Patent Publication Number: US-11646515-B1

Title: Connection assembly for an information handling system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The disclosure relates generally to an information handling system, and in particular, a connection assembly for an information handling system. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     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. 
     As signal speeds continue to double every generation, the sensitivity to reflections, loss and crosstalk is getting higher. With the loss budget for high-speed interfaces roughly staying the same and their total length staying the same, it is getting more difficult to meet such speed requirements. 
     SUMMARY 
     Innovative aspects of the subject matter described in this specification may be embodied in a connection assembly for use in an information handling system, the connection assembly including: a first connector having a first end and a second end positioned opposite to the first end, and further having a first surface extending between the first end and the second end of the first connector, the first connector including a plurality of press fit pins extending away from the first surface, each of the press fit pins including: a rod portion; a connecting portion having a first shape; a second connector having a first end and a second end positioned opposite to the first end, the second connector including: a dielectric carrier having a first surface extending between the first end and the second end of the second connector, a plurality of receptacles positioned within the first surface of the dielectric carrier, each of the receptacles including: a cylindrical region, a tapered region having a second shape that corresponds to the first shape of the connection portion, wherein, when the first connector is coupled to the second connector, the plurality of press fit pins are positioned within respective receptacles of the plurality of receptacles. 
     Other embodiments of these aspects include corresponding systems and apparatus. 
     These and other embodiments may each optionally include one or more of the following features. For instance, when the plurality of press fit pins are positioned within respective receptacles of the plurality of receptacles, the connecting portion of each of the press fit pins is positioned within the tapered region of the respective receptacle such that the connecting portion of each of the press fit pins is in contact with the tapered region of the respective receptacle. When the plurality of press fit pins are positioned within respective receptacles of the plurality of receptacles, the connecting portion of each of the press fit pins are further positioned within the cylindrical region of the respective receptacle such that the connecting portion of each of the press fit pins are in further contact with the cylindrical region of the respective receptacle. Each of the receptacles includes a flared region, wherein the cylindrical region is positioned between the flared region and the tapered region. Each of the receptacles includes a keyed portion positioned within the flared region. The tapered region includes one or more slots such that when the connecting portion of each of the press fit pins is in contact with the tapered region of the respective receptacle, the tapered region expands at the slots. Each of the receptacles further includes a solder cup attached to the tapered region. The second connector further includes a connector housing surrounding the dielectric carrier. The first connector is further coupled to a cable. The second connector is further coupled to a cable. 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of an information handling system. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a block diagram of an information handling system including a connection assembly. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  illustrates the connection assembly. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a press fit pin coupled with a receptacle of the connection assembly. 
         FIGS.  5 A,  5 B  illustrate a second connector of the connection assembly. 
         FIGS.  6 A,  6 B  illustrate the receptacles of the second connector of the connection assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S) 
     This disclosure discusses a connection assembly for an information handling system. In short, the information handling system can include a connection system, including a first connector with press fit pins and a second connector with receptacles. The first connector can be coupled to the second connector such that the press fit pins of the first connector are positioned within respective receptacles of the second connector. 
     Specifically, this disclosure discusses a connection assembly for use in an information handling system, the connection assembly including: a first connector having a first end and a second end positioned opposite to the first end, and further having a first surface extending between the first end and the second end of the first connector, the first connector including a plurality of press fit pins extending away from the first surface, each of the press fit pins including: a rod portion; a connecting portion having a first shape; a second connector having a first end and a second end positioned opposite to the first end, the second connector including: a dielectric carrier having a first surface extending between the first end and the second end of the second connector, a plurality of receptacles positioned within the first surface of the dielectric carrier, each of the receptacles including: a cylindrical region, a tapered region having a second shape that corresponds to the first shape of the connection portion, wherein, when the first connector is coupled to the second connector, the plurality of press fit pins are positioned within respective receptacles of the plurality of receptacles. 
     In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include an instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize various forms of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or another suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include memory, one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more storage devices, one or more communications 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 communication between the various hardware components. 
