Horizontal PCIe Riser Bracket for Compact Server Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical riser assemblies for dual PCIe cards exceed the height limit of compact server chassis, necessitating a more compact solution that also optimizes cable routing and reduces the buffer distance between connectors and the motherboard.
Innovation Solution
A compact expansion card riser assembly utilizing horizontal riser boards with straddle mount connectors and strategically located slimline and power connectors, allowing for reduced height and width, enabling deployment in standard server heights with efficient space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vertical riser assembly is used to support dual PCIe cards, then the cards can be properly connected to the motherboard, but the assembly height exceeds the limit of compact server chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical riser configuration by using horizontal riser boards that extend perpendicular to the motherboard plane. This inversion allows the PCIe cards to be mounted horizontally rather than vertically, reducing the height profile of the riser assembly while maintaining proper electrical connections through the motherboard's PCIe slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical height-oriented configuration to a horizontal width-oriented configuration. By mounting riser boards horizontally and positioning PCIe cards in a horizontal plane, the design moves the expansion capability from the vertical dimension to the horizontal dimension, allowing compact chassis height requirements to be met.
2Length of moving object
If connectors are positioned closer to the motherboard to save space, then the riser assembly height is reduced, but the buffer distance becomes insufficient potentially causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the riser board is positioned within the chassis space, and the PCIe cards are mounted on the riser board in a nested arrangement. This nesting allows connectors to be positioned close to the motherboard while maintaining adequate buffer distances through the layered configuration of riser board, card, and chassis components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different buffer distances at different locations: a first buffer distance is maintained between the first PCIe card and the motherboard, and a second buffer distance is maintained between the second PCIe card and the motherboard. This localized quality approach allows space optimization in certain areas while ensuring adequate protection in critical connector regions.
3Length of moving object
If horizontal riser boards are used to reduce height, then the assembly fits within standard server heights, but the width and space utilization must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the horizontal riser board configuration to support multiple PCIe cards simultaneously while maintaining compatibility with standard server chassis dimensions. The universal design allows the same riser board structure to accommodate different card types and configurations, optimizing space utilization across the chassis footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of PCIe cards on the horizontal riser boards, with cards positioned at different distances from the motherboard (first and second buffer distances). This asymmetric arrangement optimizes space utilization by accommodating cards of different sizes and types while maintaining adequate clearance and cooling pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact expansion card riser assembly for connection of two expansion cards to horizontally oriented circuit board is disclosed. The riser assembly includes a support bracket, a first horizontal riser board, and a second horizontal riser board. The first horizontal riser board has an expansion card connector. The first horizontal riser is attached to the support bracket. The support bracket and first horizontal riser board support a horizontally oriented expansion card. The second horizontal riser board has an expansion card connector. The second horizontal riser is attached to the support bracket. The support bracket and second horizontal riser board support a horizontally oriented expansion card.