High-Speed SSD Connector Assembly With Stress-Relief Locking Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems for electronic devices, such as card edge connectors, face challenges in providing robust and reliable high-speed connections, particularly when interfacing with solid state drives (SSDs), as they can be prone to mechanical stress and connection failures due to misalignment or improper mounting, which can lead to damage and breakage of solder connections.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly incorporates a shell with a locking assembly and positioning mechanisms, including a torsion spring and pivot-based locking member, which securely locks the SSD in place, preventing movement and stress concentration, and features a die-cast body with an inner and outer shell separated by a slot to ensure proper alignment and mechanical support, enhancing the reliability of the electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a card edge connector is mounted onto a motherboard to interface with an SSD, then electrical connection between the motherboard and SSD is established, but the connector is prone to mechanical stress and connection failures due to misalignment or improper mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into three main segments: the card edge connector mounted on the motherboard, the SSD connector interface, and the locking assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the connector handles electrical connection while the locking assembly handles mechanical stress, preventing stress transmission to the solder joints
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is engaged before full insertion of the SSD, and the positioning mechanisms are pre-aligned to guide the SSD into correct position. This preliminary action ensures that the connector is properly aligned and secured before electrical contact is made, preventing misalignment damage
2Ease of operation
If the connector allows easy insertion and removal of the SSD, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical stress and potential damage to solder connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly incorporates a torsion spring that provides dynamic locking and unlocking action. The spring allows the locking member to pivot smoothly into the locked position during insertion and can be easily released during removal, providing ease of operation while maintaining a secure locked state that protects solder connections
Solution Approach 2:
The bias member (torsion spring) is pre-loaded to provide cushioning force that absorbs mechanical stress during insertion and removal operations. This cushioning effect protects the solder connections from shock loads while still allowing easy operation
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning mechanisms are added to prevent misalignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanisms are merged with the locking assembly structure. The positioning features are integrated into the same structural components that provide locking function, eliminating the need for separate positioning devices and reducing overall complexity while maintaining alignment precision
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
The solution provides a robust and reliable electrical connection by preventing SSD movement and reducing stress on solder connections, thereby improving the durability and stability of the connector assembly, ensuring secure mounting and reliable data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member arranged to act on the locking member such that the locking member tends to pivot towards a locked position
Implementation Method 2
features a die-cast body with an inner and outer shell separated by a slot to ensure proper alignment and mechanical support
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly including an electrical connector and a shell partially surrounding an insulative housing of the electrical connector. The insulative housing has a mating face with a socket formed therein. The socket can receive a first printed circuit board of a first electronic device such as a solid state drive (SSD). The shell includes a die cast body that has an outer shell and an inner shell separated by a slot. The inner shell includes an opening and the insulative housing is disposed within the opening. The slot receives an edge of a housing of the first electronic device. The shell includes features attached to a second electronic device such as a second printed circuit board (e.g., a motherboard). The shell includes a latching mechanism movably mounted to the body. Such configuration enables a robust and reliable electrical connection between the first electronic system and the second electronic system.