Removable IoT Card Connector for Field-Upgradable Plugin Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card connector systems are non-configurable and require costly replacements or downtime for upgrades, as they cannot be easily modified or repaired after manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A removably fixable card connector system with a protrusion and outer flange that allows for easy attachment and detachment from a carrier system, enabling users to swap out card connectors with different internal electronics or external porting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the card connector is fixed at the time of manufacture, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot be upgraded or configured after delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The card connector is divided into separable components: a removable card connector assembly and a carrier system. This segmentation allows the connector to be replaced independently without replacing the entire system, enabling upgrades while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The card connector transitions from a static, permanently fixed component to a dynamic, removable component. The connector can be detached and reattached to different carrier systems or reconfigured with different plugin cards, providing adaptability while using simple mechanical fastening mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is returned to the manufacturer for upgrades, then the system can be updated, but operational downtime increases affecting productivity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the card connector as a removable assembly, field personnel can perform upgrades on-site without requiring manufacturer intervention or system shutdown, thus maintaining productivity while enabling updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables end-users to perform their own upgrades by simply removing and replacing card connector assemblies without needing specialized service personnel or returning equipment to the manufacturer, eliminating operational downtime.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new unit is procured for upgrades, then the system can be updated, but capital expenditures increase affecting profits
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the connector as a replaceable component allows upgrading only the necessary part rather than replacing the entire system, significantly reducing capital expenditure while maintaining upgradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The old card connector assembly can be removed and replaced with a new or refurbished one, allowing the organization to recover value through refurbishment or resale of removed components rather than disposing of entire systems.
4Ease of repair
If the card connector is made removable, then upgrades and repairs become easier, but the connection reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The removable design segments the connector into replaceable modules with standardized interfaces, ensuring consistent connection reliability through precise mechanical and electrical alignment features while maintaining ease of replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A card connector that is removably fixable to a main body of a carrier system. For example, an outer flange of the card connector may be removably fixed (e.g., with fasteners, such as bolts) to the main body of the carrier system. A protrusion of the card connector may include a connector configured to electrically couple to the plugin card. The protrusion may extend into an interior of the main body when the card connector is removably fixed to the main body, such that the plugin card is disposed entirely within the main body. The card connector provides for a user to easily remove the card connector from the main body (e.g. by unfastening bolts and sliding the card connector out of the main body) and removably fix a new card connector to the main body. The new card connector may include different internal electronics or external porting than the original card connector.