Staged Backplane Connector Assembly for High-Pin Module Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of electrical interconnections at the backplane level leads to higher connector engagement and disengagement forces, making it challenging to implement ejectors in designs with limited space and high pin counts, necessitating efficient management of these forces for easier insertion and removal of electronic modules.
Innovation Solution
A staged backplane connector system with floating and fixed connectors that engage in an incremental manner, utilizing stepped stoppers and guide stoppers to reduce insertion and removal forces, allowing for modular and scalable interconnections without traditional ejectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrical interconnections at the backplane level is increased, then the connectivity and functionality of the system is improved, but the connector engagement and disengagement forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane connector is divided into multiple independent connector segments arranged in staggered rows. Each segment can engage and disengage independently, allowing the total connection force to be distributed across multiple smaller engagement events rather than one large simultaneous engagement. This segmentation enables high pin count connectivity while managing engagement forces at acceptable levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector segments are designed with floating assemblies that can move dynamically during engagement. The floating nature allows each segment to self-align and engage at slightly different times and force levels, creating a progressive engagement sequence that reduces peak forces compared to rigid simultaneous engagement of all connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pin count of connectors is increased, then the interconnection capability is improved, but the space required for ejector mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the high-pin-count connector into multiple smaller connector groups arranged in staggered rows, the patent eliminates the need for a single large ejector mechanism. Each segment can use its own simplified ejector or rely on the floating assembly's inherent compliance, significantly reducing the total space required for ejection mechanisms while maintaining high overall interconnection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating connector assemblies incorporate compliance features that allow them to self-adjust and self-align during engagement without requiring complex external ejector mechanisms. The floating design provides inherent mechanical compliance that facilitates insertion and removal, reducing dependence on traditional ejector systems and the space they occupy.
3Ease of operation
If traditional ejector mechanisms are used for high pin count connectors, then the insertion force is reduced, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple segments that engage progressively rather than all at once. This segmentation allows each segment to be engaged with moderate force, eliminating the need for complex high-force ejector mechanisms. The staggered arrangement ensures that segments engage in sequence, reducing peak insertion forces while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating connector assemblies provide dynamic compliance during engagement, allowing automatic adjustment to alignment variations and force distribution. This dynamic behavior reduces the need for complex rigid ejector mechanisms, as the floating design inherently absorbs mismatches and facilitates smooth engagement with simpler mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronics backplane assembly includes respective first and second floating backplane connector assemblies each having a backplane connector coupled to a corresponding backplane plate movably coupled with a chassis wall, and a pair of stepped stoppers coupled to the chassis wall and positioned on each side of each backplane plate. Each stepped stopper pair includes a step at a different distance from the chassis wall and positioned to provide a reactive force to the corresponding backplane plate for incrementally engaging respective backplane connectors of an electronics module with a corresponding floating backplane connector. Each floating backplane connector assembly may include a pair of guide stoppers having a stopper structure at respective positions, coupled to the chassis wall and protruding through holes in each backplane plate, where each backplane plate is positioned for connector engagement between the step structure of each stepped stopper and the stopper structure of each guide stopper.