     For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may include an instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retain data and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable media may include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct access storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequential access storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM, DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory (SSD); as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers, microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or optical carriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
     Particular embodiments are best understood by reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6    wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG.  1    illustrates a block diagram depicting selected elements of an information handling system  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, information handling system  100  may represent different types of portable information handling systems, such as, display devices, head mounted displays, head mount display systems, smart phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, media players, digital cameras, 2-in-1 tablet-laptop combination computers, and wireless organizers, or other types of portable information handling systems. In one or more embodiments, information handling system  100  may also represent other types of information handling systems, including desktop computers, server systems, controllers, and microcontroller units, among other types of information handling systems. Components of information handling system  100  may include, but are not limited to, a processor subsystem  120 , which may comprise one or more processors, and system bus  121  that communicatively couples various system components to processor subsystem  120  including, for example, a memory subsystem  130 , an I/O subsystem  140 , a local storage resource  150 , and a network interface  160 . System bus  121  may represent a variety of suitable types of bus structures, e.g., a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus using various bus architectures in selected embodiments. For example, such architectures may include, but are not limited to, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, PCI-Express bus, HyperTransport (HT) bus, and Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  1   , processor subsystem  120  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data, and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another digital or analog circuitry configured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data. In some embodiments, processor subsystem  120  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored locally (e.g., in memory subsystem  130  and/or another component of information handling system). In the same or alternative embodiments, processor subsystem  120  may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored remotely (e.g., in network storage resource  170 ). 
     Also in  FIG.  1   , memory subsystem  130  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus operable to retain and/or retrieve program instructions and/or data for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Memory subsystem  130  may comprise random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flash memory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, and/or a suitable selection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retains data after power to its associated information handling system, such as system  100 , is powered down. 
     In information handling system  100 , I/O subsystem  140  may comprise a system, device, or apparatus generally operable to receive and/or transmit data to/from/within information handling system  100 . I/O subsystem  140  may represent, for example, a variety of communication interfaces, graphics interfaces, video interfaces, user input interfaces, and/or peripheral interfaces. In various embodiments, I/O subsystem  140  may be used to support various peripheral devices, such as a touch panel, a display adapter, a keyboard, an accelerometer, a touch pad, a gyroscope, an IR sensor, a microphone, a sensor, or a camera, or another type of peripheral device. 
     Local storage resource  150  may comprise computer-readable media (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, and/or other type of rotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, and/or another type of solid state storage media) and may be generally operable to store instructions and/or data. Likewise, the network storage resource may comprise computer-readable media (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, and/or other type of rotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, and/or other type of solid state storage media) and may be generally operable to store instructions and/or data. 
     In  FIG.  1   , network interface  160  may be a suitable system, apparatus, or device operable to serve as an interface between information handling system  100  and a network  110 . Network interface  160  may enable information handling system  100  to communicate over network  110  using a suitable transmission protocol and/or standard, including, but not limited to, transmission protocols and/or standards enumerated below with respect to the discussion of network  110 . In some embodiments, network interface  160  may be communicatively coupled via network  110  to a network storage resource  170 . Network  110  may be a public network or a private (e.g. corporate) network. The network may be implemented as, or may be a part of, a storage area network (SAN), personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtual private network (VPN), an intranet, the Internet or another appropriate architecture or system that facilitates the communication of signals, data and/or messages (generally referred to as data). Network interface  160  may enable wired and/or wireless communications (e.g., NFC or Bluetooth) to and/or from information handling system  100 . 
     In particular embodiments, network  110  may include one or more routers for routing data between client information handling systems  100  and server information handling systems  100 . A device (e.g., a client information handling system  100  or a server information handling system  100 ) on network  110  may be addressed by a corresponding network address including, for example, an Internet protocol (IP) address, an Internet name, a Windows Internet name service (WINS) name, a domain name or other system name. In particular embodiments, network  110  may include one or more logical groupings of network devices such as, for example, one or more sites (e.g. customer sites) or subnets. As an example, a corporate network may include potentially thousands of offices or branches, each with its own subnet (or multiple subnets) having many devices. One or more client information handling systems  100  may communicate with one or more server information handling systems  100  via any suitable connection including, for example, a modem connection, a LAN connection including the Ethernet or a broadband WAN connection including DSL, Cable, T1, T3, Fiber Optics, Wi-Fi, or a mobile network connection including GSM, GPRS, 3G, or WiMax. 
