Elastic Connector Structure for Server Tolerance Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of aligning male and female connectors in servers and racks is exacerbated by accumulated tolerance, leading to unreliable connections due to misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and an elastic member that allows for adjustable alignment through deflection and movement, minimizing angular and positional tolerances by enabling precise alignment of connecting members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid fixed positioning is used for connectors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to accumulated tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure transitions from a rigid fixed positioning system to a dynamic adjustable system. The movable support member allows the connector to dynamically adjust its position and angle within a range, enabling adaptation to accumulated tolerance while maintaining connection reliability. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to accommodate manufacturing variations without compromising alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional and angular parameters of the connector through the movable support member. By allowing the support member to move and deflect, the connector can change its installation position and angle within certain ranges, thereby adapting to accumulated tolerance from rack and server manufacturing. This parameter change capability enables the system to maintain precise alignment despite manufacturing variations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable alignment mechanism is added, then adaptability to tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a fixed support member, a movable support member, and an elastic member. This segmentation allows the movable support member to independently adjust position and angle while the fixed support member provides stable mounting. The modular segmentation enables tolerance adaptation without requiring complex overall restructuring of the connector system.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the fixed support member and the movable support member. It provides the necessary flexibility and restoring force to enable the movable support member to adjust its position and angle while maintaining a stable connection. This intermediary component simplifies the adjustment mechanism by using elastic deformation rather than complex mechanical adjustment devices.
3Ease of operation
If elastic member is used for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member enables the movable support member to automatically adjust its position and angle through elastic deformation when subjected to external forces or misalignment. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for manual alignment operations, improving ease of operation. The elastic restoring force automatically returns the connector to its proper position, maintaining manufacturing precision without requiring complex control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates stable and reliable connection by accommodating tolerance adjustments, ensuring precise alignment and reducing the risk of disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
a second supporting member (22) which is at least partially movably disposed in the mounting hole (211)... an elastic member (23) which is at least partially disposed in the mounting hole (211)
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting to a first connecting member comprises a first supporting member, a second supporting member and an elastic member. A mounting hole is defined on the first supporting member for movable connecting to the first supporting member. The second supporting member is configured to be able to deflect axially relative to the first supporting member. The elastic member comprises a first ring body and a second ring body. A gap is defined between the first ring body and the second ring body for translating or deflecting the first ring body relative to the second ring body. When the second supporting member moves and/or deflects relative to the first supporting member, the first ring body and the second ring body are forced to translate and/or deflect relative to each other. The connector is applied in the server and computer for accommodating the accumulated tolerance.