Shared Mounting Holes for PCB Alignment Pins and Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of using separate dedicated holes for mounting alignment pins and support elements on a mounting plane PCB is inefficient, consuming valuable space and preventing support elements from being optimally located to resist assembly forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mounting plane assembly that utilizes shared mounting holes to attach both alignment pins and support elements to the PCB, reducing the number of holes needed and allowing support elements to be positioned directly opposite the connectors for enhanced reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated holes are used to mount alignment pins and support elements, then each component can be securely mounted, but the number of mounting holes increases significantly, consuming valuable PCB real estate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting functions for alignment pins and support elements into shared mounting holes. Each shared mounting hole receives both an alignment pin and a support element, reducing the total number of holes needed while maintaining secure mounting for both components
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting holes are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - they accommodate both alignment pins for connector alignment and support elements for structural reinforcement. This multi-functionality reduces the overall hole count and optimizes PCB space utilization
2Ease of manufacture
If separate dedicated holes are used for support elements, then mounting is straightforward, but support elements cannot be optimally positioned directly opposite connectors to resist assembly forces
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the mounting of alignment pins and support elements into the same holes, the patent enables support elements to be positioned directly opposite connectors. This positioning allows support elements to effectively resist assembly forces while maintaining straightforward mounting procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the through-hole dimension of the PCB, placing support elements on the opposite side from connectors. This dimensional arrangement allows support elements to be optimally positioned to counteract assembly forces while sharing mounting holes with alignment pins
3Quantity of substance
If multiple separate mounting holes are used, then all components can be mounted, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mounting operations into single shared holes, reducing the total number of drilling, tapping, and fastening operations required. This increases assembly efficiency while still accommodating all necessary alignment pins and support elements
Solution Approach 2:
The shared mounting holes serve multiple functions - mounting both alignment pins and support elements simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall manufacturing steps and improves productivity without compromising component quantity or quality
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting plane assembly (e.g., backplane or midplane) is provided for interconnecting a plurality of daughterboards in a server computer. The mounting plane assembly includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) that has a plurality of shared mounting holes for attaching connector alignment pins to a front side of the PCB as well as mechanical support elements to a back side of the PCB through the same mounting holes.