Add-In-Card Paddle Board Coupling for Co-Planar PCB Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information handling systems lack efficient mechanisms for providing additional expansion slots and proper spacing for computing cards, as well as reliable power and signal transmission to add-in-cards.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit board (PCB) with a M.2 connector and a notch is used to couple with a paddle card connector of an add-in-card (AIC), ensuring co-planarity and proper spacing, while sideband connectors provide power and signals through jumper connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional expansion slots are added to the PCB, then the expandability of the information handling system is improved, but the device complexity and space management become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveexpandabilityVSAvoidspace management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AIC is designed with a paddle board that nests into a recessed area of the PCB, allowing the AIC to be positioned within the contour of the PCB rather than adding to its overall footprint. This nesting approach enables additional expansion slots while maintaining compact space management and avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If the AIC is positioned co-planar with the PCB, then the aesthetic appearance and space efficiency are improved, but the manufacturing precision and alignment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidalignment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The PCB includes pre-formed recessed areas and alignment features that are manufactured in advance to guide the AIC into the correct co-planar position. These preliminary structural preparations reduce the actual alignment requirements during assembly, making it easier to achieve co-planar positioning without excessive manufacturing precision demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AIC paddle board is designed with an asymmetric shape that complements the asymmetric recessed area on the PCB. This asymmetric design provides natural alignment cues and ensures that the AIC can only be installed in the correct orientation and position, simplifying the co-planar alignment process while maintaining space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If the paddle board connector is used to couple the AIC, then the ease of installation is improved, but the reliability of connection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle board connector design merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical retention function. The same connector structure that facilitates easy insertion also provides secure mechanical retention and reliable electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms and maintaining connection reliability while preserving ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12461573B2Add-in-card for an information handling system

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system, including: a printed circuit board (PCB) including: a storage device connector, a first sideband connector, and an add-in-card (AIC), including: a paddle board connector, a paddle board coupled to the paddle board connector; an expansion slot; and a second sideband connector, wherein when the paddle board is coupled to the storage device connector, the AIC is co-planar with the PCB.