PCI Card Support Bracket Assembly with Ledge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PCI card support systems, such as I/O PCI brackets, provide inadequate support for PCI cards, leading to potential damage during handling or operation, as they only support one side of the card.
Innovation Solution
A support bracket assembly that includes an elongate first member and a second member forming an 'L'-shaped base, with a shelf or ledge to support the PCI card and projections to enhance rigidity, which can be attached to an I/O PCI bracket to provide additional support and stability to the card.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single I/O PCI bracket is used to support the PCI card, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and protection of the PCI card deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two separate brackets: a first bracket (I/O PCI bracket) that attaches to the chassis and a second bracket (support bracket) that attaches to the first bracket. This segmentation allows each bracket to perform its specific function - the first bracket provides mounting to the chassis while the second bracket provides additional support to the PCI card, thereby improving stability without unnecessarily complicating the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The second bracket acts as an intermediary element between the first bracket and the PCI card. It attaches to the first bracket and extends support to the PCI card, providing an additional layer of protection and stability. This intermediary structure allows the system to achieve better card support without requiring a completely redesigned mounting system.
2Ease of manufacture
If an I/O PCI bracket provides support for only one side of the PCI card, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the protection of the PCI card deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two brackets: the first bracket (I/O PCI bracket) provides basic mounting and supports one side of the card, while the second bracket (support bracket) provides additional support to the other side of the card. This segmentation allows each bracket to remain relatively simple in design and manufacture while collectively providing comprehensive protection for the PCI card.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of two separate brackets into a unified support system. The first bracket and second bracket work together to provide support to both sides of the PCI card, combining their individual support capabilities to achieve comprehensive card protection while maintaining ease of manufacture for each individual bracket component.
Data Source
AI summary
Support bracket and support bracket assemblies for a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) card are shown and disclosed. In one embodiment, the support bracket includes a first planar member having opposed first and second end portions, and a second planar member attached to, or formed with, the second end portion. The second planar member is perpendicular to the first planar member and is attachable to an I/O PCI bracket. The support bracket additionally includes a ledge attached to, or formed with, the first planar member. The ledge extends between the first and second end portions and is perpendicular to the first and second planar members. The ledge is sized to support an end portion of the PCI card when the PCI card is attached to the I/O PCI bracket and when the second planar member is attached to the I/O PCI bracket.