Interface Card Slide Lock With Stepless Buffer Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface card fixing methods in computer chassis require numerous screws for screw locking, leading to complex assembly, increased downtime for maintenance, and potential misconnection issues due to excessive force during unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a base, a slide, and a support, which allows for stepless buffer unlocking by utilizing a positioning rod, elastic member, and annular stop surface to transition between fully locked, semi-unlocked, and fully unlocked states, reducing the need for screws and minimizing misconnection risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw locking method is used to fix interface cards, then the interface cards can be securely fixed in the chassis, but a large number of screws are required and assembly/disassembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from multiple screws and concentrates it into a single sliding locking mechanism. The slide component integrates the locking action that previously required multiple screw operations, allowing the interface card to be secured or released with a single sliding motion rather than multiple screw tightening/loosening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated slide component. The slide combines positioning, locking, and buffering functions that were previously distributed across multiple screws and elastic mechanisms, enabling unified operation for both securing and releasing the interface card.
2Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied during unlocking to remove interface cards, then the cards can be removed from the chassis, but pin misconnection problems occur between the interface card and slot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an elastic member that acts as a buffer during the unlocking process. This elastic component provides controlled resistance and cushioning force, preventing sudden releases or excessive forces that could cause pin misconnection. The buffering action ensures a controlled, gradual unlocking process that protects the electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control to the unlocking process through the elastic member. Instead of a rigid, instantaneous release, the elastic component creates a controlled, progressive motion that adapts to the mechanical constraints of the system, ensuring smooth transitions between locked and unlocked states without damaging the connection pins.
3Reliability
If multiple screws are used for locking interface cards, then the fixing security is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete locking components (screws, elastic terminals, auxiliary mechanisms) into a single integrated slide component. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the security function, as the slide incorporates all necessary locking and positioning actions in one element.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide component is designed as a multi-functional element that performs positioning, locking, buffering, and releasing operations. This universal component replaces multiple specialized components (screws for locking, elastic terminals for retention, auxiliary mechanisms for release), simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining comprehensive fixing security.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables efficient and secure installation and removal of interface cards with reduced manual effort and minimized risk of misconnection, thereby enhancing maintenance convenience and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member placed on the substrate and supported between a front of the abutment block and a front end of the base body
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device includes a base provided with a base body, a receiving chamber, a through hole and a block, a slide including a substrate, a gradient groove located on the substrate with a relatively narrower locking side formed at one end and a relatively wider unlocking side formed at an opposite end, an abutment block protruding downward from one side of the substrate, a stop surface formed on an opposite side of the substrate for contacting the block at an inclined angle and an elastic member supported between the abutment block and the base, and a support including a positioning plate fixed in a plate holder of a preset machine box, a positioning rod extending from the positioning plate into the through hole of the base and the gradient groove of the slide and an annular stop surface formed between the positioning plate and the positioning rod.