Board-to-Board Connector Assembly With Integrated Card Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-to-board connector systems for add-in cards in high-power computing devices are limited by the need for additional hardware that occupies valuable space and increases the size of the system, reducing the density of components that can be fitted within a given framework.
Innovation Solution
A board-to-board connector assembly that includes a first and second connector assembly with outer shells, connector bodies, and latches to securely engage add-in cards, along with a connector interposer for direct electrical connection, minimizing space usage and enhancing connectivity between add-in cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If secondary electrical connectors and cable assemblies are provided on add-in cards to network them together, then the capabilities of the system are enhanced, but hardware for guidance and mating occupies valuable board space and increases the envelope of the add-in card, reducing system density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector and guide features into a single integrated structure. The guide features are formed as integral parts of the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate guide hardware. This merging of functions reduces the overall space required on the add-in card while maintaining both guidance and electrical connection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: providing electrical connection through contacts, guiding alignment through integrated guide features, and securing the connection through latch mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated guide hardware, thereby saving board space while enhancing system capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If secondary electrical connectors and cable assemblies are provided on add-in cards to network them together, then the capabilities of the system are enhanced, but the envelope of the add-in card increases, reducing the number of cards that can fit within a given framework
Solution Approach 1:
The guide features are merged with the connector housing as integral structures, eliminating separate guide components that would increase the card envelope. This integration allows the connector to provide both guidance and electrical connection functions within a compact footprint, maximizing the number of cards that can fit in a given framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed with nested structures where the guide features are embedded within the connector housing, and the latch mechanism is integrated into the same structure. This nesting approach minimizes the overall envelope of the add-in card while providing comprehensive connectivity and guidance functions.
3Reliability
If hardware for guidance and mating is provided on add-in cards, then reliable connection is achieved, but valuable board space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The guide features are combined with the connector housing as integral parts, providing reliable alignment and mating guidance without occupying additional board space. This merging ensures that the guidance function is as space-efficient as the connector itself, maintaining connection reliability while minimizing space usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides the electrical connection interface, incorporates guide features for alignment, and includes latch mechanisms for secure mating. This multi-functionality ensures reliable connection while using the minimum necessary board space, as the same structure performs multiple critical functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A board-to-board connector assembly includes first and second connector assemblies and a connector interconnect between the first and second connector assemblies. Each connector assembly includes an outer shell and a connector received in a cavity of the outer shell. The connector has a connector body holding contacts in a card slot, which receives a circuit card edge of an add-in card. The outer shell has an outer board guide configured to engage the add-in card and guide mating of the outer shell with the add-in card. The outer shell has a latch configured to latchably engage the add-in card to secure the connector to the add-in card. The connector interposer electrically interconnects the contacts of the connector assemblies to electrically connect the add-in cards.