety of different rear panel configurations by appropriately selecting and arranging the brackets and rear panel sections, using the same modular rear panel system.

[0043] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, various devices, systems, and methods according to aspects of this disclosure will be described.

[0044] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are block diagrams conceptually illustrating the modular rear panel system 100 and the chassis 180 of the electronic system, respectively. It should be understood that... Figure 1 and Figure 2It is not intended to illustrate specific shapes, dimensions or other structural details accurately or to scale, and the implementation of the modular rear panel system 100 and chassis 180 may have different numbers and arrangements of the illustrated components, and may also include other parts not shown.

[0045] Figure 1 The modular rear panel system 100 shown can be used to form the rear panel of an electronic system chassis, such as Figure 2 The example rear panel 185 of the chassis 180 is shown. More specifically, multiple rear panels with different configurations can be formed by the modular rear panel system 100. These different rear panel configurations can be used for different electronic component configurations of the electronic system.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the modular rear panel system 100 includes multiple bracket mounting locations 110 (also referred to as "mounting locations 110"), multiple modular brackets 120 (also referred to as "brackets 110"), and multiple modular rear panel sections 150 (also referred to as "rear panel sections 150" or "sections 150"). The modular brackets 120 include multiple types of modular brackets 120 that are different from each other (in other words, the multiple modular brackets 120 are not just a set of identical brackets, but include multiple different brackets). In some examples, all modular brackets 120 are different from each other. In other examples, only some of the modular brackets 120 are different from each other, and some of the modular brackets 120 may be identical. Similarly, the modular rear panel sections 150 include multiple types of modular rear panel sections 150 that are different from each other, and in some examples, all of the modular rear panel sections 150 are different from each other, while in other examples, only some of the modular rear panel sections 150 are different from each other, and some of the modular rear panel sections 150 may be identical. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, indices are used to denote specific types of bracket 120 and rear panel section 150, such as bracket 120_1 or rear panel section 150_2, and different indices refer to different types of bracket 120 and rear panel section 150. For example, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates "N" mounting locations 110_1 to 110_N, "M" distinct types of brackets 120_1 to 120_M, and "P" distinct types of segments 150_1 to 150_P, where N, M, and P can each be any integer greater than 2. M, N, and P can be distinct; in particular, in some examples, M is greater than N, such that for at least some of the mounting locations, multiple distinct brackets 120 can be installed at mounting location 110.

[0047] The bracket mounting position 110 corresponds to a location where the bracket 120 can be mounted to a wall of the chassis (e.g., to the chassis base and / or side wall) or to another support structure (e.g., to the supporting rear panel section 186 described below), which in turn is connected to the chassis wall. Each type of bracket 120 corresponds to one of the mounting positions 110 and is configured to selectively attach to the corresponding mounting position 110 (in some cases, multiple types of brackets 120 may correspond to the same mounting position 110). Furthermore, each type of bracket 120 corresponds to one or more of the rear panel sections 150 and is configured to attach the corresponding rear panel section 150 thereto. Therefore, the modular rear panel system 100 can be used to form a rear panel with the desired arrangement of the rear panel sections 150 (e.g., ...) in such a way as... Figure 2 (Rear panel 185 as illustrated): From the plurality of rear panel segments 150, a subset of rear panel segments 150 corresponding to a desired configuration of electronic components is selected; then, from the plurality of brackets 120, a subset of brackets 120 corresponding to the selected subset of rear panel segments 150 is selected; then, the selected brackets 120 are attached to the corresponding mounting position 110; and finally, the selected rear panel segments 150 are attached to the selected brackets 120 (in some cases, the order of attaching segments 150 to brackets 120 and attaching brackets to mounting positions 110 may be reversed). In other words, the modular brackets 120 and modular rear panel segments 150 include (i.e., can be grouped into) a plurality of different combinations, each combination including a subset of modular rear panel segments 150 and a subset of modular brackets 120, and each of these combinations can be assembled together to form a rear panel with a different configuration than a rear panel assembled from other combinations. These combinations include 120 mutually distinct subsets of scaffolds and 150 mutually distinct subsets of segments (mutually distinct here means that these subsets are all distinct from each other in at least one member, but does not mean that there cannot be some overlapping membership relationships between these subsets—for example, sets [a, b, c], [a, b], [a, c], [d, e], [a, a, b, c], and [a, b, c, d] are all mutually distinct).

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, each bracket 120 includes bracket attachment features 121 configured to engage (directly or indirectly) with bracket attachment features 111 at a corresponding mounting location 110 to attach the bracket 120 to the mounting location 110. The engagement between bracket attachment features 111 and 121 is... Figure 1The arrows indicate this. For example, bracket attachment features 111 and 121 may each include holes arranged to align with each other and both receiving the same fastener (e.g., a screw) to attach bracket 120 to mounting location 110. As another example, one of bracket attachment features 111 and 121 may include a hole, while the other includes a fastener (e.g., a screw) to be inserted into the hole. As another example, bracket attachment features 111 and 121 may include complementary engagement features latched together, such as a protrusion and a recess configured to receive the protrusion. In some examples, each mounting location 110 corresponds to two or more different types of brackets 120 and is configured to interchangeably receive these brackets.

[0049] In some examples, one or more of the mounting locations 110 may be part of the chassis wall to which the rear panel will ultimately be attached once formed. For example, one or more of the mounting locations 110 may be part of the chassis base or sidewall. In some examples, the modular rear panel system 100 further includes one or more supporting rear panel sections 186 that are directly attached to the chassis wall (e.g., base and / or sidewall) rather than a rear panel section attached to the chassis via one of the brackets 120. These are referred to herein as “supporting” rear panel sections 186 because they provide support for one or more brackets in the brackets 120 that are coupled to these rear panel sections. In some examples, the supporting rear panel sections 186 may be common to every configuration of the rear panel that can be formed by the modular rear panel system 100—that is, while different configurations of the rear panel may include different combinations of modular rear panel sections 150, in some examples they may all have the same supporting rear panel sections 186. The supporting rear panel section 186 may include, for example, an input / output section that is coupled to the base of the chassis and has orifices for connectors for the main circuit board and through-holes for airflow. The supporting rear panel section 186 may also include, for example, a partition wall that is coupled to the base and / or sidewalls of the chassis to define compartments within the chassis (e.g., compartments for holding power supply units). Thus, in some examples, the bracket 120 may be directly coupled to the chassis wall; in other examples, the bracket 120 may be indirectly coupled to the chassis wall via the supporting rear panel section 186; and in still other examples, some brackets 120 are directly coupled to the chassis wall while others are indirectly coupled to the chassis wall via the supporting rear panel section 186.

[0050] As described above, the modular rear panel segment 150 is configured to attach to a corresponding modular bracket 120. Specifically, each modular rear panel segment 150 includes a panel attachment feature 152, and the corresponding modular bracket 120 includes a panel attachment feature 122, which engages with the panel attachment feature 152 to attach the modular rear panel segment 150 to the corresponding modular bracket 120. The engagement between the panel attachment features 122 and 152 is... Figure 1 The arrows indicate this. For example, panel attachment features 122 and 152 may each include holes arranged to align with each other and all receiving the same fastener (e.g., a screw) to attach the rear panel segment 150 to the bracket 120. As another example, panel attachment features 122 and 152 may include complementary engagement features latched together, such as protrusions and recesses / recesses configured to receive the protrusions. In some cases, a single modular rear panel segment 150 may be simultaneously attached to multiple brackets 120, such as one bracket 120 located on one side of the rear panel segment 150 and another bracket 120 located on the opposite side of the rear panel segment 150, and therefore the rear panel segment 150 may include multiple sets of panel attachment features 152. In some examples, a given bracket 120 may correspond to multiple panel segments 150. That is, multiple different types of panel segments 150 may be attached to the same bracket 120 (but only one at a time).

