Card Edge Connector Support Hardware for Cabled Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card edge connectors lack sufficient structural stability to withstand forces from cabled pluggable modules, and there is a need for an electrical connector that can accommodate both non-cabled and cabled pluggable modules on the same host circuit board without excessive real estate usage.
Innovation Solution
A card edge connector assembly with support hardware that includes a mounting lug and a support beam, allowing the connector to be secured to the host circuit board and providing independent support for the pluggable module, thereby alleviating stress and strain from cabled modules, and allowing for both non-cabled and cabled module configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional card edge connectors are mounted to the host circuit board, then they can support non-cabled pluggable modules, but they lack sufficient structural stability to withstand forces from cabled pluggable modules
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into separate functional components: the card edge connector for electrical connection and the support hardware for mechanical strength. The support hardware includes a base mounted to the circuit board and support beams that extend to support the pluggable module, separating the electrical function from the structural support function.
Solution Approach 2:
Support hardware acts as an intermediary element between the host circuit board and the cabled pluggable module. This intermediate structure absorbs and withstands the pulling forces from cables, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the card edge connector and circuit board.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both card edge connectors and header connectors are provided on the same circuit board, then both non-cabled and cabled pluggable modules can be accommodated, but real estate on the host circuit board is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The card edge connector is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both non-cabled and cabled pluggable modules. By adding the support hardware option, the same card edge connector structure can serve dual purposes: supporting lightweight non-cabled modules and providing a mounting structure for heavier cabled modules, eliminating the need for separate header connector designs.
3Reliability
If support hardware is added to the card edge connector assembly, then structural stability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support hardware is designed as separable components (base, support beams, mounting elements) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts and flexible assembly configurations, reducing overall system complexity despite adding functional capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A card edge connector assembly includes a card edge connector having a housing defining a card slot configured to receive a paddle card of a pluggable module and having a mounting lug having a datum surface. The card edge connector assembly includes support hardware coupled to the housing having a base including a locating cavity having a locating surface that receives the mounting lug such that the locating surface engages the datum surface of the mounting lug to locate the support hardware relative to the housing at a support location. The support hardware has a support beam extending from the base having a support surface for supporting the pluggable module independent of the card edge connector such that the paddle card is oriented in the card slot relative to the contacts for electrical connection therewith.