HPC Cabinet Interconnect Lever Mechanism for High Mating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnecting modules for high-performance computing units require significant user effort and risk damage when connecting multiple units, especially due to high mating forces and potential deformation of components.
Innovation Solution
An interconnecting module with a chassis, vertical racks, and a main lever mechanism that amplifies user force and divides it equally among multiple connections, using a pinion and support axis system to facilitate toolless engagement and disengagement of computing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If horizontal levers are used to fasten the interconnecting module to computing units, then the engagement process becomes more convenient and does not require screws, but the user must exert significant force on the levers which may lead to damages
Solution Approach 1:
A lever mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the fastening members. The lever amplifies the user's input force and transmits it to move the vertical rack, which in turn actuates all fastening members simultaneously. This intermediary mechanism reduces the direct force requirement on individual components while maintaining engagement effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from static screw connections to a dynamic lever-rack-pinion mechanism. The lever can be moved through different positions (engaged, disengaged, intermediate) to control the fastening process. This dynamic approach allows force to be applied gradually and controlled, preventing sudden high-force impacts that could cause damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interconnecting module connects more than two computing units (e.g., 4 units), then the interconnection capability is improved, but the required force for mating becomes too high for a user
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening members are merged into a single integrated system controlled by one vertical rack. All fastening members are actuated simultaneously through the common rack-lever mechanism, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate operations into one unified action. This merging allows the system to handle multiple computing units without proportionally increasing the user force requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a dynamic lever mechanism that can be positioned at different angles to control the engagement of multiple fastening members. The lever's rotational movement translates into coordinated vertical motion of the rack, which simultaneously actuates all fastening members. This dynamic coordination distributes the force requirement across the engagement sequence, preventing any single point from experiencing excessive force.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a main pinion and vertical rack system is used to move the rack vertically, then the engagement of all fastening members is synchronized, but the components may get deformed after usage due to load application
Solution Approach 1:
The lever-rack-pinion system is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow controlled movement through engagement zones. The lever can be positioned at intermediate angles during the engagement process, enabling gradual loading of the pinion and rack teeth. This dynamic engagement sequence distributes mechanical stress over time and across multiple contact points, preventing concentrated loads that would cause deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism incorporates design features that cushion and distribute loads before they reach critical components. The lever arm acts as a force-distributing element that spreads the user's input across multiple fastening members through the rack. Additionally, the pinion-rack engagement is designed with appropriate tooth geometry and material properties to absorb and distribute mechanical stresses, preventing deformation under operational loads.
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
The solution reduces user effort and minimizes component deformation by evenly distributing the engagement force, allowing secure and damage-free connection of multiple computing units without tools.
Implementation Method 1
a main lever mounted on said support axis via at least one linking portion that is configured to cooperate pivotally with said support axis to move the vertical rack vertically to engage/disengage all the fastening members simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
the at least one linking portion of the main lever delimits an opening in which the support axis is mounted, said opening comprising a lower round portion configured to receive the support axis when the lever is down in a closed position against the chassis and an upper square portion configured to receive the support axis when the main lever is up in an open position, causing said support axis to rotate while moving the main lever upward
Implementation Method 3
The interconnecting module comprises at least a vertical rack cooperating with all the fastening members, at least a main pinion comprising a toothed wheel, cooperating with said vertical rack
Data Source
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AI summary
An interconnecting module configured to be mounted in a HPC cabinet to interconnect a plurality of computing units, comprising at least a vertical rack, at least one main pinion comprising a toothed wheel, cooperating with said vertical rack, and a squared-section support axis (32) mounted on the chassis (10), and a main lever mounted on said support axis (32) via at least one linking portion (20A), the at least one linking portion (20A) delimiting an opening in which the support axis (32) is mounted, said opening comprising a lower round portion configured to receive the support axis (32) when the main lever is down against the chassis (10) and an upper square portion (20B2) configured to receive the support axis (32) when the main lever is up, causing said support axis (32) to rotate while moving the main lever upward.