CPU Connector Rail Frame Transverse Bar Buffer Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connectors for connecting a CPU to a PCB risk damaging the latches of the carrier frame or the CPU during assembly due to the transverse bar of the rail frame interfering with the components.

Innovation Solution

The electrical connector design includes a rail frame with a raised transverse bar and guiding sections that allow for safe assembly by preventing interference with the latches and CPU, featuring a pair of sliding channels and a load plate for secure CPU retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the rail frame is raised up with a distance to avoid interfering with components on the PCB, then the clearance between the rail frame and PCB is improved, but the transverse bar at the free end of the rail frame may damage the latches of the carrier frame or even the CPU during loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclearance distanceVSAvoiddamage risk to latches and CPU

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the transverse bar and the carrier frame latches. This buffer absorbs potential impact forces during assembly, preventing direct contact that could cause damage to the latches or CPU, while still allowing the rail frame to be raised sufficiently to avoid PCB interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer structure provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-positioned to absorb potential impact forces before they can reach the carrier frame latches or CPU. This protective measure is built into the assembly structure in advance, preventing damage during the loading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If the transverse bar is positioned to reinforce the rail frame, then the structural strength is improved, but it blocks the assembly process of loading the carrier frame into the rail frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverail frame strengthVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse bar structure is segmented into multiple parts: a main body portion for reinforcement and a separate buffer portion for facilitating assembly. This segmentation allows the transverse bar to perform dual functions - providing structural strength where needed while creating clearance or buffer zones where assembly ease is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the transverse bar have different properties: the main body maintains full strength for structural support, while the buffer portion is designed with different characteristics (such as reduced height or increased flexibility) to allow smooth passage of the carrier frame during assembly. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10653028B2Connector equipped with carrier frame and rail frame for CPU

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 FOXCONN (KUNSHAN) COMPUTER CONNECTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An electrical connector includes a stiffener, a rail frame pivotally mounted to one end of the stiffener, a carrier frame assembled to the rail frame in a sliding manner, and a load plate pivotally mounted to the end of the stiffener outside of the rail frame. The carrier frame includes latches to retain the CPU thereon. The rail frame includes a pair of opposite sliding channels extending in the front-to-back direction, along which the carrier frame is moveable. A front transverse bar is located in front of the sliding channels and above the sliding channels in the vertical direction.