Interchangeable Server Chassis Housings for Rapid Reconfiguration

Solution Overview

Problem

Reconfiguring computer servers to accommodate different computing demands often requires disassembly and reassembly of the chassis, which compromises the structural integrity and is time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A server structure with interchangeable chassis housings and common engagement features that allow for reconfiguration without disassembly of the internal framework, maintaining structural integrity and facilitating the addition or removal of various modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If disassembly and reassembly of the chassis is performed to reconfigure the server, then the server can accommodate different computing demands, but the structural integrity of the chassis is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into a base pan and interchangeable housings. The base pan contains the internal framework that remains fixed, while separate housings can be attached to accommodate different module configurations. This segmentation allows reconfiguration without disassembling the critical internal framework, thus maintaining structural integrity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If disassembly and reassembly of the chassis is performed to reconfigure the server, then the server can accommodate different computing demands, but the reconfiguration process is time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Housings are pre-configured with specific module arrangements before being attached to the base pan. Common module configurations are prepared in advance as complete housing units, allowing rapid interchange without time-consuming assembly steps during reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis is divided into a base pan and interchangeable housings. The base pan contains the internal framework that remains fixed, while separate housings can be attached to accommodate different module configurations. This segmentation allows reconfiguration without disassembling the critical internal framework, thus maintaining structural integrity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple module configurations are supported, then the server can meet varying computing demands, but the chassis requires repeated disassembly and reassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule interchangeabilityVSAvoidchassis assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base pan is designed with universal engagement features that can accommodate multiple different housing types. Standardized attachment mechanisms allow various housing configurations to be mounted on the same base pan, reducing the need for multiple specialized chassis designs and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8923000B2Server chassis

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A server structure includes a first housing to support a first server module configuration, and a second housing to support a second server module configuration such that the first housing and the second housing are interchangeably supported by a common chassis, and each have at least one set of common engagement features associated with a corresponding set of common engagement features of the common chassis.