Reverse wedgelock device

A reverse wedgelock device with multiple draw blocks disposed about a lead screw passing through the draw blocks, wherein the draw blocks may be compressed together and caused to displace about respective wedge surfaces upon tightening of the screw. Compression and displacement of the draw blocks can function to draw anchors associated with the draw blocks inward, which, when engaged with opposing objects, functions to draw the objects together.

BACKGROUND

Interfacing cold plates with electronics or electronics components for cooling purposes has been a longstanding problem. For example, in computing systems, it is not uncommon for large amount of heat to be generated during operation of the system. In low power systems, sufficient cooling is often achieved through edge cooling of an electronic component and an associated chassis. However, in many cases, as computing systems have become much more sophisticated and powerful, edge cooling has proven to be an inefficient and insufficient solution. As such, many computing systems now employ a base cooling solution in order to improve thermal performance. Base cooling solutions can result in a greater amount of surface area of the electronic component and chassis being in contact with the cooling plate, which functions as a heat dissipating device or heat sink, and can increase the amount and rate at which the heat can be removed or dissipated away from the electronic component. The larger the surface area in contact with the heat sink or cooling plate the higher the heat transfer efficiency becomes.

Wedge block chains, commonly known as wedgelocks, are devices used within a confined space, wherein the wedgelock provides a thermal interface and is configured to expand and apply a force upon the walls of the confined space to thereby spread the space apart. Wedgelocks may be used in electronic or electronics applications typically employing an edge cooled solution in order to provide an external pressure or force on an integral electronic component, forcing it against a cooling plate. Two opposing wedgelocks are commonly employed to press against an outer surface or frame and to pinch the electronic component and cooling plate between them in order to ensure good thermal contact between the electronic component and the cooling plate. Wedgelocks are particularly desirable for electronics because they can be configured to facilitate tightening along the entire length of the wedge block chain by means of a screw that can be accessed about an end, which allows easy access to what would otherwise be a constrictive working space. Also, by arranging wedgelocks in series one can optimize pressure distribution across an entire surface area to ensure contact between the electronic component and the cooling plate. Although wedgelocks may be employed in a large variety of applications they are particularly useful for providing thermal contact between electronic processing chips and chassis and cooling plates, particularly in applications where there may be multiple electronic components located in series within the confined space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Avoiding the overheating of electronic components (e.g. computer processing chips, video cards, or motherboards in a server, etc.), remains a challenge. As power requirements and processing speeds increase the amount of energy required also increases, thus generating an increase in thermal energy or heat, which, if not dissipated away from the electronic components, can lead to failure of the electronic component(s). As a result, cooling of the electronic components to prevent their premature failure also remains a challenge.

A common practice in the electronics industry, particularly where multiple electronic components are arranged in series (e.g., within a large server), is to have numerous server boards arranged serially between large cold plates where each server board is attached at opposing edges to parallel cold plates. This type of electronic assembly and cooling method is often referred to as edge cooling. Edge cooling, tends to limit the size of the electronic components because heat generated by the electronic components in the center of the component must travel from the center to the edge of the electronic component. The further the heat must travel, the more difficult it is to remove the heat consistently. Inconsistency in heat removal often results in overheating and failure of the electronic component due to the lack of adequate dissipation of the heat generated, particularly at increased power levels.

A common solution to the overheating problems associated with edge cooling is to utilize a different configuration so as to have a larger contact area or thermal interface between the electronic component and its chassis and the cold plate. Instead of placing the cold plate at the edge of the electronic component and requiring the heat generated at the center of the electronic component to travel to the edge of the electronic component, the cold plate can instead be positioned parallel to the electronic component or its chassis and pressed against it in order to optimize the thermal interface between the cold plate and the electronic component or its chassis. This configuration or cooling solution is commonly referred to as base cooling. By utilizing this particular type of cooling solution, heat generated can be removed more efficiently as it is not required to travel to the edges in order to be removed from the electronics component and dissipated by the cold plate. This method has been shown to provide much more efficient cooling particularly at the center portions of electronic components.

