Communications Device Aperture for Flexible Power Supply Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communications devices, such as routers and switches, face challenges in accommodating various power supply units due to limited space on their front panels, as they require different voltage types and capacities based on installation sites and operational conditions, leading to a need for multiple plug-in apertures.
Innovation Solution
A communications device with a continuous internal volume that allows for the installation of multiple power supply units, including DC-DC, AC-DC, and AC-AC converters, which can be inserted through a single aperture, enabling flexible use of power supply units of varying sizes and types, including backup configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate plug-in apertures are provided for different power supply units, then the communications device can accommodate various power supply types, but the front panel surface area is increased and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal aperture design that can accommodate multiple types of power supply units (AC-DC converters, DC-DC converters, batteries) through a single opening. The aperture is dimensioned and configured to accept different power supply form factors, eliminating the need for separate dedicated apertures for each power supply type while maintaining full compatibility across all power supply variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate aperture functions into a single unified aperture structure. Instead of providing distinct openings for AC-DC converters, DC-DC converters, and batteries, the design combines these functions into one aperture that can accept any of these power supply types, thereby consolidating the front panel real estate and reducing the total surface area required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate plug-in apertures are provided for different power supply units, then various power supply configurations are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal aperture design reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized aperture structures. A single aperture design serves multiple power supply types, simplifying the mechanical structure, reducing the number of components, and lowering assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to support diverse power supply configurations.
3Area of stationary object
If a single aperture is used for all power supply units, then the front panel surface area is reduced, but the aperture must be larger to accommodate all unit sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the aperture sizing dilemma by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface optimization problem to a three-dimensional volume solution. The aperture is designed with sufficient internal volume and depth to accommodate larger power supply units, allowing the front panel surface area to be minimized while the aperture extends into the device interior to provide the necessary accommodation space for various power supply sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a communications device and power supply units detachably installable thereon. On an outer surface of the communications device there is an aperture arranged to enable the insertion of different power supply units in different sections of the volume inside the communications device. The volume is continuous so that instead of separate power supply units it is possible to insert, through the aperture, in the volume a physically larger power supply unit which, when installed in the volume, extends into more than one section of the volume. The communications device can be flexibly equipped e.g. with power supply units functioning as back-ups for each other, each taking up part of the volume, or with a single power supply unit, larger than the above-mentioned, taking up the volume. Therefore the volume inside the communications device can be utilized in connection with power supply units of various types.