[0051] As described above, the plurality of panel segments 150 includes at least some panel segments 150 that are different from each other. In some cases, a given combination of panel segments 150 used to form the rear panel and the bracket 120 may include some repetitions of the same type of panel segments 150, but at least two panel segments 150 in each combination may be different from each other. In some examples, these different types of rear panel segments 150 have different widths (e.g., some extend across the entire width of the chassis, while others may extend less than the entire width of the chassis) and / or different heights (e.g., some may extend a first distance along the height of the chassis, while others extend a second distance less than the first distance). Furthermore, in some examples, these different types of rear panel segments 150 have different functions, such as accommodating different types of electronic components. For example, some rear panel segments 150 may be configured to accommodate removable devices, while others may be configured to accommodate expansion cards. As another example, some rear panel sections 150 can be configured to accommodate one type of removable device (e.g., an LFF storage drive), while others can be configured to accommodate another type of removable device (e.g., an SFF storage drive).

[0052] For example, rear panel segment 150 may include various types of removable device trays, which include slots for holding different types and / or numbers of removable devices. Removable devices may include, for example, storage drives, line cards, optical transceivers, etc. In some examples, removable device trays include drive trays for removably holding storage drives (e.g., hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs)). Of course, all devices are removable in a meaningless sense of being physically removable, but as used herein, "removable" is used more specifically to mean that the device can be removed without damaging components (e.g., cutting, breaking, melting solder, etc.) and without opening the chassis to facilitate removal. In some examples, removable devices are also hot-swappable, meaning they can be removed while the system is powered on without needing to be powered off. In some cases, removable devices may also be configured for tool-less removal, for example, by including latches or other attachment features designed to be actuated without tools. Removable device trays can vary from one another in terms of their overall size, the number of slots they contain, and / or the type of removable components they hold. For example, one rear panel section 150 may include a drive tray with four slots for large form factor (LFF) drives, another rear panel section 150 may include a tray with eight slots for small form factor (SFF) drives, and there are other rear panel sections for various types of removable media and / or different numbers of slots, and so on.

[0053] As another example, the rear panel segment 150 may include expansion slot units configured to hold expansion cards (e.g., PCIe expansion cards). These expansion slot units in the rear panel segment 150 may also be of various sizes, such as single-slot units, dual-slot units, triple-slot units, etc.

[0054] As another example, the rear panel section 150 may include a power supply unit (e.g., a redundant or additional power supply unit in addition to the power supply unit already included in each electronic system).

[0055] Therefore, the modular rear panel system 100 can be compatible with electrical systems of many different configurations having different combinations of electronic components. For example, if an electronic system with a certain configuration of electronic components is to be manufactured, a rear panel compatible with this configuration can be formed by selecting appropriate rear panel segments 150 corresponding to those electronic components (i.e., selecting a subset of rear panel segments 150) and selecting corresponding brackets 120 to which those rear panel segments 150 can be attached (i.e., selecting a subset of brackets 120 corresponding to the subset of segments 150). In other words, the plurality of brackets 120 and the plurality of rear panel segments 150 can be combined in various different ways to form rear panels with different combinations of rear panel segments 150.

[0056] In some examples, the modular bracket 120 and / or rear panel section 150 are removable, meaning they can be removed from the chassis without damaging components. This allows the rear panel configuration to be changed post-manufacturing by replacing one or more rear panel sections 150 and / or brackets 120 with another rear panel section 150 and / or bracket 120.

[0057] Figure 2 An example chassis 180 of an electronic system is illustrated. Chassis 180 includes chassis walls 181, which include a base 182 serving as the bottom of chassis 180, two side walls 183 attached to the base 182, and a top cover 184 attached to the side walls 183. In some examples, chassis 180 may also include a front section (not shown).

[0058] Chassis 180 also includes a Figure 1 The modular rear panel system 100 forms a rear panel 185. The rear panel 185 includes selected modular rear panel segments 150 (a subset of the plurality of segments 150) and selected modular brackets 120 (a subset of the plurality of brackets 120), wherein each bracket 120 is coupled to a corresponding mounting position 110. Figure 2 In the example chassis 180, two modular rear panel sections 150 are selected from P sections 150, namely the first section 150_1 and the second section 150_2. These sections 150_1 and 150_2 may correspond to different electronic components of an electrical system in which the chassis 180 is part, and therefore these sections 150 are selected as the rear panel 185 to provide a configuration compatible with those electronic components. For convenience only, two modular rear panel sections 150 are illustrated in this example, and other examples of chassis 180 may have any number of modular rear panel sections 150.

[0059] exist Figure 2 In the example chassis 180, there are three mounting positions, namely the first, second, and third mounting positions 110_1 to 110_3. Accordingly, in this example, from... Figure 1Of the M brackets 120 of the modular rear panel system 100, three brackets 120 are selected (one bracket for each mounting position 110), namely, a first bracket 120_1 attached to a first mounting position 110_1, a second bracket 120_2 attached to a second mounting position 110_1, and a third bracket 120_3 attached to a third mounting position 110_3. These brackets 110_1 to 110_3 are selected to be included in the rear panel 185 because they correspond to the selected first and second sections 150_1 and 150_2—that is, the first bracket 120_1 corresponds to the first section 150_1, the second bracket 120_2 corresponds to both the first section 150_1 and the second section 150_2, and the third bracket 120_3 corresponds to the second section 150_2. Therefore, the first segment 150_1 is attached to the first bracket 120_1 and the second bracket 120_2 (e.g., one on each side of the first segment 150_1), and the second segment 150_2 is attached to the second bracket 120_2 and the third bracket 120_3 (e.g., one on each side of the second segment 150_2). Other brackets 120 in this group of M brackets 120 may also be attached to the first, second, and third mounting positions 110_1 to 110_3, but these brackets 120 were not selected for inclusion in this particular rear panel 185 because those brackets 120 do not correspond to the selected rear panel segments 150_1 and 150_2. Figure 2 An example with three brackets 120 is shown, and other examples of the chassis 180 include different numbers and arrangements of brackets 120.

[0060] exist Figure 2In the illustrated example, the rear panel 185 further includes a supporting rear panel section 186 as described above. Furthermore, in this example, the first mounting position and the second mounting position 110_2 are part of the supporting rear panel section 186, as indicated by the dashed arrows. Therefore, the first bracket 120_1 and the second bracket 120_2 are coupled to the supporting rear panel section 186 at the first mounting position 110_1 and the second mounting position 110_2. The supporting rear panel section 186 is coupled to one or more chassis walls 181, such as a base 182. Therefore, the first bracket 120_1 and the second bracket 120_2 are indirectly coupled to the chassis wall 181 via the supporting rear panel section 186. Conversely, the third mounting position 110_3 is part of one of the chassis walls 181 (e.g., one of the side walls 183), and therefore the third bracket 120_3 is directly coupled to the chassis wall 181. In other examples, all brackets 120 may be connected to the supporting rear panel section 186 (i.e., all mounting locations 110 may be part of the supporting rear panel section 186). In other examples, the supporting rear panel section 186 may be omitted, and all brackets 120 may be directly connected to the chassis wall 181 (i.e., each mounting location may be part of one of the chassis walls 181).

