Built-in Swept-Sine Vibration Testing for Computer Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face challenges in maintaining vibrational integrity due to varying fan speeds and structural resonances, which can cause component failures, especially when system configurations change, making it difficult to anticipate and test all potential component combinations, and requiring costly retesting on a shake table.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates vibrations across a range of frequencies using a vibration-generation device and accelerometer to identify resonances, allowing for real-time adjustment of component operating parameters, such as fan speeds, to prevent vibrations near resonance frequencies, enabling on-site testing without the need for a shake table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If swept-sine testing is performed using an external shake table facility, then vibrational resonances can be accurately identified, but the system requires shipping to external facilities and cannot be tested on-site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential vibration generation and measurement functions from the external shake table facility and implements them using built-in system components (fans as vibration sources, accelerometers as sensors), enabling the system to perform its own self-testing without requiring external facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by using its own operational components (fans) to generate vibrations and built-in sensors (accelerometers) to detect resonances, eliminating the need for external testing facilities and enabling on-site testing
2Reliability
If fan speeds are varied to avoid resonance frequencies, then vibrational integrity is improved, but system cooling performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fan speed control that adjusts operational parameters in real-time based on detected resonance conditions, allowing the system to optimize between avoiding resonances and maintaining adequate cooling performance through adaptive rather than static speed settings
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (fan speeds, rotational frequencies) dynamically to avoid resonance frequencies while monitoring and maintaining adequate cooling performance, adjusting parameters based on the detected vibrational environment
3Adaptability or versatility
If customer reconfigures the system by adding or removing components, then system adaptability is improved, but new structural resonances are introduced that can cause failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary swept-sine testing to identify resonance frequencies before the system is fully configured or before operational changes are made, allowing proactive adjustment of operational parameters to avoid newly introduced resonances from configuration changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vibrational characteristics and uses this feedback to detect changes in resonance frequencies caused by configuration changes, then adjusts operational parameters accordingly to maintain vibrational integrity after reconfiguration
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
This solution allows for continuous vibrational testing and adjustment within the actual operational environment, preventing component failures and reducing the need for costly retesting, ensuring the system's reliability and integrity even after configuration changes.
Implementation Method 1
generating a vibration at a predetermined frequency in a computer system
Implementation Method 2
determines if the computer system has a resonance at the predetermined frequency
Implementation Method 3
By monitoring one or more vibration sensors (accelerometers) placed on or inside the system under test, the system designer can 'map' the frequencies corresponding to vibrational resonances inside the system
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that performs vibration testing in a computer system. The system starts by generating a vibration at a predetermined frequency in a computer system. The system then determines if the computer system has a resonance at the predetermined frequency. If so, the system adjusts an operating parameter of at least one computer system component to prevent the computer system component from vibrating at or near a resonance frequency.