Blind Connector Assembly With Pullback for Tile Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing systems face challenges in efficiently connecting computing tiles between adjacent cabinets, particularly in high-performance computing applications, where mechanical constraints on electrical connections can impact signal integrity and computing performance.

Innovation Solution

A blind connector system that utilizes an external tool to connect and adjust connectors between computing tiles in adjacent cabinets, featuring holder tubes for tool access, adjustment plates for precise alignment, and magnets for rough alignment, allowing for independent connection and disconnection of connector sides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional connector systems are used to connect computing tiles between cabinets, then mechanical connections can be established, but mechanical constraints impact signal integrity and computing performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidmechanical constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the connector from the traditional fixed mechanical mounting structure and enables it to be freely positionable within the cabinet using holder tubes. This separation allows the connector to be optimally positioned for signal integrity without being constrained by rigid mechanical mounting requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal integrity and mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities through holder tubes that allow movement in multiple dimensions. This dynamic positioning system enables the connector to adapt its position to achieve optimal signal integrity while maintaining mechanical flexibility, thus resolving the contradiction between mechanical constraints and signal quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple actuators are used to adjust connector position, then precise alignment can be achieved, but device complexity and space occupancy increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector alignmentVSAvoidnumber of actuators
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces holder tubes as intermediary structures that provide the adjustment mechanism externally rather than through multiple internal actuators. The holder tubes serve as mediators between the connector and the cabinet structure, enabling precise positioning through a simpler external adjustment system that reduces overall device complexity and space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional multi-actuator mechanical adjustment system with an external holder tube-based positioning system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex internal actuator mechanisms while maintaining precise alignment capabilities, thereby reducing device complexity and space occupancy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If connectors are fixed in position during cabinet assembly, then assembly is simplified, but adaptability to alignment variations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidalignment adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities through holder tubes that allow adjustment after initial assembly. This enables the system to maintain simplicity during assembly while providing adaptability for alignment variations through post-assembly adjustment, thus resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and alignment adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The blind connector system reduces mechanical constraints on electrical connections, enhances signal integrity for high-speed signals, and simplifies the computing cabinet design by eliminating the need for multiple actuators, thereby improving computing performance and reducing complexity and space occupancy.

Implementation Method 1

one or more magnets configured to provide rough alignment between the connector and the first computing tile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic alignment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4535945A1Connector assembly with pullback
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 TESLA INC
  • EP4535945A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4535945A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4535945A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Aspects of this disclosure relate to a computing system. The computing system may include a computing tile positioned in a computing cabinet. The computing system may include a connector assembly connecting a computing tile with another computing tile housed in a second computing cabinet. The connector assembly may include a connector and an adjustment plate to adjust the connector in a dimension. The adjustment plate can move along a dimension away from a computing tile.