Universal Adapter for PCI and PCIe Relay Boards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adapters require dedicated connections for PCI and PCIe boards, limiting flexibility in attaching these boards to control boards within electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with a base plate featuring a holding structure for selective attachment of both PCI and PCIe relay boards, and an attachment structure for fixing corresponding brackets, allowing easy switching between PCI and PCIe boards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated adapters are used for PCI boards and PCIe boards separately, then connection reliability is ensured, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidadapter variety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter base plate is designed with universal compatibility to support both PCI boards and PCIe boards through a single unified structure. The base plate includes standardized connection interfaces and mounting structures that can accommodate different board types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated adapters for each board standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is divided into modular components including a base plate, mounting brackets, and connection interfaces that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the same base plate to work with different board types by simply changing the mounting bracket or connection interface component, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated adapters are maintained for different board standards, then specific connection requirements are met, but ease of operation and switching between board types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection specificityVSAvoidboard switching ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter design incorporates dynamic reconfigurability where mounting brackets and connection interfaces can be easily adjusted or swapped to accommodate different board types. This allows rapid switching between PCI and PCIe boards without requiring complete adapter replacement, improving operational flexibility while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If separate adapters are used for PCI and PCIe boards, then connection precision is maintained, but adaptability and versatility of the adapter system decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidboard compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate incorporates universal mounting structures and connection interfaces that precisely accommodate both PCI and PCIe board standards. By maintaining precise manufacturing tolerances in the unified base plate design, the adapter achieves both connection precision and broad adaptability without requiring separate dedicated adapters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11160181B2Adapter for insertion boards
Publication Date: 2021.10.26 FANUC LTD
  • US11160181B2 patent drawing
  • US11160181B2 patent drawing
  • US11160181B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An adapter for connecting a PCI board and a PCIe board to a control board installed in a slot of an electronic device, includes a base plate. The base plate includes a holding structure configured to selectively hold a PCI relay board and a PCIe relay board, and an attachment structure configured to selectively attach a PCI bracket and a PCIe bracket.