Parallel Interface Card Fastening Module for Compact Servers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In compact devices like 1U-height rack servers, the limited space and conventional perpendicular installation of interface cards pose challenges for assembly, requiring additional adapting circuit boards that increase manufacturing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An interface card fastening module with an engaging member and stopping members that allow parallel alignment and secure attachment to the main board without the need for additional adapting members, reducing space requirements and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adapting circuit board is inserted to allow parallel installation of interface cards in compact devices, then the interface card can be installed parallel to the motherboard, but the space requirement increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface card installation orientationVSAvoidhousing space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The interface card fastening module is divided into separate functional components: a retainer component with clamping arms for securing the interface card, and a fastening component with pivoting arms for attachment to the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a compact configuration that eliminates the need for an adapting circuit board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using an adapting circuit board to change the installation orientation, the invention inverts the approach by using a mechanical fastening system that directly secures the interface card in its original orientation parallel to the motherboard. The pivoting fastening component allows the interface card to be installed and secured without requiring additional circuit board layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface card installation orientationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the fastening function from the circuit board and implements it through a separate mechanical fastening module. This eliminates the need for an adapting circuit board with expansion slots, reducing material costs and simplifying the manufacturing process. The fastening component can be produced independently and attached to the housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening component is designed as a simple mechanical assembly with pivoting arms and clamping structures that can be manufactured at low cost using standard fabrication processes. This replaces the more expensive adapting circuit board while maintaining the required functionality for parallel interface card installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If interface cards are directly inserted into the motherboard slot, then the assembly is simple, but the interface card cannot be installed parallel to the motherboard in compact devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidinterface card installation orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the fastening function with the interface card installation process. The retainer component and fastening component work together as an integrated system that both secures the interface card and enables parallel installation orientation, combining multiple functions into a single compact assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening component incorporates pivoting arms that can rotate between different positions to accommodate the interface card during installation and then secure it in the parallel orientation. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to the installation process while maintaining a compact fixed structure during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10033123B2Interface card fastening module

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

An interface card fastening module is provided for assembling an interface card to a housing and for electrically connecting the interface card with a main board, wherein the main board has an interface card insertion slot corresponding to the interface card, and a plane defined extendingly from an opening of the interface card insertion slot is substantially parallel to the main board. The interface card fastening module includes an engaging member disposed at the housing so as to be movable between a release position and an engage position, wherein the engaging member comprising a body, at least one lock portion, and an extension plate. A first clamping portion is disposed at a side wall of the housing, and a second clamping portion is disposed at a base plate of the housing in which the base plate is perpendicular to the side wall of the housing.