Server Fan Rack Nesting for 1U Space Utilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 1U server systems, space reserved for motherboard assembly cannot be utilized for other purposes, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization.

Innovation Solution

The server design includes a chassis base, a first fan rack, a motherboard, a second fan rack, and a fan module, where the second fan rack is positioned adjacent to the motherboard, forming a receiving space for the fan module, thereby reducing the space needed for motherboard assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If space is reserved for the motherboard assembly process in a 1U server system, then the assembly process can be completed, but the reserved space cannot be used for other purposes after assembly, leading to space utilization inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotherboard assembly processVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fan rack is divided into two separate components: a first fan rack and a second fan rack. The second fan rack is positioned adjacent to the motherboard, forming a receiving space that accommodates the fan module. This segmentation eliminates the need for reserved assembly space while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fan module is nested within the receiving space formed by the first fan rack and the second fan rack. This nesting arrangement allows the fan module to be precisely positioned adjacent to the motherboard without requiring additional reserved space, thereby improving space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If a large gap is maintained between the fan module and the motherboard for assembly purposes, then the assembly process is simplified, but internal space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidinternal space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second fan rack is pre-positioned adjacent to the motherboard, forming the receiving space before the fan module is installed. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for large gaps during assembly, allowing the fan module to be directly placed in its final position without requiring additional maneuvering space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the fan rack is positioned away from the motherboard, then assembly is easier, but space efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly operationVSAvoidusable space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The second fan rack is positioned in a different spatial arrangement relative to the motherboard, forming a receiving space that utilizes the available volume efficiently. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the fan module to be adjacent to the motherboard without compromising assembly ease, thereby maximizing usable space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250142785A1Server and assembly method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 PEGATRON

AI summary

A server and an assembly method thereof are disclosed. The server includes a chassis base, a first fan rack, a motherboard, a second fan rack, and a fan module. The first fan rack and the motherboard are both assembled on the chassis base, and the second fan rack is disposed on a side of the motherboard relatively close to the first fan rack, in which the first fan rack and the second fan rack form a receiving space, and the fan module is placed in the receiving space.