Patent Publication Number: US-6908344-B1

Title: System and method for preventing connector damage

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The following disclosure relates in general to computer and electronic systems and more specifically to a system and method for preventing connector damage. 
   BACKGROUND 
   As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. 
   Information handling systems typically include a number of connector components that protrude from a rear portion or side portion of an information handling system housing or chassis. Connectors allow the information handling system to connect with peripheral components, networks and other information handling systems. Pin-type connectors allow the connection of multiple pins to transfer information along multiple channels. Different types of connectors often have standardized shapes. Some connectors are circular in shape other connectors such as D-style connectors are generally trapezoidal in shape. 
   During the installation of D-style connectors, the connector pins and connectors themselves can become damaged if the mating connector is installed or attempted to be installed in an incorrect orientation such as an upside down orientation. Additionally damage to the connector can occur if the mating connector is misaligned or cocked with respect to the D-style connector. Damaged connectors or pins may lead to any number of different problems. Often, in order to correctly diagnose a problem related to a damaged connector or pin, a manufacturer must dispatch service personnel to a customer site. The cost of service personnel and replacement parts may impose significantly the cost to an information handling system manufacturer and may cause a user dissatisfaction and frustration until the problem is resolved. 
   SUMMARY 
   Therefore a need has arisen for a system and method for preventing cable damage caused by the incorrect installation of D-style connectors. 
   A further need exists for a system method for facilitating proper alignment and orientation of the installation of D-style connectors. 
   In accordance with teachings of the present disclosure a system method are described for providing a connector guide that facilitates the proper alignment and orientation of a connector during installation that significantly reduces problems associated with previous systems and methods of connecting connector elements to information handling systems. 
   In one aspect an information system is disclosed that includes a chassis body for storing information handling system components. The chassis body has one or more D-style connectors that has a trapezoidal connector body. A connector guide is installed proximate the one or more D-style connectors and facilitates the proper orientation and alignment of a mating connector during installation. 
   In another aspect, a connector guide for preventing information handling system connector pin damage includes a connector guide body having an opening to allow a D-style connector to extend therethrough. The connector guide body has a first end and a second end each having an attachment portion formed, the attachment portion is formed to interface with a first stud and a second stud that are located next to a D-style connector. 
   In another aspect, a method for preventing connector pin damage includes providing a D-style connector that is associated with an information handling system. A connector guide is then installed proximate the D-style connector to preventing an inverted mating connector from interfacing with the D-style connector. 
   The present disclosure includes a number of important technical advantages. One important technical advantage includes providing a connector guide proximate the D-style connector. The connector guide facilitates the correct orientation and alignment of mating connectors, thereby reducing the likelihood of cable pin damage. Further technical advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the description FIGURES and claims below. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is in view of an information handling system chassis body having a D-style connector and connector guide according to teachings of the present disclosure; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an information handling system chassis body having a D-style connector and connector guide according to teachings of the present disclosure; 
       FIG. 3  is an end view of a three sided flange style connector guide disposed on an information handling system; 
       FIG. 4  is a three sided flange connector guide; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a chassis body of an information handling system with a D-style connector and a connector guide according to teachings of the present disclosure; and 
       FIG. 6  is a connector guide according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
   For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components. 
   Now referring to  FIG. 1  a view of chassis body  10  of an information handling system component is shown. Chassis body includes back plate  12  having handle  14  attached thereto and fastener  16 . In the present embodiment, chassis body  10  houses an I/O Management Module used to transfer data in a storage device. In the present embodiment, chassis body  10  includes status indicators  18  and connector port  20 . 
   Chassis body  10  may be referred to herein as a chassis, a body, a housing or an enclosure and may be any housing associated with an information handling system or an information handling system component. In alternate embodiments chassis body  10  may encompass any chassis body or housing for an information handling system or information handling system component that incorporates a D-style connector. In some alternate embodiments, chassis body  10  may be a body or housing of an internal information hauling system component. In some particular embodiments, chassis body  10  and connector  24  are associated with a SCSI card, a RAID card or an SAS card. Back plate  12  has opening  25  formed therein and D-style connector  24  extending therethrough. 
   D-style connector  24  has a connector body  42  with a trapezoidal shape. In the present embodiment D-style connector  24  is preferably a 68 pinned SCSI type connector. In alternate embodiments D-style connector  24  may be any connector having a D-style shape. In other alternate embodiments, D-style connector may also incorporate other connector shapes such as keboard, mouse, or USB connectors. 
