Expansion Card Module With Pivoting Latch For Screwless Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional expansion cards are inflexible and do not allow for easy attachment of a heat-sink, making assembly and disassembly cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An expansion card module with a carrier, heat-dissipation member, and latch assembly that allows for detachable assembly to a circuit board, enabling structural engagement without screws, and includes a latch assembly for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional expansion card assembly methods are used (inserting into connector and fixing with screw), then the expansion card is securely fixed to the circuit board, but the assembly process becomes inflexible and cumbersome, and heat-sink attachment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion card assembly is divided into separate functional modules: the expansion card itself, the heat-dissipation member, and the latch assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a flexible sequence, resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly introduces dynamic, movable elements that enable quick engagement and disengagement of the expansion card module. The movable latch mechanism replaces static screw fixation, providing operational flexibility while maintaining secure attachment
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix the expansion card, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and not conducive to heat-sink attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-dissipation member is pre-assembled with the expansion card on the carrier before insertion into the circuit board. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for separate heat-sink attachment steps and reduces overall assembly time while maintaining reliable thermal contact
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is designed to be operable by the user without requiring additional tools or complex procedures. The self-latching mechanism automatically secures the expansion card module when engaged, reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable attachment
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable assembly method is used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases due to additional components like latch assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is integrated with the carrier and expansion card structure, forming a unified detachable module. This merging approach provides adaptability and ease of assembly/disassembly while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion card module includes a carrier, an expansion card disposed on the carrier, a heat-dissipation member disposed on the expansion card, and a latch assembly that is assembled to the carrier. The carrier includes a first end and a second end that is opposite to the first end. The second end has a pivotal portion. The expansion card has an electrical connection end that is arranged adjacent to the first end of the carrier. The expansion card is disposed between the carrier and the heat-dissipation member. The latch assembly is pivotally connected to the pivotal portion of the carrier.