Holding Apparatus Stabilizes Boards in Computer Chassis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer chassis lack secure means to stabilize components, leading to faulty connections and the inconvenience of having to remove all components to replace or maintain individual components.

Innovation Solution

A holding apparatus comprising a base tray and an expansion tray with a transition mechanism and locking mechanism, allowing individual components to be removed without affecting others, and securely engaging with the computer chassis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional computer chassis are used to house multiple components, then components can be housed together, but components lack secure stabilization and connections become faulty when components move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent housing capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding apparatus is divided into multiple independent holding positions (first holding position, second holding position, etc.) within the chassis. Each holding position can independently secure individual components, allowing components to be stabilized separately without affecting others. This segmentation enables reliable connection stabilization while maintaining the ability to house multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional chassis are used, then components can be housed together, but all components must be removed to replace or maintain individual components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent housing capabilityVSAvoidcomponent replacement convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding apparatus segments components into separate holding positions with independent access mechanisms. Users can target-specific holding positions for component removal or replacement without disturbing other components housed in different holding positions. This eliminates the need to remove all components for maintenance of a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts individual components from the unified chassis housing by providing separate holding positions that can be independently accessed. Components in specific holding positions can be removed through dedicated access paths or mechanisms, allowing extraction of individual components without affecting the integrity or removal of other components from the chassis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If components are housed in conventional chassis without secure means, then components can be installed, but movement causes faulty connections or complete communication lapses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent installation simplicityVSAvoidcommunication link stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding apparatus provides pre-configured holding positions and connection pathways that are established before components are installed. These preliminary structures guide component placement and secure connections in advance, ensuring that components are positioned correctly and stabilized before operation begins, preventing connection faults during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The holding apparatus introduces intermediary holding structures and connection pathways between components and the chassis. These intermediary elements act as mediators that stabilize component positions and maintain reliable electrical connections, preventing direct movement between components and the chassis that would cause connection failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3617838B1Computer component holding apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 QUANTA COMPUTER INC
  • EP3617838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3617838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3617838B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a holding apparatus which includes a base tray (222) and an expansion tray (224). The base tray can hold a first board (104), and the expansion tray can hold a second board (108). The expansion tray can fit within the base tray and can have a transition mechanism. The transition mechanism can engage first connectors (106) on the first board with second connectors (110) on the second board, or disengage the first connectors from the second connectors.