Docking bracket for rack-mounted computing modules
AssigneeDell Products L.P.
InventorRoger M Blood
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A docketing bracket (10) for rack-mounted computing devices (22). The docking bracket (10) is designed to fit inside one or more shelves of a rack (20). It may contain circuitry that would otherwise be contained in the computing equipment, such as a systems management unit (14) when the computing equipment is a server (22). The bracket (10) has an inner size and shape that generally conforms to the outer sides and back of the computing device (22). It has grooves (31) or other means for holding the computing device (22) while the computing device (22) is installed in the rack (20).
Claims22
A docking bracket for use in combination with a server module, for installation into a server rack, comprising:
- a rear portion having a length slightly smaller than the width of the rack;
- a pair of side portions, each extending from an opposing end of the rear portion and having a length no longer than the depth of the rack;
- wherein the rear portion and side portions form a three-sided enclosure;
- a systems management unit housed with the docking bracket, for providing electronic circuitry that would otherwise be required in the server module;
- and
- mechanical means on the side portions for slidably installing the server module into the docking bracket, such that the server module is supported by the bracket at the side of the server module;
- wherein the server module is fully functional only when installed in the bracket.
A modular rack-based computer housing system for a server, comprising:
- a server chassis for housing server computing equipment;
- and
- a docking bracket having a rear portion having a length slightly smaller than the width of the rack;
- a pair of side portions, each extending from an end of the rear portion and having a length no longer than the depth of the rack;
- wherein the rear portion and side portions form a three sided enclosure;
- a systems management unit housed with the docking bracket for providing electronic circuitry that would otherwise be required in the server chassis;
- and means for securing the server chassis in the docking bracket;
- wherein the chassis has mechanical means along its sides for slidable installation into the docking bracket, such that the chassis is supported by the bracket at the sides of the chassis.
A method of mounting a server into a rack, comprising the steps of:
- attaching a docking bracket inside the rack, the docking bracket being generally U-shaped and having a back portion and side portions that generally conform to the inner dimensions of the back and sides of the rack, the docking bracket having a system management unit;
- and
- slidably installing a server module into the docking bracket, such that the server module is supported by the docking bracket at the sides of the server module;
- such that the server is functional only when the server module is installed in the docking bracket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.