Expansion Card Receiver Ejector Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The removal of hardware components from information handling systems is challenging due to increased sophistication and packing density, leading to potential damage from improper force application and misalignment of connectors.

Innovation Solution

An expansion card receiver with an electrical receiver decoupler and ejectors that apply forces to facilitate the removal of expansion cards without direct physical contact, reducing the risk of damage by redirecting forces in a controlled manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If expansion cards are removed by direct physical contact, then removal speed is faster, but damage risk increases due to misalignment and improper force application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval speedVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the receiver with ejector) between the user and the expansion card. When the user actuates the ejector, it applies force to the expansion card's retention mechanism, causing the card to be ejected automatically. This intermediary system ensures proper force application and alignment, eliminating the need for direct user contact with the card while maintaining fast removal speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If packing density of information handling systems is increased, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility of components for removal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking densityVSAvoidcomponent accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver incorporates self-service features including an automatic ejection mechanism that requires minimal user input. The user simply actuates the ejector, and the system automatically performs the card removal through a sequence of mechanical actions (releasing retention, spring-loaded ejection). This self-service approach maintains ease of operation despite high packing density by eliminating the need for manual manipulation of the card itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If expansion cards are designed with sophisticated connectors, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of removal deteriorates due to complex retention mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector reliabilityVSAvoidremoval ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the removal function into distinct mechanical components: a retention mechanism that holds the card securely during operation, and an ejection mechanism that releases and propels the card outward. The ejector actuates the retention mechanism, which then releases the card and uses spring force for ejection. This segmentation allows sophisticated connectors to maintain reliability while enabling easy removal through a dedicated mechanical system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11375635B2System and method for removing components from a chassis

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A chassis for housing a computing device of an information handling system includes an expansion card receiver. The chassis also includes an electrical receiver decoupler that partially ejects an expansion card from the expansion card receiver when an electrical connector of the expansion card is coupled to an electrical receiver of the expansion card receiver that enables the expansion card to be operably connected to a second component of the computing device. Partially ejecting the expansion card does not require the user of the chassis to physically contact the expansion card directly.