Elastic Arm Fastening Structure for Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening structures in information devices, such as servers and disk array storage devices, require time-consuming screw-locking, leading to increased maintenance time and risk of structural damage due to stress concentration at screw-locked parts, especially in densely packed systems where screws can be lost or detached.
Innovation Solution
A fastening structure comprising a base pillar, top pillar, and elastic arms that can stretch or compress to securely attach and detach connectors without additional locking components, utilizing an elastic property to maintain a floating state for synchronous movement with storage devices, reducing manufacturing costs and stress accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-locking is used to fix connectors, then connection stability is improved, but assembly time increases and stress concentration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are designed to be deformable, allowing the fastening structure to transition between different states (compressed for connection, relaxed for disconnection). This dynamic property enables quick assembly and disassembly without screws, while still providing stable connection when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms automatically provide both connection and disconnection functions through their elastic deformation. When force is applied, they compress to allow connector insertion; when force is removed, they automatically rebound to secure the connector, eliminating the need for separate locking and unlocking operations.
2Reliability
If screw-locking is used to fix connectors, then connection stability is improved, but structural damage risk increases due to stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms distribute connection forces through their deformable structure rather than concentrating stress at fixed screw points. The elastic deformation allows the structure to absorb and distribute mechanical stresses, preventing localized damage to the connector and surrounding components.
3Reliability
If additional locking components are added to secure connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening structure integrates multiple functions into a single component system. The elastic arms simultaneously provide connection, retention, and stress-absorption functions that would traditionally require separate screws, locking mechanisms, and mounting structures. This merging simplifies the overall device while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms serve multiple purposes: they provide mechanical connection support, act as retaining elements to hold connectors in place, and function as shock absorbers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components, reducing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If connectors are fixed rigidly to the carrier plate, then connection stability is improved, but connector lifespan decreases due to stress accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms create a flexible connection that can dynamically adapt to operational stresses and vibrations. This dynamic flexibility prevents stress accumulation that would occur with rigid fixation, thereby extending connector lifespan while maintaining stable connection during normal operation.
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 quick and easy assembly of connectors, reduces assembly time and costs, and prevents stress concentration, thereby increasing the lifespan of connectors by allowing flexible movement and avoiding structural damage during maintenance or operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of elastic arms (120A, 120B)... The top pillar (130) is adapted to stretch or compress the elastic arms when an external force is exerted, so as to reduce or expand the gap
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening structure including a base pillar, a pair of elastic arms, and a top pillar is provided. The base pillar is assembled to an object, the elastic arms are connected between the top and the base pillars, and a gap is provided between the elastic arms. The top pillar is adapted to stretch or compress the elastic arms when an external force is exerted to reduce or expand the gap. The top pillar and the elastic arms pass through a through hole of a connector when the elastic arms are stretched to reduce the gap to make the connector contact the base pillar. After the force is removed, the gap between the elastic arms is restored to fasten the fastening structure between the elastic arms and the base pillar in a floating state. An electronic assembly and an operating method of the fastening structure are also provided.