PCIe Card Fixing Device with Integrated Spring Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for fixing PCIe cards in information processing systems, such as computers and servers, are inconvenient due to the limited space in the chassis, requiring screws which complicate operations.

Innovation Solution

A module fixing device with a clamping member, elastic member, and connecting member that clamps and releases PCIe cards without additional fasteners, allowing for easy installation and removal without occupying extra space, utilizing a compression or tension spring to drive the clamping action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws are used to fix PCIe cards, then the card is securely fixed, but the operation becomes inconvenient and occupies extra space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecard fixation securityVSAvoidinstallation and removal convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from traditional screws and separate fastening components, integrating it directly into the PCIe card itself through elastic members (springs) that are built into the card structure. This eliminates the need for external fasteners and simplifies the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The PCIe card performs its own fastening function through integrated elastic members that automatically clamp onto the circuit board when inserted. The card essentially fixes itself without requiring external screws or additional fastening operations, making installation simple and space-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If screws are used to fix PCIe cards, then the card is securely fixed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecard fixation securityVSAvoidfastening structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fastening function with the PCIe card structure itself, combining what were previously separate components (card, screws, fastening mechanisms) into a single integrated unit. The elastic members are built into the card, eliminating the need for separate fastening parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes screws and separate fastening components from the system, extracting the fastening function and embedding it directly into the PCIe card structure through integrated elastic members, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecard fixation securityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fastening mechanism with the PCIe card structure itself, eliminating the need for separate screws and fastening components that would occupy additional space. The elastic members are integrated into the card, achieving secure fixation without extra space consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes traditional screw fasteners and separate fastening components from the system, replacing them with space-efficient integrated elastic members built into the PCIe card structure, thereby improving space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution enhances space utilization by eliminating the need for screws and operating space, making it suitable for narrow applications while ensuring secure card fixation and easy handling.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member (43) connected to the clamping member (41) and the connecting member (42), wherein the elastic member (43) has a restoring force along the first direction X1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11844184B2Information processing system
Publication Date: 2023.12.12 FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD
  • US11844184B2 patent drawing
  • US11844184B2 patent drawing
  • US11844184B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing system includes a housing, a circuit board in the housing, a functional module in the housing, and a module fixing device in the housing. The functional module is inserted into the circuit board. The module fixing device is connected to the functional module and is connected to the circuit board. The module fixing device comprises a clamping member and an elastic member. The clamping member is movably connected to the circuit board in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, the clamping member comprises a first clamping portion to clamp the functional module. The elastic member is connected to the clamping member, the elastic member is deformable in the first direction to drive the clamping member to move in the first direction to clamp the functional module.