Add-in Card Fixing Frame Tool-Free Locking Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional add-in card fixing structures using L-shaped fixtures and screw nuts can lead to screws falling out or inadequate tightening, causing damage or short circuits, and require repeated power cycling for installation, which reduces component life and causes inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An add-in card fixing frame with a locking assembly and limit switch that allows tool-free assembly and delayed power-on through firmware, ensuring secure fixation and preventing power cycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw nuts are used to fix the add-in card, then the card can be secured to the case frame, but screws may fall out or become inadequately tightened causing damage or short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a locking member with threading, a locking groove for engagement, and a limiting structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the threading provides secure fastening, the locking groove prevents screw loss, and the limiting structure ensures proper tightening - thereby resolving the contradiction between fixing reliability and preventing harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking groove acts as an intermediary mechanism between the locking member and the add-in card bracket. It receives and secures the locking member, preventing it from falling out while also limiting the tightening force to appropriate levels. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for separate screw retention features and over-tightening prevention mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the add-in card is inadequately tightened during insertion, then reinstallation is possible, but repeated power cycling is required which reduces component life and causes inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is pre-configured with the locking groove and limiting structure before installation. This preliminary design ensures that when the locking member is inserted and tightened, it automatically engages the locking groove and stops at the appropriate tightening point defined by the limiting structure. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for power cycling to verify proper installation, as the mechanical design itself ensures correct tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly performs self-verification through its mechanical design. The locking groove and limiting structure automatically confirm that the add-in card is properly secured without requiring external verification through power cycling. The system serves itself by using its own structural features to verify correct installation, thereby preventing unnecessary power cycles and extending component life.
3Strength
If a secure fixing structure is implemented, then mechanical strength and electrical connection are maintained, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single locking assembly: fastening (through threading), retention (through locking groove), and force limitation (through limiting structure). Instead of using separate components for each function, they are integrated into one assembly that works together as a unified mechanism. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining all necessary functions for secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously - it fastens the add-in card, prevents the locking member from falling out, and limits the tightening force to appropriate levels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components and simplifies the overall fixing structure while ensuring mechanical strength and proper electrical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
An add-in card fixing frame includes a frame body, one or more attached locking assemblies, and one or more limit switches. The frame body includes a first side plate, a second side plate, one or more separating plates, and one or more connecting portions. The separating plate includes one or more protruding part having an opening. The attached locking assembly includes a main plate, a top plate, and one or more side plates having a through hole and a locking member. When the add-in card is fixed, the locking member passes through a first screw hole, a second screw hole for fixing, and the add-in card is sandwiched between the top plate and the connecting portion. The top plate presses the limit switch for power connection. The attached locking assembly is fixed to the frame body, so use of hand tools is unnecessary. The screw falling out can be avoided.