1U Server Expansion Board Configuration Using Riser Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial computer servers with a 1 U height casing are limited to connecting only three expansion boards due to space constraints, failing to meet the increasing demand for processing and transmitting multiple data signals.
Innovation Solution
The server design incorporates a circuit motherboard with five expansion boards connected using riser cards and arms, allowing for efficient signal transmission and data processing within the 1 U height limit by utilizing overlapping and strategically positioned expansion boards and riser cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the server casing height is restricted to 1 U, then the server can be installed in standard rack spaces, but the interior space is insufficient to connect more than three expansion boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal arrangement of expansion boards to a three-dimensional configuration using riser cards that extend vertically. Expansion boards are connected through multiple levels (first, second, third layers) utilizing the vertical dimension within the 1 U height constraint, enabling five expansion boards to be accommodated instead of the conventional three.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where expansion boards are arranged in overlapping layers. The first expansion board is positioned on the first layer, the second expansion board on the second layer overlapping the first, and the third expansion board on the third layer overlapping the second. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization within the limited vertical envelope.
2Productivity
If five expansion boards are connected in the server interior, then more signal data can be processed and transmitted, but the space arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the server interior into distinct spatial layers (first, second, third layers) and uses separate riser cards for each expansion board connection. This segmentation organizes the complex five-board configuration into manageable modular units, with each riser card handling one expansion board connection, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces riser cards as intermediary components between the circuit motherboard and expansion boards. The riser cards serve as mediators that simplify the connection architecture, allowing expansion boards to be connected through vertical slots rather than requiring direct complex routing to the motherboard, thus reducing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A server wherein an interior of which is connected with five expansion boards is composed of a server at a height of 1U, an interior of which is fixed with a circuit motherboard on which is welded with expansion slots; a first riser card which is inserted into the first expansion slot; a first expansion board which is inserted into a transversal slot of the first riser card; a second riser card which is inserted into the second expansion slot; a second expansion board which is inserted into a transversal slot of the second riser card; a third riser card which is inserted into the third expansion slot; a third expansion board which is inserted into a transversal slot of the third riser card; a fourth riser card which is inserted into the fourth expansion slot; a fourth expansion board which is inserted into a lower slot; and a fifth expansion board which is inserted into an upper slot; such that the circuit motherboard, and five expansion boards are installed in the server.