Latch assembly for adapter cage bracket

Abstract

A latch assembly for an adapter cage bracket is disclosed that includes an adapter cage bracket and a latch assembly having a lever and a slider. The adapter cage bracket includes a side portion and a window portion vertically coupled to the side portion such that a space is defined between the side portion and the window portion to receive and couple an expansion card to an adapter card mounted on the side portion. The lever is rotatably coupled to the side portion, and the slider is movably coupled to the lever and the side portion. The slider extends parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the side portion and includes first and second latching elements adjacent a distal end and a proximal end of the slider, respectively. The lever is actuatable to drive the slider to translate horizontally relative to the side portion between a first position corresponding to a fastened state of the latch assembly and a second position corresponding to an unfastened state of the latch assembly, respectively.

Description

Background Art

[0001] An information processing device (such as a server) typically has a main system board (e.g., a motherboard or a host platform module) that includes various components such as a power conversion circuit system, one or more processor sockets for receiving processors, one or more memory sockets for receiving memory devices, electrical and communication interconnects and buses, various controllers, a chipset (such as a baseboard management controller (BMC)), and so on. Additionally, to allow more components to be added to the information processing device, the main system board may also include connectors that can be configured to removably receive electronic modules. The addition of such electronic modules typically extends the capabilities or functions of the information processing device, and thus the connectors and the electronic modules may be referred to as expansion slots and expansion cards, respectively. Examples of such expansion slots include PCIe connectors that come in different sizes and configurations (e.g., x16, x8, x1, etc.), M.2 connectors, and so on. Examples of common types of expansion cards include video cards or graphics processing units (GPUs), network interface cards (NICs), storage controllers, hardware accelerators, and so on.

[0002] However, in some information processing devices, it may not be possible to directly connect an expansion card to an expansion slot (e.g., due to orientation or space constraints), and thus the expansion card may be coupled to an intermediate card (referred to as a riser card), which in turn is connected to the expansion slot of the main system board. A riser card is a printed circuit board assembly (PCA) that carries one electrical connector suitable for receiving an expansion card and another electrical connector suitable for removably connecting to the expansion slot of the main system board. These connectors are arranged such that when everything is connected, the expansion card fits as desired within the space constraints of the system.

[0003] For example, in some information processing devices, the expansion slots on the main system board are oriented to receive expansion cards that extend perpendicular to the main system board ("vertical orientation"). However, in some information processing devices (e.g., 1U or 2U servers), there may not be enough vertical clearance for the expansion cards to have such a vertical orientation. However, the riser card can be much shorter than the expansion card, and thus the riser card can be connected to the expansion slot in a vertical orientation, and then the expansion card can be connected to the riser card in an orientation parallel to the main system board ("horizontal orientation"), thus allowing the expansion card to be assembled within the information processing device. However, the electrical connectors of the expansion slot and the riser card are usually not robust enough to physically support and secure the riser card and the expansion card. Therefore, the riser card and the expansion card are typically deployed using a support structure (e.g., a riser cage bracket) to support the riser card and the expansion card and secure them to the chassis and / or the main system board of the information processing device. The riser cage bracket and the riser card supported by the riser cage bracket can be collectively referred to as the riser cage assembly, and when the expansion card is coupled to the riser card, it can also be considered part of the riser cage assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Various examples will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0005] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example information processing device in accordance with an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0006] Figures 2A - 2C A perspective side view of a riser cage assembly in accordance with an example of the present disclosure is illustrated, the riser cage assembly having a riser cage bracket, a latch assembly, and a riser card.

[0007] Figures 3A - 3B An expanded perspective side view of a rod of the latch assembly in accordance with an example of the present disclosure is illustrated Figures 2A - 2C of.

[0008] Figures 4A - 4B An expanded perspective side view of a slider of the latch assembly in accordance with an example of the present disclosure is illustrated Figures 2A - 2C of.

[0009] Figures 5A - 5C An illustration of multiple steps in accordance with an example of the present disclosure of transitioning the latch assembly from an unfastened state to a fastened state to fasten Figures 2A - 2C the riser cage assembly of to the information processing device is shown.

[0010] Figures 6A - 6B A perspective side view of a riser cage assembly in accordance with another example of the present disclosure is illustrated, the riser cage assembly having a first latch element coupled to a first anchor and a second latch element coupled to a second anchor.

[0011] Figure 7A perspective view of a latch assembly according to another example of the present disclosure is illustrated, the latch assembly having a first latch element and a second latch element coupled to a first anchor and a second anchor of an information processing device.

[0012] Figure 8 A perspective view of a portion of an information processing device according to another example of the present disclosure is illustrated, the information processing device having a chassis, a plurality of adapter cage brackets of 1U height, each adapter cage bracket supporting a full-height configured expansion card and a latch assembly for securing each adapter cage bracket to the chassis.

[0013] Figure 9 A perspective view of a portion of another information processing device according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated, the information processing device having a chassis, a plurality of adapter cage brackets of 1U height, each adapter cage bracket supporting an expansion card having a low-profile configuration and a latch assembly for securing each adapter cage bracket to the chassis.

[0014] Figure 10 Is a flowchart according to an example of the present disclosure, depicting a method of using a latch assembly to secure an adapter cage bracket to an information processing device. Detailed Description

[0015] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. For purposes of explanation, certain examples are described with reference to the components illustrated in Figures 1 - 10 However, the functions of the illustrated components may overlap, and there may be fewer or greater numbers of elements and components. In addition, the disclosed examples may be implemented in a variety of environments and are not limited to the illustrated examples. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. However, it will be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. Although several examples are described in this document, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed examples may be defined by the appended claims.

[0016] An information processing device typically includes one or more actuatable fasteners to secure a cage assembly to the chassis of the information processing device. In some cases, it may be desirable for these fasteners to be manually actuatable without tools, as this can make installation and removal of the cage assembly easier. However, in some information processing devices, there may not be enough free space to accommodate certain tool - less fasteners, and additionally, many tool - less fasteners tend to require free space around them to allow a user to grip and actuate such fasteners. For example, a fastener actuated manually by twisting a knob, handle, or other similar structure of the fastener may be difficult to actuate within an information processing device that has little lateral free space around the fastener, because the user's fingers may be prevented from positioning around the lateral sides of the fastener, and thus the user may not be able to obtain a firm grip on the fastener. Additionally, some tool - less fasteners are physically difficult to actuate and / or non - intuitive to actuate, such as some fasteners that require the user to hold the fastener, push the fastener down, and then turn the fastener to attach a cage bracket to the information processing device. Thus, it can be challenging to provide a fastener that is easily operable to attach and / or remove a cage bracket within the tight space constraints of an information processing device. Additionally, in some systems, certain fasteners (e.g., wing screws) are loose parts of the information processing device (i.e., when in the tightened state, they do not attach to any other part of the device), and thus there is a possibility of misplacing the fasteners during maintenance or replacement activities of the cage assembly, thereby requiring the procurement of new fasteners, which may delay the reinstallation of the cage assembly after such maintenance or replacement activities.

[0017] A technical solution to the above problems can include providing a latch assembly for a cage assembly that is attached to a cage bracket and is operable to secure the cage assembly to an information processing device or release the cage assembly from the information processing device by moving a lever. The lever can be actuated by a single, relatively simple user action - pulling the lever (to pivot the lever in one direction) or pushing the lever (to pivot the lever in the opposite direction). In other words, the latch assembly is a tool - less instrument that can be operated by simply pushing the lever to secure the cage assembly or pulling the lever to release the cage assembly. The action of pushing or pulling the lever requires applying force along a single direction, and this is relatively simple, easy, and intuitive for a user to perform. In contrast, actuation of some other fasteners may require the user to perform multiple different actions and / or apply force along multiple directions (simultaneously or sequentially), such as gripping, pushing down, and turning the fastener, and thus actuation of these other fasteners may be more difficult, more complex, and less intuitive.

