Card Edge Connector With Integrated Support Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card edge connectors lack sufficient structural stability to withstand forces from both non-cabled and cabled pluggable modules, necessitating separate connectors for different types of modules, which is inefficient in terms of circuit board real estate usage.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector assembly that includes a housing with integrated support hardware, featuring a support beam and latch mechanism, allowing the connector to securely hold and orient both non-cabled and cabled pluggable modules independently, thereby distributing stress to the circuit board and preventing damage from pulling forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional card edge connectors are used without integrated support hardware, then the connector structure is simple, but the connector lacks sufficient structural stability to withstand forces from cabled pluggable modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the card edge connector and support hardware into a single integrated assembly. The support hardware includes a base mounted to the circuit board, a support beam extending from the base, and a latch mechanism, all integrated with the card edge connector housing. This merging provides enhanced structural stability to withstand forces from cabled pluggable modules while maintaining a unified connector structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate card edge connectors and header connectors are provided to accommodate both non-cabled and cabled pluggable modules, then both module types can be supported, but circuit board real estate is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The card edge connector assembly is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate both non-cabled pluggable modules and cabled receptacle connectors. The integrated support hardware, including the support beam and latch mechanism, provides the necessary structural stability for cabled modules while maintaining compatibility with non-cabled modules. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connector types, optimizing circuit board space utilization.
3Force
If conventional card edge connectors are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the connectors cannot withstand pulling forces from cables
Solution Approach 1:
The support hardware is integrated with the card edge connector as a single manufacturable unit. The base, support beam, and latch mechanism are formed as part of the connector assembly, allowing for streamlined manufacturing processes while providing the necessary force resistance to withstand pulling forces from cables connected to pluggable modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector assembly includes a card edge connector having a housing defining a card slot receiving a paddle card of a pluggable module having a base mounted to a host circuit board holding contacts in the card slot to electrically connect to the paddle card. Support hardware is coupled to the housing having a base including a cavity receiving the card edge connector and a support beam extending from the base having a pocket receiving the pluggable module. The support beam has a support surface configured to support the pluggable module independent of the card edge connector. The support hardware has a latch coupled to the support beam latchably coupled to the pluggable module to secure the pluggable module in the support hardware electrically coupled to the card edge connector.