Ejector Mechanism for Computer Component Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer hardware cabinets often limit access to internal components, complicating service operations and interfering with 'hot swapping' of components without interrupting system operation, particularly due to securely connected components requiring substantial force for removal.
Innovation Solution
A robust and ergonomic ejector assembly is integrated into the cabinet, featuring a spring-loaded captive screw assembly and a reversely turned flange to facilitate the manual ejection of energy storage modules from the housing, allowing for easy and forceful removal of components from the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are made secure with spring-biased contacts, then reliability of connection is improved, but substantial insertion and removal force is required
Solution Approach 1:
An ejector tool serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the component. The tool engages with the component's ejection features and transmits applied force through a mechanical lever arm to generate sufficient ejection force to overcome the spring-biased connector retention, while keeping the operator's direct force requirement manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector tool utilizes a lever arm mechanism that converts a small applied force at one end into a larger force at the other end. This dynamic mechanical advantage system allows the operator to generate the substantial removal force needed by moving the component rather than directly pulling against the spring contact
2Stability of the object's composition
If components are securely retained in the cabinet, then component stability is improved, but access and service operations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The component design incorporates separate ejection features (such as tabs or protrusions) that are distinct from the retention mechanism. This segmentation allows the ejector tool to engage these specific features for removal while the rest of the component remains securely retained during normal operation, enabling easy service access without compromising stability
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector tool acts as a mediator that temporarily interacts with the component during service operations. The tool engages with ejection features, applies force to remove the component, and then is removed itself, allowing the component to be replaced without affecting the overall retention system or requiring modification to the cabinet structure
3Force
If a removal tool is designed to apply sufficient force, then component removal capability is improved, but ergonomic requirements and ease of use may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector tool employs a lever arm mechanism where the operator applies force at one end and the tool delivers amplified force at the other end through rotational motion around a fulcrum point. This dynamic mechanical advantage system makes the tool ergonomic by reducing the direct force requirement on the operator's hand while still achieving substantial removal force on the component
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying removal force directly along the linear axis of component extraction, the ejector tool applies force through a rotational dimension using a lever arm. The operator pushes or pulls perpendicular to the lever arm, creating torque that is converted into linear ejection force, adding a dimensional aspect to the force application that improves ergonomics
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 convenient and uninterrupted servicing of computer systems by allowing for the removal of components without shutting down the system, improving service efficiency and meeting human factors and ergonomic requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly has a simple, but robust, design. The assembly assists in removal of one of several closely spaced components that are internally connected to a circuit board. Connectors for connecting components to a circuit board generally should be secure to be reliable. Spring-biased contacts of connectors may require substantial insertion and removal force.
Data Source
AI summary
An ejector mechanism for removing a computer component from a computer housing is disclosed. The computer component may be an energy storage module that includes a first electrical connector that connects the energy storage module to a second electrical connector on a back plane printed circuit board. The ejector assembly is actuated at a location remote from the energy storage module to engage the energy storage module. The ejector assembly partially ejects the module from the housing and disconnects first and second electrical connector parts.