Cantilevered Network Interface Card Assembly External Port Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The M.2 slot connector in computing devices is designed for internal expansion cards, making it difficult to connect optical fiber network cards to external optical fiber cables, as the cards are enclosed and lack external access for cable connection.
Innovation Solution
A network interface card assembly with a cantilevered electrical-to-optical conversion module and port connector is designed to be inserted into an M.2 slot connector, allowing external connection to optical fiber cables through an exposed port connector, enabling communication between the PCIe bus and optical fiber networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the network interface card is installed in an M.2 slot connector inside the computing device, then the card is securely mounted and electrically connected, but the port connector is enclosed and inaccessible for connecting external optical fiber cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the port connector from the traditional planar arrangement within the M.2 card to a three-dimensional configuration that protrudes through the housing. This dimensional transition allows the port connector to access external space while the card remains securely mounted in the internal M.2 slot, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and external accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The port connector is extracted from the enclosed internal structure of the M.2 card and extended through the housing to the external environment. This extraction allows the port connector to be accessible for cable connections while the card itself remains properly installed and secured within the computing device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the M.2 slot connector is used for internal expansion cards, then the card is fully enclosed for protection, but external connection to optical fiber cables becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing acts as an intermediary structure that provides protection for the internal M.2 slot and card while simultaneously creating an opening or pathway for the port connector to extend externally. This intermediary structure maintains the protective enclosure while enabling external cable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The port connector transitions from the two-dimensional internal plane to three-dimensional external space by extending through the housing. This dimensional change allows the connector to maintain protection within the enclosed structure while providing external accessibility for cable connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the port connector is extended outside the device, then external optical fiber cable connection is enabled, but the internal enclosure structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extended port connector design serves multiple functions: it maintains the protective enclosure for internal components, provides external accessibility for cable connections, and enables support for multiple network interface card types. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering versatile external network connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a circuit card substrate that is associated with a network interface card. The circuit card substrate includes a connector edge to be received in a connector that is nominally associated with a slot to receive an expansion card that, when installed in a computing device, is physically enclosed within the computing device. The apparatus includes a port connector that is mounted to the circuit card substrate. The port connector is to be accessible from a region outside of the computing device when the connector edge of the circuit card substrate is received in the connector.