Segmented Chassis Cover with Independent Access Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer chassis covers are unwieldy, requiring the entire cover to be removed for access to individual components, making repairs or replacements inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A cover with multiple doors that can be independently opened to access specific rows of computer components without removing the entire cover, featuring a coupling mechanism that allows sliding or pivoting motion, and airflow passages for cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single cover extends the entire width of the chassis to cover several rows of computer components, then the components are protected from external air and debris, but the cover becomes unwieldy and requires complete removal for access to any individual component

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external air and debrisVSAvoidaccess to individual components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple separable door panels (first door panel, second door panel, third door panel) that can be independently opened or closed. Each door panel corresponds to specific computer components and can be accessed individually without removing the entire cover assembly, thereby maintaining protection while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a single cover extends the entire width of the chassis, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the device complexity and unwieldiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage area of the coverVSAvoidunwieldiness of the cover
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into multiple door panels that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation reduces the complexity of handling the entire cover assembly while maintaining comprehensive coverage when all panels are closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The door panels are designed to be movable relative to each other and to the cover body, allowing dynamic configuration. The panels can be opened individually or in combination, providing flexible access while maintaining a compact closed structure for comprehensive coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If door panels are designed to slide or pivot for access, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to componentsVSAvoidcoupling mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into multiple connection interfaces (first coupling interface, second coupling interface, third coupling interface) that correspond to each door panel. This segmentation allows each panel to be independently coupled and decoupled using simple, standardized interfaces rather than a complex unified mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3691425B1Computer component cover in chassis
Publication Date: 2022.07.27 QUANTA COMPUTER INC
  • EP3691425B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3691425B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3691425B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a cover configured to fit over computer components in a computer chassis. The cover can have a plurality of doors located over the computer components such that the computer components can be easily inserted or removed from the chassis when a corresponding door is open. The cover can be shaped in a such a way so as to define airflow passages around the computer components. The doors can be configured to pivot open, slide open, or snap into and out of the cover.