Modular Fan System for Hot Plug Sled Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modular network devices, the need to power down the entire system to replace or access individual operation sleds is a challenge due to the requirement of removing the central fan system, which disrupts cooling and necessitates a solution for maintaining operation during sled replacement.
Innovation Solution
A modular fan system where each operation sled has removable fan modules that can be individually attached and detached, allowing for continuous operation of other sleds and enabling the replacement of fan modules without shutting down the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a central fan system is used to cool all sleds, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the ability to replace individual sleds without shutting down the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized fan system into individual fan modules, each associated with a specific operation sled. Each sled has its own dedicated fan module that can be independently controlled, allowing one sled to be replaced while others continue to operate with their respective fans running.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan modules are designed to be dynamically configurable - they can be attached to and removed from individual sleds as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to maintenance scenarios where individual sleds are replaced without requiring shutdown of the entire device.
2Ease of operation
If the fan system is removed to access operation sleds, then sled accessibility is improved, but continuous operation of remaining sleds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fan system is segmented into independent fan modules that can be individually accessed. When a sled needs maintenance, only the fan module associated with that sled needs to be removed, not the entire fan wall. This allows other fan modules to remain attached and continue cooling other sleds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fan module from the centralized fan wall configuration and attaches it directly to individual sleds. This extraction allows the fan module to move with the sled during maintenance operations, ensuring continuous cooling capability for remaining sleds while enabling easy access to the target sled.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual fan modules are attached to each sled, then maintenance flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fan modules are designed as universal components that can be attached to any operation sled regardless of the specific sled type or configuration. This standardization reduces the need for multiple different fan designs and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the modular approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan module is designed to nest with the operation sled structure, integrating seamlessly into the sled's housing and cooling pathways. This nesting approach minimizes additional space requirements and reduces the visual and structural complexity of the overall system.
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
Enables the replacement or maintenance of individual operation sleds without interrupting the operation of other sleds, as the modular fan system allows for continuous cooling, reducing downtime and improving maintenance flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A fan module may be attached to each operation sled to cool the respective sled
Data Source
AI summary
A system of modular fans for a network device is disclosed. The network device includes a rack assembly having side walls forming an enclosure with a plurality of sled slots accessible from a rear end. A plurality of operation sleds are mountable on one of the plurality of sled slots. A plurality of removable fan modules is provided. Each of the removable fan modules are installed in one of the operation sleds. The removable fan modules are individually removable from the operation sleds and therefore may be swapped out while the rest of the components in the network device remain operational.