Blade Server Blocking Device for Airflow Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In blade server systems, the absence of a CPU blade from a connecting interface leads to imbalanced airflow and compromised heat dissipation due to exposed convection holes, necessitating the use of dummy blades that increase system costs.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device comprising two rotatable blocking plates with hinges and torsion springs, which automatically expose convection holes when a CPU blade is connected and block them when disconnected, maintaining airflow balance without the need for dummy blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a dummy blade is placed on the connecting interface to block the convection hole, then the airflow balance is maintained, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between blocking and non-blocking positions based on CPU blade presence. The plate rotates about a hinge axis, moving from a first position (blocking the convection hole) to a second position (exposing the convection hole), allowing dynamic adaptation to different operational states without requiring dummy blades
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking plate system is self-regulating through the elastic element (torsion spring). When no CPU blade is present, the elastic element automatically pushes the blocking plate into the blocking position. When a CPU blade is installed, the blade's structure automatically pushes the plate to the non-blocking position. The system serves itself without external control or dummy components
2Quantity of substance
If the convection hole is exposed when CPU blade is absent, then the system cost is reduced by eliminating dummy blades, but the airflow convection becomes imbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate is positioned in advance to prevent the harmful effect of exposed convection holes. When no CPU blade is present, the blocking plate proactively blocks the convection hole before airflow imbalance can occur. The elastic element maintains the plate in the blocking position as a preliminary protective measure against airflow disruption
3Stability of the object's composition
If a blocking device is added to automatically block convection holes, then the airflow balance is maintained without dummy blades, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is extracted from the CPU blade itself and implemented as a separate, independent blocking plate mechanism. This allows the blocking function to operate autonomously based on the presence or absence of the blade, rather than requiring the blade to actively perform the blocking function through complex interlocks or sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking plate functions as a flexible, movable barrier rather than a rigid fixed structure. The plate can rotate and change position smoothly, providing adaptive blocking control. This flexible approach simplifies the overall mechanism compared to rigid, multi-component locking or sensing systems
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 ensures balanced airflow and effective heat dissipation in blade server systems by automatically adjusting the convection holes based on the presence or absence of CPU blades, eliminating the need for dummy blades and reducing system costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each blocking plate further comprises a hinge and a torsion spring. When the CPU blade is removed from the connecting interface, the torsion springs make the two blocking plates rotate back to block the convection hole.
Implementation Method 2
The sidewall of the chassis has a plurality of convection holes corresponding to each of the connecting interface for dissipating the heat generated by the CPU blades.
Data Source
AI summary
A blocking device adapted in a blade server and a blade server are provided. The blade server includes a chassis and a plurality of blocking devices. The chassis includes an opening, a plurality of connecting interfaces and a plurality of convection holes. The connecting interfaces are placed in parallel to connect respective CPU blades. Each convection hole corresponds to a connecting interface. Each of the blocking devices corresponds to a convection hole and includes two blocking plates and a pushing object. The two blocking plates block the convection hole and include a hinge and a torsion spring. When a CPU blade is connected to the connecting interface, the pushing object displaces to make the two blocking plates rotate about a respective hinge to expose the convection hole. When the CPU blade is removed, the torsion springs make the two blocking plates rotate back to block the convection hole.