Anchoring Power Pin for High-Current Memory Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional memory module connectors lack an effective mechanism to both anchor the connector to the circuit board and deliver high current, often requiring multiple pins for power delivery, which limits their current capability and occupies pins that could be used for data or control signals.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of anchoring power pins that serve as both mechanical anchors and power delivery components, allowing for higher current delivery while freeing up signal pins for other purposes, by being designed to pass through the circuit board and provide secure mechanical retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple pins are used for power delivery, then current capability is improved, but device complexity increases and pins available for data/control signals decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent capabilityVSAvoidnumber of pins
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical anchoring function and power delivery function into a single integrated component - the anchoring power pin. This pin serves dual purposes: it mechanically secures the connector to the circuit board while simultaneously delivering electrical power, thereby reducing the total number of pins needed while maintaining high current capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring power pin is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: mechanical retention (anchoring the connector), electrical conduction (power delivery), and structural support. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated power pins and anchoring mechanisms

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

2Power

If multiple pins are used for power delivery, then current capability is improved, but the number of pins for data or control signals decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent capabilityVSAvoidpins available for data/control signals
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the anchoring and power delivery functions into a single pin, the invention frees up multiple pins that would otherwise be dedicated to power delivery. These freed pins can then be reallocated for data or control signal transmission, enhancing the connector's versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring power pin's multi-functionality allows the connector design to optimize pin allocation. Since the anchoring pin handles power delivery, other pins can be universally used for various signal purposes, improving adaptability

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

3Strength

If separate anchoring mechanisms are used, then mechanical retention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical retentionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the mechanical anchoring mechanism with the power delivery pin into a single integrated component. The anchoring power pin structurally anchors the connector to the circuit board while simultaneously providing electrical power, eliminating the need for separate anchoring mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring power pin serves as a universal component that combines mechanical retention and electrical conduction functions. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall connector structure by reducing the number of separate components needed

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

Data Source

PatentEP3497751B1Connector with anchoring power pin
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 INTEL CORP
  • EP3497751B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3497751B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3497751B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

Anchoring power pins are described herein. In one embodiment, a system includes a circuit board including a through hole, and a connector for coupling a module with the circuit board. The connector includes housing including a module-facing side to receive the module and a circuit board-facing side to couple with the circuit board. The connector includes a conductive power pin to both physically anchor the connector to the circuit board and electrically couple the module with the circuit board, the conductive power pin including a tip protruding from the circuit board-facing side of the connector to extend into a matching through hole in the circuit board.