Front-Accessible Power Supply Module for ATCA Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ATCA card chassis, the power supply connection and filtering devices are typically located at the bottom backplane and are not easily accessible from the front panel, requiring pre-wiring and complicating maintenance, while also potentially hindering ventilation and thermal performance.
Innovation Solution
A power supply module with a power supply circuit board positioned near the side walls of the chassis, protruding from the front face and connected via a device on the front panel, allowing for accessible power supply connection without increasing chassis dimensions or reducing ventilation airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power supply connection and filtering devices are located at the bottom backplane, then chassis structure is simplified, but accessibility for maintenance and installation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply module is repositioned from the traditional horizontal backplane location to a vertical arrangement along the side wall of the chassis. This dimensional change allows the power supply connection to be accessible from the front panel while maintaining structural integration, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If power supply module is added to front panel, then accessibility is improved, but chassis dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the chassis horizontally to accommodate power supply components on the front panel, the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the power supply module along the side wall. This allows front accessibility without increasing the chassis width or height, maintaining compact dimensions while improving accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If power supply circuit board is positioned near side walls, then accessibility and ventilation are improved, but available space for electronic cards is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis interior space is segmented into distinct functional zones: the power supply module occupies the vertical space along the side wall, while the central area remains dedicated to electronic card insertion and ventilation channels. This segmentation allows the power supply to be accessible without encroaching on the card installation area, maintaining adequate space for electronic components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The module has a power circuit card (2') placed parallel to an electronic circuit card and close to a lateral wall (74) of an electronic card holder. An end of the power circuit card projects from a front face (71) of the card holder. The end includes an electrical connection device (20') fixed on a post (8') of the front face of the card holder and connected to a supply cable (28). The power circuit card is placed in a lower part of the card holder.