GPU Board Connector Protection Caps Against Misalignment Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interface connectors in graphics processing unit (GPU) boards are prone to damage during insertion and alignment with backplane connectors due to misalignment, leading to potential mechanical stress and wear.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of protective caps with extension tabs and guide sockets that prevent direct contact between misaligned GPU node connectors and backplane connectors, using snap-lock mechanisms and alignment features to ensure proper alignment and protect the connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If interface connectors are exposed for connection, then connection functionality is achieved, but connectors are prone to damage during insertion and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector durabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cap is pre-installed on the GPU node connector before insertion into the backplane, providing preliminary protection. The cap includes an extension tab that extends beyond the connector to serve as a protective barrier during the insertion process, preventing direct contact between misaligned connectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cap acts as an intermediary component between the GPU node connector and the backplane connector. It includes a guide socket that receives the backplane connector, creating a protected interface that prevents direct mechanical stress on the actual electrical connectors during alignment and insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If protective caps are added to protect connectors, then connector durability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector protectionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cap is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and assembled. It includes distinct functional elements (extension tab, guide socket, snap-lock mechanism) that are segmented within the cap structure itself, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cap incorporates a snap-lock mechanism that enables self-securing to the GPU node connector without requiring additional fastening operations. The extension tab automatically engages with the backplane connector's guide socket during insertion, providing self-alignment and protection without complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250331115A1Protection caps for interface connector of a graphics processing unit board

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A protective cap component includes first and second interface connector protective components and a coupling component. Both of the first and second interface connector protective component include side panels, a top panel, a bottom panel, and an extension tab. The top panel of each interface connector protective component is located between respective top edges of the side panels and extends perpendicular to the first and second side panels. The bottom panel of each interface connector protective component is located between respective bottom edges of the side panels and extends perpendicular to the side panels. The extension tab of each interface connector protective component extends from the respective bottom panel. The coupling component is in physical communication with and located between the first and second interface connector protective components.