Reduced-Depth Rack Server Data Storage Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard rack servers face challenges in reducing depth due to the end-to-end component stackup of PCIe adapters, memory, CPU, fans, and hard disk drives, which exceeds the allowable depth, especially in constrained spaces like military vehicles and small telecommunication applications, where isolation and vibration damping requirements further complicate depth reduction.
Innovation Solution
A reduced-depth rack server design featuring a data storage assembly with a carrier and interposer cable, where the data storage device is rotated 90 degrees within the carrier to present its longest dimension sideways, allowing a shorter depth, and an interposer cable connects the data storage device to the backplane, utilizing a folded, L-shaped cable for electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the data storage device is mounted in a conventional orientation with its longest dimension extending toward the rear of the rack server, then the electrical connector can be easily accessed by the interposer cable, but the overall depth of the rack server exceeds the allowable limit
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage device is rotated 90 degrees from its conventional orientation, mounting it sideways within the carrier so that its longest dimension extends laterally rather than deeply. This inversion of the mounting orientation allows the device to fit within the reduced depth constraint while maintaining all necessary functional connections through the interposer cable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting approach transitions from a single-dimensional depth-oriented arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration where the data storage device is oriented sideways. This dimensional change redistributes the spatial requirements of the device, allowing the longest dimension to occupy the lateral dimension rather than the depth dimension, thereby reducing the overall rack server depth.
2Length of moving object
If the data storage device is rotated 90 degrees within the carrier, then the rack server depth is reduced to fit constrained spaces, but the electrical connectivity to the backplane becomes more complex requiring an interposer cable
Solution Approach 1:
An interposer cable is introduced as an intermediary component to bridge the electrical connection between the data storage device and the backplane. The interposer cable includes a first electrical connector that interfaces with the data storage device and a second electrical connector that interfaces with the backplane, thereby mediating the electrical connectivity required by the rotated mounting orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection path is segmented into two separate connection points: the first electrical connector on the data storage device and the second electrical connector on the backplane, linked by the interposer cable. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimally positioned and designed for its specific interface requirements, simplifying the overall connectivity architecture despite the rotated orientation.
3Length of moving object
If the longest dimension of the data storage device is oriented sideways in the carrier, then the rack server fits into smaller spaces, but the service panel orientation becomes non-standard
Solution Approach 1:
The service panel is positioned on a lateral panel of the carrier rather than on the rear panel, creating an asymmetric configuration that accommodates the sideways orientation of the data storage device. This asymmetric placement of the service panel maintains ease of access from the front of the rack server while supporting the non-conventional mounting orientation required for reduced depth.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a reduced-depth rack server includes: forming a tray structure of a carrier having a service panel attached to two opposed side panels and a bottom panel; inserting a longest dimension of a data storage device in a sideways orientation with at least one electrical connector of the data storage device proximate to a selected lateral panel; electrically connecting a first electrical connector of an interposer cable to the at least one electrical connector of the data storage device; and attaching a second electrical connector attached to one of the tray structure and the data storage device directed towards an insertion end of the data storage assembly in an orientation opposite to the service panel and aligned to electrically connect with a backplane of a reduced-depth rack server in response to the tray structure being inserted in a rack server chassis.