Pluggable Module Connector Inspection With Controlled Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular computing systems face damage due to improper insertion of pluggable modules, leading to connector damage and potential short circuits, as technicians often fail to inspect for damage before insertion, and design flaws can disrupt alignment during insertion.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a blocking element, such as a locking pin, and a camera with an image processing system to prevent the pluggable module from connecting until damage is inspected and confirmed to be absent, ensuring safe mating by releasing the blocking element only when no damage is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a technician manually inspects pins before insertion to prevent damage, then connector damage can be avoided, but this process is time-consuming and not consistently performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic damage detection without requiring technician intervention. The camera and image processing system autonomously inspect the connector elements, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining high reliability in damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection process is replaced with an automated optical inspection system using a camera and image processing algorithms. This substitution eliminates human error and time variability associated with manual inspection while providing consistent, rapid damage detection.
2Reliability
If blocking elements are added to prevent insertion until damage is detected, then damage spread is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary mechanism that physically prevents insertion until the inspection system confirms no damage. This simple mechanical blocker, combined with the automated inspection, provides an effective solution with minimal added complexity compared to the benefits of damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is positioned to prevent insertion before the inspection is complete. This preliminary blocking action ensures that no damaged connector elements can make contact during the inspection process, and the block is released only after verification of undamaged components.
3Productivity
If pins are allowed to mate directly without inspection, then insertion speed is maintained, but connector damage and short circuits occur
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection process occurs rapidly in the background without interrupting the insertion workflow. The blocking element is automatically released once inspection is complete, allowing the module to be inserted quickly. This maintains high productivity while eliminating damage risks through automated pre-inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein describe preventing a pluggable module from connecting to a chassis until ensuring there is no damage on the pluggable module, the chassis, or both. In one embodiment, the chassis includes a blocking element that prevents or blocks the pluggable module from mating with the chassis. The chassis can also include a camera for capturing an image of the pluggable module to determine whether there is damage to its connection elements (e.g., pins). If not, the chassis can release the locking pin to permit the pluggable module to mate with connection elements on the chassis.