Receptacle Module Footprint Reduction via Cage Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems have a bulky cable receptacle connector that increases the footprint of receptacle cages and connectors on host circuit boards, limiting the number of modules that can fit within a given area due to the need for mounting features that widen the connector interface.
Innovation Solution
A communication system design featuring a plug module and receptacle module with conductive housings, latching features, and a receptacle cage with continuous walls to minimize footprint, using a dielectric receptacle connector housing with a card slot for electrical connection and cables for data transmission, allowing for a compact and densely packed arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a cable receptacle connector is used to bypass data transmission on the host circuit board, then data transmission speed is improved, but the footprint of the receptacle cage and connector increases due to bulky mounting features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mounting features from the connector interface itself and relocates them to the receptacle cage structure. The connector interface is reduced to only the essential electrical contact area, while mounting tabs with holes are provided on the receptacle cage walls separately. This separation allows the connector to have a minimal footprint while still providing secure mounting capability through the cage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connector system into distinct functional components: the connector interface (for electrical connection), the mounting tabs (for mechanical attachment), and the receptacle cage (for structural support and positioning). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the connector interface being compact and the mounting features being provided by the cage structure rather than increasing the connector's footprint.
2Reliability
If mounting features are added to the cable receptacle connector to secure it to the receptacle cage, then reliability of connection is improved, but the width of the connector interface increases, occupying more space
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features are extracted from the connector body and relocated to the receptacle cage structure. The connector interface width is minimized to only what is necessary for electrical contact, while the mounting tabs with securing holes are provided on the receptacle cage walls. This extraction resolves the contradiction by providing reliable mechanical attachment without increasing the connector interface width.
3Productivity
If the footprint of receptacle cages and cable receptacle connectors is reduced, then the number of modules that can fit within a particular area increases, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into modular components with standardized interfaces. The receptacle cage is provided as a separate structural element with mounting tabs, while the connector is a compact independent component. This modular segmentation enables high-density packaging through standardized repeating units while maintaining ease of manufacture through component independence and standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle cage serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the mounting position through tabs with holes, and houses the connector interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting brackets or additional structural components, thereby reducing overall complexity while enabling compact, high-density arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a plug module having a plug housing and a plug latch and a receptacle module having a receptacle housing and a receptacle latch. The receptacle module includes a receptacle connector with a card slot receiving a plug module circuit board. The receptacle connector includes cables terminated to contacts and extending from the receptacle connector. A receptacle cage includes a front cage interface receiving the plug module and a rear cage interface receiving the receptacle module. The front cage interface matches the rear cage interface including a front latching feature and a rear latching feature interfacing with the plug and receptacle latches.