Server Tray with Dual-Access Storage Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server designs in 1U rack units restrict access to storage devices, as they can only be accessed by withdrawing the tray, limiting front access and requiring manual handling, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A server assembly with a tray that can transition between open and closed positions, allowing top surface access for first storage devices and front surface access for second storage devices, regardless of the tray's position, using slide rails and snap-fit electrical coupling, enabling easy insertion and removal of storage devices without fully removing the tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray is withdrawn from the 1U rack to access storage devices, then storage devices can be accessed, but front access is limited and manual handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device access is segmented into two independent paths: first storage devices accessible from the top surface and second storage devices accessible from the front surface. This allows selective access to different storage devices without requiring complete tray withdrawal, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dual-access dimensions for storage devices: top surface access and front surface access. By providing front surface access for second storage devices while the tray remains in the 1U rack, the patent eliminates the need for complete tray withdrawal, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the tray is withdrawn for storage device access, then storage devices are accessible, but the server cannot remain in the 1U rack position
Solution Approach 1:
Storage devices are segmented into two groups with different access methods. Second storage devices are specifically designed for front surface access while the tray remains in the 1U rack, allowing the server to maintain its rack position while providing storage device accessibility, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If slide rails are used for tray movement, then easy insertion and removal is enabled, but electrical connection reliability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical connectors act as intermediaries between the tray and the server assembly. These connectors are designed to automatically engage and disengage during tray movement, providing reliable electrical connection while enabling easy tray insertion and removal through the slide rails, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A server assembly having a housing and a tray mounted in the housing are provided. The tray had a top surface and a front surface, and an open position in which the top surface of the tray is accessible and a closed position in which the top surface of the tray is inaccessible. A first set of chip connections in the top surface can vertically removably receive at least one first storage device. The front surface of the tray can define at least one opening below the top surface configured to horizontally removably receive at least one second storage device. The first set of chip connections electronically couple the at least one first storage device with the server assembly and are inaccessible when the tray is in the closed position, and the openings are accessible regardless of whether the tray is in the open or closed position.