In order to maximize the efficiency of a base cooling configuration the planar surface of the cold plate is intended to be in direct contact with the planar surface of the electronic component or its chassis. This is because direct contact provides a good thermal coupling or interface, as well as an optimal travel path for heat when transferring from the electronic component to the cold plate. However, if any gaps form between the cold plate and the electronic component or its chassis during operation the thermal efficiency drops because heat does not efficiently travel through empty space.

Many factors might cause a gap to form between the cold plate and the electronic component or its chassis. These factors may include warping due to heating, defects in manufacturing, or simply that the two surfaces are not adequately situated relative to one another. Some of these factors can present themselves with particularly high forces, and can require particularly high forces to counteract them and maintain a good thermal interface between the cold plate and the electronic component or its chassis. For example, warping during heating may require significant pressures to counteract.

It is to be understood that electronic components are often carried by some sort of chassis, and that any discussion of configurations or features in relation to cooling the chassis by the cold plate is similarly applicable to the electronic component itself. However, reference will be made hereinafter to only the chassis. It is noted that the discussions relating to the chassis and the electronic components are not meant to be limiting in any way. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that electronic components and chasses can be configured differently, and that these may be present in any number or combination.

One method of improving or ensuring uniform contact between the planar surface(s) of the cold plate and the planar surface(s) of the electronic chassis is by applying an external force to press the electronic chassis to the cold plate. One particular technique that has been employed for this purpose utilizes what may be referred to as an expanding wedgelock. Expanding wedgelocks can be employed to provide the force needed or desired in order to press the electronic chassis to the cold plate. Although the range of motion can be limited, in confined spaces the forces exerted can be extremely high.

Traditional wedgelocks have been used between electronic components arranged in series in order to press the chassis of the electronic component to the coldplate. The wedgelocks function by pressing against an adjacent surface, usually an adjacent electronic component or cold plate. Two configurations are typically employed to implement traditional wedgelock devices. In one configuration, the traditional wedgelock can be spaced along the entire surface of the electronic component and chassis and expanded to provide a uniform pressing force. In a second configuration, the traditional wedgelock can be placed at an edge of the electronic chassis and expanded to press the electronic chassis to the cold plate. Some problems arise in both of these configurations. For example, when evenly spaced across the entire surface of the electronic component and chassis traditional wedgelocks may occupy large amounts of surface area that could otherwise be utilized (e.g., for wiring or other purposes). If placed at an edge, as discussed above, to free up the area on the electronic component extremely high forces may be needed to maintain a direct contact or thermal interface about the center, which may be insufficient to ensure such contact, or which may cause bending of the cold plate or the chassis. As such, designers often struggle between reducing the accessible or usable space on the surface of the electronic component or the chassis, or the possibility of inadequate or non-uniform application of forces which may cause gaps and overheating or bending of the component.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention seek to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art by providing an internal pulling force that functions to draw two components together. More specifically, the present invention provides a reverse wedgelock device that, upon manipulation of a lead screw, functions to pull/draw together two opposing components associated with the reverse wedgelock. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the reverse wedgelock, for example, when used within an electronics assembly or system having one or more electronic components and one or more cold plates, can be configured to provide many advantages over prior wedgelocks. In one example, the reverse wedgelock can be configured to apply uniform forces between a cold plate and an electronic component or chassis in contact with one another, without damaging or taking up valuable space on the surface of the electronic component. In addition, the reverse wedgelock device can be configured so as to not exert reaction forces on main structural components, which may damage them.

With reference toFIGS. 1-5, shown is a reverse wedgelock device and its various components in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reverse wedgelock10can comprise a plurality of draw blocks, for example, end draw blocks100and500, intermediate draw blocks200and400, and an anchor or stationary draw block300, all arranged in series in a chain or block chain about a lead screw600. The lead screw600can be configured to pass through an opening formed in each of the draw blocks and the stationary draw block300(e.g., see opening160formed in draw block100, opening260formed in intermediate draw block200, and opening360formed in stationary draw block300). Although not shown, each of the remaining blocks in the reverse wedgelock10can comprise an opening into which the lead screw600may be inserted and through which the lead screw600may pass.

