Router Blade Adaptor for Legacy Network Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Older network service blades are incompatible with newer, larger network routers due to changes in chassis size and connector compatibility, rendering them unusable without the need for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A router blade adaptor that is sized to receive the older blade and engage with the newer router chassis, providing mechanical and electrical connections to allow the older blades to function with the newer routers, thereby adapting the older blades to fit and operate within the newer systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network chassis size is increased to accommodate larger network blades, then the router can support wider network blades, but the older service blades no longer fit into the network chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adaptor as an intermediary device between the older network blade and the newer network chassis. The adaptor includes a first portion that receives the older blade and a second portion that engages with the newer chassis, thereby mediating the incompatibility between different blade sizes and enabling compatibility across generations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is divided into distinct segments: a first portion for receiving the older blade and a second portion for engaging with the newer chassis. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific interface, resolving the size mismatch issue while maintaining functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network chassis width is increased, then larger network blades can be accommodated, but existing older blades become incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor serves as a bridge between the older blade geometry and the newer chassis dimensions. By incorporating both the older blade interface and the newer chassis interface, the adaptor enables compatibility without requiring changes to either the blade or the chassis.
3Ease of manufacture
If older service blades are used with newer routers, then existing hardware can be utilized, but the blades are too small for the larger chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor enables reuse of older blades with newer routers by providing a mechanical and electrical bridge. The first portion of the adaptor interfaces with the older blade while the second portion interfaces with the newer router chassis, allowing the older blade to function in the newer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor provides universal functionality by supporting both the older blade interface and the newer chassis interface simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the same adaptor to work with different blade generations and chassis configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for connecting a router blade to a router chassis is provided. The apparatus includes an engagement portion; a first side portion coupled with the engagement portion; and a second side portion coupled with the engagement portion. The engagement portion includes a connector system that is operable to couple a router blade with a router chassis. The first side portion is operable to engage the router blade and the router chassis. The second side portion is operable to engage a router blade and the router chassis. The engagement portion, first side portion, and second side portion are sized to engage the router chassis and receive the router blade.