Connector Clamp for Hard Drive Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SATA/SAS connectors experience integrity degradation and disengagement in high vibration environments, leading to electrical communication and power delivery interruptions due to loosening and physical contact compromise, potentially resulting in connector breakage.
Innovation Solution
A connector clamp system comprising a top clamp with extending arms and a bottom clamp, both equipped with gaskets and screw holes, securely attaches to a hard drive, applying compressive force to maintain stable contact between connectors and preventing relative movement, thus enhancing contact stability and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional SATA/SAS connectors are used in high vibration environments, then the connectors are easy to install and inexpensive, but the connector integrity degrades and contacts loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-installed on the connector assembly before the connector is inserted into the SATA/SAS connector. This preliminary action ensures that the clamp is already in position to apply clamping force, preventing any movement or loosening that could occur during insertion or subsequent vibration, thereby maintaining contact integrity without complicating the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp applies a pre-loaded clamping force that counteracts the loosening tendency caused by vibration before it can occur. This preliminary anti-action prevents the connector contacts from separating or rubbing against each other, maintaining stable electrical contact throughout the operational life of the device
2Productivity
If conventional connectors are engaged in high vibration environments, then quick installation is achieved, but pin contacts rub against contact pads causing degradation and gold dust production
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is installed on the connector assembly before insertion, establishing a pre-loaded clamping force that prevents pin contacts from rubbing against contact pads during operation. This preliminary action eliminates the harmful rubbing effect while maintaining the quick installation advantage of conventional connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp provides a cushioning effect by maintaining constant contact pressure between the pin contacts and contact pads. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful rubbing and scraping that would otherwise occur during vibration, eliminating gold dust production while requiring no additional installation time
3Reliability
If SATA/SAS connectors are subjected to constant vibration stresses, then basic connector function is maintained, but the connectors may splinter from the hard drive
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp merges the connector assembly with the hard drive by providing a mechanical connection that anchors the connector in place. This merging prevents the connector from being subjected to excessive vibration stresses that could cause splintering, while maintaining the basic connector function without requiring a complete redesign of the connector interface
Data Source
AI summary
A connector clamp, for a hard drive having a first connector for mating with an external connector, having a top clamp and a bottom clamp. The top clamp includes a longitudinal section from which two arms extend, each arm including an integrally formed hole, and a bottom face, wherein a first gasket is attached to the bottom face and contacts the external connector when mated with the first connector. The bottom clamp includes an integrally formed first set of holes to receive a first set of screws for insertion into the hard drive, an integrally formed second set of holes to receive a second set of screws for insertion into the holes of the top clamp, and a top face, wherein a second gasket is attached to the top face and contacts the external connector when mated with the first connector.