Expansion Module Latch for Interface Card Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In slim type computer systems, such as 1 U blade servers, the limited height inside the computer case makes it difficult to arrange interface cards perpendicular to the motherboard, leading to weak mechanical support when connected via a transfer circuit-board, resulting in poor contact and potential dislodging of the interface card under vibrations or forces, causing system instability.
Innovation Solution
An expansion module with a transfer circuit-board, an expansion slot, a carrier body, and a latch is used to firmly fix and support the interface card, providing additional clamping to prevent swiveling or escape from the expansion slot, comprising a bottom-plate, lateral-frame, and a pivoting latch with clamping elements to secure the interface card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the interface card is arranged perpendicular to the motherboard, then the mechanical support is strong, but the height requirement cannot be met in slim type computers
Solution Approach 1:
The interface card is rotated from a perpendicular arrangement (requiring significant height) to a parallel arrangement with the motherboard, effectively changing the spatial dimension from vertical to horizontal. This allows the card to fit within the limited height constraints of slim type computers while maintaining functionality through the transfer circuit-board connection
2Length of stationary object
If the interface card is connected via a transfer circuit-board, then the height requirement is met, but the mechanical support becomes weak
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent components: the transfer circuit-board provides electrical connection, the carrier body provides structural support and positioning, and the latch mechanism provides additional securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function, collectively providing both the required low-profile configuration and adequate mechanical support
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier body acts as an intermediary structure between the transfer circuit-board and the interface card. It not only holds the transfer circuit-board but also provides additional mechanical support and positioning for the interface card, strengthening the overall connection without increasing the height
3Device complexity
If only the expansion slot is used to support the interface card, then the structure is simple, but the interface card may swivel or escape under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured in a spring-loaded state that automatically engages with the interface card upon insertion. This preliminary action ensures that the interface card is immediately secured against swiveling or escaping before any external forces such as vibration can affect the connection, enhancing reliability without significantly complicating the structure
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion module for an interface card includes a transfer circuit-board, an expansion slot, a bottom-plate, a lateral-frame, and a latch. The transfer circuit-board has an electrical connector to be inserted into a card slot of a main circuit-board. The expansion slot is disposed on the transfer circuit-board and used for the interface card to be inserted into it, so as to connect the interface card to the main circuit-board. The transfer circuit-board is mounted onto the bottom-plate. The lateral-frame extends from the bottom-plate to define an accommodating space between the bottom-plate and the lateral-frame, and the transfer circuit-board is located in the accommodating space. The latch is pivoted to the lateral-frame and moves between a releasing position and a latching position. The latch has a first clamping element, and at the latching position the latch clamps and fixes the interface card with the first clamping element.