Hinge Mechanism for Tool-less Board Servicing in Blade Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for servicing computing systems, such as bladed servers, are time-consuming and prone to damage due to the need for disassembly and handling, and often result in misassembly, while cable interconnects increase costs and reduce signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hinge mechanism allows for electrical connectors to separate minimally, enabling tool-less servicing and reducing disassembly time, while a multi-directional mechanical attach system with electrical interconnects that engage and disengage along a single direction facilitates access to previously inaccessible areas without complete disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If system board is disconnected and removed from chassis, then servicing is enabled, but disassembly time increases and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a chassis and a removable blade module. The board is integrated into the blade assembly, allowing the entire blade to be serviced as a unit without disassembling the board itself. This segmentation enables quick removal and reinstallation of the blade containing the board.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism provides dynamic movement capability, allowing the blade to be tilted at an angle during removal or installation. This dynamic positioning enables connectors to clear each other during the mating/demating process, facilitating quick servicing without complete disassembly.
2Ease of repair
If retention features are disengaged to unmate interconnects, then board access is enabled, but misassembly risk increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into male and female components located on separate blades. The hinge mechanism segments the physical connection path, allowing connectors to clear each other during blade removal without requiring disengagement of retention features on the board itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism enables dynamic tilting motion that automatically clears connectors during blade removal. This dynamic clearing action eliminates the need for manual disengagement of retention features, preventing misassembly while maintaining operational reliability.
3Reliability
If cable interconnects are used to avoid disengaging connectors, then connector handling is reduced, but cost increases and signal integrity reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides controlled dynamic movement that allows connectors to clear each other during blade removal. This controlled motion replaces the need for flexible cable interconnects, maintaining signal integrity through rigid direct connections while enabling easy blade servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the blade and chassis, mediating the connection and disconnection process. It enables connectors to clear each other during removal without requiring cable flexibility, maintaining direct rigid interconnects for optimal signal integrity.
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
This approach streamlines the servicing process, reducing handling risks and misassembly chances, while maintaining signal integrity and reducing costs by allowing for flexible interconnects without the need for additional space or cable interconnects.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge to enable the first connector to clear the second connector
Data Source
AI summary
An example device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing to guide the device for attachment onto a computing system. A board is mounted in the housing and includes a first connector facing along a first direction. A hinge is to enable at least a portion of the board and the first connector to move along the first direction and engage a second connector for installation.