Cam-Actuated Cable Connector for High-Density Server Mating

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Solution Overview

Problem

High component density in computer systems, such as blade servers, limits the physical connection of components using cable assemblies, requiring high mating forces (10 lbs to 40 lbs) for connector insertion or removal, which is challenging in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

A cable assembly structure featuring a connector with a cam and guidance features that aligns with a receptacle's cam guides, allowing the cam to rotate and impose a linear force for secure mating, facilitating high-force connections in compact spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high component density is used in computer systems, then component integration is improved, but connection space becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent densityVSAvoidconnection space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates a cam mechanism that transforms rotational motion into linear insertion force. The cam rotates during insertion, dynamically generating the high mating forces (10-40 lbs) needed for secure connection, allowing reliable connections in confined spaces where static high-force mechanisms would be too bulky.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam mechanism converts rotational motion (angular dimension) into linear insertion force (translational dimension). By applying force through rotation rather than direct linear compression, the connector achieves high mating forces while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for dense component arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If high mating forces are applied for connector insertion, then connection security is improved, but operation difficulty increases in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism dynamically generates high insertion forces through rotational motion, making the insertion process easier to operate despite requiring high mating forces. The rotational action is more ergonomic and controllable than applying direct linear force, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam's curved surface geometry allows smooth rotational insertion, converting the difficult task of applying high linear force into the easier task of rotating a lever arm. The curved cam profile provides mechanical advantage throughout the insertion stroke, reducing operator effort while achieving secure mating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If conventional connectors are used without cam mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but mating force capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidmating force
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism adds dynamic force generation capability to the connector. By incorporating the rotating cam with cam guides, the connector achieves high mating forces (10-40 lbs) that would be impossible with simple static structures, while the cam itself remains a relatively simple mechanical component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's rotational input and the linear insertion force required for secure mating. This intermediary converts easily applied rotational motion into the high linear forces needed, achieving force amplification without requiring complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables secure and efficient high-force connections between cable connectors and receptacles, allowing for easy installation and removal while minimizing space requirements, with a linear force range of 0 lbs to 50 lbs, suitable for dense computer system configurations.

Implementation Method 1

a cam extending from and coupled to the back end of the connector body... the cam is operable to couple the connector with the receptacle... rotating a cam coupled to a back end of the connector, the cam engages with a cam guide associated with the receptacle, causing the cam to impose a linear force on the connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS8858250B2Electrical cable assembly
Publication Date: 2014.10.14 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US8858250B2 patent drawing
  • US8858250B2 patent drawing
  • US8858250B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cable assembly structure, the structure including a connector having a connector body having a back end and a front end, a cam extending from and coupled to the back end of the connector body, a wire bundle extending from and coupled to the back end of the connector body; and a pair of guidance features extending from the front end of the connector body; and a receptacle having a receptacle body having a fixed end and an open end, and a pair of cam guides positioned on a top and a bottom surface of the receptacle. The cam is operable to couple the connector with the receptacle based on the guidance features aligning the connector with the receptacle, the cam guides being operable to receive the cam associated with the connector.