Server Sled Sliding Connector for Blind Mating in Dense Chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-density server chassis configurations, including power supply units, often prevent conventional server sleds from simple in-line connection, leading to misalignment issues during coupling and increased manufacturing and servicing costs due to the need for multiple sled designs and lack of visual cues for technicians.

Innovation Solution

A server sled with a slidable connector configured to slide laterally with respect to the sled, allowing for efficient coupling to a backplane in non-symmetrical environments, featuring a slidable structure with spring mechanisms and guide pins for alignment and locking, enabling secure connection perpendicular to the insertion direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If power supply units or other components are added to increase server density, then server capacity is improved, but connector alignment becomes difficult and multiple sled designs are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver densityVSAvoidconnector alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is made movable relative to the sled body through a sliding mechanism. The connector can laterally slide within the sled housing to accommodate misalignment with the backplane connector, transforming a static misalignment problem into a dynamic adjustment solution. This allows the same sled design to work in asymmetric environments with components like power supply units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is divided into two independent functions: insertion motion and alignment motion. The sled inserts into the chassis along one axis while the connector independently slides laterally along a different axis to achieve connector alignment. This segmentation allows each motion to be optimized separately and resolves the conflict between dense component placement and connector alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional in-line connection is used, then insertion is simple, but asymmetric component placement prevents proper coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with asymmetric layouts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector coupling is extended from one-dimensional in-line motion to two-dimensional motion by adding lateral sliding capability. The connector can now move in the insertion direction (depth) and also slide laterally (width), creating a rectangular motion space that accommodates both simple insertion and asymmetric component layouts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding connector mechanism provides universal compatibility across different chassis configurations. The same sled design with the sliding connector can be used in both symmetric and asymmetric environments, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sled designs and providing multi-functional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If technicians lack visual cues during coupling, then assembly is faster, but misalignment and damage occur frequently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidcoupling accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding connector structure provides self-aligning features including guide rails and mechanical stops that automatically guide the connector into proper alignment with the backplane. The mechanism itself performs the alignment function without requiring external visual guidance or complex positioning systems, maintaining assembly speed while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates efficient and cost-effective coupling of server sleds to backplanes in dense server environments, reducing the risk of misalignment and damage, and eliminating the need for custom sled designs, thereby simplifying installation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a slidable structure with spring mechanisms and guide pins for alignment and locking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3367766B1Symmetrical sled blind mating in unsymmetrical chassis placement

Publication Date: 2023.12.06 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

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Figure 3A

AI summary

A sled is provided to facilitate connection of the electrical components housed therein to a backplane located in a chassis. The sled includes a housing with a front portion and a rear portion connected by a base portion. The base portion includes a plurality of electronic unit modules. The sled also includes a connector laterally slidable with respect to the front portion of the housing. The connector is slidably configured to connect the electronic unit modules to a backplane located in the server rack.