Modular Power Supply Apparatus with Interchangeable Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply apparatuses face high development costs and complexity due to the need for redesign when server specifications or case sizes change, as they require customized circuit and structural modifications for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular power supply apparatus design featuring a first substrate with coupling portions and a position board, allowing for detachable coupling with various substrates and position boards, enabling easy adaptation to different load specifications and case sizes without full redesign, using busbars and screws for mechanical coupling and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply apparatus is customized for different server specifications and case sizes, then the adaptability to different applications is improved, but the device complexity and development costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply apparatus is divided into a first substrate containing the power distribution circuit and a second substrate containing the output circuit, connected through detachable coupling portions. This segmentation allows independent design and optimization of each module, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability through modular reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The first substrate with power distribution circuit is designed as a universal module that can be coupled with different second substrates through standardized coupling portions. This universal design enables the same power supply apparatus to adapt to various server specifications and case sizes without redesigning the core power distribution circuit, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply apparatus is customized for different case sizes, then the adaptability to different manufacturing requirements is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses detachable coupling portions that separate the power distribution circuit from the output circuit substrates. This segmentation allows standardized mass production of the first substrate, reducing manufacturing costs, while customization is achieved through different second substrate configurations for different case sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The first substrate with power distribution circuit is pre-designed and prepared as a universal module before final assembly. This preliminary action allows the core expensive component to be standardized and mass-produced once, while only the less costly second substrates need customization for different case sizes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the power supply apparatus is completely redesigned for changed server specifications, then the performance matching is improved, but the development time and costs become extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between substrates is designed to be detachable and reconfigurable, allowing dynamic adaptation to different server specifications. When server requirements change, only the second substrate needs to be replaced or reconfigured rather than redesigning the entire apparatus, significantly reducing development time while maintaining performance matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal first substrate with power distribution circuit can be paired with different second substrates to match various server specifications. This universality eliminates the need for complete redesign when server requirements change, allowing rapid adaptation through module reconfiguration and reducing development time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit is redesigned for different power supply requirements, then the performance optimization is improved, but the difficulty of circuit redesign increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into the power distribution circuit on the first substrate and the output circuit on the second substrate. This segmentation isolates the complex power distribution design in a universal module, making it easier to optimize without affecting other parts. When power supply performance optimization is needed, only the first substrate requires modification, reducing overall redesign difficulty.
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 design reduces development costs by allowing the same power supply apparatus to be adapted to various loads and case sizes through interchangeable components, simplifying the design process and maintaining efficient power conversion capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The power distribution circuit is disposed at the first substrate, receives the external electric power and converts the external electric power into a supplying power
Implementation Method 2
The first locking portion of one of the second substrate, the third substrate and the fourth substrate is coupled to the first coupling portion of the first substrate
Implementation Method 3
The second locking portion of the position board is coupled to the second coupling portion of the first substrate when the power supply apparatus is electrically connected with one of the second substrate and the third substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus is electrically connected with a load and one of a second substrate, a third substrate and a fourth substrate each of which has a first locking portion. The power supply apparatus comprises a first substrate, a power distribution circuit and a position board. The first substrate comprises a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion. The power distribution circuit is disposed at the first substrate, receives the external electric power and converts it into a supplying power. The position board comprises a second locking portion that is coupled to the second coupling portion of the first substrate when the power supply apparatus is electrically connected with one of the second substrate and the third substrate. The first locking portion of one of the second substrate, the third substrate and the fourth substrate is coupled to the first coupling portion of the first substrate.