Configurable Node Blade Expansion Space for Data Center

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing systems in data centers face disruptions and increased costs when expanding functionality, as server blades must be removed and powered down to add or change components, risking damage to delicate electronic circuits and reducing available computing power.

Innovation Solution

A configurable node blade expansion system with a rear portion extending into the computer rack and a front portion featuring electrical connectors, allowing for the attachment of a second electronic assembly that extends functionality without disrupting operations, using PCIe expansion links and blind mate liquid cooling to minimize impact on the interconnect fabric and cooling systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If server blade functionality is expanded by removing and opening the blade, then additional components can be installed, but the computer rack must be powered down and operations are disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality expansionVSAvoidcomputing power availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The server blade is divided into a main blade portion and a removable expansion module. The expansion module can be independently added or removed from the front portion of the blade without affecting the main blade's operation, allowing functionality expansion without powering down the entire rack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion module is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main blade structure. This allows the expansion module to be independently installed or removed while the main blade continues to operate, eliminating the need to power down the entire server blade for functionality expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If server blade functionality is expanded by hot plugging components, then computing power can be increased without disruption, but delicate electronic circuits may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing power availabilityVSAvoidelectronic circuit integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion module is extracted as a separate component with its own electrical connectors that interface with the main blade through hot-pluggable connections. This isolation allows the expansion module to be added without exposing delicate circuits in the main blade to potential damage from hot-plugging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion module acts as an intermediary component between the user's new hardware and the main blade's delicate electronic circuits. The modular interface provides a controlled connection point that protects the main blade's circuits while still enabling functionality expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If entire computer rack is powered down for blade maintenance, then components can be safely changed, but operational costs increase and computing power is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent safetyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The server blade is segmented into a main operational portion and a removable expansion module. This segmentation allows the expansion module to be safely changed without affecting the main blade's power supply or operational safety, eliminating the need to power down the entire rack for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion module is extracted as an independently replaceable component that can be safely changed while the main blade remains powered on. This extraction eliminates the need to power down the entire rack for module maintenance, reducing energy loss and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional server blade design is used, then standard form factor installation is simple, but expansion requires removing the entire blade from the rack

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidexpansion process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server blade is segmented into a main blade portion and a removable expansion module. The expansion module is designed with standardized connectors that interface with the main blade, allowing it to be easily added or removed from the front portion without requiring removal of the entire blade from the rack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion module is designed with dynamic, hot-pluggable connections that allow it to be added or removed while the main blade operates. This dynamic interface simplifies the expansion process compared to removing the entire blade, while maintaining the simplicity of standard form factor installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10237999B2Configurable node expansion space

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a configurable extension space for a computer server or node blade that has the ability to expand data storage or other functionality to a computer system while minimizing any disruption to computers in a data center when the functionality of a computer server or a node blade is extended. Apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may include multiple electronic assemblies where a first assembly resides deep within an enclosure to which an expansion module may be attached in an accessible expansion space.