Elastic SSD Retainer Structure for Tool-Free M.2 Card Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid state drive (SSD) retaining devices with M.2 standard face challenges such as increased manufacturing costs due to the use of screws and bolts, labor-intensive assembly, and complex structures that are not economically suitable for low-cost components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic card retaining device with a simplified structure featuring a seat, movable retaining member, stopper section, elastic arm, and guide sections that allow for easy assembly and disassembly using elastic displacement paths and bevel guiding surfaces to securely hold the SSD in place without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws and bolts are used to fasten M.2 solid state drives to the motherboard, then the solid state drive can be securely retained, but the manufacturing cost increases and assembly/disassembly becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is designed to automatically engage with the solid state drive through elastic deformation. When the solid state drive is inserted, the retaining member elastically deforms and locks into place without requiring external tools or complex assembly operations, enabling self-service retention
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. The member transitions from a deformed state during insertion to a locked state during retention, using material elasticity to achieve secure fastening without screws or bolts
2Ease of operation
If a tool-free grounded quick fastener with interference sleeve is used, then assembly becomes simpler, but the overall structure becomes complicated and fabrication becomes uneasy
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is segmented into distinct functional components: the seat mounted on the motherboard, the movable retaining member, the elastic arm, and the guide sections. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall structure compared to integrated complex fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential retention function from complex fastening mechanisms. By removing screws, bolts, and interference sleeves, the design isolates the core function of retaining the solid state drive through a simplified elastic retaining member
3Ease of operation
If the movable retaining member is designed to elastically displace between retaining and release positions, then assembly and disassembly become easier, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member is designed as a dynamic component that can elastically displace between a retaining position (where it secures the solid state drive) and a release position (where it allows removal). This dynamic capability enables easy assembly and disassembly through simple elastic deformation without complex mechanisms
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 device provides a cost-effective, easy-to-operate solution that securely retains SSDs with reduced manufacturing costs and minimizes loose connections, ensuring stable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a movable retaining member (20) assembled to the seat (10). A stopper section (11), an elastic arm (21) located opposite to the stopper section (11), a guide section (13), and a mating guide section (25) corresponding to the guide section (13) are provided between the seat (10) and the movable retaining member (20)
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic card retaining device includes a seat mounted on a motherboard and a movable retaining member. The seat is provided with a stopper section and a guide section; the movable retaining member has an elastic arm corresponding to the stopper section and a mating guide section for engaging with the guide section. When the movable retaining member is assembled to the seat, the elastic arm can be pressed against the stopper section and elastically deformed; and the guide section and the mating guide section can engage with each other to guide the movable retaining member to elastically displace on the seat relative to an electronic card between a retaining position and a release position. With the above arrangements, the electronic card retaining device so formed is structurally simplified and easily operable for conveniently, securely and elastically retaining or releasing the electronic card to or from the motherboard.