CN106909205B - Filler for computing device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a filler configured to be mounted to a computing device, including a mounting member configured to connect to a computing server; and a unit member configured to be connected to the mounting member. The cell member includes a first connector configured to connect to the mounting member and a second connector configured to connect to another mounting member or cell member to provide a different configuration of the filler for use in the computing server.

Description

Filler for computing device

Technical Field

The present application relates to a filler piece configured to be mounted to a computing device. The application also relates to methods of making, installing, servicing and using the filler pieces.

Background

Computer cooling is required to remove waste heat generated by computer components in order to keep these components within an allowable operating temperature range. Computer components with integrated circuits such as CPUs (central processing units), chipsets, display cards, and hard drives are susceptible to temporary failure or permanent failure when they overheat. To remove waste heat, computer fans are typically employed for introducing air convection inside the computer. Computers of various models, designs or configurations require differently configured airflow channels for optimizing waste heat dissipation.

Disclosure of Invention

The present application is directed to providing one or more new and useful fillers. The present application is also directed to providing new and useful methods for using, maintaining, upgrading and servicing the one or more fillers. The essential features of the application are provided by one or more of the independent claims, while advantageous features of the application are given correspondingly by the dependent claims.

According to one aspect, the present application provides a filler piece configured to be mounted to a computing device. The filler piece includes a mounting member configured to connect to a computing device; and a unit member configured to be connected to the mounting member. The cell member includes a first connector configured to connect to the mounting member and a second connector configured to connect to another mounting member or cell member to provide a different configuration of the filler for use in the computing device. The term "configured to" means that the relevant portions are put together or arranged to form a configuration in a particular way or for a particular purpose. Sometimes, the term may be replaced by the word "for".

The filler is a component that can have different shapes, configurations and sizes. For example, the packing may comprise a plate having a substantially flat or curved surface for directing the airflow. The filler is thus called a baffle or an air guide. One or more of the fill pieces may be connected laterally, stacked vertically, or integrated for providing a panel in a computer or computing server. The filler piece may be stationary, movable, fixed, or removable with respect to the computer or computing server such that the airflow in the computer or computing server may be rectified or otherwise altered to a predetermined pattern.

The filling element may alternatively have a solid, hollow or perforated structure. For example, the packing may include windows, channels, walls or columns for diverting airflow in or out of the packing. The plurality of filler pieces may be connected in series or at a distance for forming a passage for the gas flow towards or from the designated computing components. When used to direct airflow or cool computing components, the filler is also referred to as a baffle.

Because computing components need to operate within a defined temperature range in order to perform computing operations, cooling of the computing components by the cooling airflow over these computing components is of paramount importance. The filler pieces may be mounted to different portions (e.g., racks) inside the computing server so that the cooling airflow (i.e., air flow) from the fans may be formed into pathways to the computing components as well as removing waste heat. The filler element thus provides for the guidance of an air flow or stream within or around the computing server or computer such that the convective heat transfer (i.e., convection) of the computing server or computer is optimized to maximize waste heat dissipation. Accordingly, the packing or cell members may alternatively be referred to as air guides or baffles.

In addition to connecting the cell members by one or more connectors, the cell members themselves may be coupled together by hinges or knuckles on the cell members. For example, one member has a magnetic north pole at its edge and the other unit member has a magnetic south pole at the other edge, so that the two unit members can be magnetically coupled together. One or more of the cell members may further be coupled together by hook members on different members. Further, one or more cell members may be incorporated together by interlocking, fitting or matching the contours of the geometric shapes. For example, the unit members are similar to puzzle pieces, such that a plurality of unit members may form a large panel, whether or not aided by connectors. The tessellation of flat surfaces is the tiling of one or more planes of geometry, called tiles, without overlap or gaps. Mosaicing can be generalized to higher dimensions (e.g., three dimensions) as well as various geometries. The unit members may form periodic tiles as a repeating pattern.

The first and second connectors may be arranged at opposite sides of the cell member such that the connectors provide good support of the cell member. When attached to an external frame or chassis, the connectors ensure that the cell members provide reliable and robust performance over an extended period of operation.

The unit member can be connected to the mounting member and the further mounting member or unit member via a snap-fit mechanism. The snap-fit mechanism provides elasticity and/or flexibility of the mounting member or connector such that additional fasteners are avoided.

The first connector may be a female connector configured to mate with a corresponding male connector of a mounting member, and the second connector may be a male connector configured to mate with a corresponding female connector of another mounting member or unit member. The two types of connectors may mate, interlock, interleave, connect, or mate with each other for coupling together. The two types of connectors may also be of comparable size at their mating or mating portions so that the couplings are secure and abutting.

In one embodiment, the female connector of the first connector is a socket and the corresponding male connector of the mounting member is a pin, such that the pin can be partially or fully inserted into the socket for providing a secure or detachable connection. The pin may have a diameter similar to that of the socket or cylindrical socket. The pins may additionally have a length comparable to or slightly shorter than the depth of the socket. Thus, the pin and socket present a simple, low cost and reliable coupling for holding the cell members.

