Adaptive Server Chassis Cooling via Module Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current server chassis designs face inefficiencies in heat dissipation when device modules are removed for testing or maintenance, leading to overheating due to reduced airflow from heat-dissipating fans.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize an infrared induction module and temperature-detecting module to provide position and temperature information to a baseboard management controller, allowing for adaptive fan control based on the module's position within the chassis, ensuring efficient heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If device modules are made draw-able for easy maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates when modules are pulled out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the cooling system adaptive rather than static. The BMC controller dynamically adjusts fan operation modes based on real-time position detection of device modules. When modules are pulled out, the system transitions from normal cooling mode to enhanced cooling mode, ensuring heat dissipation efficiency is maintained despite the structural change in module positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the position detection mechanism using infrared induction modules. The system continuously monitors whether device modules are in their installed or pulled-out positions and feeds this information back to the BMC controller, which then adjusts fan operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that heat dissipation efficiency is maintained regardless of module position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If device modules are pulled out for testing, then ease of operation is improved, but temperature control deteriorates leading to overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of testingVSAvoidtemperature control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively detecting when device modules are pulled out before overheating occurs. The infrared induction module detects the position change and triggers the BMC controller to switch to enhanced cooling mode in advance, preventing temperature rise before it becomes a problem. This proactive approach maintains temperature control reliability during testing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by preparing the cooling system to counteract the potential overheating effect before it occurs. When module removal is detected, the system preemptively increases cooling capacity through fan mode switching, creating a counterbalancing effect that prevents temperature rise and maintains reliability during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Temperature

If heat-dissipating fans are positioned for installed modules, then heat dissipation efficiency is improved, but temperature control deteriorates for pulled-out modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature control adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the temperature control system dynamic by enabling it to adapt between different operating conditions. The BMC controller switches between normal cooling mode for installed modules and enhanced cooling mode for pulled-out modules. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain heat dissipation efficiency for installed modules while also providing adequate temperature control for pulled-out modules through fan-directed airflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing a cooling system that serves multiple functions through a single unified approach. The same fan module and control system handle both installed and pulled-out module cooling scenarios, switching between modes as needed. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate cooling systems for different module positions while maintaining temperature control effectiveness in both scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution ensures normal operating temperatures for device modules, enhancing maintenance and repair efficiency by dynamically adjusting fan operation based on the module's position and temperature.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared induction module...to detect the position of the first device module...to generate position information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a temperature-detecting module...to detect the temperature of the first device module and generate temperature information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Temperature Gradient

Implementation Method 3

heat dissipation for these device modules is mainly carried out by a heat-dissipating fan to provide a lateral airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10101781B2System and method for controlling temperatures of computer
Publication Date: 2018.10.16 INVENTEC PUDONG TECH CORPOARTION
  • US10101781B2 patent drawing
  • US10101781B2 patent drawing
  • US10101781B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a system and a method for controlling temperatures of a computer, an infrared induction module and a temperature-detecting module are applied to obtain position information and temperature information of a device module, and the position information and the temperature information are further analyzed and judged by a baseboard management controller to carry out different control means for the device module under different operation status and temperature conditions. Through the system and the method, the device module can be kept in operating under an operation temperature less than a predetermined temperature, so as to ensure the normal operation of the device module and to further promote the efficiency of test, maintenance and repair.