[0018] More specifically, in some examples, the latch assembly includes a slider that is movably coupled to and driven by a lever (e.g., by a pivoting movement of the lever) to horizontally translate between a first position corresponding to the latched state of the latch assembly and a second position corresponding to the unlatched state of the latch assembly relative to the transfer cage bracket. The slider includes a latch element that engages a complementary anchor of the information processing device in response to the slider translating to the first position thereby latching the transfer cage to the information processing device, and disengages from the anchor in response to the slider translating to the second position to unlatch the transfer cage.

[0019] In some examples, the slider includes a first latch element and a second latch element that are configured to engage a first anchor and a second anchor of the information processing device, respectively, in the latched state (i.e., in response to the slider translating to the first position), thereby fastening the transfer cage assembly to the information processing device. Similarly, the first latch element and the second latch element disengage from the first anchor and the second anchor, respectively, in the unlatched state (i.e., in response to the slider translating to the second position), thereby releasing the transfer cage bracket from the information processing device. In some examples, the first latch element is positioned adjacent one end of the transfer cage bracket, and the second latch element is positioned adjacent the opposite end of the transfer cage bracket, and thus a single latch assembly can secure both ends of the transfer cage bracket to the information processing device. Additionally, in such examples, both ends of the transfer cage bracket can be latched and unlatched by actuating the same single lever.

[0020] Since the latch assembly of the present disclosure can be operated simply by pushing or pulling the lever without grasping a knob or handle of a fastener as in the case of conventional locking assemblies, the latch assembly of the present disclosure can be easily operable even in an information processing device with space constraints. Additionally, since the latch assembly can be operated without grasping the lever, there is no requirement for lateral free space around the lever, and thus the latch assembly can be easily deployed and operated in an information processing device with space constraints. Additionally, since the latch assembly is attached to the transfer cage bracket, the chance of losing the latch assembly during maintenance or replacement activities can be avoided. Thus, performing maintenance or replacement activities on the transfer cage assembly may not be as time-consuming and laborious as previously when using fasteners of conventional locking assemblies to fasten the transfer cage assembly to the information processing device or release the transfer cage assembly from the information processing device.

[0021] In some examples, the transfer cage bracket has a bracket side portion and a bracket window portion that is vertically coupled to the bracket side portion such that a space is defined between the bracket side portion and the bracket window portion that can receive an expansion card and removably couple the expansion card to an adapter card mounted on and coupled to the bracket side portion. Additionally, in some examples, a lever is rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion, and a slider is movably coupled to the lever and the bracket side portion. The slider extends parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the bracket side portion. As described above, in some examples, the slider includes a first latching element and a second latching element, and in some of these examples, the first latching element is positioned adjacent a distal end of the slider while the second latching element is positioned adjacent a proximal end of the slider.

[0022] Referring to the figures, Figure 1 a block diagram of an information processing apparatus 100 is depicted that has a chassis 102, a main system board 104, one or more anchors (e.g., a first anchor 106 and a second anchor 108), and a transfer cage assembly 110. The information processing apparatus 100 can be a computer (e.g., a server, a storage device), a networking device (e.g., a switch, an access point), and so on.

[0023] The chassis 102 is an enclosure that can receive and support various components of the information processing apparatus 100, the various components being such as the main system board 104, the first anchor 106, the second anchor 108, and the transfer cage assembly 110. The main system board 104 is the main circuit board of the information processing apparatus 100 and includes various components such as a power conversion circuitry, one or more processor sockets for receiving one or more processing resources (not shown, e.g., a CPU, a GPU, etc.), one or more memory sockets for receiving memory devices, electrical and communication interconnects and buses, various controllers, a chipset (such as a baseboard management controller (BMC)), and so on. In some examples, the main system board 104 is a motherboard or a host platform module. In Figure 1 an example, the main system board 104 is a host platform module that is mounted on and coupled to the chassis 102. In certain examples, the main system board 104 can include a substrate 104A, the one or more processing resources mounted on the substrate 104A and coupled to the substrate via the one or more processor sockets, a connector 112 (e.g., an expansion slot) disposed on the substrate 104A and coupled to it, and traces (not shown) formed in the substrate 104A such that the traces are connected to the one or more processing resources and the connector 112.

[0024] As described above, the information processing apparatus 100 includes one or more anchors. In some examples, the one or more anchors include a first anchor 106. In some examples, the one or more anchors further include a second anchor 108. In some examples, the one or more anchors further include additional anchors (not shown). Further, each of the one or more anchors (e.g., the first anchor 106 and the second anchor 108) is a retention member that can engage with a corresponding complementary retention member (e.g., the first latch element 140 and the second latch element 142) of the carrier cage assembly 110 to fix the carrier cage assembly 110 to the information processing apparatus 100. In some examples, the anchors (e.g., the first anchor 106 and the second anchor 108) can be brackets, locking spools, and the like. In Figure 1 an example, each of the anchors is disposed on and coupled to the chassis 102. However, in some other examples, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the anchors can be disposed on and coupled to the main system board 104. In some examples where both the first anchor 106 and the second anchor 108 are provided, the first anchor 106 is disposed close to the distal end portion 110A of the carrier cage assembly 110, and the second anchor 108 is disposed close to the proximal end portion 110B of the carrier cage assembly 110.

[0025] In some examples, the carrier cage assembly 110 is a component mounting assembly that can accommodate one or more electronic components and allow such one or more electronic components to be added to the main system board 104 to expand the capabilities or functions of the information processing apparatus 100. In certain examples, the carrier cage assembly 110 includes a carrier cage bracket 114, a latch assembly 116, a carrier card 118, and (optionally) an expansion card 120.

[0026] The cage carrier 114 is a structural support component that provides support to the adapter card 118 and the expansion card 120 and secures such cards to the information handling device 100. In some examples, the cage carrier 114 includes a carrier side portion 122 and a carrier window portion 124 that are coupled to each other at a right angle to define a space (e.g., volume 126) therebetween. In other words, the carrier side portion 122 is vertically coupled to the carrier window portion 124 such that a volume 126 is defined between the carrier side portion 122 and the carrier window portion 124. In such examples, the adapter card 118 may be coupled to the carrier side portion 122, and the expansion card 120 may be disposed within the volume 126 and coupled to the cage carrier 114. In some examples, the cage carrier 114 further includes a cover portion (not shown) that is coupled to both the carrier side portion 112 and the carrier window portion 124 and is oriented transverse (perpendicular) to both; in such examples, the volume 126 is bounded on three sides by the carrier side portion 112, the carrier window portion 124, and the cover portion.

[0027] In some examples, the cage carrier 114 having the adapter card 118 mounted therein may be disposed on the main system board 104 to mount the cage assembly 110 to the information handling device 100. In particular, when the cage carrier 114 is disposed on the main system board 104, the first connector 128 of the adapter card 118 is removably connected to the connector 112 of the main system board 104. Further, the expansion card 120 is disposed within the volume 126 of the cage carrier 114 such that the expansion connector 132 of the expansion card 120 is removably connected to the second connector 130 of the adapter card 118. Thus, when the expansion card 120 is removably connected to the adapter card 118, electrical signals from the expansion card 120 can be transferred to the main system board 104 via the adapter card 118.