The unit member may be connected to the mounting member, and the unit member may be rotatable with respect to the mounting member. The mounting member thus provides a rotatable coupling to the unit member so that the unit member can be rotated to a desired angle. Multiple cell members can thus be linked together to form different geometries. For example, if four unit members are coupled together by the mounting member such that adjacent unit members are at 90 ° (degrees) therebetween, the four unit members provide a closed elongated or cubic housing. Because different cell members may have different heights or lengths, coupling the cell members at various angles therebetween may form complex baffles or air guides for creating a pathway for the airflow. The filling member may also be pulled out for expansion or pushed in for compression, thereby changing its size in one or more directions.

The socket of the first connector may comprise a plurality of slots, each slot being configured to receive a pin of the mounting member to arrange the cell members at a predetermined angle relative to the mounting member. The grooves may be in the form of recesses or channels, whether through holes or blind holes. The cell members may also have a protrusion or shaft for mating with the slot such that the socket provides a biased position for connecting the first connector and the cell members such that the connection therebetween is more stable and reliable.

The predetermined angle may be any one angle selected from the group of angles consisting of: 30 degrees; 60 degrees; 90 degrees; 120 degrees; 150 degrees; and 180 deg.. Since the consistent adoption of these angles between adjacent cell members provides a regular 2D or 3D shape, multiple cell members can give rise to a suitably contoured baffle or air guide. For example, a cube made of unit members provides a similar profile to a CPU heat sink, while two consecutively connected unit members are similar to a DIMM (dual inline memory module) on a system board.

In the case where the unit member is connected to the mounting member, the unit member may be attached to the mounting member. The mounting member may have different types of receptacles, slots or protrusions for coupling with one or more cell members. Because the mounting members may be more flexibly attached to external portions (e.g., racks), one or more unit members may be more comprehensive for mounting to any portion of the computing server and directing airflow at various locations.

The cell members may be fully or partially perforated with holes of similar or different sizes. The perforated cell members allow the airflow to pass at a desired location on the cell member such that the airflow is forced or directed towards a preferred location. The perforated cell members have a mass or weight that is less than the mass or weight of the non-perforated cell members such that the overall weight of the computing server with the perforated cell members becomes lighter.

The cell member may include an electromagnetic shield that reduces electromagnetic fields in the computing server by blocking the electromagnetic fields with a shield made of a conductive or magnetic material. Radio or electromagnetic interference between different components of a computer server is minimized or prevented so that the computing server can optimize its computing performance. For example, a conductive enclosure made of a plurality of cell members and/or connectors can act as a faraday cage to block electrostatic fields.

The cell members may define a flat structure, which may be straight or curved. The planar structure may direct airflow along its surface such that the airflow is restricted to a particular path, being fully utilized for cooling and/or noise reduction. The surfaces of the unit members may be covered with a specific texture, roughness, or light reflecting means so that the unit members may suppress noise or block electromagnetic interference.

The first and second connectors of a unit member can be connected to another unit member to be stacked on the unit member. Thus, two or more unit members are vertically connected on top of each other for constructing a structure higher than that of a single unit member. The stacked cell members provide a high structure that can regulate the airflow over a larger area.

The filler may further comprise a base member. The mounting member may include a mounting connector configured to connect to a base member, and the base member may include a base connector configured to connect to a printed circuit board of a computing device. The mounting connection or base connection provides an additional connection for fastening the cell members. The first connector, the second connector, the mounting connector, and the base connector are support members that can mate with the cell members or with each other to facilitate locking of the cell members to portions of the computing server. Because computing servers may have Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), racks, covers, and other components of different shapes, the first connectors, second connectors, mounting connectors, and base connectors may be selectively consolidated to form an appropriate mounting structure for mounting in a computing server. One or more of the first connector, the second connector, the mounting connector, and the base connector may be integrated on their own to form further connectors.

The base connector may include an elongated receptacle configured to receive the mounting connector of the mounting member. The elongated receptacle is also referred to as a slot for receiving a board onto the receptacle. Alternatively, the elongated socket may hold a flat cell member so that the base connector and the cell member may be connected together. The base connector, the mounting connector, the first connector, the second connector, and the cell member thus create various mounting features for attaching the cell member to the computing server.

The base connector may include a circular receptacle configured to receive the mounting connector of the mounting member. The circular socket has a circular profile and/or a circular pocket for holding a portion of the mounting member. For example, the mounting member has leg pins for insertion into cylindrical holes in a circular socket. A circular socket may have a small footprint for attachment to a PCB, which typically has limited space for providing a support substrate.

The filler may be used in the computing server, and the computing server may comprise any one selected from the group consisting of: a fan filler; a memory filler; a hard disk filler; a power supply filling member; installing a battery; and drawing the tape. Each of these different types of infill is made of one or more cell members, a first connector, a second connector and a mounting member. Thus, one or more fillers may provide a replacement for any computing component, such as a fan; (computer) memory; a hard disk drive; a power supply unit; battery installation and pulling of the tape.

