Chassis Insertion Key Assembly for Correct Module Slot Order

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic systems, such as datacenter environments, the incorrect insertion of pluggable modules into chassis passageways can lead to thermal management failures and system shutdowns due to improper cooling and software error indicators being overlooked, resulting in inefficient operation or module failure.

Innovation Solution

A chassis with a physical insertion key assembly that includes a stopper element to prevent the insertion of pluggable modules into downstream passageways unless upstream passageways are occupied, ensuring priority insertion and reducing erroneous configurations by using a combination of a driver element, stopper element, and biasing element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pluggable modules are freely inserted into any passageway, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal management reliability deteriorates due to incorrect module placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module insertionVSAvoidthermal management reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion key assembly acts as an intermediary mechanical component between the operator and the passageway. It mediates the insertion process by physically blocking access to downstream passageways until upstream passageways are occupied, thereby preventing incorrect module placement while maintaining ease of operation for correct configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper element performs preliminary anti-action by preemptively blocking downstream passageways before incorrect modules can be inserted. This preventive mechanism stops potential thermal management failures before they occur, ensuring reliability without complicating the insertion process for correct configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If physical stopper elements are added to control module insertion, then thermal management reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal management reliabilityVSAvoidchassis structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion key assembly is segmented into distinct functional elements: a driver element for actuation, a stopper element for blocking, and a biasing element for maintaining position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable and manufacturable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing element provides self-service by automatically maintaining the stopper element in the blocking position and enabling automatic retraction when the driver element is actuated. This eliminates the need for additional control mechanisms or power sources, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If upstream passageways must be occupied before downstream passageways, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but productivity decreases due to insertion restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal management efficiencyVSAvoidmodule insertion speed

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion key assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The stopper element automatically transitions from blocking to non-blocking states based on the occupation status of upstream passageways. This dynamic behavior ensures thermal management efficiency is maintained while allowing rapid insertion whenever the system state permits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 optimizes thermal management, usability, and performance by preventing incorrect module insertion, enhancing controlled employment of pluggable modules and reducing the risk of system failures through physical stopper elements, in addition to software-based indicators.

Implementation Method 1

the biasing element is connected to the driver element, and is disposed in contact with the stopper element. In a relaxed state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pushed outwards by the biasing element... In the biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inwards by the biasing element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11855381B2Chassis having an insertion key assembly for a pluggable module

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Example implementations relate to an insertion key assembly for a pluggable module. The insertion key assembly includes a stopper element having a stopping tab, a biasing element, and a driver element having a driving tab. The biasing element is connected to the stopper element and the driver element. In a relaxed state of the biasing element: i) the stopper element is pushed outwards by the biasing element to protrude the stopping tab into a passageway defined by a plurality of walls of a chassis, to block insertion of the pluggable module inside the passageway, and ii) the driver element is pushed outwards by the biasing element to protrude the driving tab into adjacent passageway. In a biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inwards by the biasing element to retract the stopping tab from the passageway to allow insertion of the pluggable module inside the passageway.