Offset Connector Alignment in Stacked Circuit Board Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In stacked circuit board structures of storage devices like SSDs, connector misalignment can cause tilting or bending, leading to mating errors and connection issues due to offset connectors between adjacent boards.
Innovation Solution
The use of frame-shaped spacers with support bodies positioned to oppose offset connectors between circuit boards, ensuring proper alignment and engagement of connectors while allowing flexibility in connection routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connectors between adjacent circuit boards are offset in a plane direction, then connection flexibility is improved, but connector misalignment occurs causing mating errors
Solution Approach 1:
A support body is introduced as an intermediary component between the circuit boards and offset connectors. The support body includes a support surface that contacts both circuit boards and provides positional support to the offset connector, enabling the connector to maintain its offset position for routing flexibility while preventing misalignment and mating errors through mechanical support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are offset between circuit boards, then routing flexibility is improved, but connector stability deteriorates causing tilting or bending
Solution Approach 1:
The support body acts as a mediator that provides mechanical stability to offset connectors. By positioning the support surface to contact both adjacent circuit boards and provide support to the offset connector, the support body prevents tilting and bending while maintaining the offset configuration necessary for flexible routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface is selectively positioned to contact specific locations on the circuit boards and offset connector. This localized support provides stability exactly where needed at the connector interface without constraining the overall offset configuration, enabling local reinforcement of stability while maintaining global routing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a storage device includes an enclosure, and a circuit board assembly in the enclosure. The circuit board assembly includes a first circuit board, a second circuit board opposed to the first circuit board, a third circuit board opposed to the second circuit board, a first connector connecting the first and second circuit boards to each other, a second connector connecting the second and third circuit boards to each other, and is offset to the first connector in a plane direction, a first spacer between the first and second circuit boards, and a second spacer between the second and third circuit boards. The first spacer includes a support body at a position opposed to the second connector and in contact with the first and second circuit boards.