One or more draw blocks, such as intermediate draw blocks200and400, and stationary draw block300, can comprise an opening in the form of a slot that facilitates relative movement between the lead screw600and the draw block (e.g., see opening260of draw block200, and opening360of draw block300). Providing a slot type opening further functions to facilitate movement between adjacent draw blocks as the lead screw600is tightened to apply a compressive force to the draw block chain. Other draw blocks may be configured with openings that do not permit relative movement between the draw block and the lead screw (e.g., see opening160of end draw block100), except for sliding in a bi-directional manner as the lead screw is manipulated and the reverse wedgelock10caused to constrict. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis of the reverse wedgelock10can be coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the lead screw600, but this is not to be limiting in any way.

In one exemplary embodiment, the lead screw600can comprise a rod614having a first end616and a second distal end618. The second distal end can comprise a segment624configured to be inserted into the end draw block500. The lead screw600can further comprise a head portion622supported about the first end616of the rod614. The head portion622can comprise a larger cross-sectional geometry than the cross-sectional geometry of the rod (e.g., a larger diameter) to prevent the lead screw600from completely passing through the various draw blocks100,200,300,400and500. The lead screw600can further comprise a washer or other similar device626operable with the head portion622and the rod614. The lead screw can be configured to be inserted into each of the draw blocks100,200,300,400and500within the draw block chain to form the assembled reverse wedgelock device10. The distal end618of the rod may be secured within the end draw block500, such as via an insert supported within the end draw block500, or corresponding threading disposed on the lead screw and within the end draw block500. At the opposite first end616, the head portion622can be configured to seat against the outer surface of the first end draw block100upon inserting the rod through the various blocks within the block chain. Once in place, the lead screw can be manipulated to cause the various blocks in the reverse wedgelock device10to displace and the reverse wedgelock device10to constrict as described in greater detail below. The head portion622may comprise a tool interface (e.g., a hex-type interface) configured to receive a tool to facilitate manipulation of the lead screw600. Other configurations of lead screws may be possible and are contemplated herein. As such, the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting in any way.

Generally speaking, tightening the lead screw600can function to apply a compressive force to compress or constrict the block chain and cause one or more of the draw blocks to slide relative to one or more adjacent draw blocks. Indeed, tightening the lead screw600can cause adjacent draw blocks to move radially outward in opposing directions of travel. Further, each draw block can comprise a leading side facing the direction of travel and an opposing trailing side facing in a direction away from the direction of travel.

This compression and radial translation can be achieved by configuring the draw blocks to comprise a wedge surface. A wedge surface can be considered a planar surface that is oriented on an incline relative to the leading side or the trailing side of the draw block, or relative to the longitudinal axis of the lead screw. A wedge surface of a draw block can be configured to abut an opposing wedge surface of an adjacent draw block. As situated, upon tightening the lead screw the draw blocks are then caused to compress and to translate along their respective wedge surfaces.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, end draw block100can be configured to comprise a wedge surface130B, which can be configured to abut wedge surface230A of draw block200when draw block100and draw block200are situated adjacent one another about the lead screw600. Draw block200can comprise an additional wedge surface230B that can be configured to abut wedge surface330A of stationary draw block300when draw block200and stationary draw block300are situated adjacent one another about the lead screw600. Anchor or stationary draw block300can comprise an additional wedge surface330B that can be configured to abut a wedge surface of draw block400when draw block300and draw block400are situated adjacent one another about lead screw600. Draw block400can comprise an additional wedge surface430B that can abut a wedge surface530A of end draw block500when draw block400and draw block500are situated adjacent one another about the lead screw600. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the reverse wedgelock device10can comprise any number of draw blocks, and those illustrated herein should not be considered to be limiting in any way. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the wedge surfaces of adjacent draw blocks can be formed on a similar incline or angle so as to provide a mating surface between the draw blocks that facilitates translation of the blocks relative to one another and the lead screw600.

