Unitary PCI-E SAS Interface With Ferrule-Arm-Hook Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repeated plugging and unplugging of PCI-E interface components leads to wear and unreliable connections due to their design for long-term fixed connections, which hampers high-speed data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A unitary interface configuration for PCI-E SAS featuring a connecting assembly with a male and female sub-assembly, and a fastening assembly using ferrule-arm-hook components and screws, allowing for easy and secure connection and disconnection while maintaining high-frequency data transmission speeds up to 12 Gbps, applicable to SATA, SAS, and PCI-E channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the PCI-E interface uses a traditional male-female connector design for long-term fixed connections, then the connection stability is improved, but the interface durability deteriorates due to repeated plugging and unplugging causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional connector design by making both the male and female parts integrally connected to the PCB board respectively. Instead of one fixed and one movable connector, both connectors are fixed to the board, and the cable assembly with ferrules connects between them. This inversion eliminates the wear problem of repeated plugging while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connector system into three independent parts: male connector fixed to PCB, female connector fixed to PCB, and a separate cable assembly with ferrules. This segmentation allows the cable assembly to be replaced without affecting the connectors on the PCB, improving both durability and maintainability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the PCI-E interface uses a traditional connector design, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in repeated plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the traditional design where both connectors are fixed to PCB rather than one being movable, the patent makes plugging and unplugging easier by allowing the entire cable assembly to be installed or removed in one operation, rather than manipulating individual connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly with ferrules is designed to self-align and self-connect to the male and female connectors on the PCB. The ferrules automatically engage with the connector terminals, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment during installation and simplifying the operation.
3Ease of operation
If the PCI-E interface uses a unitary configuration with both male and female parts connected to PCB, then the ease of operation is improved for repeated plugging, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall system is unitary with both connectors on PCB, the patent segments the cable connection into replaceable ferrule components. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by allowing simple cable replacement without affecting the complex connector-PCB integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The male and female connectors on the PCB are designed with universal compatibility to work with standard cable assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces complexity by using standardized interfaces rather than custom-designed unique connections, simplifying both manufacturing and operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates repeated and reliable plugging and unplugging, ensuring high-frequency data transmission speeds and enhancing the interface's durability and versatility across different channels.
Implementation Method 1
each arm provides elastic force to make each hook respectively snap to one of the two sides of the female sub-assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the field of interface technology, particularly to a unitary interface used for PCI-E SAS. The unitary interface comprises a connecting assembly, a terminal assembly and a fastening assembly, the connecting assembly includes a male sub-assembly, a female sub-assembly and a PCB sub-assembly. The fastening assembly includes two ferrule-arm-hook components. Each of the two ferrule-arm-hook components includes a ferrule, an arm and a hook, with the ferrule and the hook being respectively located at one of the two ends of the arm. The male protrusion and the female protrusion at the same side, which are brought closely to each other, can be encircled tightly by one of the two ferrules, while each of the arms provides elastic force to make each of the two hooks respectively snap to one of the two sides of the female sub-assembly.