[0061] Now go to Figures 3 to 23 An example configuration of the modular rear panel system 200 will be described below. The modular rear panel system 200 is a specific configuration of the modular rear panel system 100 described above. Similar components of the modular rear panel systems 100 and 200 will be assigned similar reference numerals with the same last two digits, such as 120 and 220. The description of the components of the modular rear panel system 100 applies to similar components of the modular rear panel system 200, and therefore, repeated descriptions of these components are omitted below.

[0062] Figure 3 This includes an overview of the modular rear panel system 200. More details are shown in the subsequent figures. Figure 3 Each of the components shown in the diagram. (As shown) Figure 3 As shown, the modular rear panel system 200 includes a plurality of 259 modular rear panel sections 250 (i.e., sections 250_1 to 250_10), a plurality of 229 modular brackets 220 (i.e., brackets 220_1 to 220_8), and a plurality of 219 mounting positions 210 (i.e., mounting positions 210_1 to 210_4). For illustrative purposes, mounting positions 210 are located at... Figure 3 The diagram shows a selected bracket 220 mounted thereon, but other brackets 220 may be mounted in these positions instead of the illustrated bracket 220, as will be further described below.

[0063] Figure 4AThe diagram shows the first support 220_1. Figure 4B Another first support 220_1' is illustrated, which is a variation of the first support 220_1. For ease of description, the following description will primarily refer to the first support 220_1 and... Figure 4A However, this description also applies to the first support 220_1' and Figure 4B The first bracket 220_1 includes bracket attachment features 221_1 configured to engage with bracket attachment features (not shown) at a first mounting position 210_1 to attach the bracket 220_1 to the first mounting position 210_1, which is as follows: Figure 22 A portion of the side wall 283_1 of the chassis 280 shown. From Figure 3 and Figure 23 From this angle, the first mounting position is on the upper left side of the rear panel 285. Furthermore, the section of the first mounting position located near the top portion of the rear panel 285 and attached to the first bracket 220_1 typically occupies the upper half of the vertical dimension of the rear panel, while also occupying varying amounts of the horizontal dimension, such as... Figures 24 to 28 As shown. Back Figure 4A In this example, the bracket attachment feature 221_1 includes one or more holes configured to align with the holes in the first mounting position 210_1 and receive screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners passing through them. Furthermore, the first bracket 220_1 corresponds to each of the modular rear panel sections 250_5, 250_6, 250_7, and 250_8 (i.e., various types of drive bays) and is therefore configured to allow any of these sections to be attached thereto, such as... Figures 24 to 28 As shown. Figure 4A As shown, the bracket 220_1 includes a panel attachment feature 222_1, which is configured to engage with complementary panel attachment features 252a_5, 250a_6, 250a_7, and 250a_8 on the left side of the rear panel sections 250_5, 250a_6, 250a_7, and 250a_8 when the rear panel sections 250_5, 250_6, 250_7, and 250a_8 are located on the right side of the bracket 220_1. Figure 3 and Figure 23 (Viewed from the angle shown). In this example, panel attachment feature 222_1 includes a hole configured to receive complementary panel attachment features 252a_5, 250a_6, 250a_7, and 250a_8 in the form of screws (e.g., finger screws), pins (e.g., spring-loaded pins), or short posts extending laterally from one side of the rear panel segments 250_5, 250_6, 250_7, and 250_8.

[0064] Figure 5A The second bracket 220_2 is shown in the diagram. Figure 5BAnother second support 220_2' is illustrated, which is a variation of the second support 220_2. For ease of description, the following description will primarily refer to the second support 220_2 and... Figure 5A However, this description also applies to the second support 220_2' and Figure 5B The second bracket 220_2 includes bracket attachment features 221_2 configured to engage with bracket attachment features (not shown) of the second mounting position 210_2 to attach the bracket 220_2 to the second mounting position 210_2, such as... Figure 22 As shown. The second mounting position 210_2 is located where the side wall 283_1 of the chassis 280 meets the first supporting rear panel section 286_1 along the left side of the rear panel 285, and therefore the second mounting position 210_2 can be a part of the side wall 283_1 and / or a part of the first supporting rear panel section 286_1. Accordingly, the second bracket 220_2 can be attached to the side wall 283_1, the first supporting rear panel section 286_1, or both. The second mounting position 210_2 is vertically lower than the first mounting position 210_1. Figure 5A As shown, the bracket attachment feature 221_2 includes holes configured to align with holes in the second mounting position 210_2 and receive screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners passing through them. Furthermore, the second bracket 220_2 corresponds to the modular rear panel section 250_1 (single-slot expansion slot) and is configured to attach section 250_1 thereto, as... Figures 24 to 28 As shown. Back Figure 5A The support 220_2 includes a panel attachment feature 222_2 configured to engage with a complementary panel attachment feature 252a_1 on the left side of the rear panel section 250_1 when the rear panel section 250_1 is located on the right side of the support 220_2. In this example, the panel attachment feature 222_2 includes a receptacle, and the complementary panel attachment feature 252a_1 of the rear panel section 250_1 includes a horizontally projecting tab configured to be received within the receptacle (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 12 and Figure 25 ).

[0065] Figure 6A The diagram shows the fifth support, 220_5. Figure 6B Another fifth support 220_5' is illustrated, which is a variation of the fifth support 220_5. For ease of description, the following description will primarily refer to the fifth support 220_5 and... Figure 6A However, this description also applies to the fifth support 220_5' and Figure 6BThe fifth bracket 220_5 includes bracket attachment features 221_5 configured to engage with bracket attachment features (not shown) at the first and / or second mounting positions 210_1 and 210_2 to attach the bracket 220_5 to the first and / or second mounting positions 210_1 and 210_2, as shown. Figure 23 As shown. Therefore, the fifth support 220_5 can be used in place of the first and second supports 220_1 and 210_2, and vice versa. Figure 6A Only one stent attachment feature 221_5 is visible, but additional stent attachment features 221 may be included, such as features similar to those of the first and second stents 220_1 and 210_2, such as... Figure 6B As shown. The bracket attachment feature 221_5 includes holes configured to align with holes in the first and / or second mounting positions 210_1 and 210_2 and receive screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners passing through them. Accordingly, the fifth bracket 220_5 can be attached to the sidewall 283_1, the first supporting rear panel section 286_1, or both. Furthermore, the fifth bracket 220_5 corresponds to the modular rear panel section 250_3 (3-slot expansion slot) and the modular rear panel section 250_4 (drive bracket for dual-slot LFF drives) and is configured to allow any of these components to be attached thereto, such as... Figures 28 to 32 As shown. The bracket 220_5 includes a panel attachment feature 222_5 configured to engage with complementary panel attachment features 252a_3 or 252a_4 on the left side of these segments when segments 250_3 or 252_4 are located on the right side of the bracket 220_5. In this example, panel attachment feature 222_5 includes a slot in the rear vertical face of the bracket 220_5, and complementary panel attachment features 252a_3 and 252a_4 include horizontally rearwardly projecting pins or short posts configured to be received in the slot (see...). Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 29 and Figure 30 ).

