Front-Access Expansion Module for Server Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process for maintaining expansion cards in servers is time-consuming and cumbersome, requiring the server to be powered off, removed from the rack, and disassembled to access the expansion cards.

Innovation Solution

A server design that includes a housing with a front opening, allowing the expansion module to be removably disposed and exposed for easy access, equipped with fluid connectors and a main connector that can be detached from the motherboard without powering down the server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the server is powered off and extensively disassembled to access expansion cards, then the expansion cards can be removed for maintenance, but the maintenance process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of expansion card maintenanceVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server system is segmented into a fixed chassis and a removable expansion module. The expansion module contains the expansion card and associated components (power supply, heat dissipation devices, fluid connectors) as an independent unit that can be removed without affecting the rest of the server system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion card and its supporting components are extracted from the traditional fixed server architecture and placed into a separate, removable expansion module. This allows the expansion functionality to be taken out and maintained independently from the main server system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the expansion module is made removable and exposed through front opening, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple components (expansion card, power supply module, heat dissipation devices, fluid connectors) are merged into a single integrated expansion module. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture by reducing the number of separate components and connections that need to be managed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion module serves multiple functions: it provides expansion capabilities, houses power supply components, incorporates heat dissipation mechanisms, and includes fluid connectors for cooling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the maintenance process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250113456A1Server and expansion module

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 WIWYNN CORP

AI summary

A server includes a housing, a motherboard and at least one expansion module. The housing has an accommodation space and a front opening. The front opening is located at one side of the accommodation space and communicates with the accommodation space. The motherboard is located in the accommodation space and has at least one mainboard connector. The expansion module is removably disposed in the accommodation space and exposed to outside from the front opening. The expansion module includes a main body, a main connector and two fluid connectors. The main connector is disposed on the main body and removably assembled with the mainboard connector of the motherboard. The fluid connectors are disposed on the main body.