Expansion Card Power Port Layout to Prevent Cable Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for supplying power to graphics cards with high power consumption (>75 W) using external power supplies result in bent and twisted wires, poor connections, safety hazards, and aesthetic issues due to wire protrusion and interference with computer cases.
Innovation Solution
An expansion card assembly design where the external power supply is connected to a circuit board assembly rather than directly to the expansion card, utilizing distinct connection ports with different interfaces to prevent wire bending and interference, and allowing for retracted ports to avoid mechanical conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an external power supply is directly connected to the expansion card, then sufficient power can be supplied to high-power graphics cards, but the wires become bent and twisted causing poor connections and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator component (the circuit board with integrated power management circuitry) between the external power supply and the expansion card. This mediator receives power from the external source, manages power distribution through regulated channels, and delivers it to the expansion card, thereby preventing direct wire connections from becoming bent and twisted while maintaining reliable power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent connection points: a first connection port for data/signals and a second connection port for power. This segmentation allows power and data to be transmitted through separate pathways, preventing the mechanical stress and bending that occurs when both are routed through a single direct connection, thus improving connection reliability.
2Power
If an external power supply wire protrudes from the graphics card, then power can be delivered, but it interferes with the computer case side panel causing unsmooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power connection function is extracted from the expansion card body and relocated to the circuit board. The power connection port is positioned on the circuit board away from the expansion card's side, allowing the power wire to be routed through the circuit board's internal pathways rather than protruding outward. This extraction eliminates the interference with the computer case side panel while maintaining power delivery capability.
3Power
If an external power wire is used with a see-through computer case, then power supply is achieved, but the aesthetic quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board acts as an intermediary that conceals the power wire routing. By receiving power through a dedicated port on the circuit board and distributing it internally, the system eliminates the need for visible protruding wires that would be seen through the transparent computer case, thus maintaining aesthetic quality while achieving power supply.
4Device complexity
If the PCI-E connection port is used to supply power, then the structure is simple, but it is not suitable for graphics cards with power consumption exceeding 75 W
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is designed with multi-functionality: it serves both as a data communication interface (PCI-E connection port) and as a power management platform (with dedicated power connection ports and regulation circuits). This universal design allows the same circuit board structure to handle both low-power and high-power scenarios, eliminating the need for completely separate power supply structures while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a circuit board assembly and an expansion card assembly. The circuit board assembly includes a circuit board body, a first circuit board connection port, a second circuit board connection port, and a third circuit board connection port. The expansion card assembly is adapted for plugging in the circuit board assembly, and includes an expansion card body, a first expansion card connection port, and a second expansion card connection port. When the expansion card assembly is plugged in the circuit board assembly, the first expansion card connection port is docked with the first circuit board connection port, the second expansion card connection port is docked with the second circuit board connection port, and the third circuit board connection port is electrically connected to the expansion card body through the second circuit board connection port and the second expansion card connection port.