PCIe Bracket Layout for Two Cards in 1U Servers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of fitting differently sized PCIe cards in computing systems, particularly when swapping or upgrading, often results in fit issues due to varying physical dimensions, which can hinder the efficient use of limited space within servers.

Innovation Solution

A PCIe bracket design that secures two vertically stacked PCIe cards, arranged in different directions, allowing them to fit within a 1U server by optimizing their height and orientation, utilizing a tray and bracket combination with specific sidewalls and securing tabs, and enabling cable connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If PCIe cards are stacked vertically in a conventional bracket, then the height requirement is not met, but the cards cannot fit within the 1U server space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidfit of PCIe card

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent rotates the second PCIe card 180 degrees relative to the first card, changing the orientation from conventional vertical stacking to a flipped configuration. This dimensional change in arrangement allows the cards to fit within the height constraints of a 1U server while maintaining vertical stacking for space efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed with asymmetric features including a first sidewall with a first height and a second sidewall with a second height, where the heights differ to accommodate the rotated orientation of the second PCIe card. This asymmetry enables proper fit and connection for cards of different orientations within the same bracket

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If PCIe cards of different sizes are installed, then upgradeability is improved, but fit issues arise due to varying physical dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveupgradeabilityVSAvoidfit of PCIe card

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is designed to universally accommodate different types and sizes of PCIe cards through its asymmetric structure with sidewalls of different heights and the rotated orientation capability. This multi-functional design allows the same bracket to fit full-height and half-height cards, as well as cards with different connection orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through its asymmetric sidewall heights and rotated card orientation, allowing flexible accommodation of various card sizes and types. The structure adapts to different card configurations rather than requiring fixed, rigid positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12513840B2Apparatus for installing PCIE add-in cards in a computing system

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 QUANTA COMPUTER INC

AI summary

A bracket for a computing device includes a bracket backwall having a height H1, a first bracket sidewall coupled to a first corner of the bracket backwall, and a second bracket sidewall coupled to a second corner of the bracket backwall. The first bracket sidewall has a height H2, The second bracket sidewall is coupled to a second corner of the bracket backwall. The second corner is opposite the first corner along a diagonal of the bracket backwall. The second bracket sidewall has a height H2. The bracket further includes a first PCIe securing tab extending from the first bracket sidewall towards the second bracket sidewall, and a second PCIe securing tab extending from the second bracket sidewall towards the first bracket sidewall. The height H1 is approximately equal to a sum of the height H2 and the height H3.