[0028] The latch assembly 116 is a locking assembly of the cage assembly 110 that can fasten the cage carrier 114 to the information handling device 100 when actuated (e.g., pushed) in one direction or release the cage carrier 114 from the information handling device 100 when actuated (e.g., pulled) in another direction. In certain examples, the latch assembly 116 includes a lever 134 and a slider 136 that are mounted to (or attached to) the cage carrier 114. In particular, the lever 134 is rotatably coupled to the carrier side portion 112, and the slider 136 is movably coupled to the lever 134 and the carrier side portion 122. In such examples, the slider 136 may extend parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the carrier side portion 122. The slider 126 includes one or more latch elements; in Figure 1In it, two latch elements are illustrated in the form of a first latch element 140 adjacent to the distal end portion 136A of the slider 136 and a second latch element 142 adjacent to the proximal end portion 136B of the slider 136. In some examples, the first latch element 140 may be one of a hook or a tab, and the second latch element 142 may be a tab. In one or more examples, the lever 134 can be actuated by applying a force (e.g., pushing or pulling) to horizontally translate the slider 136 relative to the bracket side portion 122 between a first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly 116 and a second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly 116. More specifically, the actuation of the lever 134 causes the lever 134 to pivot about a support (bracket side portion 122) that rotatably couples the lever 134 to the bracket side portion 112, and the lever 134 is coupled to the slider 136 such that the pivoting motion of the lever 134 is converted into a translational motion of the slider 136.

[0029] In some examples, with the transfer cage assembly 110 in the installed state in the information processing device 100, the lever 134 can pivot in one direction to drive the slider 136 along the first direction 10, thereby causing the latch element to engage with the anchor and thus fastening the transfer cage assembly 110 to the information processing device 100. This state of the latch assembly 116 (in which the latch element engages with the anchor) can be referred to as the fastened state. In examples where the first latch element 140 and the second latch element 142 and the first anchor 106 and the second anchor 108 are provided, in the fastened state, the first latch element 140 and the second latch element 142 of the slider 136 respectively engage with the first anchor 106 and the second anchor 108. In some examples, the pivoting of the lever 134 to drive the slider along the first direction 10 can be accomplished by the user applying a force to (e.g., pushing) the free end of the lever so as to cause the lever 134 to pivot toward the main system board 104.

[0030] Conversely, in the installed state of the transfer cage assembly 110 in the information processing apparatus 100, the lever 134 can pivot in the opposite direction to drive the slider 136 in a second direction 20 opposite to the first direction 10, thereby causing the latch element to disengage from the anchor and thus releasing the transfer cage assembly 110 from the information processing apparatus 100. This state of the latch assembly 116, in which the latch element is disengaged from the anchor, can be referred to as the unfastened state. In an example where the first latch element 140 and the second latch element 142, as well as the first anchor 106 and the second anchor 108 are provided, in the unfastened state, the first latch element 140 and the second latch element 142 of the slider 136 are disengaged from the first anchor 106 and the second anchor 108, respectively. In some examples, the pivoting of the lever 134 to drive the slider in the second direction 20 can be accomplished by a user applying a force (e.g., pulling) to the free end of the lever so as to cause the lever 134 to pivot away from the main system board 104.

[0031] Since the latch assembly 116 can be operated simply by pushing or pulling the free end of the lever 134 without the need to grasp a knob or handle of a fastener as in the case of a conventional locking assembly, the latch assembly of the present disclosure can be easily operable in the information processing apparatus 100 with space constraints. Further, since the latch assembly 116 can be operated without grasping the lever 134, there is no requirement for lateral free space around the lever 134, and thus the latch assembly 116 can be easily deployed and operated in the information processing apparatus 100 with space constraints. Additionally, since the latch assembly 116 is attached to the transfer cage bracket 114, the chance of losing the latch assembly 116 during maintenance or replacement activities can be avoided. Thus, performing maintenance or replacement activities of the transfer cage assembly 110 may not be as time-consuming and laborious an activity as it was previously when using fasteners of a conventional locking assembly to fasten the transfer cage assembly to the information processing apparatus or release the transfer cage assembly from the information processing apparatus.

[0032] Referring to the figures, Figures 2A - 2C a perspective side view of a transfer cage assembly 210 is depicted. In the following description, for ease of illustration, Figures 2A - 2C .

[0033] The transfer cage assembly 210 can be a component mounting assembly that houses one or more electronic components and allows the one or more electronic components to be added to a main system board 504 (as Figures 5A - 5C shown) to expand an information processing apparatus 500 (such as Figures 5A - 5Cthe capabilities or functions shown in). The adapter cage assembly 210 includes an adapter cage bracket 214, a latch assembly 216, and an adapter card 218. It may be noted herein that, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the adapter cage assembly 210 may additionally include an expansion card 520 (as shown in Figures 5A - 5C shown in).

[0034] The adapter cage bracket 214 can be a support structure of the adapter cage assembly 210. The adapter cage bracket 214 includes a bracket side portion 222 and a bracket window portion 224. The bracket window portion 224 has a width "W" and a height "H". In some examples, the height "H" can be 1 unit space (U) height, and the width "W" can be equal to either the full height or the low profile of the expansion card 520. In the installed state of the adapter cage assembly 210 in the information processing device 500, the bracket window portion 224 can extend perpendicular to the main system board 504 along the lateral dimension 50 of the information processing device 500. The bracket side portion 222 includes a side wall 244 and a cover 246. The side wall 244 has a length "L" and a height "H". In some examples, the height "H" can be 1U height, and the length "L" can be equal to either the full length or the half length of the expansion card 520. In the installed state of the adapter cage assembly 210 in the information processing device 500, the side wall 244 can extend perpendicular to the main system board 504 along the longitudinal dimension 60 of the information processing device 500. Additionally, the height "H" of the adapter cage bracket 214 can be perpendicular to the main system board 504 along the radial dimension 70 of the information processing device 500. In one or more examples, the side wall 244 is disposed perpendicular to the bracket window portion 224, and a first end 244A of the side wall 244 is coupled to a first end 224A of the bracket window portion 224, such that a space 226 is defined between the bracket side portion 222 and the bracket window portion 224. In such examples, the cover 246 of the bracket side portion 222 is mounted on and coupled to the side wall 244 and the bracket window portion 224, such that the cover 246 covers a part of the space 226. In one or more examples, the bracket side portion 222 further includes a first spool 250, a second spool 251, and a set of third spools 252, each spool extending perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension 60 of the bracket side portion 222. In particular, the first spool 250 and the second spool 251 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and extend perpendicularly from a first side portion 254 of the side wall 244. Further, the first spool 250 and the second spool 251 are arranged to be close to the distal end 210A of the adapter cage assembly 210. The set of third spools 252 includes one third spool 252A and another third spool 252A. In such examples, the third spools 252A, 252B are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and extend perpendicularly from a second side portion 256 of the side wall 244. Further, the third spool 252A is arranged to be close to the middle region of the slider 236, and the other third spool 252A is arranged to be close to the proximal end 210B of the adapter cage assembly 210.

