Pluggable-Modules Holder for Rack-Mounted Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mounting pluggable-modules in rack-mounted units, such as leaf-spine pizza boxes, are time-consuming and error-prone due to the manual insertion and verification of thousands of modules, and lack efficient use as a backplane.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable-modules holder with retention features, alignment features, and electrical connectors that allows for the secure and simultaneous insertion of multiple pluggable-modules into rack-mounted units, enabling various assembly options and acting as a backplane for the modules and units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual insertion and verification of pluggable-modules is performed one at a time, then each module can be individually verified, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pluggable-modules are combined into a single holder assembly that can be inserted into the rack-mounted unit simultaneously. The holder retains multiple modules in a pre-assembled configuration, allowing bulk insertion rather than individual insertion, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining verification capability through the unified assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pluggable-modules are pre-inserted and pre-retained in the holder before the holder itself is inserted into the rack-mounted unit. This preliminary assembly of modules within the holder allows for batch preparation and verification, reducing the time required during final installation while ensuring proper positioning before engagement.
2Manufacturing precision
If pluggable-modules are inserted individually, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The holder combines multiple pluggable-modules into a single integrated assembly unit. By merging the modules with the holder structure, the system achieves precise positioning through the holder's design rather than through complex individual module alignment procedures, thereby reducing assembly process complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary component between the pluggable-modules and the rack-mounted unit. It provides a standardized interface and positioning mechanism that simplifies the assembly process, allowing modules to be positioned accurately through the holder's structure rather than requiring direct complex alignment with the rack unit ports.
3Productivity
If a holder structure is added to retain multiple pluggable-modules, then bulk insertion is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed as a universal structure that can retain multiple different types of pluggable-modules through standardized port configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single holder type to serve multiple purposes and accommodate various module densities (e.g., 36x per RU), improving productivity without requiring proportionally increasing complexity for each application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder structure is segmented into modular components including multiple holder ports, retention features, and alignment features that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation allows for standardized production of holder components that can be assembled into different configurations, improving productivity through modular assembly while managing overall device complexity through component standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable-modules holder for a plurality of pluggable-modules of a rack-mounted unit is disclosed. The pluggable-modules holder includes a holder body and a plurality of holder ports. Each of the holder ports extends through the holder body and is sized to hold a portion of a respective pluggable-module. The holder body can be configured to connect to a rack-mounted unit before and/or after the plurality of pluggable-modules can be inserted into the plurality of holder ports.