Server PCB Connector Sliding Frame for Tolerance Gap Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical tolerances in server enclosures and modules lead to signal degradation due to gaps between male pins and female sockets in connectors, especially at high data rates, and can result in damage to backplane and solder joints.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sliding frame and biasing apparatus that allows the PCB and connectors to move relative to the chassis, ensuring zero gap between male pin tips and female socket bottoms across varying mechanical tolerances, and includes a stiffening system to resist bending moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical tolerances are allowed in server enclosure and module dimensions, then ease of manufacture is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to gaps between connector pins and sockets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded connector mechanism that dynamically adjusts the contact pressure between male pins and female sockets. The spring force compensates for dimensional variations in the enclosure and module, maintaining optimal electrical contact across the full range of manufacturing tolerances without requiring precision machining.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates adjustable parameters including spring force, contact pressure, and engagement depth. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves reliable signal transmission despite variations in enclosure and module dimensions, effectively decoupling signal quality from manufacturing precision.
2Ease of operation
If connector pins are allowed to have gaps from socket bottoms to accommodate tolerances, then ease of operation is improved, but signal degradation occurs at high data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides dynamic contact pressure that ensures the male pin tips make substantial contact with the female socket bottoms despite tolerance-induced gaps. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal signal propagation characteristics at high data rates while preserving ease of connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force is pre-configured to apply sufficient contact pressure before full insertion is complete. This preliminary action ensures that even if tolerance gaps exist, the electrical contact is established at optimal quality levels before the connector fully engages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If module length is increased to accommodate tolerance variations, then adaptability is improved, but damage risk to backplane and solder joints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded connector acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the mechanical stress from tolerance variations. By providing this protective mechanism beforehand, the system prevents excessive force from being transmitted to the backplane and solder joints, enabling greater adaptability without increasing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force and engagement characteristics are optimized to provide adequate compliance for tolerance accommodation while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to protect against damage. This parameter optimization allows the system to be more adaptable without compromising the safety of connected components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances signal quality and data rates while preventing damage to the backplane and solder joints by ensuring full mating of connectors under diverse mechanical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is interconnected between the chassis and the support frame and is configured to apply a spring force to the support frame in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
A friction force between the male pins and the female sockets of the connectors resists the sliding of the PCB and connectors relative to the chassis
Data Source
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AI summary
Utilities (e.g., apparatuses, systems, methods, etc.) for reducing or eliminating gaps between the tips of male pins and the bottoms of corresponding female sockets of interfaced connectors (e.g., daughtercard and backplane connectors) of a computing module and a backplane of a server enclosure under a variety of differing mechanical tolerances in the lengths of the server enclosure and the computing module (e.g., along a dimension that is parallel to the longitudinal axes of the male pins and female sockets). The disclosed utilities allow for increased signal quality and data rates through interfaced connectors while reducing strain on the PCB, solder joints, and the like during the interfacing of the connectors.