Movable Panel Connector Alignment for Drawer Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic bays are complex to set up and maintain, and there is a risk of damage to connectors due to the large size and weight of drawers, which can lead to poor contact or connector damage during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The connectors are connected to the drawer by moving the panel, reducing the forces required to move the drawer and minimizing the risk of damage, with a system of tie rods and centering devices ensuring precise alignment and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the drawer is made large to accommodate multiple electronic modules, then the storage capacity is improved, but the drawer becomes heavy and difficult to handle, increasing the risk of connector damage during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a stationary drawer and a movable panel. The drawer remains fixed in the support structure, while only the panel moves to establish connector connections. This segmentation eliminates the need to move the entire heavy drawer, reducing the risk of connector damage during insertion while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple electronic modules.
2Quantity of substance
If the drawer is made large to accommodate multiple electronic modules, then the storage capacity is improved, but the complexity of setup and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the drawer from the panel, the system simplifies maintenance operations. The panel can be independently moved and serviced without requiring the entire drawer assembly to be manipulated. This reduces setup and maintenance complexity while preserving the drawer's capacity to hold multiple electronic modules.
3Ease of operation
If clearance is provided between the drawer and support to facilitate easy insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the drawer relative to the support (conventional approach), the panel moves relative to the stationary drawer. This inversion allows the drawer to be firmly seated in the support with minimal clearance, maximizing space utilization while the movable panel provides the necessary movement for connector connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bay (10) comprising a support (20) and a panel (25), the support (20) being configured to accommodate and guide a drawer (15) in translation along a principal direction (X), a front and a rear being defined, the drawer (15) being intended to be inserted into the support (20) from front to rear until it reaches an inserted position, the drawer (15) having a front face (30) and a rear face delimiting the drawer (15) along the principal direction (X), the panel (25) being arranged opposite the rear face, the bay (10) comprising a set of first connectors, each first connector being configured to be connected to a second connector of an electronic module (37) of the drawer (15) when the drawer (15) is in the inserted position. The bay (10) includes means for moving the panel (25) along the principal direction (X) relative to the support (20).