Adaptive Chassis Slot Design for Multi-Form-Factor PSUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chassis designs for network equipment are inflexible and require redesign when accommodating different PSU sizes or power levels, leading to increased time, cost, and compliance risks.
Innovation Solution
A chassis design with a scissor mechanism and variable mounting holes that allows for adjustable width and depth of module slots to accommodate multiple PSU form factors without redesign, using a scissor mechanism for lateral translation of side walls and movable backplane PCBA for depth adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed PSU size is predetermined by estimating approximate power budget, then chassis design is simplified, but chassis redesign is required when different PSUs are to be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism with scissor links that enable the side walls to move laterally, transforming the fixed chassis structure into an adaptable one that can accommodate different PSU widths without requiring redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis is divided into adjustable segments with movable side walls connected by scissor links, allowing independent adjustment of the module slot width to fit different PSU form factors while maintaining overall structural integrity
2Power
If chassis redesign is performed to accommodate larger higher power PSU, then power capacity is increased, but time, cost, and compliance risks significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable side wall mechanism allows the chassis to dynamically adapt to different PSU sizes and power capacities without requiring a complete redesign process, enabling power upgrades while avoiding time losses associated with redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis is designed with universal accommodation capability through the scissor link mechanism, allowing a single chassis design to support multiple PSU form factors and power levels, eliminating the need for multiple chassis variants
3Ease of manufacture
If power budget is overestimated and smaller lower power PSU is used, then cost is saved and thermals are improved, but chassis redesign would be required without the adjustment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The movable side wall mechanism with scissor links provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the chassis to accommodate smaller lower power PSUs while maintaining compatibility with larger units, enabling cost optimization without sacrificing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis allows change in the physical parameters of the module slot (width, depth) through the adjustment mechanism, enabling accommodation of PSUs with different power ratings and form factors to optimize cost and thermal performance
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis design and methodology providing for the use of multiple power supply unit and other module form factors without chassis redesign. This increases usable life and future upgradability (in terms of power, for example) for network platforms. The chassis design utilizes a power supply unit or other module slot that includes a width adjustment mechanism, such as a scissor mechanism. The chassis design utilizes variable mounting holes and a movable backplane printed circuit board assembly and edge connector for accommodating various power supply unit or other module lengths. Thus, an adaptive chassis design accommodating multi form factor pluggable modules in network applications, such as multi form factor pluggable power supply units in high power network applications, is provided.