[0066] Figure 7A The diagram shows the third support 220_3. Figure 7B Another third support 220_3' is illustrated, which is a variation of the third support 220_3. For ease of description, the following description will primarily refer to the third support 220_3 and... Figure 7A However, this description also applies to the third support 220_3' and Figure 7B The third bracket 220_3 includes bracket attachment features 221_3 configured to engage with bracket attachment features (not shown) of the third mounting position 210_3 to attach the bracket 220_3 to the third mounting position 210_3, such as... Figure 22As shown. The third mounting position 210_3 is located on the first supporting rear panel section 286_1, and correspondingly, the third bracket 220_3 is attached to the supporting rear panel section 286_1. The third mounting position 210_3 is located at approximately one-third of the lateral width of the chassis 280 from the first and second mounting positions 210_1 and 210_2. Figure 7A As shown, the bracket attachment feature 221_3 includes a vertical flange 221a_3, a hole 221b_3 in the vertical flange 221a_3, and a horizontal flange 221c_3. For example... Figure 22 As shown, the vertical flange 221a_3 is configured to abut the rear vertical surface of the supporting rear panel section 286_1, while the horizontal flange 221c_3 is configured to abut the top horizontal surface of the supporting rear panel section 286_1. The hole 221b_3 is configured to align with a hole in the vertical surface of the supporting rear panel section 286_1 and receive screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners passing through it. In some examples, the bracket attachment feature 221_3 may also include additional holes (not shown) in the horizontal flange 221c_3, which align with a hole in the top horizontal surface of the supporting rear panel section 286_1 to receive fasteners passing through it. Furthermore, a third bracket 220_3 corresponds to the modular rear panel section 250_1 (single-slot extension slot) and is configured to attach one such section 250_1 to each lateral side of the bracket 220_3, as shown. Figures 24 to 28 As shown. Back Figure 7A The bracket 220_3 includes a first panel attachment feature 222a_3 located on its right side and a second panel attachment feature 222b_3 located on its left side. The first panel attachment feature is configured to engage with a complementary panel attachment feature 252a_1 on the left side of a rear panel segment 250_1 when the segment 250_1 is located on the right side of the bracket 220_3, and the second panel attachment feature is configured to engage with a complementary panel attachment feature 252b_1 on the right side of another rear panel segment 250_1 when the segment is located on the left side of the bracket 220_3. The first panel attachment feature 222a_3 includes a receptacle similar to that of panel attachment feature 222_2. Panel attachment feature 222b_3 includes a slot in the lateral vertical surface of the bracket 220_3, and complementary panel attachment feature 252b_1 includes a horizontally projecting flange configured to be received in the slot (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 12 and Figure 25 The vertical flange 221a_3 may also include an aperture configured to receive an electrical connector of an electronic system.

[0067] Figure 8A The diagram shows the sixth support, 220_6. Figure 8BAnother sixth support 220_6' is illustrated, which is a variation of the sixth support 220_6. For ease of description, the following description will primarily refer to the sixth support 220_6 and... Figure 8A However, this description also applies to the sixth support 220_6' and Figure 8B The sixth bracket 220_6 includes bracket attachment features 221_6 configured to engage with bracket attachment features (not shown) at the third mounting position 210_3 to attach the bracket 220_3 to the third mounting position 210_3, as shown. Figure 23 As shown. Therefore, the sixth support 220_6 can be used in place of the third support 220_3, and vice versa. Figure 8A As shown, the bracket attachment feature 221_6 includes a vertical flange 221a_6, a hole 221b_6 in the vertical flange 221a_6, and a horizontal flange 221c_6, which are similar to the bracket attachment feature 221_3 described above. Furthermore, the sixth bracket 220_6 corresponds to the modular rear panel sections 250_3 and 250_4, and is configured to receive one of these sections on each lateral side of the bracket 220_6, as... Figures 24 to 28 As shown (e.g., stent 220_6 receives two segments 250_3, two segments 250_4, or one segment 250_3 and one segment 250_4). Return Figure 8A The bracket 220_6 includes a first panel attachment feature 222a_6 located on its right side and a second panel attachment feature 222b_6 located on its left side. The first panel attachment feature is configured to engage with a complementary panel attachment feature 252a_3 or 252a_4 on the left side of a rear panel segment 250_3 or 250_4 when that segment is on the right side of the bracket 220_6, and the second panel attachment feature is configured to engage with a complementary panel attachment feature 252b_3 or 252b_4 on the right side of another rear panel segment 250_3 or 250_4 when that segment is on the left side of the bracket 220_6. Similar to panel attachment feature 222_5, the first panel attachment feature 222a_6 includes a slot in the rear vertical face of the bracket 220_6 configured to receive a horizontally rearwardly projecting pin or short post. Panel attachment feature 222b_6 includes another slot located in the lateral vertical surface of bracket 220_6, and complementary panel attachment feature 252b_1 includes another pin or post that laterally protrudes and is configured to be received in the slot (see [link]). Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 29 and Figure 30 The vertical flange 221a_6 may also include an aperture configured to receive an electrical connector of an electronic system.

[0068] Figure 9The fourth bracket 220_4 is illustrated. The fourth bracket 220_4 includes bracket attachment features 221_4 configured to engage with bracket attachment features (not shown) at the fourth mounting position 210_4 to attach the bracket 220_4 to the fourth mounting position 210_4, as shown. Figure 22 As shown. The fourth mounting position 210_4 is located on the side wall of the second supporting rear panel section 286_2. Accordingly, the fourth bracket 220_4 can be attached to the second supporting rear panel section 286_2. The fourth mounting position 210_4 can be located at approximately two-thirds of the lateral width of the chassis 280 from the first and second mounting positions 210_1 and 210_2. Figure 9 As shown, the bracket attachment feature 221_4 includes holes configured to align with the holes in the fourth mounting position 210_4 and receive screws, bolts, or other mechanical fasteners passing through them. Furthermore, the fourth bracket 220_4 corresponds to (i.e., is configured to receive) the modular rear panel section 250_1 (single-slot expansion slot), as... Figures 24 to 28 As shown. Back Figure 9 The bracket 220_4 includes a panel attachment feature 222_4 configured to engage with a complementary panel attachment feature 252b_1 of the rear panel segment 250_1. In this example, panel attachment feature 222_4 includes a receptacle, and the complementary panel attachment feature 252a_1 of the rear panel segment 250_1 includes a flange (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 12 and Figure 25 ).

[0069] Figure 10A and Figure 10B The illustration shows the seventh bracket 220_7, and... Figure 11A and Figure 11B The eighth bracket 220_8 is illustrated. Brackets 220_7 and 220_8 include bracket attachment features 221_7 and 221_8 that are similar to each other, both configured to engage with a bracket attachment feature (not shown) at the fourth mounting position 210_4 to attach bracket 220_7 or 220_8 to the fourth mounting position 210_4, as shown. Figure 23 As shown ( Figure 23 Only bracket 220_7 is shown, but bracket 220_8 can be attached to the same location in a similar manner. Therefore, the seventh or eighth brackets 220_7 and 220_8 can be used in place of the fourth bracket 220_4, and vice versa. Figures 10A to 11B As shown, bracket attachment features 221_7 and 221_8 include holes configured to align with holes in the fourth mounting position 210_4 and to receive screws, bolts or other mechanical fasteners passing through them.

