Standardized Server Modules with Reversible Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-density servers with differently shaped server modules require exclusively designed parts for maintenance, leading to complex management and development challenges due to lack of standardization and potential for erroneous connections of riser cards.
Innovation Solution
Designing server modules with horizontally symmetrical and vertically reversible shapes, featuring narrow and wide portions for secure electrical connections, and implementing reversible riser-card connectors to ensure compatibility and standardization, reducing the number of parts needed and simplifying design and development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If server modules are designed with different shapes (L-shape with cutouts) to avoid interference with the power supply unit, then the server modules can be installed in the housing, but they become incompatible with each other and require exclusively designed parts for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the server modules with different shapes (L-shape with cutouts at different corners) to accommodate the centrally positioned power supply unit. The left-side server module has a cutout at the right corner while the right-side server module has a cutout at the left corner, allowing both modules to be installed without interfering with the power supply unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the compatibility issue by designing the connecting units with point-symmetrical connector arrangements. Although the server modules have different shapes, the connectors are arranged symmetrically so that each module can be connected to the power supply unit in the same manner, enabling universal power connection across different module types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard-shaped server modules are used to simplify design and maintenance, then compatibility between modules is improved, but riser cards may be horizontally or vertically applied causing erroneous connections to motherboards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prevents erroneous connections by making the riser card shape asymmetric (point-symmetrical) relative to the server module. The riser card has a specific orientation with respect to the motherboard connection, allowing it to be installed only in the correct orientation. This asymmetric design ensures that connectors align properly with the motherboard ports, preventing horizontal or vertical misapplication that would cause erroneous connections.
3Ease of operation
If exclusively designed parts are used for differently shaped server modules, then installation interference with power supply is avoided, but part management complexity and development time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces part complexity by designing the connecting units with identical connector arrangements for both left-side and right-side server modules. The connectors are positioned at point-symmetrical locations, allowing the same power supply unit and connecting units to serve both module types. This universal connection design reduces the number of different parts required compared to completely custom designs for each module shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A server includes a housing having a server-module storage space, a power source disposed in the rear side inside the housing, and a pair of server modules having horizontally symmetrical and vertically reversible shapes. When a pair of server modules is properly inserted into the housing of a server, they can receive electric power from the power source via connectors. Even when a pair of server modules is vertically reversed and inserted into the housing of a server, it is possible to secure electrical connection between the power source and the vertically reversed server modules. An erroneous insertion preventing measure is applied to the server-module storage space and a back panel fixed to a riser card, attached to each server module, so as to prevent erroneous insertion of server modules into the housing of a server. This may establish compatibility and standardization between server modules for use in servers.