Internal Support Bracket for Power Switch Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power switch configurations in computing devices are cumbersome to service and inefficient in space usage, as they typically require external installation and the use of butt connectors for cable connections.
Innovation Solution
An internal support bracket comprising a bottom support with a protruding ridge and a top cover, secured to the bottom support, which defines an aperture for securing the power switch, and includes fastening mechanisms like through-holes and nodules for secure attachment to the computer chassis, allowing the power switch to be installed from the interior and reducing the need for external connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power switch is installed from the exterior of the chassis and penetrates the side wall, then the power switch is accessible for user operation, but the cable connection requires butt connectors and extends into the interior, increasing device complexity and reducing space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch installation approach is inverted from the conventional exterior penetration method. Instead of installing the switch from the outside and routing cables through the chassis wall, the switch is now installed from the interior of the chassis. The switch body remains accessible through the side wall aperture, but the cable connection is made internally to the power supply, eliminating the need for external butt connectors and reducing cable routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The butt connector and external cable connection components are extracted from the system. By installing the power switch internally and routing the cable directly to the power supply within the chassis, the invention eliminates the need for butt connectors that were previously required to join cables at the chassis exterior, thereby simplifying the overall cable connection system.
2Ease of operation
If the power switch penetrates the chassis side wall from the exterior, then user access is provided, but space within the computer chassis is used inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The installation orientation is inverted from exterior-to-interior penetration to interior-to-exterior installation. The power switch is mounted on the interior surface of the chassis side wall, with the actuator extending outward. This inversion allows the switch mechanism to be contained within the chassis volume rather than occupying external space, improving interior space utilization while maintaining user accessibility.
3Ease of repair
If the power switch is serviced during assembly or maintenance, then the power supply can be maintained or replaced, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch assembly is segmented into separable components: the switch body mounted on the interior chassis surface, the aperture in the side wall, and the cable connection point. This segmentation allows the power switch to be independently removed and replaced without requiring disassembly of the entire power supply unit or complex cable reconnections, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The power switch design enables self-service replacement by the end user or technician. The switch can be accessed and replaced through the side wall aperture without requiring specialized tools or complex disassembly procedures. The internal cable connection allows the switch to be serviced independently of the power supply unit, enabling quick swap-out operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An internal support bracket for a power switch includes a bottom support and a top cover. The top cover is secured to the bottom support. The combined bottom support and top cover define an aperture for securing the power switch. The bottom support includes a bottom surface with a ridge protruding therefrom. A method of securing a power switch to the interior of a computer chassis includes connecting a base support including a channel to an interior wall of the computer chassis. A power switch is positioned between a top cover and a separate bottom support. The separate bottom support includes a ridge protruding from a bottom surface. The top cover is secured to the separate bottom support. The ridge of the separate bottom support is slid into the channel such that the internal support bracket including the power switch is secured in a locked position.