OCP Carrier Latch and Venting for Dense Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges with thermal management and physical clearance issues due to the dense vertical and horizontal stacking of Open Compute Project (OCP) communication carriers, which hinder efficient thermal dissipation and cause difficulties in coupling and labeling.
Innovation Solution
A communication carrier design featuring a latch coupled to an axle with a laterally movable pin and button assembly that secures and releases the carrier, along with vent openings for improved airflow, allowing for compact, accessible, and secure installation in information handling system bays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If OCP carriers are densely stacked vertically and horizontally, then space utilization is improved, but thermal dissipation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lateral ventilation channels that extend through the carrier housing in horizontal directions, allowing thermal energy to dissipate in multiple spatial dimensions rather than relying solely on vertical airflow. This multi-directional venting approach enables effective heat dissipation even in densely stacked configurations where vertical space is constrained.
2Volume of moving object
If OCP carriers are densely stacked vertically and horizontally, then space utilization is improved, but coupling arrangements become awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch member for securing the carrier, a button member for actuation, and a spring member for providing releasing force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a compact yet user-friendly coupling arrangement that is easy to operate even in dense stacking configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional coupling approach by using a spring-loaded button that automatically engages with the latch, rather than requiring manual manipulation of complex latching mechanisms. This inversion simplifies the user interaction to a single pressing motion while maintaining secure coupling, making it highly suitable for dense stacking environments.
3Loss of energy
If venting is provided through the main server chassis, then thermal energy removal is achieved, but thermal transfer effectiveness is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ventilation function from the main server chassis and integrates it directly into the carrier housing. By incorporating dedicated vent openings and lateral ventilation channels within the carrier itself, the design enables thermal energy removal at the source, improving thermal transfer effectiveness without relying on distant chassis-level venting systems.
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
The solution enables high-density vertical stacking in 2U chassis with enhanced thermal performance and reduced operating temperatures, providing a user-friendly and secure mechanism for carrier installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member that biases the latch member in a first position in which the communication carrier is engaged in the information handling system bay
Implementation Method 2
The support structure front face has vent openings that pass air through to the processing components within the communications carrier to remove excess thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system bay accepts plural communication carriers having storage communication support, such as in compliance with OCP3.0. The communication carrier has a support structure to support processing components, such as a network interface controller coupled to a printed circuit board, and coupled within the bay by a latch having a member extending from one end to engage the bay housing and latching an opposite chamfered end with a pin coupled to a spring loaded button. A press on the button away from the latch releases the chamfered end from the pin so support structure member is free from the housing bay to remove the communication carrier.