Interface Card Fixing Mechanism for Space-Limited Computer Housings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Interface cards in some computers cannot be fixed to the housing using screws due to space limitations, making it inconvenient for installation.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary fixing mechanism that includes an I/O window with a rectangular hole and an auxiliary fastener with baffles and hooks, allowing for rotational fixation and vertical screwing to secure the interface card, preventing movement in any direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw is used to fix the interface card to the housing horizontally, then the interface card can be secured to the housing, but the fixing cannot be completed when space is limited on the rear side of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the screw fixation direction from horizontal to vertical by introducing an auxiliary fastener that extends perpendicular to the interface card plane. This dimensional change allows the screw to pass through the auxiliary fastener and I/O window from above, enabling fixation in spaces where horizontal screwing is not possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary fastener serves as an intermediary component between the screw and the interface card. It provides a mounting structure that allows the screw to attach vertically to the interface card while still securing it to the housing, thus mediating the space constraint problem.
2Ease of operation
If the interface card is installed horizontally on the rear side of the housing, then the I/O window can be accessed, but the interface card cannot be fixed onto the housing by a screw due to space limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the fixation process by having the auxiliary fastener extend perpendicular to the horizontal installation plane. This allows the screw to be inserted from above in a vertical direction, making the fixing operation as easy as horizontal installation while overcoming the space limitation.
3Reliability
If a screw is passed through the auxiliary fastener vertically to fix it to the I/O window, then the interface card can be securely fixed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation system is segmented into distinct functional components: the auxiliary fastener with its baffles for positioning, the fixing hook for attachment to the I/O window, and the screw for final securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall structural clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary fastener is designed with self-positioning capabilities through its baffles and fixing hook that automatically align with corresponding features on the interface card and I/O window. This self-service design reduces the need for complex alignment procedures and simplifies the overall fixation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary fixing mechanism is used for fixing an interface card to the housing of a computer. The auxiliary fixing mechanism includes an I/O window and an auxiliary fastener. The I/O window has a fixing slot and a first screw hole. The auxiliary fastener includes a first baffle, a second baffle, a third baffle, a fixing hook and a positioning hook. A screw is passed through the second screw hole of the auxiliary fastener in a direction that is vertical to the interface card. The bracket of the interface card is pushed and stopped by the baffles to restrict the movement of the interface card. Thereby, the auxiliary fixing mechanism can change the fixing direction for fixing the screw to prevent the prior art problem that the interface card could not be fixed to the housing via a screw due to space limitations.