Bay Connector Pin Segmentation for Multi-Protocol Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face challenges in adding functionality without increasing cost and space due to the need for various connectors to interface with different devices, as standard connectors like SATA do not inherently support all necessary signals, requiring additional components like interposers to convert connectors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a secondary set of non-standard pins in the standard form factor to support alternative protocols like USB, SMBus, or battery protocols within the same bay connector, ensuring they do not interfere with the standard pins, allowing for flexible communication and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors are included within the modular bay to interface with different devices, then device flexibility and functionality are improved, but cost, space usage, and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal bay connector design that can interface with multiple device types (optical drives, batteries, USB hubs, PCIe devices) through a single standardized connector form factor. The connector includes a first set of pins for standardized SATA interface and a second set of pins for alternative protocols, allowing one connector to serve multiple functions rather than requiring separate connectors for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows dynamic reconfiguration of pin usage based on the inserted device type. The system can selectively activate different pin sets (first set for SATA, second set for alternative protocols) depending on the module being interfaced with, enabling the same physical connector to adapt its electrical interface dynamically rather than being statically configured for a single purpose.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional pins are added to the connector to support alternative protocols, then device compatibility is improved, but interference with standard pin functions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct pin sets: a first set of pins for standardized SATA interface and a second set of pins for alternative protocols. This segmentation ensures that adding pins for alternative protocols does not interfere with standard SATA pin functions, as each pin set is spatially and functionally separated within the connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the interference problem by adding pins in a different dimensional space within the connector structure. The second set of pins for alternative protocols is positioned to not interfere with the first set of SATA pins, utilizing additional spatial dimensions within the connector housing to accommodate multiple pin sets without electrical or mechanical interference.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system accepts a storage device in a bay that interfaces through a standardized connector having a first set of pins, such as a SATA connector. The standardized connector has a second set of pins inserted within the standardized footprint to support communication by devices other the storage device. For example, a SATA connect shares one or more of its standardized pins with a USB connector so that one common connector within an information handling system bay supports multiple types of devices.