Blind Plug Cable Assembly for Vertical System Board Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interconnection methods for scaling system boards face challenges in maintaining high signal quality and mechanical compliance when processors are located in different housings, particularly in resisting shock and vibration while ensuring proper alignment and connection.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a blind plug cable assembly with a guide bracket and tapered central portion that aligns and secures connectors between two printed circuit boards, utilizing a flexible wired connection and spring-loaded members to maintain connection integrity over varying distances and mechanical movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive traces are used to connect processors on the same circuit board, then electrical connection quality is improved, but mechanical compliance for housings in different locations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection qualityVSAvoidmechanical compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the connection system into separate segments: a rigid connector portion for electrical connection and a flexible cable portion for mechanical compliance. The scalability cable is segmented into a connector that interfaces with the processor socket and a flexible cable that can accommodate housing movements and misalignments, thus maintaining both connection quality and mechanical compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible cable acts as an intermediary between the rigid connector and the processor housing. This intermediary element absorbs mechanical stresses, vibrations, and misalignments while maintaining the electrical connection, allowing the system to achieve both reliable electrical connection and mechanical compliance for housings in different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If processors are located in different housings, then mechanical compliance is improved, but alignment precision for connection is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical complianceVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connector includes preliminary alignment features such as guide pins or positioning elements that establish correct alignment before the final connection is made. This preliminary action compensates for potential misalignments between housings in different locations, ensuring that the connectors align properly even when mechanical compliance is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system incorporates dynamic elements that can adjust during assembly. The flexible cable and connector design allow for dynamic adjustment of position and orientation during insertion, enabling the system to accommodate variations in housing alignment while maintaining proper connection geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connections are used for processor interconnection, then structural stability is improved, but resistance to shock and vibration is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidshock and vibration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a flexible cable with sufficient slack and flexibility to absorb shock and vibration forces. The cable acts as a flexible shell that can deform under mechanical stress, protecting the rigid connector and processor interfaces from damage while maintaining structural stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design includes cushioning elements or compliant features that are built into the structure before assembly. These elements provide predetermined shock absorption capabilities, allowing the connection to withstand vibration and shock forces without compromising the structural stability of the processor mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9173304B2Vertical blindmate scaling of identical system boards

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

Two system boards may be connected by a blind plug connector assembly. The top system board supports a first connector and has a hole adjacent the first connector that secures a guide bracket. The blind plug connector assembly is selectively received in the guide bracket to position a proximal connector on the assembly for connecting to the first connector on the top system board and position a distal connector on the assembly for connecting to a second connector on the lower system board. A flexible wired connection extends within the assembly between the proximal connector and the distal connector, and may form a scalability cable. The interaction between the assembly and the guide bracket provide alignment of the connectors.