[0035] The adapter card 218 can be an electronic card of the information processing device 500. In some examples, the adapter card 218 can be mounted on and coupled to the side portion 222 of the bracket using fasteners (not shown) that extend through fastening features (not labeled) formed in the side wall 244 and the adapter card 218. In some examples, the adapter card 218 is first coupled to the side wall 244 to obtain support from the adapter cage bracket 214, and the adapter card 218 can later be detachably connected to the main system board 504. In particular, when the adapter cage assembly 210 is installed in the information processing device 500, a first connector 258 (e.g., a gold finger) of the adapter card 218 can be detachably connected to an expansion slot (not shown) of the main system board 504. In some examples, the adapter cage assembly 210 installed in the information processing device 500 can be used to add one or more hardware components (such as the expansion card 520) to the information processing device 500 to meet / expand further requirements or functions of the information processing device 500. For example, the expansion card 520 can be disposed in the space 226 defined in the adapter cage bracket 214 such that an expansion connector of the expansion card 520 is detachably connected to a second connector (not shown) of the adapter card 218, and thus an electrical connection is achieved between the expansion card 520 and the main system board 504 via the adapter card 218. In some examples, the expansion card 520 can be coupled to the bracket window portion 224 using fasteners (not shown) that extend through fastening features (not labeled) formed in the bracket window portion 224 and the expansion card 520.

[0036] The latch assembly 216 can be a locking assembly of the adapter cage assembly 210, which can be used to fix the adapter cage bracket 214 to the information processing device 500. In one or more examples, the latch assembly 216 includes a rod member 234 and a slider 236, and is attached to the adapter cage bracket 214. For example, the rod member 234 is rotatably coupled to the side portion 222 of the bracket via a first spool 250. The slider 236 is movably coupled to the rod member 234 via a second spool 251, and the slider 236 is further movably coupled to the side portion 222 of the bracket via the pair of third spools 252. The assembly of the rod member 234 and the slider 236 to the adapter cage bracket 214 is discussed in more detail below. In one or more examples, the rod member 234 can be configured to drive the slider 236 between a first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly 216 and a second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly 216, as discussed in more detail below.

[0037] Figures 3A - 3B A perspective side view of the rod member 234 of the latch assembly 216 is depicted, and Figures 2A - 2C and Figures 4A - 4B A Figures 2A - 2CPerspective side view of the slider 236 of the latch assembly 216. In the following description, for ease of illustration, both are described Figures 3A - 3B and Figures 4A - 4B .

[0038] The rod member 234 includes a handle 260 and a pair of arms 262 connected to the handle 260. The pair of arms 262 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and one side of each of the pair of arms 262 is coupled to each other via a body portion 263. Further, each of the pair of arms 262 includes a first opening 264 and a guide slot 266. In Figures 3A - 3B the example, the guide slot 266 has a trapezoidal profile. Further, at least one of the pair of arms 262 includes a protrusion 268 and a recess 269. In one or more examples, the first opening 264 in each of the pair of arms 262 may allow the rod member 234 to be movably connected to the bracket side portion 222. Further, the guide slot 266 in each of the pair of arms 262 may allow the rod member 234 to be movably coupled to the slider 236. The recess 269 is formed to at least contain a part of the protrusion 268 so as to allow the protrusion 268 to bend along the lateral dimension 50 of the transfer cage assembly 210. Further, the protrusion 268 may engage with an orifice 287 formed in the slider 236 (as Figures 4A - 4B shown) to lock the rod member 234 to the slider 236 in the fastened state of the latch assembly 216.

[0039] The slider 236 includes a first support wall 270 and a second support wall 272 that are set apart from each other. The slider 236 further includes an intermediate wall 274 that is connected to the first support wall 270 and the second support wall 272 at the distal end portion 236A of the slider 236 to define a U-shaped profile between the first support wall 270 and the second support wall 272. The slider 236 having a U-shaped profile at the distal end portion 236A defines a rod mounting area 279 that allows the rod 234 to be mounted on the slider 236. In some examples, the second support wall 272 includes a first portion 272A and a second portion 272B that are coupled to each other via a pair of fasteners 275. In such examples, the first portion 272A has an inverted U-shaped profile, and the second portion 272B has a linear profile. The first portion 272A having an inverted U-shaped profile defines a bracket mounting area 277 to allow the adapter cage bracket 214 to be mounted on the bracket side portion 222. The second support wall 272 further includes a set of slots 280. In particular, the set of slots 280 is formed in the second portion 272B of the second support wall 272. For example, the set of slots 280 includes a first slot 280A that is set to be close to the intermediate area of the slider 236, and a second slot 280B that is set to be close to the proximal end portion 236B of the slider 236. The second portion 272B of the second support wall 272 further includes a pair of retainer hooks 282 that are configured to slidably engage with the side wall 244 of the bracket side portion 222. Further, each of the pair of retainer hooks 282 of the pair of retainer hooks is set to face the other retainer hook and is located between the pair of slots 280. The second support wall 272 further includes a guide pin 284 that is configured to engage with a guide slot (not shown) formed in the side wall 244 of the bracket side portion 222 to guide the horizontal movement of the slider 236 relative to the bracket side portion 222. In some examples, the second support wall 272 further includes an aperture 287 that is configured to engage with a protrusion 268 of the rod 234 to lock the rod 234 to the slider 236 in the fastened state of the latch assembly 216. Further, each of the first support wall 270 and the second support wall 272 includes a second opening 286 that allows the bracket side portion 222 to movably couple the slider 236 to the rod 234. In one or more examples, the distal end portion 236A of the first support wall 270 and the second support wall 272 includes a first latch element 240, and the proximal end portion 236B of the second support wall 272 includes a second latch element 242. In Figures 4A - 4B the example, the first latch element 240 is a hook, and the second latch element 242 is a tab.

[0040] Referring to the figures ( Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 3A - 3B and Figures 4A - 4B) The slider 236 is mounted on the side wall 244 of the side portion 222 of the bracket such that the second portion 272B of the second support wall 272 extends parallel to the longitudinal dimension 60 of the side portion 222 of the bracket. In particular, the first portion 272A of the second support wall 272 is mounted on the bracket mounting area 277 such that the guide pin 284 engages a guide groove (not shown) provided on the first side portion 254 of the side wall 244, the second portion 272B of the second support wall 272 is provided on the second side portion 256 of the side wall 244, and the pair of retainer hooks 282 are slidably engaged with the side wall 244 to movably couple the slider 236 to the side portion 222 of the bracket. Further, the rod member 234 is provided between the first support wall 270 and the second support wall 272. In particular, the rod member 234 is mounted on the rod member mounting area 279 such that the first spool 250 engages the first opening 264 in each of the arms of the set of arms 262 of the rod member 234 to rotatably couple the rod member 234 to the side portion 222 of the bracket. In Figures 2A - 2C the example of, the rod member 234 is positioned between the first support wall 270 and the first portion 272A of the second support wall 272. Further, the second spool 251 in the side portion 222 of the bracket extends between the second opening 286 in each of the first support wall 270 and the second support wall 272 and the guide groove 266 in each of the arms of the set of arms 262 of the rod member 234 to movably couple the slider 236 to the rod member 234. Further, the set of third spools 252 in the side portion 222 of the bracket engage the set of grooves 280 in the second support wall 272 to movably couple the slider 236 to the side portion 222 of the bracket.

[0041] The rod member 234 can be actuated to drive the slider 236 to horizontally translate between a first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly 216 and a second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly 216 relative to the side portion 222 of the bracket. It should be noted herein that Figures 2A - 2C the latch assembly 216 in the example of is shown in the fastened state. In some examples, with the transfer cage assembly 210 in the installed state in the information processing device 500, the handle 260 of the rod member 234 can be pushed to drive the slider 236 along the first direction 10, thereby causing the first latch element 240 and the second latch element 242 of the slider 236 to engage with the first anchor 506 and the second anchor 508 respectively (as Figures 5A - 5Bas shown in Figures 2A - 2C , each of the first direction 10 and the second direction 20 corresponds to the longitudinal dimension 60 of the information processing device 500. The process of translating the latch assembly 216 between the fastened state and the unfastened state to fasten the adapter cage assembly 210 to the information processing device 500 and release the adapter cage assembly from the information processing device is discussed in more detail below.

