Methods and apparatus for the prevention of incorrect card insertion

A method of ensuring proper circuit board assembly insertion, comprising:

• enabling a circuit board assembly comprising (i) a first keying feature at a location other than at a faceplate and (ii) a first connector component to insert into a support assembly comprising a second keying feature and a second connector component to an extent the first and second connector components interconnect, the second keying feature coupled to the support assembly at a location offset in a direction relative to the second component toward the first component as the first component travels toward the second component to mate with the second component;
• and
• by the second keying feature, preventing circuit board assemblies that lack the first keying feature or have the first keying feature but are misaligned with the second keying feature from being inserted into the support assembly to an extent the first and second connector components contact each other.

A system for ensuring proper circuit board assembly insertion, comprising:

• a circuit board assembly including (i) a first keying feature coupled to or integral with the circuit board assembly and (ii) a first component of a connector assembly;
• and
• a support assembly configured to receive the circuit board assembly and including (i) a second component of the connector assembly and (ii) a second keying feature located internal to the support assembly, coupled to the support assembly at a location offset in a direction relative to the second component toward the first component as the first component travels toward the second component to mate with the second component and that (a) allows the circuit board assembly to be inserted into the supporting assembly to mate the first and second components of the connector assembly if the first keying feature is aligned with the second keying feature and (b) prevents contact between the first and second components of the connector assembly if the circuit board assembly lacks the first keying feature or has the first keying feature but is not aligned with the second keying feature.

A method of ensuring proper circuit board assembly insertion, comprising:

• enabling a circuit board assembly comprising a first keying feature and a first connector component to insert into a support assembly comprising (i) a second keying feature located internal to the support assembly and (ii) a second connector component to an extent the first and second connector components interconnect, the second keying feature coupled to the support assembly at a location offset in a direction relative to the second component toward the first component as the first component travels toward the second component to mate with the second component;
• and
• by the second keying feature, preventing circuit board assemblies that lack the first keying feature or have the first keying feature but are misaligned with the second keying feature from being inserted into the support assembly to an extent the first and second connector components contact each other.