Line Card Connector Distance Measurement Using Signal Reflection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distance measurement methods for line cards are inflexible and lack universality, as they primarily rely on customized long-and-short-pin connectors, limiting their applicability and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first measurement component on a line card sends a measurement signal to a second connector, determining the distance based on the measurement and reflected signals without external tools, using signal cables to reuse existing infrastructure and employing various methods to calculate distance, including amplitude and transmission time analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a customized long-and-short-pin connector is used for distance measurement, then the distance between line cards can be determined, but the method lacks flexibility and universality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement capabilityVSAvoidflexibility and universality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using existing signal cables that are already present in the system for distance measurement purposes. Instead of requiring specialized measurement connectors, the solution reuses the existing signal transmission infrastructure (signal cables and connectors) to perform both their original signal transmission function and the additional function of distance measurement through TDR technology. This makes the measurement system universally applicable without requiring customized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-measurement by using its own existing signal cables and connectors to measure the distance between line cards. The measurement function is integrated into the existing system components rather than requiring external measurement devices or specialized test equipment. The signal cable serves both as a transmission medium and as a measurement probe, enabling the system to self-diagnose the connector distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If external test instruments or tooling are used for distance measurement, then measurement can be performed, but the system lacks universality and real-time detection capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance detection capabilityVSAvoidrequirement for external test instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement by using its own existing signal cables and connectors to measure the distance between line cards. The measurement function is integrated into the existing system components rather than requiring external measurement devices or specialized test equipment. The signal cable serves both as a transmission medium and as a measurement probe, enabling the system to self-diagnose the connector distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by using existing signal cables that are already present in the system for distance measurement purposes. Instead of requiring specialized measurement connectors, the solution reuses the existing signal transmission infrastructure (signal cables and connectors) to perform both their original signal transmission function and the additional function of distance measurement through TDR technology. This makes the measurement system universally applicable without requiring customized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If signal cables are reused for measurement, then costs are reduced and universality is improved, but measurement accuracy must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversality and cost-effectivenessVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical measurement systems (such as physical gauges or specialized measurement probes) with an electrical field-based TDR measurement system. By using electrical signal transmission and reflection characteristics to infer distance, the system achieves measurement functionality without mechanical contact or specialized physical measurement tools, thereby improving universality while maintaining accuracy through electrical field interactions with the signal cable medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances flexibility, universality, and accuracy in distance measurement between line card connectors, enabling real-time detection and reducing costs by reusing signal cables and improving measurement precision.

Implementation Method 1

receiving, by the first measurement component, a reflected signal of the measurement signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

determining the distance between the first connector and the second connector based on the measurement signal and the reflected signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12540837B2Distance measurement method, apparatus, and device, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method for measuring a distance between connectors of different line cards is described. A first measurement component configured on a first line card sends a measurement signal to a second connector configured on a second line card using a first connector configured on a first line card, and determines a distance between the first connector and the second connector based on the measurement signal. The second connector receives the measurement signal and sends a response result of the measurement signal back to the first measurement component, to enable the first measurement component to determine the distance between the second connector and the first connector. The distance between the first connector and the second connector being determined based on the measurement signal enhances flexibility, universality, and accuracy.