M.2 Connector Stiffener Clamp for Vibration and Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing M.2 type connectors in vibratory environments, such as those found in aircraft, are prone to deformation, premature wear, and heat dissipation issues, which are not adequately addressed by conventional solutions that are either expensive, heavy, or ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A stiffener device comprising a main clamp with lateral and upper walls, an upper peripheral frame, and a stringer, which secures the connector and daughter board to the mother board, enhancing stiffness and incorporating a thermal interface for efficient heat removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional M.2 connector mounting is used, then the design remains simple and lightweight, but the connector deforms and fails in severe vibratory environments
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening device is divided into distinct functional components: a clamp portion with first and second clamping arms that independently engage opposite sides of the connector, and a mounting portion with separate attachment features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity in vibratory environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp portion and mounting portion are integrated into a single stiffening device that combines mechanical clamping function with structural mounting function. The device merges the support function (clamp) with the attachment function (mounting portion featuring through-holes and recesses) to create a unified solution that addresses both connector stability and mounting requirements simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connector is stiffened to resist vibration, then deformation is reduced, but the device becomes heavier and more voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp portion utilizes thin-walled construction with first and second clamping arms that provide sufficient stiffness to resist vibration while maintaining minimal mass. The walls of the clamp portion are designed with optimized thickness to achieve the necessary structural rigidity without excessive material usage, thereby reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening device extends in multiple spatial dimensions with the clamp portion engaging the connector laterally and the mounting portion providing vertical attachment to the support board. This multi-dimensional configuration distributes mechanical loads efficiently throughout the structure, reducing the need for excessive material in any single dimension and thereby minimizing overall weight.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If environmental severity is reduced, then connector damage is prevented, but the solution becomes expensive, heavy, and voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening device utilizes the existing support board structure and standard mounting techniques to provide vibration resistance. The device serves itself by incorporating integrated mounting features (through-holes, recesses) that enable direct attachment to the support board without requiring additional external mounting hardware or complex installation procedures, thereby avoiding the weight and cost penalties of external mitigation systems.
4Temperature
If heat removal is enhanced beyond radiation, then thermal management improves, but the device requires additional components like fans
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening device performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical clamping of the connector, structural stiffening against vibration, and thermal management. The clamp portion and mounting portion serve both mechanical support functions and act as heat sinks for thermal dissipation, eliminating the need for separate fan-based cooling systems and reducing overall device complexity.
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
The device effectively reduces deformation and heat-related stress, protecting solder joints and improving thermal management while maintaining a lightweight and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The calories may then only be removed, in the basic connector, by radiation, which is not very effective, by convection, which proves to be restrictive because requiring for example the installation of a fan, or by conduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A stiffener device is suitable for use with an assembly that includes an electronic mother board, an electronic daughter board, a connector for connecting the daughter board parallel to the mother board, and an element for holding in position the daughter board in relation to the mother board. The stiffener device has a main clamp configured to hold tightly the upper surface and the lateral vertical surfaces of the connector.