System and method for managing connector positioning in data processing systems
Methods and systems for managing the operation of data processing systems are disclosed. A data processing system may include a computing device that may provide computer implemented services. To provide the computer implemented services, hardware components of the data processing system may need to operate in predetermined manners. To manage the operation of the hardware components, the data processing system may cool them when their temperatures fall outside of thermal operating ranges. To facilitate cooling, fans generate flows of gasses. A fan carrier assembly may be used to automatically align plugs of fans with power receptacles during insertions of the plugs into the receptacles.
1. A data processing system that provides computer implemented services, the data processing system comprising:
a payload comprising hardware components that provides the computer implemented services;
a fan to cool the payload while the hardware components are providing the computer implemented services; and
a fan carrier assembly adapted to position a plug through which the fan obtains power to operate, the fan carrier assembly comprising:
a connector housing adapted to reposition the plug between a first position and a second position with respect to a body of the fan, the connector housing being rotatably connected to the fan via the fan carrier assembly.
2. The data processing system of claim 1 , wherein connector housing comprises:
a slot; and
a locating feature directly attached to a surface of the plug and that extends outward from the surface of the plug, wherein the locating feature is positioned in the slot.
3. The data processing system of claim 2 , wherein the slot restricts motion of the plug to a path between the first position and the second position.
4. The data processing system of claim 3 , wherein the slot and the locating feature facilitate free translation of the plug along the path.
5. The data processing system of claim 4 , wherein the locating feature comprises a pin positioned in the slot, and the pin comprises an interface portion that extends out of the slot.
6. The data processing system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a driver feature adapted to align the plug with a receptacle from which the power is available.
7. The data processing system of claim 6 , wherein the driver feature aligns the plug with the receptacle during an approach of the fan carrier toward a fan location in which the receptacle is positioned.
8. The data processing system of claim 7 , wherein the fan location defines an area in which the fan is positioned.
9. The data processing system of claim 7 , wherein the locating feature comprises:
an alignment feature comprising a surface that:
is skewed with respect to a direction the approach of the fan carrier; and
makes an interference with the interface portion during the approach, the interference applying a force to the plug via the interface portion.
10. The data processing system of claim 9 , wherein the force translates the plug to the first position or the second position during the approach to align the plug with the receptacle.
11. The data processing system of claim 10 , wherein completion of the approach connects the plug with the receptacle while aligned.
12. The data processing system of claim 11 , wherein the connector housing defines a bottom surface that is opposite of the receptacle during the approach.
13. The data processing system of claim 1 , wherein the connector housing further comprises:
a return mechanism adapted to return the plug to the first position or the second position while the force is not applied to the plug.
14. An enclosure for a data processing system, comprising:
a payload area adapted to house a payload of hardware components for providing computer implemented services;
a fan to cool the payload while the hardware components are providing the computer implemented services; and
a fan carrier assembly adapted to position a plug through which the fan obtains power to operate, the fan carrier assembly comprising:
a connector housing adapted to reposition the plug between a first position and a second position with respect to a body of the fan, the connector housing being rotatably connected to the fan via the fan carrier assembly.
15. The enclosure of claim 14 , wherein connector housing comprises:
a slot; and
a locating feature coupled to the plug, wherein the locating feature is positioned in the slot.
16. The enclosure of claim 15 , wherein the slot restricts motion of the plug to a path between the first position and the second position.
17. The enclosure of claim 16 , wherein the slot and the locating feature facilitate free translation of the plug along the path.
18. The enclosure of claim 17 , wherein the locating feature comprises a pin positioned in the slot, and the pin comprises an interface portion that extends out of the slot.
19. The enclosure of claim 18 , further comprising:
a driver feature adapted to align the plug with a receptacle from which the power is available.
20. The data processing system of claim 1 , wherein the fan carrier assembly further comprises:
a fan carrier body that is attached to and holds the fan within the fan carrier assembly, the connector housing is rotatably connected to the fan via the fan carrier assembly through a rotatable joint that connects the connectable housing to the fan carrier body.