The one or more draw blocks within the reverse wedgelock device10can further comprise a leading side and an opposing trailing side. In one exemplary embodiment, the leading side can be configured to comprise a greater length than the trailing side. Upon manipulation and constriction of the lead screw, the various draw blocks can be configured to move in a radial direction outward from the lead screw, and particularly a longitudinal axis of the lead screw. For example, in the embodiment shown, end block100can comprise a leading side110and an opposing trailing side120. Intermediate draw block200can comprise a leading side210and a trailing side220. Stationary draw block300can comprise a side310and an opposing side320, but these are not described as leading and trailing sides in this particular embodiment as the stationary draw block is not intended to move or float, although these surfaces do provide draw functionality and are intended to facilitate draw or relative movement with respect to adjacent blocks. Intermediate block400can comprise a leading side410and an opposing side420. End block500can comprise a leading side510and a trailing side520. As the lead screw600is constricted, one or more of the blocks100,200,300,400and500can be configured to move relative to their respective adjacent blocks in an outward direction away from the lead screw600. In this manner, the distance between the leading sides of the various blocks and the longitudinal axis of the lead screw will be increased, while on the other hand, the distance between the trailing sides of the various blocks and the longitudinal axis of the lead screw will be reduced, thus shortening the overall length of the reverse wedgelock device10. Stated another way, upon constriction of the lead screw, the distance between a trailing side of one block and an opposite facing trailing side of an adjacent block will be reduced, while the distance between opposing facing leading sides will be increased.

In order to facilitate the ability of the reverse wedgelock10to pull the object(s) coupled thereto together rather than to push them apart, one or more of the various blocks within the reverse wedgelock device10can further comprise an anchor configured to interface with the object(s), such as two opposing objects intended to be operably coupled to the reverse wedgelock device10. In the embodiment shown, end blocks100,500and intermediate blocks200,400can each comprise an anchor supported about and/or extending from their trailing sides, namely trailing sides,120,520and220,420, respectively. Indeed, as shown, end block100can comprise an anchor150extending from its trailing side120. Intermediate block200can comprise an anchor250extending from its trailing side220, which anchor250extends in a direction opposite from that of anchor150. Intermediate block400can comprise an anchor450extending from its trailing side420. And, end block500can comprise an anchor550extending from its trailing side520, which anchor550extends in a direction opposite from that of anchor450.

The anchors each can be designed and configured to be coupled or secured to or otherwise securely interface with opposing objects, whereupon tightening of the lead screw600and compression of the block chain causes one or more of the blocks to move relative to one another, and ultimately to draw inward the anchors. As the anchors are drawn inward, and as the opposing objects are each secured to the reverse wedgelock device, the opposing objects are caused to be drawn together, or at least caused to be subject to a load or force applied upon the opposing objects having a tendency to draw the objects together.

The actual configuration of the anchors will be discussed in more detail below. While the block chain may have any number of blocks, it is advantageous to have at least one draw block for drawing in a first direction and an additional draw block for drawing in a second opposing direction, therefore facilitating an opposing pulling or drawing force on opposing objects operable with the reverse wedgelock device.

FIG. 3illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary end draw block100. End draw block100comprises an anchor150secured to or otherwise extending from the trailing side120, which faces in a direction opposite that of the leading side110. The anchor can be configured as a T-shaped anchor with a flange section151and a web section152. The web section and the flange section can together form a T-shaped anchor, which can slidably interface with and couple or secure to a first object. The anchor150can further comprise a transition feature (e.g., chamfers) formed along the edges of the flange section151and the web section152. The end draw block100can further comprise a flat end surface130A, and a wedge surface130B, which, as discussed above, can be configured to abut against an opposing wedge surface of an adjacent block, which may be for example wedge surface230A of intermediate draw block200as depicted inFIGS. 1,1A,2and5, and discussed below.

A lead screw slot160can be formed through a central portion of the end draw block100. The lead screw slot160can be configured to extend through the end draw block100from the flat end surface130A to the wedge surface130B. The lead screw slot160can be configured to receive at least a portion of the lead screw (not shown, but seeFIGS. 1,1A and2) therein, and can function to allow the lead screw to pass through the end draw block100, thus partially forming the reverse wedgelock device10, as shown inFIGS. 1,1A and2. The lead screw slot160can comprise a cross-sectional geometry similar to that of the lead screw. In the embodiment shown, the lead screw slot160is shown as comprising a circular cross-sectional configuration, which provides a good mating interface between a similarly configured lead screw and the end draw block100. It should be appreciated that the lead screw slot160may comprise any number of cross-sectional geometries that facilitate displacement of the end draw block100with respect to the lead screw. Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, the lead screw slot160is configured with a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the lead screw to be inserted therein. In this case, movement of the end draw block100relative to the lead screw is limited to translational movement (i.e., sliding) along the lead screw. In other words, the lead screw slot160can be configured so as to constrain movement of the end draw block100in a radial direction relative to the lead screw (as viewed from an end of the lead screw). As so configured, the end draw block100functions to drive an adjacent intermediate block (e.g., block200ofFIGS. 1,1A, and2) along its wedge surface130B.

