Patent Application
20210051814
The present disclosure relates to modular information handling systems. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for providing a blind-mate adapter for servers and server racks to enable efficient coupling to electrical and electronic components of an information handling system.
As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
Oftentimes, information handling systems are each manufactured in a modular form factor and may be configured to be disposed in a chassis configured to receive such modular components. Such a chassis and its component modular information handling systems typically include various rails, carriers, and other mechanical components allowing for a person to add and remove the modular information handling systems and information handling resources from the chassis.
Oftentimes, particularly at remote locations within a business enterprise, it is not feasible to maintain full-time staff to configure and maintain information technology equipment. Mistakes may be made during deployment or replacement of a server (e.g., mis-wiring of a network cable), which may require service calls which may be costly and contribute to excessive down time. Accordingly, approaches that reduce or eliminate such problems are desirable.
In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with deployment and replacement of information handling system servers may be reduced or eliminated.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for coupling an information handling system server to an electrical infrastructure of an information handling system rack may include a mechanical housing, a server-facing interface on a first side of the mechanical housing and comprising one or more server-facing electrical connectors each configured to electrically couple to a respective electrically-conductive feature of the information handling system server, a rack-facing interface on a second side of the mechanical housing comprising one or more rack-facing electrical connectors each configured to electrically couple to a respective electrically-conductive feature of the electrical infrastructure, and an intermediate electrical interface comprising one or more electrically-conductive conduits, each electrically-conductive conduit configured to electrically couple a server-facing electrical connector to a corresponding rack-facing electrical connector in order to electrically couple electrically-conductive features of the electrical infrastructure to respective electrically-conductive features of the information handling system server when the apparatus is mechanically engaged with the information handling system server and the electrical infrastructure.
In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for coupling an information handling system server to an electrical infrastructure of an information handling system rack may include providing a mechanical housing, forming a server-facing interface on a first side of the mechanical housing, the server-facing interface comprising one or more server-facing electrical connectors each configured to electrically couple to a respective electrically-conductive feature of the information handling system server, forming a rack-facing interface on a second side of the mechanical housing, the rack-facing interface comprising one or more rack-facing electrical connectors each configured to electrically couple to a respective electrically-conductive feature of the electrical infrastructure, and forming an intermediate electrical interface comprising one or more electrically-conductive conduits, each electrically-conductive conduit configured to electrically couple a server-facing electrical connector to a corresponding rack-facing electrical connector in order to electrically couple electrically-conductive features of the electrical infrastructure to respective electrically-conductive features of the information handling system server when the apparatus is mechanically engaged with the information handling system server and the electrical infrastructure.
In accordance with these and other embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system rack may include an electrical infrastructure, an information handling system server, and a blind-mate connector for coupling an information handling system server to an electrical infrastructure of an information handling system rack. The blind-mate connector may include a mechanical housing, a server-facing interface on a first side of the mechanical housing and comprising one or more server-facing electrical connectors each configured to electrically couple to a respective electrically-conductive feature of the information handling system server, a rack-facing interface on a second side of the mechanical housing comprising one or more rack-facing electrical connectors each configured to electrically couple to a respective electrically conductive feature of the electrical infrastructure, and an intermediate electrical interface comprising one or more electrically-conductive conduits, each electrically-conductive conduit configured to electrically couple a server-facing electrical connector to a corresponding rack-facing electrical connector in order to electrically couple electrically-conductive features of the electrical infrastructure to respective electrically-conductive features of the information handling system server when the blind-mate connector is mechanically engaged with the information handling system server and the electrical infrastructure.
Technical advantages of the present disclosure may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, description and claims included herein. The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized and achieved at least by the elements, features, and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory and are not restrictive of the claims set forth in this disclosure.
A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:
Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to
For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communications ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between the various hardware components.
In this disclosure, the term “information handling resource” may broadly refer to any component system, device or apparatus of an information handling system, including without limitation processors, buses, memories, input-output devices and/or interfaces, storage resources, network interfaces, motherboards, electro-mechanical devices (e.g., fans), displays, and power supplies.
As shown in
Server-side blind-mate adapter 104 may include one or more mechanical guiding features mechanically coupled to mechanical housing 116, wherein such one or more mechanical features are configured to enforce alignment of server-side blind-mate adapter 104 to chassis 100 when engaging the server-side blind-mate adapter 104 with chassis 100 (e.g., via rack-side blind-mate adapter 106). For example, such mechanical guiding feature may include a guide pin 124 configured to mechanically interact with a corresponding opening of another structural component (e.g., a mating guide pin hole 126 shown in
As shown in
Also, as shown in
Accordingly, as shown in
Thus, in a particular use case, an information handling system server 102 already electrically and mechanically coupled to an appropriate server-side blind-made adapter 104 may be shipped to a desired location, and an individual at such location (e.g., courier delivery person or information technology technician) may insert the combination information handling system server 102 and server-side blind-made adapter 104 into a chassis 100 having rack-side blind-mate adapter 106 coupled to the pre-wired interface structure of chassis 100. During such insertion, mechanical features of information handling system server 102 and server-side blind-made adapter 104 may enforce alignment such that server-side blind-made adapter 104 effectively mates with rack-side blind-made adapter 106, thus ensuring proper electrical coupling of information handling system server 102 to the pre-wired interface structure of chassis 100.
As used herein, when two or more elements are referred to as “coupled” to one another, such term indicates that such two or more elements are in electronic communication or mechanical communication, as applicable, whether connected indirectly or directly, with or without intervening elements.
This disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly, where appropriate, the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Accordingly, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.
Although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described above.
Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Additionally, other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the foregoing figures and description.
To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on this application in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wish to note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claim elements to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.
