Pluggable Module Cage Assembly for EMI Shielding and Width Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pluggable module cage assemblies are not compatible with optical modules of varying widths and lack effective EMI shielding, leading to potential EMI leakage and improper connections.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable module cage assembly with a removable wall that subdivides the cage chamber into sub-chambers, equipped with biasing means such as leaf springs to prevent incorrect module insertion and provide EMI shielding, ensuring compatibility with modules of different widths and heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a removable wall is inserted to subdivide the cage chamber for EMI shielding and compatibility with single-width modules, then EMI protection and module compatibility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEMI leakageVSAvoidcage assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cage chamber is segmented into two separate sub-chambers by inserting a removable wall, allowing independent configuration for EMI shielding and module type differentiation. This segmentation enables the system to handle both single-width and double-width modules while maintaining proper EMI protection in each sub-chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cage chamber is designed to receive both single-width and double-width modules, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule width compatibilityVSAvoidconnector alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cage assembly employs dynamic elements including removable walls and biasing means that can be adjusted or activated based on the module type inserted. This dynamic configuration allows the same cage chamber to adapt to different module widths while maintaining precise connector alignment through the biasing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The removable wall acts as an intermediary element that, when inserted, provides EMI shielding and defines the sub-chamber geometry for single-width modules. The biasing means serves as another intermediary that ensures proper connector engagement regardless of module type, mediating between the cage structure and the variable module dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If biasing means are added to prevent incorrect module insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector connectionVSAvoidcage assembly components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing means applies a preliminary force in opposition to incorrect module insertion attempts. When a single-width module is inserted without the removable wall, the biasing means prevents proper connector engagement by exerting a counteracting force, thereby preemptively blocking the incorrect configuration before damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

The solution allows for the use of modules of various widths and heights while preventing EMI leakage and ensuring correct connections, maintaining backward compatibility with standard MSA standards and enhancing electromagnetic interference shielding.

Implementation Method 1

means for biasing the pluggable module of the second type away from said at least one connector when the pluggable module of the second type is inserted into the cage chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

When mounted into the cage body, the removable wall can then provide EMI (ElectroMagnetic Interference) shielding to the two subspaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4249973A1Pluggable module cage assembly
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4249973A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP4249973A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP4249973A1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

Example embodiments describe a pluggable module cage assembly for telecommunication and/or data systems, the cage assembly comprising a cage chamber configured to receive a pluggable module of a first type, a removable wall configured to subdivide said cage chamber into two laterally adjacent sub-chambers, at least one of said sub-chambers being configured to receive a pluggable module of a second type, at least one connector configured to provide an electrical connection to the pluggable module of the first type when received in the cage chamber or to the pluggable module of the second type when received in the at least one of said sub-chambers.