Automatic Plug-Unplug Mechanism for Safe Electronic Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual maintenance and replacement operations of electronic devices in apparatuses are inefficient, error-prone, and costly, and pose safety hazards in environments like two-phase immersion cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
An automatic plug/unplug line mechanism with a base, actuating slider, guiding blocks, and swing arm that automatically connects and disconnects plugs to/from electronic devices, enabling quick and safe maintenance or replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual maintenance operations are performed, then labor flexibility is maintained, but operation efficiency is low and error rate is high
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance system performs plug/unplug operations automatically without human intervention. The robot executes pre-programmed sequences to disconnect plugs from electronic devices,实现 self-service maintenance that eliminates manual labor while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the robot and pre-programming the plug/unplug sequences before maintenance is needed. This allows the system to execute maintenance operations quickly and efficiently when required, improving overall productivity
2Productivity
If automated plug/unplug mechanism is implemented, then operation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated mechanism is divided into distinct functional modules: robot module for positioning, plug/unplug module for connection operations, and control module for coordination. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high-speed maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The robot and plug/unplug mechanism are designed as multi-functional units that can handle different electronic devices and plug types within the same system. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
3Reliability
If manual operations are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but labor costs are high and error rate is high
Solution Approach 1:
The control module receives feedback from sensors that monitor the robot's position and the plug/unplug status. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to ensure precise connection operations, significantly improving operation accuracy while maintaining controlled automation levels
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated robot-controlled plug/unplug mechanism. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining system simplicity through the use of straightforward mechanical movements guided by automated control
4Object-affected harmful factors
If automated maintenance is implemented, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Human operators are extracted from the maintenance process entirely, removing them from environments with safety hazards such as two-phase immersion cooling systems. The automated robot performs all plug/unplug operations, eliminating exposure to harmful factors while adding only moderate system complexity
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
Facilitates rapid and error-free maintenance or replacement of electronic devices, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by automating the plug/unplug process, especially in immersion cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic expansion module, located in the compression chamber, a bottom of the elastic expansion module abutting against the pushing portion
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic plug/unplug line mechanism includes a base, an actuating slider, a first and second guiding block, and a swing arm. The base has a compression chamber connected with an actuating guide groove and a straight groove. A secondary guide groove is adjacent to the straight groove. The actuating slider has an extension section above an actuating section, and has a pushing portion between the actuating section and the extension section. The first guiding block is connected to the extension section. The second guiding block is connected to the elastic expansion module and has a guidance portion located in the secondary guide groove. The swing arm has a first pivot portion between a second pivot portion and a line connecting portion. The first pivot portion is pivotally connected to the first guiding block. The second pivot portion is pivotally connected to the second guiding block.