Front-Access Card Reader Mounting for Stable Rack Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support brackets for card readers in electronic equipment racks require removal or rear access, making it difficult to install or remove card readers without disrupting the rack's configuration.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with a bracket and separate card reader mounts that allow for installation and removal from the forward side, eliminating the need to remove the bracket from the rack or access its rear side, featuring T-shaped openings for card readers and flanges for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional support brackets are used to mount card readers in electronic equipment racks, then the card readers can be supported in the rack, but the bracket must be removed from the rack or rear access required to install or remove card readers, which disrupts the rack's configuration and complicates the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate components: a bracket that remains fixed to the rack and removable card reader mounts that attach to the bracket. This segmentation allows the card readers to be installed or removed by detaching only the mounts, not the entire bracket, thereby simplifying the installation process and avoiding disruption to the rack configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The card reader mounts are designed to nest within the bracket structure, with the mounts being removable from the bracket while the bracket remains fixed to the rack. This nested configuration allows for easy installation and removal of card readers without affecting the overall rack structure or requiring rear access
2Quantity of substance
If conventional support brackets with integral arms are used, then multiple card readers can be held in the rack, but the bracket openings are smaller than the card reader dimensions, requiring the card readers to be coupled to the bracket first before mounting the bracket to the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly separates the bracket function (providing multiple mounting positions) from the card reader attachment function (removable mounts). Each mount can be independently attached to the bracket and removed, allowing card readers to be installed by simply attaching them to the front of the rack without complex coupling procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring card readers to be coupled to the bracket first and then mounting the bracket to the rack, the invention inverts the sequence: the bracket is permanently mounted to the rack, and card readers are attached to the front-facing mounts. This reversal simplifies installation by eliminating the need for rear access and complex coupling operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bracket is permanently mounted to the rack, then the rack configuration remains stable, but the card readers cannot be easily installed or removed without removing the entire bracket from the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is segmented into a permanently fixed bracket and removable card reader mounts. This segmentation maintains the stability of the rack configuration by keeping the bracket fixed, while enabling easy card reader installation and removal through the detachable mounts that can be accessed from the front of the rack
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly introduces dynamic elements (removable mounts) to an otherwise static system (fixed bracket). The mounts can be easily attached and detached from the bracket, providing flexibility for card reader installation while the bracket itself remains stable and fixed to the rack structure
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly is provided for supporting card readers in an electronic equipment rack, where the rack is configured to house therein the card readers and electronic equipment in communication with the card readers. The mounting assembly generally includes a bracket configured to couple to a frame of the rack, and at least one mount configured to couple to a card reader. The at least one mount is further configured to releasably couple to the bracket while the bracket is coupled to the frame of the rack to thereby position the card reader, when coupled to the at least one mount, in the rack. What's more, the bracket may be free of arms extending away from the bracket when the at least one mount is uncoupled from the bracket.