Foldable Server Mounting Ear Latch for Immersion Cooling Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting ears for servers cannot pass through the width of a stopper in immersion cooling systems due to their extended dimensions, necessitating a reduction in server width for installation, which limits flexibility and compatibility with cooling systems.

Innovation Solution

A foldable mounting system with a hinge mechanism allowing the second bracket to rotate relative to the first bracket, featuring a lever that translates within a rail to secure the brackets in either a planar or perpendicular position, enabling the mounting ear to retract within the server chassis width.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mounting ears are used with extended dimensions, then the server structure is stable and functional, but the mounting ears cannot pass through the stopper in immersion cooling systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with immersion cooling systemsVSAvoidwidth of mounting ear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting ear is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one by introducing a hinge mechanism that allows the second bracket to rotate relative to the first bracket. This enables the mounting ear to change its configuration between extended and retracted states, allowing it to pass through the stopper and then extend for stable mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting ear is divided into two separate brackets (first bracket and second bracket) connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows each bracket to be positioned independently, with the first bracket remaining fixed and the second bracket rotating to achieve the desired retracted configuration for passing through the stopper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the width of the server is reduced to allow mounting ears to pass through the stopper, then compatibility with immersion cooling systems is achieved, but the server structure becomes more compact and may lose functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with immersion cooling systemsVSAvoidserver functionality and accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of permanently reducing the server width, the invention uses a dynamic mounting ear that can retract during installation and then extend to its full functional width. This allows the server to maintain its full functionality and accessibility while temporarily achieving the reduced width needed to pass through the stopper.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable mounting mechanism is introduced, then the mounting ear can retract to pass through the stopper, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoldable capabilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a hinge mechanism that provides the necessary foldable capability with minimal additional complexity. The hinge is a simple mechanical component that allows rotation between the two brackets, and when combined with the lever and rail system, enables the mounting ear to retract and lock without requiring complex actuators or control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A lever positioned within a rail acts as an intermediary mechanism to control the rotation of the second bracket. The lever translates linear motion within the rail into rotational motion of the second bracket, providing a simple mechanical means to achieve the foldable capability without direct actuation of the hinge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables servers to be installed in immersion cooling systems without reducing their width, enhancing flexibility and compatibility with various cooling arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

a first bracket rotatably connected to a second bracket via a hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

The lever is configured to translate within the rail between a first position and a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical translation:

Implementation Method 3

The rigid arm is positioned in the second position relative to the anchor such that the rigid arm secures the second bracket in a perpendicular position relative to the first bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentUS20260052636A1Mounting latch and mounting system for server ear

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A mounting system includes a first bracket and a second bracket connected together by a hinge. The hinge is configured to allow the second bracket to rotate relative to the first bracket. The mounting system further includes a mounting latch that has an anchor attached to the second bracket, a rail attached to the first bracket, a rigid arm connected to the anchor, and a lever within the rail. The lever is connected to the anchor by the rigid arm. The lever is configured to translate within the rail between a first position, which positions the rigid arm relative to the anchor so that the second bracket can rotate to be planar to the first bracket, and a second position, which positions the rigid arm relative to the anchor so that rigid arm secures the second bracket to be perpendicular to the first bracket.