Staged Connector Disconnection for Power Termination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for disconnecting modules from backplanes often require complex mechanical switches to ensure power connectivity is terminated first, which adds cost and relies on technician awareness, failing to account for forgetfulness in terminating power before disconnection.

Innovation Solution

A hardware assembly and method where the first module connector disconnects from the backplane before the second, utilizing a translatable section and bias elements to delay disconnection of the second connector, ensuring power connectivity is terminated before other types, such as RF connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional power switch on the front panel is used to terminate power connectivity, then power can be terminated before disconnection, but the system requires technician awareness and manual operation which may be forgotten

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower termination reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector automatically terminates power connectivity before other connectivities during disengagement without requiring technician intervention. The biased member self-actuates to disconnect power contacts first, making the system self-protecting and eliminating reliance on human memory or manual switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design ensures power connectivity is terminated in advance of other connectivities during the disengagement process. The biased member is positioned and configured to disconnect power contacts before data or RF contacts, performing the protective action before the technician completes the disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If an OFF switch is integrated into the ejection feature, then power termination is automated, but a complex mechanical switch arrangement is required which adds cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower termination automationVSAvoidmechanical switch complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into distinct contact groups (power contacts and other contacts) with different engagement/disengagement characteristics. The biased member is selectively associated with power contacts, creating a segmented disconnection sequence that automates power termination without requiring a separate mechanical switch for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The biased member introduces dynamic, differential movement between power contacts and other contacts during disengagement. Instead of a rigid, simultaneous connection/disconnection, the biased member allows power contacts to disconnect first through elastic deformation, creating a time-separated disconnection sequence without complex mechanical switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If all connectors disconnect simultaneously, then the disconnection process is simple, but power may not be terminated before other connectivities causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisconnection simplicityVSAvoidarcing damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector contacts are segmented into power contacts and other contacts with different mechanical properties. The biased member is selectively applied to power contacts, causing them to disconnect at a different time than other contacts, thereby segmenting the disconnection event to eliminate arcing risk while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power contacts are given local quality differences through the biased member, which applies elastic force specifically to power contacts. This creates different disengagement characteristics for power contacts versus other contacts, ensuring power contacts disconnect first to prevent arcing, while the rest of the connector maintains uniform simple disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution effectively protects components by ensuring power connectivity is discontinued before other connections, simplifying the disconnection process and reducing costs associated with complex mechanical switches.

Implementation Method 1

The second backplane connector can include at least one bias element and a translatable section that is configured to translate relative to the backplane support under a bias of the at least one bias element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9653861B2Interconnection of hardware components

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 ANI ACQUISITION SUB LLC

AI summary

A method and related apparatuses for disconnecting components of a hardware assembly. The components each include two connectors configured to disengage in a staged manner so that one set of connectors disconnects before the other set. If power connectivity is provided across one set of connectors, that connection can be configured to end before the connectivity between the other connectors.