PCB Plug Mechanism for Hot-Plug Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCI-E card systems require a two-dimensional moving mechanism for hot plug operations, which complicates direct insertion and removal without power or service interruption, as conventional methods necessitate opening a cover and removing a shelf, failing to meet hot plug requirements without interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A PCB board plug mechanism with an input end that moves along a first direction and an output end that moves perpendicularly, allowing for hot plug operations without power or service interruptions, featuring a connector at the output end to drive the PCB board into a corresponding plug action, with movement directions of the input and output ends being perpendicular to facilitate easier operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-dimensional moving mechanism is used for hot plug operations, then direct insertion and removal without power or service interruption can be achieved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional moving components and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a vertical moving dimension for the carrier board, allowing the PCB board to be inserted and removed vertically while the connector moves horizontally. This two-dimensional coordination enables direct hot plug operations without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms, as the vertical and horizontal movements work together to achieve the plug action.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier board serves as an intermediary component between the PCB board and the mother board. It carries the PCB board and enables its insertion and removal through vertical movement, while the connector on the mother board handles the horizontal connection. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall mechanism by dividing the plug action into two independent, simpler movements.
2Device complexity
If the connector moves along the same direction as the PCB board insertion, then the plug mechanism structure is simplified, but the input force direction conflicts with the PCB board movement direction making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the connector in a direction perpendicular to the PCB board insertion direction. The connector moves horizontally while the PCB board inserts vertically, eliminating the conflict between input force direction and board movement direction. This orthogonal arrangement makes the operation intuitive and easy, as the user simply pushes the board vertically while the connector automatically moves horizontally to establish connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a PCB board plug mechanism configured to implement hot plug of a PCB board, and including an output end that moves along a second direction when the input end moves. The second direction is at an angle with the first direction. The connector for connecting the to-be-plugged PCB board is disposed at the output end. In a process in which the output end moves along the second direction, the PCB board can be driven to perform a corresponding hot plug action.