Extended Chassis Panel Layout for DCI Front Space Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional chassis equipment in data center interconnection applications face limitations in space utilization, with reduced space for expander connections and display screens, cumbersome installation, and restricted flexibility and expandability due to the placement of wire management devices.

Innovation Solution

An extended function module is integrated with the chassis, featuring a micro-processor, storage unit, display screen, and I/O expander, connected via a management bracket and cable, allowing for flexible feature expansion and data transmission without occupying front panel space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If wire management devices are installed in the earring area of the chassis, then spatial efficiency is improved, but installation time increases and feature flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The extended management bracket is pre-integrated with the chassis during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-assembly installation. This preliminary integration allows the wire management functionality to be ready for use immediately when the chassis is deployed, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining efficient space utilization in the earring area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If front panel space is reserved for service line cards and panel modules, then line card capacity is improved, but space for expander connections and display screens is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline card capacityVSAvoidexpander connection space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The extended management bracket extends the wire management functionality to the earring area, which is a different spatial dimension from the front panel. This dimensional relocation allows the front panel to be fully dedicated to line cards and panel modules while the bracket provides the necessary wire management and expander connection space in the lateral earring region, effectively resolving the space conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If maximum chassis space is reserved for line cards, then overall performance is improved, but display screen size and function are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall performanceVSAvoiddisplay screen area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By relocating wire management and display functions to the extended management bracket in the earring area, the front panel space is maximized for high-performance line cards. The display screen and other expander connections are positioned in the extended bracket region, allowing full front panel utilization while maintaining necessary display and I/O capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional chassis layout is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but feature flexibility and future expandability are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfeature flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis system is segmented into two functional zones: the main chassis body for core computing and line card functions, and the extended management bracket for wire management, display, and expander connections. This segmentation allows the core chassis to remain simple for manufacturing while the extended bracket provides flexible, configurable features that can be adapted to different application requirements without complicating the main chassis manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12507368B2Floating extended panel solution for DCI chassis
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 FUZHOU PHOTOP OPTICS CO LTD
  • US12507368B2 patent drawing
  • US12507368B2 patent drawing
  • US12507368B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Optical communication equipment used in data center interconnection (DCI) applications includes a chassis, having one or more panel modules or line cards and an earring bracket for securing the chassis. Also included is an extended management bracket, extending from the chassis, and an extended function module extending from the extended management bracket, located in an area in front of the chassis. A cable can be provided between the chassis and the extended function module, supporting data transmission therebetween. Alternatively, or in addition, a printed circuit board assembly can be mounted within the chassis, extending outside the chassis, along or within the extended management bracket, from a proximal end to a distal end of the extended management bracket, configured for connection to components of the extended function module, where the printed circuit board assembly supports data transmission and/or power supply between the chassis and components of the extended function module.