Flexible Backplane for Modular Protection Cabinet Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic enclosures face difficulties in reconfiguration and alignment due to fixed circuit boards and extensive wiring, making it cumbersome to add or switch filter modules and requiring significant rewiring.
Innovation Solution
A modular enclosure design with a flexible backplane and drawers that allow for interchangeable transient protection modules, featuring self-aligning connectors and a flexible harness to connect electronic devices, enabling easy reconfiguration and alignment without rewiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed circuit boards and discrete components are used in the enclosure, then structural stability is improved, but reconfiguration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into a rigid portion (for structural stability) and a flexible portion (for reconfiguration). This allows the board to maintain structural integrity while enabling easy repositioning and reconfiguration of electronic components through the flexible segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board transitions from a completely fixed structure to a dynamic structure with flexible portions that can be repositioned. This dynamic characteristic allows the board to adapt to different configuration requirements while maintaining stability when positioned.
2Reliability
If extensive wiring is used to connect discrete components, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wiring connections are merged into a single flexible circuit board trace system. This integration maintains reliable electrical connections while eliminating the complexity of individual wires, making maintenance and reconfiguration significantly easier.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wiring system (discrete wires and connectors) is replaced with a printed circuit board trace system. This substitution maintains electrical connection reliability while dramatically improving ease of maintenance by eliminating physical wire manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filter modules are added or switched in the enclosure, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit board is designed with universal connection points and standardized trace patterns that can accommodate different filter module types. This universality allows various functionalities to be implemented without increasing overall system complexity, as the same flexible board structure serves multiple configuration purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure having a rear base defining a cavity for holding one or more electronic devices. The enclosure includes a front cover coupled to the rear base and movable between an open position and a closed position. The enclosure includes a chassis mounted within the cavity of the rear base and a drawer chest having a multiple drawers within the cavity of the rear base. The drawer chest is connected to the chassis, and the multiple drawers are configured to receive the one or more electronic devices. The enclosure includes one or more connectors that are exposed outward and provide a connection to a host electronic device.