Sliding Vent Bracket for NIC Ambient Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network interface cards in edge or telecom equipment are exposed to varying ambient temperatures, which can fall below their operational rating, causing the computer processor to cease operation.
Innovation Solution
A bracket apparatus with a static outer bracket and a moveable inner bracket, equipped with an actuator and actuator controller, regulates ambient temperature by aligning or misaligning vents to control airflow exposure based on temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the network interface card is exposed to ambient airflow for cooling, then the card can be cooled, but the temperature may fall below the operational rating causing the processor to cease operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket includes a moveable inner bracket that can slide vertically relative to the static outer bracket, dynamically changing the alignment between inner bracket vents and outer bracket vents. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt to varying ambient temperatures and maintain processor operation within its rated temperature range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the airflow parameter by aligning or misaligning the vents of the inner and outer brackets. When the vents are aligned, airflow is permitted; when misaligned, airflow is impeded. This parameter change allows the processor to operate within its rated temperature range by controlling the amount of cooling airflow.
2Temperature
If the vents are aligned to allow airflow, then cooling is improved, but temperature control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable inner bracket provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the system to respond to temperature conditions and maintain precise control over airflow to the network interface card, thereby achieving both effective cooling and temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator controller receives input from the temperature sensor and adjusts the inner bracket position accordingly, creating a feedback loop that maintains precise temperature control while allowing effective cooling when needed.
3Temperature
If the inner bracket is made moveable to control airflow, then temperature regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable inner bracket provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the system to respond to temperature conditions and maintain precise control over airflow to the network interface card, thereby achieving both effective cooling and temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket system uses the processor's own temperature sensing capability to automatically control airflow through the bracket vents, eliminating the need for external temperature control systems and reducing overall device complexity.
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
The solution effectively maintains the network interface card within its operational temperature range by allowing or blocking airflow, ensuring the processor operates within its rated temperature limits.
Implementation Method 1
a moveable inner bracket capable of sliding vertically against the static outer bracket
Implementation Method 2
permits a passage of cold-side airflow when aligned with the plurality of outer bracket vents, and impedes the passage of the cold-side airflow when misaligned
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket apparatus for ambient temperature regulation of network interface cards. The bracket apparatus includes: a static outer bracket, including: a plurality of outer bracket vents; and a moveable inner bracket capable of sliding vertically against the static outer bracket, and including: a plurality of inner bracket vents, which: permits a passage of cold-side airflow when aligned with the plurality of outer bracket vents, and impedes the passage of the cold-side airflow when misaligned with the plurality of outer bracket vents.