GPGPU Carrier Tool-Less Installation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing and removing general purpose graphic processing units (GPGPUs) in computer systems are cumbersome, requiring tools and often result in data transfer errors due to fragile cables and sockets, and pose significant challenges in data centers with multiple high-capacity GPGPUs, necessitating a solution for easy, quick, and efficient installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A compact, tool-less GPGPU carrier design with a bracket and frame that includes locking mechanisms and guide slots, allowing for secure attachment and adjustment within a slot, enabling easy installation and removal without damaging the GPGPU or connectors, and allowing for space savings by combining multiple components in a single carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable sockets and cables are used to connect GPGPUs, then data transfer connections are established, but the cables and sockets become frail over time and introduce data transfer errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable and socket components from the connection system, replacing them with a direct mechanical interface between the GPGPU carrier and motherboard slot. This eliminates the intermediate cable assembly that degrades over time, thereby improving reliability while removing the lifespan limitation of traditional cable-based connections.
2Strength
If tools are required to install and remove GPGPUs, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment function into two independent mechanisms: guide slots for precise alignment and positioning, and locking mechanisms for secure attachment. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to provide strong attachment while being operable by simple manual action, eliminating the need for tools and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a carrier as an intermediary component between the GPGPU and the motherboard slot. The carrier incorporates both guide slots and locking mechanisms, mediating the connection process to provide both secure attachment and tool-less operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between attachment strength and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If multiple GPGPUs are installed in a data center, then computational capacity increases, but the time and skills required for removal and installation become burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the GPGPU installation system into standardized carriers with integrated guide slots and locking mechanisms. This standardization allows multiple GPGPUs to be installed using the same simple procedure, reducing the skill requirement and time per installation, thereby enabling data centers to scale computational capacity without proportionally increasing installation burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of GPGPU installation from tool-based mechanical fastening to tool-less locking mechanism operation. This parameter change reduces both the time required and the skill level needed for installation and removal, allowing data centers to efficiently manage multiple high-capacity GPGPUs.
4Reliability
If a slot geometry does not match the processor carrier geometry, then secure attachment is impossible, but adding complex adjustment mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric guide slot geometry in the carrier that corresponds to the asymmetric shape of the GPGPU. This asymmetric design provides inherent geometric compatibility, ensuring secure attachment through shape complementarity without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining low device complexity while achieving reliable attachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device is provided with a slot that includes a first locking element and a second locking element configured to receive a removable general purpose graphic processing unit (GPGPU) carrier. The GPGPU carrier includes a bracket for securing a first GPGPU in a first receiving space, and second GPGPU in a second receiving space. The bracket also includes a first latching mechanism configured to secure the first locking element of the slot, and a second latching mechanism configured to secure the second locking element of the slot. The GPGPU carrier also includes a frame secured to the bracket. The frame includes a first end with a first guide slot, and a second end with a second guide slot, configured to secure the GPGPU carrier within the slot. The first and second guide slots are configured to enable the GPGPU carrier to adjust from a first position to a second position while secured within the slot.