Lever Extension Mechanism for Secure Computing Component Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The difficulty in securely installing computing device components, such as GPUs, due to their location and the requirement for applying force to rotating members, which is challenging for users, especially when heat sinks are involved, leading to potential issues with secure attachment and detachment.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a base component with a pass-through hole and a rotating member, coupled with a lever body that has extensions orthogonal to the axis of rotation, allowing for easier application of force to rotate the base component and secure or unsecure the computing device component using a locking actuator and inserting component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the base component is positioned close to the heat sink for secure installation, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited user access for applying force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiduser access for applying force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lever extension extends the operating handle in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation, transforming the force application from a radial direction (limited by heat sink proximity) to a tangential direction (accessible from outside). This dimensional change allows users to apply rotational force without needing direct access to the base component near the heat sink.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The lever body acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the user's hand and the rotating member. By coupling the lever body to the rotating member and extending its handle outward, the system mediates the force transmission, allowing users to apply torque indirectly through the lever extension rather than directly to the base component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a rotating member is used to secure the component, then the ease of detachment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment easeVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever body merges multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the operating handle for rotation and the locking mechanism through its locking actuator. The locking actuator integrates the securing and releasing functions, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and simplifying the overall structure despite the addition of rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating member with integrated locking actuator performs multiple functions: it secures the computing device component, enables easy detachment through rotation, and provides a user interface via the lever extension. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the lever extension is extended further from the axis, then the mechanical advantage is improved, but the device complexity increases due to larger component dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoidlever extension length

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lever extension is designed with optimal length to provide sufficient mechanical advantage while maintaining compact dimensions. The lever body can rotate about the axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the force application point. The locking actuator's movement range is optimized to achieve effective locking without requiring excessive lever length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution simplifies the process of securely installing and removing computing device components by providing a mechanical advantage that reduces the effort required to rotate the base component, thereby improving the ease and reliability of attachment and detachment, preventing unintended separation.

Implementation Method 1

providing a mechanical advantage that reduces the effort required to rotate the base component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11606875B1Lever extension mechanism on a computing device component

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to a system for securing a computing device component. The system may include the computing device component that includes: a base component comprising a pass through hole, a rotating member coupled to the base component and adapted to rotate about an axis, a lever body that includes: a base-holding portion adapted to be positioned around the base component, and a lever extension at a first end of the lever body and extending substantially orthogonally in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis, a lever locking component coupled to the lever body and that includes: a locking actuator, and an inserting component adapted to insert into the pass-through hole when the locking actuator is in a locked position, wherein when a force is applied to the lever extension, the base component rotates about the axis.