Expansion Card Module with Slide Tray for Drive Bay Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing and uninstalling expansion cards in computers are complex and time-consuming, requiring users to open the computer case, which wastes time and space, especially in systems with limited interior space.
Innovation Solution
An expansion card module is provided, featuring a box, a tray with a slide mechanism, and an interconnection device, allowing expansion cards to be electrically connected to the motherboard without opening the case, utilizing the drive bay space for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If expansion cards are installed directly into the motherboard or via adapters inside the computer case, then the expansion cards can be electrically connected to the motherboard, but the installation and uninstallation process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring the computer case to be opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an expansion card module as an intermediary device between the expansion card and the motherboard. This module includes a box, a tray with slide mechanism, and a circuit board with expansion slot. The expansion card is installed in the circuit board, which is then installed in the box. The tray allows the expansion card to be moved in and out of the computer case without opening the case, serving as a mediator that simplifies the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the installation dimension by moving the expansion card installation from the interior of the computer case to the exterior front drive bay area. The expansion card module is disposed in a drive bay on the front of the case, allowing users to install and uninstall expansion cards from the front of the computer without needing to open the side or rear panels, effectively adding a new spatial dimension for card access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expansion cards are installed inside the computer case near the motherboard, then the expansion cards can be connected to the motherboard, but the interior space of the computer becomes limited and installation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the expansion card installation from the internal motherboard area to the external front drive bay dimension. By disposing the expansion card module in a drive bay on the front of the case, the invention utilizes previously underutilized front panel space, freeing up interior space while improving installation convenience through external access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the computer system into distinct functional modules: the motherboard remains inside the case while the expansion card module is separated and placed in the front drive bay. This segmentation allows independent installation and removal of expansion cards without affecting the main computer case or interior components, improving both space utilization and operational convenience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple expansion cards are installed near the motherboard, then the computer can support multiple peripheral devices, but replacing cards becomes time-consuming as users must uninstall cards in a specific order to avoid damaging electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion card module acts as an intermediary that isolates the expansion card installation process from the main computer case. Users can install and uninstall expansion cards in the front drive bay without needing to access the interior near the motherboard, eliminating the need to carefully manage the uninstallation order of multiple cards and preventing damage to internal electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide mechanism in the tray provides self-service functionality, allowing users to easily move expansion cards in and out of the computer case by simply sliding the tray. This eliminates the complex manual manipulation required when dealing with multiple expansion cards near the motherboard, significantly improving replacement speed and reducing the risk of damage.
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion card module includes a box, a tray, a circuit board, and an interconnection device. The box is disposed in a drive bay on the front of a case of a computer. The tray is movably installed in the box and has a slide mechanism. The tray slides into or out of the box by the slide mechanism. The circuit board is disposed on the tray and has a first expansion slot. An expansion card electrically inserts into the first expansion slot of the circuit board, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the motherboard of computer through the interconnection device.