Rotatable Server Power Module for Rack Busbar Interoperability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing server designs face challenges in interoperability due to varying rack configurations, including differences in form factor, power delivery design, and cooling methods, which limits their compatibility and functionality across different types of racks, increasing hardware costs and complexity for relocation and migration.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable power delivery module with a power delivery board and clip module that can adjust to different busbar architectures by rotating 180 degrees, ensuring proper positive and negative connections, and includes safety features to prevent improper connections, allowing seamless integration across diverse rack types without requiring tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If servers are designed to be compatible with multiple rack specifications, then interoperability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power delivery board is made rotatable about a first axis, allowing it to dynamically change orientation between a first orientation and a second orientation. This dynamic adjustment enables the same server design to adapt to different rack power delivery configurations without requiring multiple specialized designs, thereby improving interoperability while maintaining manageable complexity through a single adjustable component rather than multiple fixed designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If power delivery board is made rotatable to adapt to different rack configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power delivery board incorporates rotational capability about a first axis, enabling it to switch between different orientations to match various rack power delivery designs. This single dynamic feature provides adaptability to multiple configurations without requiring entirely separate power delivery systems for each rack type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power delivery board is designed to perform multiple functions by rotating to different orientations, effectively serving as a universal power delivery component that can interface with various rack specifications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If clip module is rotatable to engage different electrical contacts, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clip module is designed to rotate about a second axis that is parallel to and spaced apart from the first axis, allowing the power clips to engage different pairs of electrical contacts (first pair or second pair) depending on the orientation. This rotational capability enables easy engagement with different rack configurations through a simple rotational motion rather than requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3996479B1Rotational power delivery module for servers
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 BAIDU USA LLC
  • EP3996479B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3996479B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3996479B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A power delivery module includes a power delivery board rotatable about a first axis between a first orientation and a second orientation. A first pair of contacts, one positive and one negative, is on a first side of the board, and a second pair of contacts, one positive and one negative, is on a second side of the board. The second positive contact is directly opposite the first negative contact and the second negative contact is directly opposite the first positive contact. A clip module is coupled to the board and includes a pair of power clips to engage with and electrically couple to the first or the second pairs of contacts. The clip module is rotatable about a second axis between a first position where the power clips engage the first pair of contacts and a second position where the power clips engage the second pair of contacts.