Rack Control Module Mounting on Power Supply Handle

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In server racks, the existing rack control module (RCM) attachment mechanism to the power supply chassis causes issues with PSU insertion/removal, particularly for longer PSUs, and the ribbon cable is prone to damage, leading to electrical connection problems and increased risk of loss or damage to the RCM during handling.

Innovation Solution

The RCM is designed to mount on the PSU handle instead of the power supply chassis, using a flexible printed circuit connector and a strap aperture for secure attachment, reducing cable crumpling risks and allowing easy PSU replacement without dismounting the RCM, and a detachable FFC connection to the power supply chassis for safe storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RCM is securely attached to the side wall and base wall of the power supply chassis, then the RCM is firmly fixed, but a PSU of higher power having a length longer than the base wall cannot be mounted and the ribbon cable is prone to crumpling and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRCM fixation reliabilityVSAvoidPSU length adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The RCM is divided into separate mounting components: a first mounting portion that attaches to the side wall and a second mounting portion that attaches to the handle. This segmentation allows the RCM to accommodate PSUs of varying lengths without constraining the ribbon cable routing, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and length adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle serves as an intermediary mounting location between the PSU body and the RCM. By mounting the RCM on the handle rather than directly to the chassis, the system gains flexibility in accommodating different PSU lengths while maintaining secure attachment through the retention mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the RCM is securely attached to the side wall and base wall of the power supply chassis, then the RCM is firmly fixed, but the ribbon cable may crumple and get severed during insertion or removal of the PSU

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRCM fixation reliabilityVSAvoidribbon cable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the mounting structure into side wall attachment and handle attachment portions, the ribbon cable is routed through a path that does not crumple during PSU insertion/removal. The handle mounting portion allows the cable to flex without stress concentration points that would cause severing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is designed in advance to prevent cable crumpling by providing adequate routing space and flexure points. The handle mounting portion acts as a cushioning element that absorbs movement stresses before they can reach the ribbon cable, preventing damage during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the RCM is securely attached to the side wall and base wall of the power supply chassis, then the RCM is firmly fixed, but the process of insertion or removal of the redundant PSU becomes time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRCM fixation reliabilityVSAvoidPSU insertion/removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The RCM is segmented into independent mounting portions that can be selectively attached. The handle mounting portion can be quickly engaged or disengaged from the PSU handle during replacement, significantly reducing the time required for PSU insertion and removal compared to reconfiguring the entire RCM assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the RCM is securely attached to the side wall and base wall of the power supply chassis, then the RCM is firmly fixed, but there is no provision for safe keeping of the RCM removed during removal of the PSU

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRCM fixation reliabilityVSAvoidRCM storage during PSU removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The RCM's segmented design with separate side wall and handle mounting portions allows the handle mounting portion to be independently removed and stored. The side wall mounting portion remains attached to the chassis, providing a secure storage location for the detached RCM component during PSU removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9655276B2Rack control module

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A rack control module including a pair of mounting braces for mounting the RCM on a handle of a power supply unit (PSU). The PSU may be mounted on a server rack. The RCM also includes a latch disposed in proximity to the pair of mounting brace. Upon mounting the RCM on the handle of the PSU, the latch locks the RCM in an engaged position with the handle of the PSU.