Computing system

Abstract

A computing system capable of mounting hardware is provided. The computing system may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector and a hardware device communicatively attached to the PCB. The hardware device may have a fastener to secure it to the PCB. The PCB may include a magnet holder physically attached to the PCB and a magnetic standoff for removably coupling the PCB with the hardware device. The magnetic standoff can include a first end attached to the connector of the PCB, and a second end attached to the fastener of the hardware device. The second end of the magnetic standoff can be secured in place by a magnetic force between the magnet holder and the magnetic standoff.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a support for mounting hardware devices, and more particularly, to a support for mounting hardware devices in a computer system. [Previous Technology]

[0002] A computer system, such as a server computer system, may consist of one or more circuit boards within a housing. These circuit boards may include various slots, connectors, and interfaces for connecting and mounting hardware devices to the circuit boards. One or more support brackets may be used to securely hold the hardware devices to the circuit boards. Support brackets are spacers or dividers that can be placed between different parts of the computer system. In many computer systems, support brackets are placed between the circuit boards and the system housing. These supports typically require access to the bottom of the circuit boards for removal and / or installation. In many systems (such as computer towers, computer servers, and rack-mounted equipment), access to the bottom of the circuit boards is impractical due to the size and / or layout of the system.

[0003] Due to the varying sizes of computer system components, installing hardware can be difficult. Hardware may frequently need to be adjusted or rearranged within the computer system. The difficulty in accessing the bottom of the system's circuit boards further complicates the installation process.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system, apparatus and method to facilitate easier installation of hardware devices in computer systems.

[0005] Similarly, modern hardware devices may be designed in various sizes and / or require frequent installation and removal at various locations within a computing system. To install certain hardware devices, it may be necessary to move other hardware devices to provide space on the circuit board.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a system, device and method to facilitate the adjustable installation of hardware devices in computer systems. [Summary of the Invention]

[0007] The terms "implementation," "configuration," "scheme," "example," and "selection" are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of this disclosure and the following claims. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the following claims. The embodiments of this disclosure as covered herein are defined by the following claims, and not by this abstract. This abstract is a high-level overview of the various schemes of this disclosure and introduces some concepts further described in the detailed description section below. This abstract is not intended to define key or essential features of the subject matter claimed in the claims. Nor is this abstract intended to individually determine the scope of the subject matter claimed in the claims. The subject matter herein should be understood with reference to the appropriate portions of the entire specification of this disclosure, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a computer system with mountable hardware is provided. The computer system may include a printed circuit board (PCB) having a connector and hardware communicatively attached to the PCB. The hardware may have fasteners for securing it to the PCB. The PCB may include a magnetic mounting base physically attached to the PCB, and a magnetic support for detachably coupling the PCB to the hardware. The magnetic support may include a first end of a connector attached to the PCB, and a second end of a fastener attached to the hardware. The second end of the magnetic support may be secured in place by magnetic force between the magnetic mounting base and the magnetic support.

[0009] According to one configuration of the above implementation, the computer system may further include a structural housing. The PCB entity is attached to the structural housing. When the hardware is replaced, the PCB can remain attached to the structural housing.

[0010] According to one configuration of the above implementation, the hardware device may initially be a first hardware device having a first length L1. The first hardware device may subsequently be replaced by a second hardware device having a second length L2. The first length L1 is different from the second length L2.

[0011] According to another configuration of the above embodiment, the magnetic support may further include a protruding structure extending from the second end. In some configurations, the protruding structure may be physically attached to the magnet holder.

[0012] According to the further configuration of the above-described implementation, the magnetic force can be greater than approximately 5 kilograms-millimeters (kg-mm) of screwdriver torque.

[0013] According to another configuration of the above implementation, the magnet holder can be soldered to the back of the PCB.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the above implementation, the hardware device may be an internally installable computer expansion card.

[0015] In another further implementation of the above practice, the expansion card may be an M.2 expansion card.

[0016] According to the further configuration of the above implementation, the M.2 expansion card can be an M.2 solid-state drive (SSD).

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnet holder may be an electromagnet operably connected to the PCB and configured to controllably generate a magnetic field.