End draw block100can further comprise a surface (e.g., see surface130A) configured to interface with a portion of the lead screw, or with one of its component parts, in order to provide a surface upon which the lead screw can apply a force that facilitates its constriction. With at least a portion of the lead screw extending through the lead screw slot160, an additional portion may be caused to engage the surface130A of the end draw block100in order to prevent the lead screw from releasing from the end draw block100during tightening of the lead screw and compression of the reverse wedgelock block chain.

The T-shaped anchor150can be configured to fit within a corresponding T-shaped channel formed within an anchoring surface of an object intended to be operable with the reverse wedgelock device. These surfaces and channels will be discussed in greater detail below in relation toFIG. 7. However, T-shaped anchor150can further function to provide the anchor150, and therefore the end draw block100, with the ability to slide within the corresponding T-shaped channel of the object as the reverse wedgelock device is constricted. Stated differently, one or more of the draw blocks can be configured to slidably engage an object, such as an electronic chassis or cold plate of an electronics system.

As can be seen, and as will be discussed below, each of the anchors present within the reverse wedgelock device can be configured to facilitate sliding of their respective blocks within corresponding channels of an object, similar to the end draw block100discussed above. This ability of one or more of the blocks of the reverse wedgelock device to slide relative to the object to which they are coupled facilitates compressing (i.e., shortening in length) of the reverse wedgelock device upon tightening of the lead screw. This feature further functions to facilitate the displacement of adjacent draw blocks within the block chain of the reverse wedgelock device relative to one another (i.e., sliding of adjacent blocks relative to one another along their abutting wedge surfaces) to facilitate or cause the drawing functionality intended to be provided by the reverse wedgelock device.

It is noted herein, that end draw block500may be similarly configured to end draw block100and any discussion regarding features and configurations of end draw block100may be similarly applied, in any combination, to end draw block500.

FIG. 4illustrates an isometric view of the exemplary stationary draw block300. Stationary draw block300is shown as comprising a side310, a side320, as well as wedge surfaces330A and330B. Similar to end draw block100, as discussed in relation toFIG. 3, the wedge surfaces330A and330B of stationary draw block300are configured to engage and abut the wedge surfaces of an adjacent draw block, wherein the stationary draw block300and the adjacent block(s) may slide about the wedge surfaces relative to one another upon constriction of the lead screw (not shown). Stationary draw block300may further comprise an anchor350affixed to or otherwise supported about and extending from the side320. The anchor350of draw block300can differ from the T-Shaped anchor as discussed above with relation to end draw block100in that the anchor350can be permanently affixed to an object (e.g., chassis or cold plate of an electronic system) operable with the reverse wedgelock device, thus fixing the stationary draw block300in place relative to the object. The anchor350can function to prevent axial float of the stationary draw block300. The anchor350can be secured to the object using any known means, such as via fasteners operable with one or more features formed within the anchor350(e.g., holes or apertures).

The term “float” or “axial float” can used to describe movement of one or more draw blocks along the lead screw in an axial direction (i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lead screw) and relative to an object (e.g., cold plate or chassis of an electronic component) to which the reverse wedgelock device is secured.

