Card Guide With Integral Clip For Temperature Sensor Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Detecting temperatures within a computer system chassis is challenging due to its enclosed nature, which prevents access to the interior and makes it difficult to monitor temperature levels and regulate airflow effectively.

Innovation Solution

A cardguide system that includes a body to be disposed in a computer chassis slot, featuring a track for accepting a printed circuit board edge and an integral clip to retain a temperature sensing device, such as a thermistor, allowing for internal temperature measurement without exposed wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the chassis is enclosed during operation, then component protection and system stability are improved, but temperature detection capability deteriorates due to limited access to the interior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidtemperature detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The cardguide acts as an intermediary structure that bridges the enclosed chassis interior and the external temperature sensing device. It provides a mounting mechanism that allows the temperature sensor to indirectly measure chassis temperature through thermal conduction via the cardguide body, resolving the contradiction between enclosure and detectability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the temperature sensor and chassis interior with thermal conduction through the cardguide body. Instead of requiring physical access to the chassis interior, the sensor measures temperature via thermal transfer through the guiding structure, enabling non-contact temperature detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a temperature sensing device is added to the chassis, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and wiring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoringVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensing device is merged with the cardguide structure by mounting it directly to the cardguide body. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, additional wiring harnesses, and complex installation procedures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining temperature monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cardguide body serves multiple functions: it guides the modular device into the slot, provides structural support, and acts as a mounting platform for the temperature sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the temperature sensing device is positioned inside the chassis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates due to limited access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensing device is mounted on the cardguide body before the modular device is installed into the chassis slot. This preliminary mounting action allows the sensor to be positioned and secured in advance, eliminating the need for difficult post-installation access and simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining accurate temperature measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables accurate temperature detection within the chassis, facilitating temperature monitoring and regulation, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring component reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The clip provides for positioning the temperature sensing device proximate to the slot of the computer chassis during use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS8724336B2Card guide system and method
Publication Date: 2014.05.13 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORP
  • US8724336B2 patent drawing
  • US8724336B2 patent drawing
  • US8724336B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cardguide to be disposed in a computer chassis during use. The cardguide includes a track to accept an edge of a printed circuit board of a modular computer device to be disposed in the computer chassis during use. The cardguide further comprises an integral clip configured to retain at least a portion of a temperature sensing device during use. The clip provides for positioning the temperature sensing device within the computer chassis during use.