Convertible Server Chassis with Removable Rack Ears

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for converting servers from a tower configuration to a rack configuration or vice versa are time-consuming and expensive due to the substantial reconfiguration required.

Innovation Solution

An information handling system with a chassis that includes removable rack ears and covers, allowing for easy conversion between rack and tower configurations with minimal changes, reducing the need for extensive reconfiguration and associated costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional conversion methods are used to convert a server from tower configuration to rack configuration, then the server can be reconfigured for different deployment scenarios, but the conversion process is time-consuming and expensive due to substantial reconfiguration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into modular components including removable rack ears and interchangeable covers. The rack ears can be detached and stored, while different covers (rack cover with rack ears, tower cover without rack ears) can be swapped to change the configuration type. This segmentation allows rapid conversion between tower and rack configurations without substantial reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The rack ears are designed to be removable and reattachable, and the covers are interchangeable, enabling the server to dynamically adapt between tower and rack configurations. This dynamic design reduces conversion time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconversion cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of permanently modifying the server during conversion, the rack ears are removed and recovered for future use. The old rack ears can be reattached when converting back to rack configuration, eliminating the need to purchase new components. This recovering approach reduces conversion costs while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If a server is designed with fixed rack ears for rack configuration, then it can be easily installed in a server rack, but it cannot be easily converted to tower configuration without substantial reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack installation easeVSAvoidconfiguration convertibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rack ears are segmented as separate removable components rather than being permanently integrated into the chassis. This allows the rack ears to be easily detached when tower configuration is needed, and reattached when rack configuration is required. The segmentation enables both easy rack installation and easy conversion to tower configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If a server is designed with removable components for easy conversion, then conversion between configurations is rapid and cost-effective, but the structural complexity of the chassis increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion speedVSAvoidchassis structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8885339B2System and method for a convertible tower-to-rack enclosure

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, an information handling system comprises an information handling resource and a chassis. The chassis includes a slot configured to receive the information handling resource. The chassis also includes a first rack ear and a second rack ear, each configured to facilitate removal of the information handling system from a server rack system. The first rack ear and second rack ear are further configured to interface with a first cover configured for placement on a first side of the chassis and a second cover configured for placement on a second side of the chassis, respectively. The first cover acts as the top of the information handling system and the second cover acts as the bottom of the information handling system when the information handling system is in the tower configuration.