This prevention of axial float of the stationary draw block300prevents creeping of the reverse wedgelock device upon constriction or tightening of the lead screw. For example, in the event one of the floating draw blocks within the reverse wedgelock device were to bind against the object with which it is engaged, upon further tightening of the lead screw and compression of the draw block chain the entire reverse wedgelock device could have a tendency to creep (i.e., the other floating draw blocks would have a tendency to slide or shift in a direction towards the binding point). Creeping of the entire reverse wedgelock may result in a gap in contact between the opposing objects (e.g., the cold plate and electronic chassis), such as at an edge location, as the reverse wedgelock is out of position and therefore ineffective to pull them together sufficiently to maintain complete contact. By anchoring or fixing at least one of the blocks within the block chain, such as the stationary draw block300, creeping of the reverse wedgelock device is prevented, even as all of the other draw blocks within the block chain are permitted to move or float relative to the object(s) to which the reverse wedgelock device is secured. Indeed, any draw blocks not fixed to the object(s) can be configured to float. In the event at least one block is fixed to the object, floating of the remaining, unfixed blocks will be toward the fixed block. For example, with reference to the reverse wedgelock device10ofFIGS. 1,1A and2, stationary draw block300may be fixed to an object (e.g., chassis or cold plate of an electronic device), with draw blocks100,200,400and500being unfixed and configured to move and float (although they can be slidably engaged with an object via the anchors as discussed herein). Upon tightening the lead screw600, each of these blocks will have a tendency to move and float towards the fixed stationary draw block300. As such, it can be said that the floating of the blocks within the reverse wedgelock can be controlled to ensure proper application of forces along the entire contact area between opposing objects (e.g., the cold plate and the electronic chassis).

However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other exemplary embodiments, where creep may not be a factor, or perhaps less of a factor, the reverse wedgelock device may comprise draw blocks that are all configured to float, or in other words, the reverse wedgelock device may not comprise any blocks that are intended to be fixed to an object. For example, a reverse wedgelock device formed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment intended for a particular application and/or implementation may not warrant the need for a stationary draw block. In such a case, a draw block configured to float may be utilized rather than a stationary block, with the floating draw block comprising an anchor similar to the anchors discussed herein.

The stationary draw block300may further comprise a lead screw slot360configured to receive the lead screw (not shown), and through which the lead screw may pass. Lead screw slot360can be configured to extend from wedge surface330A to wedge surface330B of the stationary draw block300, thus passing through the stationary draw block300. In this particular embodiment, lead screw slot360is configured differently from the lead screw slot160of the end block100ofFIG. 3in that the lead screw slot360is configured as a slot having a rectangular cross-sectional geometry that facilitates movement or displacement of the lead screw within the slot along different axes. For example, the lead screw can displace along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lead screw in a sliding manner relative to the stationary draw block300. Likewise, due to the rectangular cross-sectional configuration of the lead screw slot360, the lead screw can move in a direction along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the lead screw (i.e., the stationary draw block can shift within the lead screw slot toward or away from the top or bottom of the lead screw slot360). As the lead screw is tightened, and as the draw blocks displace relative to one another along the wedge surfaces effectively shortening the reverse wedgelock device, the lead screw and the draw blocks can be permitted to move relative to one another to prevent binding within the reverse wedgelock device.

The lead screw slot360can further comprise one or more extension portions that extend towards one another from opposing sides of the lead screw slot360, or a closed bottom, to prevent the lead screw from coming out of the lead screw slot360, or rather to retain the stationary draw block300on the lead screw. The rectangular cross-sectional geometry of the lead screw slot360is not intended to be limiting in any way as those skilled in the art will recognize other configurations are possible to achieve similar functionality. but may be any shape configured so as to allow radial translation of stationary draw block300with respect to the lead screw (not shown).

With reference toFIG. 5, shown is an isometric view of an intermediate draw block200. Intermediate draw block200may comprise opposing wedge surfaces230A and230B, as well as a leading side210and a trailing side220. Draw block200may also comprise an anchor250extending from the trailing side220, which anchor250is configured and functions similar to the various other anchors described herein, and shown in the drawings. The anchor250may comprise a flange section251and web section252affixed to or otherwise supported about the trailing side220. Similar to the various other anchors discussed herein and shown in the drawings, anchor250is designed and configured to slidably engage and interface with an object. For example, the anchor250may be inserted into a corresponding channel (not shown) formed in the object to which the reverse wedgelock device is intended to be operable with, which corresponding channel will be discussed below in relation toFIG. 7.

Intermediate block200may further comprise a lead screw slot260formed therein, and that functions similar to the lead screw slot360of the stationary draw block300ofFIG. 4.

Any and all configurations and features discussed in relation to intermediate draw block200may be similarly applied in any combination to intermediate draw block400.

