PCB Strain Relief Connector for Integrated Cabled Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling systems face challenges in efficiently providing power to printed circuit boards (PCBs) while maintaining system integration, cooling, and reducing cable complexity, especially with flexible cabling solutions that require significant space and compromise cooling and density.
Innovation Solution
The use of strain relief connectors to provide cabled power to PCBs, integrating power connectors without additional space, and allowing for smaller PCB designs by leveraging existing strain relief mechanisms to form an electrical path through the PCB via and power pads, reducing the need for large power connectors and consolidating cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional power connectors are used on PCBs, then power delivery is achieved, but the PCB size increases and space in the chassis is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power delivery function with the existing strain relief connector structure. The strain relief connector, originally designed only for mechanical support, is modified to include electrical contact elements that can deliver power to the PCB. This merging eliminates the need for separate power connectors and reduces PCB size.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief connector is transformed from a single-function mechanical component into a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides mechanical strain relief and electrical power delivery. This universality allows the same component to serve dual purposes, reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible cabling solutions are used, then cable flexibility is improved, but cable complexity increases and cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power delivery function from the flexible cable assembly and transfers it to the strain relief connector on the PCB. By removing the power function from the cable, the cable's role is simplified to data or signal transmission only, reducing cable complexity while maintaining flexibility.
3Power
If additional power connectors are added to PCBs, then power delivery capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery function with the existing strain relief connector, eliminating the need for additional separate power connectors. The strain relief connector is modified to include electrical contact elements, so that a single component performs both mechanical support and power delivery functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief connector is transformed from a single-function mechanical component into a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides mechanical strain relief and electrical power delivery. This universality allows the same component to serve dual purposes, reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, one or more systems may comprise a system for leveraging a strain relief connector in a board connector or providing electrical power to a printed circuit board (PCB) retained in the board connector. A surface of the PCB is formed with a contact pad and a via is connected to the contact pad. The PCB is positioned in a first slot in the board connector and an electrically conductive bracket is positioned in a second slot in a strain relief connector. A bolt is advanced in a threaded passage to secure the PCB and the electrically conductive bracket in the board connector, wherein the electrically conductive bracket, the bolt and the contact pad form an electrical path from the electrical connector to the via in the PCB.