Removable Fan Module Memory Integration in Network Switches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network switches restrict user access to memory devices, making it difficult to upgrade, maintain, or replace them, which decreases system efficiency and user experience due to the lack of physical accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A network switch design that includes a removably coupled fan module with a memory device, allowing users to physically install, remove, and upgrade memory devices, such as SSDs, via a memory interface and controller, enhancing accessibility and storage capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If memory devices are integrated into the network switch chassis, then system reliability is improved, but user accessibility for maintenance and upgrades deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network switch system is segmented into modular components: the main chassis and removable fan modules. Memory devices are integrated into the fan modules rather than the chassis, allowing the memory-containing module to be independently removed and replaced by users without opening the chassis or risking system damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fan module serves as an intermediary carrier that houses the memory device. This intermediary structure allows memory devices to be indirectly accessible through module removal rather than direct chassis access, maintaining both system integrity and user accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If memory devices are made removable from the chassis, then ease of maintenance is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to potential connection issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into stable chassis and removable fan modules with memory devices. This segmentation allows memory devices to be easily maintained by removing the entire fan module rather than disconnecting memory devices from the chassis, reducing connection risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design anticipates potential connection issues by providing pre-configured fan modules with memory devices already properly connected and tested. Users receive ready-to-install modules that eliminate the need for users to perform risky direct memory device connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11822810B2Removable memory device of a network switch for an information handling system

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In one embodiment, a network switch for an information handling system includes: a central processing unit (CPU); and a fan module removably coupled to the network switch, the fan module including: a housing having a front end and a back end; a plurality of fans disposed within the housing proximate to the back end; a memory interface disposed within the housing proximate to the front end, the memory interface communicably coupled to the CPU; a memory device disposed within the housing proximate to the memory interface, the memory device storing information associated with the networking operations and communicably coupled to the memory interface, the memory device removably coupled to the fan module.