Connector Adaptor with Gathering Bevel for Blind Mating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modular computing systems, the process of blind mating between a printed circuit board (PCB) and a backplane or motherboard often results in misalignment and damage to the mating card edge and the card-edge connector due to the lack of visual cues, particularly with mini-SAS female connectors, which are prone to bending or detachment.
Innovation Solution
A connector adaptor is introduced that can be inserted into the thin metal cage preceding the connection surface of the female card-edge connector or overlie it, featuring a gathering bevel to guide the mating card edge and bolster the integrity of the connector, reducing the risk of damage by providing a larger initial contact area and stabilizing the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blind mating is performed without visual cues, then the insertion process can be completed, but misalignment and damage to the mating card edge and card-edge connector occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide feature as an intermediary element between the mating card edge and the card-edge connector. This guide feature physically guides the mating card edge into proper alignment with the connector slot during insertion, eliminating the need for visual cues while preventing misalignment and damage. The guide feature acts as a mediator that ensures accurate positioning without requiring operator vision or dexterity.
2Device complexity
If the thin metal cage is used as a retention mechanism, then the connector structure is simplified, but the cage is prone to bending or being shorn off during blind mating
Solution Approach 1:
The guide feature is positioned in advance within or adjacent to the thin metal cage structure, performing the alignment function before the mating card edge contacts the connector. This preliminary guidance action prevents excessive lateral forces from being applied to the fragile cage during insertion, allowing the simplified cage structure to maintain its retention function without being bent or shorn off.
3Device complexity
If the primary housing is used without additional protection, then the connector design is simplified, but the housing is susceptible to damage or detachment during blind mating
Solution Approach 1:
The guide feature serves as a protective element positioned beforehand to cushion and distribute the insertion forces. By providing this preliminary guidance and force distribution, the mating card edge is gently directed into the connector without concentrating excessive stress on the primary housing, thereby preventing damage or detachment while maintaining design simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector adaptor facilitates coupling of a mating card edge with a corresponding female card-edge connector disposed on a circuit board. A gathering bevel at the face of the connector adaptor guides the mating card edge from the face of the connector adaptor to the slot at the connection surface of the female card-edge connector, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the female card-edge connector or the mating card edge during a blind mating attempt. In some embodiments the connector adaptor includes at least one connector tab such that the adaptor can be securely inserted into a cage preceding the slot opening of the female card-edge connector. In another embodiment the connector adaptor overlies the female card-edge connector to protect at least the connection surface of the female card-edge connector and can be fastened to the circuit board with any variety of fastening components.