Pluggable Interface Module for Harsh Environment Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computers designed for harsh environments face challenges in maintaining a high degree of protection when using standard interfaces, as existing solutions either require complex adapter solutions or compromise on protection levels, making them uneconomical to produce in various configurations.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable interface module with a transition interface that offers a higher protection level than the user interface, allowing the interface module to be replaced and accommodating diverse physical interfaces, thus enabling strain relief and flexible device design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a standard interface is used inside the housing and covered by a flap to meet protection class requirements, then the housing protection class is maintained, but the interface cannot be used productively and serviceability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a housing and a separate interface module. The interface module can be plugged in or removed independently, allowing the housing to maintain its protection class while the interface module provides accessible interfaces when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module is designed to be dynamically configurable - it can be inserted when interface access is needed and removed when protection is prioritized. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt between protection mode and operational mode.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a physical interface meeting high protection class is used, then housing protection is maintained, but the interface design deviates from standard versions requiring complex adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module serves as an intermediary between the protected housing and external devices. It contains the non-standard protected interface and provides standard interface connections, eliminating the need for complex adapters on the user side.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate multiple interface types (USB, Ethernet, RS232, etc.) in a single module, making it applicable to various devices without requiring device-specific adapter designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interface variants are created for different applications, then specific interface requirements are met, but device variety increases making production uneconomical
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal interface module design can provide multiple interface types (USB, Ethernet, RS232, etc.). This allows one module to serve multiple application requirements without needing separate modules for each interface type, maintaining production economy.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module is designed to be dynamically configurable for different interface types. This dynamic configurability allows the same physical module to be adapted for different applications without requiring multiple static module designs, reducing manufacturing complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the interface is integrated into the housing, then structural integration is achieved, but pull-out forces act on the motherboard causing strain relief issues
Solution Approach 1:
The interface functionality is segmented into a separate pluggable module rather than being integrated into the housing and motherboard. This segmentation isolates the stress of cable connections and plug insertion/removal from the motherboard, protecting it from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module is extracted from the main device structure as a separate component. This extraction allows cable management and strain relief to be handled at the module level rather than at the motherboard level, improving overall system reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The device (1) has a housing (2) that is connected with an interface module (5) in a pluggable manner via a transition interface (4), where the interface module comprises components. A user interface electrically connected with the interface module is accessible from the outer side of the interface module. The transition interface exhibits a high protection type than the user interface. The interface module is received in a recess (3) of the housing.