Electronic Card Interconnection System with Front Rear Walls

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic card interconnection systems in computer calculation cabinets face limitations in connecting remote cards, accommodating a large number of daughter boards, adapting to cabinet geometry, and allowing coplanar connections, making them difficult to install and transport.

Innovation Solution

An electronic card interconnection system comprising a front and rear wall with connection means and cables, allowing connections from both sides and at significant distances, with adjustable flanges and fixing elements for secure assembly and flexibility, enabling easy installation and adaptation to cabinet geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a main electronic board with connectors is used to interconnect daughter boards in planes, then interconnection of boards is achieved, but interconnection of remote electronic boards at significant distances is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterconnection distanceVSAvoidinterconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the interconnection function into multiple independent connection means distributed on front and rear walls, each capable of connecting to electronic boards at different positions. This segmentation allows remote boards to be interconnected by selecting appropriate connection means on each wall, overcoming the distance limitation of a single main board approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cabinet geometry is fixed, then the cabinet structure is simple, but adaptation to different cabinet geometries is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecabinet geometry adaptationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means are designed with universal functionality to accommodate different cabinet geometries. Each connection means can serve multiple purposes: connecting to various board types, adapting to different wall positions, and working with diverse cabinet configurations. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different cabinet geometries without requiring geometry-specific components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If electronic cards are connected on opposite sides of the cabinet, then remote interconnection is achieved, but coplanar connection is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidconnection arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the third dimension (depth) by placing connection means on both front and rear walls of the cabinet. This dimensional approach allows electronic cards to be connected in coplanar arrangements on the same wall or in remote interconnections across opposite walls, providing flexibility in connection arrangement while maintaining coplanarity when needed.

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

4Reliability

If a fixed interconnection system is installed in the cabinet, then stable connection is achieved, but easy installation and disassembly are not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic mounting mechanisms that allow the connection means to be easily installed and removed from cabinet walls while maintaining stable connections during operation. The mounting system transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state, enabling both installation ease and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3503699B1Interconnection system for electronic cards and computer calculation cabinet comprising such a system
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 BULL SA
  • EP3503699B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3503699B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3503699B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an interconnection system 1 of electronic cards intended to be integrated into a computer computing cabinet, and a computer computing cabinet comprising such a system, with application to the interconnection of electronic cards in computing cabinets arranged in particular in data centers or computing rooms.The system 1 comprises a front wall 3 and a rear wall 7, each having an external face 3a, 7a and an internal face 3b, 7b, the external face of the front wall comprising at least one front connection means 4 intended to allow the connection of an electronic card, the front connection means being connected to one or more front connection cables 18 on the side of the internal face of the front wall, the front and rear walls being temporarily joined together by their respective internal faces by means of fastening means, so as to form a housing 1 inside which the connection cables are arranged.