Multiple Connector System with Rear Release Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In information handling systems, the close spacing of Nano Pitch Input/Output (NPIO) connector receptacles on printed circuit boards (PCBs) makes it difficult to insert and remove multiple connector cables efficiently, often requiring the removal of adjacent connectors, leading to potential reconnection errors and system downtime.
Innovation Solution
A multiple connector assembly with a connector housing featuring a securing member and a connector release actuator located on the opposite surface, allowing for secure engagement and easy release of connectors without blocking adjacent connectors, enabling simultaneous connection and disconnection without removing adjacent cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If NPIO connector receptacles are spaced close together on the PCB to save space, then the PCB can achieve smaller form factor and efficient component layout, but it becomes difficult or impossible to insert adjacent NPIO connectors as the connector housing blocks access to adjacent receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple connector assembly is segmented into individual connector units (first connector, second connector, etc.) that can be independently inserted into separate receptacles. Each connector has its own housing and contact members, allowing them to be positioned in adjacent receptacles without the housings blocking each other, thus enabling close spacing while maintaining ease of insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housings are oriented such that they extend in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the PCB, with the contact members extending toward the receptacles. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple connectors to be positioned in adjacent receptacles without their housings interfering with each other, resolving the space versus operability contradiction.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple NPIO connectors are provided on a single NPIO connector housing to reduce cable quantity, then the number of cables is reduced, but the release mechanism becomes inaccessible when adjacent connectors are connected, preventing removal of the connector housing
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted from the traditional location on the connector housing and repositioned to extend from the rear surface of the housing. This allows the release mechanism to be accessed from the rear of the assembly, independent of the presence of adjacent connectors, enabling easy removal while maintaining the multiple-connector-on-single-housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the release mechanism on the front or side of the connector housing where it would be blocked by adjacent connectors, the mechanism is inverted to extend from the rear surface. This reverse positioning allows access to the release mechanism without removing adjacent connectors, solving the accessibility problem.
3Adaptability or versatility
If NPIO connector receptacles are arranged in an array to accommodate increasing data transfer needs, then more connections are provided, but adjacent connectors block access to the release mechanism on connector housings with multiple connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted from the conventional location on the connector housing and repositioned to extend from the rear surface of the housing. This extraction and repositioning allows the release mechanism to be accessed from the rear of the multiple connector assembly, independent of the presence of adjacent connectors in the array, enabling easy removal while maintaining high connection density.
4Ease of operation
If connectors are removed from the PCB before removing the connector housing with multiple connectors, then the release mechanism becomes accessible, but this leads to system downtime and potential reconnection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is pre-positioned to extend from the rear surface of the connector housing, making it accessible before any adjacent connectors are removed. This preliminary arrangement of the release mechanism allows operators to access and activate it immediately without needing to remove other connectors first, eliminating unnecessary system downtime and reducing the risk of reconnection errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple connector assembly includes a connector housing. A first connector and a second connector, adjacent the first connector, extend from a first surface of the connector housing. A securing member is coupled to the connector housing and is configured to engage a connector coupling member to secure the first connector in a first connector receptacle and the second connector in a second connector receptacle. A connector release actuator that is located on a second surface of the connector housing that is opposite the first surface of the connector housing. The connector release actuator is configured to actuate the securing member to cause the securing member to disengage with the connector coupling member such that the first connector is no longer secured in the first connector receptacle and the second connector is no longer secured in the second connector receptacle.