[0042] Figures 5A - 5C depicts a portion of the information processing device 500 and a plurality of steps for causing Figures 2A - 2C the latch assembly 216 of Figures 2A - 2C to transition from an unfastened state to a fastened state to fasten the adapter cage assembly 210 of

[0043] The chassis 502 is a housing that receives and supports various components of the information processing device 500, such as the main system board 504, the first anchor 506, the second anchor 508, and the adapter cage assembly 510. The main system board 504 is the main circuit board of the information processing device 500. In Figures 5A - 5CIn the example, the main system board 504 is a host platform module that is mounted on and coupled to the chassis 502. The main system board 504 includes a connector 112 (e.g., expansion slot) that is configured to receive and removably connect to a first connector 228 of the adapter card 518. Further, each of the first anchoring member 506 and the second anchoring member 508 is a retention member that can engage with corresponding complementary retention members (e.g., the first latch element 240 and the second latch element 242, respectively) of the adapter cage assembly 210 to secure the adapter cage bracket 214 to the information processing device 500. In some examples, the first anchoring member 506 is a locking spool and the second anchoring member 508 is a bracket. Each of the first anchoring member 506 and the second anchoring member 508 is disposed on the chassis 502 and coupled to the chassis via the main system board 504. In some examples, the first anchoring member 506 is disposed at the distal end 210A of the adapter cage assembly 210, and the second anchoring member 508 is disposed at the proximal end 210B of the adapter cage assembly 210.

[0044] In some examples, the adapter cage assembly 210 is a component mounting assembly configured to receive one or more electronic components and add such one or more electronic components to the main system board 504 to expand the capabilities or functions of the information handling device 500. In certain examples, the adapter cage assembly 210 includes an adapter cage bracket 214, a latch assembly 216, an adapter card 218, and an expansion card 520. The adapter cage bracket 214 is a structural support component that provides support to the adapter card 218 and the expansion card 520 and additionally secures such cards to the information handling device 500. In some examples, the adapter cage bracket 214 includes a bracket side portion 222 and a bracket window portion 224 that is vertically coupled to the bracket side portion 222 such that a space 226 is defined between the bracket side portion 222 and the bracket window portion 224. In such examples, the adapter card 218 is coupled to the bracket side portion 222, and the expansion card 520 is disposed within the space 226 for detachably coupling to the adapter card 218. Specifically, when the expansion card 520 is disposed within the space 226, an expansion connector (not shown) of the expansion card 520 is detachably coupled to a second connector (not shown) of the adapter card 218 to effect an electrical connection between the expansion card 520 and the adapter card 218. Further, the expansion card 520 can be secured to the adapter cage assembly 210 by coupling the expansion card 520 to the bracket window portion 224. The latch assembly 216 is a locking assembly of the adapter cage assembly 210 that can fasten the adapter cage bracket 214 to the information handling device 500 when actuated (e.g., pushed) or release the adapter cage bracket 214 from the information handling device 500 when (e.g., pulled). In certain examples, the latch assembly 216 includes a lever 234 and a slider 236 that are attached to the adapter cage bracket 214. In some examples, the lever 234 is rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion 222, and the slider 236 is movably coupled to the lever 234 and the bracket side portion 222, thereby pre - mounting the latch assembly 216 to the adapter cage bracket 214. Specifically, the slider 236 is disposed on the bracket side portion 222 such that the slider 236 extends parallel to a longitudinal dimension 60 of the bracket side portion 222 and is movably coupled to the bracket side portion 222. Further, the lever 234 is disposed on the slider 236 such that the lever 234 is movably coupled to the slider 236 and rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion 222. In such examples, the lever 234 can be actuated by applying a force (e.g., pushing or pulling) to drive the slider 236 to horizontally translate relative to the bracket side portion 222 between a first position corresponding to a fastened state of the latch assembly 216 and a second position corresponding to an unfastened state of the latch assembly 216. In Figures 5A - 5BIn the example, the latch assembly 216 is shown in the unfastened state. In particular, the rod 234 is pulled along the third direction 30, causing the slider 236 to translate along the second direction 20 and disengaging the first latch element 240 and the second latch element 242 from the first anchor 506 and the second anchor 508, thereby moving the latch assembly 216 to the unfastened state. It may be noted herein that the third direction 30 may correspond to the radial orientation 70 of the adapter cage assembly 210, and the second direction 20 may correspond to the longitudinal dimension 60 of the adapter cage assembly 210.

[0045] Referring Figure 5A , in particular, the adapter cage bracket 214 (which has an adapter card 218 mounted therein and an expansion card 520 disposed within the space 226 and detachably connected to the adapter card 218) may be mounted on the main system board 504 to mount the adapter cage assembly 210 to the information processing device 500. Referring Figure 5B , in particular, as the adapter cage bracket 214 is mounted on the main system board 504, the first connector 228 of the adapter card 218 is detachably connected to the connector 512 of the main system board 504. Thus, the expansion card 520 is electrically connected to the main system board 504 via the adapter card 218. Further, when the adapter cage bracket 214 is mounted on the main system board 504, the first latch element 240 is arranged adjacent to the first anchor 506, and the second latch element 242 is arranged adjacent to the second anchor 508.

[0046] Now referring Figure 5C 、 Figures 3A - 3B and Figures 4A - 4B, the latch assembly 216 can be actuated to fix the adapter cage assembly 210 to the information processing device 500. For example, the handle 260 of the rod 234 is actuated along a fourth direction 40 opposite to the third direction 30 to fasten the adapter cage assembly 210 to the information processing device 500. In particular, the handle 260 of the rod 234 is pushed to drive the slider 236 along a first direction 10, so as to cause the first latch element 240 to engage with the first anchor 506 and the second latch element 242 to engage with the second anchor 508, thereby fastening the adapter cage assembly 210 to the chassis 502 of the information processing device 500 and translating the latch assembly 216 to a fastened state. In some examples, as the rod 234 is pushed along the fourth direction 40, the first spool 250 of the bracket side portion 222 engaging the first opening 264 of the rod 234 causes the rod 234 to rotate along a clockwise direction 80. At the same time, the second spool 251 of the bracket side portion 222 engaging the guide slot 266 of the rod 234 and the second opening 286 of the slider 236 causes the rod 234 to guide the slider 236 to move (translate) along the first direction 10. It can be noted herein that the first direction 10 corresponds to the longitudinal dimension 60 of the adapter cage assembly 210, and the fourth direction 40 corresponds to the radial orientation 70 of the adapter cage assembly 210. Further, the set of third spools 252 of the bracket side portion 222 engaging the set of slots 280 of the slider 236 guides the slider 236 to move horizontally along the first direction 10 relative to the bracket side portion 222. In such examples, the guide pin 284 of the slider 236 engaging a guide slot (not shown) of the bracket side portion 222 and the pair of retainer hooks 282 of the slider 236 slidably engaging the bracket side portion 222 guide the slider 236 to move horizontally relative to the bracket side portion 222. Thus, the movement of the slider 236 along the first direction 10 causes the first latch element 240 to engage with the first anchor 506 and the second latch element 242 to engage with the second anchor 508 and thereby fasten the adapter cage assembly 210 to the information processing device 500. Further, the protrusion 268 of the rod 234 can engage with the orifice 287 of the slider 236 to lock the rod 234 and the slider 236 in the fastened state of the latch assembly 216.

