M.2 Fastener With Flexible Tether And Pedestal Channel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional M.2 fastening devices often require more clearance or space than available and fail to reliably secure M.2 cards over extended periods, leading to instability and potential disconnection in information handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A board fastening apparatus comprising an anchor with a pedestal and a key connected by a flexible tether, featuring a pull tab that transitions between open and closed positions to facilitate secure engagement of the M.2 card's free edge, preventing vertical displacement and allowing for minimal vertical clearance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional machine screws are used to secure M.2 cards, then the M.2 card can be retained in a stationary position, but the fastening device requires more clearance or space than is available
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device employs a flexible tether that allows dynamic movement between the anchor and key components. This flexibility enables the device to adapt to limited space while maintaining secure retention, as the tether can bend and flex within the constrained vertical clearance rather than requiring rigid structural space.
Solution Approach 2:
The key component nests within the anchor structure when not in use, with the pin fitting into the channel and the base positioning over the data storage board. This nesting arrangement minimizes the vertical profile of the fastening device, allowing it to function within limited clearance while maintaining full retention capability.
2Reliability
If conventional machine screws are used to secure M.2 cards, then the M.2 card can be retained in a stationary position, but the design fails to reliably secure the card over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal includes a channel that receives the pin with some play or clearance, allowing for minor misalignments and movements without compromising the retention. This built-in tolerance cushioning prevents stress concentration that would otherwise lead to fastener failure over time, ensuring reliable securing over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tether changes its physical state from rigid to flexible under stress, allowing it to absorb thermal expansion and contraction forces that occur over extended periods. This parameter change enables the fastening device to maintain reliable retention despite environmental variations over time.
3Reliability
If the pedestal defines a channel for receiving a pin, then the base can be positioned to prevent vertical displacement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, defines the channel for pin reception, and positions the base to prevent vertical displacement. This merging of functions reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the fastening mechanism while maintaining reliable anti-displacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor component serves multiple purposes: it anchors the flexible tether to the mounting board via the collar, provides the pedestal structure for channel definition, and supports the overall fastening mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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 solution effectively secures M.2 cards without increasing vertical clearance requirements, ensuring stable and reliable connections in information handling systems, even in applications with limited space.
Implementation Method 1
an anchor and a key that are connected by a flexible tether
Implementation Method 2
The pedestal may be configured to engage a free edge of an M.2 card or other form of data storage board
Implementation Method 3
The collar may be configured to engage a via in a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A board fastening apparatus includes an anchor and a key connected by a flexible tether. The anchor may include a pedestal and a collar. The pedestal may be configured to engage a free edge of a data storage board. The pedestal may define a channel for receiving a pin from the key. The collar may be configured to engage a via form in a mounting board or other substrate. The fastening device key may include a base, a pin, and a pull tab. The pin may be affixed to a first surface of the base and configured to insert into the channel defined by the pedestal. With the anchor affixed to the mounting board and the storage board's free edge engaged by the pedestal, inserting the pin into the channel places the base partially overlying the storage board to restrain movement of the free edge in the vertical direction.