Locking Component for Interface Card with Sliding Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing and removing interface cards in computer hosts, such as graphic cards and network adapter cards, are time-consuming and difficult due to the use of screws, which complicate the assembly and disassembly process.
Innovation Solution
A locking component comprising sliding slots and a pivot element that allows the locking element to pivot from an open position to a lock position, securely holding the interface card in place by sliding along a direction perpendicular to the card slot, with an optional elastic element increasing friction for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix interface cards, then the interface cards are securely fixed in the host, but the assembling and disassembling process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable between a locked position (where it engages with the retaining element to secure the interface card) and an unlocked position (where it releases the interface card). This dynamic mechanism allows secure fixing when locked and easy release when unlocked, resolving the contradiction between fixing security and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically pushes the locking element into the locked position after the interface card is inserted, providing self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for manual screw tightening while maintaining secure fixation, improving both ease of operation and fixing security
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix interface cards, then the interface cards are securely fixed in the host, but the assembling and disassembling process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The movable locking element transitions quickly between locked and unlocked states through simple linear motion, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure fixation when locked, thus improving productivity without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking mechanism with the elastic element automatically secures the interface card upon insertion, eliminating the time-consuming manual screw tightening process and significantly improving assembling speed while ensuring reliable fixation
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 fixing and disassembly of interface cards, making the process more convenient and efficient, while allowing for closer spacing of locking devices and enhancing the locking mechanism's stability by increasing frictional force.
Implementation Method 1
with an optional elastic element increasing friction for secure locking
Data Source
AI summary
A locking component, a locking device and a host comprising the locking device are disclosed. The host comprises a card slot which extends along a second direction for inserting an interface card in a first direction which is substantially perpendicular to the second direction. The locking component includes a locking element and a pivot element. The locking element includes two opposite sliding slots each of which has a first and a second slide portion connecting each other. The locking element is adapted for sliding in the second direction such that the first and second slide portions of each sliding slot maintain a distance. The pivot element is adapted for passing through the sliding slots to be disposed at a host such that the locking element is pivotable about the pivot element. Upon positioning the pivot element at the first slide portions, the locking element is rotatable from an open position to an intermediate position. Upon sliding the locking element along the second direction to move the pivot element from the first slide portions to the second slide portions, the locking element is movable from the intermediate position to a lock position to lock the interface card.