   Opening  25  is formed and sized to allow D-style connector  24  to extend therethrough. Opening  25  includes top edge  28 , bottom edge  29 , first side edge  30  and second side edge  32 . Additionally in the present embodiment first attachment stud  26  is disposed adjacent to a first end of D-style connector  24 . A second attachment stud  27  is disposed adjacent to a second side of D-style connector  24 . In the present embodiment a connector guide is formed adjacent to D-style connector  24  includes first alignment flange  34  and second alignment flange  36 . First alignment flange  34  extends perpendicularly from first side edge  30  and second alignment flange  36  extends perpendicularly from second side edge  32 . First alignment flange  34  and second alignment flange  36  are formed at an angle generally parallel with the angles of the sloped ends of D-style connector body  42 . In the present embodiment first alignment flange  34  and second alignment flange  36  are formed from a portion of back plate  12  that has been manipulated to form opening  25 . 
   In the present preferred embodiment first alignment flange  34  and second alignment flange  36  each have a length that is slightly longer than the length of the sloped ends of D-style connector body  42 . Additionally, the height of first alignment flange  34  and second alignment flange  36  (e.g., the distance that the alignment flanges extend perpendicularly from back plate  12 ) is slightly greater than the height of D-style connector  24 . In other words, in the present embodiment, first alignment flange  34  and second alignment flange  36  both extend from back plate  12  slightly further than D-style connector  24  extends from back plate  12 . In alternate embodiments, first alignment flange  34  and second alignment flange  36 . 
   In the present embodiment first alignment flange  34  and second flange  36  are formed proximate to D-style connector body  42  such that gaps  38  and  40  are formed between first alignment flange  34  and left side of D-style connector body  42  and between second alignment flange  36  and the right side of D-style connector body  42 . Gaps  38  and  40  preferably provide sufficient clearance for the mating connector body,  62  as shown in FIG.  2 . 
   In the present embodiment first attachment stud  26  and second attachment stud  27  both comprise hex studs that are sized to allow fasteners of a mating connector to be screwed therein, thereby securing the mating connector to D-style connector  24 . In alternate embodiments any suitable fastener assembly may be used to secure a mating connector with D-style connector  24 . In other alternate embodiments the present disclosure contemplates the use of D-style connectors that do not include fasteners such as first attachment stud  26  and second attachment stud  27 . 
   Now referring to  FIG. 2  a prospective view of chassis body  10  of  FIG. 1  is shown with mating connector  60  provided for connecting with D-style connector  24 . Mating connector  60  includes mating connector body  62  that houses a plurality of pins. Mating connector body  60  further includes first fastener  64  and second fastener  66 . In general operation, mating connector body  62  is aligned with and depressed adjacent to D-style connector  24 , allowing the pins of mating connector body  62  to connect with the mating receptacles of D-style connector  24 . The first alignment flange  34  and second alignment flange  36  prevent mating connector  60  to be in the upside down orientation and also encourage mating connector body  62  be in a proper alignment with respect to D-style connector  24  to be properly connected therewith. 
   In operation if mating connector  60  is in an upside down orientation the edges of mating connector body  62  will encounter first alignment flange  34  and second flange  36  will prevent the improperly oriented mating connector from interfacing with D-style connector  24 , thereby alerting the user to the incorrect orientation of mating connector  60 . In the event that mating connector  60  is attempted to be installed in an incorrect alignment (that is improper angle) gap  38  and  40  facilitates aligning mating connector  60  at a proper angle for insertion. 
   Now referring to  FIG. 3  a perspective view of chassis body  10  with connector guide  100  is shown. As shown in  FIG. 1  chassis body  10  includes back plate  12  and handle  14 . Back plate  12  also has an opening formed therein that allows D-style connector  24  to extend therethrough. D-style connector  24  also includes connector body  42  having a trapezoidal shape. 
   The connector guide of the present embodiment comprises a flange member  100 . Flange member  100  includes a three sided flange member including a longitudinal flange member  102  having a first end  104  and second end  106 . The first end  104  includes first end connector tab  108  and first end flange member  110 . Second end  106  includes second flange member  114  and second end connector tab  112 . Longitudinal flange member  102  comprises a vertical flange with a height substantially equal to the height of connector body  42 . Accordingly, longitudinal flange member  102  extends from back plate  12  approximately as far as connector body  42  extends from back plate  12 . In alternate embodiments, flange member  102  may extend from back plate  12  slightly further than connector body  42 . 
