Rotatable Server Power Socket for Side Insertion and Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power socket designs in high-density electronic systems, such as servers, face challenges with vertical plug insertion that occupy valuable space, complicate cable routing, and hinder maintenance, while requiring complex cable management and increased susceptibility to electrical noise.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable, side-insertion power socket module with angular locking and modular integration capabilities, featuring a rotatable socket body that allows horizontal plug insertion, indexed rotational positioning, and a plug retention assembly to ensure secure electrical and mechanical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If vertical plug insertion is used in conventional power socket designs, then electrical connection is achieved, but vertical space is occupied and cable routing is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical plug insertion orientation to horizontal plug insertion. The socket body is configured to receive plugs inserted horizontally from the side of the PCB rather than vertically from above, fundamentally changing the insertion direction to resolve space occupation and cable routing issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical (one-dimensional) plug insertion to horizontal (another dimension) plug insertion. By changing the insertion dimension from vertical to horizontal, the design eliminates vertical space occupation while simplifying cable routing along the PCB surface
2Ease of repair
If vertical plug insertion is used, then power delivery is achieved, but maintenance access is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the insertion orientation from vertical to horizontal, the patent enables side access for plug insertion and removal. This allows maintenance personnel to access power sockets from the side of the server rather than reaching vertically from above, significantly improving maintenance accessibility in rack-mounted configurations
3Ease of operation
If horizontal plug insertion is implemented, then cable routing is simplified, but rotational positioning control is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotatable socket body that can rotate to different angular positions, transitioning from a fixed orientation to a dynamic, adjustable orientation. This allows the socket to be positioned optimally for cable routing while maintaining secure connection through rotational locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular position parameter of the socket body through rotational adjustment. The socket can be rotated to specific angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) and locked at each position, allowing optimization of cable routing by selecting the appropriate angular orientation
4Ease of operation
If rotatable socket body is used, then cable routing is optimized, but mechanical guidance for proper orientation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric mechanical guidance features including guide surfaces and alignment structures that are not symmetric in shape or position. These asymmetric features physically guide the plug into the correct orientation during insertion, preventing misalignment and ensuring proper engagement without requiring complex detection systems
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable power socket includes a base structure configured to be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB), and a rotatable socket body coupled to the base structure and configured to rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the PCB. The socket body includes a socket interface for receiving an external power plug inserted along a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the PCB. A rotational locking assembly is positioned between the base structure and the socket body to provide discrete rotational positions. A plug retention mechanism is included to secure the external power plug after insertion. The socket may further include plug alignment features and an LED indicator for visual connection status.