Liquid-Cooled Connector Assembly With Screwless Guided Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies face issues with overheating due to liquid cooling plates, which require screws for assembly, leading to increased size and time-consuming alignment and locking processes.
Innovation Solution
A connection device comprising a connector assembly, liquid cooling plate, and framework with side latching members and guiding grooves that allow for screwless assembly and guided engagement, ensuring compactness and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used to assemble the framework with the circuit board and connector assembly, then the assembly is firmly fixed, but the circuit board area increases and assembly time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screws from the assembly system entirely. The framework connects to the connector assembly through direct engagement of complementary structures (protrusions on the framework engage with grooves on the connector assembly), eliminating the need for separate fastening elements and reducing circuit board area requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the fastening function into the structural components themselves. The framework and connector assembly are designed with interlocking features that combine support and fixation functions into a single integrated connection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate screws.
2Stability of the object's composition
If screws are used to lock the framework with the connector assembly, then the assembly is stable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The framework and connector assembly are designed with self-aligning and self-locking features. The protrusions on the framework automatically engage with the grooves on the connector assembly during the assembly process, eliminating the need for manual alignment and screw tightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The complementary connection structures (protrusions and grooves) are pre-designed and pre-positioned on the framework and connector assembly respectively. This preliminary design ensures that when the components are brought together, they automatically align and lock without requiring additional assembly steps.
3Strength
If the circuit board reserves holes for screws, then the framework can be firmly assembled, but the circuit board cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the screw holes from the circuit board design. The framework connects directly to the connector assembly through side walls and interlocking features that do not require penetration into the circuit board, allowing the circuit board to be miniaturized without compromising assembly strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device includes a connector assembly, a liquid cooling plate and a framework. The connector assembly includes a metal shell. The metal shell has two side walls. Each side wall has a protruding portion and a side retaining portion. An interior of the liquid cooling plate allows a cooling liquid to communicate therein. The framework includes two side frames which are respectively fixed to two sides of the liquid cooling plate. Each side frame has a side latching member and a first position-limiting member. The side latching members are capable of being respectively releasable to latch to the side retaining portions. Each first position-limiting member has a guiding groove. The guiding grooves are capable of respectively allowing the protruding portions to slide therein. The first position-limiting members let the protruding portions respectively slide into the guiding grooves to make the side latching members respectively latch to the side retaining portions, so that the liquid cooling plate and the connector assembly are engaged with each other.