Perpendicular Electronic Card Mounting for Server Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting electronic cards to a motherboard, such as backplane systems, face issues with space constraints, increased temperature due to airflow blockage, longer signal routing, higher costs, and the risk of incorrect cabling connections, making quick access to the motherboard time-consuming and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows electronic cards to be connected perpendicular to the motherboard using a two-tray structure with guiding and floating mechanisms for alignment and a mechanical ejecting system for easy installation and removal, reducing space occupation and improving airflow while ensuring correct connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a backplane system is used to connect electronic cards to the motherboard, then the connection precision and speed are improved, but the rear area clearance for air flow is reduced and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal backplane connection (occupying rear area) to a vertical card connection (utilizing vertical space). The electronic cards are connected perpendicular to the motherboard, allowing air flow to pass horizontally through the rear area without obstruction, thus resolving the contradiction between connection precision and rear area clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection system into separate vertical card slots on the motherboard, eliminating the need for a single large backplane structure. This segmentation allows multiple cards to be connected independently in vertical orientations, preserving rear area clearance while maintaining connection precision through individual card-motherboard interfaces.
2Speed
If a backplane system is used with internal connections, then the connection speed is improved, but the temperature increases due to airflow blockage
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the card orientation from horizontal (parallel to motherboard) to vertical (perpendicular to motherboard), the patent restores unobstructed horizontal air flow paths. This dimensional change allows cooling air to reach components without being blocked by backplane structures, thus reducing component temperature while maintaining fast connection speeds through direct card-motherboard interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used for cabling connections, then the adaptability is improved, but the risk of incorrect connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate cabling layer between cards and motherboard. Cards connect directly to the motherboard through vertical slots, removing multiple cables and connection points. This reduces the complexity of cabling arrangements while maintaining adaptability through standardized card interfaces, and simultaneously improves reliability by eliminating potential points of incorrect connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical card slots on the motherboard serve as direct intermediaries between cards and the system, replacing the cable-based intermediary layer. This direct interface mechanism maintains versatility through standardized slots and cards while eliminating the reliability issues associated with multiple cable connections and potential misconnections.
4Ease of operation
If all cards are disconnected for motherboard access, then the accessibility is improved, but the time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the card connection system into independent vertical slots, allowing individual cards to be accessed or removed without affecting other cards. The ejecting mechanism enables selective access to specific card regions, eliminating the need to disconnect all cards for motherboard access. This segmentation maintains ease of operation while significantly reducing the time required for component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejecting mechanism is pre-configured to automatically disconnect and eject cards when activated. This preliminary preparation of the ejection system allows for rapid card removal and motherboard access without manual disconnection steps, thus improving accessibility while minimizing the time required for component replacement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and a method for connecting at least one electronic card to an electronic board of a computer device, the system including an electronic board, equipped with a plurality of connectors for connecting at least one electronic cards to the electronic board, and slots for connecting at least one component to the electronic board. The at least one electronic card are substantially perpendicular to the electronic board. The system further includes a first supporting means being configured such that the at least one electronic card is first mounted onto the first support before the first support is placed above the electronic board in the vertical direction. The system further includes a second support installed underneath the electronic board in the vertical direction. The system includes further ejection mechanism and insertion mechanism. The system for connecting may include a plurality of electronic boards.