[0047] In some examples, the latch assembly 216 can be further actuated to release the adapter cage assembly 210 from the information handling device 500. For example, the handle 260 of the lever 234 can be actuated along a third direction 30 to release the adapter cage assembly 210 from the information handling device 500. In particular, the handle 260 of the lever 234 can be pulled to drive the slider along a second direction 20, so as to cause the first latch element 240 to disengage from the first anchor 506 and the second latch element 242 to disengage from the second anchor 508, thereby releasing the adapter cage assembly 210 from the chassis 502 of the information handling device 500 and translating the latch assembly 216 to an unfastened state. In some examples, as the lever 234 is pulled along the third direction 30, the first spool 250 of the bracket side portion 222 engaging the first opening 264 of the lever 234 causes the lever 234 to rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise. At the same time, the second spool 251 of the bracket side portion 222 engaging the guide slot 266 of the lever 234 and the second opening 286 of the slider 236 causes the lever 234 to guide the slider 236 to move (translate) along the second direction 20. It can be noted herein that the second direction 20 corresponds to the longitudinal dimension 60 of the adapter cage assembly 210, and the third direction 30 corresponds to the radial orientation 70 of the adapter cage assembly 210. Further, the set of third spools 252 of the bracket side portion 222 engaging the set of slots 280 of the slider 236 guides the slider 236 to move horizontally along the second direction 20 relative to the bracket side portion 222. In such examples, the guide pin 284 of the slider 236 engaging a guide slot (not shown) of the bracket side portion 222 and the pair of retainer hooks 282 of the slider 236 slidably engaging the bracket side portion 222 guide the slider 236 to move horizontally relative to the bracket side portion 222. Thus, the movement of the slider 236 along the second direction 20 causes the first latch element 240 to disengage from the first anchor 506 and the second latch element 242 to disengage from the second anchor 508, and thereby releases the adapter cage assembly 210 from the information handling device 500.

[0048] Since the latch assembly 216 can be operated simply by pushing or pulling the rod member 234 without grasping a knob or handle of a fastener as in the case of a conventional locking assembly, the latch assembly of the present disclosure can be easily operable in an information handling device 500 having space constraints. Additionally, since the latch assembly 216 can be operated without grasping the rod member 234, there is no requirement for lateral free space around the rod member 234, and thus the latch assembly 216 can be easily deployed and operated in the information handling device 500 having space constraints. Additionally, since the latch assembly 216 is attached to the carrier cage bracket 214, the chance of losing the latch assembly 216 during a maintenance or replacement activity can be avoided. Thus, performing a maintenance or replacement activity of the carrier cage assembly 210 may not be as time-consuming and laborious an activity as previously when using a fastener of a conventional locking assembly to fasten or release the carrier cage assembly from the information handling device.

[0049] Figures 6A - 6B A perspective side view depicting a first anchor 606, a second anchor 608, and a carrier cage assembly 610 is shown. In one or more examples, each of the first anchor 606 and the second anchor 608 is a retention member. In Figures 6A - 6BIn the example, each of the first anchor 606 and the second anchor 608 is a bracket. Further, each of the first anchor 106 and the second anchor 108 may be disposed on a main system board (not shown) of the information processing device and coupled thereto. The adapter cage assembly 610 includes an adapter cage bracket 614, a latch assembly 616, an adapter card 618, and an expansion card (not shown). The adapter cage assembly 610 is configured to provide support to the adapter card 618 and the expansion card and secure such cards to the information processing device. In some examples, the adapter cage bracket 614 includes a bracket side portion 622 and a bracket window portion 624, the two portions being coupled to each other at a right angle to define a space 626 between the bracket side portion 622 and the bracket window portion 624. In such examples, the adapter card 618 may be coupled to the bracket side portion 622, and the expansion card may be disposed in the space 626 and coupled to the bracket window portion 624. In some examples, the adapter cage bracket 614 having the adapter card 618 mounted therein may be disposed on a main system board (not shown) of the information processing system to mount the adapter cage assembly 610 to the information processing device. The latch assembly 616 is a locking assembly of the adapter cage assembly 610 that can fasten the adapter cage bracket 614 to the information processing device when actuated (e.g., pushed) or release the adapter cage bracket 614 from the information processing device when (e.g., pulled). In certain examples, the latch assembly 616 includes a lever 634 and a slider 636, the lever and the slider being attached to the adapter cage bracket 614. In particular, the lever 634 is rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion 622, and the slider 636 is movably coupled to the lever 634 and the bracket side portion 622 (as shown in Figures 2A - 2C(discussed in the examples of). In such examples, the slider 636 may extend parallel to the longitudinal dimension 60 of the carriage side portion 622 and includes a first latch element 640 and a second latch element 642. In some examples, each of the first latch element 640 and the second latch element 642 is a tab. In one or more examples, the lever 634 may be actuated by applying a force (e.g., pushing or pulling) to horizontally translate the slider 636 relative to the carriage side portion 622 between a first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly 616 and a second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly 616. In some examples, with the transfer cage assembly 610 in the installed state in the information processing device, the lever 634 may be pushed to drive the slider 636 along a first direction 10, causing the first latch element 640 and the second latch element 642 of the slider 636 to engage with the first anchor 606 and the second anchor 608, respectively, and thereby fastening the transfer cage assembly 610 to the information processing device and translating the latch assembly 616 to the fastened state. Similarly, with the transfer cage assembly 610 in the installed state in the information processing device, the lever 634 may be pulled to drive the slider 636 along a second direction 20 opposite to the first direction 10, causing the first latch element 640 and the second latch element 642 of the slider 636 to disengage from the first anchor 606 and the second anchor 608, respectively, and thereby releasing the transfer cage assembly 610 from the information processing device and translating the latch assembly to the unfastened state.

