Retractable I/O Port Housing for Rack Server Faceplate Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems, particularly those with smaller form factors like rack servers, face challenges in accommodating all desired features due to limited faceplate space, necessitating tradeoffs and compromises, especially for temporary use features that are only needed when a user is physically present.
Innovation Solution
A retractable input/output port component with a cubic structure that hides temporary use features within the server volume, exposing them when needed, by using a depth-based scheme to maximize faceplate space and maintain native feature availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all desired features are accommodated on the faceplate, then feature availability is improved, but faceplate space is exceeded and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves temporary use features from the two-dimensional faceplate surface to the third-dimensional space behind the faceplate. The housing containing these features is positioned within the server chassis volume, accessible via a side opening rather than occupying faceplate area. This dimensional transition allows unlimited feature accommodation without constraining faceplate real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments features into two distinct groups: ever-present features mounted on the faceplate for continuous access, and temporary use features housed behind the faceplate for on-demand access. This segmentation allows optimization of faceplate space for essential features while accommodating additional temporary features in the rear volume without creating spatial conflicts.
2Ease of operation
If temporary use features are exposed on the faceplate, then ease of operation is improved, but faceplate space is reduced and airflow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts temporary use features from the faceplate surface and relocates them to a separate housing positioned within the server volume. This extraction removes the spatial conflict between temporary features and faceplate space, allowing the faceplate to remain clear for optimal airflow while temporary features remain accessible through a side opening when needed.
3Area of stationary object
If temporary use features are hidden within the server volume, then faceplate space is optimized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a side opening as an intermediary access point that bridges the gap between the hidden temporary features in the rear volume and the user. This intermediary allows features to remain concealed behind the faceplate for space optimization while providing a convenient side access path for users needing temporary features, maintaining ease of operation without sacrificing faceplate real estate.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable input/output port component for a server type information handling system. The retractable input/output component includes a housing, the housing having a front facet and a side facet, the housing being configured to be retracted into a volume of the server type information handling system; an ever present feature port, the ever present feature port being mounted to the front facet of the housing; and, a temporary use feature, the temporary use feature being mounted to the side facet of the housing, the temporary use feature being accessible when the housing is in an extracted configuration.