[0070] like Figure 10A and Figure 10BAs shown, the seventh bracket 220_7 corresponds to rear panel segment 250_3 or 252_4 and includes a panel attachment feature 222b_7 configured to engage with complementary panel attachment features 252b_3 or 252b_4 on the right side of these segments when the rear panel segment 250_3 or 252_4 is located on the left side of the bracket 220_7. In this example, panel attachment feature 222b_7 includes a slot in the lateral vertical surface of the bracket 220_7 (similar to attachment feature 222b_6 of bracket 220_6), and complementary panel attachment features 252b_3 and 252b_4 include laterally projecting pins or short posts configured to be received in the slots (see...). Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 29 and Figure 30 The seventh bracket 220_7 also corresponds to rear panel sections 250_2, 252_9, and 250_10, and includes a panel attachment feature 222a_7 configured to engage with complementary panel attachment features 252a_2, 252a_9, or 252a_10 on the left side of these sections when the rear panel sections 250_2, 252_9, and 250_10 are located on the right side of the bracket 220_7. Panel attachment feature 222a_7 includes a slot in the lateral vertical surface of the bracket 220_7, and complementary panel attachment features 252a_2, 252a_9, or 252a_10 include a protrusion (e.g., flange, pin, stud, etc.) laterally projecting from one side of the rear panel sections 250_2, 252_9, and 250_10 and configured to be received in the slot. For example, complementary panel attachment feature 252a_9 in… Figure 16 (Complementary panel attachment features 252a_2 and 252a_10 are not visible, but can be configured similarly).

[0071] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the eighth bracket 220_8 corresponds to rear panel sections 250_5 and 252_6, and includes a first panel attachment feature 222b_8 configured to engage with complementary panel attachment features 252b_5 or 252b_6 on the right side of these sections when the rear panel sections 250_5 or 252_6 are located on the left side of the bracket 220_8. In this example, panel attachment feature 223b_8 includes a hole in the lateral vertical surface of the bracket 220_8, and complementary panel attachment features 252b_5 and 252b_6 include laterally projecting screws or pins (e.g., spring-loaded pins) configured to be received in the holes (see [link to documentation]). Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 27 and Figure 28The eighth bracket 220_8 also corresponds to the rear panel section 250_1 and includes the second panel attachment feature 222b_8 (see...). Figure 11B The second panel attachment feature is configured to engage with the complementary panel attachment feature 252b_1 on the right side of the rear panel segment 250_1 when the rear panel segment 250_1 is located on the left side of the bracket 220_8, as described above. Similar to the seventh bracket 220_7, the eighth bracket 220_8 also corresponds to rear panel segments 250_2, 252_9, and 250_10, and includes a panel attachment feature 222a_8 configured to engage with the complementary panel attachment features 252a_2, 252a_9, or 252a_10 on the left side of these segments when the rear panel segments 250_2, 252_9, and 250_10 are located on the right side of the bracket 220_8. Panel attachment feature 222a_8 is similar to panel attachment feature 222a_7.

[0072] The second, third, and fourth brackets 220_2, 220_3, and 220_4 mentioned above may also be referred to herein as reduced-height brackets, while the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth brackets 220_5, 220_6, 220_7, and 220_8 may be referred to as full-height brackets. In some examples, the height of brackets 220_2, 220_3, and 220_4 may be approximately one-third the height of brackets 220_5, 220_6, 220_7, and 220_8. In some examples, the height of reduced-height brackets may be approximately equal to the height of one PCIe expansion slot, or in other words, approximately 0.5U (U being a standard rack unit), while the height of full-height brackets may be approximately equal to the height of three PCIe expansion slots, or in other words, approximately 1.5U. In the illustrated example, the first supporting rear panel section 268_1 is also approximately 0.5U, resulting in a total height of approximately 2U for the chassis 280 in the illustrated example. Of course, it should be understood that this is just an example, and other systems may have other sizes, such as 1U, 3U, 4U, or any other desired size (e.g., including non-integer multiples of U).

[0073] Figures 12 to 14The diagram illustrates rear panel sections 250_1, 250_2, and 250_3, which include expansion slot units (e.g., PCIe expansion slots) of varying sizes. Each of rear panel sections 250_1, 250_2, and 250_3 includes a bracket configured to accommodate one or more expansion devices, such as PCIe expansion cards, graphics processing unit (GPU) cards, accelerators, or other expansion cards. Rear panel section 250_1 is a single-slot unit, meaning it includes only one expansion slot (i.e., enough space for a single single-slot PCIe expansion card). Rear panel section 250_2 is a dual-slot unit, meaning it has two expansion slots (i.e., enough space for two single-slot PCIe expansion cards or one dual-slot PCIe expansion card). Rear panel section 250_3 is a triple-slot unit, meaning it has three expansion slots (i.e., enough space for three single-slot PCIe expansion cards, one dual-slot card, and one single-slot card or one triple-slot card). Rear panel sections 250_1, 250_2, and 250_3 are in Figures 12 to 15 The diagram is shown as including an expansion card 254 for context reference, but in reality, the expansion card 254 may be provided separately from the rear panel segment 250. Each rear panel segment 250_1, 250_2, and 250_3 may also include a perforated rear cover portion, which... Figures 24 to 32 As can be seen in, but Figures 12 to 15 The middle part is omitted. Each rear panel segment 250_1, 250_2 and 250_3 includes panel attachment features 252, which are configured to engage with corresponding panel attachment features 222 as described above.

[0074] In particular, such as Figure 12 As shown, the rear panel section 250_1 includes an attachment feature 252a_1 in the form of a protrusion projecting horizontally rearward from the left rear corner of the rear panel section 250_1, and an attachment feature 252a_1 in the form of a flange projecting laterally from the right rear corner. The attachment feature 252a_1 is configured to engage with the attachment feature 222_2 of the bracket 220_2 or the attachment feature 222a_3 of the bracket 220_3. The attachment feature 252b_1 is configured to engage with the attachment feature 222b_3 of the bracket 220_3 or the attachment feature 222a_8 of the bracket 220_8. Figures 24 to 28 The illustrations show some example configurations using the rear panel section 250_1. In these examples, two rear panel sections 250_1 are provided, one on the left, attached to the second and third brackets 220_1 and 220_3, and the other on the right, attached to the third and eighth brackets 220_3 and 220_8.

[0075] like Figure 13As shown, the rear panel segment 250_2 includes an attachment feature 252a_2 located at its left rear corner. Although in Figure 13 While not visible in the center, attachment feature 252a_2 includes a protrusion, such as a flange, pin, or post, projecting laterally from the side of the rear panel section 250_2. For example, attachment feature 252a_2 may resemble... Figure 16 The attachment feature 252a_9 is shown. Attachment feature 252a_2 is configured to engage with attachment feature 222a_7 of bracket 220_7 or attachment feature 222a_8 of bracket 220_8. Panel segment 250_2 also includes attachment feature 252b_2 located at the right rear corner. Attachment feature 252b_2 includes a screw or pin (e.g., a spring-loaded pin) and is configured to engage with bracket 269. Bracket 269 may be attached to the right sidewall 283_2 of the chassis. Bracket 269 may be part of the modular rear panel system 100, but unlike modular brackets 120 and 220, bracket 269 is not selectively included or removed depending on the configuration of the electronic device; rather, in some examples, bracket 269 may remain mounted in all configurations of the electronic device. Bracket 269 may include a hole configured to receive the screw or pin of attachment feature 252b_2. Figures 26 to 30 The illustrations show some example configurations using rear panel section 250_2. In these examples, a single rear panel section 250_3 is provided, and this rear panel section is positioned above a compartment for holding rear panel section 250_10, which includes the power supply unit.