The mounting member, the cell member, or both the mounting member and the cell member may be flexible, resilient, compliant, or have a combination of any of these characteristics. Portions of the filler element can thus be deformed and spring back without causing permanent structural damage. For example, the mounting member and the unit member provide a snap-fit mechanism for connection, so that the connection of the mounting member and the unit member becomes reliable and simple without additional fasteners.

The mounting member, the cell member, or both the mounting member and the cell member may be fully or partially magnetic. For example, the edges or portions of the cell members or both the mounting member and the cell members may include one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic materials including iron, nickel, cobalt, some alloys of rare earth metals, and natural magnets. The mounting member, the unit member, or both may further be magnetized with predetermined magnetic poles (e.g., north or south poles) for convenient alignment and coupling of components.

The present application further provides a computing device including a printed circuit board configured to mount an electrical device and a filler piece configured to mount to the computing device. The filler additionally includes a mounting member configured to connect to a computing server and a cell member configured to connect to the mounting member. The cell member includes a first connector configured to connect to the mounting member and a second connector configured to connect to another mounting member or cell member to provide a different configuration of the filler for use in the computing server. These components of the computing server have a particular shape and location such that they provide a pathway for airflow in the computing server. The geometry of the passage may be modified by constructing one or more fillers for efficient convection enhancement in the compute server. Here, the computing device is a computing server, a computer, a portable computer, a cabinet of computing servers, or a data center with many computing servers.

Drawings

The drawings illustrate various embodiments and serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for the purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the basic components used to build differently shaped fillers;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the basic components used to construct the filler;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the first filler element and its components;

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the first filler piece in an assembled state;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the second filler element and its components;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the second filler piece in an assembled state;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the third refill and its components;

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the third filler piece in an assembled state;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a fourth refill and its components;

FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of a fourth filler element in an assembled state;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the fifth refill and its components;

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of a fifth filler element in an assembled state;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a sixth refill and its components;

FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric view of a sixth filler element in an assembled state;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of the seventh refill with its components;

fig. 16 illustrates an isometric view of the seventh filler in an assembled state;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of the eighth filler element and its components;

FIG. 18 illustrates an isometric view of the eighth filler in an assembled state;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of the ninth filler element and its components;

FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the ninth filler in an assembled state;

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded view of the tenth refill with its components;

FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the tenth packing element in an assembled state;

FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of the eleventh filler element and its components;

FIG. 24 illustrates an isometric view of the eleventh filler in an assembled state; and

FIG. 25 illustrates a computing server with various fillers.

Detailed Description

Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present application will now be described with reference to the above-mentioned figures. In particular, various embodiments of the present application include portions or method steps that are similar or identical to one another. These parts or method steps are thus marked with similar or identical names or reference numerals. The description of these related parts or method steps is incorporated herein by reference (as far as relevant or appropriate).

Fig. 1 and 2 provide an exploded view 50 and a front view 52 of a base member 58 for constructing different shaped or configured fillers. The base member 58 includes a mounting member 56 and a unit member 58.

The mounting member 56 includes a short anchor 60, a long anchor 62, a first circular anchor 64, and a second circular anchor 66. The holders 60, 62, 64, 66 may alternatively be referred to as holders for mounting to portions of a computer server (not shown). Short anchor block 60 has a short elongated slot 68 having a width 70 slightly greater (e.g., 0.3mm greater) than a thickness value 72 of unit member 58. Short anchor 60 also has a short wide base 74 at its bottom, which is covered by a short attachment layer 76. Similarly, the long anchor block 62 also has a long elongated slot 78 having a width 70 that is slightly greater (e.g., 0.3mm greater) than the thickness value 72 of the cell member 58. The long anchor block 62 additionally has a long wide base 80 at its bottom, which is covered by a long attachment layer 82. The first circular holder 64 and the second circular holder 66 have the same shape and size. Specifically, the first holder 64 includes two perpendicularly intersecting slots 84, which are also referred to as intersecting slots 84. The center 86 of the cross slot 84 has a circular cavity 86 for receiving a circular pin of comparable or slightly larger size (e.g., 0.2mm larger diameter). The first holder 66 furthermore has a circular base 88 at its bottom, which is also covered by an adhesive layer 90.

