Expansion Card Assembling Structure with Movable Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer host, server, or workstation expansion card assemblies face issues with vibration-induced loosening and unstable signal transmission due to unsupported expansion card ends, which are not compatible with varying card sizes, leading to potential damage and unreliable assembly.

Innovation Solution

An assembling structure for expansion cards featuring a frame with a supporting positioning element that can be adjusted and locked to accommodate different card sizes, providing a three-point support to secure the card and prevent loosening, ensuring reliable assembly and reduced vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed supporting structure is designed for specific expansion card sizes, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different card sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different card sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure employs a movable supporting component that can slide along the longitudinal direction within a guiding slot and rotate around a pivot point. This dynamic mechanism allows the supporting structure to adapt to different expansion card lengths while maintaining stable support, resolving the contradiction between fixed structural stability and adaptability to varying card sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structure is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple types of expansion cards (PCIe cards, graphics processing cards, etc.) of different sizes. The movable supporting component can be positioned at various locations along the guiding slot to provide appropriate support for each card type, making the structure universally applicable while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the expansion card end is left unsupported to maintain simple structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of electrical connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable supporting component acts as an intermediary element between the frame body and the expansion card. It provides indirect support by contacting the card at a position away from the electrical connection socket, preventing vibration-induced loosening while maintaining simple structure. The component slides within a guiding slot and can be locked in position, providing reliable support without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a movable supporting structure is introduced to accommodate different card sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different card sizesVSAvoidsupporting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure uses a simple dynamic mechanism where the supporting component can slide along a linear guiding slot and rotate around a fixed pivot point. This dynamic capability provides adaptability to different card sizes without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, motors, or sensors. The movement is constrained to simple geometric paths that are easy to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the frame body with guiding slot, the movable supporting component with pivot point, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining adaptability. The guiding slot and pivot point separate the movement function from the support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10840619B1Assembling structure for expansion card
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 WISTRON CORP
  • US10840619B1 patent drawing
  • US10840619B1 patent drawing
  • US10840619B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembling structure for an expansion card includes a frame and a supporting positioning element. The frame includes a body, a first assembling portion and a second assembling portion, wherein the body has a first side, a second side and a third side. The first assembling portion is disposed at the first side and the second assembling portion is disposed at the second side. The body is configured with a positioning portion close to the third side. The supporting positioning element is slidably connected to and pivoted to the positioning portion, wherein the supporting positioning element includes a first supporting positioning portion and a second supporting positioning portion. The supporting positioning element faces the second assembling portion via the first supporting positioning portion or the second supporting positioning portion.