Longitudinal Insertion Adapter for PCIe Hot Swap Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The physical access constraints of PCIe circuit cards, which are designed for vertical insertion, limit the usefulness of the 'hot swap' feature when the enclosure is closed, making it difficult or impossible to access the cards for removal or insertion without damaging the motherboard.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinal insertion adapter that allows PCIe circuit cards to be inserted in a longitudinal direction, facilitating access by eliminating the keying block and providing a mechanism for angular or linear motion of the contacts, and includes an alignment stop and locking mechanism for secure insertion and attachment to the motherboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PCIe circuit cards are designed for vertical insertion into sockets mounted on the motherboard, then the connector structure is standardized and reliable, but physical access to the cards becomes difficult or impossible once the enclosure is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insertion direction from vertical (perpendicular to motherboard) to longitudinal (parallel to motherboard surface). The adapter socket assembly receives the circuit card edge connector in a longitudinal direction, transforming the insertion dimension and enabling access through side openings of the enclosure while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a longitudinal insertion adapter as an intermediary component between the motherboard socket and the circuit card. The adapter socket assembly acts as a mediator that receives the card longitudinally and transfers the electrical connection to the standard vertical socket, enabling easy access while preserving the original connector reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure is closed to protect the motherboard, then the system is secure and compact, but access to PCIe circuit cards for hot swap operations becomes severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the insertion direction to longitudinal, the patent enables hot swap operations through side openings of the closed enclosure. The circuit card can be inserted or removed in the longitudinal direction without requiring access to the rear of the enclosure, making hot swap operations feasible while maintaining an enclosed protective structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard PCIe sockets are used with vertical insertion design, then the connector form factor is standardized, but removing or inserting cards requires access to the rear of the enclosure which is not available in closed systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables card insertion from the side by changing the insertion direction to longitudinal. The adapter socket assembly is designed to receive the circuit card edge connector in a longitudinal direction, allowing insertion through side openings while maintaining compatibility with standard PCIe electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal insertion adapter serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between side opening access and standard PCIe connectivity. It receives cards longitudinally from the side and maintains proper electrical connections to the motherboard socket.
Data Source
AI summary
A longitudinal insertion adapter includes an adapter socket assembly having a first end, a second end and a first set of electrical contacts. The adapter socket assembly is configured to accept a circuit card edge connector. At least one of the first and second ends has a void for accepting longitudinal insertion of the circuit card. The adapter further includes an edge connector assembly fixedly attached the adapter socket assembly. The edge connector assembly has a second set of electrical contacts arranged to couple electrically when the edge connector assembly is inserted into a fixed connector socket. The adapter socket assembly is fixedly attached to the edge connector assembly. Each contact of the first set of contacts is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the second set of contacts.