Perpendicular PCB Connector Mating for Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems face challenges with airflow obstruction due to expensive and space-consuming right-angle electrical connectors, which hinder cooling and increase costs, while attempting to add density and maintain airflow is difficult without increasing connector dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The design features a communication system with circuit card assemblies where the first and second PCBs are oriented perpendicular to each other, with electrical connectors aligned parallel to the board loading axis, allowing for elongated connectors that reduce height and width dimensions, enabling increased contact density without obstructing airflow by using slots for interlocking and angled contact mating angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If right angle electrical connectors are used on both cards, then the electrical connectors can direct mate in orthogonal orientation, but the connectors occupy large space and block airflow through the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mating direction from orthogonal (right angle) to parallel with the board loading direction. The electrical connectors are oriented such that their mating direction aligns with the board loading axis, allowing airflow to pass through the system unobstructed while maintaining reliable electrical connection between circuit cards
2Quantity of substance
If connector density is increased to add more signal contacts, then the system capacity increases, but the connector size increases further blocking airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the electrical connectors so that their mating direction is parallel to the board loading direction rather than orthogonal. This dimensional change allows the connector to accommodate more signal contacts along its length without increasing the height or width dimensions that would block airflow through the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the electrical connector from orthogonal to parallel with the board loading axis. This parameter change enables the connector to achieve higher contact density while maintaining a compact profile that does not obstruct the airflow path through the communication system
3Strength
If backplane is placed perpendicular to mating direction to support circuit cards, then the structural support is provided, but the backplane blocks airflow through the communication system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connector function from the traditional orthogonal backplane configuration. By orienting the connectors parallel to the board loading direction and allowing direct mating between circuit cards, the system eliminates the need for a large perpendicular backplane structure that would block airflow, while maintaining structural support through the slot and guide features
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes first and second circuit card assemblies mated such that first and second PCBs move relative to each other along a board mating axis parallel to a slot in the first PCB with the first PCB oriented perpendicular to the second PCB and with first and second mating ends of first and second electrical connectors oriented parallel to the board mating axis. The first and second circuit card assemblies are mated such that the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector move relative to each other along a connector mating axis perpendicular to the board mating axis. Mating interfaces the contacts are oriented at contact mating angles non-parallel to the board loading axis and non-parallel to the connector mating axis.