Expansion Card Fixing Mechanism With Pivoting Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rack servers face difficulties in assembling and disassembling expansion card modules due to crowded arrangements and the complexity of screw-based fixing methods, which can lead to accidental collisions and inconvenient operations.

Innovation Solution

A fixing mechanism comprising a base with a sliding slot structure, a latch with a resilient component, and a clamping portion that allows the expansion card module to be easily assembled and disassembled by sliding and pivoting, using a resilient component to drive the latch between positions for secure engagement and disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the expansion card module is disposed on the mainboard in a crowded arrangement, then the space utilization is improved, but the risk of accidental collision and the difficulty of assembly/disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidassembly/disassembly convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a latch structure with pressing portion and pushing portion, a resilient component, and a sliding slot structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling easy manual operation while maintaining compact spacing between expansion card modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism transitions from a static screw-based system to a dynamic latch system that can be easily switched between locked and unlocked states. The resilient component provides automatic resetting capability, allowing the latch to return to its original position after engagement, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly operations in the crowded rack environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the screw fixing method is used to stably dispose the expansion card module, then the stability and reliability are improved, but the operational complexity and inconvenience increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing stabilityVSAvoidmanual operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient component automatically resets the latch to its engaged position after the expansion card module is inserted, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening operations. The system serves itself by using the insertion force to compress the resilient component, which then automatically pushes the latch into the locked position, providing both stability and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The complex screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a simpler latch-based mechanical system. The resilient component substitutes for the screw thread engagement mechanism, providing reliable fixation through elastic deformation rather than threaded connection, thereby enabling manual operation without requiring screwdrivers or complex tightening procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of repair

If the expansion card module is removed from the inserting slot, then the accessibility and maintenance are improved, but the risk of hitting adjacent modules increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pushing portion of the latch structure preliminarily pushes the expansion card module away from the inserting slot before complete removal. This preliminary action creates clearance between the removed module and adjacent modules, preventing accidental collisions during the removal process while maintaining easy accessibility for maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 mechanism enables simple and convenient assembly/disassembly of expansion card modules, preventing collisions and absorbing vibrations, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing the complexity of the process compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

The resilient component is located inside the accommodating portion to actuate the latch, and the resilient component drives the latch to rotate and to stay at the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9454190B2Fixing mechanism and electronic device capable of assembling and disassembling an expansion card module

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A fixing mechanism which is capable of assembling an expansion card module includes a base, a latch and a resilient component. The expansion card module slidably inserts into the base. The latch pivots to an accommodating portion of the base to switch between a first position and a second position. The latch includes a pressing portion and a pushing portion connected with each other. The pressing portion presses a side of the expansion card module since the latch is switched to the first position. The pushing portion pushes an opposite side of the expansion card module since the latch is switched to the second position, so as to upwardly move the expansion card module relative to the base. The resilient component is located inside the accommodating portion to actuate the latch and drives the latch to stay at the second position.