Hybrid Connector System for IT Device Expansion Card Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
High availability devices require flexible configuration within limited enclosure space, necessitating efficient use of space and compatibility with various expansion cards and riser cards while maintaining redundancy and spatial efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid connector system comprising a standard connector portion for standardized expansion cards and a supplemental connector portion for riser cards, with a controller assembly to monitor and determine the presence of riser cards, allowing for adaptive configuration and signal management to optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connector type is used for all expansion cards, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different card types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into distinct segments: a standard connector portion for standardized expansion cards and a supplemental connector portion for riser cards. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific card type while maintaining overall system flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid connector system provides multi-functionality by accommodating both standardized expansion cards and riser cards through a single integrated connector assembly. The standard connector portion and supplemental connector portion work together to support multiple card types, enhancing the system's universal adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If enclosure space is increased to accommodate more expansion options, then adaptability improves, but spatial efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental connector portion is nested within or integrated with the standard connector portion, allowing the riser card functionality to be contained within the same physical footprint as the standardized expansion card connector. This nesting approach enables additional configuration options without proportionally increasing enclosure space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system addresses spatial constraints by utilizing vertical stacking through riser cards rather than requiring additional horizontal space. The supplemental connector portion enables riser cards to be inserted in a vertical dimension, allowing multiple expansion options within a compact footprint and maintaining high spatial efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signal connectors are added for riser cards, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standard connector portion and supplemental connector portion are merged into a single hybrid connector system that handles both standardized expansion cards and riser cards. This merging consolidates the signal connection functions, allowing the system to maintain adaptability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
An IT device includes a system board and a hybrid connector system including a standard connector portion and a supplemental connector portion. The standard connector portion is configured to receive a standardized expansion card and a combination of the standard connector portion and the supplemental connector portion is configured to receive a riser card.