Bellows Retainer for Electronics Chassis Module Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wedge-lock module retainers in electronic systems experience a decrease in clamping force over time due to repeated insertion and extraction cycles, leading to inconsistent thermal performance and potential module failure, especially in environments where tool use is prohibited.
Innovation Solution
A bellows-based retainer system that controls internal pressure to exert a consistent force on modules, using a fluid-filled capsule that can be adjusted by a pump or pressure relief valve, enhancing thermal conductivity with metallic or non-metallic nanoparticles in the fluid for improved cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional wedge-lock module retainers are used to provide clamping force, then initial thermal performance is achieved, but clamping force decreases over time due to repeated insertion and extraction cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wedge-lock system with a pneumatic or hydraulic actuation system. A bellows element responds to pressure changes from a gas or liquid supply to expand and contract, driving the retainer fingers to clamp or release modules. This substitution eliminates the binding and wear issues of mechanical wedge-lock systems while maintaining consistent clamping force throughout the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to control the bellows expansion and contraction. A gas or liquid supply system provides controlled pressure to the bellows, enabling reliable actuation of the retainer fingers. This approach ensures consistent clamping force over time and allows for remote control of module retention without mechanical tool intervention.
2Ease of operation
If module retainers are designed to be tool-free for ease of operation, then maintenance simplicity is improved, but reliable clamping force application becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through automated or manually-actuated pressure control. The bellows responds automatically to pressure changes, and the retainer fingers self-adjust to provide consistent clamping force. Module insertion or removal is achieved by simple pressure actuation without requiring tools or complex manual adjustment, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
3Force
If bellows internal pressure is controlled to maintain consistent clamping force, then thermal performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to fluid control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The gas or liquid supply system serves multiple functions: it actuates the bellows for module retention, provides consistent clamping force for thermal management, and can potentially control other chassis functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the addition of pressure control mechanisms.
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
The bellows system maintains consistent clamping force and facilitates efficient thermal management by controlling fluid pressure within the retainer, ensuring reliable module retention and enhanced thermal energy transfer without the need for tools, thus improving thermal performance and reducing maintenance issues.
Implementation Method 1
the force exerted by the bellows on the module can be produced by one or both of a spring force developed by the bellows and/or a hydraulic force produced by the pressure within the bellows capsule
Implementation Method 2
The material forming the bellows can be selected to be a highly thermally conductive material... the bellows can be used to help conductively cool the module by transferring thermal energy through the bellows
Implementation Method 3
the fluid used to control the bellows is comprised of a base fluid. When the bellows is used to facilitate conductive cooling, a thermal conductivity of a fluid path through the bellows can be enhanced by adding at least one of a metallic and a non-metallic nanoparticles to the base fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A module is retained in a slot of an electronics chassis. A clearance space is provided for receiving the module in a slot of the electronics chassis by controlling an internal pressure of a bellows. The bellows forms a part of a retainer that is disposed on an elongated rail extending along a length of the slot. The bellows defines an internal bellows capsule which contains a fluid. Once the module has been inserted in the slot, the module is secured with the retainer by further controlling the internal pressure of the bellows to exert a force on the module.