Switch mechanism for online replacement of PCI cards
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
InventorBradley E Clements
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A telecommunications server comprises a switch/larch mechanism for use in online removal or insertion of a peripheral card, such as a PCI card. A bulkhead is adapted for mating engagement with a bulkhead mounting bracket of the peripheral card when the peripheral card is installed in the switch/latch mechanism. A doorbell switch having a vertical range of motion is manually depressed to signal the server and commence an orderly shutdown of the peripheral card in advance of online replacement of the peripheral card. A panel switch provides a mechanical lock retaining the peripheral card in place, and also function as a backup power interrupt device to protect the peripheral card in the event that depression of the doorbell button does not result in an orderly shutdown of the peripheral card.
Claims13
A switch/latch mechanism for use in online removal of a peripheral card from, or insertion into, an electronic system, comprising:
- a switch housing including, a horizontal wall defining a doorbell switch opening and a vertical wall defining a paddle switch opening;
- a doorbell switch operably mounted in the doorbell switch opening and operably configured to signal the system to save and restore operational states in the card during power interruption and restoration, respectively;
- and
- a paddle switch operable between an open and closed position for selective retention of the card in the system, mounted to pivot on a vertical axis proximate the paddle switch opening, the paddle switch having a flag arm protruding through the paddle switch opening and the arm operable to interrupt power to the card if the paddle switch is moved to open position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.