Integrated M.2 WLAN Holder for Fast PCB Assembly and Cable Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of M.2 WLAN cards to a printed circuit board is complex, time-consuming, prone to failures, and costly due to the need for multiple parts and precise alignment of coaxial cables, which can lead to damage if not correctly installed.

Innovation Solution

A single-piece M.2 device holder with integrated standoff and cover portions, featuring a strap for secure attachment to the PCB, ensures proper alignment and retention of coaxial cables, reducing the part count and simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate parts are used for M.2 device holder assembly, then the retention and alignment can be achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and assembly time exceeds 100 seconds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention and alignmentVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (holder body, retention mechanism, alignment features) into a single integrated M.2 device holder assembly. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate parts while maintaining the retention and alignment functions, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment of coaxial cables is required, then proper connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and prone to failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoaxial cable alignmentVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The M.2 device holder assembly incorporates pre-formed alignment features and integrated coaxial cable routing that automatically guide cables into correct positions during installation. This preliminary preparation of alignment structures eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are used in the holder assembly, then the functional requirements are met, but the part count increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidpart count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated M.2 device holder assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical retention, electrical connection, coaxial cable alignment, and structural support. This multi-functionality in a single part reduces the part count while meeting all functional requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and quantity of substance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12554297B2M.2 WLAN module holder
Publication Date: 2026.02.17 DELL PROD LP
  • US12554297B2 patent drawing
  • US12554297B2 patent drawing
  • US12554297B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device holder is provided for retaining an M.2 device to a printed circuit board. The device holder includes a standoff portion, a cover portion, and a strap configured to retain the standoff portion to the cover portion. The standoff portion is configured to be affixed to the printed circuit board and to provide a standoff upon which a first end of the M.2 device can be seated. The cover portion is configured, in an open position, to permit the insertion of a second end of the M.2 device into an M.2 connector, and, in a closed position, to retain the M.2 device to the standoff portion.