Modular Chassis Alignment via Middle Bracket and Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional computer system designs require the removal of the chassis from its installed location for midplane board replacement and maintenance, making the process complex and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A computer system design that eliminates the midplane board by using a middle bracket with alignment pins to directly connect front and rear modules, allowing for toolless insertion and removal of modules, and incorporating safety latches and locking mechanisms for secure alignment and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a midplane board is used to connect front and rear modules, then structural support and electrical connections are provided, but replacement and maintenance require chassis removal and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the connection structure into separate modular components: the middle bracket remains fixed in the chassis while front and rear modules can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows module maintenance without chassis disassembly, resolving the contradiction between structural support and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection function is extracted from the midplane board and integrated directly into the middle bracket through alignment pins and electrical connectors. This extraction eliminates the need for a separate midplane board, enabling easy module replacement while maintaining structural support through the middle bracket.
2Reliability
If a midplane board is used for module connections, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but maintenance requires complex disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection function is extracted from the midplane board and integrated into the middle bracket through alignment pins and electrical connectors. This simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for a separate midplane board and complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pins and electrical connectors are designed to automatically align and connect front and rear modules during insertion, eliminating the need for complex manual disassembly and reassembly procedures. The system serves itself through self-aligning features.
3Productivity
If modules are designed for easy removal, then maintenance time is reduced, but secure connection during operation must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
Safety latches are engaged in advance to secure modules during operation. The latches are pre-positioned to automatically engage when modules are inserted, ensuring connection security before any maintenance activities occur. This preliminary securing action allows for quick module removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between static (secured during operation) and dynamic (easy removal during maintenance) states. Safety latches and locking mechanisms provide stable connection during normal operation but allow rapid module removal when the latch is actuated, balancing connection security with maintenance speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer chassis for accepting a front module and a rear module without a midplane board is disclosed. A middle bracket positioned within the chassis facilitates alignment of connectors of the front module and rear module, which can be directly connected together by applying sufficient force. The rear module can be inserted into the chassis and can automatically lock in place, thereby allowing force applied from the front module to be used to connect the connectors of the front module and rear module together, rather than pressing the rear module out of the chassis. The rear module can further include elements to improve safety and structure. In some cases, supplemental locking mechanisms can be used to ensure the rear module cannot be removed until certain sub-modules (e.g., a power supply unit) has been removed.