Orthogonal Base Element for Rack-Mount Surge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DIN rail mounted pluggable surge protection devices (SPDs) face limitations in providing 12 Remote Radio Head (RRH) protection within a 2 RU height due to space constraints and mechanical stress on wires, which obstructs wiring channels and increases costs, and are not well-suited for standard rack mount applications.
Innovation Solution
A base element with apertures and contacts for securing conductors in a substantially linear manner, allowing for a compact arrangement of surge protection devices that can be mounted orthogonally, reducing wire stress and enabling 24 receiving sections or 12 RRH protection within a 2 RU enclosure, with easy assembly and function monitor wiring isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If DIN rail mounted pluggable SPDs are used in standard rack mount applications, then ease of repair and flexibility are improved, but device density and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The SPD system is divided into modular components: a base element that mounts to the rack and surge protection cartridges that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be changed without affecting the base element or requiring system shutdown, improving ease of repair while maintaining compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The surge protection cartridge is designed to nest within the base element structure. The cartridge fits into a receptacle on the base element, allowing compact integration that reduces overall space requirements compared to traditional DIN rail mounted solutions while maintaining pluggable replacement capability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional base elements are used with substantial side space for wiring, then wiring accessibility is improved, but device density and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The base element provides wiring access through the rear aperture rather than requiring substantial side space. Conductors pass through the rear of the base element in a substantially linear manner, utilizing the depth dimension of the structure rather than consuming lateral space, thereby increasing device density while maintaining wiring accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing wiring access from the sides as in conventional designs, the base element inverts the approach by providing conductor access through the rear aperture. This reversal of the wiring access direction allows for more compact side profiles while maintaining adequate wiring accessibility from the rear.
3Ease of manufacture
If conductors are bent at right angles to enter the base element, then connection to rear apertures is achieved, but mechanical stress on wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base element inverts the conventional wiring approach by having conductors enter through the rear aperture rather than being bent from the front or sides. This allows conductors to pass through in a substantially linear manner, eliminating sharp bends and reducing mechanical stress on the wires while maintaining ease of connection.
4Quantity of substance
If 12 RRH protection is provided in 2 RU height with conventional SPDs, then protection coverage is achieved, but mechanical stress on connecting wires and space constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple modular base elements with rear aperture conductor access, each providing protected circuits. The segmented design with linear conductor paths through rear apertures reduces wire stress while achieving 12 RRH protection coverage within the 2 RU height constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The base elements are arranged to utilize the 2 RU height space efficiently, with conductors passing through rear apertures in a linear fashion. This three-dimensional arrangement allows 12 RRH protection to be achieved within the height constraint while maintaining low wire stress through optimized conductor routing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A base element and a surge protection system incorporating the base element are provided. The base element includes a housing having a front portion and a rear portion. Apertures in the rear portion provide access to contacts secured within the housing, and a receiving portion extending from the front portion includes at least one receiving section for receiving a surge protection cartridge. Plug receptacles in the receiving portion are in electrical communication with the contacts to incorporate the surge protection device in a circuit when the surge protection cartridge is inserted. The base element is configured to mount orthogonally to a case such that conductors secured to the contacts extend through the apertures and into an enclosure defined by the case in a substantially linear direction. The system includes a case configured to be attached to a rack mount system and a plurality of base elements secured to the case.