[0018] In another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for mounting a hardware device is provided. The method may include adjusting the hardware device to a desired depth and position within a computer system. At least one fastener of the hardware device may be aligned with at least one connector on a printed circuit board (PCB) in the computer system. A first end of at least one magnetic support may be inserted into the aligned connector and fastener. A rotational force may be applied to at least one magnetic support to secure a second end of the magnetic support in place. The second end may be secured in place by magnetic force between a magnetic holder physically attached to the PCB and the at least one magnetic support.

[0019] According to another configuration of the above implementation, the hardware device can be an internally installed computer expansion card.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the above implementation, the expansion card may be a peripheral component rapid interconnect (PCIe) expansion card.

[0021] In another further implementation of the above practice, the expansion card may be an M.2 expansion card.

[0022] In another implementation of the above-described embodiment, the M.2 expansion card may be an M.2 solid-state drive (SSD).

[0023] In a further embodiment of the above implementation, the hardware device may initially be a first hardware device having a first length L1. The first hardware device may subsequently be replaced by a second hardware device having a second length L2 different from the first length L1.

[0024] In another embodiment of the above implementation, the PCB can be physically attached to the structural housing. When the hardware is replaced, the PCB can remain attached to the structural housing.

[0025] According to another configuration of the above-described implementation, the magnetic force can be greater than the torque of a screwdriver of about 5 kg-mm.

[0026] According to another configuration of the above-described implementation, the magnet holder can be an electromagnet operably connected to the PCB and configured to controllably generate a magnetic field.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the above implementation, the method may further include generating an electric field from one or more electromagnets by flowing current through them. This may cause at least one end of at least one support to be magnetically attached to at least one electromagnet.

[0028] The foregoing summary is not intended to represent every embodiment or every solution of this disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary provides only examples of some novel solutions and features described herein. The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages in this disclosure, will readily become apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes of implementation of this disclosure when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the claims. Additional solutions to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, given the detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. A brief description of the drawings will follow.

Implementation Method

[0029] This disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for installing hardware devices in a computer system. The computer system may include a printed circuit board (PCB) with a connector and a hardware device communicatively attached to the PCB. The hardware device may have a fastener for securing it to the PCB. The PCB may include a magnetic retainer physically attached to the PCB and a magnetic support for detachably coupling the PCB to the hardware device. The magnetic support may include: a first end, a connector attached to the PCB; and a second end, a fastener attached to the hardware device. The second end of the magnetic support may be secured in place by magnetic force between the magnetic retainer and the magnetic support.

[0030] Various embodiments will be described and referenced simultaneously to the drawings, wherein similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate similar or identical elements. The first digit (for three-digit reference numerals) or the first two digits (for four-digit reference numerals) of each reference numeral corresponds to the figure number of that figure to indicate the first figure in which the reference numeral appears. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are only used to illustrate various aspects and features of this disclosure. To enable the reader to fully understand the particular aspects and features of this disclosure, numerous specific details, associations, and methods are provided herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these aspects and features can still be implemented even if one or more specific details are omitted or different associations and methods are used. In some cases, well-known structures or operations are not described in detail herein for ease of illustration. Furthermore, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the order of actions or events shown; some actions may occur in a different order or simultaneously with other actions or events. Moreover, not all actions or events shown must be performed to achieve the particular aspects and features of this disclosure.

[0031] In the detailed description of this disclosure, unless specifically excluded, and where appropriate, the singular form shall include the plural, and vice versa. The word “including” shall be interpreted as “including without limitation”. Furthermore, approximate words used herein, such as “about,” “almost,” “substantially,” “approximately,” etc., may be interpreted as “above,” “near,” “close to,” “within 3-5%,” “within acceptable manufacturing tolerances,” or any reasonable combination of these conditions. Similarly, the terms “vertical” or “horizontal” shall further include cases “difference from the vertical or horizontal direction by 3-5%.” In addition, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “above,” and “below,” shall be used as appropriate, including but not limited to: the equivalent direction shown with reference to the illustrative figures, the direction understood based on the common placement of the referenced object or element, or the direction otherwise described herein.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1, which illustrates a printed circuit board 102. The printed circuit board 102 may be a motherboard, server motherboard, computer expansion card, daughterboard, graphics card, or other printed circuit board. In some exemplary embodiments, the printed circuit board 102 may be configured within a housing, such as a computer housing, mobile device housing, or other housing. In other exemplary embodiments, the housing may be a rack-mount server cabinet or other hardware designed for computer server environments. The printed circuit board 102 may include one or more internal connectors 104. These internal connectors 104 may be slots, connectors, contacts, ports, wireless technology, or other mechanisms for operatively coupling hardware devices 106 to the printed circuit board 102. For example, the internal connector 104 may be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) slot, a peripheral component quick interconnect (PCIe) slot, a next-generation specification (M.2) interface, a U.2 connector, or a universal serial bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) connector. The internal connector 104 can be configured to allow the hardware device 106 connected thereto to extend along a longitudinal direction parallel to the printed circuit board 102.

