Backplane Connector Replacement in Network Chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network element systems lack the capability for in-field or in-service replacement of damaged backplane connectors, which are often rendered unusable due to wear, vibration, corrosion, and other factors, necessitating the replacement of entire chassis.

Innovation Solution

A method and toolkit for replacing backplane connectors in a network element chassis, involving physical access, powering down connectors, using specialized tools for removal and insertion, and employing a temporary fan unit for continuous cooling during the process, allowing for selective access and protection of the backplane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional factory-installed backplane connectors are used, then the system achieves initial reliability, but the connectors become damaged due to wear, vibration, and corrosion without being replaceable, necessitating entire chassis replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector reliabilityVSAvoidconnector replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane connector system is segmented into replaceable components. The connector can be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire backplane or chassis. This is achieved through specialized removal tools that can extract damaged connectors and insertion tools that can install new connectors in-service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service repair capabilities where field technicians can replace damaged connectors without requiring manufacturer intervention or complete chassis replacement. The in-service replacement capability allows operators to maintain connector reliability through self-performed repairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the entire chassis is replaced to fix damaged connectors, then connector reliability is restored, but the loss of time and increased cost occur due to complete system replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector reliabilityVSAvoiddowntime for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement process is designed to be performed in-service without requiring complete system shutdown. Power can be selectively applied to individual connector zones, allowing replacement operations to proceed while other parts of the system remain operational. This preliminary preparation of selective power control minimizes downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The damaged connector is extracted and removed from the system without removing the entire chassis or backplane. The specialized removal tool enables extraction of only the faulty connector component, allowing selective replacement that preserves the rest of the functional system and minimizes downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If backplane connectors are powered down for replacement, then safety during replacement is improved, but network operations are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during replacementVSAvoidnetwork operations continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Power control is applied locally to specific connector zones rather than shutting down the entire system. This allows selective powering down of only the connector being replaced while other connectors and system functions remain powered and operational, maintaining productivity during the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of completely shutting down power to the entire backplane, only partial power shutdown is applied to the specific connector region being serviced. This partial action provides sufficient safety for the replacement operation while preserving overall system operation and network productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Manufacturing precision

If specialized removal and insertion tools are used, then connector replacement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector replacement precisionVSAvoidtoolkit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Specialized intermediary tools are introduced as mediators between the operator and the connector replacement process. The removal tool and insertion tool serve as intermediaries that provide the necessary precision and control for safe connector replacement, managing the complexity through dedicated purpose-built devices rather than attempting complex multi-functional solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10070553B2Connector replacement methods in a network element chassis

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 CIENA CORP

AI summary

A connector replacement method in a network element chassis includes obtaining physical access to a backplane in the network element chassis, while the network element chassis is deployed; powering down backplane connectors for replacement while other backplane connectors remained powered; removing the powered down backplane connectors with a connector removal tool; inserting a new set of backplane connectors in place of the removed, powered down backplane connectors with a connector insertion tool; and powering up the new set of backplane connectors.