[0076] like Figure 14 As shown, the rear panel segment 250_3 includes an attachment feature 252a_3 located at its left rear corner. The attachment feature 252a_3 includes a pin or short post projecting rearward from the rear vertical surface of the segment 250_3. The attachment feature 252a_3 is configured to engage with attachment feature 222_5 of bracket 220_5 or attachment feature 222a_6 of bracket 220_6. The rear panel segment 250_3 also includes an attachment feature 222b_3. The attachment feature 222b_3 is configured to engage with attachment feature 222b_3 of bracket 220_3 or attachment feature 222a_8 of bracket 220_8. The attachment feature 252b_3 includes a pin or short post projecting laterally from the lateral vertical surface of the segment 250_3. The attachment feature 252b_3 is configured to engage with the attachment feature 222b_6 of the bracket 220_6, the attachment feature 222b_7 of the bracket 220_7, or the attachment feature 222b_8 of the bracket 220_8. Figures 29 to 32The illustrations show some example configurations using the rear panel section 250_3. In these examples, two rear panel sections 250_1 are provided, one on the left, attached to the fifth and sixth brackets 220_5 and 220_6, and another on the right, attached to the sixth and seventh brackets 220_6 and 220_7. It should be understood that in other examples, a single rear panel section 250_3 may be provided (instead of two rear panel sections 250_3), for example, in combination with rear panel section 250_4.

[0077] Figure 15 The diagram illustrates rear panel section 250_4. Rear panel section 250_4 is a drive bay including two slots for holding a large form factor (LFF) memory drive 255. Figure 15 The diagram illustrates LFF storage drive 255 for context reference, but LFF drive 255 may be provided separately from rear panel segment 250_4. Rear panel segment 250_4 has a similar size to rear panel segment 250_3 described above and is configured to be coupled to the same bracket 220 as rear panel segment 250_3. Therefore, for any of the aforementioned locations where rear panel segment 250_3 can be set, rear panel segment 250_4 can be selected instead of rear panel segment 250_3, and vice versa. Rear panel segment 250_4 includes attachment features 252a_4 and 252b_4 similar to attachment features 252a_3 and 252b_3 described above. Figure 28 The illustration shows an example configuration including rear panel section 250_4. It should be understood that other exemplary configurations (not shown) may also include rear panel section 250_4—for example, rear panel section 250_4 may be replaced with… Figures 29 to 32 One or both of the rear panel sections 250_3 in the configuration shown in the figure.

[0078] Figure 16 The diagram illustrates rear panel section 250_9. Rear panel section 250_9 is a drive bay that includes two slots for holding a small form factor (SFF) memory drive 256 and one slot for holding a boot drive 257. Figure 16The diagram illustrates drivers 256 and 267 for contextual reference, but drivers 256 and 267 may be provided separately from rear panel segment 250_9. Rear panel segment 250_9 has a similar size to rear panel segment 250_2 described above and is configured to engage with the same bracket 220 as rear panel segment 250_2. Therefore, for any of the aforementioned locations where rear panel segment 250_2 can be located, rear panel segment 250_9 can be selected instead of rear panel segment 250_2, and vice versa. Rear panel segment 250_9 includes attachment features 252a_9 and 252b_9. Attachment feature 252a_9 includes a tab or another protrusion that laterally protrudes from the lateral vertical surface of segment 250_9 and is configured to engage with attachment features 222a_7 or 222a_8 of bracket 220_7 or 220_8. Attachment feature 252b_9 includes a screw configured to engage with a hole in bracket 269. Figure 31 The illustration shows an example configuration including rear panel section 250_9. It should be understood that other exemplary configurations (not shown) may also include rear panel section 250_9—for example, rear panel section 250_9 may be replaced with… Figures 26 to 29 The rear panel section 250_2 in the configuration shown in the figure.

[0079] Figure 17The diagram illustrates rear panel section 250_10. Rear panel section 250_10 includes a bracket for accommodating a pair of power supply units (PSUs). Typically, each configuration of an electronic device includes a pair of power supply units 299, wherein the PSUs 299 are housed within a second supporting rear panel section 268_2, which forms the power supply bracket or housing. However, another power supply bracket in the form of rear panel section 250_10 may also be included in the system (e.g., for increasing redundancy and / or providing enhanced power output), in which case rear panel section 250_10 may be coupled to bracket 220 in a similar manner to the other rear panel sections 250. More specifically, rear panel section 250_10 has a similar size to the aforementioned rear panel sections 250_2 and 250_9 and is configured to be coupled to the same bracket 220 as sections 250_2 and 250_9. Therefore, for any of the aforementioned locations where rear panel sections 250_2 or 250_9 can be configured, rear panel section 250_10 can be selected instead of rear panel sections 250_2 or 250_9, and vice versa. Rear panel section 250_10 includes attachment features 252a_10 and 252b_10. Each of attachment features 252a_10 and 252b_10 includes a tab or another protrusion that laterally protrudes from the lateral vertical surface of section 250_10 (only feature 252b_10 is visible, but feature 252a_10 can be similarly configured) and is configured to engage with attachment features 222c_7 or 222c_8 of bracket 220_7 or 220_8. It should be understood that other exemplary configurations (not shown) may also include rear panel section 250_10—for example, rear panel section 250_10 may replace... Figures 26 to 29 The rear panel section 250_2 in the configuration shown in the figure.

[0080] Figures 19 to 21The diagram illustrates rear panel sections 250_5, 250_6, 250_7, and 250_8, which include drive bays of varying sizes for housing different types of drives. Each drive bay includes multiple slots, each for holding a removable storage drive. Rear panel sections 250_5 and 250_6 extend across a portion of the width of chassis 280 (approximately two-thirds of the width in some examples), while rear panel sections 250_7 and 250_8 extend across the entire width of chassis 280. Rear panel section 250_5 includes twelve slots (e.g., a grid of three columns and four rows of slots) for holding Enterprise Data Center Small Form Factor (EDSFF) storage drives 258. Rear panel section 250_6 includes six slots (e.g., a grid of three columns and two rows) for holding Small Form Factor (SFF) storage drives 256. Rear panel section 250_7 includes four slots (e.g., a single row) for holding large form factor (LFF) memory drives 255. Rear panel section 250_7 includes eight small form factor (SFF) memory drives 256 (e.g., a grid of four columns and two rows).

[0081] Each rear panel segment 250_5, 250_6, 250_7, and 250_8 includes first attachment features 252a_5, 252a_6, 252a_7, and 252a_8, respectively. The first attachment feature includes a screw extending laterally from the left side of the segment and configured to engage with attachment feature 222a_1 of the first bracket 220_1. Each rear panel segment 250_5, 250_6, 250_7, and 250_8 also includes second attachment features 252b_5, 252b_6, 252b_7, and 252b_8, respectively. The second attachment features include a screw extending laterally from the right side of the segment. The second attachment features 252b_5 and 252b_6 are configured to engage with attachment feature 222b_8 of the bracket 220_8. The second attachment features 252b_7 and 252b_8 are configured to engage with holes in the bracket 269.

