Rocker-Arm Module Connectivity Device for Data Center Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic device connectivity management in data centers is inefficient, with complex cabling requiring skilled technicians, leading to human error and airflow obstruction, as devices are often installed and serviced on opposite sides of the rack, and bulky cables block airflow, increasing the risk of overheating.

Innovation Solution

A module connectivity device featuring a stationary pivot plenum with rocker-arm assemblies that move between open and closed positions, housing module connectors for optical and electrical cables, and a computer program product to manage connectivity states, providing feedback through LEDs or alerts, allowing for single-action engagement and secure cable management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex cabling infrastructure is used to connect electronic devices in racks, then connectivity functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and airflow is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity functionalityVSAvoidcabling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabling system is segmented into modular rocker-arm assemblies, each handling specific cable connections. Each assembly can be independently managed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connectivity functionality across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional fixed-backend cabling to a movable rocker-arm mechanism that adds a rotational dimension to cable management. This allows cables to be routed dynamically between front and back positions, simplifying the cabling infrastructure while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If skilled technicians are used to install and manage complex cables, then correct installation is achieved, but operational complexity and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation accuracyVSAvoidcable management ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rocker-arm assemblies are designed to be self-aligning and self-latching, allowing cable connections to be made without requiring skilled technicians. The mechanical design guides proper installation automatically, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual cable routing with a mechanical rocker-arm system that automatically manages cable positions. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for skilled manual intervention while ensuring correct installation through designed-in alignment features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If bulky cables are used for connectivity, then signal transmission is achieved, but airflow to electronic devices is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidairflow obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rocker-arm assemblies dynamically adjust cable positions based on operational needs. Cables can be moved to the front during installation and routed to the back during operation, minimizing airflow obstruction while maintaining signal transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible cable management structures within the rocker-arm assemblies that allow cables to be routed through compact pathways. This reduces the physical bulk of cable assemblies while maintaining signal transmission integrity, thereby reducing airflow obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If modules are installed on opposite sides of the rack, then connectivity is achieved, but accessibility and serviceability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rocker-arm assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide cable connectivity, enable front-access installation, and maintain back-to-back device connections. This multi-functionality allows modules to be accessed from the same side while maintaining full connectivity capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rocker-arm assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between front-access modules and back-to-back connections. It mediates the connection between devices on the same side of the rack while maintaining the connectivity functionality previously achieved through opposite-side installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9996119B2Module connectivity device

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A module connectivity device includes a stationary pivot plenum, a number of rocker-arm assemblies movably coupled to the stationary pivot plenum in which the rocker-arm assemblies move between an open position and a closed position, and a number of module connectors movably coupled to the rocker-arm assemblies, in which the module connectors move between a disengaged position and an engaged position with respect to the connectors on system modules. A module connectivity system includes a number of rocker-arm assemblies and a number of module connectors movably coupled to the number of rocker-arm assemblies. The system also includes a module connectivity manager to manage the connectivity of the module connectors.