Movable Card Cartridge for Rack-Mounted Server Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems, especially those mounted in racks, adding or removing peripheral devices like PCI cards is challenging due to space constraints and the risk of damaging cables/connectors during partial or complete removal, which often requires additional costly components like slides to manage cable movement.
Innovation Solution
A card cartridge system with a chassis, card connector, guide plate, card holder, and actuator that allows for the insertion and removal of cards without fully or partially removing the equipment from the rack, using a guide plate and actuator to move the card holder between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling card installation without disturbing the equipment's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If equipment is completely removed from the rack to add peripheral devices, then card installation is possible, but cable connectors are damaged and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the card installation process into two independent parts: the cartridge unit that moves with the card, and the stationary guide plate with cable connectors. This segmentation allows the card to be installed without moving the entire equipment from the rack, thus preventing cable damage while enabling card installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the card and the fixed cable connectors. It provides a movable mounting structure that can be inserted into and removed from the guide plate without requiring movement of the entire equipment, thereby protecting cables while enabling card installation.
2Ease of operation
If equipment is partially removed from the rack to access card slots, then card installation is enabled, but cables are damaged due to excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the movable card mounting function (cartridge) from the stationary cable connection function (guide plate). This allows card installation without moving the equipment or its cables, preventing cable damage while enabling access to card slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The card mounting function is extracted from the main equipment body and placed in a separate movable cartridge. This extracted cartridge can be independently inserted into and removed from the guide plate without affecting the fixed cable connectors, thus protecting cable integrity while enabling card installation.
3Ease of operation
If slides are used to allow equipment removal from rack, then ease of removal is improved, but space is consumed and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the card installation function from the main equipment and places it in a separate cartridge that interfaces with the fixed guide plate. This eliminates the need for slides to enable card installation, preserving rack space while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves as an intermediary that provides the necessary movement and installation capability without requiring slides. It interfaces directly with the fixed guide plate, eliminating the need for additional space-consuming slide mechanisms while maintaining operational ease.
4Reliability
If cable connector arms are added to support cable weight, then cable damage is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the system into a movable cartridge and a stationary guide plate with integrated cable connectors. This segmentation eliminates the need for additional cable support arms, as the fixed guide plate naturally supports the cables during card installation without requiring extra structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer device includes a chassis, a card connector, and a cartridge. The card connector is attached to the chassis and is adapted to receive a card. The cartridge includes a guide plate, a card holder, and an actuator. The guide plate is removably engaged to the chassis. The card holder is connectable to the card and movable, relative to the guide plate, between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the card is connected the card connector, and in the disengaged position, the card is disconnected from the card connector. The actuator is engaged with the guide plate, and the actuator linearly moves between a first position and a second position relative to the guide plate. The movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes the movement of the card holder from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The computer device is a server, and the cartridge is introduced into front face or a rear face of the server.