With reference toFIGS. 6 and 7, shown is an end view of the reverse wedgelock device10ofFIGS. 1,1A and2. As shown, the T-shaped anchor150, with its flange portion151and web portion152, extends from the trailing side120of the draw block100. Likewise, T-shaped anchor250, with its flange portion251and web portion252, extends from the trailing side220of intermediate draw block200, but in an opposing radial direction from the anchor150, and as measured from the centerline of the lead screw600. Although not shown, it is to be understood that the additional anchors of the additional blocks within the block chain of the reverse wedgelock device10ofFIGS. 1,1A and2are similarly configured to extend in opposing directions. With adjacent draw blocks configured to abut one another along opposing wedge surfaces, and with adjacent draw blocks comprising anchors extending radially outward from the lead screw60in opposing directions, the reverse wedgelock device10is configured to engage and interface with two opposing objects.

FIG. 7shows the reverse wedgelock device10ofFIG. 1as engaged with and interfacing with a first object in the form of an electronic chassis30having a channel760formed into an anchoring surface750thereof, and a second object in the form of a cold plate40having a channel710formed into an anchoring surface700thereof. Channel760comprises a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the anchor250of the intermediate draw block200, such that the anchor250can be received within the channel760to interface with and engage the electronic chassis30. Likewise, channel710comprises a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the anchors150of the end block100, such that the anchor150can be received within the channel710to interface with and engage the cold plate40. As the lead screw600is tightened, the draw blocks150and250(as well as other draw blocks within the block chain that are not specifically shown here, but that are shown inFIGS. 1,1A and2) are caused to move in a direction to draw the anchors150and250inward, which effectively functions to apply an increased tensioning force on the chassis and the cold plate, and which effectively functions to draw the chassis and the cold plate together.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that even though a T-shaped anchor (and corresponding channel in the object) is shown in the drawings and discussed herein, this is not intended to be limiting in any way. Indeed, it is contemplated that other anchor configurations are available that are capable of providing the intended functionality of the anchor as discussed herein. More specifically, any anchor configuration (and corresponding channel configuration within the object) that facilitates a slideable interface and engagement with an object, and that provides an anchoring function as intended herein is contemplated and is to be considered within the bounds of the present invention. For example rather than a T-shaped flange, a bulbous, cylindrical, or any other configuration or shape could be used.

With reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, shown is an exemplary application in which a plurality of exemplary reverse wedgelock devices formed in accordance with the discussion herein may be employed. Specifically,FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate an electronic assembly having a plurality of electronic components (e.g., see electronic components20A,20B and20C) operable with a plurality of electronic chasses (e.g., see electronic chasses30A,30B and30C). The electronic assembly further comprises a plurality of cold plates (e.g., see cold plates40A,40B and40C) operable to provide a base cooling solution to the plurality of electronic components20. The plurality of electronic components, chasses and cold plates are situated between frame units50A and50B. Furthermore, situated between the several rows of chasses and cold plates are a plurality of reverse wedgelock devices (e.g., see reverse wedgelock devices10A,10B and10C). Although illustrated inFIG. 9,FIG. 8shows the electronic assembly lacking the electronic chassis30and electronic components20so as to give a better understanding of the placement and arrangement of the plurality of reverse wedgelock devices10. As shown, the plurality of reverse wedgelock devices10may be located serially across the surface of the cold plates40.

The electronic chasses30A-C can be situated within the electronic assembly so as to be opposite the serial arrangement of cold plates40A-C, wherein these can further be situated so as to be in contact or thermally interface with one another along various areas of contact, and wherein these can be supported between frame units50A and50B. The plurality of reverse wedgelock devices10A-C can be arranged in series between the cold plates40A-C and the electronic chasses30A-C, wherein these can be operated to provide a significant drawing force about the cold plates40A-C and the chasses30A-C at multiple points along the contact area. This ability to arrange the reverse wedgelocks serially between the cold plates40A-C and the electronic chassis30A-C ensures that the drawing forces can be locally applied to counteract any warping forces, or other forces as described above, which may tend to create a gap between opposing surfaces of the cold plates and the chasses, which can result in a reduction in heat transfer efficiency between them. As can be seen, with the reverse wedgelock devices10engaged within the channels formed within the cold plates and the chasses, no space on the surface of the electronic component is utilized to apply the drawing forces, as discussed above. Stated differently, by employing the plurality of reverse wedgelock devices as intended, the entire surface of the electronic component is available to be fully utilized as needed or desired.

