Linkage Apparatus for Hot Plugging PCBs
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linkage mechanisms for PCI express cards and other PCBs do not allow for convenient and reliable hot plugging without interrupting the power supply or service, as the connector is located on an adjacent side of the panel rather than the opposite side, making it difficult to plug or unplug without removing the chassis.
Innovation Solution
A linkage apparatus with a drag link and swing link mechanism, including a locking mechanism with an elastic apparatus, allows for vertical movement of a carrier plate to facilitate hot plugging and two-dimensional plugging of PCBs by pushing and pulling the drag link, ensuring the carrier plate does not freely slide off during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is located on an adjacent side of the panel, then the PCI express card can be designed with standard dimensions, but the card cannot be directly plugged into or unplugged from the panel without removing the chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the plugging operation from horizontal insertion (adjacent side connector) to vertical movement (opposite side connector) by introducing a linkage mechanism that converts the motion dimension, enabling hot plugging through vertical displacement of the carrier plate
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drag link and the carrier plate, translating the pulling motion of the drag link into vertical movement of the carrier plate, thereby enabling convenient hot plugging operations
2Ease of operation
If a linkage mechanism is introduced to enable vertical movement of the carrier plate, then hot plugging becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components (drag link, swing link, locking mechanism, elastic apparatus) that can be independently analyzed and assembled, simplifying the overall design and maintenance while achieving the desired vertical movement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the connector movable to achieve hot plugging, the patent inverts the approach by making the entire carrier plate movable through the linkage mechanism, while the connector remains fixed on the opposite side of the panel
3Ease of operation
If the carrier plate is made movable for plugging operations, then hot plugging is enabled, but the carrier plate may freely slide off during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism with the elastic apparatus applies preliminary counter-action to prevent the carrier plate from sliding off during plugging operations, ensuring stability while maintaining the ability to move for hot plugging
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic apparatus provides automatic resetting of the locking rod after plugging operations, enabling the locking mechanism to serve itself without manual intervention, thus maintaining carrier plate stability while facilitating easy hot plugging
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
Enables hot plugging of PCI express cards and two-dimensional plugging of other PCBs without interrupting the power supply or service, with a simple and reliable structure that ensures safe and efficient installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic apparatus configured to reset the locking rod
Implementation Method 2
the drag link and the bottom plate are connected to a first fixing pin by using a horizontal guide groove... the swing link is in an 'L' shape, where a first end is rotatably connected to the drag link, a corner in the middle is rotatably connected to the bottom plate, and a second end is fastened to the carrier plate
Data Source
AI summary
A linkage apparatus is provided. The linkage apparatus is disposed between a bottom plate and a carrier plate, and the linkage apparatus includes a drag link and an “L” shape swing link. The drag link is rotatably connected to an end of the “L” shape swing link, and the drag link and the bottom plate are connected to a fixing pin by using a horizontal guide groove; a corner in the middle of the swing link is rotatably connected to the bottom plate, and another end is fastened to the carrier plate; another fixing pin connects the bottom plate and the carrier plate. The swing link is driven by the drag link, so that the carrier plate can be driven to vertically move. Therefore, hot plugging of a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) express card fastened on the carrier plate and plugging of another printed circuit board (PCB) that requires two-dimensional plugging can be implemented without interrupting a power supply.