Nested Drawer Mechanism for High-Density Modular Server Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional modular information handling systems face limitations in density due to restricted access to components, as they typically require side access for addition and removal, which complicates the configuration and utilization of resources within the chassis.
Innovation Solution
A chassis drawer system comprising an inner member, intermediate member, and carrier member, allowing for sliding mechanisms that enable perpendicular access to bays, thereby increasing accessibility and density of modular information handling resources within the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional side access architecture is used for modular components, then structural simplicity is maintained, but component density and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer mechanism employs nested members where an inner member is disposed within an outer member, allowing the drawer to extend perpendicular to the chassis side while maintaining a compact footprint. This nesting arrangement enables full extension access without increasing chassis height, thereby increasing component density while managing structural complexity through hierarchical organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional side-access (horizontal dimension) to perpendicular access (vertical/depth dimension) by configuring the drawer to extend perpendicular to the chassis side. This dimensional change allows components to be accessed from the front while maintaining compact side profiles, effectively increasing component density without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If chassis height is increased to improve accessibility, then component access is enhanced, but device footprint and density are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer mechanism changes the access dimension from side-access (requiring chassis height) to front-access perpendicular to the chassis side. This allows full extension of the drawer to enhance component accessibility without increasing chassis height, as the extension occurs in the depth dimension rather than the height dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer system is segmented into movable drawer members and fixed chassis structure, allowing the accessible portion (drawer) to extend independently without increasing the permanent chassis footprint. This segmentation enables enhanced accessibility during operation while maintaining compact stationary dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional drawer mechanisms are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but full extension and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-member nested structure (inner member within outer member) enables full extension capability as the inner member can slide completely outward while remaining guided by the outer member. This nesting arrangement provides full extension and accessibility while the members are mechanically coupled to maintain structural integrity, balancing extension capability with controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer mechanism transitions from static traditional drawers to a dynamic nested system where inner and outer members can slide relative to each other. This dynamic arrangement enables full extension while the mechanical coupling maintains structural coherence, allowing enhanced operation capability with manageable complexity through controlled relative motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A drawer for receiving components may comprise an inner member, and intermediate member, and a carrier member. The carrier member may comprise a substantially planar top generally parallel to an inner member bottom, a substantially planar bottom generally parallel to the top, a carrier spine mechanically coupled between the top and the bottom, a plurality of bays, each bay having one or more structural components for receiving a modular information handling resource and configured such that the bay is accessed for insertion or removal of the modular information handling resource via a carrier member side of the carrier member generally parallel to an inner member side, and at least one web generally parallel to the inner member sides and mechanically coupling the carrier member to the intermediate member such that when the drawer is translated to an open position, each of the plurality of bays is accessible.