Low-Profile Right-Angle PCIe Connector Assembly with Removable Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional low-profile PCIe card connector assemblies can only accommodate four board-mount connectors, limiting them to 32 differential pairs and preventing the implementation of complex 3D interconnection topologies, which are necessary for energy-proportional computing and reduced server interconnection energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile right-angle connector assembly with six board-mount connectors, each with eight differential pairs, housed within a PCIe bracket and EMI shielding shell, allowing for secure right-angle connections and enabling complex 3D topologies by increasing the number of signal contacts to 48 pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional low-profile PCIe card connector assemblies use four board-mount connectors, then the connector size and spacing requirements are met, but the total number of differential pairs is limited to 32, preventing implementation of complex 3D interconnection topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional 2D layout of connectors to a 3D stacked configuration where multiple connectors are arranged vertically within the PCIe bracket. This dimensional change allows six connectors to be accommodated in the same footprint area, increasing the total differential pairs from 32 to 48 while maintaining compliance with low-profile PCIe form factor constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple board-mount connectors within a single PCIe bracket structure, with connectors arranged in overlapping or stacked configurations. The EMI shielding shell and bracket structure contain and organize the connectors, allowing dense packing of six connectors (each with 8 differential pairs) within the limited space of a low-profile PCIe card, effectively nesting functional elements within a constrained volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If six board-mount connectors are accommodated in the low-profile PCIe card, then complex 3D topologies and 48 differential pairs are enabled, but the connector density and spacing requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector assembly into modular board-mount connectors, each with standardized dimensions and mounting requirements. By dividing the total 48 differential pairs into six separate connectors (8 pairs each), the design maintains manageable spacing and routing requirements for each individual connector while achieving the cumulative bandwidth needed for 3D topologies. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing tolerances to be applied to each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spacing and routing configurations to different regions of the connector assembly. High-speed differential pairs requiring tighter coupling are localized to specific connector regions, while EMI shielding and grounding elements are positioned in adjacent zones. This local optimization of quality parameters allows dense packing of six connectors while maintaining signal integrity and meeting manufacturing precision requirements.
3Reliability
If cable connectors are securely connected to board-mount connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but the latch mechanism adds complexity to the connector assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a latch mechanism that automatically engages when cable connectors are inserted into board-mount connectors. The latch uses spring-loaded arms or clips that deflect during insertion and snap into place, providing secure mechanical retention without requiring manual operation. This self-actuating behavior ensures reliable connection security while minimizing user interaction and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the latch mechanism directly into the connector housing structure, combining the retention function with the existing connector components. The latch arms are formed as integral parts of the connector assembly, sharing common materials and manufacturing processes with the housing. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile, right angle connector assembly comprises six cable connectors and six board-mount connectors housed within a PCIe bracket and EMI shell. The PCIe bracket and EMI shell are braced to a low profile PCIe card. Each board-mount connector is designed to receive a cable connector and allows for the transmission and processing of high-speed data with lower latency. A removable latch mounted on the cable connectors helps ensure the cable connectors remain physically connected to the board-mount connectors. The removable latch may be replaced as needed for breakage and wear and tear.