Communication Apparatus Side Cable Routing for NEBS Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication apparatuses face challenges in establishing a non-blocking connection between multiple devices due to space constraints, as network interfaces are mounted on the front surface and cooling components on the rear, violating the Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) standards and interfering with airflow, which affects cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a redundant configuration that includes a first circuit board unit with network ports on the front surface, a second circuit board unit with connectors on the rear for connecting to a standby system, and a ventilation control unit to manage airflow, allowing cables to be arranged vertically without obstructing ventilation, thus enabling non-blocking connections while maintaining effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cables are arranged on the backplane rear surface to establish non-blocking connection, then connection bandwidth is improved, but ventilation opening is blocked and cooling air passage is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the cable arrangement from the horizontal plane (backplane rear surface) to the vertical dimension (side surface of the housing). This dimensional change allows cables to be routed along the side surface without blocking the rear ventilation opening, thus maintaining both high connection bandwidth and effective cooling air passage.
2Area of stationary object
If network interfaces are mounted on the front surface and cooling components on the rear, then space utilization is improved, but the area for non-blocking connection cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection functionality from the front/rear surface arrangement by providing dedicated connection ports on the side surface. This segmentation allows the front surface to be dedicated to network interfaces, the rear to cooling components, and the side surface to connection ports, enabling non-blocking connection capability without compromising space utilization on the main surfaces.
3Reliability
If cables are arranged vertically to enable non-blocking connection, then connection reliability is improved, but airflow passage may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically designing the side surface as a dedicated cable routing area with distinct airflow channels. The vertical cable arrangement is localized to specific regions on the side surface that do not interfere with the main cooling airflow passages, thus maintaining both connection reliability and unobstructed airflow.
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
This configuration ensures a redundant communication system with unimpeded airflow and cooling performance, allowing for high-bandwidth connections without obstructing the airflow, thus enhancing reliability and compliance with NEBS standards.
Implementation Method 1
a ventilation control unit for controlling a flow of air flowing between each of the first circuit board unit and the second circuit board unit, and outside of the communication apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The communication apparatus includes: a first circuit board unit including, on a front surface of the communication apparatus, a port for transmitting and receiving data to and from the network; a second circuit board unit including a plurality of first connectors connected to at least one of the first circuit board units, a second connector being capable of accommodating at least a bandwidth accommodated by the plurality of first circuit board units, and being connected, via a cable, to the other communication apparatus of a standby system; and a cross bar switch for selectively outputting data to the first connectors or the second connector as a data output destination, and a ventilation control unit for controlling a flow of air flowing between each of the first circuit board unit and the second circuit board unit, and outside of the communication apparatus.