Modular Rack Traverses for Variable-Length Test Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular rack systems are limited in accommodating test modules of different lengths, requiring separate housing elements for each length, which restricts compatibility and flexibility in housing various-sized test modules.

Innovation Solution

A modular rack system with adjustable traverses and housing elements that accommodate test modules of varying lengths by using a series of interspaces and support elements, allowing for secure and stable installation of modules with lengths between 110 mm and 330 mm, and enabling compatibility with standard modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed housing element is used for test modules, then the structure is simple and stable, but it can only accommodate test modules of a specific length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different test module lengthsVSAvoidhousing element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing element is divided into multiple sections along its longitudinal axis, with each section capable of independently adjusting its length. This segmentation allows the housing element to be configured to match different test module lengths while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing element incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration of its internal dimensions. This enables the same housing element to adapt to various test module lengths through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring multiple fixed-size housing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If different housing elements are used for test modules of different lengths, then each module fits perfectly, but the number of housing elements increases and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various module sizesVSAvoidnumber of housing elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The housing element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate test modules of different lengths through its adjustable structure. A single housing element design serves multiple functions by adjusting its internal dimensions to match various module sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized housing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple fixed housing elements designed for different module lengths are merged into a single adjustable housing element. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of housing elements needed while maintaining the ability to accommodate various test module sizes through internal reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the front is positioned close to the traverse for compactness, then space is optimized, but test modules of different lengths cannot be installed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing element volumeVSAvoidcompatibility with different module lengths

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The distance between the front and traverse is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the housing element to optimize its internal volume for different module lengths by repositioning these components, maintaining compactness while accommodating various sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the housing element, specifically the distances between front, traverse, and internal support structures, are made changeable. This allows optimization of volume utilization for different module lengths by adjusting these parameters to match the installed module's dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4492813A1Rack, test module and modular system comprising such rack and such test module

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 ALFAMOTION SPA

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AI summary

A rack (100) is described, that comprises a front wall (122) comprising in turn a plurality of openings (123), the rack (100) comprises a plurality of traverses (124', 124", 124‴) placed at a distance and in succession to each other, defining at least one interspace (125), each traverse (124', 124'', 124''') is placed at a predetermined distance (D1, D2, D3) from said front wall (122). A test module (200) is also described, which extends for a predetermined length (L1, L2, L3), and comprises a box-shaped body (210) comprising a bottom wall (211) that comprises in turn a first air intake (212), the test module (200) comprises front connectors (230). Finally, a modular system (300) is described comprising said rack (100) and said test module (200), wherein the bottom wall (211) is fixed to a respective traverse (124', 124", 124‴), wherein the first air intake (212) of each test module (200) faces the interspace (125), wherein the front connectors (230) are housed in a respective opening (123) of the front wall (122), wherein the predetermined length (L1, L2, L3) of one or more of said modules (200) is equal to the predetermined distance (D1, D2, D3).