Inline Terminal Block Assembly for Reducing Power Supply Chassis Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunications systems' power supply units are large in size, posing spatial challenges and increasing the depth requirements of datacenters, which are costly and space-constrained.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an apparatus and method that includes a terminal connector electrically coupled to a computing device's power interface, an independent inline terminal block assembly, and power cables to separate the terminal connector and inline terminal block from each other, allowing the inline terminal block to be mounted on the side of the device's housing, reducing the overall depth requirement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply units are integrated into the back of telecommunications chassis, then power distribution is achieved, but chassis depth increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into separate functional modules: terminal connectors remain on the chassis back panel while terminal blocks are mounted externally on the sides or front of the chassis. This segmentation allows power distribution functionality to be maintained while eliminating the need for deep integrated power supply units, thereby reducing overall chassis depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal blocks are relocated from the traditional rear-plane integration (2D layout) to external side or front mounting positions (3D spatial distribution). This dimensional change allows cables to route externally along the chassis sides, freeing up rear panel space and reducing the depth required for power supply integration while maintaining complete power distribution functionality.
2Reliability
If terminal blocks are integrated into the chassis back panel, then electrical connection is achieved, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into terminal connectors (mounted on chassis back panel) and terminal blocks (mounted externally). This separation allows the terminal blocks to be positioned in external mounting locations, reducing the area occupied on the chassis back panel while maintaining complete electrical connection functionality through external cable routing.
Solution Approach 2:
External mounting of terminal blocks acts as an intermediary solution, allowing electrical connections to be established outside the constrained chassis back panel area. This intermediary approach maintains electrical connectivity while freeing up valuable chassis space for other components or reducing overall chassis footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include (1) a terminal connector configured to be electrically coupled to a power interface of a computing device, (2) an inline terminal block assembly that is independent of the terminal connector, (3) at least one terminal-side power cable configured to be electrically coupled between the terminal connector and the inline terminal block assembly, and (4) at least one distribution-side power cable configured to be electrically coupled between the inline terminal block assembly and a power distribution system.