Extension Bracket Module for Downward Circuit Board Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer systems face challenges in maximizing space utilization and cooling efficiency due to the upward orientation of circuit and motherboard components, which limits the installation of additional electronic components and complicates maintenance, especially in terms of heat dissipation and assembly convenience.

Innovation Solution

An extension bracket module with a top plate and panel design allows the outer switch board to face downward, enabling parallel installation of extension cards and upward installation of circuit cards, thereby optimizing space distribution and facilitating better airflow for cooling, while also simplifying the replacement and assembly of electronic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the circuit board and motherboard are installed facing upward to allow extension cards and function cards to be inserted, then the cards can be accessed and maintained, but the longitudinal and transverse space of the computer system is excessively occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of extension cardsVSAvoidspace occupation in computer system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional installation orientation by making the circuit board face downward and the extension cards face upward. This inversion allows the extension cards to be inserted from the bottom of the computer system, achieving ease of access while significantly reducing the longitudinal space occupation compared to the conventional upward-facing installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more electronic components are installed to elevate system functions, then the system capabilities are improved, but the limited space in the housing is overwhelmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem function capabilitiesVSAvoidavailable housing space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by installing the circuit board and extension cards in a downward-facing orientation, effectively using the depth dimension of the housing more efficiently. This dimensional change allows for increased component density without overwhelming the available horizontal space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the circuit board and motherboard are installed facing upward, then the assembly structure is conventional and simple, but the heat generated by extension cards cannot be expelled effectively due to limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly structure simplicityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the installation orientation so that extension cards face upward while the circuit board faces downward, the invention creates improved airflow pathways from the bottom of the system. This allows heat to be expelled more effectively through the bottom opening, solving the heat dissipation problem while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If screws are used one by one to lock extension cards onto the housing, then the cards are securely fixed, but significant locking time is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing security of extension cardsVSAvoidlocking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple individual screw-fixing operations into a single unified fixing operation. The circuit board is designed with an integrated fixing structure that allows all extension cards to be secured to the housing simultaneously through one fixing action, thereby maintaining secure attachment while dramatically reducing the time required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7881062B2Extension bracket module
Publication Date: 2011.02.01 MITAC INT CORP
  • US7881062B2 patent drawing
  • US7881062B2 patent drawing
  • US7881062B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An extension bracket module is used for mounting an outer switch board of a computer system. The extension bracket module comprises a top plate and a panel perpendicular to each other. The top plate is levelly disposed and the outer switch board is configured facing downward and mounted onto a bottom surface of the top plate in parallel. An upper side of the panel is connected to a front edge of the top plate. Therefore, the deficit that the switch board in the prior art requires an extra longitudinal or transverse space of the computer system can be overcome through the design of the extension bracket module.