Adjustable Plate Module for Multi-Height Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server systems face challenges in aligning mating portions of connectors with different heights, which complicates the connection and securing of power supply units to printed circuit boards or other panels.
Innovation Solution
A power supply assembly with an adjustable plate module that includes a plate with planar surfaces at different heights, a shaft, a stopper panel, and a compressible device, allowing for the alignment and secure connection of connectors by transitioning between positions and accommodating varying heights through a mechanical spring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connectors of different heights are used to support various power supply specifications, then adaptability is improved, but alignment difficulty and connection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plate module is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between different positions to accommodate connectors of varying heights. The plate can move between a first position for aligning with a first planar surface and a second position for aligning with a second planar surface at a different height, enabling dynamic adaptation to different power supply specifications while maintaining proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the plate module to adapt to different connector heights. By transitioning the plate between different positions (first position and second position), the alignment height parameter is adjusted to match different connector specifications, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and alignment ease.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed plate is used for connector alignment, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different connector heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating multiple fixed plates for different heights, the invention uses a single movable plate that can transition between positions. This dynamic approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability, as one plate structure serves multiple height requirements through positional changes rather than requiring multiple specialized plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate module serves multiple functions by being able to align with different planar surfaces at different heights. A single plate structure performs the alignment function for various connector heights, eliminating the need for multiple specialized plates and simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed plates at different heights are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reduces device complexity by using a single movable plate module instead of multiple fixed plates. The plate's ability to move between positions provides the adaptability that would otherwise require multiple separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the capability to support different connector heights.
Solution Approach 2:
One movable plate module performs the function of multiple fixed plates by transitioning between different positions. This universal plate structure aligns with different planar surfaces to accommodate various connector heights, reducing the total number of components needed and simplifying the device architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If connectors at different heights are connected, then power supply unit versatility is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plate module dynamically adjusts its position to ensure proper alignment between mating portions of connectors regardless of their height differences. By transitioning to the appropriate position (first or second position), the plate maintains reliable electrical and mechanical connections while supporting various power supply unit specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate module acts as an intermediary between connectors at different heights, facilitating proper alignment and connection. The shaft coupled to the plate serves as a mechanical mediator that transitions between positions to bridge the height gap, ensuring reliable mating between connectors while enabling versatility in power supply unit specifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy and secure alignment and connection of power supply units with connectors of different heights, supporting various power supply units and ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible device is a mechanical spring. A displacement of the plate causes the compressible device to compress against the stopper panel and facilitate movement of the shaft from the first position to the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply assembly includes a power supply unit disposed within a housing and an adjustable plate module movably disposed on a floor thereof. The adjustable plate module includes a plate, a shaft, a stopper panel, and a compressible device. The plate has two planar surfaces positioned at different heights with respect to the floor. The shaft is fixedly coupled to and extends outwardly from the plate. The shaft is configured to move between a first position and a second position to transition a connector between the planar surfaces. The stopper panel is disposed adjacent to a distal end of the shaft and has an opening therein for accommodating the shaft. The compressible device is disposed around the shaft such that a displacement of the plate causes the compressible device to compress against the stopper panel and facilitate movement of the shaft from the first position to the second position.