[0082] Rear panel section 250_1 is a single-slot unit, meaning it includes only one expansion slot (i.e., enough space for a single single-slot PCIe expansion card). Rear panel section 250_2 is a dual-slot unit, meaning it has two expansion slots (i.e., enough space for two single-slot PCIe expansion cards or one dual-slot PCIe expansion card). Rear panel section 250_3 is a triple-slot unit, meaning it has three expansion slots (i.e., enough space for three single-slot PCIe expansion cards, one dual-slot card, and one single-slot card or one triple-slot card). Rear panel sections 250_1, 250_2, and 250_3 are... Figures 12 to 14The diagram is shown as including an expansion card 254 for context reference, but in reality, the expansion card 254 may be provided separately from the rear panel segment 250. Each rear panel segment 250_1, 250_2, and 250_3 may also include a perforated rear cover portion, which... Figures 24 to 32 As can be seen in, but Figures 12 to 14 The middle part is omitted. Each rear panel segment 250_1, 250_2 and 250_3 includes panel attachment features 252, which are configured to engage with corresponding panel attachment features 222 as described above.

[0083] Figures 24 to 32 The illustration shows various example configurations of the rear panel 285 of a chassis 280 formed using the modular rear panel system 200 described above. It should be noted that... Figures 24 to 32 There is no exhaustive list of all configurations that can be used to form the rear panel 285 using the modular rear panel system 200. It should be noted that each configuration includes at least one rear panel section 250_10 (power supply unit), first and second supporting rear panel sections 286_1 and 286_2, and bracket 269, and therefore these components are not mentioned separately in each of the following figures to avoid repetition.

[0084] Figure 24 The diagram illustrates a first configuration of the rear panel 285, which utilizes two rear panel sections 250_1 (single-slot expansion card units) and one rear panel section 250_8 (a drive bay with four LFF drive slots). Furthermore, brackets 220_1, 220_2, 220_3, and 220_4 are used to attach sections 250_1 and 250_8 to the remainder of the chassis 280.

[0085] Figure 25 The diagram illustrates a second configuration of the rear panel 285, which is similar to... Figure 24 The first configuration differs in that rear panel section 250_7 (drive bracket with eight SFF drive slots) has replaced rear panel section 250_8.

[0086] Figure 26 The diagram illustrates a third configuration of the rear panel 285, which utilizes two rear panel sections 250_1 (single-slot expansion card units), one rear panel section 250_5 (a drive bay with six SFF drive slots), and one rear panel section 250_2 (a dual-slot expansion card unit). Furthermore, brackets 220_1, 220_2, 220_3, and 220_8 are used to attach these sections to the remainder of the chassis 280. The bracket 220 used in the third configuration is similar to that used in the first and second configurations, except that bracket 220_8 replaces bracket 220_4.

[0087] Figure 27 The diagram illustrates the fourth configuration of the rear panel 285, which is similar to... Figure 26 The third configuration differs in that rear panel section 250_6 (a drive bay with twelve EDSFF drive slots) has replaced rear panel section 250_5.

[0088] Figure 28 The diagram illustrates a fifth configuration of the rear panel 285, which utilizes two rear panel sections 250_4 (drive trays with two LFF drive bays) and one rear panel section 250_2 (dual-slot expansion card unit). Furthermore, brackets 220_5, 220_6, and 220_7 are used to attach these sections to the remainder of the chassis 280. Comparing the fifth configuration to the first and second configurations, bracket 220_5 replaces brackets 220_1 and 220_2, bracket 220_6 replaces bracket 220_3, and bracket 220_7 replaces bracket 220_4.

[0089] Figure 29 The diagram illustrates the sixth configuration of the rear panel 285, which is similar to... Figure 28 The fifth configuration differs in that the two rear panel sections 250_3 (three-slot expansion card units) have replaced the two rear panel sections 250_4.

[0090] Figure 30 The illustration shows the seventh configuration of the rear panel 285, which is similar to... Figure 29 The sixth configuration differs in that rear panel section 250_10 (power supply unit) has replaced rear panel section 250_2.

[0091] Figure 31 The diagram illustrates the eighth configuration of the rear panel 285, which is similar to... Figure 29 The sixth configuration differs in that rear panel section 250_9 (a drive bay with two SFF drive slots and one boot drive slot) has replaced rear panel section 250_2.

[0092] Figure 32 and Figure 33The diagram illustrates a chassis 280. As described above, chassis 280 includes a base 282, two side walls 283 attached to the base 282, and a top cover 284 attached to the side walls 283. Chassis 280 also includes a front panel 287 and a rear panel 285. The front panel 287 includes one or more slots for removable devices, such as storage drives. The rear panel 285 is formed by a modular rear panel system 200 and has one of the rear panel configurations described above. Chassis 280 can house electronic components such as printed circuit board assemblies, processors, memory, storage devices, etc. Chassis 280 and the electronic components housed therein form an electronic device or system. This electronic device or system can be, for example, a server, a networking device, or some other electronic device.

[0093] It should be understood that both the general description and the detailed description provide illustrative examples of an inherent nature and are intended to provide an understanding of this disclosure without limiting its scope. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electronic, and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of this specification and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring these examples. In two or more figures, the same numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0094] Furthermore, the spatial, positional, and relational terms used herein are chosen to aid the reader in understanding examples of the embodiments, but are not intended to limit the embodiments to specific frames of reference, orientations, or positional relationships. For example, spatial, positional, and relational terms such as “up,” “down,” “side,” “below,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “near,” “far,” etc., are used herein to describe directions or to describe the spatial relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as shown in the figures. These spatial terms are used relative to the frame of reference in the figures and are not limited to a specific frame of reference in the real world. Thus, for example, the “up” direction in the figures does not necessarily correspond to “up” in a world frame of reference (e.g., away from the Earth’s surface). Moreover, if a different frame of reference is considered than that shown in the figures, the spatial terms used herein may require different interpretations in that different frame of reference. For example, a direction referred to as “up” with respect to one of the figures may correspond to a direction referred to as “down” with respect to a different frame of reference rotated 180 degrees from the frame of reference in that figure. As another example, if the device is rotated 180 degrees in the world reference frame compared to the device shown in the figure, then one of the items described herein as "above" or "above" the second item will be "below" or "below" the second item in the world reference frame. Furthermore, the orientations of the items shown in the figure are chosen for ease of illustration and description, but in actual implementations, the orientations of the items may differ.

[0095] Furthermore, unless the context otherwise indicates, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms. Additionally, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” etc., specify the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, components described as connected may be directly electrically or mechanically connected, or may be indirectly connected via one or more intermediate components. Unless the context otherwise indicates, mathematical and geometric terms are not necessarily used according to their strict definitions, as those skilled in the art will understand that, for example, substantially similar elements acting in substantially similar ways may readily fall within the scope of descriptive terms, even if those terms have strict definitions.

[0096] Provided: As used herein, “provided” means to own and / or control an item. This may include, for example, forming (or assembling) some or all of the items from their constituent materials and / or obtaining ownership and / or control over items that have already been formed.

[0097] And / or: Occasionally, the phrase “and / or” is used in conjunction with a list of enumerated items in this text. This phrase means that any combination of items in the list can be included—from a single item to all items, and any permutation in between. Thus, for example, “A, B and / or C” means “one of {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {C, B}, and {A, C, B}.”

