Adaptable Retention Element for Removable Card Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing systems face challenges in securely and adaptively accommodating removable cards with varying topologies, leading to potential damage and misalignment issues that affect the formation and maintenance of operable connections.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a removable card holder with adaptable retention elements, including a slot and a compressible pad, that can engage and secure removable cards with different edge geometries, ensuring proper alignment and contact with electrical contacts, and automatically or manually adjust to accommodate various card profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed retention mechanism is used to secure removable cards, then the card holder structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate cards with varying edge geometries leading to misalignment and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying card geometriesVSAvoidretention mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate different card edge geometries. The element can move between a retracted position (when no card is present or card edge is absent) and an engaged position (when card edge is present), providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed mechanisms for different card types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention element changes its positional parameter based on the presence or absence of a card edge. When a card with the appropriate edge geometry is inserted, the retention element moves to engage with it; when no such edge is present, it remains retracted. This parameter change allows a single mechanism to handle varying card geometries adaptively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If retention elements are positioned to engage card edges, then cards are securely held, but cards without edges cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard securing reliabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different card profiles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retention element's movable design allows it to be present when needed (for cards with edges) and absent when not needed (for cards without edges). This dynamic behavior enables the system to maintain reliable card securing for compatible cards while automatically adapting to accommodate cards with different profiles that lack edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention element can be effectively 'taken out' or retracted from the engagement position when a card without an edge is inserted. This extraction of the retention element from its engagement position prevents interference with cards that do not have the expected edge geometry, allowing the system to accommodate diverse card profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the retention element is always engaged to prevent card removal, then card security is improved, but cards may be damaged due to excessive force on misaligned cards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard connection stabilityVSAvoiddamage to removable cards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary check by attempting to engage the retention element with the card edge. If the card edge is present and properly aligned, engagement succeeds and provides secure holding. If the card edge is absent or misaligned, engagement fails or is partial, preventing excessive force from being applied. This preliminary interaction prevents harmful damage before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The movable retention element dynamically responds to the presence and geometry of card edges. When a properly aligned card edge is detected, the element moves into engagement to provide secure holding. When no edge or a misaligned edge is present, the element remains retracted or only partially engages, avoiding application of excessive force that could damage the card.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances the likelihood of forming and maintaining operable connections between removable cards and the data processing system, reducing the risk of damage and improving flexibility in using diverse removable cards, thereby enhancing the system's operational reliability and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

a compressible pad, that can engage and secure removable cards with different edge geometries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11893445B2System, device, and method for securing removable cards with varying mechanical geometry

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for providing computer implemented services are disclosed. To provide the computer implemented services, the quantity of hardware resources available may be modified. The quantity of hardware resources may be modified by adding removable cards. When the removable card is added, a retention element may be used to secure the removable card in place. The retention element may be adaptable to allow for removable cards of varying topology to be secured. The retention element may secure the removable cards automatically or in response to user intervention.