Butterfly Interface Card Asymmetric Connector Height

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Solution Overview

Problem

As computer add-in cards become larger due to miniaturization and increased functionality, interference occurs between cards on the motherboard, leading to the need for additional space and increased costs in interface transfer structures, particularly when multiple cards are installed.

Innovation Solution

The butterfly interface transfer structure features an interface card with connectors of different insertion heights, utilizing a spacer between the connectors and the plate to avoid interference and increase available space, allowing for parallel installation of add-in cards without altering existing connector specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple add-in cards are coupled to transfer slots on opposite sides of a riser card, then the interface transfer structure can support multiple cards, but interference occurs between the barrier walls of the add-in cards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of add-in cards supportedVSAvoidinterference between barrier walls

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by configuring connectors with different insertion heights at opposite sides of the interface card. Specifically, one connector extends higher than the other, creating an asymmetric profile that prevents barrier wall interference when multiple add-in cards are installed in adjacent slots. This asymmetric design allows both cards to be mounted without their barrier walls colliding, thus resolving the interference problem while maintaining support for multiple cards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent resolves the interference issue by introducing a vertical dimension (height) differentiation between connectors. Instead of only horizontal spacing, the solution varies the insertion height of connectors along the vertical axis. This dimensional change creates staggered barrier wall positions, eliminating interference while allowing dense card arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the barrier walls of add-in cards are extended to accommodate more components, then more components can be installed, but the cards occupy more space and increase interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of components on add-in cardsVSAvoidspace occupied by add-in cards

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical height differentiation to resolve the space conflict. By making connectors asymmetric in height, the barrier walls of adjacent add-in cards operate at different vertical levels. This allows each card to have extended barrier walls for additional components without the walls interfering with adjacent cards, effectively increasing component capacity without proportionally increasing horizontal space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If two riser cards are inserted into separate slots to avoid interference, then interference between add-in cards is reduced, but additional cost is incurred to the interface transfer structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference between add-in cardsVSAvoidcost of interface transfer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple riser cards into a single interface card by providing multiple connectors with different insertion heights on one card. This consolidation allows multiple add-in cards to be mounted on a single riser card without interference, eliminating the need for multiple separate riser cards and reducing overall system cost while maintaining the ability to support multiple cards simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface card is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple connectors of different heights on a single card. This universal design allows the single card to perform the function that previously required multiple separate riser cards, reducing component count and cost while maintaining the capability to support multiple add-in cards with different height requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7645144B2Interface card and butterfly interface transfer structure

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A butterfly interface transfer structure including an interface card, a first add-in card and a second add-in card is disclosed. The interface card includes a plate, a first connector, a second connector and a spacer. The plate has a set of electrical connecting pins, a first surface and a second surface. The first connector is disposed on the first surface, and the second connector is disposed on the second surface, wherein the first connector and the second connector are respectively electrically connected to the electrical connecting pins. The spacer is disposed between the first connector and the plate. The first add-in card is coupled to the first connector, and the second add-in card is coupled to the second connector.