Removable Module Adapter for Legacy Backward Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional modular electronic systems face limitations in backward compatibility due to fixed high-speed interconnects, requiring costly modifications to accommodate both legacy and new modules, and lack flexibility for future upgrades, leading to inefficient resource use and increased customer costs.

Innovation Solution

A module adapter system with a first connector for the modular electronic system and a second connector for modules, along with an adapter tool for easy insertion, locking, and removal, allowing legacy and new modules to operate together, enabling flexible configuration and multiple upgrades over time without the need for bulk modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy modules are accommodated in upgraded system designs, then backward compatibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase due to required modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackward compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A module adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the upgraded modular electronic system and legacy modules. The adapter includes a first connector that interfaces with the system's backplane and a second connector that interfaces with the legacy module, enabling compatibility without modifying the legacy module itself. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining system complexity while achieving backward compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution segments the compatibility function into a separate, removable adapter component rather than integrating it into the main system architecture. This allows the adapter to be inserted or removed based on whether legacy module support is needed, reducing the permanent complexity of the system while maintaining adaptability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If modules are modified or redesigned for upgraded systems, then system performance is improved, but manufacturing costs and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidmodification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The module adapter serves as a mediator that allows legacy modules to operate in upgraded systems without requiring modification or redesign of the legacy modules themselves. This eliminates the time-consuming process of modifying existing modules while maintaining system performance through the adapter's interface capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter is designed and prepared in advance as a ready-to-use component that can be quickly deployed when legacy module support is needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-demand modification work, reducing both time and cost while maintaining the ability to support legacy hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed high-speed interconnects are used, then system stability is improved, but adaptability and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves dynamic adaptability through removable module adapters that can be inserted or removed from the backplane according to configuration needs. While the fixed high-speed interconnects maintain system stability when occupied, the ability to dynamically add or remove adapters provides the necessary flexibility without compromising the stable operation of the interconnects themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter design segments the connection interface into a removable component that interfaces with the fixed backplane. This segmentation allows the stable fixed interconnects to remain unchanged while providing flexible adaptability through the removable adapter portion, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If costly modifications are made to accommodate legacy modules, then backward compatibility is improved, but total cost of ownership increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackward compatibilityVSAvoidtotal cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The module adapter acts as a cost-effective intermediary that enables legacy module support without requiring expensive modifications to the legacy modules or the main system architecture. The adapter can be manufactured as a separate, lower-cost component that bridges the interface between old and new systems, reducing the total cost of ownership while maintaining backward compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10674620B2Removable module adapter for modular electronic system

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a module adapter comprising a first connector for connection to a modular electronic system and a second connector for connection to a module inserted into a chassis of the modular electronic system to couple the module with the modular electronic system. The module adapter is removably inserted into the chassis of the modular electronic system with an adapter tool operable to lock the module adapter in place in the chassis. A method for insertion of the module adapter is also disclosed herein.