Adapter Blade Latch Mechanism for Compact Server Components

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blade server chassis designs face challenges in efficiently securing and managing computer components, such as blade servers, due to limitations in latching mechanisms that can restrict airflow and pose usability issues, while also failing to provide flexibility in accommodating different types of components.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a system chassis with adapter blades that can securely hold multiple compact blades, utilizing a blade latch mechanism that prevents inadvertent removal of the adapter blade when compact blades are installed, ensuring proper sequence and preventing damage to the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a release lever is made large to provide sufficient physical access and leverage, then usability is improved, but it reduces space available for server components and may restrict airflow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusability of release leverVSAvoidspace available for server components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever is nested within the adapter blade structure, allowing it to be compact while still providing sufficient leverage. The lever is positioned such that it can operate the latch mechanism without extending beyond the adapter blade's boundaries, thus not encroaching on the space available for server components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The release lever is positioned at an angle relative to the adapter blade, utilizing angular space rather than linear space. This allows the lever to provide adequate length for leverage while fitting within the constrained dimensions of the adapter blade, effectively using three-dimensional space efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a release lever is made small to maintain space for server components and airflow, then space efficiency is improved, but it presents usability issues such as insufficient physical access or leverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace available for server componentsVSAvoidusability of release lever

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever is nested within the adapter blade structure, allowing it to be compact while still providing sufficient leverage. The lever is positioned such that it can operate the latch mechanism without extending beyond the adapter blade's boundaries, thus not encroaching on the space available for server components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The release lever is positioned at an angle relative to the adapter blade, utilizing angular space rather than linear space. This allows the lever to provide adequate length for leverage while fitting within the constrained dimensions of the adapter blade, effectively using three-dimensional space efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the latching mechanism allows easy removal of the adapter blade, then ease of operation is improved, but it may allow inadvertent removal when compact blades are installed, causing system damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adapter blade removalVSAvoidprevention of inadvertent removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is designed to prevent inadvertent removal of the adapter blade when compact blades are installed. The lever must be deliberately operated to release the latch, and the mechanism includes interlocking features that resist unintended disengagement, thereby preventing accidental removal while still allowing intentional removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The latching mechanism provides tactile feedback to indicate when the adapter blade is securely latched. The lever position and latch engagement can be sensed by the user, providing feedback that confirms proper installation and prevents inadvertent removal. This feedback mechanism ensures that the adapter blade is only removed when the user is aware of the current state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7684208B2Adapter blade for a blade server system chassis

Publication Date: 2010.03.23 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

A system chassis includes multiple chassis bays configured for receiving either of a single, conventional server blade or an adapter blade. The adapter blade can selectively secure a plurality of compact blades, such as a blade PC. The adapter blade includes a blade latch for selectively releasing the adapter blade from the chassis bay, wherein the presence of a compact blade enclosure within any of the plurality of adapter bays of the adapter blade prevents the latch from being operable to release the adapter blade. The compact blade preferably includes a latch disposed along an upper or lower edge of the blade for selectively releasing the compact blade enclosure from the adapter bay. The adapter blade preferably also includes an interposer disposed for electronically communicating each compact blade with a server interface a separate node upon securing a compact blade within any of the adapter bays.