Backplane Guide Pin With Varying Diameter For Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backplane communication systems face challenges during assembly due to misalignment of electrical connectors and backplanes, which can lead to damage when excessive force is applied to couple them.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a backplane communication system with guide pins that have varying cross-sectional diameters along their length, allowing for initial alignment and subsequent precise alignment of electrical connectors with mating windows, and allowing brick units to float relative to the assembly frame to accommodate misalignment during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the backplane and rack assembly are coupled with excessive force to overcome misalignment, then the electrical connectors may be forced into alignment, but the backplane and/or electrical connectors may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A guide pin is introduced as an intermediary component between the rack assembly and backplane. The guide pin includes a leading segment with a smaller cross-sectional diameter that first engages the guide hole, and a trailing segment with a larger cross-sectional diameter that provides alignment force. This intermediary structure enables gradual alignment without requiring excessive coupling force that would damage the backplane or electrical connectors.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cross-sectional diameter of the guide pin is uniform along its length, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the alignment capability during assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional diameter along its length, creating different local qualities. The leading segment has a smaller diameter for initial engagement, while the trailing segment has a larger diameter for precise alignment. This local differentiation enables the guide pin to perform multiple functions (initial engagement and precise alignment) within a single component, improving alignment precision without significantly complicating manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
Backplane communication system including a backplane and a rack assembly having an array of electrical connectors with respective mating ends. The backplane communication system also includes a plurality of guide pins that each have a cross-sectional diameter taken transverse to an axis of the guide pin. The backplane interfaces with the rack assembly such that the guide pins extend through guide holes of the backplane and the electrical connectors are aligned with mating windows. Each of the guide pins has a leading segment that extends through the corresponding guide hole and a trailing segment that is disposed within the corresponding guide hole. The cross-sectional diameter along the trailing segment is greater than the cross-sectional diameter along the leading segment.