OCP Card Mounting Bay for Tool-Less Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server systems face challenges in efficiently stacking and servicing Open Compute Project (OCP) network cards, particularly in maintaining accessibility and electrostatic discharge protection while supporting both internal and external latching configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular, tool-less OCP FLOP retention system and card mounting system that allows OCP network cards to be stacked vertically, providing front I/O access, electrostatic discharge protection, and accommodating both internal and external latching configurations, with dual stacked OCP network cards and FLOP components accessible for individual servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If OCP network cards are mounted vertically in a server system, then accessibility and modularity are improved, but the system lacks an efficient stacking and retention method
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting bay structure, individual card retention mechanisms, and guide slots. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide slots act as intermediary elements between the mounting bay and the OCP cards, providing alignment and retention without requiring complex fastening mechanisms. This intermediary structure enables easy insertion and removal while maintaining secure positioning.
2Ease of manufacture
If a floating retention system is used for tool-less access, then ease of installation is improved, but retention reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system transitions from a static fixed mounting approach to a dynamic floating retention mechanism that can adapt to card insertion and removal. The floating retainers move independently to engage or disengage from the cards, providing tool-less access while maintaining secure retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating retention system is designed to automatically engage and disengage cards without requiring external tools or complex actuation mechanisms. The cards themselves interact with the floating retainers to secure or release, enabling self-service installation and removal while maintaining reliable retention.
3Productivity
If dual stacked configuration is implemented, then space utilization is improved, but servicing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual stacked configuration uses independent retention mechanisms for each card position, allowing individual cards to be accessed and serviced without removing the entire stack. Each card module is segmented as an independent unit that can be manipulated separately.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide slots serve as intermediary structures that facilitate individual card access in the dual stacked configuration. These guide slots provide alignment and movement paths that enable servicing of one card without disturbing the other, reducing servicing complexity despite the stacked arrangement.
4Productivity
If front I/O access is provided for card removal, then operational efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is extracted from the main server structure and implemented as independent floating retainers positioned at the front I/O. This extraction allows card removal from the front without requiring structural modifications to the main chassis, improving operational efficiency while minimizing added structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide slots act as intermediary structures that enable front I/O access by providing alignment and movement paths for cards. These guide slots allow cards to be inserted and removed from the front while maintaining proper positioning, achieving operational efficiency without requiring complex structural modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
An open source mounting system. The open source mounting system includes an open source mounting bay, the open source mounting bay defining a plurality of guide slots; a first open source card module, the first open source card module being positioned within the open source mounting bay via a first pair of the plurality of guide slots; and, a second open source card module, the second open source card module being positioned within the OCP mounting bay via a second pair of the plurality of guide slots.