Interface Card Fixing Device Tool-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current main board fixing methods, such as using screws, often result in uneven force application and skewing issues due to over-tightening, and require additional tools for assembly and disassembly, while also compromising space utilization.

Innovation Solution

An interface card fixing device with a base, fixing portion, engaging portion, and connecting portion, featuring a protrusion forming a hollow cylinder, allows for easy installation and detachment without tools, providing a constant and even clamping force and allowing for rotational adjustment to prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screw locking is used to fix the M.2 interface card, then the interface card is securely fixed to the main board, but uneven force application and skewing occur due to over-tightening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful over-tightening force from the fixing mechanism by replacing the screw locking system with a press-fit structure. The pressing unit applies controlled pressure to fix the interface card without the risk of over-tightening, thereby eliminating the skewing problem while maintaining fixing strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing unit acts as an intermediary between the fixing device and the interface card. It distributes the fixing force evenly across the card body through its pressing surface, preventing concentrated stress points that cause skewing, while still achieving secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If screw locking is used to fix the M.2 interface card, then the interface card is securely fixed to the main board, but additional tools are required for assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is designed to be self-operating without requiring external tools. The pressing unit can be manually pressed to engage or disengage the interface card, allowing users to perform assembly and disassembly operations directly with their fingers, eliminating the need for screwdrivers or other specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixing device is added to the main board, then the stability of the M.2 interface card is increased, but the space utilization of the main board is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface card stabilityVSAvoidmain board area
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is nested within the existing main board structure, with the base integrated into the board surface and the pressing unit positioned to utilize the available space between the board edge and the interface card. This nesting approach minimizes the footprint of the fixing device while maintaining its stabilizing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing device utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the pressing unit upward from the main board surface, rather than expanding horizontally. This allows the device to provide stable fixation without significantly increasing the horizontal footprint on the main board, thereby preserving space utilization.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3306440B1Interface card fixing device and main board module
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 GIGA BYTE TECH CO LTD
  • EP3306440B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3306440B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3306440B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An interface card fixing device (100) adapted to fix an interface card (10) to a main board (22) is provided. The interface card fixing device (100) includes a base (110), a fixing portion, an engaging portion (130) and a connecting portion (140). The base (110) includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and a protrusion (116) protruding from the first surface. The base (110) has a through hole (118) passing through the first surface, the second surface and the protrusion (116) so that the protrusion (116) forms a hollow cylinder. The fixing portion extends from the second surface of the base (110) and includes a breach communicating with the through hole (118). The engaging portion (130) is adapted to pass through the through hole (118) and the breach, and fix to the base (110). The connecting portion (140) is connected to the base (110) and the engaging portion (140). A main board module (20) having the interface card fixing device (100) is further provided.