Expansion Card Connecting Assembly with Step-Shaped Fixing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting assemblies for expansion cards on motherboards face challenges in securely fixing cards of varying sizes, particularly in ensuring reliable engagement and prevention of disengagement, especially when the cards have different dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A connecting assembly that includes a fixing member with step-shaped surfaces and limiting grooves, combined with locking members, which securely engage expansion cards of different sizes by using screw holes and clamping portions to prevent disengagement, allowing for perpendicular mounting and secure attachment to the motherboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple connecting assembly is used for expansion cards, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing cards of varying sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a fixing member with step-shaped surfaces for different card sizes, locking members for securing, and clamping portions for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, resolving the contradiction by making the assembly reliable through proper segmentation while keeping the overall structure manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing member is designed with step-shaped surfaces that provide multi-functionality by accommodating expansion cards of different sizes through a single unified structure. The same fixing member can secure both smaller and larger cards by utilizing different steps, thereby improving reliability across varying card dimensions without requiring multiple different fixing mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If a unified fixing member is used for all expansion card sizes, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different card dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing member incorporates step-shaped surfaces with different local qualities - each step has specific geometric characteristics tailored to accommodate cards of particular size ranges. This local differentiation within the unified structure enables the single fixing member to adapt to various card dimensions while maintaining ease of manufacture through a standardized production process for the overall component
3Reliability
If locking members are added to prevent disengagement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members are integrated with the fixing member and clamping portions to form a cohesive securing system. Rather than being separate independent components, the locking mechanism is merged into the overall structure, allowing it to perform its reliability-enhancing function while minimizing the increase in device complexity through unified design
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting assembly for mounting a first expansion card and a second expansion card in a motherboard. The connecting assembly includes at least one fixing member, a first locking member and a second locking member. Each fixing member includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, the fixing member is detachably assembled on the motherboard. The motherboard is held between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion, the fixing member fixes the first expansion card and the second expansion card with the motherboard through the first locking member and the second locking member.