Network Port Connector Ejection System for Remote Disconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information handling systems face challenges in remotely disconnecting compromised or unauthorized server devices from networks without physically being present, which can lead to security risks and troubleshooting issues.

Innovation Solution

An Information Handling System (IHS) with a network port connector ejection engine that actuates a retention device release subsystem and a network port connector ejection subsystem to remotely disconnect network port connectors from computing device connectors, preventing reconnection without powering down the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical disconnection of network port connector is used to secure compromised devices, then network security is improved, but operational complexity and time loss increase due to requiring physical access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidremote disconnection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical disconnection with an automated ejection subsystem that uses an ejection member to mechanically eject the network port connector from its receptacle. This allows remote disconnection without physical access to the device, resolving the contradiction between security (disconnection) and ease of operation (remote capability).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service remote management by allowing administrators to eject network port connectors through software commands without requiring physical presence. The automated ejection mechanism performs the disconnection service that would otherwise require manual intervention, improving both security response time and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If physical disconnection of network port connector is used to secure compromised devices, then network security is improved, but time loss increases due to requiring administrator presence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoiddisconnection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated ejection subsystem replaces time-consuming manual disconnection operations with rapid mechanical ejection actuated by an ejection member. This reduces the time required to disconnect compromised devices from hours or days (travel time) to seconds (ejection cycle), while maintaining security effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains network port connectors in a pre-configured state within receptacles with retention members, allowing for immediate ejection when security threats are detected. The retention mechanism and ejection subsystem are prepared in advance, enabling rapid response without manual preparation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If network port connector is retained securely in receptacle, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of disconnection worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddisconnection ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the disconnection function into two independent mechanisms: a retention member for secure holding during normal operation, and an ejection member for controlled removal. This segmentation allows the connector to be both securely retained and easily ejected through the automated subsystem, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and disconnection ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the network port connector. It mediates the disconnection process by applying force to overcome the retention member's holding force, enabling easy disconnection without compromising the security provided by the retention mechanism during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11211748B2Network port connector ejection system

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A network port connector ejection system includes a computing device connector that is connected to a network port connector. A retention device in the network port connector ejection system is configured to engage the network port connector to secure the network port connector to the computing device connector. A retention device release subsystem in the network port connector ejection system is coupled to the retention device and is configured to be actuated to release the retention device from engagement with the network port connector. A network port connector ejection subsystem in the network port connector ejection system is configured to engage the network port connector, while the retention device release subsystem is actuated to release the retention device from engagement with the network port connector, to disconnect the network port connector from the computing device connector.