Vertical Riser Card Layout for Cable-Free Expansion Card Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing riser card systems for expansion cards in information processing devices face issues such as the need for multiple bulky and expensive cable bundles, which hinder airflow and increase complexity, especially when multiple expansion cards are used.
Innovation Solution
A riser card system that allows direct electrical connection via a first connector compatible with the primary system board, enabling vertical mounting of expansion cards without separate cables, and supports stackable secondary riser cards for additional expansion cards, reducing the need for multiple cable bundles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable bundles are used to connect multiple expansion cards to the primary system board, then the system can support more expansion cards, but the cable bundles become bulkier and more expensive, and they hinder airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cable bundles into a single integrated cable assembly that connects multiple expansion cards to the primary system board simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the total number of cables, decreases overall complexity, lowers cost, and improves airflow while maintaining the ability to support multiple expansion cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable assembly serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for multiple expansion cards, structural support through the riser card, and airflow management. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cable bundles for each expansion card, reducing complexity and improving system efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cable bundles are used for multiple expansion cards, then each expansion card can be independently connected, but the installation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection operations into a single integrated cable assembly that can be installed as one unit. This approach maintains independent connectivity for each expansion card while significantly reducing installation time, as the entire cable assembly with multiple connectors can be deployed simultaneously rather than installing separate cables one by one.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional riser card systems are used with multiple expansion cards, then the system functionality is expanded, but the cable bundles obstruct airflow and increase heat dissipation challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple cable bundles into a single streamlined cable assembly that maintains necessary electrical connections while minimizing physical obstruction. This integrated design reduces airflow resistance compared to multiple separate cables, improving heat dissipation while preserving full system functionality for multiple expansion cards.
Data Source
AI summary
A riser card includes a circuit board and first, second, and third connectors. The first and second connectors are positioned at bottom and top edges of the circuit board, respectively. The third connector is mounted to a face of the circuit board. Such riser card may be mounted on a primary system board such that the first connector is detachably connected to a first complementary connector of the primary system board with the circuit board perpendicular to the primary system board, and the first connector receives power, data, and sideband signals from the first complementary connector. The second and third connectors may mate with second and third complementary connectors of an expansion card oriented parallel to the circuit board and a stackable secondary riser card oriented perpendicular to the circuit board, respectively. The riser card communicates power and sideband signals to the stackable secondary riser card via the third connector.