Staggered Server Stacking in Rack Chassis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The limited space in server racks restricts the number of servers that can be stacked due to the protruding electronic components, which hinders the overall performance and capacity of server systems.
Innovation Solution
A server device design where two servers are arranged in a staggered configuration within each accommodating space of the chassis, allowing the first server to be closer to one surface and the second server to be closer to the other, with their orthogonal projections overlapping, enabling compact stacking and increased server density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If servers are spaced apart to prevent electronic components from interfering with each other, then reliability is improved, but the amount of servers in the stack is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal server arrangement to a three-dimensional staggered stacking configuration. Servers are positioned at different depths within the same rack space, with first servers closer to the front and second servers closer to the back. This vertical and depth-based arrangement allows servers to overlap in the horizontal projection plane while maintaining physical separation in three-dimensional space, thereby increasing server density without causing electronic component interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested stacking approach where second servers are positioned behind and partially overlapping the projection of first servers. This creates a nested configuration where servers are arranged in layers, with each layer fitting within the spatial envelope of the previous layer. The overlapping projections indicate that servers are nested in the depth dimension, maximizing the use of available rack space while maintaining proper spacing to prevent interference.
2Productivity
If servers are stacked closely to increase server density, then productivity is improved, but electronic components may interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial relationships to different servers within the stack. First servers are positioned closer to the front of the rack with specific spacing requirements, while second servers are positioned closer to the back with different spacing characteristics. This localized quality approach allows optimized spacing for each server position, achieving high density while maintaining appropriate clearance to prevent electronic interference based on the specific component layout of each server type.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the depth dimension of the rack space, the patent achieves high server density without compromising reliability. The staggered arrangement in three-dimensional space allows servers to be closely packed in terms of horizontal projection while maintaining adequate vertical and depth-based separation. This dimensional transition enables high productivity through increased server count while the third-dimensional spacing prevents electronic component interference.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A server device includes a chassis and at least one server assembly. The chassis has at least one accommodating space, at least one first surface, at least one second surface, at least one opening and at least one front side. The first surface and the second surface face each other, and respectively located at two opposite sides of the accommodating space. The opening is located at the front side and connected to the accommodating space. The server assembly is slidably disposed in the accommodating space from the opening. The server assembly includes a first server and a second server. The first server is closer to the first surface than the second server. The first surface and the front side are orthogonal to a reference plane. An orthogonal projection of the first server on the reference plane partially overlaps an orthogonal projection of the second server on the reference plane.