Server Sled Push-Pull Gear Mechanism for Rear Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sled mechanisms for server devices require a lever that occupies significant space, limiting the installation of components like NIC cards due to reduced space availability.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less push-pull mechanism using compound gears and two racks, including a short and long rack, facilitates easy insertion and removal of sleds without additional space constraints, utilizing a gear train with three compound gears and a handle mechanism for locking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lever ejector is used to push and pull the sled, then the sled can be easily operated, but the lever takes up a lot of space at the rear side of the sled
Solution Approach 1:
The push-pull mechanism is relocated from the rear side of the sled to the side of the sled, changing the spatial dimension where the mechanism is positioned. This dimensional shift allows the mechanism to operate effectively while minimizing space occupation at the rear side, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is divided into separate first and second mechanisms coupled to opposite sides of the sled, with each mechanism containing compound gears and racks. This segmentation distributes the functional components across different locations, reducing the space requirement at any single location while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If a lever ejector is used, then pushing and pulling functionality is achieved, but space for component installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the push-pull mechanisms on the sides of the sled rather than at the rear, the invention frees up rear space that can be utilized for installing additional components such as NIC cards, while still providing full pushing and pulling functionality through the side-mounted mechanisms.
3Force
If a gear mechanism is used, then pushing and pulling force is reduced, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the simple lever ejector mechanical system with a gear-based mechanical advantage system. The compound gears and racks work together to provide force multiplication, reducing the input force required for pushing and pulling operations, albeit with increased mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack and pinion mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the user's input force and the sled movement. The gears act as intermediary elements that transform and amplify the applied force, making the operation easier while requiring a more complex transmission system.
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
The mechanism allows for efficient space-saving sled operation with reduced input force requirements, enhancing ease of use and component installation by minimizing space usage and simplifying the handling process.
Implementation Method 1
The compound gear train has at least three compound gears that are rotatable to result in a respective one of the lead-in lock position and the lead-out lock position
Implementation Method 2
The short rack is configured to mesh with one of the at least three compound gears, the short rack guiding movement of the sled between the lead-in lock position and the lead-out lock position
Data Source
AI summary
A sled for a server device is disclosed. The sled includes a sled housing and a push-pull mechanism. The sled housing has a first side wall that is parallel to a second side wall, and a space is formed between the first side wall and the second side wall. The push-pull mechanism includes a first mechanism coupled to the first side wall and a second mechanism coupled to the second side wall. The push-pull mechanism is configured to facilitate pushing the sled into and pulling the sled from a chassis of the server device. The pushing results in a lead-in lock position, and the pulling results in a lead-out lock position. Also disclosed is a server device having a chassis in which the sled is configured to be pushed into and pulled from the chassis.