Multi-Slot PCB Connector for Expansion Card Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing systems often lack expansion slots on connectors, limiting their ability to accommodate newer components and facilitating communication with older technology components, which restricts the integration of advanced features and monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring separate slots for receiving printed circuit boards (PCBs) and control boards, with terminals that provide electrical connections, allowing for the integration of expansion cards and monitoring components, such as fan transfer boards and control cards, to enhance functionality and extend the life of computing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If connectors are designed to be simple, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because they cannot accommodate expansion slots for control cards and PCBs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent slots within a single body, including a first slot for control cards, a second slot for PCBs, and a third slot for memory modules. Each slot can independently receive different types of components, allowing the connector to maintain simple manufacturing while achieving high adaptability through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed as a universal interface that can simultaneously accommodate multiple types of components (control cards, PCBs, memory modules) through different slots. This multi-functional design allows a single connector to replace multiple specialized connectors, improving both adaptability and manufacturing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed with multiple slots for different components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple slot functions are merged into a single integrated connector body. The first slot for control cards, second slot for PCBs, and third slot for memory modules are all combined within one connector structure, reducing the need for multiple separate components and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body serves as a universal platform that handles multiple component types through different slots. This consolidation of multiple functions into a single device reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate connectors for each component type.
3Device complexity
If connectors cannot receive memory modules or control cards, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because communication with various components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into specialized slots for different component types: a first slot for control cards, a second slot for PCBs, and a third slot specifically for memory modules. This segmentation enables the connector to handle diverse components without requiring multiple separate devices, thus maintaining manageable complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is designed as a universal interface that can simultaneously receive and facilitate communication among control cards, PCBs, and memory modules through different slots. This multi-functional capability allows the connector to adapt to various component configurations without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector consisting of a body, a first slot, a second slot, a first terminal, and a second terminal is disclosed. The first slot is provided on the body to receive a first printed circuit board (PCB). The second slot is provided on the body to receive a second PCB. The first slot and the second slot are separate and distinct slots. When the first PCB and the second PCB are received in the first slot and the second slot, respectively, the first terminal electrically connects the first PCB and the second PCB, and the second terminal connects to only the second PCB. Providing the first slot on the connector allows adding expansion cards, control cards, and the like to enhance functionality of computing systems.