[0033] The hardware device 106 may be various electronic components, storage devices, memory devices, or other devices designed to be operatively connected to the printed circuit board 102 via the internal connector 104. The hardware device 106 may be of various form factors. In some exemplary embodiments, the hardware device 106 may be a computer expansion card for mounting longitudinally parallel to the printed circuit board 102. In this exemplary embodiment, the hardware device 106 may include a fastener 107 disposed at one end of the hardware device 106. The fastener 107 may be configured to accept screws, pins, bolts, clamps, supports, or other fastening devices.

[0034] Fastener 107 may be aligned with one or more connectors 108 disposed on printed circuit board 102. These connectors 108 may be slots, holes, recesses, or other fixing coupling mechanisms or mechanisms designed into printed circuit board 102. Each connector 108 may be configured to accept standoff 110. Standoff 110 may be a pin, bolt, or other component made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or composite material, designed to connect with connector 108 and fastener 107. In some embodiments, standoff 110 may be a magnetic standoff.

[0035] On the bottom surface of the printed circuit board 102 relative to the hardware device 106, one or more magnetic retainers 112 may be physically attached to the printed circuit board 102. These magnetic retainers 112 may be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the connector 108. The magnetic retainers 112 are configured to magnetically engage and attach to at least a portion of the support 110 of the connector 108 corresponding to the insertion. In some exemplary embodiments, the magnetic retainer 112 may be a permanent magnet, such as neodymium, samarium cobalt, alnico, or ferromagnetic magnets. In some other exemplary embodiments, the magnetic retainer 112 may be an electromagnet. In this case, the magnetic retainer 112 is operatively connected to the printed circuit board 102 and may be controlled and powered by electronic circuitry on the printed circuit board 102. The magnetic field generated by the magnetic retainer 112 may thus be controlled, activated, and deactivated. In some embodiments, the magnetic retainer 112 may be controlled in response to signals transmitted by the printed circuit board 102. In further embodiments, the signals may be transmitted in response to insertion, movement, or rotation of the support 110. In other embodiments, the signal may be transmitted in response to the coupling between the hardware device 106 and the internal connector 104.

[0036] When the hardware device 106 is operatively coupled to the internal connector 104, it may be necessary to secure the hardware device 106 in place. Depending on the size, weight, and location of the hardware device 106, the internal connector 104 may not be able to securely support the hardware device 106 in place. Therefore, a support 110 can be used to support the connection between the hardware device 106 and the printed circuit board 102. The support 110 can be inserted into the fastener 107 of the hardware device 106 and subsequently inserted into the aligned connector 108 in the printed circuit board 102. In this state, the support 110 can still be easily inserted into or removed from the connector 108. To lock the support 110 in place, a rotational torque can be applied to a first end 202 of the support 110. This can cause at least a portion of the support 110 to rotate and engage with one or more magnetic retainers 112. This portion of the support 110 can then be magnetically attached to at least one magnetic retainer 112. This locks the support base 110 into place, providing support for the hardware device 106. To secure the hardware device 106 to the support base 110, screws or pins can be inserted into the fasteners 107 of the hardware device 106 and then into the support base 110. This secures the hardware device 106 into place.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 2, which provides a schematic diagram of the support 110. The support 110 may have a first end 202 and a second end 203. The first end 202 may include a socket 204 configured to receive screws, pins, bolts, clips, or other fastening devices. The socket 204 may be threaded to receive screws. The screws may be star screws, Phillips head screws, flat head screws, 6-23 screws, M3 screws, 4-40 screws, or any other type of screw.