   First end  104  is formed at the left end of a longitudinal flange member  102 . First end  104  includes first end flange member  110 . First end flange member  110  extends from longitudinal flange member  102  at an angle generally parallel to the angle of the end of connector body  42 . First end connector tab  108  extends generally perpendicular from the bottom of first end flange member  110  such first end connector member  108  may be disposed adjacent to back plate  12 . Similarly, second end flange member  114  extends from the right edge of longitudinal flange member  102  at angle generally parallel with the angle of the side of connector body  42 . Second end flange member  114  has a height generally equal to the height to connector body  42 . Second end connector tab  112  extends generally perpendicular from the bottom edge of second end flange member  114  such that second end connector tab  112  may be disposed adjacent to back plate  12 . Connector guide  100  is preferably disposed such that a generally uniform gap  116  lies between the three sides of D-style connector body  42  and the three sides of connector guide  100  (first end flange member  110 , longitudinal flange member  102 , and second end flange member  114 ). Connector guide  100  and gap  116  preferably prevents a mating connector (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) from attempts to be installed with an incorrect orientation or at an incorrect angle. In the present embodiment attachment studs  26  and  27  hold secure connector guide  100  onto the back plate  12  by threading through the clearance holes located in flanges  108  and  112 . 
   Now referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of connector guide  100  is shown. Connector guide  100  includes longitudinal flange member  102  with first end  104  and second end  106 . First end  104  as described above includes first end connector tab  108  and first end flange member  110 . Second end  106  generally includes second end flange member  114  and second end connector tab  112 . 
   Now referring to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of chassis body  10  having back plate  12  is shown similarly to  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Back plate  12  has an opening formed therein (not expressly shown) allowing D-style connector  24  to extend therethrough. D-style connector  24  also includes connector body  42  having a trapezoidal shape. In the present preferred embodiment connector guide  200  is installed around D-style connector  24  to facilitate the proper orientation and alignment of mating connectors to D-style connector  24 . The connector guide  200  has an opening formed therein that allows connector guide  200  to be disposed around D-style connector  24 . Connector guide  200  includes upper member  202  and lower member  204  connected by first end  206  and second end  208 . First end  206  generally includes a first attachment portion including a first end upper arm  214  and a second end upper arm  216  that form a C shape that allows for snap fit or interference-type fit with attachment stud  26 . Similarly, second end  208  includes a second attachment portion including second end upper arm  218  and a second end lower arm  220 . Second end upper arm  218  and second lower arm  220  form a cup or a C shape that allows for a snap fit or interference-type fit with attachment stud  27 . 
   Now referring to  FIG. 6 , connector guide  200  is shown. Connector guide  200  includes including upper member  202 , lower member  204 , joined by first end  206  and second end  208 . First end also includes first end upper arm  214  and second end lower arm  216 . Similarly second end  208  includes second end upper arm  218  and second end lower arm  220 . 
   The connector guide includes side member  210  that is generally parallel to the first side of the connector body  42  and a second side member  212  that is generally parallel to the second side of the connector body  42 . Connector guide  200  is preferably disposed such that a generally uniform gap  222  lies between the four sides of D-style connector body  42  and the four sides of connector guide  200  (upper member  202 , lower member  204 , first side member  210  and second side member  212 ). Connector guide  200  and gap  222  preferably prevents a mating connector (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) from being attempted to be installed with an incorrect orientation or at an incorrect angle. The four sides of the connector guide (upper member  202 , lower member  204 , first side member  210  and second side member  212 ) are generally adjacent and perpendicular to the back plate  12 . The overall height of the connector guide  200  is slightly greater than the height of D-style connector  24  (the distance that the connector guide extends perpendicularly from back plate  12 ). 
   In operation, connector guides according to teachings of the present invention are preferably disposed proximate D-style connector  24 . Connector guide may comprise, for example, first and second alignment flanges  34  and  36 , connector guide flange member  100  or connector guide body  200 . In some embodiments such as that shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connector guide may be formed from a portion of the chassis body. As shown in  FIG. 1 , housing connector guide is formed from the material that is in the area from which opening  25  is formed. 
   In embodiments such as those shown in  FIG. 3 , flange member  100  may be fastened to the chassis housing  10 . As shown, the first end connector tab  108  and second end connector tab  112  are aligned with attachment studs  26  and  27  which may be removed and then fastened to back plate  12  thereby securing flange member connector guide  100  to back plate  12  and proximate to D-style connector  24 . In embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a connector guide body  200  may be snapped into place via the interference fit provided by first end upper arm  214  and first end lower arm  216 , or second end upper arm  218  and second end lower arm  220 . 
   After the connector guide is disposed proximate D-style connector  24 , a mating connector  60  is then aligned with D-style connector  24 . The connector guide insures that mating connector  60  is maintained at a proper orientation and alignment to interface with D-style connector  24 . Note that the present disclosure also contemplates alternate embodiments (not expressly shown) in which connector guide is disposed proximate mating connector body  62 , instead of being proximate D-style connector  24 . 
   Although the disclosed embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made to the embodiments without departing from their spirit and scope.