Floatable Circuit Board Module for Server Connector Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In servers, manufacturing and assembly tolerances between connectors can lead to misalignment, causing poor connection and operational issues due to the lack of precise alignment between machine case and framework connectors.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board module with a floatable design, incorporating a bracket, resilient members, and guiding elements that allow the circuit board to move and compress, absorbing tolerances and ensuring proper connection between connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are rigidly fixed to absorb manufacturing tolerances, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is designed to be movable relative to the bracket, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic one. The circuit board can shift position to accommodate connector misalignment while maintaining electrical connection, thus improving reliability without adding complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members change their mechanical properties (from uncompressed to compressed state) to absorb position deviations. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances automatically, improving connection reliability while keeping the structure simple.
2Ease of operation
If the circuit board is made floatable with resilient members, then connection smoothness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Resilient members are introduced as intermediary elements between the circuit board and bracket. These intermediaries absorb position deviations and enable smooth connector engagement, effectively decoupling the connection process from strict manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members are pre-installed in a compressed state to provide cushioning before connector engagement. This beforehand cushioning compensates for potential misalignment, allowing smooth connection even when manufacturing precision is not perfect.
3Measurement precision
If resilient members are added to accommodate tolerances, then connector alignment improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a fixed bracket and a movable circuit board, with resilient members providing independent adjustment in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to handle alignment issues in multiple dimensions without creating a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support, enable position adjustment, and facilitate smooth connector engagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated alignment components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables smooth and complete connection of connectors, ensuring the server operates normally by accommodating manufacturing and assembly tolerances through the use of compressible resilient members.
Implementation Method 1
The first resilient member is disposed at a first side of the first circuit board. The first circuit board is configured to move in a first direction and compress the first resilient member. The second resilient member is disposed at a second side of the first circuit board. The first circuit board is configured to move in a second direction and compress the second resilient member.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board module includes a bracket, a first circuit board, a first resilient member and a second resilient member. The bracket has at least one protruding pillar. The first circuit board is disposed on the bracket. The first circuit board has at least one through hole and at least one first connector. The at least one protruding pillar passes through the at least one through hole. The at least one first connector defines an assembling direction. The first resilient member is disposed at a first side of the first circuit board. The first circuit board is configured to move in a first direction and compressing the first resilient member. The second resilient member is disposed at a second side of the first circuit board. The first circuit board is configured to move in a second direction and compressing the second resilient member.