Multi-Function Chassis Slots for Flexible Battery and Server Module Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data centers face challenges in accommodating diverse customer or administrator preferences for power backup solutions, as existing systems struggle to efficiently manage different requirements for battery backup power across multiple computers in a single location.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a chassis with multiple multi-function slots that can accept various modules, including battery modules, server modules, and storage modules, coupled to a power bus that routes external power and provides backup power from battery modules to other slots, allowing flexible configuration and modular insertion of different types of modules based on specific needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated battery slots are provided for each computer, then battery backup power is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery backup powerVSAvoidchassis structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-function slots that can accept different module types (battery modules, server modules, storage modules) interchangeably. This universal slot design eliminates the need for dedicated battery slots for each computer, reducing chassis complexity while maintaining the ability to provide battery backup power when needed. The slots serve multiple purposes depending on the inserted module type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If battery modules are provided for every computer, then power outage protection is ensured, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outage protectionVSAvoidbattery quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows multiple battery modules to be inserted into different multi-function slots within the same chassis, enabling shared battery backup resources across multiple computers. Instead of requiring separate battery modules for each computer, the system merges battery resources at the chassis level, reducing total battery quantity while maintaining protection capability for all connected computers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If custom large batteries are used, then sufficient backup power is provided, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup power capacityVSAvoidbattery manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the total backup power requirement into multiple smaller battery modules that can be distributed across different multi-function slots. Instead of using one large custom battery, the system segments the power capacity into several standard-sized battery modules, making them easier to manufacture, source, and replace while providing equivalent total backup power capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If different chassis designs are used for different customer needs, then customer-specific requirements are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer preference accommodationVSAvoidchassis design variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic configuration capability where the same chassis design can be adapted to different customer needs by selectively inserting battery modules or other modules into the multi-function slots. The chassis structure remains static and standardized, but its functional configuration becomes dynamic based on module insertion, allowing accommodation of various customer preferences without requiring multiple chassis designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enables flexible and efficient power management, allowing data centers to provide backup power during outages and peak usage, reducing costs by using smaller, commonly available batteries and enabling a common chassis design to meet varying customer needs, while maintaining system reliability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a power bus coupled to receive external power and route the external power to the multiple multi-function slots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8952566B2Chassis slots accepting battery modules and other module types

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A chassis includes a component interconnect board having multiple multi-function slots coupled thereto. Each of the multi-function slots is configured to accept different types of modules, including a battery module and one or more other types of modules, such as server modules or storage modules. The component interconnect board also includes a power bus coupled to receive external power and route the external power to the multiple multi-function slots.