Serviceable Fan Sled for Independent Cooling Module Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current server racks require powering down the entire component carrier to service the cooling module, which is inconvenient for maintenance and repair, as the cooling module can only be accessed by removing the component carrier.
Innovation Solution
A component carrier design with a chassis, first and second component sleds that can transition between extended and withdrawn positions, allowing the fan module to be accessed independently without powering down, and featuring a sled auto controller for component failure detection and hot-swappable fans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the component carrier is removed from the server rack to service the cooling module, then the cooling module can be accessed, but the system must be powered down and service time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The component carrier is divided into separate sleds (compute sled, storage sled, fan sled) that can be independently accessed. The fan sled can be extended outward independently of other sleds, allowing cooling module servicing without removing the entire component carrier or powering down the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleds are designed with dynamic positioning capability, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. The fan sled can be dynamically extended to provide access to the cooling module while the system remains operational, and retracted when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the entire component carrier is removed for cooling module maintenance, then the fan module is accessible, but system availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling module is segmented into its own dedicated fan sled that can be accessed independently. This allows the fan module to be serviced without affecting the operation of other sleds, maintaining system availability while providing ease of access for maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan sled is extracted as a separate, independently accessible unit from the main component carrier structure. This extraction allows the cooling module to be serviced in isolation without requiring removal of the entire component carrier, thus maintaining system availability.
3Ease of repair
If multiple sleds are designed with independent transition capability, then serviceability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal sled interface and transition mechanism is designed that can be applied to multiple sled types (compute sled, storage sled, fan sled). This standardized approach allows independent sled serviceability while reducing overall complexity through reuse of the same mechanical interface and transition logic across different sled types.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a component carrier including a chassis, a first component sled engaged with and receivable into the chassis, a fan module mounted at the front of the first component sled, and a second component sled engaged with and receivable into the chassis above the first component sled and rearward of the fan module. The first and second component sled are each transitionable between an extended position and a withdrawn position. The extended position has the respective component sled at least partially outside of the chassis and the withdrawn position has the respective component sled substantially received into the chassis. Transition of the first component sled from the withdrawn position to the extended position moves the fan module from the chassis but does not move the second component sled, while transition of the second component sled from the withdrawn position to the extended position moves the first component sled to the extended position.