Server Tray Hot Swap Disconnect Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server hot swapping processes are inconvenient and time-consuming due to the need for electrical disconnection of signal bridge boards and power supply before motherboard removal, leading to potential errors or damage.
Innovation Solution
The server design includes a power bridge module with detachable power connectors and a backplate with signal connectors, allowing for simultaneous electrical disconnection of power and signal connections when trays are removed, enabling quick and easy hot swapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the signal bridge board and power supply are electrically disconnected before removing the motherboard, then the hot swapping process can be completed safely, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the signal bridge board and power connector into an integrated assembly that is simultaneously connected to both the signal connector and power connector on the motherboard. When the tray is removed, both electrical connections are disconnected at the same time, eliminating the need for sequential disconnection steps and reducing hot swapping time while maintaining safe disconnection through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrical connection system into modular components: the signal bridge board with signal connectors, the power connector with power contacts, and the tray-mounted motherboard assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and connected through the tray mechanism, enabling simultaneous disconnection when the tray is removed while maintaining reliable electrical connections during operation.
2Productivity
If the motherboard is removed without proper electrical disconnection, then the hot swapping process is quick, but signal delivery errors and system malfunction may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by designing the tray removal mechanism to automatically and simultaneously disconnect both signal and power connections before the motherboard is fully removed from the chassis. This preliminary disconnection action ensures that no signal delivery errors or system malfunctions occur during the swapping process, while the entire disconnection sequence is completed as a single rapid operation to maintain high productivity.
3Reliability
If multiple electrical connections are disconnected sequentially, then each connection can be properly terminated, but the hot swapping process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal bridge board and power connector into a single integrated assembly that is mounted on the tray with the motherboard. This integration ensures that both signal connections and power connections are terminated simultaneously when the tray is removed, achieving proper connection termination without requiring complex sequential disconnection procedures, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A server includes a chassis, a power bridge module having a first power connector, a backplate having a first signal connector, a tray, a motherboard module and a signal bridge board. The motherboard module is fixed to the tray, and includes a second power connector detachably and electrically connected to the first power connector. The signal bridge board includes a second signal connector detachably and electrically connected to the first signal connector. Removal of the tray out of the chassis results in removal and electrical disconnection of the second signal connector from the first signal connector, and removal and electrical disconnection of the second power connector from the first power connector.