Blade Server Lockout Mechanism Preventing Relative Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scaling blade-style servers is challenging due to limited access and complexity in mechanically and electrically attaching server nodes, which can lead to damage from relative motion between nodes, and existing solutions require significant space that could be used for increased functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a chassis with cam handles and lockout mechanisms that secure blade servers in place, allowing for scalability without independent removal, utilizing scalability connectors to engage lockout mechanisms that prevent relative motion and require minimal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fastening and side electrical connection are used to scale blade servers, then relative motion between nodes is prevented, but significant space is required that could otherwise be used for increased functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical fastening and electrical connection functions into a single integrated scalability device. The scalability device includes cam handles that mechanically secure blade servers to the chassis while simultaneously providing electrical connections through scalability ports, eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical attachment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The scalability device performs multiple functions: it mechanically secures blade servers to the chassis using cam handles, provides electrical connections through scalability ports, and prevents relative motion between nodes. This multi-functional design reduces the overall space required compared to separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If cam handles are made latchable to prevent opening during shipping, then security during transport is improved, but the latch mechanism requires additional space inside the blade server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lockout mechanism as an intermediary component that provides the latching function. The lockout mechanism includes a lockout lever that can be positioned to block the handle latch, preventing the cam handle from opening during shipping. This intermediary mechanism achieves the security function while requiring minimal space compared to a full latch mechanism integrated into the cam handle.
3Ease of operation
If scalability device is installed from the front of blade servers, then servers do not need to be removed from chassis for installation, but the connectors must be precisely aligned with scalability ports
Solution Approach 1:
The scalability device is designed with pre-aligned connectors that correspond to the scalability ports on the blade servers. The front-facing installation approach allows the connectors to be preliminarily positioned and aligned with the ports before final engagement, reducing the precision requirements compared to post-installation alignment methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a chassis, first and second blade servers, and a scalability device. Each blade server is securable within the chassis and includes a scalability port, cam handle for selectively securing the blade server in the chassis, and handle latch for selectively latching the cam handle in a closed position, and lockout mechanism moveable into a position that blocks the handle latch in a latched position. The scalability device includes first and second scalability connectors, wherein positioning the scalability device so that the first scalability connector is coupled to a scalability port of the first blade server and the second scalability connector is coupled to a scalability port of the second blade server causes each lockout mechanism to move into the position that blocks the handle latches in the latched position. Accordingly, the scalability device must be removed before either of the blade servers can be removed.