Integrated Power Supply Handle and AC Input for Back Panel Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems face space constraints on the back panel due to separate components for power supply handles and AC inputs, which can limit the installation of cooling fans, reducing the overall cooling capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An integrated power supply handle and AC input design where the handle and power cord combine to form a single component, allowing the AC input wires to pass through the handle and provide additional space on the back panel for both fans, ensuring adequate cooling by eliminating the need for separate components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate components for handle and AC input are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but area of stationary object deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidarea of back panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the handle and AC input connector into a single integrated component. The AC input connector is positioned within the handle structure, allowing both functions (handling and power input) to be fulfilled by one component rather than two separate components, thereby reducing the total area occupied on the back panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If separate components for handle and AC input are used, then device complexity is reduced, but area of stationary object deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidarea of back panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle and AC input connector are merged into a single integrated component. The connector is housed within the handle structure, with wire routing channels integrated into the handle body. This merging reduces the number of separate components on the back panel while the modular integration keeps the overall device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If integrated handle and AC input are used, then area of stationary object is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea of back panelVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the AC input connector within the handle structure reduces the area occupied on the back panel. The connector, wire routing channels, and handle structure form an integrated assembly that occupies less space than separate components would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated handle component serves multiple functions: it provides the gripping handle for installation/removal, houses the AC input connector for power connection, and includes integrated wire routing channels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9606585B2Integrated power supply handle and alternating current input

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A power supply unit includes a handle and a power cord. The handle is connected to a panel of the power supply unit via a first leg and a second leg. The handle is configured to provide a location for a user to grip while removing the power supply unit from an information handling system. The power cord includes a first end coupled to the handle, and a second end including a power socket. A first wire of the power cord extends into the power supply unit via the first leg, and a second wire of the power cord extends into the information handling system via the second leg.