Smart hot plug retaining mechanism
AssigneeBrocade Communications Systems, Inc.
InventorMichael K. T. Lee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A computer system includes a removable computer module. The computer module includes a retaining mechanism securing the computer module within a computer system chassis of the computer system. The computer module further includes a retaining mechanism protection device preventing access to the retaining mechanism. To remove the computer module from the computer system chassis, a user must move the retaining mechanism protection device. Upon notification of movement of the retaining mechanism protection device, the CPU takes the appropriate operations to disable the functionality of the computer module and allow safe removal thereof without powering down the computer system.
Claims15
A structure for securing modules within a computer system chassis comprising:
- a computer module comprising:
- a retaining, mechanism comprising a thumb screw;
- a retaining mechanism protection device moveable between an access position and a protected position, wherein when the retaining mechanism protection device is in the access position, the retaining mechanism protection device exposes the retaining mechanism and when the retaining mechanism protection device is in the protected position, the retaining mechanism protection device covers the retaining mechanism;
- and
- a position sensor comprising an optical sensor for determining whether the retaining mechanism protection device is in the access position or the protected position, wherein the retaining mechanism protection device comprises a retaining mechanism cover that covers the retaining mechanism when the retaining mechanism protection device is in the protected position.
A structure for securing modules within a computer system chassis comprising:
- a computer module comprising:
- a retaining mechanism comprising a thumb screw;
- a retaining mechanism protection device moveable between an access position and a protected position, wherein when the retaining mechanism protection device is in the access position, the retaining mechanism protection device exposes the retaining mechanism and when the retaining mechanism protection device is in the protected position, the retaining mechanism protection device covers the retaining mechanism, wherein the retaining mechanism protection device comprises a position sensor arm;
- a position sensor rising an optical sensor for determining whether the retaining mechanism protection device is in the access position or the protected position, wherein the position sensor arm activates the position sensor when the retaining mechanism protection device is in the protected position.
A structure for securing modules within a computer system chassis comprising:
- a computer system chassis;
- a computer module;
- a retaining mechanism securing the computer module to the computer system chassis;
- a retaining mechanism protection device preventing access to the retaining mechanism, the retaining mechanism protection device comprising a catch engaged with the retaining mechanism;
- a position sensor detecting that access to the retaining mechanism is prevented by the retaining mechanism protection device;
- a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to the position sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.