[0050] Figure 7 FIG. depicts a perspective side view of a support element 790 having a first anchor 706 and a second anchor 708, and a transfer cage assembly 710. In one or more examples, the support element 790 is disposed on and coupled to the chassis 704 of the information processing device. The support element 790 includes a first anchor 706 disposed at a distal end 790A and a second anchor 708 disposed at a proximal end 790B. Each of the first anchor 706 and the second anchor 708 is a retention member. In Figure 7In the example, each of the first anchor 706 and the second anchor 708 is a hook. The adapter cage assembly 710 includes an adapter cage bracket 714, a latch assembly 716, an adapter card 718, and an expansion card (not shown). The adapter cage assembly 710 is configured to provide support to the adapter card 718 and the expansion card and to secure such cards to the information processing device. In some examples, the adapter cage bracket 714 includes a bracket side portion 722 and a bracket window portion 724, the two portions being coupled to each other at a right angle to define a space 726 between the bracket side portion 722 and the bracket window portion 724. In such examples, the adapter card 718 may be coupled to the bracket side portion 722, and the expansion card may be disposed in the space 726 and coupled to the bracket window portion 724. In some examples, the adapter cage bracket 714 having the adapter card 718 mounted therein may be disposed on the main system board (not shown) of the information processing system and positioned adjacent to the support element 790 to mount the adapter cage assembly 710 to the information processing device. The latch assembly 716 is a locking assembly of the adapter cage assembly 710 that can fasten the adapter cage bracket 714 to the information processing device when actuated (e.g., pushed) or release the adapter cage bracket 714 from the information processing device when (e.g., pulled). In certain examples, the latch assembly 716 includes a lever 734 and a slider 736, the lever and the slider being attached to the adapter cage bracket 714. In particular, the lever 734 is rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion 722, and the slider 736 is movably coupled to the lever 734 and the bracket side portion 722 (as in Figures 2A - 2CIn the examples discussed) In such examples, the slider 736 may extend parallel to the longitudinal dimension 60 of the carriage side portion 722 and include a first latch element 740 and a second latch element 742. In some examples, each of the first latch element 740 and the second latch element 742 is a tab. In one or more examples, the lever 734 may be actuated by applying a force (e.g., pushing or pulling) to drive the slider 736 horizontally relative to the carriage side portion 722 between a first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly 716 and a second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly 716. In some examples, with the transfer cage assembly 710 in the installed state in the information processing device, the lever 734 may be pushed to drive the slider 736 along the first direction 10, thereby causing the first latch element 740 and the second latch element 742 of the slider 736 to engage with the first anchor 706 and the second anchor 708 respectively, and thereby fastening the transfer cage assembly 710 to the information processing device and translating the latch assembly 716 to the fastened state. Similarly, with the transfer cage assembly 710 in the installed state in the information processing device, the lever 734 may be pulled to drive the slider 736 along a second direction 20 opposite to the first direction 10, thereby causing the first latch element 740 and the second latch element 742 of the slider 736 to disengage from the first anchor 706 and the second anchor 708 respectively, and thereby releasing the transfer cage assembly 710 from the information processing device and translating the latch assembly to the unfastened state.

[0051] Figure 8 A perspective view of a portion of an information processing device 800 is depicted. In some examples, the information processing device 800 is a computer. The information processing device 800 includes a chassis 802, a main system board 804, a first anchor (not shown), a second anchor (not shown), and a plurality of transfer cage assemblies 810.

[0052] The chassis 802, the main system board 804, the first anchor, and the second anchor may be substantially similar to the chassis 502, the main system board 504, the first anchor 506, and the second anchor 508 of the information processing device 500 discussed in the example of FIG. 5. The first anchor and the second anchor are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and mounted on the main system board 804. Each of the plurality of transfer cage assemblies 810 includes a transfer cage bracket 814, a latch assembly 816, a transfer card 818, and an expansion card 820. In Figure 8In the example, the adapter cage bracket 814 has a height "H1" and a width "W1". The height "H1" is 1U height, and the width "W1" is equal to the full height of the expansion card 820. Thus, each of the plurality of adapter cage assemblies 810 can support an expansion card 820 having a full-height configuration. In such examples, the latch assembly 816 may also have a height that is substantially equal to the height "H1" of the adapter cage bracket 814. Further, the design and configuration of the latch assembly 816 may be substantially similar to at least one of the latch assemblies 216, 616, 716 of the adapter cage assemblies 210, 610, 710 (as discussed in the examples of Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 6A - 6B and Figure 7 ). For example, the latch assembly 816 includes a lever 834 and a slider 836, which are attached to the adapter cage bracket 814. For example, the lever 834 is rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion 822. The slider 836 is movably coupled to the lever 834 and the bracket side portion 822. Similarly, the adapter card 818 may be substantially similar to the adapter cards 218, 618, 718 of the adapter cage assemblies 210, 610, 710 (as discussed in the examples of Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 6A - 6B and Figure 7 ). Thus, in one or more examples, the lever 834 may be configured to drive the slider 836 between a first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly 816 and a second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly 816 to respectively fix the adapter cage assembly 810 to the information processing device 800 and release the adapter cage assembly from the information processing device, as discussed in the examples of Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 6A - 6B and Figure 7 .

[0053] Figure 9 FIG. depicts a perspective view of a portion of the information processing device 900. In some examples, the information processing device 900 is a computer. The information processing device 900 includes a chassis 902, a main system board 904, a first anchor (not shown), a second anchor (not shown), and a plurality of adapter cage assemblies 910.

[0054] The chassis 902, the main system board 904, the first anchor, and the second anchor may be substantially similar to the chassis 502, the main system board 504, the first anchor 506, and the second anchor 508 of the information processing device 500 discussed in the example of FIG. 5. The first anchor and the second anchor are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and mounted on the main system board 904. Each of the plurality of adapter cage assemblies 910 includes an adapter cage bracket 914, a latch assembly 916, an adapter card 918, and an expansion card 920. In Figure 9In the example, the adapter cage bracket 914 has a height “H2” and a width “W2”. The height “H2” is a 1U height, and the width “W1” is equal to the low profile of the expansion card 920. Thus, each of the plurality of adapter cage assemblies 910 can support an expansion card 920 having a low profile configuration. In such examples, the latch assembly 916 may also have a height that is substantially equal to the height “H2” of the adapter cage bracket 914. Further, the design and configuration of the latch assembly 916 may be substantially similar to at least one of the latch assemblies 216, 616, 716 of the adapter cage assemblies 210, 610, 710 (as discussed in the examples of Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 6A - 6B and Figure 7 ). For example, the latch assembly 916 includes a lever 934 and a slider 936, and the lever and the slider are attached to the adapter cage bracket 914. For example, the lever 934 is rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion 922. The slider 936 is movably coupled to the lever 934 and the bracket side portion 922. Similarly, the adapter card 918 may be substantially similar to the adapter cards 218, 618, 718 of the adapter cage assemblies 210, 610, 710 (as discussed in the examples of Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 6A - 6B and Figure 7 ). Thus, in one or more examples, the lever 934 may be configured to drive the slider 936 between a first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly 916 and a second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly 916 to respectively fix the adapter cage assembly 910 to the information processing device 900 and release the adapter cage assembly from the information processing device, as discussed in the examples of Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 6A - 6B and Figure 7 .

[0055] Even if not illustrated, an adapter cage bracket having a 2U height or a 3U height may be fixed to the information processing device using a latch assembly having a height corresponding to the 2U height or the 3U height of the adapter cage bracket, respectively. In such examples, the latch assembly may additionally have a design and configuration similar to the design and configuration of the latch assemblies 216, 616, 716 discussed in the examples of Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 6A - 6B and Figure 7 .

[0056] Figure 10 depicts a process that depicts a method 1000 for fixing an adapter cage bracket to an information processing device using a latch assembly. It may be noted herein that the method 1000 is described, for example, in conjunction with Figures 2A - 2C , Figures 3A - 3B and Figures 4A - 4B . The method 1000 starts at block 1002 and continues to block 1004.

[0057] At block 1004, method 1000 includes positioning a cage carrier of a cage assembly on a main system board of an information handling device and adjacent to an expansion slot, a first anchor, and a second anchor. Method 1000 proceeds to block 1006.

[0058] At block 1006, method 1000 includes removably connecting a connector of an adapter card mounted on the cage carrier to the expansion slot, the adapter card being electrically connected to the main system board via the connector and the expansion slot. Method 1000 proceeds to block 1008.

[0059] At block 1008, method 1000 includes securing the cage carrier to a chassis of the information handling device by pushing a lever of a latch assembly to cause a slider of the latch assembly to horizontally translate relative to the cage carrier from a second position corresponding to an unfastened state of the latch assembly to a first position corresponding to a fastened state of the latch assembly along a first direction. In some examples, in the fastened state, a first latch element and a second latch element of the slider engage with the first anchor and the second anchor, respectively, and secure the cage carrier to the chassis.

