Ejectable/retractable interface module for a computer system

• US 8,050,021 B2
• Filed: 05/16/2008
• Issued: 11/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Company)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Buller, Billy E. Jr., Grady, John R., Salinas, Everett R.
• Primary Examiner(s): LEA EDMONDS, LISA S
• Application Number:
  US12/122,519
• Publication Number:
  US 20080303391A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,264 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679.21, 312/223.3, 211/26
• US Class Current: 361/679.21
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements

Abstract

An ejectable/retractable interface module is disclosed. AN exemplary interface module may include a display trolley assembly, and a display module pivotally connected to the display trolley assembly. A management cable connects the display module to a computer board in the display trolley assembly. The display trolley assembly and display module are configured for during ejection and retraction in a blade enclosure so that the display module folds flat and retracts into the blade enclosure to reduce damage during shipping. The display module pivots to a desired viewing angle during use.

Claims

1. An ejectable/retractable interface module for a computer system, comprising:

a display trolley assembly;

a display module pivotally connected to the display trolley assembly, the display module having a locking feature;

a management cable connecting the display module to a computer board in the display trolley assembly;

wherein the display trolley assembly and display module are configured for during ejection and retraction in a blade enclosure so that the display module folds flat and retracts into the blade enclosure to reduce damage during shipping; and

wherein the display module pivots to a desired viewing angle during use.

2. The interface module of claim 1, wherein the locking feature maintains the display module at the desired viewing angle during use.

3. The interface module of claim 1, wherein the locking feature maintains the display module folded flat.

4. The interface module of claim 1, further comprising a service loop in the management cable so that the management cable can be pulled out and pushed in with the display trolley assembly and display module.

5. The interface module of claim 1, further comprising a stiffener on the management cable to reduce improper flexure.

6. The interface module of claim 1, further comprising a cable ramp to guide the management cable during ejection and retraction.

7. The interface module of claim 1, further comprising at least one ejector spring to eject the display trolley assembly and display module.

8. The interface module of claim 1, further comprising a gear rack and dampener to control speed with which the display trolley assembly and display module exit a display carrier tray during ejection.

9. The interface module of claim 1, wherein the management cable is fed through a cable slot at a rear of a display carrier tray so that the management cable need not be routed from a front of the blade enclosure to a rear of the blade enclosure during setup.

10. The interface module of claim 1, further comprising an ESD grounding shield.

11. A method comprising:

pivotally connecting a display module to a display trolley assembly;

providing a management cable between the display module to a computer board in the display trolley assembly;

controlling speed of the display trolley assembly and display module exiting a display carrier tray during ejection; and

wherein the display module folds flat and retracts into the blade enclosure to reduce damage during shipping, and the display module pivots to a desired viewing angle during use.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising locking the display module at the desired viewing angle during use.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising locking the display module in a folded flat position.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a service loop in the management cable so that the management cable can be pulled out and pushed in with the display trolley assembly and display module.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising guiding the management cable during ejection and retraction.

16. An apparatus comprising:

means for pivotally connecting a display module to a display trolley assembly;

means for providing a management cable between the display module to a computer board in the display trolley assembly;

means for folding the display module to retract into a blade enclosure to reduce damage during shipping;

means for pivoting the display module to a desired viewing angle during use; and

means for controlling speed of the display trolley assembly and display module.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for controlling speed of the display trolley assembly and display module is operable during ejection.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising means for locking the display module in a folded flat position.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising means for locking the display module at the desired viewing angle during use.