Chassis Cover Support Member for Server Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for supporting large access panels in information handling systems, such as rack-mounted servers, either increase the system's thickness or induce undesirable noise due to vibration, as they either stiffen the panel or use compliant members that cause bowing.
Innovation Solution
A chassis cover supporting apparatus with a cover support member that engages with the chassis sides through sliding, using non-metal materials like rubber or plastic, which reduces vibration and deformation without increasing the system's thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the panel is stiffened by embossing areas of the panel, then the resistance to bending is increased, but the overall thickness of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
A support member acts as an intermediary element between the cover and the chassis, providing mechanical support without requiring embossing of the cover. The support member includes a support portion that contacts the cover and a mounting portion that engages with the chassis, thereby distributing the support function across multiple components rather than modifying the cover itself.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a compliant member such as foam or rubber is engaged near the center of the panel from the inside, then vibration damping is improved, but an upward bow is induced in the panel increasing overall thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves as a mediator that provides vibration damping through its material properties and structural design without inducing bowing. The support portion contacts the cover at multiple points or distributes force evenly, while the mounting portion provides stable engagement with the chassis, preventing the cover from bowing while still damping vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member changes the physical parameters of the support system by using a specific material composition and structural configuration that provides both vibration damping and geometric stability. The material properties and structural design are optimized to damp vibrations without causing the cover to bow, thereby maintaining the original thickness.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the cover is supported to limit vibration or deformation, then noise levels are reduced, but the overall thickness of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as an intermediary that reduces noise by damping vibrations of the cover without requiring additional thickness. By positioning the support member within the existing chassis structure and using materials that provide vibration damping, the noise reduction function is achieved while maintaining the system's compact thickness.
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 limits vibration and deformation of the cover while maintaining the system's thickness, reducing noise levels and EMI concerns, and can be used in rack-mounted servers.
Implementation Method 1
A cover support member is coupled to the cover, whereby in response to the sliding engagement of the cover with the chassis sides, the cover support member engages the cover support receiving member
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis cover supporting apparatus includes a chassis having a plurality of chassis sides and including a cover support receiving member positioned between the chassis sides. A cover is operable to couple to the chassis by sliding engagement with the plurality of chassis sides. A cover support member is coupled to the cover, whereby in response to the sliding engagement of the cover with the chassis sides, the cover support member engages the cover support receiving member.