Rigid PCB Interconnect Structure for Data Center Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale electronic device configurations in data centers face challenges with complex cable management and connectivity, leading to errors and inefficiencies in interconnecting devices, as traditional methods require extensive cabling and result in confusion during servicing.
Innovation Solution
A system of interconnected printed circuit boards (PCBs) forms a cable-free assembly using horizontal and vertical ties and loopback boards, mounted on a spine structure, providing a rigid and serviceable interconnectivity solution that eliminates the need for flexible cables, allowing for easy replacement and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional flexible cabling is used for device interconnections, then adaptability and ease of installation are improved, but device complexity and error rates increase due to complex cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the flexible cabling component from the interconnection system, replacing it with a rigid PCB-based structure. This removes the source of cable management complexity while maintaining interconnection functionality through fixed routing layers and standardized connectors on the PCBs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical flexible cable system with a rigid PCB-based interconnection system. The flexible mechanical cables are replaced by rigid PCB traces and structured routing, eliminating the need for manual cable management while providing fixed, error-free signal paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive cabling is used to interconnect devices, then connectivity coverage is improved, but serviceability and maintenance efficiency deteriorate due to confusion during servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interconnection system into modular PCB units with defined connection points and routing paths. Each PCB handles specific interconnections, allowing technicians to service individual modules independently without dealing with a tangled mass of cables, thus improving serviceability while maintaining comprehensive connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the interconnection function from flexible cables and integrates it directly into the PCB structure. This eliminates the separate cabling layer that caused serviceability issues, as connectors are now fixed to rigid PCBs with visible, organized routing paths that are easier to trace and service.
3Ease of operation
If flexible cables are used for device interconnections, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability and error rates worsen due to connection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flexible cable connection system with a rigid PCB-based system featuring fixed routing and standardized connectors. This substitution eliminates the variability and error-prone nature of manual cable connections while maintaining installation simplicity through modular PCB assembly and standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the interconnection medium from flexible to rigid. By transforming cables into fixed PCB traces and structured routing, the system eliminates the variability associated with flexible cable positioning and connection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of installation through standardized procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cabling methods are used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and cost effectiveness worsen due to extensive cabling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual cabling processes with automated PCB manufacturing processes. The interconnection patterns are precisely defined during PCB fabrication using standard industry processes, eliminating the variability and imprecision associated with manual cable routing and connection, while maintaining configuration flexibility through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach from manual cable assembly to automated PCB fabrication. By transitioning to rigid PCB-based interconnections manufactured through precise automated processes, the system achieves higher manufacturing precision and repeatability while maintaining adaptability through modular PCB configurations and standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A substantially cable-free board connection assembly may include a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs) forming an interconnect plane for a plurality of electronic devices respectively attached to a plurality of plane boards included in the interconnect plane. An insertion direction for substantially all connectors is substantially perpendicular to a face of the interconnect plane. At least a portion of the board connection assembly is mounted to a support structure via a flexible connection.