Modular NIC Bay Bracket for Single- and Double-Wide Cards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information handling systems struggle to accommodate multiple network interface controller form factors, such as single wide and double wide OCP NICs, within a single chassis design, requiring different chassis bay openings and card guide rails.

Innovation Solution

A modular device bay mounting system that supports both single wide and double wide network interface controller form factors by using a mid bay adapter base structure and latch device, allowing flexible configuration based on the adapter's mounting to the base plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different chassis bay openings and card guide rails are used for different network interface controller form factors, then each form factor can be properly accommodated, but the chassis design complexity increases and multiple chassis designs are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple network interface controller form factorsVSAvoidchassis bay opening and card guide rail configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mid bay component is divided into a base structure and a removable adapter component. The adapter can be segmented into different configurations (single adapter for double wide devices, or two adapters for single wide devices), allowing the same chassis bay to accommodate different form factors through modular assembly rather than requiring different chassis designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single universal chassis bay design is created that can accommodate both single wide and double wide network interface controllers. The bay includes a base structure with a removable adapter that can be configured in different ways to support different device form factors, eliminating the need for multiple specialized chassis designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single modular device bay is designed to support multiple device form factors, then flexibility and compatibility are enhanced, but the adapter and mounting system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice form factor compatibilityVSAvoidmodular adapter component structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter component is designed to nest within the mid bay base structure. When not in use, the adapter can be removed or stowed, allowing the bay to maintain a compact form. The adapter itself can contain nested elements such as the latch device that pivots within the adapter structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining multi-form-factor support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter component incorporates a pivotable latch device that can dynamically adjust between different positions to secure different device form factors. The latch pivots from a first position to a second position, enabling the same adapter structure to accommodate both single wide and double wide devices through dynamic reconfiguration rather than static complex design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a removable adapter component is used to configure the mid bay component, then flexibility in device configuration is achieved, but the mounting and configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configuration flexibilityVSAvoidadapter mounting and configuration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter component is pre-configured with integrated latch devices and mounting features during manufacturing. The latch devices are pre-positioned and the adapter geometry is pre-designed to match the base structure, so that during installation the user simply needs to insert and secure the adapter without complex assembly steps, reducing configuration time while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The latch device uses a simple pivot mechanism rather than complex multi-step fastening systems. The latch can be quickly engaged and disengaged through a single pivoting motion, replacing what would otherwise require multiple screws, clips, or complex mechanical fasteners, thereby reducing the time required for adapter mounting and device configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12507369B2Server system drive mounting system including a network controller mounting bracket

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A modular device bay mounting system. The modular device bay mounting system includes a front bay component; a rear bay component; and, a mid bay component extending from the front bay component to the rear bay component, the mid bay component comprising a modular adapter component, the modular adapter component comprising: a mid bay adapter base structure, the mid bay adapter base structure being configured to be mounted to a base plate of the mid bay component; and, a mid bay latch device, the mid bay latch device being pivotally mounted to the mid bay adapter base structure; and wherein when the mid bay adapter base plate is not mounted to the base plate of the mid bay component, the modular device bay mounting system is configured to receive a double wide form factor device.