Coplanar PCB Expansion Connectors for Server Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern server computer hardware faces challenges in efficient space utilization and thermal regulation due to conventional expansion connector designs that increase the spatial volume and limit flexibility in configuring components within modular server systems.
Innovation Solution
The design of a printed circuit board (motherboard) with PCIe lanes running to both sides, allowing for rotatable expansion connectors on the outer edges, which positions expansion devices coplanarly, reducing vertical space usage and enabling taller heat sinks for improved thermal regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expansion connectors are mounted on conventional motherboards, then connectivity functionality is provided, but the spatial volume increases and flexibility in configuring components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional perpendicular mounting to coplanar mounting, where expansion connectors and expansion devices lie in the same plane as the motherboard. This dimensional change reduces vertical space requirements and allows for more flexible configuration of components within the server rack, directly addressing the contradiction between spatial volume and configurability
2Temperature
If conventional expansion connector designs are used, then standard connectivity is achieved, but thermal regulation becomes difficult due to increased height
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the mounting orientation from perpendicular to coplanar, the patent reduces the vertical height of the assembly. This allows sufficient space for taller heat sinks to be installed, improving thermal regulation capabilities while maintaining standard connectivity functionality
3Area of stationary object
If modular hardware building blocks are used, then space efficiency is improved, but the number of expansion connectors increases the need for efficient space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple expansion connectors onto a single coplanar motherboard design, allowing multiple connectors to be efficiently arranged in the same plane. This consolidation approach maximizes space utilization within modular server racks while accommodating an increased number of expansion connectors through optimized coplanar layout
Data Source
AI summary
A printed circuit board (PCB) may be provided that includes a plurality of expansion device connectors mounted to at least two outer edges of the PCB. Each of the expansion device connectors may include a slot aligned in a same plane as the PCB. The slot may be positioned to connect to an expansion device such as to align the expansion device in the same plane as the PCB. Thus, the expansion card may be communicatively connected to the PCB via the expansion card connector. As the PCB includes expansion device connectors on at least two outer edges, the PCB may be positioned in at least two orientations to provide a greater number of expansion device configurations than realized in some PCBs.