Modular Riser Card Connector for Multi-Pin Expansion Card Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices often lack compatible connectors for expansion cards, requiring cumbersome and costly replacement of riser cards to accommodate different pin connection configurations, leading to increased inventory and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular riser card with a detachable connector assembly that can be customized to match various expansion card types, allowing easy configuration and compatibility through interchangeable connector bodies with 8-pair, 16-pair, or 4-pair pin connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connector type is used on the riser card, then the manufacturing and inventory management is simplified, but the adaptability to different expansion card types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The riser card employs a dynamic configuration mechanism where a jumper block can be moved between different positions to enable or disable specific pin connections. This allows the same physical riser card to adapt its electrical connectivity profile (8-pair, 16-pair, or 4-pair configurations) based on the installed expansion card type, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-configuration cards in inventory.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of riser cards are maintained in inventory to support different expansion cards, then the adaptability is improved, but the inventory costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The riser card design achieves universality by incorporating a single card form factor that can serve multiple connector configuration purposes. Through the jumper block mechanism, one riser card model can support 8-pair, 16-pair, and 4-pair pin connections, effectively replacing what would traditionally require three separate riser card variants in inventory, thus reducing stock-keeping units (SKUs) and simplifying supply chain management.
3Ease of repair
If the connector pins are permanently fixed in a specific configuration, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ease of repair and reconfiguration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector pin configuration is segmented into independently controllable groups through the jumper block design. The jumper block physically bridges specific pin pairs, allowing selective activation of 8-pair, 16-pair, or 4-pair modes. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration for repair or upgrade scenarios without requiring complete connector redesign, while the manufacturing process remains straightforward as the jumper block is a simple mechanical component that can be pre-positioned or easily installed.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular riser card, an electronic device having a modular riser card, and a method of determining a type of modular riser card pin connection are disclosed. The modular riser card includes a circuit board and a removable connector assembly. The circuit board includes a first receptacle having a plurality of first pins. The removable connector assembly includes a connector body defining a second receptacle having a plurality of second pins, and an opening formed in the connector body adjacent to the second receptacle. The connector body is mounted on the circuit board such that the first receptacle protrudes through the opening and is aligned with the second receptacle. The first and second receptacles form a riser card connector that is configured to removably receive an expansion card of an electronic device.