Jumper Board Server Configuration Eliminates Cabling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of cables in computer server systems is inefficient, expensive, and impairs airflow and cooling, while requiring complex reconfiguration processes.

Innovation Solution

A flexible server configuration system utilizing a connector array with jumper boards that allow CPUs, GPUs, and other components to be reconfigured without cables, enabling quick changes by swapping switch boards within the array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cables are used to connect system components, then components can be connected and configured, but the system becomes expensive, inefficient, and difficult to service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcable routing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes cables from the system by implementing direct board-to-board connections through the connector array. The connector array provides multiple slots that allow components to be connected directly to the switch board without intermediate cable connections, eliminating the need for cable routing while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch board acts as an intermediary between the connector array and components. Instead of cables connecting components directly, the switch board mediates connections through its multiple ports, allowing flexible configuration through component placement rather than cable routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cables are used to connect system components, then components can be connected, but space is consumed and airflow is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent connectivityVSAvoidspace occupied by cables

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes cables from the system architecture entirely, replacing them with direct electrical connections through the connector array and switch board. This eliminates the space that would otherwise be occupied by cables and their routing paths, freeing up area for components and improving airflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cables are used to connect system components, then components can be connected, but cooling efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent connection capabilityVSAvoidcooling energy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting cables from the system and replacing them with direct board-to-board connections, the patent eliminates the physical barriers that block airflow. This improves cooling efficiency by allowing air to flow freely across heat-generating components without obstruction, reducing the energy required for cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If cables are used to connect system components, then components can be connected, but service and reconfiguration become time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reconfigurabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection system into modular components: the connector array with multiple slots, the switch board with multiple ports, and individual components. This segmentation allows any component to be independently removed or repositioned by simply disconnecting it from the switch board, enabling rapid reconfiguration without the time-consuming task of managing cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Adaptability or versatility

If cables are used to connect system components, then components can be connected, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent connectivityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates cables and their associated installation requirements, reducing both material costs and labor costs. The direct connection architecture through the connector array and switch board simplifies the installation process, requiring no cable routing, stripping, or connector attachment, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining full component connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10146720B2Flexible configuration server system

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A flexible server configuration system includes a connector array including a plurality of slots and a first jumper board configured to removably engage with the connector array by connecting to a first set of consecutive slots from the plurality of slots. The first jumper board is configured to disengage and reengage from the connector array to connect with a different set of consecutive slots from the plurality of slots. The system further includes a first set of at least one peripheral device, each connected to one of the plurality of slots, and a first node including at least one first node processor. The first node is connected to two of the plurality of slots.