[0098] An element and its related aspects described in detail with reference to an example may, where feasible, be included in other examples that do not specifically show or describe them. For example, if an element is described in detail with reference to an example and not with reference to a second example, that element may still be claimed as being included in the second example.

[0099] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated herein or implied by the context, the use of approximate terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “about,” “around,” “probably,” etc., should be understood to mean that mathematical precision is not required, but rather refers to a range of variation that includes, but is not strictly limited to, the stated value, characteristic, or relationship. In particular, apart from any range explicitly stated herein (if any), the range of variation implied by the use of such approximate terms includes at least any insignificant variations and those variations that are typical for items of the type discussed due to manufacturing tolerances or other tolerances in the relevant field. In any case, unless otherwise indicated, the range of variation may include values ​​within ±1% of the stated value, characteristic, or relationship.

[0100] Given the disclosure herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, apparatus and methods may include additional components or steps omitted from the figures and descriptions for clarity of operation. Accordingly, this description is to be interpreted only as illustrative and intended to teach those skilled in the art the general manner of performing this teaching. It should be understood that the various examples shown and described herein are to be considered exemplary. Those shown and described herein may be replaced by elements and materials, and arrangements of such elements and materials, components and processes may be reversed, and certain features of this teaching may be utilized independently, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon benefiting from the description herein. Changes may be made to the elements described herein without departing from the scope of this teaching and the appended claims.

[0101] It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are non-limiting, and modifications can be made to the structure, dimensions, materials, and methods without departing from the scope of this teaching.

[0102] Considering the description and implementation practices disclosed herein, other examples based on this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The description and examples are intended to be illustrative only, and the following claims will have their broadest scope, including equivalents under applicable law.

Claims

1. A modular rear panel system for the chassis of an electronic device, the modular rear panel system comprising: Multiple modular brackets, each modular bracket being configured to be selectively fixed to the chassis at a corresponding bracket mounting position among multiple bracket mounting positions; as well as Multiple modular rear panel sections, each modular rear panel section being configured to be selectively fixed to one or more corresponding modular brackets among the multiple modular brackets; The plurality of modular brackets and the plurality of modular rear panel sections comprise multiple combinations, each combination comprising a subset of the modular rear panel sections and a subset of the modular brackets. The subsets of the modular rear panel sections and the subsets of the modular brackets can be assembled together to form the rear panel of the chassis. The subsets of the modular brackets are fixed to the plurality of mounting locations, and the subsets of the modular rear panel sections are fixed to the subsets of the modular brackets. The rear panels that can be formed by combining the plurality of components have different rear panel configurations. The plurality of modular rear panel sections include one or more removable device brackets and one or more expansion slot units.

2. The modular rear panel system as described in claim 1, in, Each of the plurality of bracket mounting positions is configured to interchangeably accommodate two or more corresponding brackets from the plurality of modular brackets.

3. The modular rear panel system as described in claim 1, in, The plurality of combinations comprises mutually distinct subsets of the plurality of modular rear panel sections; and Wherein, at least some of the multiple combinations include mutually different subsets of the multiple modular supports.

4. The modular rear panel system as described in claim 1, in, The plurality of modular brackets are configured to be removably fixed to the corresponding bracket mounting positions; The plurality of modular rear panel sections are configured to be removably fixed to the corresponding modular bracket.

5. The modular rear panel system as described in claim 1, in, The plurality of modular rear panel sections include: One or more rear panel sections extending across the entire width of the chassis along its width dimension; One or more rear panel sections extending along the width dimension across a width smaller than the entire width of the chassis; and One or more rear panel sections extending a first distance along the height dimension of the chassis; and One or more rear panel sections extending a second distance along the height dimension of the chassis, the second distance being less than the first distance.

6. The modular rear panel system as described in claim 5, in, The plurality of modular supports include: One or more supports extending the first distance along the height dimension; and One or more rear panel sections extending the second distance along the height dimension.

7. The modular rear panel system as described in claim 1, in, The multiple modular rear panel sections include a power supply unit.

8. The modular rear panel system as described in claim 1, in, One or more removable device trays include multiple removable device trays that are different from each other.

9. The modular rear panel system as described in claim 8, in, The plurality of removable device trays differ from each other in size, number of slots for receiving removable devices, and / or type of removable devices that can be received in the removable device trays.

10. The modular rear panel system as claimed in claim 1, in, The one or more removable device trays include storage drive trays configured to removably receive storage devices.

11. The modular rear panel system as claimed in claim 1, in, The dimensions of the one or more expansion slot units are different from each other.

12. The modular rear panel system as claimed in claim 1, in, The plurality of modular supports includes at least two different types of modular supports; and The plurality of modular rear panel sections include at least two different types of modular rear panel sections.

13. The modular rear panel system of claim 1, further comprising: One or more of the plurality of modular brackets are directly fixed to the chassis, and one or more other modular brackets are indirectly fixed to the chassis via another structure fixed to the chassis.

14. The modular rear panel system of claim 1, further comprising: A supporting rear panel section, the supporting rear panel section being fixed to or configured to be fixed to the chassis, wherein a first mounting position of the plurality of bracket mounting positions is located on the supporting rear panel section, and one or more of the plurality of modular brackets are configured to be fixed to the supporting rear panel section at the first mounting position.

15. A chassis for an electronic device, the chassis comprising: The base, the two side walls connected to the base, and the top cover; as well as Rear panel, the rear panel being formed by the modular rear panel system as described in claim 1 and comprising: A subset of the plurality of modular supports, the subset being secured to one of the sidewalls and / or the base, and A subset of the plurality of modular rear panel sections, the subset being fixed to a subset of the plurality of modular brackets.

16. An electronic device comprising: The chassis as described in claim 15; as well as One or more electronic components are housed in the chassis, wherein at least some of the electronic components are housed within a subset of the plurality of modular rear panel sections.

17. A chassis for an electronic device according to claim 16, the chassis comprising: The base, the two side walls connected to the base, and the top cover; as well as Rear panel, the rear panel comprising: Multiple mounting locations on the base, on one of the sidewalls, and / or on a structure fixed to the base, each mounting location including a first bracket attachment feature; A first set of modular brackets, removably secured to one of the sidewalls and / or the base at a plurality of mounting locations, each of the modular brackets including a second bracket attachment feature configured to removably engage with the first bracket attachment feature; and The first set of modular rear panel sections is removably fixed to the first set of modular brackets.

18. The chassis as claimed in claim 17, in, A second set of modular brackets, with at least one member different from the first set of modular brackets, can replace the first set of modular brackets and be fixed to the plurality of installation positions; and Among them, at least one member of the second modular rear panel section, which is different from the first modular rear panel section, can be fixed to the second modular bracket.

19. A method of assembling a rear panel, the rear panel being used as a chassis for an electronic device according to claim 16, the method comprising: A modular rear panel system is provided, comprising a modular support and a modular rear panel section, wherein the modular support comprises at least two different types of modular supports, and the modular rear panel section comprises at least two different types of modular rear panel sections. Select a subset of the modular rear panel sections; Select a subset of the modular bracket corresponding to the modular rear panel segment; A selected subset of the modular brackets is attached to the wall of the chassis at multiple mounting locations, each of the multiple mounting locations being capable of accommodating different modular brackets other than the selected subset of the modular brackets. as well as Attach a selected subset of the modular rear panel sections to a selected subset of the modular bracket.

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