Sliding Panel Port Expansion for Data Center Server Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in managing increased performance demands due to limited configurations of management and data switches, which restrict the expansion of servers and affect cooling and airflow, leading to potential overheating and structural integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with multiple sets of electrical connection ports, including I/O connectors, positioned to create side channels for airflow and cable management, allowing for flexible configuration and access, and featuring extendable connections to support increased server density and improved thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of servers installed within the frame is increased to meet performance demands, then the processing capacity and functionality of the data center is improved, but the management switch and data switch must be reconfigured, increasing device complexity and operational difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switch functionality into multiple modular units distributed across different locations within the frame. Each server can be connected to local switch modules, eliminating the need to reconfigure centralized management and data switches when servers are added or removed. This segmentation allows independent configuration of individual server nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional spatial dimensions for port placement by providing connection ports on multiple faces of server racks and switches (front, rear, side walls). This multi-dimensional port distribution allows servers to be connected from various directions, reducing cable complexity and eliminating the need for centralized switch reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If servers are densely packed within the frame to increase server density, then productivity is improved, but cooling and airflow are restricted, leading to overheating issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces side wall ports and side channels that provide additional airflow pathways through the lateral dimensions of the frame. This multi-dimensional airflow design allows cooling air to reach densely packed servers from multiple directions (front, rear, and sides), preventing overheating even at high server densities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides localized connection ports and airflow channels at specific locations around each server rack (front wall, rear wall, side walls). This localized design ensures that each server receives adequate cooling air flow and cable access from its immediate surroundings, maintaining thermal management efficiency throughout the dense configuration.
3Device complexity
If traditional single-face port configuration is used, then device complexity is minimized, but cable management and airflow are restricted, affecting operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds connection ports on multiple faces (front, rear, side walls) of server racks and switches, transforming the single-face configuration into a multi-dimensional port distribution system. This allows cables to be routed through multiple pathways, improving cable management and airflow while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized multi-face mounting.
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A computing device is provided. The computing device includes a first and second housing. The first housing includes a first and second set of electrical connection ports. The first set of electrical connection ports is positioned at a first location and in a first orientation. The second set of electrical connection ports is positioned at a second location and in a second orientation, which is different from the first set of electrical connection ports. The second housing is fixed within the computing device. The first housing is slidable, with respect to the second housing, within the computing device to enable access to the second set of electrical connection ports.