Power Supply Side Panel Connector Relocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ATX-compatible power supplies position DC connectors on the front panel, making them difficult to access and complicating cable management, which can impede airflow and system cooling, especially in systems with unique form factors or configurations.
Innovation Solution
The power supplies position DC connectors on a side panel, allowing for easier access and improved cable routing, while maintaining compliance with ATX standards and ensuring efficient power delivery through the use of a printed circuit board assembly with a diode bridge, power-factor correction coil, and DC-to-DC daughter board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If DC connectors are positioned on the front panel of the power supply, then the power supply structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the connectors become difficult to access and cable management is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates DC connectors from the front panel to the side panel of the power supply, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This side-panel positioning provides improved accessibility for users while maintaining a simplified internal structure, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If DC connectors are positioned on the front panel, then the power supply design is simplified, but cable routing becomes complex and impedes airflow
Solution Approach 1:
By moving DC connectors to the side panel, the patent enables more straightforward cable routing that does not obstruct the primary airflow path through the computer case. This spatial repositioning maintains design simplicity while eliminating the harmful effect of airflow obstruction.
3Ease of manufacture
If DC connectors are positioned on the front panel, then manufacturing and assembly are easier, but cable management becomes difficult especially in unique form factors
Solution Approach 1:
The side-panel connector positioning provides greater adaptability to various computer case form factors and configurations. This spatial repositioning allows cables to be routed more effectively in different chassis types while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized mounting procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances user convenience, improves cable management, and promotes better system cooling by providing more straightforward cable routing and easier access to connectors, while retaining the efficiency and performance of conventional power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
A diode bridge, positioned adjacent one of the side edges, is configured to convert the AC mains power to a DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
A power-factor correction coil, coupled with the printed circuit board between the diode bridge and the back plate
Implementation Method 3
A cooling fan, positioned adjacent the other one of the side edges, is arranged to move air across the printed circuit board assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic power supply for a computer system includes a printed circuit board assembly configured to convert a mains electricity input to voltage-regulated, direct-current (DC) outputs. The printed circuit board assembly defines a mains input and has one or more DC output connectors. An enclosure houses a fan and the printed circuit board assembly. The enclosure has a rear panel, a front panel positioned opposite the rear panel relative to the printed circuit board assembly. A side panel is positioned between the front and rear panel. The mains connector extends through an aperture defined by the rear panel of the enclosure. The one or more DC output connectors extend through the side panel. Such an arrangement provides significantly easier access to the power supply outputs compared to conventional power supplies. Associated computer systems also are described.