Ribbon Cable Collar Alignment for Stable Board Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ribbon cable connections in computer systems are fragile and prone to disconnection due to torque and tension, limiting their use and extensibility.
Innovation Solution
The use of ribbon cable collars that provide alignment and support for ribbon cables at connectors, preventing disconnections by securing the cables and maintaining proper alignment with the connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ribbon cable connections are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to fragility and disconnection risks
Solution Approach 1:
A collar is introduced as an intermediary component between the ribbon cable and the connector. The collar includes a body with a cable receiving portion that secures the ribbon cable and a connector receiving portion that receives the connector, acting as a mediator to prevent direct stress transmission and disconnection between the cable and connector
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: the collar body, the cable receiving portion, and the connector receiving portion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, with the cable receiving portion handling cable securing and the connector receiving portion handling connector alignment and reception
2Stability of the object's composition
If ribbon cables are made more secure to prevent disconnection, then connection stability improves, but the handling ease and extensibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The collar design allows dynamic adjustment during assembly where the connector can be inserted into the connector receiving portion with some movement freedom, then locked into place. The collar structure provides flexibility during handling while maintaining stability when connected, allowing ease of insertion followed by secure fixation
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment precision is improved to prevent disconnection, then connection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar body features an asymmetric T-shaped cross-section with a flat portion and a curved portion. The flat portion engages with a corresponding flat surface on the connector, providing precise alignment in one direction, while the curved portion provides structural support. This asymmetric design achieves precise alignment through simple geometric engagement rather than complex alignment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a body with an opening through the body, the opening corresponding to dimensions of a cable to be connected to a circuit board and a flat surface to abut the circuit board. The apparatus further includes one or more attachment mechanisms to attach the body to the circuit board.