HPC Computing Unit Lever Extraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-performance computing units require users to unscrew and remove the entire unit from the HPC cabinet to access faulty components, which is time-consuming and ergonomically challenging, violating the principles of customer replaceable units (CRU) due to the need for multiple tools and complex maintenance processes.

Innovation Solution

A computing unit design featuring an external body securely mounted to the HPC cabinet with an internal body that can be extracted using a front lever mechanism, eliminating the need for tools and allowing for easy access and replacement of components without removing the external body, utilizing a latching system with a biasing member for secure coupling and disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the computing unit is securely fixed to the HPC cabinet using screws and threaded openings, then the mechanical stability and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance time are worsened due to requiring multiple tools and complex unscrewing procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidease of maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The computing unit is divided into an external body (chassis) and an internal body (component housing), allowing the internal body to be independently accessed. The latching wall with front levers provides segmented latching points that can be independently actuated, enabling users to access internal components without removing the entire computing unit from the cabinet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The internal body containing secondary electronic components is extracted as a separate accessible unit. The front levers provide direct access to latching mechanisms on the latching wall, allowing the internal body to be removed from the external body without requiring removal of the external body from the HPC cabinet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the computing unit requires removal from the HPC cabinet to access internal components, then complete access to all components is achieved, but the maintenance time and user effort are significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The computing unit structure is segmented into externally mounted and internally accessible portions. The latching wall with multiple front levers creates independent access points that allow users to remove only the internal body containing specific components, rather than the entire computing unit, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining complete component accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latching wall acts as an intermediary mechanism between the external body and internal body. The front levers provide a simple user interface that directly actuates the latching mechanism, enabling quick access to internal components without complex tool-based procedures or complete unit removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple tools and knowledge are required for maintenance activities, then secure and damage-free operation is ensured, but user ergonomics and convenience are violated against CRU principles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage-free operationVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through the front lever interface. Users can directly manipulate the latching wall's front levers with simple hand movements to release and remove the internal body, eliminating the need for external tools or specialized knowledge while maintaining secure operation through the engineered latching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to unscrew and dismantle the entire computing unit from the cabinet, the design inverts the approach by providing direct access points on the latching wall that allow internal body removal while the external body remains mounted. This reversal of the traditional maintenance sequence improves convenience while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4084589B1Computing unit for a HPC cabinet and method for accessing an electronic component from the computing unit
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 BULL SA
  • EP4084589B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4084589B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4084589B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6A

AI summary

A computing unit (configured to be mounted in a HPC cabinet comprising an external body (2), an internal body (3), comprising secondary electronic components, the internal body (3) being releasably coupled with the external body (2) in order to allow extraction of the internal body (3) when the external body is secured fixedly to the HPC cabinet, at least one front lever (8) pivotally coupled to the internal body (3) and configured to latch with a latching wall of the external body (2) and to latch with the bottom wall of the external body (2) in order to releasably couple the internal body (3) with the external body (2).