Deformable Cantilevered Arm for Connector Mating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing IT infrastructure in data centers faces challenges with high engagement forces required for connector mating, which can lead to structural damage and improper alignment, especially with increased numbers of connections and exposure to shock loads, causing bending or permanent deformation of metal parts.

Innovation Solution

A securing sub-system comprising a lever and cam assembly with a deformable cantilevered arm that absorbs excessive engagement forces and a load support member to limit deformation, preventing damage to the host infrastructure and allowing synchronized movement for load distribution across multiple securing sub-systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high engagement forces are applied for connector mating, then connector connection reliability is improved, but structural damage and metal part deformation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector connection reliabilityVSAvoidhost infrastructure structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a deformable cantilevered arm that can absorb excessive engagement forces before they reach the host infrastructure. The cantilevered arm is designed to yield under excessive force, creating a cushioning effect that protects the rigid host infrastructure from damage while still enabling sufficient force transmission for reliable connector mating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If increased numbers of connections are made, then system connectivity is improved, but engagement forces and misalignment risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem connectivityVSAvoidconnector mating ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary mechanism - the cam assembly working with the deformable cantilevered arm - to mediate between the user's insertion action and the connector mating process. This intermediary system distributes the engagement forces across multiple connections and provides alignment assistance, making it easier to mate multiple connectors simultaneously while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If shock loads are exposed, then system robustness is tested, but bending and permanent deformation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem robustnessVSAvoidmetal parts structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable cantilevered arm serves as a beforehand cushioning element that absorbs shock loads before they can cause damage to the host infrastructure. The arm's controlled deformability allows it to yield under shock conditions, protecting the rigid metal parts from bending and permanent deformation while maintaining system robustness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by designing the cantilevered arm with specific material and geometric properties that allow it to change its stiffness characteristics under different load conditions. Under normal operation, the arm provides sufficient rigidity for connector mating, but under shock loads, it becomes more compliant to absorb the impact energy without causing permanent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Facilitates proper connector mating without damaging the host infrastructure, manages shock loads effectively, and enables safe re-installation by absorbing excessive forces and limiting deformation, thus maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the cam assembly may include a deformable cantilevered arm that is deformable when the deformable cantilevered arm contacts a restrictive structure and an engagement force applied on the insertion cam increases beyond a predetermined threshold value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the cam assembly may include an insertion cam having a cam body and a cantilevered arm extending from the cam body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

a load support member to limit deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentUS11729934B2System for securing a computing system in a host infrastructure

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Examples described herein relate to a securing sub-system. The securing sub-system includes a lever and a cam assembly engaged with the lever. The cam assembly is movable due to a pivotal movement of the lever and includes a cam body, a cantilevered arm, and a load support member. The cantilevered arm extends from the cam body and is deformable when the cantilevered arm contacts a restrictive structure. The load support member disposed on the insertion cam. A portion of the load support member is offset from an open end of the cantilevered arm to limit deformation of the cantilevered arm. Further, some examples described herein relate to a securing system including a plurality of securing sub-systems coupled via a synchronous movement link is also presented. Moreover, certain examples described herein relate to a computing system including at least one such securing sub-system.