Modular Riser System for Expansion Card Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems face challenges in supporting various expansion cards with different sizes, weights, and thermal requirements due to the need for unique PCI buses, which increases manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular riser system with a common support structure for basic expansion cards and an expansion structure for larger or heavier cards, allowing for customizable thermal features and easy installation/removal, reducing part inventory and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unique PCI buses are designed for each expansion card type, then expansion card support capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal PCI bus design with a common support structure that can accommodate multiple types of expansion cards (full-length, half-length, full-height, low-profile) through a single standardized interface, eliminating the need for unique PCI buses for each card type while maintaining full compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into modular segments including a common support structure and optional extension structures that can be selectively added based on the specific expansion card requirements, allowing the system to scale from basic to advanced support configurations
2Reliability
If robust support structures with thermal controls are included, then expansion card protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates adjustable and movable components including adjustable support positions and movable support structures that can be dynamically reconfigured based on the specific expansion card installed, providing robust protection only when and where needed rather than over-engineering all support structures
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal controls and enhanced support features are implemented locally only in specific regions or configurations where expansion cards with high thermal output or special requirements are installed, rather than uniformly across all PCI bus configurations, reducing overall manufacturing costs
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized modular components are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to different expansion card requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into standardized modular components including a common support structure and separate extension structures that can be independently manufactured and then selectively assembled to meet different expansion card requirements, achieving both cost efficiency through standardization and adaptability through modular configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Extension structures are designed to nest with or attach to the common support structure, allowing compact storage and simplified assembly while providing the ability to expand functionality based on specific expansion card needs without requiring completely different support structures
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system with modular riser components for receiving expansion cards having various requirements. The system includes a riser body assembly having a common support structure for receiving expansion cards. The common support structure may be coupled to different expansion structures to provide support of expansion cards having requirements that would not be met by the common support structure alone.