The unit member 58 includes a board 92, an EMI (electromagnetic interference) board 94, a first connector 96, a second connector 98, a third connector 97, and a fourth connector 99. The EMI sheet 94 is also referred to as an EMI shield, EMI shielding filter, electromagnetic shielding cage, or similar terminology. The plate 92 is flat on opposite sides thereof and has a generally rectangular profile. The EMI plate 94 has a shape and size similar to that of the plate 92, except that the EMI plate 94 has an electromagnetic shield 100 in the form of panes that extend on opposite sides of the EMI plate 94.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the first filler piece 102 and its components. The first filler piece 102 has a first connector 96, a plate 92, a second connector 98 and a short anchor 60. Length 104 of plate 92 is slightly shorter than length 106 of short elongated slot 68 on short anchor block 60 so that plate 92 can be inserted tightly and snugly into short elongated slot 68. At a first end 108 of the plate 92, the plate 92 has a top cylindrical receptacle 110 proximate a top side 112 of the plate 92, and a cylindrical receptacle 114 proximate a bottom side 116 of the plate 92. The longitudinal axes of the top and bottom cylindrical receptacles 110, 114 are aligned with one another, while the two receptacles 110, 114 are located at the first lateral side 122 of the plate 92. The plate 92 additionally includes an axle 120 on a second lateral side 122 of the plate 92, the first and second lateral sides 118, 122 being disposed at opposite sides of the plate 92. The shaft 120 has a top pin 124 and a bottom pin 126 at opposite ends of the shaft 120. The length 128 of the shaft 120 (excluding the protruding length of the pins 124, 126) is the same as the gap between the two sockets 110, 114. The plate 92 further includes leg pins 132 at the bottom side 116 and also at the opposite side of the bottom cylindrical socket 114. Leg pin 132 protrudes beyond the flat edge of bottom side 116.

The first connector 96 includes a shaft 120 at one lateral side. The shaft 120 also has a top pin 124 and a bottom pin 126 located at opposite ends of the shaft 120. The length of the shaft 120 (minus the length of the pins 124, 126) is the same as the gap 130 of the sockets 110, 114 on the plate 92. Furthermore, the first connector 120 also includes a hook 134 proximate the apex pin 124. The third link 97 has a structure and shape similar to those of the first link 96, except that the third link 97 does not have the hook 134.

The second connector 98 includes a top cylindrical receptacle 110 and a bottom cylindrical receptacle 114 disposed at opposite ends of the second connector 98. Again, the longitudinal axes of the two sockets are aligned with each other, while the gap 130 between the two sockets 110, 114 is the same as the length 128 of the shaft 120 (minus the protruding pins 124, 126). In fact, the pins 124, 126, 132 have the same diameter of 1.0mm (millimeters), while the sockets 110, 114 have the same diameter of 1.1mm for tightly receiving the pins 124, 126, 132. At a similar location to the first connector 96, the second connector 98 includes another hook 136 proximate the top cylindrical receptacle 110. The fourth link 99 has a structure and shape similar to those of the second link 98 except that the fourth link 99 does not have the hook member 136. The hook members 134, 136 facilitate the mating of the first filler piece 102 to the frame 258 or the assembly of the first filler piece 102. For example, the first filler member 102 may be fastened to a sidewall of the frame 258.

The stub holder 60 includes a first circular receptacle 138 and a second receptacle 140 proximate opposite ends of the short elongated slot 68 on the stub holder 60. The first circular socket 138 and the second circular socket 140 are approximately 2.1mm in diameter. Accordingly, the leg pins 132 on the second connector 98 and plate 92 have a diameter of 2.0mm, which can be snugly inserted into the sockets 138, 140. Similarly, the elongate holder 62 has two circular sockets 138, 140 near opposite ends thereof. Also, the elongated anchor block 62 has a third circular socket 142 of approximately 2.1mm in the middle of the elongated slot 78 for receiving the leg pin 132.

Fig. 4 illustrates an isometric view of the first filler member 102 in an assembled state. In the assembled mode, the shaft 120 of the first connector 96 is tightly attached to the first lateral side 118 of the plate 92 such that the top pin 124 and the bottom pin 126 are inserted into the top cylindrical socket 110 and the bottom cylindrical socket 114, respectively. On the opposite side of the plate 92, top pins 124 and bottom pins 126 on the plate 92 are also seated in the top cylindrical socket 110 and bottom cylindrical socket 114 of the second connector 98. At the same time, the bottom side 116 of the plate 92 and the leg pins 132 are inserted into the short elongated slots and circular sockets 68, 138, respectively, so that the entire first filler piece 102 becomes a rigid, robust and unitary assembly 102.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view with two second fillers 150 connected together in series. The second packing 150 includes a first connector, the unit member 58 (i.e., a first unit member), another unit member (i.e., a second unit member), the second connector 98, and the long fixing base 62. Fig. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the second filler piece 150 in an assembled state. In the assembled mode, the first link 96, the unit member 58 (i.e., the first unit member), the other unit member (i.e., the second unit member 168), and the second link 98 are successively connected to one another. Specifically, the first shaft 120 is inserted into the gap between the two cylindrical sockets 110, 114, and the pins 124, 126 are snap-fitted into the two cylindrical sockets 110, 114. The shaft 120 on the second lateral side 122 of the first unit member 58 is also inserted into the gap between the two cylindrical sockets 110, 114 of the second unit member 168 such that the two pins 124, 126 are tightly fastened into the two cylindrical sockets 110, 114. At the second lateral side 122 of the second unit member 168, the shaft 120 of the second unit member 168 is inserted into the two cylindrical sockets 110, 114 of the second connector 98. The bottom sides 116 and leg pins 132 of the two cell members 58 are inserted into the long elongated slot 78 and the three circular receptacles 138, 140, 142, respectively. Thus, fig. 6 illustrates that the second filler 150 provides a subassembly or assembly of parts that are robust and stable.

Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the third filler 152 and its components. The third filler 152 includes the first connector 96, the unit member 58, the second connector 98, the first circular fixing seat 64, and the second circular fixing seat 66. Similar to the configuration of the second filler 150, the first connector 96, the unit member 58, and the second connector 98 are continuously and tightly attached together. However, the unit member 58 and the leg pin 132 of the second connector 98 are inserted into the circular cavities 86 of the first and second circular holders 64, 66, respectively. Fig. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the third filler 152 in an assembled state.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the fourth filler 154 also having two serially connected cell units 58. The fourth packing 154 includes the first connector 96, the unit member 58 (i.e., the first unit member), another unit member (i.e., the second unit member), the second connector 98, the first circular fixing seat 64, and the second circular fixing seat 66.

Fig. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the fourth filler 154 in an assembled state. Two leg pins 132 near the extreme ends of the two unit members 58 are inserted into the first and second circular holders 64 and 66, respectively. The third filler 154, like the other fillers 50, 150, 152, also provides a substantially wide and straight surface having a length twice the length of the single unit member 58 along the longitudinal direction of the unit member 58.

Fig. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the fifth filler 156 and its components. The fifth filler 156 includes a first connector 96, a first cell member 58, a second cell member 168, and a second connector 98 that are continuously and laterally connected together, which are collectively referred to as the top layer 158. The fifth filler 156 further includes a third connector 97, a third unit member 170, a third unit member 172, and a fourth connector 99, which are also connected to each other continuously and laterally, which are collectively referred to as the bottom layer 160. The fifth filler piece 156 additionally comprises, below the bottom layer 160, a first circular fixing seat 64, a third circular fixing seat 162 and a second circular fixing seat 66. Specifically, the leg pin 132 of the third link 97 is inserted into the first circular fixing seat 64, the leg pin 132 of the third unit member 170 is held by the third circular fixing seat 162, and the leg pin 132 is caught by the second circular fixing seat 66. Fig. 12 illustrates an isometric view of the fifth filler 156 in an assembled state. The second filler 156 provides a wide flat area that is approximately four times that of the single unit member 58. The fifth filler element 156 provides a unitary and solid component that is nearly impermeable over its entire extended surface area.

Fig. 13 illustrates an exploded view of the sixth filler 164 and its components. The sixth packing 164 provides a single bottom layer 160 including the first connectors 97, the first unit members 58, the second unit members 168, the third unit members 170, and the fourth connectors 99. These components 97, 58, 168, 170, 99 are connected together continuously and horizontally such that the sixth filler provides an elongate panel of approximately three times the length of a single unit member 58. The leg pin 132 of the second unit member 168 and the other leg pin 132 of the third unit member 170 are inserted into the first and second circular holders 64 and 66, respectively. Fig. 14 illustrates an isometric view of the sixth filler 164 in an assembled state. The sixth filler element 164 again provides a substantially two-dimensional panel which is flat and elongate.

Fig. 15 illustrates an exploded view of the seventh filler 166 and its components. The seventh filler 166 has a first unit member 58, a second unit member 168, a third unit member 170, a fourth unit member 172, a fifth unit member 174, a sixth unit member 176, a seventh unit member 178 and an eighth unit member 180, which are continuously connected together. In particular, two adjacent unit members of the seventh filler 166 form elongated flat surfaces, such that these unit members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180 provide four sides of the cube 166. At the corners of the seventh filler 166, the leg pins 132 of these unit members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180 at the corners of the seventh filler 166 are inserted into the first circular fixing seat 64, the second circular fixing seat 66, the third circular fixing seat 162 and the fourth circular fixing seat 182. The seventh filler 166 additionally includes a square cell member 184 that sits atop these cell members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180. The square cell members 184 have short posts 186 that are coupled to the top sides 112 of the cell members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180. Fig. 16 illustrates an isometric view of a seventh filler 166 in an assembled state providing a cubic housing with its bottom side open.

