Lateral Electrical Connector for Server Chassis Airflow and Signal Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In serviceable front-loading server systems, traditional blind mate connectors at the rear side of server chassis face limitations due to signal integrity issues and airflow obstruction when enlarged for increased pin count, and long cables required for signal routing introduce additional signal integrity problems and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of lateral electrical connectors along the sides of the server chassis, coupled with rotating lever arms and spring-loaded latches, allows for increased connectivity without blocking airflow and reduces the need for long cables, enabling more efficient signal transmission and improved system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If blind mate connectors are enlarged for increased pin count, then connectivity is improved, but signal integrity deteriorates and airflow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates electrical connectors from the rear side to the lateral sides of the server chassis, transitioning the connector placement to a different spatial dimension. This allows connectors to be positioned along the length of the chassis rather than concentrated at the rear, enabling better signal integrity and airflow while maintaining high pin count connectivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If blind mate connectors are enlarged for increased pin count, then connectivity is improved, but airflow is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
By moving connectors to the lateral sides of the chassis, the patent creates clear pathways for airflow along the rear side and through the chassis. The connectors are positioned in a different spatial arrangement that does not block the airflow path, allowing cooling air to move freely while maintaining high connectivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If long cables are used for signal routing, then connectivity is achieved, but signal integrity deteriorates and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal routing path from the traditional long cable approach by placing connectors directly at the lateral sides of the chassis where PCBs are inserted. This eliminates the need for long cables to route signals from the rear to the front, reducing signal degradation and associated costs
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional rear-side connectors are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but system reliability deteriorates due to signal integrity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains manufacturing simplicity by using standard connector designs while changing their placement dimension from rear-side to lateral-side positioning. This spatial reconfiguration allows the same connector technology to be used without complicating manufacturing, while simultaneously improving signal integrity through shorter signal paths
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
This configuration enhances signal integrity, reduces overheating, and decreases costs by allowing deeper PCBs with connectors on both sides, improving airflow and eliminating the need for additional retimers and longer cables.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded latch configured to engage the rotating lever arm
Data Source
AI summary
A chassis is configured to receive a movable component inserted in the chassis. A lever arm is housed at least in part within the chassis and configured to rotate about a pivot point from a force applied on the lever arm by a contact portion of the movable component inserted in the chassis. At least a portion of an electrical connector is coupled to the lever arm and configured to rotate and mate with a mating portion located on a lateral side of the moveable component.