     Network  110  may transmit data using a desired storage and/or communication protocol, including, but not limited to, Fibre Channel, Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet protocol (IP), other packet-based protocol, small computer system interface (SCSI), Internet SCSI (iSCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or another transport that operates with the SCSI protocol, advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA (SATA), advanced technology attachment packet interface (ATAPI), serial storage architecture (SSA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), and/or any combination thereof. Network  110  and its various components may be implemented using hardware, software, or any combination thereof. 
     In short, the information handling system  100  can include a connection system, including a first connector with press fit pins and a second connector with receptacles. The first connector can be coupled to the second connector such that the press fit pins of the first connector are positioned within respective receptacles of the second connector. 
     Turning to  FIG.  2   ,  FIG.  2    illustrates an environment  200  including an information handling system  202 . The information handling system  202  can include a connection assembly  205 , the connection assembly  205  including a first connector  210  and a second connector  212 . In some examples, the information handling system  202  is similar to, or includes, the information handling system  100  of  FIG.  1   . 
     The first connector  210  can include a plurality of press fit pins  220 . The second connector can include a plurality of receptacles  222 . 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates the connection assembly  205 , and in particular, a perspective view of the first connector  210  decoupled from the second connector  212 .  FIG.  3 B  illustrates the connection assembly  205 , and in particular, a perspective view of the first connector  210  coupled to the second connector  212 .  FIG.  3 C  illustrates the connection assembly  205 , and in particular, a cutaway perspective view of the connection assembly  204 .  FIG.  3 D  illustrates the connections assembly  205 , and in particular, a side cutaway view of the connection assembly  204 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , the first connector  210  can include a first end  302  and a second end  304  positioned opposite to the first end  302 . The first connector  210  can include a first surface  306  extending between the first end  302  and the second end  304 . The first connector  210  can include a plurality of press fit pins  308  extending away from the first surface  306 . The plurality of press fit pins  308  are similar to the press fit pins  220  of  FIG.  2   . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a close-up of one of the press fit pins  308  of  FIG.  3 D . In particular, each of the press fit pins  308  can include a rod portion  402  and a connection portion  404  connected to the rod portion  402 . The connection portion  404  can have a first shape. For example, the connection portion  404  can have an ovoid (oval) based shape; however other geometries are possible depending on the application desired. The connection portion  404  can be solid, or include a hollow region  406 . 
     In some examples, the first connector  210  can be coupled to a cable (not shown). The cable can be connected to one or more other computing elements of the information handling system  202 , such as a printed circuit board (PCB). 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , the second connector  212  can include a first end  352  and a second end  354  positioned opposite to the first end  352 . The second connector  212  can include a back side  370 . The second connector  212  can include a dielectric carrier  356 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B ,  FIG.  5 A  illustrates a perspective view of the second connector  212 ; and  FIG.  5 B  illustrates a close-up view of the second connector  212 . The dielectric carrier  356  can include a first surface  358  extending between the first end  352  and the second end  354  of the second connector  212 . The second connector  212  can further include a connector housing  360  surrounding the dielectric carrier  356 . 
     The second connector  212  can further include a plurality of receptacles  362  positioned within the first surface  358  of the dielectric carrier  356 . The plurality of receptacles  362  are similar to the receptacles  222  of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 A,  6 B ,  FIG.  6 A  illustrates a wire-frame view of the second connector  212 , and in particular, a wire-frame view of the back side  370  of the second connector  212 .  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a close up view of a particular receptacle  362  of  FIG.  6 A . Referring to  FIGS.  4  and  6 B , each of the receptacles  362  can include a cylindrical region  602 , a tapered region  604 , and a flared region  606 . The cylindrical region  602  is positioned between the flared region  606  and the tapered region  604 . 
