Pluggable Power Module Pull-Ring Interlock Against Arcing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power modules in communication and server fields are susceptible to power outages and damage during plugging or replacement, leading to potential arcing and safety risks due to the lack of hot plugging prevention designs.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable module with a power control unit, interface unit, monitoring unit, and signal linkage unit, which includes a pull ring, bracket, and signal switch, to prevent sparking by controlling power on/off states based on the pull ring's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If edge connectors or mating connectors are used for power module plugging and maintenance, then the power module can be easily installed and maintained, but electric arc may occur during plugging or replacement causing interface damage and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using a signal linkage unit with a pull ring that triggers a signal switch before the power module is fully connected to the connector. This advance signal activation enables the monitoring unit to detect the plugging intent and control the power control unit to prepare the circuit state in advance, preventing electric arc during the actual connection process while maintaining ease of plugging operation.
2Productivity
If power module is plugged or replaced without hot plugging prevention design, then the operation is simple and quick, but electric arc occurs causing interface damage and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the signal linkage unit with pull ring and signal switch - that mediates between the simple plugging action and the complex safety requirement. When the pull ring is pressed during plugging, it triggers the signal switch which activates the monitoring unit, which then controls the power control unit to manage power delivery. This intermediary system enables hot plugging prevention without compromising plugging speed, as the entire process occurs seamlessly during the normal plugging motion.
3Reliability
If signal linkage unit with pull ring and signal switch is added to control power on/off states, then electric arc is prevented and interface safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components to minimize complexity. The signal linkage unit combines the pull ring (mechanical actuator), signal switch (signal generator), and linkage mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The monitoring unit and power control unit are also integrated to work together seamlessly. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the hot plugging prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal linkage unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical actuator for plugging operation, a trigger for signal generation, and an initiator for the power control sequence. The pull ring both guides the plugging motion and triggers the safety mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving reliable interface protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable module includes a power control unit, an interface unit, a monitoring unit, and a signal linkage unit. The power control unit is connected to the interface unit, and the pluggable module can be inserted into an external device by using the interface unit. One end of a pull ring is rotatably connected to a bracket, and the other end can trigger a signal switch. When the pull ring is in an ON state, the signal switch is triggered to send a first switch signal, or when the pull ring is in an OFF state, the signal switch sends a second switch signal. The monitoring unit is configured to control, upon receiving the first switch signal, the power control unit to be powered on, or control, upon receiving the second switch signal, the power control unit to be powered off.