Dual-Fixation Connecting Assembly for Server Power Supply PCBs

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing server power supply technologies face challenges in efficiently fixing printed circuit boards (PCBs) due to increased size, leading to issues with production efficiency, inventory management, and structural strength.

Innovation Solution

A connecting assembly comprising a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a screw, and a plurality of supporting members, where some supporting members are connected through an engagement groove and others through a threaded hole, providing dual fixation methods to reduce the number of screws needed and simplify inventory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If threaded bolts with screws are used to fix the PCB, then the fixation strength is improved, but the production efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming screw locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is segmented to include both an engagement groove for snap-fit connection and a threaded hole for screw fixation, allowing different supporting members to be used for different fixation needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member is designed as a multi-functional component that can provide both engagement groove structure and threaded hole structure, enabling a single component to serve multiple fixation purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If engagement groove structure is used to fix the PCB, then the production efficiency is improved, but the fixation strength deteriorates due to lack of fixation in one direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidfixation strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is segmented to include both an engagement groove for snap-fit connection and a threaded hole for screw fixation, allowing different supporting members to be used for different fixation needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member is designed as a multi-functional component that can provide both engagement groove structure and threaded hole structure, enabling a single component to serve multiple fixation purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If threaded bolts are used to fix the PCB, then the fixation strength is improved, but the inventory management deteriorates due to need for two types of materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation strengthVSAvoidinventory complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is designed as a multi-functional component that can provide both engagement groove structure and threaded hole structure, enabling a single component to replace what would otherwise require two different components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement groove and threaded hole are combined into a single supporting member, merging two previously separate fixation components into one universal component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances production efficiency by reducing the number of screws required, simplifies inventory management by using a single type of supporting member, and improves structural strength by providing dual-directional fixation.

Implementation Method 1

the engagement groove is engaged with the protruding portion by snap fit. Under the mutual cooperation of the protruding portion and the engagement groove, the second connecting member and the supporting member are fixed by snap fit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSnap fit: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

each of the other supporting members is connected to the second connecting member through fit between the threaded hole and the screw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded connection: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20250063680A1Connecting assembly and power supply unit

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 DELTA ELECTRONICS (THAILAND) PUBLIC CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a connecting assembly and a power supply unit, which relates to the technical field of battery. The connecting assembly comprises: a first connecting member; a second connecting member; a screw; and a plurality of supporting members, each of which has a first end and a second end. The first end of each supporting member is fixed to the first connecting member, and the second end of each supporting member is provided with an engagement groove and a threaded hole. Each of some supporting members is connected to the second connecting member through the engagement groove, each of the other supporting members is connected to the second connecting member through fit between the threaded hole and the screw. This reduces the number of the screw to be used, saving the cost, and reducing the operation time.