Telecom Subrack Power Module Rear Connector Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telecommunication subracks face challenges in providing sufficient power while maintaining accessibility and redundancy, as existing solutions either clutter the front with cables or make the power feeding board less accessible when placed at the back, and struggle to meet increasing power demands.

Innovation Solution

A module for a telecommunication subrack that integrates power feeding and fan units, eliminating external power cables and providing easy access, with a combined power and fan module that allows for redundant power feeding and cooling, enabling maintenance without shutting down the subrack.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If power feeding boards are placed at the front of the subrack, then power connectors are easily accessible, but connector space becomes insufficient due to cable clutter and limited area

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of power connectorsVSAvoidConnector space on power feeding board
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the power feeding board from the front of the subrack to the rear side, utilizing the rear dimension for power connection. This spatial relocation frees up the front area for cable access while providing adequate connector space on the rear power feeding board, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and connector space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the subrack into functional modules: power feeding boards are separated from the front section and placed in the rear section. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each section - the front section for cable access and the rear section for power connection - thereby resolving the space conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If power feeding boards are placed at the back of the subrack, then connector space is increased, but accessibility and ease of replacement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConnector space on power feeding boardVSAvoidAccessibility of power feeding board
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the subrack into distinct functional zones: a front section for cable access and a rear section for power feeding. The power feeding board is placed in the rear section with dedicated access pathways, allowing maintenance personnel to reach it easily without compromising connector space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary access structure (such as a access panel or pathway) between the front and rear sections, enabling easy access to the rear power feeding board. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a dedicated access route that maintains both connector space and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If more power feeding boards are added to meet increasing power demands, then power supply capability is improved, but the subrack shape and adjacent component design must be modified

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePower supply capabilityVSAvoidSubrack shape and component layout
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal power feeding board layout that can accommodate varying power requirements without changing the overall subrack shape. The rear section is designed with flexible connector arrangements that can be configured for different power capacities while maintaining the same external dimensions and component layouts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic power feeding configuration where the number and arrangement of power connectors can be adjusted or added without modifying the fundamental subrack shape. This allows the power supply capability to be scaled up while maintaining the same physical form factor and adjacent component designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2371187B1Module for a telecommunications subrack and a telecommunications subrack
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2371187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2371187B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2371187B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A module for a telecommunications subrack as well as a telecommunication subrack are disclosed. The module is a horizontal plug in unit including a power part that includes power filtering functions for securing power feed to a backplane of the subrack as well as to a number of fans also arranged on the module for cooling of the subrack. The module also includes connectors arranged in the rear of the module for connecting the module to the backplane as well as connectors arranged in the front of the module for accommodating power cables. The telecommunications subrack includes a cage configured to accommodate cards, an air intake with filter and two or more removably mounted modules. Each of these modules includes a power part that includes power filtering functions for securing power feed for the subrack, input connectors arranged in the front of the module for accommodating power cables, fans for cooling of the subrack, and output connectors for connecting the module to a backplane of the subrack. The subrack further includes a backplane configured to distribute power and signaling to the cards and having connectors for connecting to the modules.