Floating Data Connector for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems with multiple components having moving parts, such as hard disk drives, vibrational energy is often transmitted between components mounted on a common support structure, necessitating vibration isolation systems, and there is a need for a cable/connector that minimally affects the frequency response of these systems and allows for easy installation with blind mating capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A data connector system that includes a carrier with a back plate and bottom plate configuration allowing the connector to float relative to the carrier, featuring flexible cabling and pins that can slide and align properly with the hard disk drive, enabling a blind mating mechanism and minimizing the impact on vibration isolation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid cable/connector is used to connect computer components, then connection stability is improved, but vibrational energy transmission between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with dynamic compliance features including a compliant cable assembly that can flex and move, and a connector body that is movable relative to the carrier along the insertion axis. This dynamic design allows the connector to adapt to vibrations rather than rigidly transmitting them, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the connector components. The cable assembly transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible, compliant structure. The connector body is designed to move independently with a range of motion, changing its positional parameter relative to the carrier. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain reliable electrical connections while isolating vibrational energy.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a floating connector design is used to minimize vibration impact, then vibrational energy transmission is reduced, but alignment precision and manufacturing tolerance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body includes protrusions that engage with guide slots in the carrier before final insertion is complete. This preliminary engagement establishes alignment and guides the connector body into proper position as it moves along the insertion axis, preventing misalignment issues that would otherwise result from the floating design.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide slots act as an intermediary mechanism between the rigid carrier and the movable connector body. They provide a controlled path for the connector body to move while maintaining proper alignment, mediating between the floating design requirements and manufacturing precision needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed connector position is used relative to the carrier, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to vibration isolation requirements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed to move independently relative to the carrier along the insertion axis within a defined range of motion. This dynamic capability allows the connector to adapt to vibration isolation requirements while maintaining a relatively simple fixed mounting structure on the carrier, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and vibration adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A computer component mounting assembly includes a carrier to support a hard drive and a data connector. The carrier is configured to slidably receive the hard drive along a first axis. The data connector includes a first connector configured to mate to pins of the hard drive, a second connector configured to mate to a SATA data connector, and a flexible cable connecting the two. The first connector includes an alignment feature to engage a corresponding alignment feature on the hard drive. The first connector is coupled to the carrier and slidable in a plane perpendicular to the first axis, and the first connector is configured such that when carrier receives the hard drive and the alignment feature engages the corresponding alignment feature the first connector moves in the plane perpendicular to the first axis to provide alignment of the first connector to the pins of the hard drive.