[0038] The diameter of the second end 203 of the support 110 may be smaller than the diameter of the first end 202. This facilitates the connection of the second end 203 with the connector 108 of the printed circuit board 102. The second end 203 of the support 110 may also be configured to fit only a portion of various sizes of one or more connectors 108. The support 110 may have one or more protruding structures 206 that project vertically relative to the second end 203. The protruding structures 206 may be made of the same material as the second end 203 or a different material. The protruding structures 206 may be designed to rotate under or within the printed circuit board 102 and prevent movement of the support 110 when the support 110 is inserted into the connector 108 of the printed circuit board 102.

[0039] In some embodiments disclosed herein, the protruding structure 206 may be made of a magnetic material, such as iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, alloys of the above materials, or any other ferromagnetic substance. When the support 110 is inserted into the connector 108 (as shown in Figure 1) and rotated, the protruding structure 206 may engage one or more magnet retainers 112 (as shown in Figure 1). The one or more magnet retainers 112 (as shown in Figure 1) may then apply a magnetic force to the protruding structure 206. The magnet retainers 112 (as shown in Figure 1) and the protruding structure 206 may be configured to have a predetermined magnetic field strength between them. The magnetic field may be configured to be stronger than the torque required to insert or remove the fastening device inserted into the socket 204 of the support 110. When the fastening device is inserted into the socket 204, it may help prevent the support 110 from rotating away from the connector 108 (as shown in Figure 1).

[0040] Please refer to Figure 3, which provides a top view of connector 108. Connector 108 may be a slot, hole, recess, or other mechanism that accepts support 110. The shape of connector 108 may allow support 110 to be inserted only at a specific angle or position (as shown in Figure 1). Support 110 (as shown in Figure 1) may then be rotated to securely hold it in place on printed circuit board 102.

[0041] The magnet holder 112 can be placed on the bottom surface of the printed circuit board 102 relative to the connector 108 (as shown in Figure 1). When the support 110 (as shown in Figure 1) is rotated, the protruding structure 206 (as shown in Figure 2) moves closer to the magnet holder 112, and the magnetic force between the magnet holder 112 and the protruding structure 206 (as shown in Figure 2) can fix the support 110 (as shown in Figure 1) in place.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 4, which provides an isometric view of the computer system. Figure 4 provides a schematic diagram of the insertion process of one or more support bases 110. One or more support bases 110 can be inserted into connectors 108 corresponding to the length, depth, or size of the hardware device 106. For example, Figure 4 shows the insertion of a support base 110 into a pair of connectors 108 adjacent to an internal connector 104. This allows the device to be coupled to the internal connector 104. To couple devices of different sizes to the internal connector 104, a more distant pair of connectors 108 can be used. Other locations of the connectors 108 and the physical arrangement of the hardware device 106 within the computer system are possible.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, the device coupled to the internal connector 104 may require more than one connector 108 to be mounted onto the printed circuit board 102. In this case, more than one support 110 may be used with more than one connector 108.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 5A, which provides a top view of the support 110 inserted into the connector 108. In this configuration, the protruding structure 206 of the support 110 is positioned relative to the connector 108 in a way that allows the support 110 to be easily inserted into and removed from the connector 108. In this exemplary embodiment, the protruding structure 206 is not rotated to approach the magnet retainer 112. This indicates that the protruding structure 206 is not magnetically attached to the magnet retainer 112. To remove the support 110 from the connector 108, it can be pulled vertically out of the connector 108.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 5B, which provides a top view of the support 110 with the connector 108 inserted. In this configuration, the support 110 has been rotated relative to the connector 108. This brings the protruding structure 206 close to the magnet retainer 112, causing the protruding structure 206 to magnetically attach to the magnet retainer 112. In some exemplary embodiments, this may result in the protruding structure 206 of the support 110 being positioned below at least a portion of the solid portion of the printed circuit board 102 or the connector 108. This can lock the support 110 in place.

