Network Device Mounting Rail Connector Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular input/output connections in network devices are prone to mechanical or electrical failures and are often expensive, with existing solutions either providing additional points of failure or being costly.

Innovation Solution

A network device design featuring a mounting rail with device and module reference locators that allow for orthogonal engagement of connectors, providing a secure and stable connection between the module and device PCBs, with optional fasteners for secure attachment and sealing engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If orthogonal interposer cards are used to provide modular input/output cards, then the connection functionality is provided, but the mechanical or electrical failure risk increases due to additional connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular connection functionalityVSAvoidmechanical or electrical failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the orthogonal interposer card from the system entirely. Instead, the module PCB connects directly to the device PCB through a simplified connector arrangement where the module PCB slides into a receptacle and engages with the device PCB's connector, eliminating the intermediate interposer component that created additional failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the interposer card function directly into the device PCB structure. The device PCB includes integrated connectors and positioning features (such as guide pins and alignment features) that previously required a separate interposer card, thereby reducing component count and potential failure points while maintaining modular connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If specialized orthogonal connectors are used to allow module PCB insertion, then the connection functionality is improved, but the cost increases and mechanical or electrical failure risk remains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule insertion capabilityVSAvoidconnector complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector system is segmented into simple, discrete components: guide pins for positioning, a receptacle for receiving the module PCB, and basic contact elements for electrical connection. This segmentation avoids the need for complex specialized orthogonal connectors while maintaining ease of module insertion and alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex specialized connectors that require precise alignment mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by using simple guide pins and receptacles that guide the module PCB into place during insertion. The alignment features are integrated into the PCB structures themselves rather than requiring separate complex connector assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of repair

If conventional modular connections are used, then the repairability is improved, but the mechanical or electrical failure risk increases due to engagement functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replaceabilityVSAvoidengagement functionality failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the problematic engagement mechanism of conventional modular connections by removing the orthogonal interposer card and its associated complex engagement features. The new design uses a simpler direct-connection approach where the module PCB slides into a receptacle and engages with the device PCB through basic mechanical and electrical contacts, reducing failure risk while maintaining replaceability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2929650B1Network device

Publication Date: 2020.06.03 SIEMENS CANADA LTD

Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d~1f
Figure 2

AI summary

A network device including a mounting rail having at least one mounting location. The mounting location defined by one or more device reference locators that define a mounting direction relative to that mounting location. A device connector attached to a device printed circuit board (PCB) is positioned to have a connecting direction parallel to the mounting direction. At least one module is provided for mounting to one of the mounting locations. The module including one or more module reference locators each adapted to engage one of the device reference locators when the module is positioned to be mounted to the mounting location. A module connector attached to a module PCB is positioned to have a connecting direction parallel to the mounting direction. The module connector and the device connector are positioned such that when the one or more module reference locators are each engaged with the one of the one or more device reference locators, and the module is advanced in the mounting direction towards the mounting location, the module connector and the device connector connect as the module mounts the mounting location to connect the module to the network device.