Floating OCP Retention Assembly for Vertical Card Servicing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information handling systems face challenges in stacking and servicing Open Compute Project (OCP) network cards efficiently, particularly in blade server type systems, where vertical mounting and easy access for servicing are not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for providing an OCP floating OCP retention system that allows OCP components to be stacked on top of each other, with features like tool-less access, electrostatic discharge protection, and interchangeable latching configurations for easy servicing and replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If OCP network cards are vertically stacked in blade server systems, then space utilization and density are improved, but access difficulty and servicing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccess difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system is divided into multiple independent retention arms, each capable of independently accessing and securing individual OCP network cards in the vertical stack. This segmentation allows servicing personnel to access and service specific cards without disturbing the entire stack, resolving the contradiction between compact vertical stacking and ease of access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If traditional mounting methods are used for OCP network cards, then structural simplicity is maintained, but stacking capability and density are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidstacking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system transitions from traditional horizontal mounting to vertical stacking configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension within the mounting bay. Multiple retention arms are arranged vertically to accommodate stacked OCP network cards, enabling efficient use of vertical space while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If vertical stacking of OCP network cards is implemented, then productivity and density are improved, but risk of electrostatic discharge increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedensityVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retention arms serve as intermediary components between the stacked OCP network cards and the mounting bay structure. These retention arms incorporate electrostatic discharge protection features that mediate and protect the sensitive electronic components from harmful electrostatic discharge, enabling safe vertical stacking while maintaining high density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12484180B2Server system open compute project mounting system

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A floating open compute project retention system. The floating open compute project retention system includes a floating open compute project component guide device and a floating open compute project component retention device, the floating open compute project component retention device providing access to the floating open compute project component guide device when in an open position and fixedly mounting a floating open compute project receiving assembly within an open compute project mounting bay when in a closed position.