The reverse wedgelock devices10A-C, as shown, can be spaced apart any given distance so as to allow application of needed or desired forces at localized points along the areas of contact between the cold plates and the chasses. Spacing of the reverse wedgelock devices can be even or arbitrary. It is generally noted that the distribution of a plurality of reverse wedgelock devices across the span of a thermally interfaced cold plate and an electronic chassis helps to ensure adequate cooling at any point along the surface of the electronic component. Moreover, it is entirely possible for different reverse wedgelock devices to be caused to apply different amounts of force across a span of a thermally interfaced cold plate and chassis.

As discussed above, prior wedgelocks that expand when torqued would have previously occupied the space above each electronic component, or in order to maximize this space, prior expanding wedgelocks would have been provided only at the edges where high forces are needed to provide sufficient pressure about central regions of the chassis to avoid gaps. Both cases cause significant drawbacks as there is either reduced access to the electronic component, or high bending forces close to the frame edges are required, which could damage the frame or the associate cold plates. As will be appreciated, these drawbacks are avoided with use of the reverse wedgelock devices discussed herein. Specifically, employing one or more reverse wedgelock devices means no potentially damaging forces are required at the edges to provide localized forces at the center of the chassis. Furthermore, no surface area is occupied on the surface of the electronic component. Instead, localized contact forces between each electronic chassis and its respective cooling plate can be provided along the span of the interface between the chasses and the cold plates, which can be achieved by selectively tightening and/or adjusting any one or more of the reverse wedgelock devices interspersed throughout and located between the chasses and the cold plates. As such, different localized areas of contact can comprise different amounts of applied forces.

In addition, while the reverse wedgelock may be formed of any material capable of exerting the required forces, it should also be appreciated that forming the reverse wedgelock of a material having a high thermal conductivity may be beneficial in increasing the thermal efficiency of the electronic assembly as heat may also be caused to be dissipated through the reverse wedgelock device, therefore improving the overall thermal efficiency and performance of the assembly.

FIG. 10illustrates a draw block200as part of the reverse wedgelock device10ofFIG. 1, wherein the draw block200(and the corresponding reverse wedgelock) can further comprise a biasing member, such as a spring700, extending from a leading side210of the draw block200. As discussed above, depending upon the amount of forces exerted to draw two opposing objects together, there is a possibility of some binding to occur between the channels and the anchors of the draw blocks. Provision of a biasing member700on the leading side210can provide a force that counteracts the draw force, and that helps facilitate release of the anchor from the channel upon loosening of the lead screw. This can be particularly useful when attempting to separate the two opposing objects and disassemble the electronic assembly. It will be appreciated that the biasing member700may be provided on any one of the draw blocks100,200,300,400and500. The spring700can be sized to fit within the formed channel of the object opposite the one in which the anchor is caused to engage and interface with.

FIG. 11shows a reverse wedgelock10A in accordance with an exemplary alternative embodiment of the present invention. The reverse wedgelock device10A is configured similarly to the reverse wedgelock device10ofFIG. 1as it comprises a plurality of draw blocks100A-D having corresponding anchors150A-D, respectively, configured to fit within corresponding channels (not shown) formed into opposing objects (not shown, but similar to the channels shown and discussed inFIG. 7). However, the reverse wedgelock device10A ofFIG. 11may further comprise one or more spacer blocks102situated between draw blocks, which facilitates in the adjustment of the length of the reverse wedgelock device. Spacer blocks can be removably supported about the lead screw600A to adjust the overall length of the reverse wedgelock device10A. Reverse wedgelock device10A functions similar to the reverse wedgelock ofFIG. 1, in that tightening of the lead screw600A causes one or more draw blocks to slide against an adjacent block, to cause the associated anchors to pull together as discussed herein.

As will be appreciated, many different combinations of draw blocks, end blocks, and spacer blocks can be employed to provide many different reverse wedgelock device configurations.