Angled Tool-less Expansion Card Bracket for Blade Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The strict height constraints in computer server blade servers limit the ability to incorporate expansion cards without custom solutions like riser cards, which are expensive and complex.
Innovation Solution
An angled tool-less expansion card bracket that supports expansion cards at an acute angle, allowing them to be inserted directly into an angled expansion socket without tools, thereby eliminating the need for custom riser cards and optimizing space usage within the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expansion cards are installed in blade servers with strict height constraints, then the server can accommodate more functionality, but the height constraints prevent standard expansion cards from being installed
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion card bracket is designed at a 25-degree angle relative to the motherboard plane, transforming the installation from a flat two-dimensional space to an angled three-dimensional configuration. This angular orientation allows the expansion card to fit within the height constraints while maintaining full functionality, effectively using the vertical angle dimension to resolve the height conflict.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom riser cards are used to accommodate expansion cards, then expansion cards can be installed, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The angled expansion card bracket is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate various standard expansion card types (PCI, PCI-X, PCI Express) without requiring custom riser cards for each specific card type. The single angled bracket design provides multi-functionality, replacing multiple custom solutions with one standardized component that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the expansion card installation function from the complex custom riser card solutions and consolidates it into a simple angled bracket structure. By separating the angle-providing function (the bracket) from the expansion card itself, the system eliminates the need for complex multi-component custom solutions while maintaining the ability to install expansion cards.
3Length of stationary object
If expansion cards are installed at an angle, then height constraints are satisfied, but the ease of installation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion card bracket is pre-configured at the correct 25-degree angle during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field technicians to perform complex angular calculations or adjustments during installation. The preliminary angular configuration simplifies the installation process, as users only need to align and secure the pre-angled bracket without requiring specialized tools or skills.
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion card bracket for a computer server has an expansion card support attachable to a motherboard and an expansion card accepting portion disposed near a top of the support. The expansion card accepting portion is configured to support an expansion card at an acute angle of inclination with respect to the motherboard. The acute angle of inclination is substantially equal to an angle of inclination of a connector for receiving the expansion card.