Horizontal Graphics Card Mounting in 1U Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing servers face challenges in accommodating multiple expansion cards due to limited interior space, making it difficult to expand server functions as needed.

Innovation Solution

A graphics card assembly is designed with a mounting cage, two riser cards, and two graphics cards, allowing for the installation of multiple expansion cards within the limited space of a 1 U server casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple expansion cards are installed to expand server functions, then the functional capabilities of the server are improved, but the limited interior space of the casing cannot accommodate the expansion cards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidinterior space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The graphics card assembly is divided into multiple independent slots arranged side by side, allowing multiple graphics cards to be installed in a compact horizontal configuration within the limited 1U server space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from vertical stacking to horizontal arrangement of graphics cards, utilizing the width dimension of the 1U casing to accommodate multiple expansion cards that would otherwise not fit in the limited vertical space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If large expansion cards are installed to achieve desired functions, then the functional requirements are met, but the server casing cannot accommodate these large expansion cards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidexpansion card size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges graphics cards horizontally side by side rather than vertically stacking them, effectively utilizing the width of the 1U casing to accommodate larger graphics cards that would not fit in traditional vertical configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the casing height is constrained to 1U for standardization, then the server form factor is standardized, but the space available for installing multiple expansion cards is severely limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestandardizationVSAvoidavailable space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting cage is segmented into multiple horizontal slots that can accommodate different types and sizes of expansion cards, allowing the standardized 1U form factor to support diverse hardware configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting cage design with multiple horizontal slots provides universal compatibility for installing various types of expansion cards including graphics cards, network cards, and storage controllers within the standardized 1U casing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12242314B2Graphics card assembly and server

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 INVENTEC PUDONG TECH CORPOARTION

AI summary

A graphics card assembly includes a mounting cage, two riser cards and two graphics cards. The mounting cage has two accommodation spaces arranged side by side horizontally. The two riser cards are disposed on the mounting cage and are located in the two accommodation spaces, respectively. The two graphics cards are located in the two accommodation spaces and are detachably inserted into the two riser cards, respectively.