Bi-Level Light Pipe Array Assembly for Blade Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Closely packed light pipe arrays in blade server housings experience optical cross-talk and bleed-over due to the lack of separation between adjacent light pipes, leading to confusion in identifying which LED is being presented on the visual display.
Innovation Solution
A bi-level light pipe array assembly with an opaque carrier and clear plastic light pipes arranged vertically and horizontally, optically isolated by vertical and horizontal separation, preventing optical cross-talk between adjacent pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light pipes are closely packed in arrays to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but optical cross-talk and bleed-over between adjacent light pipes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe array is segmented into individually mounted light pipes rather than being connected by cross-members. Each light pipe is separately positioned and optically isolated, preventing the propagation of light between adjacent pipes while maintaining close spacing for space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure that positions light pipes in close proximity without direct optical connection. This mounting structure acts as a mediator that allows close spacing for space utilization while preventing optical cross-talk through proper positioning and orientation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cross-members are used to attach individual light pipes together, then structural stability is improved, but optical cross-talk between adjacent light pipes is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful cross-member connection feature from the light pipe array structure. By removing cross-members that caused optical cross-talk, the design achieves structural stability through alternative mounting methods that do not create optical pathways between adjacent light pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mounting structure replaces the cross-member attachment method. This mediator provides structural support and stability while maintaining optical isolation between light pipes, solving both the stability requirement and the optical cross-talk problem simultaneously.
3Area of stationary object
If the distance between light pipes is reduced to maximize display panel space, then space efficiency is improved, but the likelihood and intensity of erroneous signals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light pipe array is divided into individually positioned elements with precise spacing. Each light pipe is separately mounted at optimized distances that prevent optical cross-talk while maximizing space utilization, thereby maintaining signal accuracy even in closely packed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the spacing parameter between light pipes to a specific value or range that prevents optical cross-talk. By carefully controlling this dimensional parameter, the design achieves close spacing for space efficiency while maintaining the minimum distance required to prevent erroneous signals.
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
The solution effectively maximizes space on the printed circuit board and visual display by eliminating the optical path between light pipes, reducing erroneous signals and enhancing clarity in LED representation.
Implementation Method 1
the light pipe receives light at one end and internally reflects the light to its other end
Implementation Method 2
The carrier is preferably constructed from an opaque plastic material which optically isolates the first set of light pipes from the second set of light pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A light pipe array assembly is disclosed which includes an opaque carrier having an elongated planar platform defining upper and lower horizontal surfaces and a longitudinal axis, a first set of light pipes supported on the upper surface of the platform and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the platform, and a second set of light pipes supported on the lower surface of the platform and arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the platform in alignment with the first set of light pipes, wherein the first and second sets of light pipes are optically isolated from each other by the platform of the carrier.