Parallel Module Backplane Layout for Stable Driver Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional parallel module drivers face issues with space utilization, complex disassembly, unreliable electrical connections, and increased impedance due to horizontal expansion, leading to potential damage and instability in electrical signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

A modular backplane structure allowing rectifier and inverter modules to be plugged in and disassembled in a single direction, with equidistant connectors and guiding elements for precise alignment, reducing impedance and facilitating modular expansion while maintaining stable electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modules are arranged side by side horizontally for expansion, then the number of modules can be increased, but the space utilization rate decreases due to rotation path requirements and wasted space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule expansion capabilityVSAvoidspace utilization rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the installation direction from horizontal (requiring rotation) to vertical (single-direction insertion), utilizing the vertical dimension for module expansion. This eliminates the need for rotation paths and improves space utilization while maintaining expansion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The backplane is designed with multiple equidistant connectors that can be combined in series, allowing modular expansion. Each connector position can independently accommodate a module, enabling flexible configuration without requiring rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If connectors are used for electrical connection between modules, then module assembly is simplified, but the terminal platform is easily worn and damaged due to vibration and collision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule assembly simplicityVSAvoidconnector durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function into the backplane structure itself, where the backplane serves as both the mechanical support and the electrical connection medium. This eliminates the need for separate vulnerable connectors at module terminals, as electrical connections are made through the robust backplane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The backplane acts as an intermediary between modules, providing both mechanical support and electrical connection. This removes the direct connector-to-connector contact that is vulnerable to vibration, as the backplane mediates all electrical interactions through its more robust structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modules are expanded unilaterally in one direction, then the system can be scaled, but the electrical signal transmission path becomes longer and less stable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem scalabilityVSAvoidelectrical signal transmission stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane is designed with equidistant connectors that can accommodate modules in multiple positions and configurations. This universal design allows modules to be connected to adjacent connectors, keeping signal paths short regardless of the total number of modules, thus maintaining signal stability while enabling system scaling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If the locking position is far from the front end of the module, then the module structure is simplified, but vibration and moment arm effects cause modules to collide and increase the risk of component dropping or loosening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule structure simplicityVSAvoidmodule security against vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates guiding elements and positioning structures that pre-align modules before they are fully locked into place. This preliminary alignment action ensures that even with simple locking mechanisms, modules are properly positioned and secured against vibration-induced movement, preventing collisions and loosening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12477677B2Parallel module driver

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

A parallel module driver is disclosed and includes a modular backplane structure, a rectifier module and an inverter module. The modular backplane structure includes a plurality of connectors arranged equidistantly in a first direction. The rectifier module includes a rectifier-connection slot connected to one of the plurality of connectors in a second direction. The inverter module includes an inverter-connection slot connected to one of the plurality of connectors in the second direction. The rectifier module and the inverter module are arranged adjacent to each other, the rectifier-connection slot and the inverter-connection slot are connected to two adjacent connectors on the modular backplane structure, respectively. The lateral sides of the rectifier module and the inverter module are attached to each other, and respectively include a guiding element and a guiding groove matched with each other and limiting the rectifier module and the inverter module to slide in the second direction.