Fig. 17 illustrates an exploded view of the eighth filler 188 and its components. The eighth filler 188 includes a fifth link 190, a sixth link 192, the first unit member 58 and the second unit member 168 connected together. The fifth link 190 has a first lever 194 at one end, and three cover plates 196, 198, 200, referred to as a first cover plate 196, a second cover plate 198, and a third cover plate 200, which form three consecutive sides of the fifth link 190. At the corners of the fifth connection 190, a front cover 202 connects the three other cover plates 196, 198, 200, so that these cover plates 196, 198, 200, 202 form half shells. The front cover plate 202 additionally includes an elongated slot 204 having a size comparable to the first cell member 58. The sixth link 192 has the same size and shape as the fifth link 190, although the sixth link 192 has a second lever 206 instead of the first lever 194. Fig. 18 illustrates an isometric view of the eighth filler 188 in an assembled state. In the assembled mode, the first unit member 58 is inserted into the slot 204 on the front cover 194 and the pins 124, 126 on the front cover 202 are inserted into the cylindrical sockets 110, 114 on the shaft of the first unit member 58. Additionally, fifth and sixth connectors 190, 192 are coupled together by shaft 120 of second unit member 168 and sockets 110, 114 of first unit member 58 such that eighth filler 188 becomes a single assembly or subassembly. Thus, the eighth filler 188 has one open side that is opposite the position of the front cover 202 or the cell members 58, 168. The first lever 194 is a handle and the slot 204 is a latch that provides locking and unlocking functions for the front HDD cage.

Fig. 19 illustrates an exploded view of the ninth filler 208 and its components. The ninth filler 208 has a first cell member 58, a second cell member 168, a third cell member 170, a fourth cell member 172, a first corner cover 210, a second corner cover 212, a third corner cover 214, and a fourth corner cover 216. The four cell members 58, 168, 170, 172 are connected together to form a flat panel 218. Fig. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the ninth filler 208 in an assembled state. The assembled ninth filler 208 indicates that four corner caps 210, 212, 214, 216 are attached to respective edges of the cell members 58, 168, 170, 172, such that the ninth filler 208 resembles an exposed or open container, while the flat panel 218 provides the bottom 218 of the container 208.

Fig. 21 illustrates an exploded view of the tenth filler 220 and its components. The tenth filler 220 includes a first EMI plate 94, a first EMI screen 222, a fifth connector 190, a second EMI plate 224, a second EMI screen 226, and a sixth connector 192 coupled together. Fig. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the tenth filler 220 in an assembled state. In the assembled mode, the first EMI plate 94 and the first EMI screen 222 are attached together and further inserted into the slot 204 on the fifth connector. Similarly, the second EMI plate 224 and the second EMI shield 226 are continuously connected together, which are further fitted into the slots 204 on the sixth connector 192. Additionally, the shaft 120 of the second EMI plate 224 is inserted into the gap of the first EMI plate 94 such that portions of the tenth filler 200 become a single assembly through the connection between the two EMI plates 94, 224. The EMI shields 222, 226 are exhaust shields. The EMI plates 94, 224 provide shielding functionality and are fitted into the exhaust screens 222, 226.

Fig. 23 illustrates an exploded view of the eleventh filling member 220 and its components. The eleventh packing 228 includes the first unit member 58, the second unit member 168, the third unit member 170, the fourth unit member 172, the fifth unit member 174, the sixth unit member 176, the seventh unit member 178, and the eighth unit member 180. The eleventh filler 228 additionally includes a first EMI plate 94, a second EMI plate 224, a first semi-perforated plate 228, and a second semi-perforated plate 230. Both the first half-perforated plate 228 and the second half-perforated plate 230 have a shape and size similar to the shape and size of the first unit member 58, except that the lower half of each half-perforated plate 228 is perforated and covered with an array of window openings. The eleventh packing 228 further has a first square unit member 184, a second square unit member 232, and a third square unit member 234, which have similar shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the eleventh filling member 228 further includes a first connecting member 96, a second connecting member 98, a fifth connecting member 236 and a sixth connecting member 238. These connectors 96, 98, 236, 238 are of similar shape and size.

Fig. 24 illustrates an isometric view of the eleventh filler 228 in an assembled state. Specifically, first cell member 58 and second cell member 168 are connected together laterally to form an elongated panel; the third 170 and fourth 172 cell members are connected together to provide another elongate flat panel; fifth and sixth cell members 174 and 176 are coupled together to form additional elongated flat panels; and the seventh cell member 178 and the eighth cell member 180 are coupled together by providing yet another elongated flat panel. The elongated flat panels are parallel to each other in an eleventh filler 228. In contrast, the first EMI plate 94 and the second EMI plate 224 are joined together to form an elongated panel, while the first plate perforated plate 228 and the second half perforated plate 230 are joined together to provide another similar elongated panel. The elongated panels of the EMI plates 94, 224 and the semi-perforated plates 228, 230 are perpendicular to the unit members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180 or their panels. In the assembled mode, the first square unit member 184, the second square unit member 232 and the third square unit member 234 provide three top plates such that they 184, 232, 234 are each connected vertically to the unit members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, the EMI plates 94, 224 and the semi-perforated plates 228, 230. First and second connectors 96 and 98 are mounted to laterally opposite ends of a first elongated panel 240 constructed from first and second unit members 58 and 168. Similarly, seventh and eighth connectors 236 and 238 are mounted to laterally opposite ends of a second elongated panel 242 constructed from seventh and eighth unit members 178 and 180. Thus, the eleventh filling member mainly provides the first air passage 244 and the second air passage 246 in parallel with each other.