[0060] Method 1000 additionally includes releasing the cage carrier from the chassis by pulling the lever to cause the slider to horizontally translate relative to the cage carrier from the first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly to the second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly along a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some examples, in the unfastened state, the first latch element and the second latch element disengage from the first anchor and the second anchor, respectively, and the cage carrier is released from the chassis. In some examples, the first latch element is one of a hook or a tab. Similarly, the second latch element is a tab. Further, the first anchor is one of a locking spool coupled to the chassis or a first carrier coupled to the chassis, and the second anchor is a second carrier coupled to the chassis. The method ends at block 1010.

[0061] In the foregoing description, numerous details are 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 following claims are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A cage adapter assembly, comprising: A cage adapter bracket, the cage adapter bracket comprising: A bracket side portion; and A bracket window portion, the bracket window portion being vertically coupled to the bracket side portion such that a space is defined between the bracket side portion and the bracket window portion to receive an expansion card and removably connect the expansion card to an adapter card mounted on the bracket side portion; and A latch assembly, the latch assembly comprising: A rod, the rod being rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion; A slider, the slider being movably coupled to the rod and the bracket side portion, the slider extending parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the bracket side portion and including a first latch element adjacent a distal end of the slider and a second latch element adjacent a proximal end of the slider, wherein the rod is capable of being actuated to drive the slider to horizontally translate relative to the bracket side portion between a first position corresponding to a fastened state of the latch assembly and a second position corresponding to an unfastened state of the latch assembly, wherein, in an installed state of the cage adapter assembly in an information processing device and in the fastened state, the first latch element and the second latch element respectively engage a first anchor and a second anchor of the information processing device and fasten the cage adapter assembly to the information processing device; and wherein, in the installed state of the cage adapter assembly in the information processing device and in the unfastened state, the first latch element and the second latch element are respectively disengaged from the first anchor and the second anchor, and the cage adapter bracket is released from the information processing device.

2. The adapter cage assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The bracket side portion includes a first spool, a second spool, and a set of third spools, each spool extending perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the bracket side portion.

3. The adapter cage assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The rod includes a handle and a set of arms connected to the handle, and wherein each arm in the set of arms includes a first opening and a guide slot.

4. The adapter cage assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The slider includes a first support wall, a second support wall, and an intermediate wall connecting the first support wall and the second support wall, wherein at least one of the first support wall and the second support wall includes the first latch element and the second latch element, wherein each of the first support wall and the second support wall includes a second opening, and wherein the second support wall further includes a set of slots.

5. The adapter cage assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The rod is disposed between the first support wall and the second support wall such that the first spool engages the first opening in each arm in the set of arms to rotatably couple the rod to the bracket side portion.

6. The cage adapter assembly according to claim 4, Among them, The second spool extends between the second opening in each of the first support wall and the second support wall and the guide slot in each arm in the set of arms to movably couple the slider to the rod; and wherein the set of third spools engages the set of slots to movably couple the slider to the bracket side portion.

7. The adapter cage assembly according to claim 4, wherein, One of the set of arms further includes a protrusion, wherein one of the first support wall or the second support wall includes an aperture, and wherein the protrusion is configured to engage with the aperture to lock the rod member in the fastened state of the latch assembly.

8. The adapter cage assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first latch element is one of a hook or a tab, wherein the second latch element is the tab, wherein the first anchor is one of a locking spool coupled to the chassis of the information processing device or a first bracket coupled to the chassis, and wherein the second anchor is a second bracket coupled to the chassis.

9. The adapter cage assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The adapter cage bracket has a height of 1U, 2U, or 3U, each height being configured to receive at least one expansion card having a full-height configuration or a low-profile configuration.

10. An information processing device, comprising: A chassis; A main system board having a connector; A first anchor and a second anchor, each anchor being coupled to the chassis; And An adapter cage assembly, the adapter cage assembly comprising: An adapter cage bracket, the adapter cage bracket comprising: A bracket side portion; A bracket window portion vertically coupled to the bracket side portion; and A latch assembly, the latch assembly comprising: A rod member rotatably coupled to the bracket side portion; A slider movably coupled to the rod member and the bracket side portion, the slider extending parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the bracket side portion and including a first latch element adjacent a distal end of the slider and a second latch element adjacent a proximal end of the slider; An expansion card attached to the adapter cage bracket and located in a space defined between the bracket side portion and the bracket window portion; and An adapter card mounted to the bracket side portion and electrically connected to the connector and the expansion card, Wherein the rod member is actuable to drive the slider to horizontally translate relative to the bracket side portion between a first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latch assembly and a second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latch assembly, Wherein, in the fastened state, the first latch element and the second latch element respectively engage with the first anchor and the second anchor, and fasten the adapter cage assembly to the chassis; and Wherein, in the unfastened state, the first latch element and the second latch element respectively disengage from the first anchor and the second anchor, and the adapter cage bracket is released from the chassis.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The bracket side portion includes a first spool, a second spool, and a set of third spools, each spool extending perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the bracket side portion.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The rod member includes a handle and a set of arms connected to the handle, and wherein each arm of the set of arms includes a first opening and a guide slot.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The slider includes a first support wall, a second support wall, and an intermediate wall connecting to the first support wall and the second support wall, wherein at least one of the first support wall and the second support wall includes the first latching element and the second latching element, wherein each of the first support wall and the second support wall includes a second opening, and wherein the second support wall further includes a set of slots.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The rod is disposed between the first support wall and the second support wall such that the first spool engages the first opening in each of the set of arms to rotatably couple the rod to the carriage side portion.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, Among them, The second spool extends between the second opening in each of the first support wall and the second support wall and the guiding slot in each of the set of arms to movably couple the slider to the rod; and wherein the set of third spools engages the set of slots to movably couple the slider to the carriage side portion.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The first latching element is one of a hook or a tab, wherein the second latching element is the tab, wherein the first anchor is one of a locking spool coupled to the chassis of the information processing apparatus or a first carriage coupled to the chassis, and wherein the second anchor is a second carriage coupled to the chassis.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The adapter cage carriage has one of a 1U height, a 2U height, or a 3U height, each height being configured to receive at least one expansion card having a full-height configuration or a low-profile configuration.

18. A method, comprising: Positioning an adapter cage carriage on a main system board of an information processing apparatus and adjacent to an expansion slot, a first anchor, and a second anchor; Connecting a connector of an adapter card mounted on the adapter cage carriage to the expansion slot, the adapter card being electrically connected to the main system board via the connector and the expansion slot; and Fixing the adapter cage carriage to the chassis of the information processing apparatus by: pushing a rod of a latching assembly to cause a slider of the latching assembly to horizontally translate from a second position corresponding to an unfastened state of the latching assembly to a first position corresponding to a fastened state of the latching assembly along a first direction relative to the adapter cage carriage, wherein, in the fastened state, a first latching element and a second latching element of the slider respectively engage the first anchor and the second anchor, and fasten the adapter cage carriage to the chassis.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: Releasing the adapter cage carriage from the chassis by: pulling the rod to cause the slider to horizontally translate from the first position corresponding to the fastened state of the latching assembly to the second position corresponding to the unfastened state of the latching assembly along a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the adapter cage carriage, Wherein, in the unsecured state, the first latch element and the second latch element are disengaged from the first anchor and the second anchor, respectively, and the adapter cage carrier is released from the chassis.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein The first latch element is one of a hook or a tab, wherein the second latch element is the tab, wherein the first anchor is one of a locking spool coupled to the chassis or a first carrier coupled to the chassis, and wherein the second anchor is a second carrier coupled to the chassis.

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