Server Tray Handle Positioning to Prevent Casing Collisions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In conventional server assembly processes, the handle of a tray can collide with the engaging structure of the server casing, leading to potential damage or jamming of components during insertion.

Innovation Solution

A tray mechanism with a rotatable handle and an elastic member that includes an interfering structure to keep the handle at a position that prevents interference with the engaging structure, allowing for safe and smooth insertion and extraction of the tray into the casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the handle is used to hook the engaging structure for fixing the tray, then the tray can be securely fixed to the casing, but the handle may collide with the engaging structure during insertion causing damage or jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixing of trayVSAvoidcollision damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed to be rotatable between a first position (parallel to insertion direction) and a second position (perpendicular to insertion direction). During insertion, the handle rotates to the first position to avoid collision with the engaging structure, and after insertion completes, it rotates to the second position to enable proper engagement with the engaging structure for secure fixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is pre-configured with an interfering structure that initially blocks the handle from engaging with the engaging structure. This preliminary blocking action prevents collision damage during the insertion process before the handle is properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the handle is kept higher than the engaging structure during insertion, then collision can be avoided, but the user cannot maintain this position constantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoiduser operation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member with the interfering structure automatically maintains the handle in the safe first position during insertion without requiring user effort. The interfering structure passively blocks the handle from moving to positions that would cause collision, eliminating the need for the user to constantly monitor and adjust the handle position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The interfering structure of the elastic member provides preliminary counter-action by blocking the handle's path before it can collide with the engaging structure. This automatic protective mechanism prevents the harmful collision before it can occur, regardless of user operation skill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the interfering structure is added to the elastic member, then handle positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle positioning accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is implemented as a flexible component (such as an elastic sheet or band) that can be简单地 integrated into the tray structure. The interfering structure is formed as a simple protrusion or feature on this flexible component, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving reliable handle positioning and collision prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Prevents collisions between the handle and the engaging structure, enhancing the service life and operational convenience of the server apparatus by ensuring components are not damaged and assembly is done efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

The elastic member is connected to the first board and has at least one interfering structure penetrating through the first board. The interfering structure interferes with the pivot portion to keep the handle at the first position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11570927B1Server apparatus and tray mechanism thereof

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A server apparatus includes a casing having a first engaging structure, a tray mechanism including a tray, a handle and an elastic member, and a server module disposed on the tray. The handle is pivoted to the tray. The elastic member connected to the tray and has an interfering structure. The interfering structure interferes with the handle to position the handle for making the handle not interfere with the first engaging structure when the tray is inserted into the casing along an insertion direction.