Rotating Locking Member for Secure Electronic Module Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic modules in power supplies with higher weights are difficult to install and remove due to their size and weight, leading to potential wear and disengagement from mounting structures under dynamic conditions like acceleration or vibration, causing relative movement and electrical connection issues.
Innovation Solution
An electronic module design featuring a chassis with a rotatable locking member and a bus bar system connected via power plug connectors to a system bus, supported by module support rails, which securely locks the module in place once an electrical connection is established, preventing disengagement and reducing relative motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electronic module is made larger to accommodate higher power requirements, then the power output capability is improved, but the weight increases making it more difficult to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be movable during installation, transitioning from an unlocked to a locked position. The locking member includes a locking surface that engages with a corresponding surface on the mounting structure, creating a dynamic locking mechanism that secures the heavy module once installed without requiring continuous manual support
2Reliability
If the electronic module is securely locked to the mounting structure, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member transitions between unlocked and locked states through simple manual manipulation. During installation, the locking member is moved to engage with the mounting structure; during removal, it is moved to disengage. This dynamic mechanism provides secure locking during operation while maintaining ease of installation and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is separated from the main module body, allowing independent operation of the locking member. This segmentation enables the locking function to be performed through simple movement of a separate component rather than requiring manipulation of the entire heavy module
3Reliability
If the electrical connections are made rigid to ensure stable power transmission, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the ability to accommodate relative movement under dynamic conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector includes a flexible contact structure that can accommodate small relative movements between the module and mounting structure. This flexibility allows the electrical connections to maintain stable power transmission while tolerating dynamic conditions such as vibration and acceleration that cause minor displacement
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include an electronic module having a chassis, a locking member rotatably connected to the chassis, and a bus bar system comprising a plurality of bus bars. The electronic module includes a plurality of power plug connectors configured such that each of the plurality of bus bars is connected to at least one power plug connector, wherein each of the power plug connectors is configured to receive at least a portion of a system bus thereby establishing an electrical connection between each of the plurality of bus bars and the system bus. The locking member is configured to connect the electronic module to the system bus such that the plurality of power plug connectors establish an electrical connection between the bus bar system and the system bus and wherein the locking member is configured to lock to the chassis once the electrical connection has been established.