Interlock bracket unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid cooling systems for server equipment face inefficiencies when the server and cooling device are not properly aligned, leading to ineffective heat transfer and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A bracket unit with a receiving member and alignment indicator that engages with a rail unit, allowing movement between equilibrium and displaced positions, and a fastener for slideable connection, facilitating proper alignment and movement of the electronic module within the cooling system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the server and cooling device are not properly aligned, then the alignment is poor leading to ineffective heat transfer, but adding alignment mechanisms increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket unit serves as an intermediary component between the server and cooling device, providing alignment indicators and receiving members that facilitate proper alignment without requiring complex alignment mechanisms in either the server or cooling device. The bracket translates alignment status into visible indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system is self-indicating through the alignment indicator that automatically shows whether proper alignment is achieved. The receiving member self-adjusts to indicate alignment status, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the server and cooling device are not properly aligned, then heat transfer is ineffective, but implementing alignment mechanisms increases the number of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment indicator and receiving member are integrated into the bracket unit, combining multiple functions (alignment indication, position reception, and status display) into a single component. This reduces the total number of separate components while ensuring reliable heat transfer through proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket unit serves multiple functions: it supports the cooling device, provides alignment indicators, receives position signals from the server, and ensures proper thermal contact. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment is used without indicators, then the system is simpler, but alignment precision and reliability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidease of alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment indicator provides visual feedback (analogous to color changes in other contexts) by displaying different positions or states that indicate whether proper alignment is achieved. This makes alignment status immediately visible and easy to interpret.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving member provides feedback about the relative position of the server and cooling device through the alignment indicator. This feedback mechanism guides the alignment process, making it easier to achieve precise alignment without complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3231267B1Interlock bracket unit
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
  • EP3231267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3231267B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3231267B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An example bracket unit to control installation of an electronic module is provided herein. The bracket unit includes a bracket body, a bracket plate, and a fastener. The bracket plate includes a receiving member and an alignment indicator. The receiving member to engage with a rail unit and move between an equilibrium position and a displaced position based on a movement of the rail unit. The alignment indicator connected to the receiving member, such that movement of the alignment indicator corresponds to the movement of the receiving member. The fastener to slideably connect the bracket plate and the bracket body together.