HPC Cabinet Interconnect Lever Mechanism for Low-Force Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnecting modules for high-performance computing units require significant user force for mating and can lead to damage when connecting multiple units, and existing solutions suffer from deformation due to load application.
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 rack system with a unique linking portion design to reduce deformation and facilitate toolless engagement/disengagement.
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 engaging operation becomes more convenient, but significant user force is required which may lead to damages
Solution Approach 1:
A lever arm is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element between the user's hand and the fastening members. The lever arm pivots on the chassis and transmits force through a link to the fastening members, providing mechanical advantage that reduces the force the user must directly apply while still achieving the necessary clamping force for engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static direct-connection design to a dynamic lever-based system. The lever arm can pivot through different angles during the engagement process, allowing the user to apply force in a more convenient direction while the mechanism converts this motion into the required linear motion of the fastening members.
2Adaptability or versatility
If significant force is applied to mate connectors of multiple computing units, then the interconnecting module can connect more units, but the required force becomes too high and may lead to damages
Solution Approach 1:
The force application is segmented across multiple fastening members that are actuated simultaneously by the single lever arm. Each fastening member independently engages with its corresponding computing unit, distributing the total force requirement across multiple contact points rather than requiring concentrated force on a single point.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm and link mechanism serve as intermediaries that amplify and distribute the user's input force to multiple fastening members simultaneously. This mechanical advantage system allows a single user action to generate sufficient force across all connections without requiring the user to directly apply excessive force.
3Productivity
If a main pinion and vertical rack system is used to move fastening members vertically, then all fastening members can be engaged simultaneously, but deformation occurs due to load application
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic lever arm that pivots during operation rather than a rigid direct-connection system. This allows the mechanism to accommodate slight variations and deformations in the structural members during the engagement process, as the pivoting lever can adjust its angle while still transmitting force effectively to all fastening members.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical advantage ratio of the lever arm system can be adjusted by changing the pivot point position or link length. This allows optimization of the force multiplication factor to ensure sufficient engagement force is delivered without requiring excessive force that would cause deformation of the pinion or rack components.
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 module allows for simple, toolless connection of multiple computing units with reduced risk of damage, minimizing force required and maintaining structural integrity over time.
Implementation Method 1
the main lever being configured to move the vertical rack vertically to engage/disengage all the fastening members simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
at least a main pinion comprising a toothed wheel, cooperating with said vertical rack
Data Source
AI summary
An interconnecting module configured to be mounted in a HPC cabinet to interconnect a plurality of computing units, wherein the interconnecting module includes a vertical rack, at least one main pinion that includes a toothed wheel, cooperating with the vertical rack, and a squared-section support axis mounted on a chassis. The interconnecting module also includes a main lever mounted on the support axis via at least one linking portion, wherein the at least one linking portion delimits an opening in which the support axis is mounted. The opening includes a lower round portion configured to receive the support axis when the main lever is down against the chassis and an upper square portion configured to receive the support axis when the main lever is up, causing the support axis to rotate while moving the main lever upward.