Modular Server Components Selective Upgrade via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Upgrading server components to leverage improvements in efficiency, memory density, and speed can be cost-prohibitive due to the need to replace entire server units, even when only certain components require updates, leading to unnecessary expenses and downtime.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of modular server units with separately replaceable processor and input/output (I/O) modules allows for the independent upgrading or replacement of these components, reducing costs and downtime by enabling the replacement of one module while keeping the other in operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If entire server unit is replaced to upgrade components, then component performance is improved, but cost and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent performanceVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The server unit is divided into separate functional modules including processor module, memory module, storage module, and I/O module. Each module can be independently replaced or upgraded without affecting other modules, allowing selective maintenance and upgrading that reduces downtime and costs while maintaining system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If entire server unit is replaced to upgrade components, then component performance is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent performanceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The server unit is divided into separate functional modules including processor module, memory module, storage module, and I/O module. Each module can be independently replaced or upgraded, allowing selective maintenance that reduces costs by only replacing necessary components rather than the entire server unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Individual modules can be discarded and replaced independently when they fail or need upgrading. The functional modules are designed to be replaceable units that can be recovered and reused in different configurations, reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular design is implemented, then selective upgrading is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective upgrading capabilityVSAvoidmodular architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server is segmented into standardized functional modules with uniform interfaces and connection protocols. This segmentation enables selective upgrading while managing complexity through standardization of module designs and their interconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular architecture uses universal interfaces and standardized connection protocols that allow the same module types to serve multiple functions and be used in different configurations. This universality reduces the number of unique components needed, managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10423559B2System for selectively upgradeable disaggregated server components

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A selectively upgradeable disaggregated server is generally described herein. An example modular server unit, the modular server unit includes a processor module coupled to an input/output (I/O) module via a connector. The processor module to communicate with the I/O module via the connector to store and retrieve data. The processor module is a separate hardware unit from the I/O module.