Fig. 25 illustrates a computing server 250 having various fillers 154, 156, 164, 166, 208, 220, 266, 270. Computing server 250 further includes removable HD drive 252, USB port 254, a plurality of cooling fans 256, racks 258, system board 260, and other components 262. The frame 258 and a cover (not shown) are coupled together to enclose the components 262 and provide support for the components 262.

In particular, the computing server 250 includes a fourth infill 154, a fifth infill 156, a seventh infill 166, a ninth infill 208, a tenth infill 220, an eleventh infill 264, a twelfth infill 266, and a pull label 270. The fourth filler 154 is glued to the system board 260 next to a SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory) DIMM (dual inline memory module) slot on the system board 260 (also referred to as computer motherboard). The fourth filler 154 separates the cables (not shown) from the DIMM slots such that the fourth filler 154 may alternatively be referred to as a cable divider. The fifth filler 156 occupies an alternative cooling fan unit, such that the fifth filler 156 may alternatively be referred to as a 2U fan filler 156. A sixth filler 164 is also positioned immediately adjacent the DIMM slot and at the opposite side of the cable separation 154. Because the sixth filler 164 occupies an empty DIMM slot, the sixth filler 164 is conveniently referred to as a DIMM filler 164. The seventh filler 166 provides a top cover at the location of a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 268. The seventh filler 166 is attached to the seventh filler 166 to the system board 260 by its circular fixing bases 64, 66, 142, 182, whereby the top cover encloses the graphics processor unit 268. The seventh filler 166 is therefore referred to as a CPU filler or GPU filler.

The eighth filler 188 is located at the rear of the computing server 250. The eighth filler 188 replaces a Power Supply Unit (PSU), so that the eighth filler 188 may be referred to as a PSU filler 188. A ninth filler 208 is secured immediately adjacent to the fan unit. The ninth filler 208 is further referred to as a remote control battery holder because it occupies the position of the remote control battery. The tenth filler 220 is accessible from the front panel of the computing server 250 because the tenth filler 220 occupies two removable 2.5 inch SATAHDD spaces. The tenth packing 220 may be referred to as a hard disk drive packing.

The eleventh filling member 264 includes the first unit member 58, the second unit member 168, and the handle 270 which are continuously connected together. The leg pins 132 of the first unit member 58 are retained by slots (not shown) in the frame 258 so that the eleventh filler 264 can be pulled or pushed onto the frame 258 as needed. The first unit member 58 and the second unit member 168 are connected by their shafts 120 and sockets 110, 114, while the handle 270 is attached to the first unit member 58 at the sockets 110, 114 of the first unit member 58, similar to the connection of the first connector 96. The first and second cell members 58, 168 carry the product label of the computing server 250 such that the eleventh filler 264 is referred to as a pull label.

The twelfth filler 266, also referred to as an air baffle, includes a plurality of square cell members 184, 232, 234, cell members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180 and connectors 96, 98 that form parallel air passages 244, 246 below the plurality of square cell members 184, 232, 234. After being mounted to the system board 260, the twelfth filler 266 provides access between the front and the back of the computing server 250.

One or more of the cell members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180 provide an elongated or elongated flat panel for directing the air flow. Thus, the filler pieces 102, 150, 152, 154, 156, 164, 166, 188, 208, 220, 264, 266 or the cell components 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 184, 228, 230, 232, 234 are also referred to as baffles, air guides or simply plates. When installed inside the computing server 250, the fillers 102, 150, 152, 154, 156, 164, 166, 188, 208, 220, 264, 266, or the cell members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 184, 228, 230, 232, 234 direct, alter, divert, connect, separate, comb, and/or streamline airflow within the computing server 250 such that the airflow within the computing server 250 is optimized for cooling and noise reduction. For example, because the fans of the cooling fans 256 extend across the width of the rack 260 and between the covers (not shown) and the rack 260, the fillers 102, 150, 152, 154, 156, 164, 166, 188, 208, 220, 264, 266 create a unidirectional flow of cooling air from the front of the computing servers 250 to the back thereof. The performance of computing server 250 is not hampered by waste heat from computing components 262.

The connectors 96, 97, 98, 99, 190, 192, 236, 238 provide a coupling or intermediate connection between the unit members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 184, 228, 230, 232, 234 and the holders 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, 162. In addition to relying solely on the connection between the cell members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 184, 228, 230, 232, 234 and the anchors 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, 162, the connectors 96, 97, 98, 99, 190, 192, 236, 238 provide additional support to the cell members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 184, 228, 230, 232, 234 at the edges or sides thereof, such that the fillers 102, 150, 152, 154, 156, 164, 166, 188, 208, 220, 264, 266 become more robust. In addition to or instead of using the anchors 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, 162, the hooks 134, 136 on the connectors 96, 97, 98, 99, 190, 192, 236, 238 allow the filler pieces 102, 150, 152, 154, 156, 164, 166, 188, 208, 220, 264, 266 to be hung on portions of the computing server 250.

