Removable Power Supply and Circuit Module for Data Processing Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data processing systems, the presence of standoffs in cages limits the installation of larger circuit cards to a horizontal orientation, restricting packaging capacity due to occupied vertical space, and requires opening the cage for servicing power circuits.
Innovation Solution
A removable assembly with a power supply and circuit module that can be slid into and out of the cage without opening it, allowing for electrical mating and independent removal of the power supply, enabling vertical installation of larger circuit cards by eliminating the need for standoffs in the backplane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If standoffs are used to support the motherboard, then the motherboard can be mounted on the bottom plate, but the vertical space above the motherboard is occupied, preventing installation of larger circuit cards in vertical orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the standoffs from the bottom plate, extracting the element that was causing the space occupation. This allows the motherboard to be mounted directly on the bottom plate surface, eliminating the vertical space barrier and enabling larger circuit cards to be installed in vertical orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mounting approach from a three-dimensional standoff structure to a two-dimensional direct mounting on the bottom plate surface. This dimensional simplification eliminates the vertical space consumption and allows circuit cards to utilize the full vertical space for their installation.
2Ease of repair
If the cage is opened to remove the motherboard for service, then the motherboard can be accessed, but the system operation is interrupted and service time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply and circuit module into a removable assembly that can be independently removed from the cage without opening it. This segmentation allows the power supply to be serviced or replaced while the motherboard remains in place, enabling maintenance operations without system interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable assembly design allows the power supply to be removed and serviced through the rear opening of the cage without requiring opening of the top cover or disassembly of other components. This self-service capability enables maintenance operations to be performed in-place without interrupting the overall system operation.
3Device complexity
If the power supply and circuit module are permanently installed in the cage, then the system structure is simplified, but the power supply cannot be removed for service without opening the cage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic removability to the power supply installation structure. The power supply is designed to be removable from the removable assembly through the rear opening of the cage, allowing it to transition between installed and removed states without requiring cage opening. This dynamic design maintains installation simplicity while enabling easy serviceability.
4Ease of manufacture
If larger circuit cards are installed horizontally with surfaces parallel to the motherboard, then the card installation is simplified, but the overall packaging capacity of the cage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables circuit cards to be installed in vertical orientation by removing the standoff structure that constrained vertical space. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical installation allows larger circuit cards to be positioned vertically, maximizing the utilization of available space within the cage and increasing overall packaging capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply and circuit module includes a housing, a power supply and a circuit module received in the housing. The power supply and the circuit module can be removably installed into and removed from a cage of an electronic system as a unit by a sliding action. The cage includes a first bottom plate, a backplane connected to the first bottom plate. A plurality of standoffs are formed on the first bottom plate for supporting a motherboard thereon. An electrical connector, such as a card connector, is directly formed on the backplane for connecting a circuit card.