Removable Plate Server Modules with Perpendicular Cable Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact server units in datacenters face challenges in maintenance due to their compact design, where servicing or replacing components is difficult and complex, especially with redundant systems, which obstructs efficient removal and replacement of modules and switches.
Innovation Solution
The design features removable, plate-shaped server modules connected to flat-box switches via data cables, with arrays of cable passages and adjustable brackets allowing for easy maintenance by obstructing either modules or switches, enabling efficient space use and redundancy while maintaining operational integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If server modules are arranged in a compact configuration to save space, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance and replacement of components becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular server modules that can be independently removed and replaced. Each server module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces, allowing maintenance personnel to service individual modules without disrupting the entire system, thus resolving the contradiction between compact arrangement and ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable passages are positioned at the edges of the device, and brackets extend perpendicular to the plane of the server modules. This three-dimensional arrangement allows maintenance personnel to access and manipulate components from the sides rather than requiring disassembly of the compact stack, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining high space utilization.
2Reliability
If redundant components are added to provide system reliability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and layout complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Redundant components are implemented as separate, identical server modules rather than integrating them into existing modules. This segmentation allows multiple redundant units to be arranged in a regular, predictable pattern with standardized cable connections, reducing layout complexity while maintaining high reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
All server modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized cable passages positioned at their edges. This universality means that redundant modules can be interchangeably connected to switches using the same cable routing pattern, simplifying the overall layout and making the system easier to manage despite having multiple redundant components.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple switches are positioned close to server modules for compactness, then space efficiency is improved, but access for maintenance becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The brackets holding cable passages extend perpendicular to the plane of the server modules and switches, creating a three-dimensional cable routing structure. This allows cable passages to be positioned close to server modules for compactness while maintaining clear access paths for maintenance personnel to reach switches and connectors from the sides without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets act as intermediary structures that hold the cable passages at optimized positions. They mediate between the need for compact arrangement (by keeping cable passages close to server modules) and the need for easy maintenance (by providing accessible positions for switch connections), resolving the contradiction through this intermediate supporting structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Device (1) comprising a multitude of server modules (3), wherein said server modules (3) are removable, are substantially plate shaped and extend parallel to each other, wherein each one of said server modules (3) is connected to cable passages (61a) of a first switch (4) by first data cables (6a) and to cable passages (61b) of a second switch (4) by second data cables (6b), wherein said first and second switches (4) are removable, are shaped substantially as a flat box and extend parallel to and adjacent each other, and said first switch (4) extends perpendicular to and adjacent an edge of said server modules (3), wherein said cable passages (61a) of said first switch (4) extend in a first array and the cable passages (61b) of said second switch (4) extend in a second array, wherein said first and second arrays extend parallel to each other, and wherein said first array of cable passages (61a) extends near an edge of said first switch (4) and near said edge of said server modules (3), and wherein said second array of cable passages (61b) is mounted on a bracket (7) which is mounted on said second switch (4), said bracket (7) extending at a distance from the second switch (4) and from said first array.