In use, the frame 260 is arranged such that some of the components 262 are mounted to the frame 260. Portions of the fillers 102, 150, 152, 154, 156, 164, 166, 188, 208, 220, 264, 266 are also readily disposed in the assembly line proximate to the computing server 250. Some of the unit members 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 184, 228, 230, 232, 234 are selected and attached with connectors 96, 97, 98, 99, 190, 192, 236, 238. The assembled cell components 58, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 184, 228, 230, 232, 234 and connectors 96, 97, 98, 99, 190, 192, 236, 238 are inserted into some of the holders 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, 162, respectively, such that a subassembly of the fillers 102, 150, 152, 154, 156, 164, 166, 188, 208, 220, 264, 266 is provided. The protective film on the adhesive layer 76, 82, 90 on the holders 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, 162 is peeled off, so that the filler pieces 102, 150, 152, 154, 156, 164, 166, 188, 208, 220, 264, 266 are fixed in position on the computer server 250 with the holders 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, 162.

For example, the first unit member 58 and the second unit member 168 are first provided. The shaft 120 on the second unit member 168 is inserted into the gap between the top cylindrical socket 110 and the bottom cylindrical socket 114 on the first unit member 58. The first connector 96 is then attached to the exposed transverse edge of the first cell member 58, while the second connector 98 is attached to the uncovered transverse edge of the second cell member 168. Collectively, the first unit member 58, the second unit member 168, the first link 96 and the second link 98 form an elongated panel having three leg pins 132 projecting at the bottom thereof. Two of the leg pins 132 at opposite ends are inserted into the first and second circular holders 64, 66 to form a fourth filler 154. The attachment layer 90 on the two circular holders 64, 66 is removed so that the fourth filler 154 is positioned immediately adjacent to the array of DIMM slots, as shown in fig. 25.

It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the embodiments or applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the application, and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. A filler piece configured to be mounted to a computing device, the filler piece comprising:

a mounting component configured to connect to a computing server; and

a unit member configured to be connected to the mounting member;

wherein the cell member is connected to a first connector configured to connect to the mounting member and a second connector configured to connect to another mounting member or another cell member to provide a different configuration of the filler for use in the computing server; and

the first connector is a female connector configured to mate with a corresponding male connector of the mounting member, and the second connector is a male connector configured to mate with a corresponding female connector of the further mounting member or further unit member.

2. The refill of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are disposed at opposite sides of the cell member.

3. The filler of claim 1, wherein the female connector of the first connector is a socket and the corresponding male connector of the mounting member is a pin.

4. The refill of claim 3, wherein the unit member is rotatable relative to the mounting member when the unit member is connected to the mounting member.

5. The refill of claim 3, wherein the socket of the first connector comprises a plurality of slots, each slot configured to receive the pin of the mounting member to arrange the cell members at a predetermined angle relative to the mounting member.

6. The refill of claim 5, wherein the predetermined angle is any one angle selected from the group of angles consisting of: 30 degrees; 60 degrees; 90 degrees; 120 degrees; 150 degrees; and 180 deg..

7. The refill of claim 1, wherein the unit member is attached to the mounting member when the unit member is connected to the mounting member.

8. The refill of claim 1, wherein the cell member is perforated.

9. The filler of claim 1, wherein the cell structure comprises an electromagnetic shield.

10. The refill of claim 1, wherein the cell member defines a flat configuration.

11. The refill of claim 1, wherein the first and second connectors of the cell member are connectable to additional cell members to be stacked on top of the cell member.

12. The filler piece of claim 1, further comprising a base member, wherein the mounting member comprises a mounting connector configured to connect to the base member, and the base member comprises a base connector configured to connect to a printed circuit board of the computing device.

13. The refill of claim 12, wherein the base connector comprises an elongate receptacle configured to receive the mounting connector of the mounting member.

14. The refill of claim 12, wherein the base connector comprises a circular receptacle configured to receive the mounting connector of the mounting member.

15. The filler of claim 1 for use in an application in the computing server, wherein the application of the filler comprises any one selected from the group consisting of: a fan filler; a memory filler; a hard disk filler; a power supply filling member; installing a battery; and drawing the tape.

16. The refill of claim 1, wherein the mounting member and the cell member are flexible.

17. The refill of claim 1, wherein the mounting member, the cell member, or both are magnetic.

18. A computing device, comprising:

a printed circuit board configured to mount an electrical device; and

a filler configured to be mounted to a computing device, the filler comprising:

a mounting component configured to connect to a computing server;

a unit member configured to be connected to the mounting member,

wherein the cell member is connected to a first connector configured to connect to the mounting member and a second connector configured to connect to another mounting member or another cell member to provide a different configuration of the filler for use in the computing server; and

the first connector is a female connector configured to mate with a corresponding male connector of the mounting member, and the second connector is a male connector configured to mate with a corresponding female connector of the further mounting member or further unit member.

19. The computing device of claim 18, wherein the computing device is a computing server.

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