[0046] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the magnet holder 112 may be an electromagnet configured to generate a magnetic field in response to a signal. The signal may be generated by rotation of the protruding structure 206 in the connector 108. In some other embodiments, the signal may be generated in response to other stimuli.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 6, which is an isometric view of a printed circuit board 102, a support 110, and a hardware device 106 of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the support 110 is inserted into and locked into a connector 108. Mounting the hardware device 106 to the support 110 may include aligning the hardware device 106 with the internal connector 104 and the mounted support 110. The hardware device 106 may be secured to the support 110 by inserting one or more screws 602 into the hardware device 106 and the support 110. The screws 602 may also be bolts, pins, clips, or other fastening devices. In some embodiments, the support 110 may include a mechanism integrally formed with the support 110 that can secure the hardware device 106 in place without the need for screws 602.

[0048] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the support 110 can be used to facilitate the removal of the hardware device 106. In these embodiments, the hardware device 106 can be mounted and secured in position relative to the printed circuit board 102 using the support 110. To remove the hardware device 106, the screw 602 can be removed, disengaging the hardware device 106 from the support 110. The magnetic retainer 112 can be configured to apply a magnetic force to the support 110 greater than the force required to remove the screw 602 from the support 110. This allows the support 110 to remain locked relative to the printed circuit board 102 when the screw 602 is removed.

[0049] In response to a force sufficient to disengage the screw 602 from the support 110, the screw 602 can be removed from the support 110. This allows the hardware 106 to disengage from the support 110 and the internal connector 104. The hardware 106 can then be detached from the printed circuit board 102. In some exemplary embodiments, this process may further include rotating the support 110 to disengage the support 110 from the magnet retainer 112 and allow the support 110 to be removed from the connector 108.

[0050] In a further exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the support 110 may be modified, swapped, or moved to another connector 108. For example, at least one support 110 may be moved to one of the connectors 108 in the printed circuit board 102 that is farther away from the internal connector 104. This allows a hardware device 106 of a specific size to be mounted on the printed circuit board 102. Other configurations of the support 110 and connector 108 relative to the internal connector 104 and printed circuit board 102 are also possible.

[0051] Although the disclosed embodiments have been described and illustrated according to one or more specific implementations, those skilled in the art may recognize equivalent changes and modifications upon reading and understanding this specification and drawings. Furthermore, while a particular feature may be disclosed only for one of several implementations, that feature may still be combined with one or more features from other implementations to suit a specific application, depending on requirements and advantages.

[0052] Although various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely examples and not limitations. Various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments based on the content of this disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the above embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0053] The present disclosure, its advantages, and the drawings will be better understood from the following description of representative embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following drawings only depict representative embodiments and are therefore not intended to limit the various embodiments or the scope of the claims. Figure 1 is an isometric view of a circuit board of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic support base of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a top view of a connector configured to receive the support base according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is an isometric view of a circuit board and support base of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5A is a top view of a connector and support base of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5B is another top view of a connector and support base of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is an isometric view of a circuit board, support base, and hardware device of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Biomaterial Storage]

[0055] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number): None. International storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, and number): None.

Claims

1. A computer system, comprising: A printed circuit board having a connector; a hardware device communicatively attached to the printed circuit board having a fastener; and a magnetic holder physically attached to the printed circuit board. The device also includes a magnetic support for detachably coupling the printed circuit board to the hardware, the magnetic support having: a first end attached to the connector of the printed circuit board; and a second end attached to the fastener of the hardware, the second end being secured in place by a magnetic force between the magnet holder and the magnetic support.

2. The computer system as described in claim 1 further includes a structural housing to which the printed circuit board entity is attached, wherein the printed circuit board remains attached to the structural housing when the hardware is replaced.

3. The computer system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hardware device is initially a first hardware device having a first length L1, and the first hardware device is subsequently replaced by a second hardware device having a second length L2, the first length L1 being different from the second length L2.

4. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic support further includes a protruding structure extending from the second end, the protruding structure substantially contacting the magnet holder.

5. The computer system as described in claim 1, wherein the magnetic force is greater than the torque of a screwdriver, which is approximately 5 kg-mm.

6. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet holder is soldered to one side of the printed circuit board.

7. The computer system as described in claim 1, wherein the hardware device is an internally installable expansion card.

8. The computer system as described in claim 7, wherein the expansion card is an M.2 expansion card.

9. The computer system as described in claim 8, wherein the M.2 expansion card is an M.2 solid-state drive.

10. The computer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnet holder is operatively connected to the printed circuit board and configured to controllably generate a magnetic field by an electromagnet.

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