Adapter Bracket for Server Mainboard Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Open Compute Project (OCP) standard's zero-height keep-out zones on server mainboards limit the ability to assemble mainboards of different thickness, sizes, and types within the same chassis, restricting interoperability and increasing manufacturing costs due to the need for custom chassis designs.
Innovation Solution
An adapter bracket system that includes a protruding portion, a tilting portion, and a higher portion with a hole, allowing the mainboard module to be slid along the X-axis direction and secured, accommodating various mainboard sizes and thicknesses by using nut members and positioning holes on the chassis, enabling flexible installation and reducing the need for custom molds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mainboards of different thickness, sizes, and types are assembled in the same chassis, then interoperability is improved, but the zero-height keep-out zone limitation prevents this from being achieved
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the chassis and the mainboard. The adapter bracket includes a first portion with a protruding portion, a second portion with a hole, and a third portion extending between them. The protruding portion fits into a positioning hole on the chassis, while the mainboard passes through the hole in the second portion. This intermediary structure enables mainboards of different specifications to be mounted on a standardized chassis without modifying the chassis itself, thus improving interoperability while maintaining simple chassis design.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom chassis designs are created for each mainboard type, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter bracket is designed as a universal component that can accommodate mainboards of different thickness, sizes, and types. The standardized adapter bracket design with specific structural features (protruding portion, hole, and connecting portion) allows a single chassis design to support multiple mainboard variants. This eliminates the need to create custom chassis designs for each mainboard type, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining precise positioning through the standardized adapter bracket-chassis interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the zero-height keep-out zone is modified to accommodate different mainboards, then adaptability is improved, but the standard compliance is violated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the zero-height keep-out zone on the mainboard (which would violate OCP standards), the solution moves the adaptation mechanism to a different dimension - the vertical dimension. The adapter bracket extends vertically from the chassis and positions the mainboard at an elevated level, allowing the mainboard to clear the zero-height keep-out zone area. This dimensional approach enables standard-compliant mainboards to be accommodated in various configurations without modifying the mainboards themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an adapter bracket, which includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion includes a protruding portion extending from a first bottom surface of the first portion in a direction perpendicular to the first bottom surface. The second portion, has an elevation with respect to the first bottom surface of the first portion. The second portion comprising a first hole. The third portion extends between the first portion and the second portion.