Leaf Spring Latch Wedge Tooth Seismic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latches for securing blade servers within server racks are inadequate for withstanding seismic events and occupy excessive space, and they are difficult to open and close efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A latch design incorporating a robust wedge-shaped tooth connected to a leaf spring, where the actuator's position behind the tooth reinforces the leaf spring during impact, and a push-to-trigger mechanism allows for easy operation, ensuring secure engagement and disengagement with minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thin hook made from the same material as the leaf spring is used to engage the server rack, then the latch structure remains simple, but the latch cannot withstand seismic events or heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the tooth wedge-shaped and thicker at the engagement point compared to the thin leaf spring material. This localized reinforcement at the critical engagement area provides the necessary strength to withstand seismic events and heavy loads, while the rest of the leaf spring maintains its thin, flexible structure for simplicity and elasticity.
2Reliability
If existing latches are used to securely hold blade servers, then the servers are retained, but the latches occupy more space than desirable within the blade server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin leaf spring as the base structure, which provides the necessary retention reliability while occupying minimal space. The flexible nature of the thin leaf spring allows it to function effectively as a latch mechanism without requiring the bulkier structures of traditional latches, thus reducing the volume occupied within the blade server.
3Strength
If a robust wedge-shaped tooth with actuator reinforcement is used, then the latch can firmly secure servers during seismic events, but the operation mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the spring-loaded actuator mechanism that automatically engages and disengages the wedge-shaped tooth. The spring provides the necessary force to push the tooth into engagement with the server rack, and the same spring mechanism facilitates easy disengagement when force is applied to the handle, eliminating the need for complex manual operation mechanisms while maintaining robust seismic resistance.
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 latch effectively secures blade servers during seismic events while minimizing space occupation and simplifying operation, ensuring reliable retention and easy installation/removal.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator's position behind the tooth reinforces the leaf spring during impact
Data Source
AI summary
A latch includes a housing, a leaf spring, a tooth, and an actuator. Motion of the actuator against the leaf spring causes the leaf spring to deform and the tooth to extend from the housing to engage a keeper.