Magnetic server latching system

#The present invention relates to computing systems and more specifically, to a magnetically-operated slam latch for mounting and unmounting a server in a rack holding a computing system.

#The term rack server refers to a computing system component designed to be mounted in a rack system. Rack servers may also be called rack-mounted servers. The rack system includes two or more vertical posts providing a frame for mounting rack servers and/or other components of the computing system. The rack system provides a plurality of mounting slots known as bays configured to hold a rack server and/or another component. A rack system may allow multiple servers to be stacked vertically, providing a smaller foot print and simplifying cable connections between the servers.

#A simple rack system may include one or more chassis attached to the vertical posts by screws. Some rack systems include rails and/or additional components for mounting hardware components. For example, slide rails allow a chassis to slide in and/or out of the rack without removing screws. As another example, a rack system may allow a user to slide a rack server into existing rails without any additional connectors. In those examples, the rack server is usually retained in the rack by a latch. Operation of the latch allows the rack server to be removed by the user.

#So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, and may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

#FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a rack system including a chassis mounted in the rack system, according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

#FIG. 2 shows how rack ears may be engaged by slam latches upon the “slamming” of the chassis into rack system.

#To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.

#Embodiments of the present disclosure rely on two properties of magnetic materials. The first property is that a sliding friction force between two magnetically attracted objects is significantly less than a straight pull force between the two objects. The second property is that magnetic forces of a magnet are amplified when surrounded by ferromagnetic materials. Embodiments of the present disclosure employ the straight pull force of a magnet to hold a server (which is attached to a rack on rails connected to external posts and cannot move up or down) in the rack. To release the magnet from a secure location between at least one magnetically attracted plate and external posts, and free the server, the magnet is laterally actuated across the at least one magnetically attracted plate of the secure location to lower a force of attraction between the magnet and the external posts.

#It is desirable to have variability associated with the holding force of the magnet to facilitate the engagement and securing of the server to EIA rails/posts (strong force), and also to facilitate the disengagement of the server (weak force). Embodiments of the present disclosure have other advantages over conventional mechanical latches. If a magnetic latch disengages unintentionally such as through vibration, the magnetic latch has a tendency to re-latch based on an attractive magnetic force. Conversely, a mechanical latch only re-latches when employing other forces such as gravity. Any acceleration in the wrong direction due to gravity or spring force acting on a mechanical latch may cause a mis-latch.