Low-Profile Shielded Connector for High-Speed Server I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical connectors occupy excessive space, cannot be arranged below heat sinks, and fail to support high-speed data processing and storage functions required by next-generation servers, limiting their utility in data centers.
Innovation Solution
A shielded electrical connector with a low-profile design, featuring an insulative unitary housing and a removably assembled conductive shield that covers the bottom surface and side walls, allowing it to be mounted below heat sinks and conform to industry standards, while preventing accidental disconnection and providing electromagnetic shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional electrical connectors are used, then they provide basic connectivity, but they occupy excessive space and cannot be arranged below heat sinks
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design transitions from a conventional form factor to a low-profile configuration that optimizes the vertical dimension (Z-axis). By reducing the height of the housing and reconfiguring the contact arrangement, the connector can be positioned in the vertical space below heat sinks, utilizing previously unavailable dimensional space for component placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: a simplified housing structure, a separate contact assembly, and a shielding component. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently for minimal volume while maintaining functionality, and enables flexible assembly configurations that adapt to tight spatial constraints.
2Speed
If conventional electrical connectors are used, then they provide basic connectivity, but they fail to support high-speed data processing and storage functions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector implements differentiated contact geometries and material properties at specific locations to optimize signal transmission characteristics. Certain contact regions feature enhanced plating, precise geometric profiles, and controlled impedance designs that specifically address high-speed signal requirements, while other areas maintain simpler constructions for cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The design modifies critical parameters including contact tip geometry, material composition, surface finish, and dimensional tolerances to meet high-speed data transmission requirements. These parameter optimizations enable the connector to support modern data rates without requiring a complete redesign of the entire assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a shielded connector design is implemented, then electromagnetic shielding is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is integrated with the existing housing structure rather than being implemented as a separate component. The housing itself is configured to provide electromagnetic shielding through its geometry and material selection, eliminating the need for additional shielded enclosures or complex grounding structures that would increase manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, mechanical protection, and electromagnetic shielding. By designing the housing to fulfill all these roles, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving comprehensive shielding performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector configured to mate with a mating connector along a mating direction includes an electrically insulative unitary housing, pluralities of top and bottom contacts, and an electrically conductive unitary shield. The pluralities of top and bottom contacts are disposed in a central slot at a respective top surface and a bottom surface of the central slot for making contact with corresponding conductive terminals of a tongue of the mating connector. The shield is removably assembled to the housing along the mating direction from a rear side of the housing. The shield includes a base shield substantially covering an entire bottom surface of a bottom wall of the housing, and opposing side shields substantially covering opposing side walls of the housing. The shield leaves substantially an entire top surface of a top wall of the housing and the rear side of the housing exposed.