Power Connector Fixing Plate for Multi-Size Rack Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The varying sizes of power connectors in different power versions of Open Rack Standards require separate casing designs, increasing development costs due to the need for re-designing casings to accommodate different power connectors.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a main plate, positioning assembly, and fixing members that allows a power connector to be installed by restricting the slot size through a positioning assembly, enabling it to fit both smaller and larger connectors without changing the main plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate casing designs are used for different power connector sizes, then each power connector version can be properly accommodated, but development costs increase due to re-designing casings
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is designed with a standardized main section that can accommodate power connectors of different sizes (both 48V and 12V versions) without requiring separate casing designs. The main section dimensions are set to fit the larger 48V connector, while the 12V connector also fits within the same space, achieving universal compatibility across different power versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is divided into a main section and two side sections. The main section provides the primary accommodation space for all power connector versions, while the side sections with positioning edge portions provide adjustable positioning features. This segmentation allows the same slot structure to adapt to different connector sizes through selective use of positioning features.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standardized slot size is used for all power connector versions, then development cost is reduced, but smaller power connectors cannot be properly positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The slot incorporates positioning edge portions on the side sections that can be selectively engaged by positioning assemblies. These localized positioning features provide precise positioning for smaller 12V connectors without affecting the overall standardized slot dimensions, allowing the same slot to achieve both universal compatibility and precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning assemblies are designed to be selectively installable or removable based on the power connector version being installed. For 12V connectors, positioning assemblies are installed to engage the positioning edge portions; for 48V connectors, the positioning assemblies can be omitted or positioned differently, allowing dynamic adaptation to different connector sizes while maintaining the same standardized slot.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device is for connecting to a power connector which has a main body and two ear portions located on opposite sides of the main body and respectively having an engaging hole. The fixing device includes a main plate, a positioning assembly, and two fixing members passing through first through holes to engage with the engaging holes. The main plate has a slot for being inserted by the power connector. The slot includes a main section and two side sections communicating with the main section and located on opposite sides of the main section. Each side section has a positioning edge portion. The positioning assembly includes two positioning plates which respectively include a plate body, a tongue connected to the plate body, and a fitting portion formed between the tongue and the plate body and fitted to the positioning edge portion. The main body passes between the plate bodies.