Daughter Card Pivot Assembly for Blind Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mechanically coupling a daughter card to a host card in information handling systems face challenges such as difficulty in assembly and disassembly, and alignment of connectors, particularly when using fixed screws and plastic push pins.
Innovation Solution
The use of standoffs and standoff engagement features on both the host and daughter cards to define a pivot axis for aligning connectors, allowing for a 'blind mate' connection, which is facilitated by standoffs on the host card engaging with corresponding features on the daughter card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed screws or plastic push pins are used to mechanically couple daughter card to host card, then the connection is secure, but assembly and disassembly becomes difficult and connector alignment becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling system is segmented into three distinct functional elements: standoffs (protrusions) on the host card, corresponding recesses in the daughter card, and a separate alignment feature. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy assembly through a simple insertion motion while maintaining secure connection through the standoff-recess engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The standoff acts as an intermediary element between the host card and daughter card. Instead of directly fastening components together with screws or pins, the standoff serves as a mediating structure that provides both mechanical support and alignment guidance, facilitating easy assembly while ensuring reliable connection through its engagement with the recess and alignment feature.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed screws or plastic push pins are used for mechanical coupling, then structural stability is achieved, but connector alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature is provided in advance on the host card at a predetermined position and orientation. This preliminary alignment structure guides the daughter card into the correct position during assembly, ensuring precise connector alignment before the final mechanical engagement occurs. The alignment feature is already in place to receive and orient the corresponding feature on the daughter card.
Solution Approach 2:
The standoff-recess-alignment feature combination provides self-alignment functionality. When the daughter card is inserted into the host card, the alignment feature automatically guides the connectors into proper alignment, and the standoff-recess engagement self-secures the connection. The system serves its own alignment and securing functions without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a motherboard and an information handling resource mechanically and electrically coupled to the motherboard. The information handling resource may include a circuit board, a connector mounted to a surface of the circuit board and configured to electrically couple to a corresponding connector mounted to a surface of a second circuit board of a second information handling resource, a first standoff extending from a surface of the circuit board, and a second standoff extending from the surface and arranged relative to the first standoff such that the first standoff and the second standoff are configured to mechanically engage with engagement features of the second information handling resource to define an axis of pivot between the circuit board and the second circuit board to align the connector to the corresponding connector.