Wall-Mounted Optical Backplane Extension Modules for High-Density Data Center Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data centers face challenges in increasing computational power and data throughput without expanding floor space, and existing solutions for optical connections in equipment racks are not efficient in managing fiber optic cables and providing high-density connections.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical backplane extension modules with dense fiber optic connectors and assemblies that directly connect to information processing modules in equipment racks, enabling high-density optical connections and efficient cable management within the data center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional optical connection solutions are used in equipment racks, then installation and cable management are simplified, but connection density is low and floor space efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal rack-mounted optical backplanes to vertical wall-mounted optical backplanes, utilizing the vertical dimension of wall space instead of horizontal floor space. This dimensional change allows high-density optical connections to be established without expanding the data center footprint, directly resolving the contradiction between increasing data throughput and maintaining efficient floor space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple optical connector interfaces into a single wall-mounted backplane structure, combining cable management features and alignment mechanisms into one unified system. This merging of functions increases connection density while simplifying installation, thereby improving productivity without requiring additional floor space
2Quantity of substance
If high-density fiber optic connectors are implemented, then connection density increases, but installation complexity and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-configured alignment features and mechanical guides into the wall-mounted backplane structure before installation. These preliminary alignment mechanisms are built into the housing and connector interfaces, ensuring that high-density connectors can be installed with proper alignment without requiring complex adjustment procedures during installation, thus increasing connection density while managing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mechanical alignment guides and positioning features as intermediary elements between the wall-mounted backplane and optical connectors. These intermediaries facilitate precise alignment of high-density connectors during installation, reducing the skill level and time required while maintaining high connection density
3Area of stationary object
If vertical wall-mounted backplanes are used, then space utilization improves, but cable management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable management system into distinct functional components: vertical cable access points, horizontal cable routing channels, and connector interface sections. This segmentation of cable pathways into organized segments simplifies the management of cables in the vertical wall-mounted configuration, allowing efficient cable routing while maintaining improved space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of wall mounting to organize cable pathways, with cables accessing the backplane from above and routing horizontally to connectors. This vertical-to-horizontal cable transition in multiple dimensions simplifies cable management compared to traditional horizontal rack configurations, improving space utilization while managing cable complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical backplane extension modules and related assemblies suitable for establishing optical connections to information processing modules disposed in equipment racks are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical backplane extension module is provided. The optical backplane extension module comprises an extension module housing comprising an interior space defined by a base, a left side disposed on a left end of the base, a right side disposed on a right end of the base opposite the left end, and a rear side disposed on a rear end of the base. A plurality of backplane fiber optic connectors are disposed through the rear side of the extension module housing and accessible through an exterior side of the rear side. The plurality of backplane fiber optic connectors configured to be directly optically connected to a plurality of blade fiber optic connectors disposed in a plurality of information processing modules disposed in a rack module housing.