Electronic Module Retainer With Interlocking Wedges for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retainers for securing electronic modules to bodies, such as cold plates, often become stuck in the installed configuration due to frictional forces between interleaved wedges, making it difficult to remove the modules.
Innovation Solution
The retainer design incorporates interlocking features on the wedges that engage one another, providing a positive retraction pulling force to ensure easy installation and removal by overcoming frictional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional retainers use interleaved wedges to secure electronic modules, then the retainers can hold modules firmly, but the frictional forces between the wedges cause the retainers to become stuck and difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple independent wedges that can move relative to each other along the rail. Each wedge can be independently positioned and locked, allowing the system to maintain strong retention while enabling easy removal by simply moving one wedge to disengage the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedges are designed to be dynamic rather than static - they can slide along the rail between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic capability allows the retainer to transition smoothly from a locked retention state to an unlocked removal state, overcoming the frictional sticking problem of conventional static wedge designs.
2Ease of operation
If the wedges are made adjustable axially and radially to move between configurations, then installation and removal become easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment and locking functions are merged into a single integrated wedge-rail interface. The same geometric features that enable radial adjustment also provide axial locking through the interlocking geometry, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedges are designed to self-adjust and self-lock through their geometric interaction with the rail. The interlocking features automatically engage when the wedge is positioned correctly, and the same geometry enables easy release, making the system self-servicing without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
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 interlocking features allow for easy installation and removal of electronic modules by ensuring the wedges do not remain stuck in the installed configuration, enhancing usability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Each of a first wedge and a second wedge of the plurality of wedges can integrally include a wedge body that defines a center axis substantially parallel to the extension axis
Implementation Method 2
Conventional retainers for securing electronic modules to bodies, such as cold plates, often become stuck in the installed configuration due to frictional forces between interleaved wedges
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer for securing an electronic module to a body can be provided. The retainer can include a rail that defines an extension axis extending through a center of the rail, and a plurality of wedges arranged along the rail. The plurality of wedges can be engaged with the rail to be adjustable axially and radially relative to the extension axis, to move between a first configuration and a second configuration. Each of a first wedge and a second wedge of the plurality of wedges can integrally include a wedge body, a first interlocking feature, and a second interlocking feature. An adjustment device can adjust the plurality of wedges between the first and second configurations by compressing or expanding the wedges, causing the wedges to move radially and engage with adjacent wedges via the interlocking features.