Removable Airflow Blank for Server Slot Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional approaches to controlling airflow in information handling systems are inefficient, as they often require separate airflow blanks and resource carriers, leading to suboptimal cooling and potential overheating of components.
Innovation Solution
A combination information handling resource carrier and airflow impedance blank that includes a removable airflow impedance element, allowing the same unit to function either as an airflow impedance blank or a resource carrier, thereby optimizing airflow and component cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate airflow blanks and resource carriers are used, then airflow control is achieved, but device complexity increases and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the airflow blank and resource carrier into a single integrated unit. The resource carrier includes a resource receptacle for holding information handling resources and an airflow impedance element that can be positioned to control airflow when no resource is installed. This merging eliminates the need for separate airflow blank components, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable cooling efficiency through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated resource carrier serves multiple functions: it holds information handling resources when installed, and simultaneously acts as an airflow impedance element to control cooling airflow when resources are not installed. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace both the resource carrier and separate airflow blank, resolving the technical contradiction between device complexity and cooling efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional airflow blanks are used in empty slots, then airflow impedance is provided, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow impedance element is designed to be dynamically adjustable within the resource carrier. It can be positioned in different locations or configured in different states depending on whether information handling resources are installed in the slot. This dynamic adaptability allows the same component to effectively manage airflow in various configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and airflow management effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for resource carrying and airflow control, then functionality is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the resource carrier and airflow blank into a single integrated unit, the patent simplifies installation and operation. Users only need to handle one component instead of multiple separate parts, improving ease of operation while the integrated design maintains all necessary functionalities for both resource carrying and airflow control.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination information handling resource carrier and airflow impedance blank configured to populate a slot of an information handling system may include a carrier configured to carry an information handling resource and a removable airflow impedance element mechanically coupled to the carrier and configured to be readily removed in order to convert the combination from operation as an airflow impedance blank to operation as an information handling resource carrier.