     The tapered region  604  can have a second shape. The second shape of the tapered region  604  can correspond to the first shape of the connection portion  404  of the press fit pins  308 . For example, when the first shape of the connection portion  404  includes an ovoid based shape, the second shape of the tapered region  604  can correspond to such an ovoid based shape such that the connection portion  404  can contact the tapered region  604  when the press fit pin  308  is coupled to the receptacle  362 , described further herein. The tapered region  604  can include one or more slots  610 . 
     Each of the receptacles  362  can further include a solder cup  612  attached to the tapered region  604 . The solder cup  612  provides direct wire soldering. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 ,  5 A,  5 B, and  6 B , each of the receptacles  362  can include a keyed portion  550  positioned within the flared region  606 . In some examples, the keyed portion  550  of a first set  570  of the receptacles  362  can be positioned in a first orientation, and the keyed portion  550  of a second set  572  of the receptacles  362  can be in a second orientation. For example, the first orientation can be opposite to the second orientation. For example, the keyed portion  550  of the first set  570  of the receptacles  362  can be aligned with the first end  352  of the second connector  212 ; and the keyed portion  550  of the second set  572  of the receptacles  362  can be aligned with the second end  354  of the second connector  212 . In some examples, the receptacles  362  can be asymmetrical as a result of the keyed portions  550 . In some examples, the first set  570  of the receptacles  362  are in the first orientation and the second set  572  of the receptacles  362  are in the second orientation such that the solder cup  612  of each respective receptacle  362  are accessible (e.g., for soldering). 
     In some examples, the first connector  210  can be coupled/attached to the second connector  210 , as shown in  FIGS.  3 B,  3 C,  3 D . When the first connector  210  is coupled to the second connector  212 , the plurality of press fit pins  308  are positioned within respective receptacles  362 . Specifically, referring to  FIGS.  4  and  6 B , when the press fit pins  308  are positioned with respective receptacles  362 , the connecting portion  404  of each of the press fit pins  308  is positioned within the tapered region  604  of the respective receptacle  362  such that the connection portion  404  of each of the press fit pins  308  is in contact with the tapered region  604  of the respective receptacle  362 . Furthermore, when the press fit pins  308  are positioned with respective receptacles  362 , the connecting portion  404  of each of the press fit pins  308  is further positioned within the cylindrical region  602  of the respective receptacle  362  such that the connection portion  404  of each of the press fit pins  308  is in contact with the cylindrical region  602  of the respective receptacle  362 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6 B , in some examples, when the press fit pins  308  are positioned within respective receptacles  362 , and in particular, when the connection portion  404  of each of the press fit pins  308  is in contact with the tapered region  604  and/or the cylindrical region  602 , the tapered region  604  expands at the slots  610 . That is, the slots  610  provide mechanical compliance for tolerances of the press fit pins  308 . In other words, the tapered region  604  of the receptacles  362  can expand via the slots  610 , e.g., when the size of the press fit pins  308  is larger than the size of the respective receptacle  362 . Additionally, the expansion of the tapered region  604  of the receptacles  362  when the press fit pins  308  are positioned with in the respective receptacles  362  can facilitate contact between the press fit pins  308  and the respective receptacle  362 . 
     In some examples, the keyed portions  550  of the receptacles  362  can facilitate alignment between the first connector  210  and the second connector  212  when the first connector  210  is coupled to the second connector  212  and the press fit pins  308  are positioned within respective receptacles  362 . Thus, the press fit pins  308  in each subset  570 ,  572  are soldered in the same orientation when the first connector  210  is coupled to the second connector  212 . 
     In some examples, the second connector  212  can be coupled to a cable  580 , as shown in  FIG.  5 A . 
     In some examples, the first connector  210  can include receptacles (similar to the receptacles  362 ) and the second connector  212  can include press fit pins (similar to the press fit pins  308 ). Thus, the press fit pins of the second connector  212  can be positioned within respective receptacles of the first connector  210  when the first connector  210  is coupled to the second connector  212 . 
     The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description. 
     Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A or B” means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated other-wise by context. 
     The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example embodiments described or illustrated herein. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustrates respective embodiments herein as including particular components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of the components, elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.