Repositionable Network Equipment Interfaces for Line Card Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network equipment, such as cable television nodes and routers, face challenges in providing sufficient access to internal components like line cards and fabric modules due to limited space and protruding wires, making servicing difficult.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of repositionable elements with movable interfaces that extend from the chassis during maintenance, allowing technicians better access to internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the line card or fabric module occupies more physical space in the chassis, then accessibility for the technician is improved, but the number of components that can be housed in the modular chassis is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the interface between the line card and the chassis movable rather than fixed. The interface can be extended outward from the chassis during servicing to provide technician access, and then retracted to maintain compact form factor. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between two states: a compact operational state for housing multiple components and an extended servicing state for improved accessibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the usable depth of the line cards is reduced to allow for required bend radius of protruding wires, then wire management is improved, but accessibility to the line card for servicing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the interface depth dynamically adjustable. During normal operation, the interface maintains a compact depth that allows proper wire bend radius. During servicing, the interface can be extended outward, effectively increasing the available space for wire management while providing the technician with improved access to the line card. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to permanently reduce line card depth.
3Ease of operation
If pluggable modules are positioned at the front of the line card, then accessibility for insertion and extraction is improved, but the available space for electronic components in the line card is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the interface movable between retracted and extended positions. When the interface is retracted, maximum space is available for electronic components. When extension is required for servicing pluggable modules, the interface moves outward to provide the necessary access space. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize space utilization during operation while providing accessibility during maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If the interface is extended outward from the chassis during servicing, then accessibility to internal components is improved, but the structural complexity of the chassis is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by implementing a movable interface mechanism that can be extended and retracted. This dynamic structure allows the interface to provide improved accessibility during servicing while maintaining a compact form factor during operation. The mechanism, while adding some structural complexity, enables the system to adapt between operational and servicing states, providing benefits that outweigh the increased complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A unit of network equipment that comprise at least one repositionable element. The unit of network equipment comprises a modular chassis as well as one or more internal components within its enclosure. Each repositionable element comprises an interface that is shaped to secure in place a line card or a fabric module within the repositionable element. Each repositionable element also comprises a stationary base secured in place and a means for moving the repositionable element between a first position that disposes the interface within the chassis and a second position that disposes the interface beyond a perimeter of the enclosure of the unit of network equipment. The repositionable element may be moved by sliding across one or more elongated rods, by extending one or more telescoping cylinders, using sliding rails, or one or more hinges. The enclosure of the unit of network equipment may conform to a BundesKabelnetz (BK) standard.