PCI Riser Cage Fastener with Rotation Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing a PCI riser cage to a server chassis using traditional fasteners is challenging due to limited access, requiring tools and additional time, and often necessitates reading instructions and precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A fastener design featuring a body, rotation limiter, and housing that limits rotation and secures the PCI riser cage without the need for tools, utilizing a spring and cap mechanism to engage with a receptacle on a sub-pan, allowing for easy assembly and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fasteners are used to secure the PCI riser cage, then the attachment can be secure, but the assembly process requires tools and additional time
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools. The push-installation mechanism allows the fastener to secure itself to the substrate through the receptacle, eliminating the need for screwdrivers, hex keys, or other assembly tools while reducing assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional components: a body portion that interfaces with the substrate, a rotation limiter that prevents over-rotation, and a positioning member that ensures proper alignment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling tool-free installation
2Ease of operation
If traditional fasteners are used to secure the PCI riser cage, then the attachment can be secure, but the access to fastener is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener's self-installing design eliminates the need for tool access in limited spaces. The push-installation mechanism can be actuated from the available access points without requiring insertion of screwdrivers or other tools into tight spaces around the PCI riser cage
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation limiter incorporates asymmetric features including a flat portion on the body and a corresponding recess in the housing. This asymmetric design prevents over-rotation while allowing installation from limited access directions, ensuring reliable attachment without requiring symmetric tool access
3Ease of operation
If traditional fasteners are used to secure the PCI riser cage, then the attachment can be secure, but the positioning precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member performs preliminary alignment action during installation. It extends from the rotation limiter and engages with the housing to pre-position the body relative to the receptacle before final securing, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning by the installer
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member acts as an intermediary between the rotation limiter and the housing. It transfers and maintains the precise positional relationship between these components during installation, ensuring that the body is correctly aligned with the receptacle without requiring high precision from the installer
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
Enables secure attachment of the PCI riser cage to the server chassis without the need for tools, reducing assembly time and complexity, while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is connected to the body between the engagement end and the cap end and positions the body
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener useable with a peripheral component interconnect riser cage is provided herein. The fastener includes a body, a rotation limiter, and a housing. The body includes an engagement end that engages with a receptacle on a sub-pan and a cap end that positions the body. The rotation limiter includes a receiving member and a positioning member. The receiving member couples with the body. The positioning member extends from the rotation limiter to limit rotation of the body coupled thereto. The housing receives the rotation limiter and the body. The housing includes a rotation aperture that receives a positioning member such that the rotation limiter is rotatable along the rotation aperture. The housing further includes a lateral aperture to receive the body such that the body is inserted through the lateral aperture and coupled to the rotation limiter.